​SM consistent top taxpayer nationwide

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Consistent with its value on good governance, SM maintained its position as one of the country’s top taxpayers for taxable year 2015. 

The mall company received several awards from different communities where it emerged as the no. 1 taxpayer in the Local Business Tax and Real Property Tax categories, while keeping its top positions in other localities spread across the country.

For local business and real property tax categories, SM Megamall, SM City Masinag, SM City Bacoor, SM City Molino, SM City Baguio, and SM City Naga emerged as the no. 1 taxpayers in their respective communities. SM Malls located in Quezon City namely SM City North Edsa, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Fairview and SM City Novaliches received the Hall of Fame award for being a consistent top taxpayer in 2015.

Top real property tax awards went to SM Southmall, SM Center Las Piñas, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Novaliches, SM City Dasmariñas, SM Marketmall Dasmariñas, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM Baliwag, SM Cauayan, SM City Lucena, SM City Olongapo, SM City Rosales, SM City Rosario, SM City San Pablo, SM City Taytay, SM City Tarlac, SM City Consolacion, SM City Cebu, and SM City Bacolod. Other cities and municipalities that benefited from taxes paid by SM include Apalit, San Fernando and Mexico (Pampanga); Batangas City; Calamba City and Santa Rosa City (Laguna); Iloilo City; Lipa City; Manila; Marikina City; Marilao (Bulacan); Muntinlupa City; Pasay City; and Valenzuela City.

For taxable year 2014, SM landed on the 9th spot of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s top non-individual taxpayers list, contributing over Php3.1B in paid taxes.

“Part of our mission is to provide opportunities where we are present. It is our social responsibility to pay our taxes transparently and on time so that our respective communities can continue to finance its own economic development programs,” said Ms. Annie S. Garcia, President of SM Supermalls.

SM’s presence in communities has helped create jobs and opened doors for local businesses, big and small, to take advantage of the mall’s large customer traffic. The mall company has also helped in turning communities into tourism destinations because of its premier shopping, dining and lifestyle products and services.

Epson launches the Moverio BT-300 , the world’s lightest OLED binocular see-through smart glasses

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Epson today announced the launch of its latest augmented reality smart glasses, the Moverio BT-300 in Southeast Asia.

The Moverio BT-300 features Epson’s own cutting edge silicon-based OLED (organic light emitting diode) digital display technology, enabling the device to be the lightest see-through binocular smart glasses on the market, and setting the new standard for augmented reality smart eyewear.

Leveraging Epson’s patented optical and precision technologies, Epson’s Moverio BT-300 smart glasses has micro projectors located on each side of the eyeglasses that project transparent overlays of digital content directly in the user’s field of view over the real-world environment.

The Moverio BT-300 bring hands-free operability through a front-facing 5-mega-pixel HD camera and intelligent tracking sensors that detects the dimensions and spatial positioning of objects in relation to each other. A key feature is that users can take HD-quality video and pictures hands-free, bringing new levels of productivity for deploying the device for work-related purposes. The device features an LED to indicate when the camera is recording.

Designed to be worn with ease for use at work or play, the Moverio BT-300 is compact and lightweight, and fits over normal glasses comfortably. It is approximately 20% lighter than its predecessor, the BT-200. Built with a quad core Intel Atom processor and Android OS 5.1, the BT-300 maintains up to six hours of battery life for processing of 3D heavy content.

Augmented reality smart glasses can improve worker efficiency enabling hands-free and real-time display across various industries such as warehouse/logistics, field service, manufacturing, healthcare, travel and hospitality, retail and more. Uses for the Moverio smart glasses include learning and training purposes, remote field service support for complex repair assistance and troubleshooting, managing of inventory and warehousing, guided museum tours and others.

“The Moverio BT-300 continues Epson’s commitment to binocular smart eyewear, real optical see-through overlay, and increased performance. We see potential for growth for industry use in the region. The Moverio has the potential to revolutionise workflow for onsite or remote operations. It adds a new dimension to professionals for improving their efficiency and accuracy at work, enabling workers to share their experience virtually or provide hands-free movement for hands-on work,” said Siew Jin Kiat, Regional General Manager (Southeast Asia), Printers & Visual Instruments Division, Epson Singapore.

Epson is currently working with businesses and independent software vendors to develop applications for use. It has partnered with DJI, a leading maker of drones, to develop applications for the Moverio smart glasses that will enhance safety, productivity, and piloting experience for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Using the optimized DJI Go app for the Epson Moverio BT-300 smart glasses, drone pilots will be able to see crystal clear, transparent first person views (FPV) from the drone camera while simultaneously maintaining line of sight with their aircraft. The Epson/ DJI partnership is timely as businesses look to expand the use of drones for a variety of aerial photography and videography purposes.

The Moverio BT-300 will be available in first quarter of 2017 across Southeast Asia region, in Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Moverio BT-300 won Best New Wearable Device at the IDTechEx Wearable Europe 2016 Awards in recognition of its usefulness and innovation.

Epson’s Moverio range was first launched in 2011 with the BT-100, supplemented in 2014 with the BT-200, and again in 2016 with the Moverio Pro BT-2000. 

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 67,000 employees in 90 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

http://global.epson.com/

About Epson Southeast Asia

Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia. Led by the regional headquarters, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd., Epson Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 10 countries, and is responsible for delivering and supporting Epson’s cutting-edge consumer and business digital imaging products to the customers of these markets through its comprehensive infrastructure of over 360 service outlets, 10 Epson solution centres and 8 manufacturing facilities.http://www.epson.com.sg

About Epson Philippines

Epson’s corporate presence in the Philippines commenced in 1998. It grew rapidly into a billion peso company in a span of a few years from its establishment due to its client-oriented approach in its business management style by its dedicated and innovative staff members and officers. Epson Philippines has an extensive network of 77 Authorized Service Centers nationwide with more than 200 dealers and more than 800 shops across the Country. For more details, please visit our website (www.epson.com.ph) or our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonPhilippines).

For product inquiries and technical support, please contact Epson Customer Care at: Metro Manila: (02) 441-9030; Toll Free: 1-800-1069-37766 (PLDT), 1-800-3-0037766 (DIGITEL) or visit the Epson Customer Care website: http://customercare.epson.com.ph

Sanofi Pasteur Presents Updates and Truth About the Dengue Vaccine

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Sanofi Pasteur, the world leader in human vaccines, recently presents updates and truth about Dengvaxia, known as Dengue Vaccine. Sanofi Pasteur has invested in the research and development of a dengue vaccine for about 20 years.

Dengue is a high-profile and ongoing public health concern in the Philippines. During the press conference on Friday, October 21, held at The Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Makati City, Sanofi Pasteur, presents full data and updates on dengue.

Dengue cases rose to epidemic levels in 2015 with an average of 220 reported cases per day.

The first known epidemic of severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever anywhere in the world was recorded in Manila in 1953.

By the mid-1970s, severe dengue had become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in the region. Between 2004 and 2010, the Philippines experienced the seventh highest number of dengue cases in the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

2016 data suggests an increasing trend in reported dengue cases

In 2013, DOH reported 204,906 cases of dengue, the highest number recorded since the establishment of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program in 1993. More than 200,000 dengue cases were reported in the Philippines in 2015, 80,000 more than were reported in 2014. In both September and October 2015, the number of reported cases rose above the epidemic threshold. 

Although the number of reported dengue cases slightly decreased in 2014, the 2015 data suggest an increasing trend in cases in the coming years. Recent data gathered by the Department of Health from January to 24 September this year shows an increase of 11.5 percent year on year across the country, with total dengue infections at 142,247 compared to 127,525 last year and 604 recorded fatalities 

Based on Philippine surveillance data collected between 2011 and 2015, an average of 220 dengue cases were reported in the country every day. In 2015, almost 50% of reported cases came from three most urbanized regions: Region 3 (17.6%), Region 4 (17.3%), and the National Capital Region (12.6%). Cases stemming from all four serotypes of dengue were reported in 2015.

Disease burden: US$345 million per year

The economic burden of dengue in the Philippines is substantial. A study published in 2015 estimated that between 2008 and 2012, clinically diagnosed dengue cases in the Philippines were associated with a direct medical cost (in 2012 US dollars) of $345 million annually. 

The study calculated the average cost of treatment per case to be $409, representing 16% of the Philippines’ 2012 per capita GDP. Sixty-five percent of cases were treated in inpatient hospitals, representing 90% of direct costs.

In addition to dengue’s burden on a household, the illness can adversely impact a country’s economy through a loss of productivity caused by the illness and pre-mature death, increased healthcare costs and a possible reduction in tourism.

Seasonality and global climate change

Dengue has become a year-round threat in the Philippines. However, data suggests that the number of dengue cases increases one to two months after the onset of the rainy season, resulting in a peak of dengue cases between July and November each year. 

The Philippines is severely affected by extreme weather events and is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Vector-borne diseases like dengue may be particularly sensitive to both periodic fluctuations and sustained changes in global and local climates. Additionally, a study examining data from eight Asian countries including the Philippines over 18 years revealed a strong correlation between regional dengue epidemics and elevated temperatures associated with El Niño.

DoH implements a step-wise public vaccination program in 2016

The Department of Health announced on 4 January 2016 that one million (1M) nine-year-old Filipinos enrolled in government schools in Region 3, Region 4-A and the National Capital Region will be the first beneficiaries of the government-procured dengue vaccine. 

In a recent dengue vaccine cost-effectiveness study performed by Professor Hilton Lam of the UP-National Institutes of Health, a nationwide annual routine vaccination of nine-year olds starting in 2016 would lead to an estimated 24.2% reduction in dengue cases in the country over a five-year period. This would translate to 775,053 avoided cases of dengue, 502,000 avoided hospitalizations, 22,010 avoided deaths and almost Php 21 billion in avoided cost to society.

Official Statement from Globe on Galaxy Note7

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT: 

In support of the recent announcement of Samsung, we wish to inform our customers that effective immediately Globe will discontinue selling Samsung Note 7 and will no longer issue same device replacements to customers. We have implemented a process to retrieve Note 7 units from customers and replace them with a device of equivalent value. We are taking this matter seriously and will do everything we can to keep our customers from harm when using our service. We will be in touch with our customers within the next 4 days.

To view Samsung’s official statement, visit https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-will-ask-all-global-partners-to-stop-sales-and-exchanges-of-galaxy-note7-while-further-investigation-takes-place

2LaBS Laguna Blogging Summit :The new digital revolution will happen on November 14-15, 2013 at the Cultural Center of Laguna

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2LaBS Updates :

Meet the Social Revolutionists as they share their strategies on how to win it in the blogoshere. The weapons are not the bolos, spear and sword! Learn how to use their new weapons  - Blogs, Facebook, Twitter.

Discover new tools they use to penetrate their market and promote their brands to gain following and build tribes in effecting positive change! 

The new digital revolution will happen on November 14-15, 2013 at the Cultural Center of Laguna.

Here are the SPEAKERS.

Carlos Celdran

- 2013 Manila Bureau of Tourism Chief

- Manila tour guide

- Cultural activist

- Performing artist

Growing up in Dasmariñas Village, Makati, Philippines, he began his art career at age 14 as a cartoonist for a local Manila newspaper, enrolling at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991, where he began working in performance art. After university, he moved to New York City, where he lived an openly bisexual lifestyle. He continued his career in the performing arts, interning as a production assistant with the Blue Man Group and later working for other performing arts groups as a set designer and/or director.

James Jimenez

Spokesman of Commission on Election

Columnist under Business Mirror

Grace Bondad Nicolas

- Grace is the author of Empowered Grace

- Founder of Laguna Blogging Summit

Pocholo De Leon Gonzales

 

Pocholo THE VOICEMASTER Gonzales is a veteran in the art of Filipino voice acting.

Voice behind a thousand characters in anime, hundreds of local commercials in radio and television, and various children’s programs, films, foreign telenovelas, drama, and other TV shows. As a voice director of HERO TV

Janette Toral

 

Book author, publisher and social media expert and the woman behind the the success of all nine IBlog Philippine Blogging Summit that's yearly held at University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

Ben Francia

 

- Internet Marketing Consultant, I help companies design and execute effective Digital Marketing Campaigns for their Brand that helps them increase their bottom-line. Being an Entrepreneur myself, I have a soft spot for SME’s and Start-Ups so I make it a point to regularly conduct affordable public trainings and seminars on Digital Marketing to help equip my fellow entrepreneurs with the skills and tools of Internet Marketing and Social Media. Through my site,www.benfrancia.com, I share and teach my passion for Internet Marketing, Social Media, SEO, Blogging, Web Design and Development, Outsourcing and lots more.

Alvin Cloyd Dakis

- Registered Nurse

- Writer under Philippine Star

- Presidential Awardee

- Social Media Activist

- 2013 Globe Tatt Awards Nominee

Lloyd Luna

 

ilipino motivational speaker and inspirational author in Asia has been inspiring tens of thousands of people who have heard and seen him speak on personal motivation, work inspiration, and business success—from the islands of the Philippines to the wonderful cities of Bangkok in Thailand, Seoul in South Korea, Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Go ahead and check us out!

Eyriche Cortez

Eyriche Cortez loves to write and speak. It is not just his profession. It is his passion.He worked for seven years as a writer-segment producer for Magandang Gabi… Bayan, an investigative TV program aired over ABS-CBN. More than fourteen years ago, he resigned to pursue his calling in life. For almost a decade, he has been blogging about social, political and faith issues (Straight From Pastor). He is also a regular contributor for the tech blog, Digital Spidey, and Pinoy Travel Blog. He facilitates leadership workshops for companies, churches and other organizations. He also volunteers as a pastor.

Rhodora Espiritu

- Rhodora Espiritu - Valdez is a Professional and Licensed Librarian

- She works at Learning Resource Center at De La Salle Zobel

- She is the adviser of DLSZ Green Bloggers Club

- An advocate for Reading, Literacy and Pinoy Parenting

- She is also a storyteller, puppeteer and backpacker

- The blog author behind Deliberately Mom Blog

Art Samaniego Jr -

Manila Bulletin Tech News Editor

Roberto B. Guevara

Interest in the environment began during his student days in the University of the Philippines, Diliman, where he finishedBachelor of Landscape Architecture in 1979.

- His direct involvement in solid waste management began when he was elected Punong Barangay (Barangay Captain) of Barangay Sun Valley, Paranaque City, in 1994, which lasted until 2007. During those 13 years, his barangay became a model in recycling and composting on the community level.

- As an active environmental NGO member, he became president of the Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines in 1999. At present, he is the President-elect.

- In 2011 until the present, he is the President and Chairman and Country Coordinator of Earth Day Network Philippines.

- When R.A. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) became a law in 2001, he became a member of the Technical Committee which drafted the I.R.R. and later became a member of the National Solid Waste Management Commissionfrom 2002 until 2007

Chinkee Tan

Chinkee Tan

Motivational speaker, wealth coach and book author. - "Finding your passion."

Anton Diaz

Award winning entrepreneur and successful food blogger- "Earning while Blogging."

Atty. Christopher Lao

Summa Cum Laude from UP Diliman & an advocate of Cyberbullying.

- "Cyberbullying & Cybercrime Law"

Venzer Crisostomo - 

Anakbayan Chairperson- "Social Revolution"

John Remir Cueto

Industrial Engineer, Formerly worked at COSMOCON International Ltd in China as QC-QA Supervisor / Business Owner of SysTech / Photographer / Blogger / Traveler and Sports Minded.