Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Digitally Connected: A Social Networking and eBusiness Conference Philippines 2009

Enhance your digital connections come April 23 and 24, 2009 as Fiera de Manila Inc. and DigitalFilipino.com Club bring you the Social Networking and eBusiness Conference Philippines 2009. It will be held at Hotel Intercontinental in Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Philippines.

On its second year, theSocial Networking and eBusiness Conference Philippines 2009 bades to surpass the success of last year's event. This year's theme is entitled: "'Reaching and Connecting to Customers Through Social Networks." Learn how to maximize the potential of online activities as simple as sharing/posting photos, expressing ideas, sharing music, and connecting with friends - all online!

Be aware and be there as we notice and feel the impact of the growing potential and effects of online social networks nowadays. Analyse and see how this trend affects the marketing landscapes and e-businesses in the Philippines. Check the conference agenda here.

Hopefully, Digital Manila would have the chance to attend the conference as well. We'd surely be learning a lot about using social networks for advertising, marketing, and leveraging on current technologies to send 'the message' across.

Click Here to Read More..

Monday, March 30, 2009

Philippines Voted for Earth

The Philippines voted for Earth as a nation last March 28, 2009 by successfully having at least 650 communities to participate in the global election for Mother Earth called Earth Hour.


According to a WWF officer, this fact placed the Philippines in the number one position in terms of number of town and city participants worldwide from 88 countries. This is followed by Greece's 484, and Australia's 309; one of the movement's proponents two years ago.

The viral (online) campaign was made prevalent through blogs and social networking posts worldwide. Some private institutions which participated locally include the San Sebastian Church, Merlaco Electric Company, Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Pan Pacific Hotel, Forbes Park in Makati, and malls like Ayala and SM. The government's effort through it's different government agency led by the Department of Energy (DoE) could also significantly noticed in this year's campaign.

Click Here to Read More..

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Vote for Mother Earth

A global election is happening on March 28, 2009. It's the world's first global election and we're not voting for people, we're voting for Earth. This is the Earth Hour.

Vote Earth by turning your lights off for one hour (or vote global warming by leaving your lights on). The results of the election will presented at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this year. They are targeting one billion votes for Earth as a form of protest to tell world leaders that we have to act against global warming. It is at this point where official policies will be determined for many different countries and will replace the Kyoto Protocol.

The Earth Hour movement started two years ago in Sydney with an estimate of 2.2 million participants. It grew to 50 million last 2008. 1 billion might be a big leap, but it is one step, one vote closer to reality with your cooperation.

Switching off your lights for one hour and Vote Earth.


Earth Hour - March 28, 8:30-9:30pm, Saturday.

Click Here to Read More..

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Knocked Out : A 12 Rounds Movie Review

12 Rounds' Danny Fisher (John Cena's character) was caught by surprise when the criminal master mind he once sent behind bars escaped from prison. Miles (Aiden Gillen), the clever thief is now set to take revenge for the death of his girlfriend which was killed during the heist. And he wants to make sure Detective Fisher experiences the same by kidnapping Danny's wife - Molly (Ashley Scott).

But it's not that simple, the antagonist wants to play a game. Fisher is the player and his girlfriend, the prize. From start to finish, the movie is action-packed with the dozen challenges, puzzles, and tasks Danny has to face and overcome to get the love of his life back.

From the director of Die Hard 2 - Renny Harlin and the producer of Speed, 12 Rounds was able to maintain audience interest with edge-of-the-seat action sequences within an hour and 45 minutes. Other casts include Steve Harris and Brian White. The film is recommended for action movie lovers; just don't mind John Cena's expressionless face. It also ends with an interesting twist which I won't spoil. :) Watch the big screen and see who gets knocked out.

12 Rounds is brought to you by 20th Century Fox Int'l and is shown in Philippine cinemas starting today. Thanks to Maxxx cable channel for the advanced screening tickets

Click Here to Read More..

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Philippine e-Lib: Your Anywhere, Anytime Digital Library

I still remember the days back in my college years where I used to spend time in the main library of UP Diliman scanning through piles and piles of books for my research as a Computer Science student. It was almost a decade ago and how I wished information were more easily accessible.

Technology has changed a lot since then. Even Manila maps are now readily available online. Another proof of which is today's Philippine e-Lib.

The Philippine e-Lib, as coined from the term "electronic library," is the first public electronic library in the country which serves as a web-based gateway to a variety of online resources available.


It boasts of an exclusive and updated set of information about the Philippines and other resources. The Philippine e-Lib holds a collection of more than a million bibliographic records, 25 million digitized Philippine materials and 29,000 full-text journals.

It contains electronic copies of books, thesis, manuscripts, and even Filipiniana materials scanned microfilms into electronic copies in Portable Document Format (PDF) format. On the other hand, union catalogs containing bibliographic records from partner libraries and institutions are in Machine Readable Catalog (MARC) format.

Other Services

The web portal aims to provide information for different sectors of society in an affordable, convenient, and efficient way. With these in mind, aside from the regular download features, they also offer document-delivery services for e-Lib users who want their digitized material delivered through courier services. User membership is also categorized as either Partners, Content Builders, Individual or Institutional/Corporate Subscribers, and Pre-paid card users.

Yes, you read it right, the system utilized the prepaid card model similar to that of the private telecommunication industry. Card denominations are in P100, P300, P500, and P1000. THese are available in the national Library and strategic locations within the partner institutions.

Recent Developments
The website was renewed lately wherein system migration from the old system is ongoing. While some full-text materials may not be available yet for download, you could still visit the site by simply typing in your browsers http://www.eLib.gov.ph and sign-up as a member to gain access.

Recently, they held an afternoon seminar for an online community of bloggers last March 14, 2009. A short talk by Mr. Chito Angeles, the project manager of Philippine e-Lib portal, briefed the attendees about the portal and new developments. Project Director Dr. Jaime D.L. Caro and Ms. Myra Jill Siason of the UP DILC were also present.
In conjunction with this renewed thrust, they are currently holding a training workshop which started yesterday, March 17, and will end tomorrow, March 19 entitled "Web Technologies: Training for Development of Library and Teaching Resources". This is being held at Vidal Tan Hall, Quirino corner Velasquez Sts., University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

Origin


The Philippine e-Lib was formed in mid 2003 through the concerted efforts of Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the National Library of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines. It was funded through the Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT) which was then known as the Information Technology and E-Commerce Council (ITECC).

For Inquiries and details, pls contact:
Prudenciana C. Cruz
Director
National Library of the Philippines
nanie@nlp.gov.ph

Salvacion M. Arlante
University Librarian
University of the Philippines Diliman
salvacion.ariante@up.edu.ph

Chito N. Angeles
Head, Computer Services Main Library
University of the Philippines DIliman
chito.angeles@up.edu.ph

Project Management Office:
National Library of the Philippines
T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita,
Manila, Philippines
1000

Technical Support:
Portal Development Team
elibsupport@gmail.com

The Philippine e-Lib is your access to the most comprehensive libraries in the Philippines and the world.

Click Here to Read More..

Monday, March 16, 2009

National Bookstore Super Summer Sale

National Bookstore is at it again! Get up to 70% off on your summer reads and other items in the National Book Store Super Summer Sale.

Choose from among their discounted hot fiction titles or get splashed with fun water toys such as blow-up balls and goggles. Also on sale are school and office supplies, hobbies and crafts items, and of course - books.

Promo runs from Mar. 14 to Apr. 5, 2009. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 1065 Series of 2009

Click Here to Read More..

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Asus EEE PC & Bo's Coffee Mix

What? Cofee and laptop mix?

Yes,
Asus Philippines and Bo’s Coffee, give you the chance to own an Asus Eee PC™ you could bring on your next coffee shop visit.

Every PHP
200 ($4) purchase at any Bo’s Coffee branch entitles the customer to a raffle coupon and a chance to win one (1) of the five (5) Asus Eee PC™ S101H.

The shock-proof Asus Eee PC(tm) S101H is designed with chic and striking looks with its icy brown cover and metallic panels. It's slim with a 2.5cm profile and light 1.2kg weight.

It has WiFi connection, complementary Eee Storage on-line space and super-fast startups and shutdowns with XpressPath. Its high gloss exterioir has UV painting in three gorgeous colors - Brown, Champagne or Graphite - accentuated with Swarovski crystal- adorned hinges. Working at about a 5hr battery life, Eee PC™ S101H provides computing with 10.2 LED backlight display and 92% full size keyboard. It also has extra 10GB Eee Storage service online.

It is the definitive digital accessory for those at the top, on the move and always in style.

Surprises for the Asus EEE
PC™ users

Eee PC™ users have treats as well with an upsize on purchased drinks by simply bringing Asus Eee PC™ at any Bo’s Coffee branch.

Promo is open to all from March 15 - May 31, 2009. See posters and details for more information. Check out more asus products at ph.asus.com.

Click Here to Read More..

Thursday, March 12, 2009

What's Up Bro?

Know what's up with Bro!

Visit the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia tomorrow!


"Makikila niyo na ang pinakabago mong ka-Bro!" (You will know your latest Bro!), as Smart reveals its new Smart Broadband Encounter on March 13, 2009 from 6 to 9pm

*Image is sourced with permission from http://www.flickr.com/photos/8421920@N04/3348180217

Click Here to Read More..

For My Lady Readers: Start & Refresh

2ndAvenue.com.ph brings you The Starter Wife: Start & Refresh! Troop to Glorietta 3 Tent in Makati on March 14, 2009 4pm onwards for a day of relaxation and refreshing!.

Free make-up sessions, pampering activities, beauty consultations, and more! You may also win exclusive premium items!

Moreover, join in the UP Center for Women’s Studies talk on women empowerment. Lastly, catch a live performance by Ms. Kate Torralba.

IT’S A FINE DAY TO START & REFRESH!


March 14, 2009. Saturday
Glorietta 3 Tent, Makati
4:00PM onwards

*Photo inset is sourced from 2ndAvenue.com.ph

Click Here to Read More..

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Philippine Fashion Week Fall / Winter / Holiday 2009

May 2009 Update: Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2009 schedule now available.

As early as now, the Philippine Fashion Week Fall / Winter / Holiday 2009 for Yako Reyes' guestlist is being romped up!

It will be shown sometime early May of this year and tentative venue is SMX beside SM Mall of Asia. Sign up now if you want to attend for free.

Or Click Here. (Update March 26, 2009: the sign up form has been closed by the publisher upon reaching the 500 slot.)

*This post is for public information only. Prudence is advised in your registration.

May 2009 Update: Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2009 schedule now available.

Click Here to Read More..

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Bravehearts for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer afflicting women in the Philippines; second only to breast cancer. Worldwide, about 500,000 new cases and 250,000 deaths are reported each year. Over 80% of these occur in developing countries including the Philippines. But the good news is that the disease is treatable if diagnosed early.
In light of this, Bravehearts intends to promote public awareness on cervical cancer prevention through the Single Visit Approach (SVA), Cryotherapy and Vaccination. Bravehearts is a multi-sectoral coalition led by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) and the Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF).

SVA
This combines both screening and treatment in a single session. It uses an effective, low-resource screening method called the Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA), a simple technique that uses vinegar to detect precancerous lesions on the cervix and requires much less equipment and time investment than a PAP smear.


Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a process where the areas with lesions are frozen using a common liquid coolant like carbon dioxide to eliminate the abnormality and prevent possible progression to cancer.

Vaccination
Cervical cancer vaccines provides significant protection for women against the two most common cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) types - HPV types 16 and 18. For example, GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Cervarix can protect for nearly six and a half years, the longest duration of protection reported to date. Also,it does not demonstrate, at the moment, the need for a booster shot even after 6 years of vaccination.

Recently, Dra. Rebecca Singson, OB at Makati Medical Center and Asian Hospital, gave a brief seminar about cervical cancer prevention in Makati. Below is the video:


A target shooting activity followed later in the afternoon with the theme "Shoot Cervical Cancer Away".

Being International Women's Day today, it is timely to empower our women by making them aware of these facts and remind them that they can be vaccinated to prevent it. Check more details at XOutCervicalCancer

Recently, some beauty queens and celebrities attended the Bravehearts’ graduation ceremony to receive the third and final dose of the new cervical cancer vaccine.

From left to right, the happy graduates are: Mymy Davao, Janine Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon, Gretchen Malalad, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Miriam Quiambao, Daisy Reyes, Gem Padilla and Abbygale Arenas.

Beauty Queen Abby Arenas getting her shot.

Tessa Prieto Valdes gets herself protected.

The Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF)
CIF is a non-stock, non-profit organization based in Manila, Philippines , founded in 2001, which supports the Cancer Institute (CI) of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and its accredited cancer management network institutions with clinical, research, advocacy and financial assistance for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

This commitment springs from the Foundation’s view that the promotion of health and welfare is a responsibility not of just one but all: that the government, individuals or groups, given a vehicle like the foundation, they will generously share their time, efforts and resources with their fellowmen who are ill but have little means to get well.

The Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP)
CECAP is an alliance of organizations from the private and public sector under the CIF, including health professionals and other concerned non-government agencies that are committed in eliminating cervical cancer among Filipino women.

Click Here to Read More..

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Who Watches The Watchmen?

When the superheroes we expect to protect us turn bad, what happens then?

Things get more complicated amidst the backdrop of a US-Soviet Union cold war when the Comedian - one of the retired superhero played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan - got mysteriously murdered.

Rorschach, a masked fellow Watchmen, tries to prove his personal theory on the situation by uncovering a plot against fellow members Night Owl (Patrick Wilson) and Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup). The conspiracy eventually reared its ugly head. However, complications proved to much for them to handle.

I have not read the mystery adventure comic version by
Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. However, colleagues who are fans of the Watchmen comics testify that most of the film's story line and detail did stay true to this 1980's comic novel.

As an independent viewer of the movie, I give it four stars for its unconventional story line, plot, and cinematography. Aside from Dr. Manhattan's character, there were not much fancy firepower wonders. This is understandably so since only Dr. Manhattan has actual powers. The movie might also be too long for some at two-and-half hours.

The movie generally ended the way the comic did. However, the depth of introduction and built up of the characters in the movie leads me to think that the
Zack Snyder can actually make a sequel out of it. And this time, without the limiting ideas of staying true to the comic.

Click Here to Read More..

Friday, March 6, 2009

Farewell Francis Magalona

Francis "Kiko" Durango Magalona passed away midday today at the age of 44. After battling leukemia since last year, the "Master Rapper" joined his creator today - March 6, 2009.

We give our farewell to a great man who had been an icon in the Phippine music industry. Personally, I started to admire him back in the early 90's after releasing the song "Mga Kababayan Ko," which ticked the patriotic hearts of the Filipinos.

Farewell, Francis M.

Francis M. Last Interview
http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1236318697122_4/ai-null/Francis_Magalona_The_last_interview.html
Francis Magalona's Cancer Blog
http://happybattle.multiply.com/
Inquirer.net Article
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090306-192678/Rapper-Francis-Magalona-passes-away
A Free Mind
http://francismagalona.multiply.com/

Other Blogs on this:
http://rockistacraze.blogspot.com/.../goodbye-francis-magalona.html
http://journal.sarahcada.com/2009/03/farewell-francis-2009.html
http://www.batangyagit.com/blog/tribute-to-mr-m.html
http://herestolife.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/goodbye-francis-m/
http://blipsnetwork.com/life/2009/opm/francis.../
http://www.thesingleparenttalks.com/2009/03/world-will-miss-francis-m.html

Additonal Blogs:
Francis Magalona links
Donations for Francis
Rest in Peace FrancisM.
To See You Again Great Icon - A Francis Magalona Tribute
Francis Magalona
Francis Magalona is dead; Long live the King of Pinoy rap!
The World will miss Francis M
RIP, Francis M.
Goodbye, kaleidoscope world
Francis Magalona Dies 44
Rapper and TV Host Francis Magalona passes away
Francis M the Freeman

Video Blog
Gary Alanguilan Video Tribute (video blog)
Francis M - Kaleidoscope World (Spoken Word Cover)
Francism Tribute (video blog)


*
Francis M. poses for the camera as two medals were awarded to him by the Camera Club of the Philippines where he won third place in an On-The-Spot competition monthly contest one of which is for February in Panagbenga 2007.
* The photo is sourced from here and used under GNU Free Documentation License

Click Here to Read More..

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Eraserheads Live! - The Final Set, Finally!

After the cut-short Eraserheads Reunion concert last year of August 30 at the Global City Open Grounds, the Eraserheads are back once more for their Final Set.


With five days to go, Eraserheads members Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro are set to meet again and rock the Philippine music landscape through The Eraserheads Live! The Final Set concert. It happens on March 7, 2008, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds.

Be one of the 100 thousand people to witness the event. If you want to win tickets, send an email to DigitalManilaBlog@gmail.com and you will receive an email reply inviting you to join this.

Send an email now and have the chance to win one of the 500 pairs of tickets to be given away!

*Picture is used with permission and sourced from http://daycabuhat.multiply.com/. Thank you Ms. Day! =)

Click Here to Read More..

Monday, March 2, 2009

Watchmen Movie Soon

March 6 will be the date when Philippine fans of the critically acclaimed comic book by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons - Watchmen will be shown in cinemas.


Although its showing in SM IMAX is not pushing through, the Watchmen movie premiere on March 5, 2009 will. And guess what, yours truly just won a premiere ticket from an impromptu online contest on Plurk through Azrael late this afternoon. Thanks to Yehey! for sponsoring the tickets!

Brought about by 300`s Zack Snyder, Watchmen is a set in a different world of 1985, where tension between America and Russia is tantamount. A trigger was the death of ex-hero commando - the Comedian played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Superheroes Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup), Night Owl (Patrick Wilson), Ozymandias (Matthew Goode), Sally Jupiter (Carla Gugino) and daughter Silk Spectre 2 (Malin Akerman) were alerted of the incident.

The movie Watchmen is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.


Get a chance to win limited edition Watchmen items through Yehey's online contest.

Click Here to Read More..