September 16, 2015

JCI Manila: University of Leaders, Incubator of Movers

It was 1947, a mere two years after World War II, and Manila was still devastated – the second most destroyed city of the war. Its former glory was replaced by rubble, and reconstruction had barely begun.

Around the same time, a young man named Artemio L. Vergel De Dios was inspired by a feature in PIC Magazine on the US Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), which helped the government through the leadership of individuals. He took it upon himself to help rebuild the nation through the first and oldest leadership organization in Asia, the Junior Chamber International Manila. Formerly known as the Manila Jaycees, Vergel de Dios and Ramon V Del Rosario knew that was the only way to successfully restore Manila to its former glory was to get purposeful individuals focused on the same goal. Thus, on September 12, 1947, the first JCI Chapter in Asia was born.
Inauguration of the first JCI Manila Clubhouse. Distinguished JCI Manila alumni, Ambassador Ramon V. Del Rosario is seen sixth from the right.
Since then, JCI Manila has been fostering leaders who help strengthen the nation by addressing modern-day devastations like extreme poverty, natural disasters, unemployment, and malnourishment through a vision of providing development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

As the leading global network of young, active citizens in the country, JCI Manila has long been known as the early training grounds of notable alumni who have become movers and shakers not just in their respective fields, but within the country and around the world. Within its ranks rose such names as Mr. Washington Sycip, Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco, Ambassador Ramon V. Del Rosario, and Mr. Henry Sy. JCI Manila has become an incubator of leaders in the public and private sectors, immersing themselves in civic duties that help propel the country and its citizens forward.

Its enduring success has earned JCI Manila the moniker of ‘University of Leaders.’ Its curriculum is shaped by a challenge to its members to reach out to the community, effect lasting and positive change, and cooperate and collaborate with each other toward a common goal. These are men, who in the words of Mr. Sycip, “Are not only men of integrity, but have the ability to inspire other dedicated and bright people to work with him.”

Echoing this sentiment, JCI Manila president Steve Baltao says, “Leadership through service is the most enduring lesson of being part of JCI Manila. I have learned more about myself reflected in the people whose lives we affect with positive change than I could ever imagine. It is an honor to be among such outstanding individuals, and an even greater honor to be of service to the community.”

JCI Manila is currently accepting applicants for membership. For more information, visit http://bit.lyjcimanilagnmo, www.jcimanila.org, like JCI Manila on Facebook, and follow @JCIManilaPH on Twitter.

Quantico: New action thriller drama sets off a hunt within its own ranks


Quantico follows a group of hotshot FBI recruits: the gorgeous Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra), Brooklyn hipster Simon Asher (Tate Ellington), golden boy Caleb Haas (Graham Rogers), southern belle Shelby Wyatt (Johanna Braddy), hijab wearing Nimah Anwar (Yasmine Al Massri), and dashing Ryan Booth (Jake McLaughlin); as they battle their way through training at the Quantico base in Virginia.

Led by Special Agent Liam O'Connor (Dougray Scott), the series unfolds during their present training where stories intercut between their hidden pasts and fast forward to the near future, where one of the recruits turns out to be a sleeper terrorist responsible for the most devastating terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11.

The series will keep viewers’ eyes glued to the television with intriguing storylines of bravery, patriotism, moral challenges, personal struggles and treason. 

From the executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds, and written by Josh Safran (Smash, Gossip Girl); Quantico promises to be one of this season’s biggest action thriller dramas.

Quantico premieres on Sep 28, Monday at 9.45pm, within 12 hours of U.S. airing, first & exclusive on AXN.

AXN is seen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

Two More Filipino Acts Make It Through The First Round Auditions on The X Factor UK


Jenessa Gill, a 35-year old full-time mum from Manchester, and Neneth Lyons, 37-year old full-time mum from Chelmsford each got four yesses from the judges on The X Factor UK’s third week of auditions at Wembley Stadium in London. This follows the outstanding performance of 4th Power, the all-Filipino girl group on the first week of auditions.

Jenessa Gill, the “Catherine Zeta-Jones lookalike,” entertained the crowd with her enthusiastic rendition of Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie. She even climbed on to Simon’s lap and gave him a kiss. She performed barefoot and gyrated seductively prompting host Olly Murs to kiddingly comment “It’s a family show!” The judges were not crazy about the singing but the crowd loved her and cheered her on; Rita Ora had actually nothing to say. Cheryl Fernandez-Versini said that she wanted to see Jenessa again.

Neneth Lyons, who used to perform in a hotel when she lived in Hong Kong, had all judges on their feet after she gave an emotional performance of Barbra Streisand’s Somewhere. Asked by Simon why she had chosen the song, she said that her father thought it sounded good. Clearly nervous as she walked onto the stage, Neneth pulled through with power during the song’s most demanding parts and was in tears when she finished her audition. Judge Nick Grimshaw said he was initially drawn by her nerves but then saw that she came alive during the performance and that she seemed like a different person. Cheryl Fernandez-Versini called her performance “spellbinding” and “stunning.” Simon Cowell said that Neneth was a brilliant singer.

Both Jenessa Gill and Neneth Lyons move forward to the Bootcamp round of the competition.

The X Factor UK airs first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment HD as live via satellite on Sundays and Mondays at 10:30am with a primetime encore at 9:00pm. 

The weekly episodes repeat on Thursdays at 9:00pm and on Saturdays at 10:00am and 4:40pm.

RTL CBS Entertainment HD is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), Destiny Cable channel 53, Dream Satellite channel 17 and Cable link channels 37(SD), 313 and 800 (HD).

September 15, 2015

Why Mirrorless is the Future of Photography: Be Part Of The Revolution FUJIFILM X Series Leads

Why you should switch to mirrorless cameras, be part of the revolution.  With well known professional photographers spark the Mirrorless Revolution as they convened at the Glasshouse Bar of the New World Hotel in Makati yesterday, September 14, 2015.


FUJIFILM X Series leads the revolution in photography. Any photography expert and enthusiast will tell you that the best camera is the one you have with you. In this age when we’re constantly trying to unburden ourselves, bringing around a big and bulky DSLR is no longer practical and simply does not suit our daily lifestyle. But imagine shrinking a DSLR while retaining, even improving its most viable features—high resolution, color accuracy, and advanced auto-focus technology: That is exactly what you’ll get with a Mirrorless camera.

More compact, capable, and user-friendly, Mirrorless cameras are the future of photography and can out-perform DSLRs in form and function. A Mirrorless camera does not have the mirror-reflex found inside DSLRs, which reflects light into the viewfinder—and in turn makes DSLRs bulky. By removing this mirror, light travels directly into the camera’s sensor, allowing for a lighter and quieter camera, while still giving users the option of changing and choosing from a variety of lenses. It gives great image quality that can rival that of full-sized DSLRs—but without the back strain.



What’s a good Mirrorless camera to switch to?

A lot of us used to bring DSLRs to reunions, vacations, and even concerts, enduring the weight for the desire to take professional-looking photos of life’s milestones. But the camera world and even the most pro-DSLR skeptics are already switching to FUJIFILM X Series Mirrorless Cameras. And we non-photography folk must follow suit.

The X Series was built with functionality and portability in mind, easy to carry around anywhere, especially when sight-seeing and going on an adventure. Those controls that let photographers create the best shots (shutter speed, exposure, ISO, and all that jazz)? They’re placed in such a way that’s much easier for us regular users to find them, in simple, back-to-basic dial operations. No more puzzling over complicated menus found on other models.

FUJIFILM X Series also boasts of producing the best image quality with less graininess, thanks to the X-Trans CMOS sensor that produces accurate and natural colors, even skin tones. No need to worry about making your subjects look yellow, blue, red, green, or purple. And speaking of colors, if you’re more into artsy photo finishes, FUJIFILM’s X Series still allows you to utilize them for creating moods with six different color Film Simulation modes, culled from FUJIFILM’s 80-year history of photographic film manufacturing.

The X Series also offers 18 high quality premium lenses packed with superior technology, such as the Nano-GI coating for sharper images and the world’s most advanced Optical Image Stabilization technology that helps detect and correct low frequency camera-shake elements, rendering beautifully clear pictures. Like the X Series cameras, FUJINON lenses are compact and lightweight, and hold with them 80 years of lens development history.

Why you must make the switch and go Mirrorless

Mirrorless is touted to outpace old technology and render it outmoded, so now’s the time to invest in better quality captured memories sans the burden of heavy equipment. But besides the weight and size advantage, there’s just so much more to Mirrorless technology that makes it irresistible to photography enthusiasts and regular camera users. 

1. It’s so quiet and discreet

A loud shutter can ruin the perfect moment; all it takes is one loud “thwack” to alarm your subject, which typically happens when the mirror inside the DSRL swings up. With an X Series Mirrorless camera, you can shoot candid and intimate photos of your baby, pet, friends, object of affection, or even your favorite celebrities without being noticed!

2. It reduces the camera shake caused by the mirror in DSLRs

Not only does removing the mirror get rid of the noise from the flipping motion, it also minimizes the vibrations that cause blurred images—yes, it’s not always you. Photos are therefore sharper, crisper, and uncompromised with the X Series.

3. More accurate focusing

DSLRs tend to miss the focus on subjects because of the separate autofocus sensor. With the Mirrorless camera’s sensor-embedded focus pixels, autofocus becomes more accurate, reliable, and fast. 

4. What you see is what you get

The Electronic View Finder (EVF) of Mirrorless cameras provides better control than the Optical View Finder (OVF) in DSLR, which only shows the image after you click. With the EVF, you get a live preview of what you’re about to capture, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments before pressing the shutter button—less failed shots!

Bianca Araneta-Elizalde 

Finding the Mirrorless camera that’s perfect for you 


1. For the social media maven: FUJIFILM X-A2 

If you like documenting everything around and about you, from selfies of your makeup look of the day and family get-togethers to mouth-watering food photos and scenic locations, this stylish camera is for you. Be it self-portraits, landscapes, macro shots, low-light, or flash photography, the FUJIFILM X-A2 allows you to document important moments perfectly with superb image quality.

It’s the first X Series model to feature an LCD screen that flips up 175 degrees, making it easier to take a selfie, with a wide-angle kit lens that allows you to include your surroundings. Its eye detection AF automatically focuses on the eyes, while the Portrait Enhancer mode makes skin look brighter and smoother. And when you’re ready to share your photos, you can easily highlight up to 30 images in your camera and wirelessly transfer them to your smartphone to post immediately! This camera is great for parents who love to take photos of kids and upload them on Facebook, as well as femme fatales who work hard during weekdays and party harder on weekends.


2. For the globe-trotting shutterbug: FUJIFILM X-T10

The FUJIFILM X-T10 turns any trip, whether in everyday life or another part of the world, into the ultimate photo opportunity. With its new autofocus system, it has modes for high speed and precision, as well as for capturing moving subjects. This is actually great for parents who want to document memories of their kids—from sleep to play—as well as for pet owners.

It also has evolved Film Simulation settings, allowing you to instantly capture brilliant images of your picture-perfect vacation without the need for lengthy photo editing. You can get the most from the FUJIFILM X-T10 with the wide selection of FUJINON interchangeable lenses. 


3. For the adventure-seeker: FUJIFILM X-T1

Individuals who take their photography as seriously as their adrenaline fix deserve the X Series camera that boasts the world's highest viewfinder magnification ratio of 0.77x and fastest display with a lag-time of just 0.005 sec., packaged in a compact, weather-resistant statement-making black or graphite silver body. The weather-resistant structure is sealed in approximately 80 places and is both dust and water resistant, and can cope in temperatures as low as -10°C. Ready for every scene and purpose, FUJIFILM X-T1 also has the complete lineup of accessories.

FUJIFILM X-T1's Real Time Viewfinder allows you to immediately see any changes to your composition, keeping you in touch with your subject. Its newly designed Graphic User Interface provides a fresh shooting experience with clear details and a comfortable at-a-glance view of your settings. It’s ideal for composing expansive landscapes, as well as sports and action photography.


4. For every group’s designated documenter: FUJIFILM X-E2

There’s always one person in the family, at work, or among a group of friends who’s the designated photographer and videographer during trips, gatherings, and pretty much every photo opportunity there is. If that person is you, this camera is the essential companion. 

The X-E2 is equipped with all the fancy functions you want in a high-performing camera, like an enhanced Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) that includes the world's fastest display lag-time of 0.005 sec. and firmware upgrades that will shorten the display lag for FUJIFILM X-E2's EVF to less than 1/10 that of the current firmware to the world's fastest, invented as Real Time Viewfinder in FUJIFILM X-T1. It also boasts the world's fastest auto focus speed of 0.08 sec., achieved by FUJIFILM’s evolved AF system that tracks the subject with precision even in high-speed continuous shooting, ideal for photographing children, pets, and other subjects that seem to be constantly on the go.

It also comes with the ultimate sensor, X-Trans CMOS II, that delivers unprecedented resolution, unmatched color reproduction, and even higher definition image capture, paired with advanced Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) for images with incredible sharpness. You can capture everything, from panorama shots in stunning large-size prints to time-lapse photography, as well as HD Movies with the combination of FUJIFILM X-E2's large sensor and bright XF/XC lenses.

The design of the FUJIFILM X-E2, which comes in a classic silver or discreet black body, allows you to catch those "perfect moments” with a dial operation that makes the camera an extension of your vision, allowing you to change settings instinctively without looking up from the viewfinder. It’s fixed with an internal Super Intelligent Flash that automatically gives the ideal amount of flash for every scene, even under strong backlit or dark conditions, and prevents washout of the subject and background. Capping off a list of features that are every lensman’s dream, it also features the original "one touch" wireless transfer that lets you share high image quality on the spot to your smartphone or PC with its built-in Wi-Fi, as well as straight to your social media accounts or even to a friend.


Who has made the switch?

With more photographers switching to FUJIFILM X Series Mirrorless Cameras, it’s about time we regular shutterbugs follow the experts’ lead. Popular street photographer Xyza Dela Cruz Bacani recently joined the roster of X-Photographers, which also includes street and travel photographer Rommel Bundalian, fashion photographer Niko Villegas, commercial shooter Jan Gonzales, wedding photography maestro Lito Sy, and landscape photographer Randall Cipriano.

It is truly an exciting time to be a photographer, whether amateur or professional, especially with FUJIFILM X Series Mirrorless Cameras making great quality images more achievable than ever before.

Photos: 

September 14, 2015

What Brands are Filipinos Buying Online?

Brands have become an essential consideration in making purchase decisions. 

Lazada- the Philippines’ One-Stop Shopping and Selling Destination is no stranger in understanding consumer behavior towards brands specifically in the online retail space. In a study conducted by Lazada on which brands Filipinos buy online, Penshoppe, ASUS, and Cherry Mobile showed strong affinity with online shoppers evidenced by local Google search results as well as search and sales within the Lazada website and mobile app. Camera brand Canon and power tool brand Bosch remains to be popular among consumers aged 55 and above. The rest of the findings are illustrated in the infograph as below.


Lazada through its Marketplace Platform, works in partnership with the biggest local and international brands to provide Filipinos with a large assortment of products across electronics and lifestyle categories. "The number of consumers looking to buy beauty products online is increasing, so partnering with Lazada seemed to be the best way to expand into the online shopping space,” says Khristine Santos, Customer Development Manager of Belo Essentials. “We regard Lazada as the most trusted e-commerce company in the Philippines and as a consumer brand, consumer trust is very important for us to grow. It allows us to easily track results and we are able to develop a better understanding of our online market,” Santos of Belo Essentials added. 

Mr. William Go, Country Sales Director of Bosch, Inc., the global brand specializing on power tools and home improvement equipment regards Lazada as “the biggest e-commerce and now one of the fastest growing distribution channels of Bosch Power Tools. With its [Lazada’s] wide range of customer reach, attractive promotions, product assortment and availability, it has managed to cater effectively and successfully to the needs and wants of customers all over the country. It is now one of the most trusted online dealers carrying the number one power tool brand globally in Bosch power tools.”

This September 15-17, Lazada, together with its brand partners, is staging its first Brands and Sellers’ Showroom (www.lazada.com.ph/brands-and-sellers-showroom) - offering exclusive discounts of as much as 80% on select bestselling items across all categories- both available on desktop and in the Lazada Mobile App.


The Brand and Sellers’ Showroom aims to showcase Lazada’s most-loved brands at their best prices. Participating also in the Brand and Sellers’ Showroom is Alcatel where the Alcatel Flash Plus will be holding its last sale of the Alcatel Flash Plus at PhP 6490.

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