Microsoft and Frost & Sullivan Study reveals that:

A Frost & Sullivan study commissioned by Microsoft revealed that the potential economic loss in the Philippines due to cybersecurity incidents can hit a staggering US$3.5 billion. This is 1.1 percent of the Philippines’ total GDP of US$305 billion.

The study, titled “Understanding the Cybersecurity Threat Landscape in Asia Pacific: Securing the Modern Enterprise in a Digital World”, aims to provide business and IT decision makers with insights on the economic cost of cybersecurity breaches in the region and identify the gaps in organizations’ cybersecurity strategies. The study involved a survey of 1,300 business and IT decision makers ranging from mid-sized organizations (250 to 499 employees) to large-sized organizations (>than 500 employees).  

The study reveals that more than half of the organizations surveyed in the Philippines have either experienced a cybersecurity incident (18%) or are not sure if they had one as they have not performed proper forensics or data breach assessment (34%). 

“As companies embrace the opportunities presented by cloud and mobile computing to connect with customers and optimize operations, they take on new risks,” said Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director, Microsoft Philippines. “With traditional IT boundaries disappearing the adversaries now have many new targets to attack. Companies face the risk of significant financial loss, damage to customer satisfaction and market reputation — as has been made all too clear by recent high-profile breaches.”

The True Cost of Cybersecurity Incidents – Economic, Opportunity and Job Losses 

The study revealed that:

A large-sized organization in the Philippines can possibly incur an economic loss of US$7.5 million, more than 200 times higher than the average economic loss for a mid-sized organization (US$35,000); and

Cybersecurity attacks have resulted in job losses across different functions in seven in ten (72%) organizations that have experienced an incident over the last 12 months. 

To calculate the cost of cybercrime, Frost & Sullivan has created an economic loss model based on macro-economic data and insights shared by the survey respondents. This model factors in three kinds of losses which could be incurred due to a cybersecurity breach:

“Although the direct losses from cybersecurity breaches are most visible, they are but just the tip of the iceberg,” said Edison Yu, Vice President and Asia Pacific Head of Enterprise for Frost & Sullivan. “There are many other hidden losses that we have to consider from both the indirect and induced perspectives, and the economic loss for organizations suffering from cybersecurity attacks can be often underestimated.”

In addition to financial losses, cybersecurity incidents are also undermining the Philippines organizations’ ability to capture future opportunities in today’s digital economy, with more than half (57%) respondents stating that their enterprise has put off digital transformation efforts due to the fear of cyber-risks. 

Key Cyberthreats and Gaps in the Philippines Organizations’ Cybersecurity Strategies.

Although high-profile cyberattacks, such as ransomware, have been garnering a lot of attention from enterprises, the study found that for organizations in the Philippines that have encountered cybersecurity incidents, data exfiltration and data corruption are the biggest concern as they have the highest impact with the slowest recovery time. 

Besides external threats, the research also revealed key gaps in organizations’ cybersecurity approach to protect their digital estate: 

  

“The ever-changing threat environment is challenging, but there are ways to be more effective using the right blend of modern technology, strategy, and expertise,” added Hans. “Microsoft is empowering businesses in the Philippines to take advantage of digital transformation by enabling them to embrace the technology that’s available to them, securely through its secure platform of products and services, combined with unique intelligence and broad industry partnerships.” 

Artifical Intelligence (AI) is the Next Frontier in Cybersecurity Defense

In a digital world where cyberthreats are constantly evolving and attack surface is rapidly expanding, AI is becoming a potent opponent against cyberattacks as it can detect and act on threat vectors based on data insights. The study reveals that more than almost four in five (79%) organizations in the Philippines have either adopted or are looking to adopt an AI approach towards boosting cybersecurity. 

AI’s ability to rapidly analyze and respond to unprecedented quantities of data is becoming indispensable in a world where cyberattacks’ frequency, scale and sophistication continue to increase. 

An AI-driven cybersecurity architecture will be more intelligent and be equipped with predictive abilities to allow organizations to fix or strengthen their security posture before problems emerge. It will also grant companies with the capabilities to accomplish tasks, such as identifying cyberattacks, removal of persistent threats and fixing bugs, faster than any human could, making it an increasingly vital element of any organizations’ cybersecurity strategy. 

Recommendations for securing the modern enterprise in a digital world

AI is but one of the many aspects that organizations need to incorporate or adhere to in order to maintain a robust cybersecurity posture. For a cybersecurity practice to be successful, organizations need to consider People, Process and Technology, and how each of these contributes to the overall security posture of the organization.

To help organizations better withstand and respond to cyberattacks and malware infections, here are five best practices that they can consider in improving their defense against cybersecurity threats: 

Position cybersecurity as a digital transformation enabler: Disconnect between cybersecurity practices and digital transformation effort creates a lot of frustration for the employees. Cybersecurity is a requirement for digital transformation to guide and keep the company safe through its journey. Conversely, digital transformation presents an opportunity for cybersecurity practices to abandon aging practices to embrace new methods of addressing today’s risks;

Continue to invest in strengthening your security fundamentals: Over 90% of cyber incidents can be averted by maintaining the most basic best practices.  Maintaining strong passwords, conditional use of multi-factor authentication against suspicious authentications, keeping device operating systems, software and anti-malware protection up-to-date and genuine can rapidly raise the bar against cyberattacks. This should include not just tool-sets but also training and policies to support a stronger fundamental;

Maximize skills and tools by leveraging integrated best-of-suite tools. The best tools are useless in the hands of the amateur. Reduce the number of tools and the complexity of your security operations to allow your operators to hone their proficiency with the available tools. Prioritizing best-of-suite tools is a great way to maximize your risk coverage without the risk of introducing too many tools and complexity to the environment. This is especially true if tools within the suite are well-integrated to take advantage of their counterparts; 

Assessment, review and continuous compliance: The organization should be in a continuous state of compliance. Assessments and reviews should be conducted regularly to test for potential gaps that may occur as the organization is rapidly transforming and address these gaps. The board should keep tab on not just compliance to industry regulations but also how the organization is progressing against security best practices; and 

Leverage AI and automation to increase capabilities and capacity: With security capabilities in short supply, organizations need to look to automation and AI to improve the capabilities and capacity of their security operations. Current advancements in AI has shown a lot of promise, not just in raising detections that would otherwise be missed but also in reasoning over how the various data signals should be interpreted with recommended actions. Such systems have seen great success in cloud implementations where huge volumes of data can be processed rapidly. Ultimately, leveraging automation and AI can free up cybersecurity talents to focus on higher-level activities.

For more information on the study, please visit: 

https://news.microsoft.com/apac/features/cybersecurity-in-asia/  ‎

To better understand the cyberthreats happening globally and in Asia Pacific, please download the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report Volume 23 here: https://info.microsoft.com/ww-landing-Security-Intelligence-Report-Vol-23-Landing-Page-eBook.html 05/30/2018 (The Lifestyle Portal) 

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The competition in the mobile industry can be very stiff with new technology coming out one right after the next. But global smartphone brand Vivo has outplayed its competitors with innovations that made a mark in the mobile industry. 

1. Over 20-MP front cameras  

The world has been obsessed with taking selfies to document one’s everyday life or the most cherished moments. But for years, not all smartphone brands took a special interest in developing their front cameras. Vivo, working hard to understand its patrons, revolutionized the selfie game when it came out with a 20-megapixel dual front camera in V5 Plus. It is the first smartphone brand to do so, and now others are trying hard to catch up.

It was then followed up by the whopping 24-MP front camera in V7, V7+, and the V9, proving that Vivo never stops pushing the limits in perfecting the features that matter most to its patrons. In fact, Vivo V7+ was hailed as the best selfie phone in 2017 by many tech blogs and sites. 

2. Bezel-less screens 

Aside from its selfie-centric developments, Vivo is also a leader in enhancing every patron’s screen display experience. 

Vivo at the Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona, Spain last February revealed a concept phone called the APEX™ FullView™. It features a typical 5.99-inch screen, but its screen-to-body ratio nearly reaches 100%. This proves that Vivo is committed to producing a genuine bezel-less smartphone in the market. 

In fact, its newest flagship smartphone, the V9, is getting closer to Vivo’sultimate goal—it boasts of a 90% screen-to-body ratio with its 6.3-inch FullView™ Display. 

3. In-display fingerprint scanner   

These innovative developments may be enough for some but Vivo does not want to be the second best. It is also a pioneer in developing ultramodern yet convenient unlocking methods. Vivo has recently revealed that it has advanced the fingerprint scanning method by making the technology available on a screen. It debuted the first ready-to-produce in-display fingerprint scanning solution at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018 in Las Vegas last January.

Vivo is also the first ever smartphone brand that dedicated a Hi-Fi quality audio chip in its models, making it the first brand that gave proper attention to its handsets’ sound quality. 

This is quite a lot of achievements for Vivo, especially in an industry that is unforgiving to those slow to innovate. In fact, these developments Vivo introduced have earned the smartphone brand a spot among the trailblazers. And, it seems like the global smartphone company will not slow down on its pursuit of perfection anytime soon. (The Lifestyle Portal) 

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In recent years, the human resource function in organizationshas undergone many changes, from the recruitment processes to employee retention efforts and performance management systems.

Most management teams have started to use technology for human resource acquisition and retention with chatbots, AI and machine learning making it easier for both the job applicant and employer to find the right match as cited by Jake Go, CEO and co-founder of pioneering recruitment firm Springboard Philippines. 

Bucking the Trend in Digitization

Recruitment’s screening process alone has significantly improved through technological advances such as automated systems that are starting to imitate Google’s way of tailor fitting ads using a person’s user data to learn that person’s interests and needs. Most also use systems that narrow job candidates by using specific keyword searches that allow HR managers to scan resumes in a matter of seconds. Some of these tools include Entelo and TalentBin, which both use artificial intelligence to search for and pick the best fit among the candidates online. Job portals like Jobstreet, Kalibrr, and Bestjobs now provide job seekers and companies a more convenient way of interacting through digital platforms.

The advent of social media has also provided some companies a new way of screening their applicants and vice versa. According to a survey by CareerBuilder in 2017, 70% of employers screen their candidates through social media before anything else. As of 2017, LinkedIn already has 500 million users while Facebook has 2.2 billion users. With the Philippines being the world’s “social media capital of the world,” spending an average of 4 hours online according to a survey by Hootsuite this year, a company’s online presence and branding is important to attract the right applicants.

Yet even though technology has been beneficial to the recruitment process, Jake Go says, “These online job platforms are useful in the recruitment process;Springboard adds value to them by incorporating the human component.” He and his business partner Tristan Ong, COO of Springboard Philippines believe that human connection should not be lost despite the digitization of recruitmentbut instead evolve with it.  They believe that this is what makes Springboard successful as they provide value to the people and society.

The Springboard Difference

In their recruitment process, Springboard Philippines have Human Resource Executives who conduct psychometric exams to determine level of commitment,intelligence, and cognitive ability, along with their long term suitability for the job role. This recruitment process leads to a 30-50% employment hit rate, a number of loyal clients since their first year, and a fast applicant replacement turnaround rate.

As a company, their mission is to bridge the gap between the employer and job seeker, to be the Launchpad for careers and growth in companies. Staying true to their value for human connection, they organized Wake Up Manila, a job convention with the purpose of strategically matching the right job candidates and companies.

Extending the Springboard Mission: Wake Up Manila

Happening this July 6-7 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Wake Up Manila will allow companies to “find the one” through engaging and fun interactions with job seekers to bring back that human connection amidst this digital world we live in.

Companies who decide to join Wake Up Manila are encouraged to be more engaging with the applicants and in turn, Springboard promises to be more hands-on in terms of delivering the right people to Wake Up Manila exhibitors. 

“What we promise you are quality candidates that are going to come in. We guarantee you that around 70% of the candidates who will come in are going to be interested in getting a job,”Go shared.

This comes from their insight that most candidates, especially in mall job fairs, simply come in to try their luck – they give out their resumes and leave. 

"Springboard will train and coach the candidates to provide the exhibitors quality attendees in the event," explained Jake.  The company also wants exhibitors to see Wake Up Manila as an opportunity to market their brand and company, allowing them to get even better returns in terms of their hiring needs. 

“We promise that you will be able to build your dream team, to find the right people through us,” Go said.

For companies in search of new employees, Springboard is inviting them to join this exciting job fair that gives them the chance to get closer to the people that will help their company grow even further.

For inquiries about Wake Up Manila Job Convention, email jake@springboardph.com or tristan@springboardph.com. (The Lifestyle Portal) 

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Calling red as a head-turner is an understatement. No color has the same impact as red. Red represents a myriad of emotions and occasions from both ends of the spectrum.But global smartphone brand Vivo owns the color by highlighting its elegance that transcends trends.

Vivo has released its flagship smartphone, the V9, in Velvet Red. 

The Vivo V9 in Velvet Red has the same power as its previously released Pearl Black and Gold colors. It has a 24-megapixel AI selfie camera, 16MP+5MP dual rear camera, and a 6.3-inch FullView™ Display with a 90 percent screen-to-body ratio—only in a more eye-catching finish. 

With its standout color, the Vivo V9 in Velvet Red is as good as any glitzy fashion accessory. Pair it up with a monochromatic outfit, the smartphone can add a pop of color to your look. It will also go best with your outfits in green, blue, yellow, orange, and earthy hues. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can wear any color you wish with your Velvet Red in hand. 

Vivo Philippines Vice President for Sales Hazel Bascon explained that the Velvet Red represents the youthful vibe of the global smartphone brand. 

“Red is for the bold, for the adventurous, for the youthful, for the fashion-forward, for the energetic. Our ardent users are mostly young, hip, and spirited and the Vivo V9 in Velvet Red is a fitting nod to them,” she said. 

The Vivo V9 Velvet Red is also retailed at Php17,990 at authorized shops nationwide. (The Lifestyle Portal) 

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Expert dentists of the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), one of the best dental clinics in Southeast Asia, participated in the prestigious 2018 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) in Los Angeles, California.

World-renowned international speakers, specialists, leading general practitioners, lab technicians and dental hygienists attended the conference, sharing knowledge and latest information in the expanding field of osseointegration.

Each year, GAOC makes sure that their dentists undergo extensive training here and abroad, to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in the field of dentistry.

GAOC, founded by CEO Dr. Steve Mark Gan, continuously strives to raise the standards of the dental practice in the Philippines. It cultivates a culture of excellence where patients are considered valued partners, and offers an extensive range of first class services from oral surgery and periodontics, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics and general dentistry to cosmetic and laser dentistry.

For Dr. Gan, an active member of the American Society of Osseointegration and the American College of Oral Implantology; former chair and member of the Board of Dentistry, Philippine Regulation Commission, and a recognized trailblazer in dental implant surgery in the Philippines, participation in the AO annual meeting is part of GAOCs commitment to continuous learning by keeping abreast of the latest global trends and technologies to raise the standards in local dental practice.

At GAOC, we believe that the best way to enhance our dental services is by participating in international conferences such as the AO annual meeting, says Dr. Gan. By keeping up to date with current trends and international best practices and through interactions with colleagues from around the world, we aim to bring Philippine dentistry to world-class standards.

GAOC has ten state-of-the-art clinics to date, run by a team of dental specialists and equipped with the most advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities available.

For more information and appointment, visit www.gaocdental.com, follow and like GAOC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @gaocdental.com. 05/24/2018 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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With the worlds growing concern on energy conservation, the demand for green buildings is rapidly expanding. Thus, businesses today have started to embrace more eco-friendly practices, as they realize the positive benefits these can bring to their operation.

Accordingly, Parkway Corporate Center is fitted with expansive double-glazed glass curtain walls with a low-e coating that lowers heat and UV radiation. It is masterfully designed with breakout spaceslike the podium deck on the 7th floor, a pocket garden on the ground floor as well as balconies on every floorallowing tenants and employees to enjoy Filinvest Citys verdant surroundings.

Filinvest City is a thriving, fully-integrated and self-contained 244-hectare metropolis that harmonizes modern conveniences with naturea genuine work-live-play environment that is fast reinforcing its stature as the ultimate green citysustainable, pedestrian friendly, and eco-centric. 

With all these advantages and more, companies looking to locate in a green office development should look no further than Parkway Corporate Centerthe smart, eco-oriented corporate address in the south.

For more information, call 8096517 or visit www.parkwaycorporate.com.  (The Lifestyle Portal)

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Looking to meet new people but don’t like the pressure and predictability of the party scene? There are few better ways to get a bunch of strangers together than a good old-fashioned barbecue. 

Up the ante and require that every friend that you invite to bring someone new (and preferably single) along with a potluck dish. Your job, then, as host, is simply to provide the venue, the food, and the booze. Pour some Jameson Irish Whiskey over ice and top up with ginger ale. Stir to mix. Take a large wedge of lime, squeeze and drop it into the glass. Now sit back and watch the sparks fly!

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Are you ready to take your business and finances to the next level?  

Today, the saying “Innovate or Die!” is becoming more and more relevant to the business world as the Internet continues to disrupt old business models and traditional ways of making money.  

Just look at what happened to long established brands such as Toys R Us, Kodak, Nokia, etc.  It’s common today to hear a lot of companies who couldn’t keep up with the latest digital trends suddenly declaring bankruptcy or have slowed down.  

This ongoing struggle of businesses both large and small scale has inspired business education company John Calub Training International to partner with Token News Hong Kong to conduct the first ever DEBC 2018, which stands for Digital marketing, E-commerce and Blockchain Congress 2018, happening this May 26, 2018 (Saturday) at the grand ballroom of the Luxent Hotel in Timog Avenue, Quezon City from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.   

Token News Hong Kong and John Calub Training International have assembled high caliber speakers and experts who will take the stage to open the minds of Pinoys on how they can re-engineer their businesses to match the latest technological trends as well as update them on the newest ways and fastest ways of making big money using only the Internet without leaving their homes. Here are some of the topics covered: 

How to grow your profits through digital marketing (blogging, viral videos, search engine optimization, social media ads) - presented by Carl Ocab, who was recently featured in th cover of Forbes' Magazine as one of the Internet Millennial Millionaires (“30 Under 30” Cover Story)

How to ride the e-commerce boom and expand your business globally – presented by John Calub, Philippines' No. 1 Success Coach and CEO of Success Mall

Introduction to Blockchain and Smart Contracts - presented by Michael Brucal, CEO of ZendCreative

How to earn millions through cryptocurrency trading without leaving your home presented by Ariel Wanag, President of CryptoMaster Traders, Incorporated

How to start your own cryptocurrency mining business – presented by Akili Polee - CEO Of Pinnacle Mining (United States of America)

The future of tokens and e-commerce - Token News Hong Kong and Riku Onuma - COO of Kings Coin (Hong Kong).

The highlight of this educational program is the presentation of King’s Coin, a new cryptocurrency that boasts a transaction speed that parallels that of VISA.  

Most cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum take a lot of processing time.  But through this new technological revolution, according to the Chief Operating Officer of King’s Coin Riku Onuma, secure, trustworthy e-commerce transactions through blockchain technology can now be experienced by businesses around the globe. 

Who should attend?  Business owners/entrepreneurs, working executives, sales and marketing people and all those interested to experience digital transformation in their businesses and those who want to gain financial freedom are all welcome to take part in this whole-day series of learning sessions.

As an exciting bonus, the first 250 participants who arrive and register at the venue on May 26 will receive a free bitcoin!  Special prizes from the workshop games shall also be given away such as a 32-inch LCD flatscreen tv, a brand new mobile phone, and others.

Tickets for5 this event are available for only P750 (General Seating) and P1,500 (VIP Seating with lunch) at all SM Tickets outlets (https://smtickets.com/events/view/6754#)

For inquiries, you may contact John Calub Training, Internatonal office at (02) 877-9479 or txt KC Lutao 09151098357.  

For updates LIKE facebook fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/JohnCalubTraining/

See you there! 05/19/2018 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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Property development firm DoubleDragon Properties expects to raise its profile in the industry with Hotel 101-Fort that will increase its total prime leasable space to 1.2 million square meters by 2020.

DoubleDragon chief investment officer Hannah Yulo says the company’s latest development, to be managed by hospitality subsidiary, Hotel of Asia, Inc., occupies a 1,224-square-meter lot and has 28 floors of hotel rooms. The hotel will have a total of 609 rooms, all offering utmost privacy and security. The property’s five basements have 179 parking slots.

A three-level podium offers commercial areas on the ground and second floors for specialty retail shops and restaurants. On the third floor are well-designed amenities that offer convenience and comfort, such as the gym and pool.

Each room is carefully crafted and planned for efficiency, including maximized ceiling heights, well-distributed light courts, large low-E double glazed windows, hallway clearances and natural ventilation.

The property also incorporates barrier-free designs for ramps, handrails and toilets, making it easily accessible for people with disabilities (PWD).

DoubleDragon intends to increase its total number of hotel rooms to 5,000 by 2020, under the brands Hotel 101 and Jinjiang Inn.

Another DoubleDragon’s target for 2020 is CentralHub Industrial Centers, Inc., an industrial leasing subsidiary offering standardized multi-use warehouses for commissaries, logistics, and cold storage facilities. Through CentralHub, the company is targeting to offer initially 100,000 square meters of industrial space for lease by 2020, with 30,000 square meters to be located in Tarlac and the rest spread out to other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

For its network of nationwide community malls under the CityMall brand, DoubleDragon expects to build 100 malls in provincial areas with close to 700,000 square meters of leasable space.

DoubleDragon’s Metro Manila office leasing portfolio includes the DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area, the first phase of which is now complete, and the 41-storey Jollibee Tower in Ortigas, set for completion by end of 2018.

For more information, visit www.doubledragon.com.ph. (The Lifestyle Portal)

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Make mom feel truly loved and extra special this Mother’s Month with a tight embrace, a shower of kisses and a box of of Villa Del Conte deliciously sweet chocolates. 

Specially crafted with a colorful “I ♥ Mom” sleeve, the gift box contains two 100g-bar dark chocolates, with crunchy toffee and sea salt; 150g assorted pralines; and 150g almond covered in extra dark chocolate. 

Show mom how much she is loved with the Mother’s Day gift box from Villa Del Conte, which has stores in Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, SM Megamall, and Robinsons Magnolia. 

For bulk orders and to know more about Villa Del Conte’s indulgent creations, contact 893-2575, visit www.villadelcontecioccolato.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @VillaDelContePh and on Twitter: @villadelconte. (The Lifestyle Portal)

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This summer, countless wide-eyed fans came for an experience of a lifetime with their favorite artists at the Mall of Asia Arena. The venue had one of its most jam-packed weeks of the year with back-to-back sold-out shows from some of the world’s biggest acts. 

On April 28, passionate K-pop fans of EXO filled-up the Arena during the Elyxion concert, the 4th installment of the superstar group’s world tour. The multi-awarded K-pop band held a show complete with laser beams, a stylish bar, and light effects that matched their songs perfectly. With fans like EXO-Ls, the show took a mesmerizing turn as the audience made an ocean of silver with their light sticks moving to the beats of the band. 

After his last concert with One Direction in 2015, May 1 saw the return of Harry Styles to the Philippines with his first solo tour. Harry did not disappoint as he serenaded his fans with a powerful performance. 

“I only have one job here, and that is to entertain all of you,” said Styles as he rocked the Arena with hits “Sign of the Times” and “Only Angel” from his self-titled album. 

Just a day after Harry’s show, the Arena was again filled with eager fans for another world-renowned performer: Bruno Mars. 

The concert kicked-off with a bang, as award-winning dance crew Jabawockeez took to the stage, and segued to Bruno Mars and his band, the Hooligans. The Grammy Award-winning artist brought the house down as he started off with his chart-topping hits “Finesse” and “24K Magic”. 

The 2-day concert attracted Bruno Mars fans including local celebrities Vicky Belo, Vice Ganda, Ogie Alcasid, Luis Manzano, Jessy Mendiola, Carmina Villaroel, power couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Maxene Magalona. Some of the celebrities came with their families and friends.

The 24K Magic Tour Manila came to a close with Bruno dedicating “Just The Way You Are” to his beloved Filipino fans. Truly a tour to remember, his performance showered the crowd with gold confetti that matched his eclectic energy on stage. 

May marks the anniversary of the Mall of Asia Arena, which launched its first show in 2012, with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball Tour. As Manila is currently a hot scene for world-renowned acts, the venue takes pride in continuously being a host to many live shows. True to the vision of the SM Group to bring quality entertainment to the Philippines, the Arena has now become a valuable partner to the nation’s top promoters and organizers who repeatedly chooses the Mall of Asia Arena as an avenue for their events. 

Apart from catering to various audiences, the Arena is also home to corporate brands -  with partners like PLDT, Globe, Unilever, Solaire, LBC, Tanduay, Meralco, Powerstroke, ABS-CBN, 8990 Holdings, Belle Corporation and newly-boarded partners Peerless Products Manufacturing Corporation and Oriental Group Entertainment and Leisure, enjoying the venue’s shows, amenities, and advertising assets on a yearly basis. 

In the coming months, more anticipated events will happen at the Arena such as the PBA and UAAP finals, and concerts by popular artists like Niall Horan, Sam Smith, Paramore, Wanna One, Tiffany and Debbie Gibson, and Celine Dion. 

To keep updated on the Mall of Asia Arena announcements, visit www.mallofasia-arena.com or follow the official social media accounts at @moaarena. 05/15/2018 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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St. Joseph’s College (SJC), Quezon City, in celebration of its 85 years of providing excellent education and support to the community, hosted a press conference, May 12, 2018, 4:00 pm at its Audio Visual Room. The press conference highlighted SJC’s Jubilee 85 accomplishments and future plans to improve and expand school programs and facilities.

Sr Teresita C. Babaran, SFIC and school president, shared: “The event will include testimonials from key stakeholders on the significance of an SJC education that is characterized by academic excellence for social transformation in the service of God and people. Founded in 1932 by Dutch Franciscan sisters, SJC has been a leading institution of academic excellence. For 85 years, it has educated more than 400,000 global alumni who are transforming and leading the communities in which they live and in the professions they each have chosen to pursue.”

Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte has been invited to provide the keynote address to share her thoughts on the value of a strong educational foundation for the careers of the future. Congressman Bingbong Crisologo, another esteemed speaker, will feature the important role SJC, the oldest educational institution in the city, has played in the community then and now.

During the Japanese occupation, the school was closed down and the buildings were used as a mini-military hospital by the Japanese army and later by the US military. Additionally, SJC, together with 10 other private colleges and universities, became a charter member of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) in 1957.

In the 60’s, SJC was one of the leading forces in the development of performing arts in the country, with its impressive 1,200-seating capacity Mater Dei Auditorium providing the venue to many critically acclaimed plays for the community. Today, the school continues its tradition of social outreach by providing feeding programs, medical missions and free tuition to deserving indigent students.

Attorney Jose Sison, father of deceased alumna Joyce Sison and host of long running TV show success “Ipaglaban Mo”, will provide parent testimonial on how SJC has molded their daughter to be service oriented through her work at Opus Dei until her demise. He added, “SJC continues to be a part of our family even through the years.”

Alumna Architect Stephanie Gilles, a leading practitioner of sustainable urban design, will also share how SJC has prepared her to be successful in her field. She will also unveil the design of the new school façade which will be underwritten by donations raised by Jubilee 85 fundraising.

Entertainment will be provided by Batch 80 Alumna, singer and visual artist Iwi Laurel. She and her sibling, deceased Stella Laurel, were SJC high school graduates. Their father was the former Vice President Salvador Laurel.

Other VIPS include Jerramy King, PBA star athlete and son of US based nurse practitioner alumna Jocylane King. Jeremy relayed, “I am proud to represent my mother and be connected to her roots.” Fr. Mon Eloriaga, parish priest of neighboring St. Joseph Shrine Parish, will do the prayer invocation and has also lent his support for future fundraising efforts.

Following the testimonials and entertainment will be the presentation of three checks – Php 300,000 donated by Batch 1980, Php 200,000 donated by Batch 1979, and Php 100,000 donated by Batch 1974. Cynthia Ragil-Paras, finance and compliance expert, will present the check on behalf of the Batch 1980 whose generous donors include graduates from all over the world.

Lastly, an announcement will be made on the upcoming fashion show gala fundraising event to refurbish the Mater Dei Auditorium, to generate sustainable funds for the school through venue rentals from the community. The elegant fashion show will be in collaboration with renowned international designers Jhun Ador and Albert Fontanilla, and Chada Roxas, celebrity makeup artist.

Sr. Immaculee Pagalilauan, Alumni Office Coordinator, shared, “I am grateful for all the hard work of our alumni in marshalling the efforts of our Josephines near and far to bring about a renewed commitment to the school. This is alumni in action --- alive, functioning, and meaningful. Your help will ensure the continued legacy of our school so that future generations may also benefit from the education and tradition you have experienced.” 05/13/2018 (The Lifestyle Portal)

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