The Azkals, poised to punch ticket to Semis of the AFC Challenge Cup

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ABS-CBN Sports+Action, the official broadcaster of the 2014 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup, will air the crucial match between the Philippine Men's Football squad, the Azkals, and the 2010 and 2012 AFC Challenge Cup runner-up Turkmenistan in this year’s tournament live at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives on Saturday (May 24) at 7 PM.

The Azkals are trying to clinch a return trip to the semifinal round with a win over Turkmenistan in a tournament where only the top two teams of each group will advance to the crossover semifinals.

The country’s national football team is currently tied in first place with Afghanistan with four points in Group B after notching a 2-0 victory over Laos in their second assignment of the tournament last Thursday (May 22). Simone Rota and Patrick Reichelt provided the goals for the Azkals, who are smelling blood entering Saturday’s match.

Their upcoming opponent, Turkmenistan, is coming off a stunning 3-1 defeat against Afghanistan – a team held to a goalless draw by the Philippines. The loss proved costly for Turkmenistan as it dropped to third place with three points.

The Central Asian nation also suffered big blows during the loss as it saw starting goalkeeper and captain Nikita Gorbunov and defender Serdar Annaorazov sent off due to straight red cards. As a result, Gorbunov and Annaorazov will be serving suspensions against the Philippines.

In addition, Turkmenistan will also be missing the services of defender Shorat Soyunov as he received his second yellow card of the tournament in the loss to Afghanistan.

However, the Azkals are not without their wounds as they will likely be without key players Neil Etheridge and Juani Guirado due to injuries. First choice keeper Etheridge sat out the match against Laos with a recurrence of his thigh injury while defender Guirado was stretched off in the second half with what appeared to be an injured right knee.

The match on Saturday will be the fourth meeting between the Philippines and Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan won the first two meetings, including their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup semifinal encounter, where it scored two goals in the last ten minutes to beat the Philippines, 2 – 1.

The Azkals, though, prevailed during their last meeting in the Challenge Cup qualifiers held at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium last year with a 1-0 win.

Will the Azkals clinch a semi-final berth or will Turkmenistan prevail and add drama to Group B of the AFC Cup?

Find out as ABS-CBN Sports+Action airs the final match of the Azkals in the group round against Turkmenistan live on Saturday (May 24) at 7 PM. Catch the pre-game coverage of the match at 6:30 PM and its replay on Sunday (May 25) at 2 PM.

Globe-linked Southeast Asia-Japan Cable system begins network upgrade

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Network upgrade delivers an increase of 6.5 terabits per second data capacity 

The Southeast Asia-Japan Cable system, operated by an international consortium of leading telecommunications and technology companies that includes Globe Telecom, began implementing a network upgrade to further enhance capacity amid steady growth in bandwidth demand in the region.

The upgrade to the undersea cable system brings an increase of 6.5 terabits per second of capacity utilizing the latest 100 gigabits per second transmission equipment. The sharp increase in transmission technology from the usual 10 gigabits per second, followed by 40 gigabits per second technology, underscores the upsurge in internet usage especially mobile internet. Once completed, the upgrade will set a new benchmark in global data and information connectivity. 

“The upgrade runs parallel with Globe Telecom’s network transformation initiative. As we optimize our modernized network to further build capacity, the SJC upgrade allows better network availability and delivery, providing additional support for expanding business requirements for data,” Globe Chief Operating Officer Gil Genio said.

TE SubCom, an industry pioneer in undersea communications technology, was commissioned by the SJC consortium to carry out the network upgrade. Full system construction of the SJC cable system was completed in June of last year at a project cost of $400 million. Globe Telecom’s interconnection with the SJC cable system, which strengthened the country’s connectivity with the region and the rest of the world, was formally launched in inauguration rites led by President Benigno Aquino and Globe Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala in September last year. 

The undersea cable project consists of 6 fiber pairs with an initial design capacity of up to 28 terabits per second, one of the fastest speeds an undersea cabling system can provide, to meet bandwidth-intensive applications such as internet TV, online games and enterprise data exchange. To illustrate, the cable’s design capacity can support simultaneous streaming of up to 3 million high-definition videos.

The SJC is an 8,900-kilometer cable system, which could further extend to 9,700 kilometers. The cable system links 7 territories that include Brunei, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines, including the option to link with Thailand. 

Aside from Globe, the SJC consortium is composed of Brunei International Gateway Sendirian Berhad (BIG), China Mobile International Ltd. (CMI), China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom), China Telecom Global Limited (CTG), Donghwa Telecom Co. Ltd (DHT) (a subsidiary of Chunghwa Telecom, Co., Ltd.), Google, KDDI Corporation, Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin a subsidiary of PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk), and TOT Public Co., Ltd. (TOT).

New Dell Inspiron Laptops Bring Compelling Features, a Variety of Options to Students and Families

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Dell introduced the latest Inspiron 14 3000 Series laptops and Inspiron 14 and 15 5000 Series laptops, designed with power and comfort features aimed at helping users do more through every phase of their lives.

Here are the new Dell Inspiron Laptops with compelling features, with a variety of options to students and families. Inspiron laptops offer a wide range of options to accommodate consumers’ diverse lifestyles and budgets

· Dell Inspiron 14 3000 Series laptops bring HD touch displays in sleek, compact forms at attractive price points

· Dell Inspiron 14 and 15 5000 Series laptops offer brilliant touch displays, backlit keyboards, and thinner, lighter builds 

Powerful processors, high capacity hard drives, and responsive 10-finger touch displays up to Full HD resolution are some of the options designed to meet the needs of consumers’ diverse lifestyles. New features that make life easier include 20GB of Dropbox cloud storage for sharing, saving and collaborating, and facial recognition software to make using password-enabled web sites safer. All of these products seamlessly fit into your life on your terms. 

“Students and parents alike want technology that helps them to be successful in their personal and educational pursuits,” said Charlz Adano, Marketing Manager, Dell Consumer Group.

“Our new Inspiron laptops are a smart investment for families, providing the latest technology for productivity and entertainment in thin, space-saving designs.”

Dell Inspiron 3000 Series: Big Entertainment with Bold Features

Providing a complete range of essential features at unbeatable value, the new Inspiron 14 3000 Series feature a variety of hardware configurations so that consumers will always be able to select the model best suited to their needs. With built-in DVD drives, up to 1TB of storage and optional touch panels, the Inspiron 3000 Series laptops are backed by long-lasting battery[i], that is not finished until you are. Like all Dell products, the Inspiron 14 3000 Series laptops are carefully designed and rigorously tested for the real world, where life happens, for full assurance that they will survive as a consumer’s capable copilot.

Dell Inspiron 5000 Series: Stylish and Sharp Computing

The new Inspiron 14 and 15 5000 Series laptops are packed with convenient features, and are ideal for a day spent roaming across campus or sharing screen time among family members. Families will enjoy a versatile mobile computing experience enhanced by high-end options like a backlit keyboard and Full HD touch display (15-inch laptops only).

The brilliant display is showcased within an attractive, brushed aluminum lid, and the 10-finger capacitive touch option makes it easy to scroll, zoom, and tap through documents or social media status updates. The laptops are powered by 4th Generation Intel Core i processors that help extend battery life, up to 8 hours, 9 minutes for the Inspiron 14 5000 and up to 7 hours, 33 minutes for the Inspiron 15 5000.

Since immersive entertainment is a welcome break after a diligent work or study session, the laptops come standard with Waves MaxxAudio for a rich audio experience.

The inclusion of 20GB of cloud storage with Dropbox allows people to easily access important files across multiple devices, anytime, anywhere, ensuring that no document is ever left behind.

Availability and Pricing

The new Dell Inspiron systems are available today at retail stores at the following starting prices:

· Inspiron 14 3000 Series: Starts from P18,590

· Inspiron 14 5000 Series: Starts from P38,990

· Inspiron 15 5000 Series: Starts from P40,990

Inspiron Laptops & Ultrabooks on Dell.com

Inspiron Desktops on Dell.com

Women in Tech Startups: What You Need to Know in Order to Survive in the Industry

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We are in a high-tech digital world that shapes the future of business: mobile technology, cloud computing and the “Internet of things.” I always read and learn things on innovation, technology, start-ups, and entrepreneurs.

A lot of the popular apps such as Viber and Waze were created by tech startups. In the Philippines the growth of tech startups is also rising.

Gladly to see there are more women founders or more start-up women in technology and science.

While more and more women are getting involved in the tech startup industry, it is still a fact that men dominate it. However, this industry is constantly changing, and women are hopeful that it’s going to change for the better.

Regardless of gender, however, brave entrepreneurs and talented artists are drawn to the exciting world of tech startup.

Revital Darom, a make-up artist turned VP, shares her experience on how to survive and succeed in the tech startup industry. She is currently working as the VP Content Management for Veems. Veems is a unique photo-sharing app that allows users to upload a photo and add a four-second sound along with the image. The success of the app actually surprised Revital and her co-founder, Iddo Gorren.

Just two months after its soft launch, the app has already been downloaded from the App Store 100K times--that's even before they started to really market the app.

One of their most recent milestones is the release of Veem’s Android version this week.

Working in a tech startup requires lot of time and energy must be given. However, Revital believes that “if you have support at home, then it is possible to balance both work and family life.”

Tamar, VP Biz Dev of Veems, also shares the same sentiment. She has two kids, which makes it very challenging to work in a tech startup. But her family supports her career and her quest to fulfill her life’s dreams. Before working as VP in Veems, she had a highly successful career as a lawyer. But later on, she found her true passion: building a business from scratch and embedding everything she knows to achieve its goals.

She confesses, “I love the lean startup method. I believe in the ‘short learning cycles’, checking and analyzing the data, understanding the product or service from the customer’s point of view, and knowing when to pivot or proceed.” She encourages her team to always keep moving even though sometimes things don’t turn out the way they want them to be.

Women are used to juggle and handle multiple tasks to keep a balanced and happy home life. They are naturally well organized and better to adjust to new circumstances, which allow them to easily adapt to the fast-paced environment of the tech startup world. Most times, they just don’t adapt, they thrive and excel.

“Your Step to Success!- Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014 launched

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The country’s biggest integrated expo and convention for innovative entrepreneurs and growing franchise businesses, The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 “Your Step to Success!, was officially launched last May 20, 2014 at Privato Hotel, located at Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City.

The media launch was hosted by Vince Golangco, editor of the Philippines' No. 1 online magazine, WhenInManila.com and attended by personalities:  like Navin Uttamchandani, chief operating officer of Esquire Financing Inc; Christian Raeuber, MediaCom Solutions Inc. director of strategic development; Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Abalos, the chairwoman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce in the Mandaluyong Council and the vice chair for Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise Development Council of Mandaluyong; Randell Tiongson, director of the Registered Financial Planner Institute Philippines; Jojy Azurin, Freelancer.com regional director; Kian Kazemi, former PBB housemate, celebrity restaurateur and owner of Persia Grill; Janette Toral, E-Commerce advocate and Digitalfilipino.com founder.

Also present during the conference was a multi-awarded franchise developer, founder and president of Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), Rudolf Kotik, who will hold a power talk series during the Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo entitled “The Ten Commandments of Successful Franchising.”

ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS SUMMIT 2014 (ESS) - #Step2Success speakers  Christopher Tan, founder of Flippish.com; and Mitch Mali, co-founder of Beso Cusina Vinoteka, Draft Pub and Imperial Ice Bar, were present to give a preview of their talks on how to build a successful business. ESS is a series of comprehensive talks by successful international and local entrepreneurs and industry experts who will share their insights on how to build a successful business.

The 3-day exhibition will feature the latest products and services of 100 innovative businesses from various business sectors, like food, technology, tourism, business solutions, fashion, retail, entertainment and many more with over 10,000 expected visitors and business professionals. Across the three days, visitors will have the opportunity to connect with inspiring local and international business leaders, find great investment opportunities, indulge in delicious food tastings, avail of exclusive discounts and promotions, win great raffle prizes, as well as learn the latest trends in business and entrepreneurship through various activities.

“Our vision is to provide business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs an environment with activities and programs where they can network with other business stakeholders, introduce their businesses, learn the latest industry trends and to assist them in growing their business to achieve their step to success” says MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC. President and Expo Founder, David Abrenilla.

Organized by the MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC., the Philippines’ leading business community building company and supported by the Filipino International Franchise Association and the Young Entrepreneurs Society Philippines, the ENTREPRENEUR & FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 will be held on June 27-29, 2014 at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

The Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo Media Launch was supported by Ever Bilena, Starkaffea Corporation, Murang Generics Pharmacy, Once Upon A Milkshake, We Serve Pharmacy, Draft Pub, Imperial Ice Bar, Beso Cusina Vinoteka, Pepito’s Dog Spa, Chairman Kuapao, Momsie Kitty Spa, Foss Coffee, BN Whitening Shoppe, Yan-Yan International Phils. Inc., YSA Skin Care, Elite Nails Spa, Gloria Jeans, Privato Hotel and Injoy, the brand used by many Filipinos for their food business.

Get your SUCESS PRIORITY ACCESS for the expo and to avail of the early bird discount for the summit, register at www.efe.ph. 

For updates join the community at www.facebook.com/efeph or follow in Twitter and Instagram @EFEphils. For inquiries, call +632.509.4792 or email entrepreneurandfranchiseexpo@gmail.com.