How does iPhone 5S Fingerprint Sensor compares with Galaxy S4 Face unlock

From http://iosbasics.com/apple-news/how-does-iphone-5s-fingerprint-sensor-competes-with-android-face-unlock/

This is for ODesk employer. 

Probably one of the most fascinating features of the iPhone 5S when it was recently released was the fingerprint sensor aptly called the “Touch ID”.

The Touch ID is a fingerprint reader that can be found on the home button of your iPhone 5S. The scanner can read any finger, be it your index finger or your pinkie, in 360 degrees.  This means that the app can learn multiple fingers and does not have to be oriented in a certain way.

Though this feature is optional, with this fingerprint sensor, passwords will be a thing of the past. The Touch ID may substitute the “slide to unlock” feature or the number passcodes that helps you to log on to your phone. This fingerprint sensor will also make shopping easier on the App Store, iTunes, or iBooks, as all you need after all will be your finger. It is all in a touch of a finger.  However, a little downside to this app is that it does not yet work with third-party developers. Now, you may only enjoy making purchases with these apps compatible from Apple.

According to Apple, the Touch ID can store up to five fingerprints.  The fingerprints are kept in a Secure Enclave in the phone’s processing chip, and according to Apple, this will never be stored on the Apple servers nor the iCloud.

Using the Touch ID may be problematic for those with scarred fingers, though they have the option to use their not so marked ones. Also, it may be a bit tricky for the sweaty ones, the use of a hanky might help. Well, if this does not work, backups such as the “slide to unlock’ and the passcodes are still substitute options.

The Touch ID gives iPhone Users security. This can be a defense from thieves, pickpockets, and would be hackers. With this, one thing is for sure, only I touch my iPhone 5S.

Android also had launched a fancy face unlock feature with the announcement of Galaxy Nexus and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Criticized over the lack of security, Google has improved it a lot over the time. It was very easy to fool the application by putting a photograph of the person how has locked the mobile. However, the latest release of Android Jelly Bean has addressed that problem by adding “Blink” option which is called “Liveness”. Which means once this option is enabled, you need to blink after your face is recognized by the phone. Only after you blink, the phone screen will unlock. Cool heh!!

Gimmicks apart, now the most important question, how secure these features are. Fingerprints, Retina Scans are unique to each individual. What about Face!!! Do you have duplicates, close resemblances!!!

 iPhone 5S’s fingerprint sensor does look bit secure given that it uses one of widely accepted bio-metric recognition methods. Though Apple needs to improve it further to enable it’s scanner to do a deep scan. A deep scan will make sure that wet, scared fingers do not affect the result.

Another relevant point – does your company offers a BYOD (Bring your own device) scheme and you intend to configure corporate email on your phone under any such scheme? Most of the companies does not recognize face unlock to be as secure as PIN/password lock. So chances are that face unlock functionality may be disabled by the installed security policy by your company’s network admin once you configure corporate email into your device. What about fingerprint scan then? Let’s wait and watch till it gets launched and we’ll come to know. You may let us know by leaving a comment here if your company’s security policy allows uses of face unlock.

10 travel destination deals at the 24th Philippine Travel Mart

Text by Ana Valenzuela | Photos by Rhoy Cobilla | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com · Saturday, September 7, 2013 · 7:12 pm
http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/10-travel-destination-deals-at-the-24th-philippine-travel-mart

Visitors check out deals at a travel agency’s booth at the 24th Philippine Travel Mart at SMX Convention Center, September 6, 2013. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, InterAksyon.com.

The 24th Philippine Travel Mart Philippine, organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) at the SMX Convention Center, is a traveler’s paradise. Hundreds of travel deals on airfare and hotel stays are available this year at the event, which is expected to have around 40,000 visitors from opening day, September 6, through its closing day on Sunday, September 8.

Even if you’re not yet in vacation mode, you just might change your mind when you see all the affordable packages and prices of top local destinations.

This year, the yearly travel fair racks up some must-grab deals. Air Asia and Philippine Airlines, for instance, are some of the airline companies slashing off their price. Cebu Pacific is offering 50 percent off for bookings made for travel date from October 1 to December 31, 2013, and a whopping Php1 fare (certain charges not included) for travel on June 1 to December 31, 2014.

Hundreds of visitors register on the first day alone of the yearly Philippine Travel Mart at SMX Convention Center, September 6, 2013. The travel bazaar offers special deals and travel promos for airfares and hotel stays. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, InterAksyon.com.

Deals that you can only find in the Travel Mart, unexplored places that you will surely look forward to visiting, and more bounties worth uncovering are at the travel mart. Go ahead and make the Travel Mart your weekend part of your place this weekend. It’s ongoing till Sunday, September 8.

1. Puerto Princesa, Palawan for Php2,250 per night.
The underground river, glorious beaches, and an hour’s ride away from Manila, it is no wonder why this city is becoming one of the most popular destinations in the country. Stay in a small Pension house, resort or hotel and enjoy the sites of Puerto Princesa. The Travel Fair offers so many packages, you’d drown at how many flyers for Palawan alone you will get. You can find a good rate for as low as Php2,250 per person in a pension house accommodation with free breakfast (courtesy of Universal Planet). Package includes airport transfers city tour, and Underground River tour or Honda Bay Island Hopping with lunch.

High-end Puerto Princesa resort, Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa offers beach villas for only Php5,850 for the Philippine Travel mart weekend only.  Rooms are good until end of May next year, regular rate of the villa Php6,500.

2. Allah Valley, South Cotabato for Php2,500 per night
Dubbed as the land of Dreamweavers, journey through South Cotabato and get to see the grand view cultural emblem which is T’nalak weaving. Get to meet the T’boli people, while trekking  in Lake Holon, crater of Mt. Melibingoy  and explore Allah Valley more. One place to stay is at the Farm @ Carpenters hill, which offers a room for as low as Php2,500 per night. For more travel information, contact Rels Rendje,  Tour Operator at (+63) 917-5378786 or (+63) 928-3443344

3. Island of Negros for Php388++ per night.
Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental are provinces that belong in two separate regions, Central and Western Visayas, respectively, and have separate identities. Oriental is known more for Silliman university and the dive site in Apo Island while Occidental gained popularity for its capital, Bacolod and the famed Masskara festival. Negros perks up the agriculture scene with organic farming and even offers seminars as well as samples of the produce in different model farms.

Go Hotels offers rooms for as low as P388 + vat per night, pension houses cost about Php550 per room. For tour information, contact Viaje Negrense, at(+63) 917-3000060.

4. Subic, Olangapo for Php4,000 per night.
Famed for its naval bases, Subic Bay has been turned into a crowd drawer with its duty free shops, water sports activities, and relics from the World War 2. PhilTOA got together a group of Subic Bay hotels and resorts, who slashed off prices for the Travel mart attendees. The Subic Yacht Club offers a Php4,000 gift certificate for room accommodation, usually worth Php6,500. The gift certificate includes gym use, Jacuzzi, and swimming pool use, while a two hour yacht cruise comes with additional cost. Grande Island Resort, a triple A resort in Subic, offers rooms for as low as P3,840 per night, published rate is P6,600. Have a laid-back day on the island or indulge in water sports activities like snorkelling and jet-skiing.

A mascot of this Subic beach resort adds cheer and fun at the 24th Philippine Travel Mart, September 6 to 8, 2013 at SMX Convention Center. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, InterAksyon.com.

5. Siquijor for Php650 per night.
The mystique island,  once called the Island of fire, as it was believed that fireflies lit the city at night is full of wonderful beaches, historical sites, and love potions and herbal products to boot. There are many paces to stay which offer rates as low as Php650 per night.

6. La Union for Php6,853 per night.
Tagged as the Surfing Capital of the  North, La Union lets the rolling mountains come across the glorious waves of the sea.  Yet, there is more to this province than its ultra fine beaches, as it presents eco-trail, botanical garden,  silver craft, and many more. The Travel Mart racks up amazing prices, yet nothing can compete with Thunderbird Resorts’ deal of Php6,853 (originally Php8,900) for the weekdays, and Php7,315 (Php9500) for the weekends.

7. Leyte for Php5,485 per night.
Where did General Douglas MacArthur return when he vowed to do so? Nowhere else but Leyte. Apart from a monument to MacArthur and the San Juanico bridge, other visitor spots of these Visayan province includes the Lake Danao, the virgin islet of Kalanangaman, and Tabuk. Whole day trip be from Php1,865 to Php5,485 (depending on the number of persons). For more travel information contact, (+632917) 321-7966.

8. Naga, Bicol for Php18,888 for three days.
An excursion of sorts is the best way to describe a trip to Naga, Bicol. Explore the heritage sites, go on a pilgrimage, or even dive into the ocean as all these can be done when in Bicol. Not enough? Then try three days at Misibis Bay for only Php18,888 net per person. Package includes breakfast and city tour.

9. Cebu for Php3,500 per night.
Find out more about Cebu, beyond its famous lechon and mangoes as you stay in a first-class hotel. Travel Mart offers the best prices at Waterfront Hotel Cebu, which offers a room for as low as Php3,500 (originally Php 4,000) and a double occupancy room for Php3,800 (originally Php5,000). Marco Polo Plaza Cebu also offers a room for as low as Php3,000, while Movenpick, the newest five-star hotel in Cebu, gives its guests a three-day stay in a deluxe room for only Php27,000.

10. Boracay for Php2,380 per night.
A lush stretch of white sands, and as the sun comes down the island dares to party—complete, of course, with bars, clubs, and fire dancers. Boracay has taken over the title summer capital long ago, and its time to rediscover why. Travel mart offers discount rates for as low as Php 2,380 per night (courtesy of Travel Universe Cafe). If you are looking forward to world-class service while in Boracay, Fridays, a triple A resort provides great discount, book a suite or deluxe room for Php8,000 per night.

WINDOW SHOPPER | Walking through WIl Tower Mall

Text and photos by Ana Valenzuela | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com · Saturday, September 21, 2013 · 9:48 am

http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/window-shopper-walking-through-wil-tower-mall

The WBR Bar and Restaurant, owned by Willie Revillame, carries the same menu as Wil’s Steak Town, another establishment owned by the TV host. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Even though construction is still underway for the WIl Tower Mall, a 42 storey twin tower complex, the mall area opened its doors, welcoming guests to the first four levels of the commercial establishments of the Wil Tower Mall at the Eugenio Lopez Drive, Quezon City. Tower one, is set to turn over by 2014

The mall was formally launched in an exclusive party for VIPS last Sunday September 15. The opening was graced by Vista Land Chairman Manuel Villar, his wife Sen. Cynthia Villar, Imelda Marcos, Dra. Vicky Belo and daughter Cristalle Henares, Ogie Alcasid, and Randy Santiago, among others. The mall opened its door to the public a day after,

Willie Revillame’s Rolls Royce, reportedly the first to be purchased in the country since the British luxury car brand appointed its local dealer this year, is on display in the mall. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Currently only two stores are operational, the WBR Bar and Restaurant owned by Willie Revillame and Beyond the Box, a premium Apple reseller. According to the staff, the WBR Bar and restaurant takes off the menu  of another Revillame-owned diner, Wil’s Steak Town. Some of the house specialty includes the Oxtail Kare Kare (for Php450), pizzas, and steaks.

Beyond the Box is another store that is open in the Wil Tower Mall. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Other stores that will soon open are Bench, Fila, Bench Fix Salon, Fully Booked, Zapp Laser Skin Care, , Italianni’s, Krazy Garlik, Pho Hoa, My Thai, and Nail Spa. The condo brochure also promises a grocery store. According to our source, everything is set to open by the end of the year.

More stores opening soon. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

New color technology, more intense shades as Avon launches its Holiday Look 2013

Text by Ana Valenzuela | Photos by Rhoy Cobilla | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com · Thursday, September 12, 2013 · 6:17 pm
http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/new-color-technology-more-intense-shades-as-avon-launches-its-holiday-look-2013

“Pick a feature and go with it—your eyes, your cheeks, just pick one and try to highlight it,” makeup artist Lauren Andersen (in photo, with microphone) said at the recent unveiling of Avon’s newest makeup collection. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, Interaksyon.com.

A natural look, “blend-ability” and texture, consistency of color, and less need to retouch are some of the things women look for in a makeup. Avon, which has been in the country for 35 years now, thought of nothing but just that when it recently launched its newest campaign, You Make it Beautiful and a new product line that took three years to develop at the Mindanao Ballroom in the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The newest makeup line has been formulated with True Color Technology by Avon, which shows off the intensity of the shades, assuring the wearer of a longer lasting eyeshadow, lipstick or lip gloss.

The company for women invited makeup artist Lauren Andersen, who flew in from New York and stopped by the country amidst the monsoon rains. Andersen has been named as Avon’s Global Celebrity Makeup Artist with Hollywood A-listers like Jessica Alba, Madonna, Kate Beckinsale, and Nicole Richie as some of her clients.

Brand ambassador Anne Curtis was on hosting duties as she presented the newest Avon makeup collection. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, Interaksyon.com.

Anne Curtis, an Avon brand ambassador, was on hosting duties for the night, and she got into a small chitchat with Andersen on how she came to love the brand. Apparently, the blonde beauty had grown up with the brand as her mother was an Avon lady. “Some of my earliest memories playing with makeup are with Avon products,” Andersen recalled. “My passion for beauty began with Avon and I’m excited to continue my journey with the brand as they debut an innovative Avon color collection.”

Joining the two on the couch was Lisa Lamberty, Director of Avon’s New Product Innovation Department, whose job is to put on and try all sorts of lipsticks and mascaras all day. Lamberty shared that this new collection of eye shadow, True Color Eyeshadow Quad has exactly what every woman is looking for, a shade that stays throughout the day.

Avon Makeup Collection’s latest line features True Color Technology, which took three years of research and development. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, InterAksyon.com.

“We created a crystal-clear technology, with the base and the binder in the eye shadow and we incorporated polymers that help the color last through the day,” she disclosed.

Makeup artist to Hollywood A-listers Lisa Lamberty shows how to create the smokey eye makeup by slightly wetting the makeup brush and dipping it into the eyeshadow powder for more impact. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, Interaksyon.com.

Yet, it is not only the powder that is innovative, as Andersen complimented the packaging with its step-by-step application education, “the numbers literally tells us which color goes where,” Andersen put in, “creating your looks is so easy and fun.” She demonstrated how simple it really is, as later on during the event, she dolled up a model with nothing but the True Color Eyeshadow quad with the Chocolate Sensation shade.

During the presentation, Curtis said she loved the look, and would love to try it on her noontime show, as she does her own makeup. But there is something that this TV host/actress loves more. The animated Curtis needed no cue cards in confessing how she adores lipstick “One thing you ladies know if you follow me on Instagram is that I am such a lipstick monster. My favorite color is Lava Love, I love red,” she revealed.

Avon Makeup Collection’s latest shades are made more intense with a new color technology. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, InterAksyon.com.

With more than 50 sticks of different shades of red, pink and nude, the new Ultra Color lipstick minimizes chapped lips as it is infused with a lip nourishing formula. “We incorporated self-renewing pigments and Shea Butter to help with the moisturization,” Lamberty said. “We put ingredients such as Vitamin E, Omega oil and Arctic Berry.”

The Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss has also been infused with Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Omega Oil, and Arctic Berry.

“I am a big lipstick junkie, I feel like it is the fastest way to dress up anything. If I am tired you will know it because I’ll wear the brightest loudest lip color, because I want everyone to think the opposite. It’s a great way to disguise it,” Andersen shared.

At the unveiling of Avon’s latest makeup collection, from left: Lauren Andersen, Avon’s Global Celebrity Makeup Artist; Lisa Lamberty, Director of Avon’s New Product Innovation Department; Bob Briddon, Avon’s SVP and President for Asia Pacific and Philippines and Anne Curtis share the stage together. Photo by Rhoy Cobilla, Interaksyon.com.

The night ended with Curtis showing off Avon’s newest TVC, part of the brand’s new You Make it Beautiful campaign. “Our products are designed to bring out what is naturally beautiful about you,” concluded Bob Briddon, Avon’s SVP and President for Asia Pacific and Philippines. “But ultimately, what we want to remind women through this campaign is that it’s their uniqueness that creates the impact that can’t be forgotten.”

Cant’ focus in school or at work? Could be Iron Deficiency Anemia

By Ana Valenzuela | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com · Thursday, September 12, 2013 · 11:40 am

http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/cant-focus-in-school-or-at-work-could-be-iron-deficiency-anemia

Women who work long hours, lack sleep, and tend to bleed heavily during their menstrual periods could benefit from taking an iron supplement. Photo courtesy of Sangiobon.

Ever notice yourself shifting thoughts all of a sudden and forgetting words, your head throbbing hard with a headache, and already feeling tiredness even without exerting that much physical effort. Worse, you look pale and are short of breath. Chances are, the signs—lack of focus, pallor, fatigue, shortness of breath, and vertigo—all point to anemia.

Although there are many types of anemia, Dr. Corazon Zaida N. Gamilla, UST OB-GYN Department Chairman stressed in a recent press conference that, “Iron Defiance Anemia (IDA) is most existing, most changeable, and corrective.”

She added that our body needs iron as this vital mineral creates hemoglobin, found in red blood cells and myoglobin, found in muscles. Iron also transmits oxygen from the lungs throughout the rest of the body. When our body lacks iron functioning of certain organs will be affected.

Studies show that iron deficiency is prevalent in younger women, or those who have started with their menstrual period especially those who tend to bleed heavily, those who are in the reproductive age group—pregnant women and lactating women—and the elderly age group. This condition cannot be ignored by women. It weakens their physical ability, and if they are pregnant, it adds risk to the baby that they are carrying.

Women need 12 milligrams of iron per day, however Dr. Gamilla emphasized that women’s needs differ according to their lifestyles and needs. A career woman who keeps an erratic schedule and does not eat well and on time may need more iron in her body. A normal pregnant woman, who eats for two or three due to multiple pregnancies, will need twice the amount of her iron demand.

Dr. Gamilla also disclosed that one’s diet, sports or exercise habits, and genes may predispose development of IDA. The ob-gyn cites a vegan diet as an example, “When you go into a very strict vegan diet, for instance, you have to know that there is risk involved,” she says.

That is why one has to make up with iron-rich foods, and other vitamins and minerals that are lacking in your diet. She also mentioned that those who are into sports are the prototype of women who have IDA.

Iron supplements can help treat iron deficiency anemia or IDA.

Dr. Gamila said that IDA can be easily treated by adding iron in your diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and taking an iron supplement. Iron can be found in everyday foods such as red meat, egg, liver, oatmeal, and nuts. Getting six hours of sleep is not only great for the body but it is a cure for IDA.

Dr. Gamilla warned that the norm of six hours should be during night time. She adds, “catnaps are powerhouses because it reinforces your body, but it does not take the place of the nocturnal sleep.”

Another booster for IDA is taking an iron supplement. One of the most potent reliefs for IDA, Sangobion can turn anyone into an “iron lady” as it helps restore the body’s lost iron reserves. This chocolate-scented capsule contains other vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Copper Sulfate and Manganese Sulfate.

“In order to cope, women need to pay attention to their health. When signs of fatigue, paleness, as well as lack of focus and energy start to show, it could be telling sigs of iron deficiency anemia,” Dr. Gamilla shares. “Iron and health is something that is not very abstract, taking the right amount of iron in one’s diet is something that one can easily strive for.”

City after dark: Manila Night Market opens for dry run

Text by Ana Valenzuela | Photos by Romsanne Ortiguero and Arman Clemente | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com · Saturday, August 17, 2013 · 1:30 pm

As soon as the sun set on Friday, August 16, the crowd of shoppers and vendors on Recto Avenue corner Juan Luna street in Manila were already in pandemonium. It was the first night of the Manila Night Market, a solution created by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to decongest Divisoria and to continue giving opportunities to vendors who were displaced in the process of clearing out the sidewalks and streets during daytime. The night market is open everyday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“Alis kayo dyan, para makalatag na sila! (Get out of the way so they can set up already!),” some volunteers and policemen were shouting, calling out to pedestrians so the fruits and vegetables vendors can set up their stalls. And as the surrounding malls and commercial centers were preparing to close their shops, almost a hundred vendors lined up their stalls along Recto Avenue and Juan Luna Street.

There was even news that Mayor Joseph Estrada will be there. True enough, at around 7 p.m Mayor Estrada arrived in a black SUV, creating more madness along Recto, the center of Tondo and Binondo.

Mayor Estrada made his way through the thick crowd of vendors and consumers who were calling out, “Mayor, Mayor!” trying to get a shot of him with their mobile phones. Others gave their complaints, expressing the less than expected number of shoppers at the night market. After a few minutes of shaking hands with a few purveyors, Estrada stayed for a few photo ops while some members of media got to interview him.

View of the Manila night market during its first evening, August 16, 2013. Photo by Arman Clemente, InterAksyon.com.

Experimental stage
Mayor Estrada articulated that this is all under dry run, and that the night market is still under observation. Vice Mayor Isko Moreno revealed that the area was chosen as the venue initially for a few weeks only so that the vendors will have access going to Juan Luna and Abad Santos Streets. “We would like to emulate the night market in Hong Kong, which has organized vending so that the likes of kotong, lagay, may mga patong sa mga manininda will be eliminated,” Moreno revealed. “This is all experimental, so that the government can recognize these sidewalk vendors as an industry, and so now we can start regulating them.”

When the mayor left, more goods started to come in, with trucks making their way on one end of Recto Avenue, where the drop-off point of the fruits and vegetables has been designated. Majority of the vendors at the night market were selling fruits and vegetables from Baguio. There were also vendors offering balut and other street foods. Only a few were selling dry goods such as kitchen wares and clothes.

Airconditioned malls like 168 Mall and New Divisoria Mall offer convenience but nothing compares to checking out Divisoria’s sidewalk vendors for a wide range of items. Juan Luna, for instance, has stalls selling everything from party favors, toys, t-shirts, underwear, to mobile gadget accessories. You can find fresh vegetables on the stalls along Sto. Cristo Street; and candies, candles, and baking equipment on Sto. Cristo Street; and hair accessories on Planas Street.

The Divisoria streetscape may soon change permanently with the Manila Night Market project of the city government.

A street vendor sells garments on the first evening of the Manila night market, August 16, 2013. Photo by Romsanne Ortiguero, InterAksyon.com.

Initial confusion
There was confusion during the first night since the old set-up along Juan Luna and Abad Santos Streets had two shifts followed by sidewalk vendors. Merchants during daytime used to vacate their area come night time to give way to the evening vendors. Now, with these streets cleared for traffic during daytime, the former daytime peddlers were caught in a quandary that had them figuring out how they can squeeze their stalls between the evening vendors.

A woman named Ressa, who has a t-shirt sidewalk stall in front of Tutuban Mall since 1974, revealed that she has only started selling at night time along with the other retailers due to the ordinance of Erap that there will be no street vendors during daytime. She is reluctant in moving to the new spot designated for the night market. She told InterAksyon.com. “Lahat ng stall may manininda na noon pa. Nagtitinda na ako sa Divisoria since 1974 tapos papalipatin pa kami. Hindi ko magagawa yon. Mahirap.” (“Each spot already has a designated retailer, I have been vending my goods here since 1974, and then someone asks me to vacate my spot. I just can’t do that. It’s difficult.”)

One of the hawkers that Ressa was talking about is Mary Ann Tupas, 22, who sells onions and has been in charge of the stall since she was 14. She shared that there are a different set of vendors from morning to night, making retailers fight for the same spot that they share. Still, with this new ordinance of Erap there have also been new improvements, “there were many things that changed all thanks to Mayor Estrada, the street lights here at Recto were implemented, plus it became cleaner.”

One shopper at the night market, Maricel from Marikina, bought artificial flowers. She shared that it has been some time since she has been to Divisoria and she was curious about the new night market. “It’s more spacious compared to the one in Divisoria,” she shared. “But, compared to the Marikina Christmas Bazaar, the one in Marikina is more organized. Plus, They are more strict there when it comes to implementing rules. Using plastic bags, for example, are not allowed and both the buyer and seller shall be fined if they violate this rule.”

Even though the night market is still on a dry run, the city government made sure security is visible as policemen from Manila Station 2 and Station 11 made the rounds.

“We have already set up our security deployment,” said Wilson Doromal, commander of Station 11 “This is to help the people and the vendors, and also to man the traffic. We have a tent where people can can report or air their concerns.”

Doromal shared that this is all experimental, and if the night market will be a regular stint, they will adjust their scheme. Hopefully, the beginning of the night market will kickstart a more organized Divisoria shopping district, especially when the “ber” months, the start of the holiday shopping season, begin next month.

One of the few vendors selling garments at the Manila Night Market. Photo by Romsanne Ortiguero, InterAksyon.com.

For more: http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/slideshow-city-after-dark-manila-night-market-opens-for-dry-run

WINDOW SHOPPER | Stylish Toshiba laptops to go with your dressy look, geeky pursuits

Text by Ana Valenzuela | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com · Thursday, July 18, 2013 · 1:26 pm

http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/window-shopper-stylish-toshiba-laptops-to-go-with-your-dressy-look-geeky-pursuits

Mr. Hairul Bin Ibrahim, Asst. Manager, Product Manager, Toshiba Singapore Pte Ltd; Mr. Tomoyasu Yamamoto, President, Toshiba (Philippines) Inc. holds the Portege Z10t. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Still thinking which laptop best suits your taste and lifestyle? After results of numerous studies by Toshiba revealed that one thing users truly value is “elegant design,” the company wasted no time creating stylish new models that combine both aesthetics and functionality. Each new design was also tailor-made for particular lifestyles.

A thin detachable laptop, the Portege Z10 is also a tablet featuring a bright 11.6-inch full HD touch display. Photo courtesy of Toshiba Philippines.

Businessman’s delight: the Portégé Z10t
Just right for people on the go or those whose job requires a lot of presentation, impress your clients or boss with The Portege Z10t. It has a thin detachable laptop and tablet feature with a bright 11.6-inch full HD touch display, and is powered by Windows 8 Pro.

Enjoy the massive power of a full-fledged Ultrabook™ and the portability of a tablet weighing only 850 grams. With its combined laptop PC and tablet designs, the Portégé Z10t is ideal for executive and frequent travellers.

The Satellite S40 offers students an all-new sophisticated and significantly thinner design packed with high definition multimedia and entertainment-optimized features for greater everyday computing power. Photo courtesy of Toshiba.

Social media and the student: Satellite S40 series
Type away that midterm paper and, at the same time, stay connected with friends through your social media accounts with the Satellite S40 series, made up of the S40t and S40Dt.

These models with its 14.1-inch HD display, up to 750GB HDD storage, integrated Optical Disk Drive, DTS® Sound™ and built-in Onkyo speakers offers students an all-new sophisticated and significantly thinner design encased in an eye-catching brushed aluminium ice metallic silver finish, packed with high definition multimedia and entertainment-optimized features for greater everyday computing power.

The S40 features a 10-point touch display that makes navigating and controlling a laptop as convenient and intuitive as using a tablet or smartphone. The Satellite S40Dt is available for PhP31,990, while the Satellite S40t sells for PhP42,990.

The Satellite L40 lets everyday users enjoy high quality multimedia and content creation. Photo courtesy of Toshiba.

Everyday techies can get sleek: Satellite L40 and L50 Series
Toshiba’s Satellite L40 and L50 series is the way to go. These notebooks allow everyday users to effectively perform their daily computing tasks while providing them the power to enjoy high quality multimedia and content creation.

Noteworthy features of the Satellite L40 series include HD display with LED backlighting, NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology, integrated Optical Disk Drive, DTS® Sound™, built-in Onkyo speakers, and Toshiba Resolution+ technology. The Satellite L40D sells for PhP28,990 and the Satellite L40 for PhP37,990.

Movie geek and occasional gamers’ companion: Satellite P50 and P50t
Its big 15.6-inch full HD display  is enough to satisfy anyone enjoys watching their favorite movies or playing their usual games on their laptop. The Satellite P series, comprised of the Satellite P50 and P50t runs in a fourth-generation Haswell processor, GeForce GT 745M, a framebuffer of 4GB, and an optical drive.

Aside from that, both the P50 and P50t come equipped with, an enlarged click touchpad and two Harman Kardon® speakers, making your viewing and gaming experience quite an adventure. The Satellite P50t sells for PhP49,990 and the Satellite P50 for PhP62,990.

Gamers will enjoy red-colored Qosmio X70′s powerful graphics and sound features. Photo courtesy of Toshiba.

Seriously, for gamers: Qosmio X70
Gamers want the best performance, speed, graphics, sound quality, and connectivity. That is why this laptop with its 17.3-inch full HD display with an 8-millisecond response time will blow them away.

With a gaming hardware under its hood, the Qosmio X70 is powered by a fourth-generation Intel Core processor and comes equipped with 16GB of RAM. Its dedicated GeForce GTX 770M graphics card comes with up to 3GB of GDDR5 video RAM, and is NVIDIA®’s second most powerful mobile GPU to date.

Plus, let the sounds excite you with this computer’s four integrated Harman Kardon® stereo speakers that handle the X70’s sound, with a 6-watt output of DTS Studio Sound. The Qosmio X70 comes in an attractive and distinct red aluminium color. All this and more for a selling price of PhP129,990.

All Toshiba PCs and tablets are backed by Toshiba’s extensive service and support. The company’s SelectServ Program allows users to customize their notebook’s warranty coverage, depending on their budget and needs. For more information, visit Toshiba’s webiste.

WINDOW SHOPPER | iGrab everything you want at online shop’s new physical store

From: http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/window-shopper-igrab-everything-you-want-at-online-shops-new-physical-store


Text and Photos by Ana Valenzuela · Friday, July 19, 2013 · 11:11 pm

Executives formally open the iGrab physical store at Resorts World Manila. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Afraid of being duped out of the money, as let’s face it, there are online stories circulating which people who cannot get the items, products, or  services that they want.

Here comes iGrab.ph a new player in the online shopping industry, which was launched in  October last year.iGrab differs from other online stores as it recently launched a physical store at the ground floor of the Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila. Situated beside the mall entrance, the site’s shoppers can redeem the items that they have bought online.

“The physical store is mainly a redemption outlet. For example you bought a watch or a perfume, and you are here in Resorts World Manila, you can claim it here,” Jay Anthony D. Padua, IGrab’s AVP for Marketing discussed. All consumers need to do is provide the coupon they have received through email, proof that they have bought from the online store and the item will be theirs. Some of the items can be purchased on the kiosk using the online platform with the computers provided for. Padua discloses, “if these products are within the store you can buy them outright.”

iGrab offers a range of products and services at special promotional prices.

Just like other online shops and group buying sites, iGrab offers goods from luxury items to vacation getaways at a discounted price.  A brands page can be even viewed for people who want to know what labels plus how much price off they can get from this shopping outlet.

Apart from the usual items, iGrab also has discounted tickets to activities and events. It can give its customers affordable access to Resorts World Manila events as it has a marketing partnership with the one of Manila’s top destination.  iGrab gives discounts to upcoming shows such as Cinderella and even movie deals for PhP80, and more.

According to Padua, iGrab continues to strive to look for new merchants as well as give the consumers new campaigns.  “We thought that this (the physical store, ecommerce and group buying site) is the easiest way to get customers to easily adapt to this marketing platform and promotions for our merchants,” Padua shared.

With great discounts, anyone will definitely start grabbing deals anytime now. Browse through iGrab, and see the bargains for yourself, but if you are afraid of using that credit card, or making a deposit, then go to Resorts World Manila and check out the walloping price off.

iGrab is a virtual shopping  outlet by NetDeals, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Global Group, Inc.,  Alliance Global Group, Inc. is the group behind Megaworld Corporation, Emperador Distillers, and many more successful brands.

A peek at the stylish physical shop of online store iGrab at Resorts World Manila. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

WINDOW SHOPPER | Mobile shopping gaining more popularity among Filipinos

Text by Ana Valenzuela | Photos by Analy Labor | Lifestyle Section, InterAksyon.com · Thursday, April 18, 2013 · 1:38 pm  http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/window-shopper-mobile-shopping-gaining-more-popularity-among-filipinos

Sulit.com.ph has over two million registered users and an average of 10 million daily page views. Image courtesy of Sulit.com.

It began as a project between a husband and wife team with a capital of Php2,400 and with operations done in a computer in their bedroom. To date, buy and sell website sulit.com.ph now ranks number 8 in the most visited websites in the Philippines, beating even social networking website twitter.com, and being topped only by regular netizen needs such as facebook.com, google.com, yahoo.com, and Wikipedia.

The site was established in 2006 by RJ David and his wife Arianne. At the start, its buy and sell category became a hit among enterprising Filipinos who grabbed the opportunity to sell online and among buyers looking for almost anything under the sun—from gadgets, second-hand furniture, collectibles, arts and crafts, medical equipment, to pet accessories.

(Think of those items packed in balikbayan boxes regularly sent to you by well-meaning relatives abroad but which you don’t have any use for. Well, you might want to sell them via sulit.com.)

The window of opportunity that opened up for buyers then gave away for other individual categories to be opened: Real Estate, Cars, and Services.

In March 2012, sulit.com.ph had at least 10 million page unique views. In March this year, it gathered 15.7 million unique page views.

These numbers alone prove that more and more Filipinos are definitely getting more accustomed to online shopping. David, the site’s CEO and co-founder explains that the rise in number and its popularity are due to a wide selection of merchandise and services that online shopping offers, as well as the more affordable prices, compared to mall prices, that people pay for.

Of course, online shopping also offers convenience, “All you have to do is type in the product  and if you like it, then arrange the meet up,” David says.

From left, sulit.com's Jean Magboo, corporate communications and PR supervisor; RJ David, CEO; and Meann Buendalion, assistant vice president. Photo by Analy Labor, InterAksyon.com.

Mobile shopping
According to David, 20 percent of sulit.com.ph’s page views are from mobile devices. In March this year, for instance, there were 58 million mobile page views. David expects that the mobile market will be quickly taking over the desktop site soon.

“In 2010, we started the mobile website, but it was last year when we started optimizing on the site with the growth that we saw. By January 2015 about 50% of the users will be coming from the mobile market. There will be at least 15 million mobile device users, that will overtake the desktop usage.”

From sulit.com this year, expect more mobile applications that can be downloaded for smartphones and android phones.

Online shopping tips
Meanwhile, David shares some tips for vendors and buyers:

1. Study and broaden your item’s key words. “We have a number of tools that can teach the sellers how to push their products using keywords.” If for example a vendor might be interested in selling his Iphone, “He shouldn’t just post ‘cell phone,’ they should also broaden their search, unless the item is really unique.

2. Opt for a meet up rather bank deposit. For online buyers, David advises that it would be best to meet up with a seller rather than depositing money to a bank account to have the item delivered. Also, meet with a seller in a safe place like in a mall, or a venue where there is security. Moreover, check on the history of the particular seller you are transacting with.

Mobile devices are slowly changing consumers' shopping habits, says sulit.com CEO RJ David. Image courtesy of sulit.com.

Real girls ride the waves, especially at Billabong All Girls Surf Camp

Text and Photos by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com. · Saturday, April 6, 2013 · 2:59 pm

A participant enjoys the thrill of riding the waves. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

The exhilaration of being delivered by the board to the sand.

After how many tries, and after how many times the water just kept throwing me off balance. I did it! I stood, well more like squat, on the board, and did nothing but let the currents bring me to the shore.

Surfing champ Luke Landrigan shows the proper way to stand on a surfboard. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Listening to surfing pro and champ Luke Landrigan during the first day lesson briefing of the 2nd Billabong All Girls Surf Camp at the San Juan Surf Resort in La Union, paid off. “When paddling, chin up, and alternate left and right (arms), the instructors would push you from behind. When you feel the wave na pinu-push kayo from behind, yun na yung time na tatayo kayo,” I remember him saying.

More than that, shifting to a more basic position called the step up—where in you have one foot ready angling at the side of the hip and your arms alongside your chest to shift you up—helped me to get the hang of the board, especially of course with the help of my own instructor.

The raw beauty of San Juan beach in La Union. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Before attending the all-women surf camp, what came to my mind was the Kate Bosworth surfing movie, Blue Crush. Specifically, I remember the scene where she just battled a gynormous wave then afterwards slowly emerges from the said gigantic wave, which was ten times bigger than she was. Kate emerges standing, smiling, dimples and all. Impossible! I know.

Instructors at the 2nd Billabong All Girls Surf Camp line up their surfboards on the beach for the day's class. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Fortunately for me, La Union’s waves were much friendlier, there were no Godzilla-like waves to battle. September till March is the best time to surf, yet the currents that day were perfect for beginners and first timers. I was psyched to get on a board and even get wiped out.

A female surfer conquers some waves at the 2nd Billabong All Girls Surf Camp. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Much more than the waves, the people that you get to meet, are also not so bad.  Some of the girls were like me first time surfers, while some have already brought their surfboards to Baler and even Bali, and were just wanting to be trained and looking to meet new friends, specifically surfing buddies.

Franco wows the crowd with his acoustic set. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

Girls get DJ tutorials from DJ Nikki. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.

The best thing about the surf camp, one girl did comment, was Franco and Luke. Franco who graced us with his awesome guitar playing that accompanied his deep and soothing voice, and definitely Luke, who also owns the resort. Landrigan had been a gracious host.

Apart from teaching us girls on how to handle the board—Luke was there in every session, assisting if one gets too weak, complimenting if one is making the right points—he also mades sure to interact with the participants during the lunch and dinner sessions, graciously giving advice and answering concerns about surfing.

Others share that the best part of their surf camp experiences are the extra lessons, this time in mixing music together, care of top DJs Niki Rojas and Joey Santos. Some, on the other hand, say that highlight of their experience was the place itself.  Yet, all of us seem to agree on one thing, we shall return—though we’re not just sure when.

Writer Ana Valenzuela with her adorable surf buddy. InterAksyon Lifestyle Section photo.

Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for the 2nd Billabong All Girls Surf Camp. I didn’t even know that I’d be surfing in La Union, all I knew was that I’d be headed there to observe and write about the surfing camp. But hey, I came, I surfed, and I conquered.

'We shall return!' The happy participants and organizers of the 2nd Billabong All Girls Surf Camp. Photo by Ana Valenzuela, InterAksyon.com.