Strengthening efficiency and security: Eastern Communications launches upgraded cloud services and cyber defense

Fostering business efficiencies and security, Eastern Communications, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the country, introduces its newly upgraded and most advanced products and services in partnership with global allies DOSarrest and Cloud Sigma.

According to the Global Connectivity Index (GCI), Philippines’ digital connectivity has improved from Starter to Adopter status and ranked 57 out of 79 countries in 2018. This is reportedly due to expanded smartphone and computer use, higher speed 4G coverage, and national planning with “cloud first policy” in government’s aim of reducing expenses through cloud technology.

Connectivity plays a vital role in businesses today as it allows companies to adapt and have efficient operations. With the transformation emerging in the business environment, security threats arise, and flexibility becomes a challenge.

Cost-effective business operations

Cloud service is starting to get recognized in the business landscape. It is a cost-effective method of storing and sharing company data and applications securely over the Internet instead of computer hard drive.

Eastern Communications joined forces with international cloud service provider Cloud Sigma to launch its public cloud solutions providing the full spectrum of infrastructure and IT Services. Established in 2009 in Switzerland, CloudSigma has been providing a pure-cloud infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) that enables the digital industrial economy through its enterprise-class hybrid cloud servers and cloud hosting solutions in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and Australia.

Big companies can get the best of cloud service such us Public Cloud, one of the most customizable services available in the market, a type of computing in which a service provider makes resources available to the public via the internet and accessible by anyone who wants to pay for subscription or use it for free.

Protecting enterprises from cyber threats

Cyber threat landscape is constantly changing. Local companies and even institutions have been victims of several data breaches and cyberattacks, affecting their business security and operations. 

Eastern Communications partners with Canada-based cybersecurity solutions provider DOSarrest in the aim of equipping Filipino companies with the right technology against cyber threats. DOSarrest was founded in 2007 and has been mitigating Distributed Denial of Service or DDoS attacks for a global customer base with its leading-edge cloud-based DDoS protection.

With this partnership, companies of all sizes can now secure their business from basic to the most sophisticated DDoS attacks. Eastern Communications has various cybersecurity solutions such as Web Application Firewall (WAF) that blocks any Layer 7 threat like cross-site forgery, cross-site scripting, among others; while Content Delivery Network (CDN) generates faster loading of a website, which saves companies money yet enhances website performance at the same time.

“It’s always been Eastern Communications’ High-Tech promise to provide the best and right solutions especially to businesses that aim for utmost productivity and efficiency without compromising security. And through our partnership with reputable global firms in the industry like DOSarrest and CloudSigma, we’re looking forward to helping companies here in the country to elevate their business connectivity and harness the long-term benefits our services can offer,” shared Product and Innovation Head Edsel Paglinawan.

Eastern Communications’ upgraded cloud services and cyber defense is now available in the market. For more information, visit www.eastern.com.ph.

OPPO Officially Launches the Newest A9 2020: The Smartphone that Promises a Full Entertainment Experience

Leading smartphone brand OPPO rings in the month of September with two big news: the launch of the all-new OPPO A Series 2020 in the Philippines and the first ever endorser of the A Series 2020, the all-around entertainer, Alex Gonzaga. The OPPO A Series 2020, which includes the OPPO A9 2020 and OPPO A5 2020 handsets, is the brand’s latest offering for the entry to mid-level smartphone market. 

The A series plays a vital role in the continuous growth of OPPO in the Philippines as it is one of the best bestselling series of the brand in the country. Despite being young in the local market, OPPO has been growing rapidly gaining the trust and love of the Filipinos, which led the company to become one of the market leaders in the country with a total of 28% of market share in Q2 of 2019, as per the recent Canalys report.

The all-new OPPO A series 2020 includes two handsets – the A9 2020 and the A5 2020. A9 2020 is priced at PHP 15,990. The blind pre-order scheme started last September 14 and will run until September 19. The actual pre-order starts from September 20 to 27. Customers can avail their very own A9 2020 on September 28 in OPPO stores and authorized dealers nationwide with a free XSound Wireless Bluetooth Headset that is worth PHP2,099. The A5 2020 will arrive in the Philippines in October.

“We named this fresh new lineup the OPPO A Series 2020, in celebration of the beginning of the new decade, while also commemorating the success of the A series over the past ten years,” says OPPO Philippines Marketing Director, Raymond Xia. “This new name also reflects our vision for the years to come. It highlights the brand’s latest technologies, stunning design, superb photography, powerful performance, and overall promise of catering to the voice of the younger generation.” 

The newest OPPO A Series 2020 inspires users to actively “play”, as it offers an outstanding entertainment experience to help users ease away from the stress of daily life, just like how the first-ever A Series 2020 endorser, Alex Gonzaga, does so with her highly interesting and entertaining daily life adventures. 

“We are truly excited to introduce Alex Gonzaga as the newest endorser of the upgraded OPPO A series. Her outgoing and engaging personality, along with the fact that she is one of the favorite entertainers in the industry today, make her a perfect fit for the all-new OPPO A9 2020 that’s packed with amazing entertainment features that will surely keep you entertained,” shares Raymond Xia.

Versatile Camera Tech Brings Users Even More Photography Options

The OPPO A9 2020 comes with a multipurpose Quad Camera setup, including a 48MP Main Camera + 8MP Ultra-Wide Lens + 2MP Mono Lens + 2MP Portrait Lens. These offer an all-around use that can satisfy users’ needs for all shooting angles and scenarios, including the upgraded Ultra Night Mode 2.0 that also works in wide angle mode.

The 48MP primary lens improves image clarity with higher resolution, helping capture more details. The 8MP 119° ultra-wide-angle lens makes it easier to capture a larger shot in a smaller space. The Mono lens and Portrait Lens allow users to add retro, grainy, and atmospheric filters to portrait shots, creating more personalized images for users, offering new styles unique to the all-new A series 2020.

The A9 2020 is equipped with a 16MP selfie camera that uses AI Beautification technology for tailor-made selfies. This technology automatically identifies skin tone, age, gender, and skin color. It differentiates users for customized beautification. An all-new algorithm for smoothing out blemishes on the skin and sharper features create a make-up free look.

OPPO’s latest stabilization technology also meets the growing demand for high-quality action videos, with a built-in gyroscope on the two handsets allowing for more stable shooting. There are also improved video filters that allow users to create their own movies, ideal for creating eye-catching content in the era of short video apps.

Outstanding Hardware and Software for Exceptional Experience and Performance

A large capacity 5000mAh battery enables all-day use, capable of supporting 19 hours of continuous usage. The battery is also able to handle reverse charging, freeing active and on-the-go users from the worries of rapid battery drain.

In terms of audio, the OPPO A Series 2020 comes with dual stereo speakers that offer higher volumes and improved sound quality, even at high volumes. The sound feels full-bodied and clearer, with an immersive surround sound effect through the Dolby Atmos® audio technology. 

On top of that, the OPPO A Series 2020 packs an ultra-powerful performance, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 platform, with an 8-core 64-bit processor, 8GB of RAM, and Game Boost 2.0.  Especially for the gaming experience, the Game Boost 2.0 accelerator technology offers improved Frame Boost and Touch Boost, both of which provide lightning-fast game play response, by reducing touch screen latency and lag and delivering an overall better user experience.  

To add, the high capacity and versatile memory options provide more space to record beautiful life moments. The new A series 2020 is equipped with a 128GB high memory capacity and a three-card (Dual Sim + MicroSD) slot that can support up to 256GB of memory.              

Intelligent Design That’s Both Attractive and User-Friendly

The OPPO A Series 2020 is also equipped with a more compact Waterdrop screen, with a 31.4% decrease in overall area compared to the previous generation. A 6.5” full screen has an 89% screen-to-body ratio, which also uses toughened Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3+ that is twice as hard, versus that of the third generation, and offers better resistance to scratches. A Sunlight Screen improves screen readability under strong direct light and ensures true colors shine through dim or dark environments, while a blue light filter relieves eye fatigue and better protects users’ eyesight in low light.

The all-new A series 2020 is equipped with 3D gradient design and comes in two colors: Marine Green and Space Purple. 

Purchasing of the new A9 2020 is made easier for customers. For Home Credit, customers can pre-order the A9 2020 handset starting September 20 with flexible payment terms of 6 and 9 months with a guaranteed 0% interest. It will also be available online. The A9 2020 will be available for an exclusive pre-order in Lazada starting September 20 to 27. It will officially be available starting September 28 in all OPPO concept stores and authorized dealers nationwide, including e-commerce partner sites Lazada, Shopee, Akulaku, and Argomall. The A9 2020 will retail at PHP15,990.

Hair care habits for a healthy crowning glory

Hair can tell so much about a person. More than being an instant confidence booster, it is a crown that mirrors someone’s personality, mood, and even health.

Factors such as air pollution and hair styling tools can damage hair that even regular shampoo alone cannot undo. To help you untangle the woes when it comes to your hair, Lamoiyan Corporation, maker of Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, lists down easy peasy hair care habits for a healthy crowning glory.  

Brush your hair every day

Brushing your hair every day helps increase blood circulation in the scalp, strengthen the roots to reduce hair loss, and allow natural oils to go down the length of the hair. It is best to start from the ends before brushing from the roots to effectively remove the tangles. However, avoid overbrushing as it might break hair strands, especially when using plastic brushes.

Style your hair with care

While it is exciting to try different hairstyles using heat styling tools as curling wands and straightening irons, it is advised to use it less often to prevent hair split ends and damage. As much as possible, let your hair air-dry and minimize tying it up tightly to avoid unnecessary pressure to the hair shaft which can eventually cause breakage and hair fall.

Invest in a good conditioner

A good conditioner can do wonders to one’s hair. Conditioner is a moisturizing agent that replenishes hair’s moisture after oils are stripped by regular use of shampoo. The use of conditioner also allows our hair to become stronger, shinier, and it offers protection from UV rays.  Aside from everyday conditioning, it is also recommended to deep condition at least once a week. When applying, focus on the mid-length up to the ends of the hair as applying conditioner on the roots can cause our hair to become oily, heavy, and itchy.

Eating healthy is key

Eating healthy provides our hair with the proper nutrients it needs such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Eggs, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and fish are only some examples of food that can provide our hair with lots of vitamins. Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated also gives our hair moisture. Having a healthy diet gives us the energy to be stress-free and allows us to have the time to take care not only of ourselves but also of our hair!

Sharing personal hair care items is a no-no

Sharing is not always caring. Not sharing of personal hair care items is a tip that is often overlooked. From hair towel, hair bands, ponytails, to hair combs, these items should be used only by one user. Borrowing or sharing any of these items can potentially spread head lice, which is definitely the last thing you’d want your hair to go through. Should there be early symptoms of head lice infestation like itchiness and appearance of nits or egg on hair strands, using the proper treatment such as head lice treatment shampoo can be your best friend.  Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo is a non-toxic and clinically proven shampoo that effectively kills lice and nits after two weeks when used twice a week which also conditions the hair to keep it smooth.

Having beautiful and healthy hair does not happen overnight. It takes small habits to make a big difference to your crowning glory and achieve good hair days everyone dreams of.

To know more about Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, visit www.facebook.com/licealiz.

Feel like a kid again with 7-Eleven’s Childhood Classics promo

We have our Disney Classics reboots, old school playlists, and 90s fashion comebacks but nothing says ultimate throwback quite like 7-Eleven’s latest Childhood Classics promo!

Starting today through October 22, you can get a chance to bring back your young-and-carefree days with exciting prizes from 7-Eleven.

Capture Instagrammable moments 90s style with a Polaroid Originals OneStep+ or celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Gundam with a Gundam Fix Figuration. You can also enjoy a trip for 2 to Hong Kong Disneyland to meet Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and more.

Simply buy P100 worth of participating 90s snacks and drinks from 7-Eleven and use your CLiQQ app to earn e-raffle entries to win these amazing prizes.

Hurry and get your hands on your favorite 90s snacks like Chippy, Chiz Curls, Cloud 9, Choco Knots, Milo, and more at 7-Eleven stores near you. #90sClassicsSa711

For more information, visit www.7-eleven.com.ph and like 7-Eleven Philippines on Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram and @711philippines on Twitter

World Vision, in partnership with DepEd, strives to address the literacy gap in the Philippines with “Brigada Pagbasa” project

World Vision Philippines Executive Director Mr. Rommel Fuerte (left) and DepEd ESQ External Partnerships Service Undersecretary Mr. Tonisito M.C. Umali (right) forged their partnership to enhance the reading skills of the Filipino children through the Brigada Pagbasa program.

In celebration of the National Literacy Month this September and in preparation for November’s National Reading Month, World Vision Development Foundation in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) launches Brigada Pagbasa, a movement that seeks to enhance the reading skills of the Filipino children.

The project, an extension of the Brigada Eskwela campaign that promotes community participation in time for school opening, will bring together experts, change makers, policy-makers, and other stakeholders across all sectors from international and local agencies, as well as public and private organizations to spread reading literacy among Filipino children.

To make this happen, World Vision, together with DepEd, is partnering with the National Library of the Philippines, National Book Development Board, GCash, Rex Bookstore, and E Net Philippines, and have also tapped TV and radio personality Joyce Pring to be the Ambassador for Brigada Pagbasa.

“Literacy, most especially amongst the children and youth, is one of the key factors that determines how well a country progresses in this rapidly-changing world. We have an unfortunate reality where some Filipinos, both young and old, are still struggling with their literacy skills,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision in the Philippines.

Based on a report by United Nations, the Philippines has the highest literacy rate at 97.95 percent among Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia. The literacy rate is 98.9 percent among females and 97 percent among males aged 15-24.

While the literacy rate showed the country’s improvement from the past years, there is still a staggering number of children in the country who face literacy challenges. The remaining gap reflected in the study above shows that more work must be done to address this pressing issue.

“To become literate is an important component in the development of children, especially at this fast-paced, technology-driven age. Brigada Pagbasa aims to unleash the potential in every child,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Philippines.

Brigada Pagbasa will fully commence this November at several communities across the Philippines to educate everyone the value of reading.

“This campaign is a life-long commitment for all of us, perhaps, until every child receives an opportunity to be educated and to develop his or her full potential,” Mr. Fuerte added.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Taiwan cultivates the future of smart agriculture

Besides being a technological hub, Taiwan also has a flourishing agricultural sector. Indeed, just in the first half of 2019, Taiwan's Council of Agriculture reported that the island republic has logged US$2.7B (nearly 140 billion pesos) worth of agricultural exports.

This number is only expected to grow as the nation recalibrates its agricultural strategy. Taiwan aims to optimize its farming techniques by using high-precision technology as it commits to the Agriculture 4.0 movement.

Agriculture 4.0, or precision farming, refers to a redefined farming system that integrates high-technology innovations. According to the World Government Summit, Agriculture 4.0 is a green agricultural revolution with science and technology at its heart. 

In an effort to sustain its growth, the Taiwanese government is currently raising its investments in Agriculture 4.0 with a pledge of up to $300 million by 2020.

To properly implement Agriculture 4.0, the following materials are needed: Solar technology for energy needs, lighting technology as different plants grow best at different wavelengths, drone technology for soil and water modeling purposes, Internet of Things for smart sensors, semiconductors to manufacture sensors, control software and data mining algorithms, and robotics to assist in planting and harvesting.

As a leading tech hub, Taiwan produces thousands of electrical engineers, semiconductor specialists, and robotics experts each year. The workforce then feeds into a supply chain of thousands of enterprises that create the components required in smart farming.

On the industry side, Taiwan is the second largest in the semiconductor industry, as well as a manufacturer for most of the sensors used in IoT and high-tech projects such as robotics, drones and solar technology. Companies have also developed specialized horticulture LEDs that can fine-tune wavelengths to increase plant growth and yield.

Solid examples of smart farming innovations include Owlting, a Taipei-based startup that supplies farmers with big data to optimize operations by monitoring rain, temperature and chemicals in the soil. Another innovation is LeBio's Spectral X, which is a new type of agriculture net that adjusts sunlight and RGB spectrum ratios to improve plant health and growth over time.

A number of Taiwan Excellence awardees also have a range of hi-tech autopilot helicopters made to help farmers. Robotics giant Thunder Tiger has the Thunder Hawk, which can spray pesticides across a hectare of land within eight minutes, greatly improving agricultural efficiency and reducing human and plant exposure to pesticides. Additionally, there's Alpas II, from Geosat Aerospace and Technology, another unmanned drone equipped with computer-controlled flight settings, as well as dual laser sensors, allowing precise and automatic spraying.

By introducing these digital innovations to the farming routine, the expected results are increased yields, reduced operating costs, reduced crop damage and minimized water, fuel and fertilizer usage.

These advantages will also flow to the consumer side as it ensures cheaper yet better quality produce for everyone.

Light up the holiday season at SM Supermalls

The echoing sound of Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in Our Hearts" only means one thing: 'ber’ months have finally arrived! This September 16, SM Supermalls begins to light up the holiday season as rt KICKS off the country’s much-awaited Christmas countdown!

“This Christmas season, friends and families can look forward to bigger and brighter events, installations. and activities at SM, the ‘Home of Family Reunions’, as we continue to light up everyone’s lives In SM malls nationwide,” said SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan.

Here's what to expect at SM starting this September to get you into the holiday spirit:

1. Christmas Gift Ideas. Now is the perfect time for an early Christmas gift shopping! Starting September 15, shoppers may get their holiday Christmas baskets starting at PhP350 from SM Markets or an awesome selection of gifts with Watsons Gift Sets for as low as PhP99 starting October 1.

2. Holiday Deals. Get up to 50% off on children’s wear, shoes, accessories, and toys with the Babies & Kids’ Sale at The SM Store from October1 to 31. Haven’t shopped for your Christmas party outfits yet? Mallgoers can also score great deals with up to 70% off at SM’s Pre-Holiday Sale from October 5 to November 3!

3. #DearSMSanta. Send your Christmas wishes to SM Santa and get a chance to be one of the 60 lucky winners who will have their wishes granted with the #DearSMSanta promo. To see the full mechanics, visit www.smsupermalls.com/dearsmsantal.

4. Spotify Holiday Tunes. It is time to put your holiday tunes on queue! Set the mood by listening to SM Supermalls’ Christmas-curated Spotify playlist featuring your favorite holiday jams including SM's Christmas Jingle, “SM Mallidays"!

5. Spirit of Giving. Christmas is also about sharing love and happiness with the less fortunate. For only PhP200, you can buy two SM Bears of Joy one bear to keep, while the other to be donated to the mall’s chosen charity.

Light up the Christmas spirit and may your SM Mallidays sparkle at SM Supermalls! For more information, visit www.supermalls.com

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM