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01 November 2024

Newsletter: PLDT, La Union barangay team up for disaster preparedness

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

PLDT engineers assigned at the company's La Union Cable Landing Station shared practical disaster preparedness tips with residents of Brgy Baccuit Sur in Bauang, La Union, to help the community safeguard their homes and families during emergencies.

Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are expanding their disaster preparedness expertise to the barangay level as part of the company's push to help boost the country's culture of resilience.

Newsletter: Launch event: Behavioural Insights Project Expands Regional Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Phase II of the "Breaking the Plastic Habit in ASEAN" project was successfully launched on 18 October 2024 at the ERIA office in Jakarta.

31 October 2024

Newsletter: Kaspersky uncovers new Grandoreiro light variant

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Despite the arrest of important operators in early 2024, Grandoreiro continues to be used by its partners in new campaigns. Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis team (GReAT) has discovered a new light version focused on Mexico targeting around 30 banks. These findings are to be highlighted at the Security Analyst Summit (SAS) 2024. Remaining one of the most active threats globally, Grandoreiro accounts for around five percent of banking trojan attacks this year.  Mexico is one of the most targeted countries by Grandoreiro variants, including the new light version, seeing 51,000 recorded incidents this year.

After assisting an INTERPOL-coordinated action, which has led to Brazilian authorities arresting operators behind a Grandoreiro banking trojan operation, Kaspersky discovered that the group’s codebase has been split into lighter, fragmented versions of the trojan, to continue its attacks. Recent analysis has identified a specific light version focused primarily on Mexico, which has been used to target approximately 30 financial institutions. The creators likely have access to the source code and are launching new campaigns using the simplified legacy malware. 

Newsletter: From Vision to Viral: How Ricka Raga's Genius Made GYUKATSU もと村 BORACAY the Island's Hottest Culinary Sensation

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

In the heart of the Philippines' paradise island, a culinary revolution is brewing. Gyukatsu もと村 Boracay, is set to redefine the gastronomic landscape of this tropical haven. At the helm of this exciting venture is none other than Ricka Raga, the brilliant brand expert and creative mastermind who has been entrusted not just with the brand's identity, but with steering its entire marketing strategy as the newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Ikigai International Restaurant OPC.

Newsletter: Ateneo researchers probe mechanical properties of stardust

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

New research from the Ateneo de Manila University could pave the way for more durable versions of silicon carbide (SiC), a semiconductive ceramic material found mostly in space that has applications in everything from computer chips to spaceships.

A long exposure of the night sky above Malita in Davao Occidental, Philippines, reveals a handful of meteors—possibly made of silicon carbide. PHOTO: Arman Alcordo Jr. / Pexels.com

30 October 2024

Newsletter: New study rewrites decades of medical misunderstanding of saturated fat and heart disease

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Warnings against saturated fat on heart health need to be revisited as flaws were revealed in the seminal 1950s studies on which these warnings were based, according to new research coming out of the Ateneo de Manila University.

Outdated and unsupported research from the 1950s erroneously conflated the saturated fats found in meat and dairy with the harmful industrial trans-fats commonly used in margarine and shortening. PHOTO CREDIT: Felicity Tai / Pexels.com

In 1953, spurred by an apparent surge in heart disease in the US, physiologist Ancel Keys published a study that introduced the “lipid-heart hypothesis.” He claimed without evidence that high saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet raise cholesterol levels in the blood and contribute to heart disease. He developed what is now known as the Keys equation, where he sought to mathematically predict serum cholesterol levels based on saturated fat and cholesterol intake.

Newsletter: Daily Fantasy: The New Face of Pinoy NBA Fantasy Games

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Daily Fantasy builds a local community for Pinoy NBA fantasy fans

The future of sports games has arrived on Philippine shores in the form of Daily Fantasy, the first-ever local fantasy sports game in the Philippines. This local version of the wildly popular NBA Fantasy is a PAGCOR-licensed online game where players can earn both in-game and IRL prizes, now available for Philippine NBA fans to play via website platforms on both desktop and mobile. 

Newsletter: The Evolution of Media: What Drives Change in Media Evolution?

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

The evolution of media is a journey influenced by factors that fuel creativity and progress. Whether it’s advancements in technology or shifts in how audiences engage with content these elements continually impact how media is created, shared, and valued. For those in the industry understanding these dynamics is crucial as it allows them to anticipate trends and adapt their strategies. In this article, we will explore the forces propelling media evolution and their significance, for the industry.

29 October 2024

Newsletter: Tokyo's Culinary Gem Arrives in Paradise: Gyukatsu-Motomura Set to Open in Boracay

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Gyukatsu-Motomura, a renowned Tokyo-based restaurant chain specializing in beef cutlets, is set to open its first location in Boracay, Philippines in November 2024. The restaurant aims to blend Japanese culinary excellence with the island's tropical charm, offering both locals and tourists a unique dining experience.

Newsletter: Kilambay Plantation Corporation Joins Historic Bamboo Planting Guinness World Record Attempt

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]


Kilambay Plantation Corporation (KPC), an agricultural startup based in Mindanao, joined the historic KAWAYANIHAN: A Circular Economy Movement on 18 October 2024. KAWAYANIHAN is a large-scale, simultaneous tree planting activity led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XII in partnership with other stakeholders. It was held across 20 locations in Mindanao and aimed to set a Guinness World Record for 'Most People Planting Bamboo Simultaneously Across Multiple Venues'.

Newsletter: The Evolution of Media: The Role of Audience Engagement in Content Creation

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Over time the way we create media has changed a lot. Today it’s all about connecting with the audience when coming up with media plans. In this era recognizing the role of audience participation is key to making content that sticks with people. This article delves into the importance of engaging the audience in content creation and how it can enhance the effectiveness and significance of media.

28 October 2024

Newsletter: Disney Cruise Line Reveals Spaces and Experiences Coming to the Disney Adventure, Setting Sail on December 15, 2025

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

Drawing on over 100 years of storytelling from Disney, Marvel and Pixar, the first Disney Cruise Line ship for guests in Asia will be filled with epic experiences, endless adventures and something for everyone to delight in 



When the Disney Adventure sets sail from Singapore on December 15, 2025, guests will be treated to a magical cruise holiday that celebrates Disney’s rich legacy of storytelling, bringing to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar and Marvel.  

Newsletter: Ben&Ben steers clear of negativity on new arena-rock anthem “Triumph”

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

The explosive track serves as the first single off their soon-to-be-released third album, The Traveller Across Dimensions




Filipino band Ben&Ben heralds the start of a new era with the release of “Triumph,” the first single off their upcoming third album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, due out on November 29, 2024 via Sony Music Entertainment.

Newsletter: Banksy's “Girl With Balloon” And Rare Items To Go Under The Hammer at Julien’s Auctions

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]


Julien’s Auctions, the industry-leading entertainment auction house, announced “Under Duress: The Banksy Archive of Steve Lazarides Auction,” a rare historic opportunity to own an unparalleled collection of over 150 of Banksy’s most iconic works, early career sketches, notes, and personal artifacts. The collection is owned by Steve Lazarides, who worked with Banksy for 11 years, starting in 1997 as his photographer, later agent, strategist, and even minder, who accompanied Banksy in creating many iconic pieces. The sale will occur this Halloween, October 31st, 2024, in a live and online auction at Julien’s Auctions.

27 October 2024

Newsletter: Sigma Launches Exciting New Lenses in the Philippines: 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art, 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art, 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary, and 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]


Sigma Corporation, a global leader in optical innovation, proudly announced the launch of four new lens models at a special event held at Studio J 2.0 in Sta. Mesa, Manila. The newly introduced lenses include the 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art, 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art, 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary, and 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary.