Newsletter: Kaspersky signs European Commission’s AI Pact to foster trustworthy AI use

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Advocating for the secure use of AI technologies, Kaspersky has signed the AI Pact, a European Commission initiative that aims to prepare organizations for the implementation of the AI Act – the first ever comprehensive legal framework on AI worldwide, adopted by the European Union (EU). The pledge signing reflects Kaspersky’s wider commitment to promote and facilitate the prudent and responsible use of AI technologies, recognizing the importance of this stance within the cybersecurity field.

The EU AI Act seeks to encourage trustworthy AI in the European region and beyond by ensuring that AI technologies comply with safety and ethical principles and by addressing AI-associated risks. Enacted in 2024, the AI Act is set to become fully applicable1 in mid-2026. The AI Pact aims to facilitate transition to the new regulation by inviting organizations to proactively work on implementing AI Act key provisions.

Newsletter: GigaOm Radar Names Hitachi Vantara a Leader and Outperformer in Primary Storage for Virtual Storage Platform One

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Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), announced that it has been recognized as a Leader and Outperformer in the latest GigaOm Radar Report for Primary Storage for its Virtual Storage Platform One (VSP One) hybrid cloud data platform. The report evaluated 21 vendors and their capabilities to address the evolving demands of primary storage across traditional applications, hybrid cloud environments, AI/ML workloads and edge computing. 

Newsletter: Trailblazing producer Knock2 unveils highly-anticipated debut LP "nolimit"

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Ascending electronic producer Knock2 has unveiled his long-anticipated debut album, nolimit - a 17-track, genre-defying odyssey that caps off a breakout 2024 for the San Diego-native. The banner year that saw the 25-year-old artist deliver a legendary b2b with RL Grime at Ultra Music Festival, command a packed Coachella set as half of ISOKNOCK, and sell-out the self-produced, two-night San Diego 4EVR festival - an event contributing to ISOKNOCK’s total of 50k tickets sold in California in 2024. These accomplishments have set the stage for 2025, where fans can now immerse themselves in the nolimit universe - an album experience that encapsulates Knock2’s unique mastery of blending festival-ready bombast with intricate, experimental production. 

Newsletter: Memes improve learning and attitude towards science, Ateneo study finds

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Ateneo de Manila University researchers have found that using internet memes to teach science can significantly improve learning outcomes for senior high school students.

Sample memes that were successfully used to teach biology to Grade 11 high school students. The students not only scored better in tests, they also said they felt more confident in their newfound ability to grasp and use scientific concepts. SOURCES: Reddit.com, Twimg.com, Imgflip.com, and Pinimg.com

Over 200 Filipino private high school students in Grade 11 were involved in the study, which specifically focused on kids in non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) tracks who are required to take biology as part of their curriculum. The students were divided into two groups: the experimental classes, where teachers gave biology lessons infused with memes; and the control classes, which received traditional teaching materials without any meme content.

Newsletter: Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform expands its courses with three new cybersecurity topics

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Kaspersky is proud to announce the launch of three new specialized topics within its leading platform, the Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform, aimed at improving employees’ cybersecurity skills. These new courses are designed to provide essential knowledge and practical skills to resist increasingly prevalent cyberthreats.

As the number of cyberattacks continues to grow, certain types are becoming ever more prevalent. Threat actors are increasingly targeting healthcare organizations, supply chains, and high-level business management in efforts to gain access to sensitive data and resources. For instance, according to the Kaspersky IT Security Economics report, supply chain resilience has emerged as a significant focus for IT security teams in 2023, with more businesses recognizing the need for greater oversight and control over their suppliers. Meanwhile, the healthcare industry is reportedly experiencing an average of 18 incidents per year, while the sector’s security maturity and funds remain low. 

Newsletter: From Childhood Dream to Grown-up Tales: SM Book Nook’s First-Ever Reading Festival

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Join us at SM Book Nook’s first-ever Reading Festival on January 31, 2025, at the SM Aura Book Nook. With free admission, this event invites everyone to immerse themselves in tales that reflect our rich culture and inspire future generations of readers and writers. Bring your love for storytelling and curiosity to experience the magic of narratives that connect us all.

Newsletter: UP Geologist Represents Southeast Asia in Global Young Scientists Summit 2025

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By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

Dr. John Dale Dianala of UPD-CS NIGS represented UP Diliman at the GYSS 2025. (Photo credit: Global Young Scientists Summit)

Dr. John Dale Dianala from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) presented his research on the earthquake potential of faults using satellites at the recently concluded Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2025.

Newsletter: Little Mix’s JADE drops highly anticipated song “IT girl”

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Pop superstar JADE kicks off 2025 with the release of her highly anticipated song 'IT girl'.

'IT girl' is a bass-heavy, bold, tongue-in-cheek electro pop track. Written by JADE with Cirkut and Lostboy (Charli XCX, Lady Gaga), the sharp lyrics reflect her experiences in the music industry and the often ruthless and complex nature of fame. 

Newsletter: KWC PH Champion, Jan Francis Launches 'You Are The One' – A Song for Dreamers

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As the music industry evolves, new voices emerge to captivate audiences and inspire change. One such voice is Jan Francis, a powerhouse performer from the Philippines, who is set to make waves with his debut single, "You Are The One" (YATO). Following a series of remarkable achievements, including his recent victory at the Karaoke World Championships (KWC) Philippines 2024 and notable performances on popular shows like The Voice Generation and Tawag ng Tanghalan, Jan Francis is ready to share his artistry with the world.

Newsletter: The Most Respected Advertising Agency in Philippines will launch by 2025

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Forever Full Media is a rising star in the advertising agency in the Philippines. It focuses on empowering businesses (and brands) with creative and effective solutions. With a clear goal to redefine digital success, this dynamic agency is making a splash in the industry. It combines creativity, strategy, and technology smoothly. However, there are challenges ahead. Although the agency is making progress, it needs to keep adapting (because) the digital world is constantly changing. This dedication to growth is what sets Forever Full Media apart from its competitors.

Newsletter: GCash partners with Ria Money Transfer to provide seamless international remittance services for Filipinos

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(L-R) GCash International general manager Paul Albano, Ria Money Transfer regional director of business development Steve Peregrino and business development manager Eileen Roque

GCash, the Philippines' leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, has partnered with Ria Money Transfer (Ria), global leader in the cross-border money transfer industry and business segment of Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: EEFT), to make sending money home more seamless, convenient, and affordable for Filipinos around the world.

Newsletter: Welcoming a Healthier New Year: How GoGym Attracts and Retains New Year’s Resolution Gym-Goers

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GoGym is turning New Year’s resolutions into lasting fitness habits by offering accessible pricing, beginner-friendly classes, and a supportive community, all backed by its innovative tech platform. With a mission to make fitness inclusive and achievable, GoGym empowers members to embrace healthier lifestyles and lead better, happier lives.

Newsletter: The evolution of AI in phishing attacks: why even the most experienced can fall victim

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The evolution of AI is not only affecting various industries, but it has also transformed cybercriminals’ tactics. One alarming trend is the use of AI to enhance phishing scams, refining them, targeting specific individuals, and making these attacks almost impossible to recognize. In this article, Kaspersky delves into how AI is changing the face of the phishing industry and why even the most cyber-aware employees fall for these scams.

Newsletter: Start 2025 Right with Big Savings from realme

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realme Philippines rings in the new year by announcing price drops on select smartphones, allowing the Squad to enhance their digital experience and lifestyle. Committed to helping the Squad enjoy excellent features and seamless performance, the latest price drop allows fans to upgrade their devices without breaking the bank while taking full advantage of the latest technology advancements. 

Newsletter: Johnoy Danao headlines first solo concert, Liwayway at Dapithapon

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The upcoming major show marks his 25th anniversary in the local music scene

Photo credit: JL Javier

Location credits: UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Johnoy Danao is set to captivate the Filipino audience with his much-anticipated first solo concert, Liwayway at Dapithapon, happening on March 14 to 15, 2025, at the prestigious Metropolitan Theater (MET) in Manila. 

Newsletter: Scaling Beyond Small: Australia-Backed Program Funds Filipina Entrepreneurs in Building Sustainable Gender-Equitable Enterprises

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 An innovative funding program backed by the Australian government was recently launched, encouraging further improvement in gender equity business practices while giving women-led and women-owned businesses in the Philippines scalable access to growth capital.

Newsletter: UPD Experts Determine the Optimal Model for Predicting Algal Blooms

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By Harvey Sapigao

Graphical abstract of the study (Photo credit: Pilario et. al. 2024).

Algal blooms, which occur when algae overgrow in bodies of water, can not only turn the water green but also kill fish and contaminate the water supply of nearby communities. Laguna Lake, one of Metro Manila’s major sources of bangus and tilapia, as well as drinking water, is particularly prone to algal blooms, especially during El Niño.

Newsletter: Paolo Sandejas celebrates interconnectedness in debut album, the world is so small

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Filipino singer-songwriter Paolo Sandejas releases his highly anticipated debut album, the world is so small—out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

Newsletter: GoGym's Global Ambition: Bringing Accessible Fitness to Southeast Asia

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GoGym is expanding its affordable, tech-enabled gym model across Southeast Asia, aiming to make fitness accessible to a wider population in rapidly urbanizing countries. By tailoring its approach to each market and leveraging technology, GoGym is positioning itself as a leader in the region’s growing fitness industry and a champion of healthier, more connected communities.

Newsletter: From phishing to deepfakes: how AI is fueling a new wave of cyber scams

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The rapid proliferation of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems has forever changed the way we shop, bank, drive, search the internet, create and consume content, and perform various other tasks. While chatbots and algorithms enhance user experiences and are exceptionally adaptable to various applications, they have also opened our personal and corporate lives to new – and darker – social engineering attacks.