Enjoying Wonderful World

August 13, 2014

New additions to AMD FirePro™ professional graphics family at SIGGRAPH 2014

Advance Micro Devices completes its next generation family of workstation graphics cards, delivering more memory, compute and graphics performance to help increase productivity in customer workflows.

Recently, AMD unveiled new additions to the next generation AMD FirePro™ professional graphics family at SIGGRAPH 2014.

These new addition to AMD’s line of GPUs are designed to provide exceptional application performance for the entry-level workstation user up to the ultra-power user, backed by larger memory configurations, top to bottom 4K display support, increased compute performance¹, application certifications and rock-solid drivers.

AMD took command of professional graphics leadership earlier this year with the exciting introduction of its award winning AMD FirePro™ W9100 and AMD FirePro™ W8100 graphics.

Now with the introduction of all new AMD FirePro™ professional graphics cards supported by AMD Graphics Core Next architecture – AMD FirePro™ W2100, AMD FirePro™ W4100, AMD FirePro™ W5100, and AMD FirePro™ W7100 – Computer Aided Design (CAD), video, animation, design and engineering professionals are empowered to work at exceptional levels of detail, speed, productivity, responsiveness and creativity.

“We’re excited to unveil the new generation of AMD FirePro professional graphics with improved features to enable more workstation graphics performance and productivity at every level,” said David Cummings, senior director and general manager, Professional Graphics at AMD. “This new generation of AMD FirePro graphics will help workstation manufacturers and channel providers to offer powerful, reliable solutions designed to improve application performance and increased productivity to help end users do more.”

The next generation AMD FirePro™ workstation graphics family brings at least 2x more memory1, multidisplay 4K leadership, high compute performance, next generation API support and PCIe® 3.0 support:

With 16GB GDDR5 memory and the ability to support up to six 4K displays², AMD FirePro™ W9100 professional graphics is AMD’s most advanced professional graphics solution available offering the ideal single-GPU solution for the next generation of ultrahigh-resolution visualization environments.

AMD FirePro™ W8100 professional graphics feature 8GB of GDDR5 memory and packs up to 4.2 TFLOPS of compute power to accelerate projects beyond just graphics

An engineering and Media & Entertainment multimedia powerhouse, the 8GB AMD FirePro™ W7100 professional graphics is designed to boost performance and support for 4K content, including video playback, editing and transcoding

With 4GB of GDDR5 memory and four display outputs on the AMD FirePro™ W5100 graphics, users can tackle complex models, assemblies, data sets and advanced visual effects with ease

In a class of its own, AMD FirePro™ W4100 graphics, including four-display support, is the ideal choice for users who need a performance boost to address their evolving workflows

Next generation professional graphics start with AMD FirePro™ W2100 graphics, delivering optimized and certified professional application performance that consumer graphics lack

“With the introduction of next generation AMD FirePro™ workstation graphics cards, Dell can offer its design and engineering customers outstanding graphics and multi-monitor performance, beneficial graphics memory and outstanding features to help improve their workflows – whether they need an entry, mid-range or high-end graphics solution,” said Andy Rhodes, executive director, Dell Precision workstations. “AMD’s solid drivers and application certifications support Dell Precision Workstation customers with high performance, high quality workstations for their designs, models, animations and video productions.”

“Offering an expanded choice of AMD FirePro professional graphics cards will help our customers increase their productivity for a variety of mission critical projects including computer aided design and content creation,” said Jeff Wood, vice president, Worldwide Product Management, Commercial Solutions Business Unit, HP. “We can rely on AMD FirePro to enable our workstation customers to deliver successful projects knowing that they’re backed by the reliability and performance they demand.”

In support of the new AMD™ FirePro professional graphics, AMD will participate in the following activities at SIGGRAPH 2014 in the Vancouver Convention Centre:

AMD FirePro family of professional graphics will be displayed in the AMD booth (#1023) from August 12 to 14
Also in the AMD exhibit booth, Solid Angle, a leading provider of rendering software for animation and visual effects, will offer a demonstration entitled “Exploring the Cutting Edge: An Arnold GPU Prototype”
AMD’s graphics executive Richard Huddy will present “Mantle and the Next-Gen Renderers For AMD FirePro With Graphics Core Next” at the Exhibitor Tech Talks at SIGGRAPH 2014 on August 12 and 13
AMD will host “Monsters in the Orchestra: A Surround Computing VR Experience” in booth ET440 in the Emerging Technologies pavilion, Hall A from August 10 to 14

”Sapphire is proud to be able to offer the complete range of new AMD professional graphics products featuring a host of new features enabling workstation users with increased creativity and productivity,” said Adrian Thompson, Corporate VP of Marketing for SAPPHIRE Technology, the Exclusive Global Distribution Partner for AMD FirePro graphics. “These new AMD FirePro professional graphics deliver workstation integrators and end users an exciting choice of performance levels for an extensive array of applications, all supported by certified drivers and powered by OpenCL™."

The AMD FirePro W9100 and W8100 graphics are already available for purchase from numerous workstation providers, and the AMD FirePro W2100, W4100 and W5100 graphics will be available In September from AMD global distribution partner SAPPHIRE Technology and major workstation providers. AMD FirePro W7100 graphics will be available in Q4 2014.

Supporting Resources

• Learn more about AMD FirePro™ Graphics product family

• Become a fan of AMD on Facebook

• Follow AMD professional graphics on Twitter - @AMDFirePro

About AMD

AMD designs and integrates technology that powers millions of intelligent devices, including personal computers, tablets, game consoles and cloud servers that define the new era of surround computing. AMD solutions enable people everywhere to realize the full potential of their favorite devices and applications to push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information, visit www.amd.com.

Habitat for Humanity with Advocate Habitat Online Champions

Habitat for Humanity aims to meet the shelter needs of communities affected by calamities such as super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Working with partners, volunteeers, and disaster response program to provide emergency and shelter repair kits, basic amenities, such as electricity, and builds core houses for affected families in communities.

When the typhoon hit, help was needed immediately. Thousands of families were devastated and there was no time to waste.

With the urgency of the problem and the need to disseminate information fast, Habitat turned to social media for an answer. And during the height of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November, as timely and coordinated, Habitat for Humanity proved that there’s definitely more to social media than just posting selfies, and sharing throwbacks.

Habitat for Humanity / Habitat Online Champions

In a few days word about Habitat’s Yolanda response was all over social media; bloggers, celebrities, and other willing individuals readily stepped-up to help spread the word and rally for donations. With millions in donations coming in, Habitat quickly went to work distributing emergency Shelter Repair Kits across affected areas. In the weeks and months that followed, social media support continued.

Habitat Goes Social

Habitat Philippines CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco

Habitat acknowledges the power of social media for social change. In its effort to maximize social media to help reach more people with its mission, Habitat is holding its first “Social Media Circle”, a gathering of bloggers and social media enthusiasts with a heart for social change; the event is also Habitat’s way of honoring its online supporters.

Habitat Philippines Communications Director Gina Virtusio.

Habitat hopes to inspire these people to continue supporting Habitat’s work in their own way and through their own network of influence.

Habitat Ambassador Kuya Tonipet Gaba

With the undeniable power and vast reach of social media, Habitat is excited at the prospect of engaging more volunteers, donors, and advocates through this support group.

By signing Habitat’s Pledge of Commitment willing bloggers and guests were tagged “Habitat Online Champion” a title reserved for those who are up for the challenge and journey of using their influence and network to spread the word about Habitat, its programs, and advocacies.

“Habitat Online Champions" are advocate and respected bloggers, personalities and also members of online communities from various group who have been supporting and have been spreading the word about Habitat and its work.

Some Habitat Online Champions receiving Certificate of Appreciation from
Habitat CEO Charlie Ayco

I am grateful to be part of Habitat for Humanity Philippine's first Social Media Circle held at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Century Mall. And I am super blessed and honored to be one of the Habitat Online Champions given appreciation for continue supporting Habitat’s work.

Regular “Social Media Circle” gathering will be held to share news and updates with these Online Champions.

Habitat also offers other volunteering opportunities on their site at http://www.habitat.org.ph/

If you want to help the families affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), please visit http://habitat.org.ph/donate-now.

DepEd hands over new classroom buildings to schools in Negros Oriental

In its unceasing drive to universalize kindergarten education, the Department of Education (DepEd) has built seven (7) new kindergarten classroom buildings in Negros Oriental through the help of Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation, and Asian Development Bank-Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (ADB-JFPR).

“One of the first programs of the Aquino administration was universalizing kindergarten to which the AGAPP foundation urgently volunteered to help,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said.

He added that the AGAPP Foundation has continued to aid the Department in addressing classroom needs for the past four years and that they “do not only build classrooms but also foster hope among the learners.”

AGAPP Foundation chairperson Pinky Aquino-Abellada said, “These efforts by the AGAPP Foundation are all for the benefit of our Negrense learners. We thank all our donors for their endless support to education.” She underscored the continuous effort of the AGAPP foundation in building more classrooms in the province.

Furthermore, she urged the parents and teachers to continue working together, saying "Tulung-tulong po tayo para makamit ng mga bata ang kanilang mga pangarap."

ADB-JFPR Senior Advisor Tatsuya Kanai emphasized that the erected classroom buildings are a result of the efforts of many – the government, the private partners and the residents of the beneficiary provinces.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo expressed his gratitude to DepEd, the AGAPP foundation, & ADB-JFPR in building classrooms in the province.

Seven (7) schools benefitted from the newly built Silid Pangarap buildings-- Okiot Elementary School, Bais Science ES, Sto. Tomas ES, San Miguel ES, Sta. Catalina ES, Candugay ES, and Maloh ES.

“Sana po patuloy na magbigay ng pag-asa at kulay ang lahat ng mga proyektong ito sa ating mga estudyante, pati na rin sa mga magulang na nagpapadala ng kanilang mga anak sa paaralan,” Luistro said.

The education chief further mentioned that aside from the colorful Silid Pangarap buildings, the AGAPP foundation likewise provides feeding programs for learners and trainings for teachers.

"Sa mga classrooms na ito, makikita na natin ang katuparan ng ating mga pangarap," he added

(Photos: Adolf Aguilar)

"Hanggang Wakas", The Voice PH Grand Champion Mitoy Yonting's debut album

The Voice Of The Philippines’ first grand winner, Michael 'Mitoy' Yonting, held an album launch with a press conference last Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the Newport Mall, Resort World Manila.

Music has always been part of Mitoy’s life growing up listening to his father’s collection of Elvis Presley, Paul Anka, and Neil Sedaka. Singing along to these albums honed his interest and has been singing ever since. But he wasn’t just a singer.

Mitoy surprised everyone and emerged as a powerful vocalist – far from the comedian he once was. His voice brought him places but his perseverance and faith took him farther than he’d ever hoped for.

A natural person, born to entertain, cracking jokes on the side, making use of his wide vocal range to wow audiences from his hometown Pangasinan. Eventually, he formed the band Draybers and have been playing gigs all over the country.

During his press conference and debut album launch, he shared his life stories before being the grand winner of The Voice of the Philippines.

Through his hard work and his undeniable talent, people noticed his unique voice. After joining TV contests, he landed several roles on different comedy shows like H3O Ha Ha Ha Over along with Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Gladys Guevarra. He also became known in the noontime show Eat Bulaga along with the character Chuchay (played by Gladys Guevarra). The tandem became a hit and further showcased Mitoy’s pipes and comedic timing. That early, he was driven to do all sorts of jobs while gigging to provide for his family. And sometimes it wasn’t enough.

He kept working and performing until he was called to audition for The Voice Of The Philippines. Mitoy’s The Voice journey almost didn’t happen.

“Sa totoo lang, wala akong planong sumali, dahil medyo may edad na nga ako. May mga tao na nag-encourage sa akin, sa huli na-kumbinse din ako,” And he impressed everyone, especially his world-renowned coach Lea Salonga, whom has nothing but praises about him.

“Hindi ko malilimutan yung sinabi sa akin ng isang popular na tao sa industriya: ‘Pagkatapos [mong manalo] ng The Voice finals, ngayon lang naging totoo yung essence ng contest,” he shared. It was a tough competition, but his old and new fans rallied behind him every step of the way.

After winning The Voice of the Philippines. Mitoy was one of the cast of Home Sweetie Home, ABS-CBN's sitcom in January 2014. And there, he is now an actor in teleseries and movies.

Winning the competition made one of his biggest dreams come true – getting signed by a major label.

His debut album "Hanggang Wakas" was finally released by MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines). “Hanggang Wakas” featuring :

“Pinaikot-ikot (the hit carrier single written by Vehnee Saturno)

“Pangakong Tapat” (Aster Adriano)

“Ikaw Hanggang Wakas”

“Magulang” featuring Bassilyo

“Kaibigan”

“Handog” (his fave especially his version of Florante's song

And an ode to his incredible life as well as

“Minahal Kita”

“Solitaire”

“Hahabol-habol”

It also includes “Somewhere”- his duet with his coach, Tony Award winner Ms. Lea Salonga as well as his medley of Air Supply hits- “Every Woman In The World”, “I Can Wait Forever” and “Here I Am”.

Mitoy continues to connect to more audiences worldwide, through his songs and his story. As wide as his vocal range, his future promises even broader possibilities for him. And everyone awaits his next big move!

Here are videos I did during the album launch as he sings songs from the Hanggang Wakas album.

“Hanggang Wakas”, the new album from Mitoy Yonting is now out under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) in CDs at Astroplus and Odyssey outlets and digital downloads via spinnr.ph and iTunes. It can also be streamed via Deezer and Spotify.

For bookings and inquiries, contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 and +639209682991.

For more new and updates on Mitoy Yonting, log on to :

www.facebook.com/mcamusic or www.twitter.com/mca_music.

Farewell to a man of different faces, a true and noble one - RIP Robin Williams

Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, who dazzled in such wide-ranging dramatic and comedic roles during a four-decades long career, is dead at 63.

He was outstanding in every role he played.

A representative for Williams said in a statement the actor had been battling "severe depression of late."

"This is a tragic and sudden loss," Mara Buxbaum said. "The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”

Williams' wife Susan Schneider said in a statement she is devastated and asked for privacy.

“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings," she said. "I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”

What's my fave Robin's movie? Thinking of what I liked most? So many. . . Robin starred in many of my favorite films ... Mrs Doubtfire, Hook, Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Flubber, Patch Adams, Popeye, What Dreams May Come, Good Morning Vietnam, Jumanji, Hook, Jack, The Final Cut, Peter Pan, Bicentenial Man, Insomia, Man of the Year ... the list goes on.

Here's one from Dead Poets Society movie:

Keating: "Seize the day. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may." Why does the writer use these lines?

Charlie: Because he's in a hurry.

Keating: No. Ding! Thank you for playing anyway. Because we are food for worms, lads. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die.

Reading his lines, jokes or one-liner quotes in his interviews, stand-up shows... I read http://www.reddit.com/user/RobinWilliams . . . There are many of them..I found some funny, serious, political, regarding sex, drugs, alcoholism.....

Here are some best lines I like. Thanks Robin Williams, I will remember these quotes from you.