Filipino-British Rachel Peters is Miss Universe Philippines 2017!

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Rachel Peters, a Filipino-British beauty was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2017 on Sunday's Bb. Pilipinas 2017 Grand Coronation Night held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City. 

Peters who grew up in Camarines Sur, beat 39 other hopeful beautiful ladies.

Hosting the event were Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj, and actor Xian Lim. Daniel Padilla made an appearance as a guest performer, serenading the contestants with Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” during the long gown competition.

The 2016 Binibining Pilipinas queens have passed their crowns on to their successors - Kylie Verzosa, Joanna Eden, Jennifer Hammond, Nichole Manalo and Nicole Cordoves .

The judges initially selected a 14 candidates for the final round, with a 15th picked through online voting. 

Here are the complete list of winners:

Miss Universe Philippines 2017: #19 Rachel Peters 

Bb. Pilipinas - International: #15 Mariel De Leon

Bb. Pilipinas - Supranational: #22 Chanel Olive Thomas

Bb. Pilipinas - Grand International: #39 Elizabeth Durado Clenci

Bb. Pilipinas - Intercontinental: #31 Katarina Rodriguez

Bb. Pilipinas - Globe 2017: #18 Nelda Ibe

1st Runner Up: #33 Charmaine Elima

2nd Runner up: #40 Kristel Guelos

Special Awards:

Binibining Friendship: Chanel Olive Thomas

The Face of Binibini: Rachel Peters

Binibining Talent: Dane Felisse Marasigan

National Costume: Chanel Olive Thomas

Manila Bulletin Reader's Choice: Christagale Borja

Jag Denim Queen: Rachel Peters

Best in Swimsuit: Rachel Peters

Best in Long Gown: Maria Angelica de Leon

Binibining Philippine Airlines: Katarina Sonja Rodriguez

Binibining Creamsilk: Maria Angelica de Leon

Top 15:

#39 Elizabeth Durado Clenci

#15 Mariel de Leon

#22 Chanel Olive Thomas

#31 Katarina Rodriguez

#10 Jehza Huelar

#13 Sirene Sutton

#40 Kristel Guelos

#18 Nelda Ibe

#32 Charmaine Elima

#20 Christagale Borja

#17 Camille Manalo

#34 Gabriela Ortega

#16 Larah Grace Lacap

#19 Rachel Peters

People's Choice: #28 Juliana Kapeundl

Top 25:

#2 Arienne Louise Calingo

#27 Beatrice Valente

#1 Dane Felisse Marasigan

#37 Sammie Anne Legaspi

#6 Maria Bejieleen Nama

#7 Jennyline Carla Malpaya

#9 Vanessa Saliba

#33 Kristi Rose Cequeña

#26 Ruffa Nava

#38 Ana Patricia Asturias

#39 Elizabeth Durado Clenci

#15 Mariel de Leon

#22 Chanel Olive Thomas

#31 Katarina Rodriguez

#10 Jehza Huelar

#13 Sirene Sutton

#40 Kristel Guelos

#18 Nelda Ibe

#32 Charmaine Elima

#20 Christagale Borja

#17 Camille Manalo

#34 Gabriela Ortega

#16 Larah Grace Lacap

#19 Rachel Peters

#28 Juliana Kapeundl

Technology alone can’t protect your business against cyber threats – ePLDT

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Due to the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), information is being collected at an unprecedented rate, with much of it being highly personal and confidential. It is because of this that cybersecurity is of much greater importance today.

ePLDT, an industry-leading provider of digital business solutions to enterprises in the Philippines, is warning local companies that employing data security software and hardware is not enough to combat cyber-threats. This is according to its newly appointed head of cybersecurity.

Angel Redoble

“Companies that focus on data security technology alone unfortunately do not understand cybersecurity,” said Angel Redoble, Chief Information Security Officer of ePLDT. 

“Because a single attack can affect every department of a company, cybersecurity therefore should be approached holistically by integrating it in every aspect, not just in technology. To do this, a company must first focus on having a strict protocol or process and must have the right people who are skilled to combat different kinds of threats. Once these are integrated with the appropriate technology, a company can achieve business resiliency.”

This crucial insight follows on the heels of Ernst & Young’s Global Information Security Survey of 2016 and 2017 which reveals that 64% of 1,735 firms surveyed, which includes Philippine companies, admitted that they have zero or mere informal threat intelligence programs. Moreover, 42% do not have an agreed communications strategy or plan in place in the event of a significant attack.

A security process or program provides the framework for keeping a company at a desired security level by assessing the risks, deciding how to mitigate them, and planning on how to keep programs and practices up to date. ePLDT notes that this is where most companies fail because they only treat cybersecurity as technology or software.

“The hundreds of thousands of vulnerabilities that are recorded every day plus the evolving hacking methods just goes to show that like a process, cybersecurity is a never-ending journey and should be evolved to mitigate & manage new threats,” said Redoble.

Data security skills on the other hand are also crucial since a skilled workforce can identify and therefore understand how to handle the vast majority of threats to data, like malware or hackers seeking confidential information.

Redoble recognizes that some institutions do not employ cybersecurity because of financial constraints but also notes that this should not stop them because the tradeoffs are more than beneficial for a company’s performance and existence. 

“Thanks to growing trends, not deploying cybersecurity is and will become more costly in the future. Companies who are serious about surviving must place it as a business imperative as a single attack can break any business.”

Fortunately due to the current trends and developments in cybersecurity, businesses can now achieve the process, technology, and skills to uphold security through inexpensive means. By administering an assessment of their current capabilities, a company can already set certain protocols while the lack of skills problem can be addressed by teaching the staff how to recognize an attack.

With regards to technology, Redoble notes that there are various data security measures that are being offered subscription-based. However, applying these three may leave a company’s in-house I.T. department drained and will lead them to focus on security rather than boosting productivity. As a solution, Redoble recommends to partner with an end-to-end data security provider.

As a leader in data security services in the country, ePLDT’s Cyber Security portfolio is a suite of services that cover devices, systems, processes, and expertise, designed to defend enterprises from multiple security risks, evolving threats, and malicious software attacks. The portfolio is further boosted by ePLDT’s vast infrastructure network due to its 9 state-of-the art data centers and is recognized internationally through its ISO 27001:2005 Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification.

To know more about ePLDT’s cybersecurity offerings, visit www.epldt.com/solutions/cyber-security/.

1st Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championships gets underway, April 29

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After throwing its support for Gilas Pilipinas and the country’s quest for regional basketball supremacy, poultry giant Chooks-to-Go is venturing into the grassroots level in search of budding chess experts.

On April 29, the first-ever Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championships in partnership with the Rotary Club of Nuvali, will be held at the Vista Mall in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The whole-day competition is expected to attract more than 1,000 chess players, coaches, trainers and chess enthusiasts.

Cash prizes, trophies and medals await winners in the Open (19 y/o and up), Junior (13 – 18 y/o), and Kiddie (12 y/o and below) categories.

“Our belief in developing the Filipino potential, especially in the field of sports, motivates us to continue supporting not only basketball but also chess tournaments which foster self-confidence and camaraderie among players,” said Ronald R. Mascariñas, Chooks-to-Go President and General Manager.

Organizers of the Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championships also hope to raise funds for the various social projects of the Rotary Club of Nuvali.

WWE and TV5 to televise SMACKDOWN LIVE!

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A new partnership of WWE and TV5 to broadcast WWE’s flagship program SmackDown® in the Philippines on TV5 beginning Sunday, April 30.

Announced during the media conference held at the Shangri-la The Forth this Thursday, April 27,  a new agreement of WWE and TV5 will televise a one-hour edition every week, Sundays,  at 3PM.

WWE raw fans will be able to follow their favorite WWE Superstars on SmackDown, including AJ Styles™, The New Day™, Randy Orton™, Charlotte Flair™, Shinsuke Nakamura™, Kevin Owens™ and Naomi™. In addition to the broadcast on TV5, SmackDown will be simulcast online at TV5.com.ph and Sports.tv5.com.ph.

“TV5 shares our vision and desire for engaging and entertaining fans in the Philippines,” said Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International. “This new partnership to televise SmackDown showcases the continuing global growth of WWE while creating a destination for WWE fans in the Philippines to enjoy our unique blend of action-packed, family fun entertainment.”

TV5 President Chot Reyes added: "In the industry of sports entertainment, WWE is second to none. It’s a proven, successful, model organization and an esteemed, iconic brand. We at TV5 are honored and excited to be the platform that delivers the WWE to the free TV audience."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vaj9JV1c1H0

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 20 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 180 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com andcorporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go tohttp://www.wwe.com/worldwide/ 

About TV5

As one of the main pillars of TV5, sports enjoys world-class coverage, programming, and delivery under TV5’s watch. At the same time, the network champions a decidedly different brand of entertainment that is influenced by and relevant to the current social milieu. 

TV5, by design, is a perfect synergy of sports and entertainment. 

For more information on TV5's sports programs, along with its entertainment, news, and gaming content, visit www.tv5.com.ph.

Joby Linsangan Moreno Is The Orange Lady

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Businesswoman Joby Linsangan-Moreno,, owner of the Orange Blush Salon with several branches in Luzon and Metro Manila, shared that the color orange represents happiness, positivity, and optimism. 

Dubbed as the "Orange Lady," Joby is likely to be seen more and more spreading good word about hair care and entrepreneurial success as she is signed as a talent under Asian Artists Agency Inc.

AAAI is developing personalities that go beyond the conventional definition of an artist. And Joby is one that can positively influence people through her success in business. And she inspires dreamers like her to attain their lofty goals.

"Running a business is not merely a way of earning money. It's about putting your heart and soul to something you are passionate about. It is your path to growing and glowing," shared Joby who finished a course in medical technology and is a licensed medical technologist. After graduation, she worked in a local hospital in her hometown Cabanatuan, before answering the calling of her heart.

Joby is the creator of the Orange Blush Salon chain, which started as a small parlor in Cabanatuan and has now 20 outlets spread out in Luzon. It is bound to take Metro Manila by storm after last year's opening of its state-of-the-art flagship branch in Quezon City that was put up as a haven for franchisees.

OBS is a premier stop for affordable haircut and hair rebond service, capturing the 18-40 market of young professionals, young mothers, or just about everyone attuned to the ever-trendy straight hair fashion. While Joby owns half of the existing OBS outlets to date, business players diversifying their opportunity approach tend to like it as good investment or avenue to earn more. More importantly, it is a result-oriented place warmly extending beauty care service to people.

Four years after the franchisee tandem of Atty. Sherwin Tuquero and wife Ciara Bernadette put up an OBS outlet-- the first branded salon to open up in the close-knit community of Victoria, Tarlac, the small town now happily enjoys the constant presence of hair and nail care professionals and the privilege of not having a bad hair day.

A new branch opening in Lipa, Batangas is likewise expected to get that emphatic effect among its townsfolk.

She shared, "We specialize in post-service treatment because it's one way to know if you're constantly doing a good job. If a customer comes back to make use of our warranty offer, which basically means an extra round of service free of charge, it's a chance to prove that for us, the bottomline is really to satisfy clients."

No doubt carrying the moniker "The Orange Lady” sounds cool to Joby, a devoted wife who married her first and only boyfriend in life and a caring mother of three who does mother duties first before giving back her focus on the business. Besides, it's her favorite color and the one thing that quickly differentiates it from other salons.

"The orange color makes me happy. It is not too aggressive like red or too relaxing like yellow. It imbues tranquility, energy, and youthfulness," she explained.

Good point. She related how she needed to hire young people to work for OBS during the start-up years, how she had to learn the art of hair cutting and coloring and attend seminars herself, and how being a businesswoman entails hard work way past the eight-hour regular job.

But she endured everything, from the birth pains of a then-unknown business name to her continuing quest to turn Orange Blush into a national brand. She has pretty much achieved it with peace in her heart, believing she is destined to do this and knowing that problems will always be solved, especially for people making solutions.

One of these solutions is her CSR project wherein she partners with TESDA in creating the Orange Institute of Fashion and the Arts. Here, scholars are guided to learning the technicalities of salon work and given certificates of competency that should give them the door key to working for OBS.

Joby stated, "We put up a training school for would-be salon professionals as our way of teaching kids how to fish. When you can deeply relate yourself to a business you want to go into, it gives you a sense of being. Back in the day I wanted to color my hair myself. I probably knew I wanted to be in the beauty care service business ever since I started combing my hair. After a while I decided I couldn't be in a medicine laboratory, I have to be in a salon!"

To be exact a salon that blushes and so orange, like her.

For more info, please visit fb.com/asianartistsagency and / or call (02) 885-4765 or (02) 405-4423.