G-SHOCK

An engineer, an accident, and a vision

Back in the day, watchmakers were in constant competition for the slimmest or most lightweight watch in the market. At that time, most people considered watches to be fragile instruments, including Casio’s then head of watch design, Kikuo Ibe.

One day, on his way to work, Kikuo Ibe accidentally dropped his precious watch that was given to him by his father. He watched it break into pieces and suddenly had a vision to build a watch that wouldn’t break –even when dropped. That day marked the beginning of the G-SHOCK story.

Never, never, never give up

The road to success turned out to be unimaginably difficult. Apart from protecting the exterior of the watch, Ibe and a team of three members, also had to figure out a way to protect the engine, or electronics of the timepiece, which would often break due to the drop. He could not find a way to absorb the shock and feared that the project would be a failure.

Coca-Cola, Habitat for Humanity Philippines

“If there is one lesson learnt from Typhoon Yolanda - is that no act is too small. Rebuilding rests in the hands of every one of us, not merely a few. This is what our campaign RebuildPH is all about, and we hope that through this campaign by Coca-Cola, Habitat for Humanity Philippines and the Philippines Red Cross, the Filipino people and the global community will continue to be inspired to volunteer and donate. 

We have a long way to go and a lot still needs to be done,” says Guillermo Aponte, General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Joining Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Guillermo Aponte, President and General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, Richard Gordon, Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary-General of the Philippine Red Cross, Charlie Ayco, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Board Member of Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines are Coca-Cola Ambassadors, Enchong Dee, Julia Montes, Kathryn Bernardo, and Joseph Marco

adidas Originals ZX

Sharing the newest collection of the adidas Originals ZX family.

Following the success of court classics of the 1970s that struck a chord with both athletes and style-conscious casuals, a new breed of athlete was emerging. With running quickly entering the global stage, a new formula was needed to bring optimum performance to a brand new game, heralding in a brand new age of athletic footwear. In 1986, the adidas ZX Series was born.

From the humble beginnings of the ZX 500 model, the ZX Series championed road-tested technologies and forward- thinking creativity, and over the next three decades would create iconic silhouettes such as the ZX 700 and the ZX 8000. Committed athletes quickly adopted the Series’ forward-thinking technologies into their daily regimes, while head-turning subcultures soon fell for the family’s trademark bold colour ways and space age aesthetic.

Read more about adidas Originals ZX family

Whether breaking a personal best or making a statement on the streets, the ZX Series stays true to its task and true to the Originals story of pioneer athletics with a progressive aesthetic. Thirty years down the line, the story is still being written. 

ZX 100

Dripping with the original ZX DNA of the 1980s, the ZX 100 was a crisp, calculated runner that stepped softly and spoke clearly with a blend of classic casual style and a newly emerging aesthetic that would soon form the foundation of 90s running trainers.

Nikon Philippines

Nikon D4S is the ultimate full-frame D-SLR designed to deliver outstanding image and video quality with exceptional focusing accuracy.

As Nikon's new flagship model, the D4S offers advances over its predecessor, with revisions to a number of features and functions, including autofocusing performance, image quality, workflow and operation, and movie recording, adopted after listening carefully to the needs of professional photographers who sometimes find themselves working under demanding conditions.

The D4S brings together Nikon's advanced camera development technologies and underlines its legacy as a leader in imaging. This expertise means that this camera expands the possibilities for professional photographers who demand the best performance and image quality in challenging environments.

Raed more about Nikon's new flagship model, the D4S

On Disbursement Acceleration Program, DAP, Malacañang & Supreme Court

PNoy on DAP and PDAF 

DAP is Disbursement Acceleration Fund.

PDAF is Priority Development Assistance Fund.

PNOY says DAP is legal while Supreme Court says it is unconstitutional.

The Priority Development Assistance Fund scam, also called the PDAF scam or the pork barrel scam, is a political scandal involving the alleged misuse by several members of the Congress of the Philippines of their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF, popularly called "pork barrel")

A lump-sum discretionary fund granted to each member of Congress for spending on priority development projects of the Philippine government, mostly on the local level.

On the issue involving DAP as scam, he says it is not a project—it is an efficient way of spending the budget; it follows the law and adheres to the mandate granted to the Executive Branch.

Many agrees that DAP is different from PDAF but it was manipulated in favor to specific people.

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Palace vs Supreme Court

Which side speaks the truth?

Malacanang Palace is is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the highest court in the Philippines.

The court consists of 14 associate justices and 1 Chief Justice. Pursuant to the Constitution, the Supreme Court has "administrative supervision over all courts and the personnel thereof".

Now that President Aquino is defending the legality of Disbursement Acceleration Program; he says even our country’s highest court committed the same act to those under the controversial fund system.

Over a 13-0 result , the Supreme Court ruled that Malacañang violated the Constitution.

***

Do you think PDAF is a scam while DAP is not?

DAP sends an image of corruption and bad governance and President Aquino is hardly insisting DAP.

“DAP is not a project—it is an efficient way of spending the budget; it follows the law and adheres to the mandate granted to the Executive Branch. We did this to properly allocate funds, and by so doing maximize the benefits that the people may receive,” President Aquino says on his first speech regarding the issue.

SM Aura at the Global City

When SM Aura opened in Bonifacio Global City, it became an additional attraction to Taguig residents. The mall had its inaugural blessing on May 16, 2013, a day before the grand opening. 

This socio-civic center is located along McKinley Parkway and C5 Road cor. 26th St., Bonifacio Global City.

On the issue between SM Aura and BCDA, SM Prime won the project bid by Taguig legally. 

The property was intended for a state-of-the-art civic center, and as many people see it now, it is really not just an ordinary place.

Given that BCDA cannot put restrictions on what Taguig/SM can do with the property, it seems there was too much press on the issue.

Market! Market! and Bonifacio High Street is nice and SM Aura has that unique image.

From wikipedia:

The development includes the SkyPark, a multi-level green roof which apart from its environmental advantages, also provides a much needed green and communal space in Metro Manila’s dense cityscape. 

A 1,000-seat performance hall which will be called Samsung Hall and the 250-seat Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod.

Aside from shops and F&B outlets, it also include as its anchor tenants The SM Store and SM Supermarket, SMX Convention Center, Food on Four, 2 regular Cinemas, 2 Director’s Club facilities and an IMAX Theater. 

SM Aura was designed by Miami-based architectural firm Arquitectonica, the structure is a basic “dumbbell” arrangement determined by the narrow site, with the main entry at the north corner, and the office tower located at the southern end. 

The main vehicular drop-off is provided on the western side, with taxi stations on the first basement, accessed from the lower, eastern road.

Numerous celebrities, government officials including Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Taguig CityMayor Lani Cayetano, VIP guests graced the blessing, including SM Prime's Henry Sy and Hans Sy. 

Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP)

DAP furthermore sends an image of corruption and bad governance. President Aquino is hardly insisting DAP.

During his speech on Monday, President Aquino III, defends the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and slams the Supreme Court for declaring that DAP is unconstitutional.

He says “My message to the Supreme Court: We do not want two equal branches of government to go head to head, needing a third branch to step in to intervene. We find it difficult to understand your decision,” he said in a televised nationwide address.

"You had done something similar in the past, and you tried to do it again; there are even those of the opinion that what you attempted to commit was far graver."

He mentioned about the recent typhoon happened to our country that SC orders to bring back. He insisted the government never violated the law.

“In the system the Supreme Court is ordering us to bring back, it might take two more rainy seasons before we are able to relocate our countrymen. Let us remember: about twenty typhoons come our way each year. Is it right to ask those living in hazardous areas to just leave everything to prayer?” he said.

He says DAP is legal. On July 14 President Aquino speak about his government’s controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program in a national broadcast. He says 'DAP is not a project—it is an efficient way of spending the budget; it follows the law and adheres to the mandate granted to the Executive Branch. We did this to properly allocate funds, and by so doing maximize the benefits that the people may receive.'

Do you think PDAF is a scam while DAP is not?

“DAP is not a project—it is an efficient way of spending the budget; it follows the law and adheres to the mandate granted to the Executive Branch. We did this to properly allocate funds, and by so doing maximize the benefits that the people may receive,” President Aquino said.

SM Aura Premier vs BCDA

The Fort was cool when Market Market opened. It was cooler when Bonifacio High Street was fully developed. But when SM Aura Premiere opened it was like a complete place to go at The Fort area.

SM Aura mall had its inaugural blessing on May 16, 2013, a day before the grand opening. 

Numerous celebrities, government officials including Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, company officials, and VIP guests graced the blessing, including SM Prime's Henry Sy and Hans Sy.

Hollywood celebrity Sarah Jessica Parker also graced the blessing. She also cut the ribbon for The SM Store, as well as being the newest endorser for their "Love to Shop" campaign.

Being one of the newest mall in The Fort, SM Aura is a favorite place to go for many of us. 

Market Market, BGC is very nice but Aura offers much greater experience. 

On the issue happened, BCDA slamming SM Prime Holdings , it was clear now that SM didn’t violated the law.

Prime won the project bid by Taguig legally.

The property is not only intended for a mall (SM Aura), but it will be a state-of-the-art civic center. BCDA cannot put restrictions on what Taguig / SM can do with the property.

It’s not only a mall but a venue for the arts and culture.

SMX has been an ideal place for seminars and conferences, the shape of the building looks interesting and it is not just an ordinary shopping mall.

Though it has SM Department store, supermarket and cinemas it is still an elegant place to hang out. 

Aside from  Director’s cinemas, IMAX  and department store, there are many things to do inside because there is church, convention center, park, and function halls.

It’s a commuter friendly place. Just one ride away from Ayala.

It is owned by SM Prime Holdings, the country's largest mall developer.

Being the 13th SM Supermall in Metro Manila and 47th SM Prime mall in the Philippines, the shopping center is situated near Market! Market mall.

The SM Aura name is derived from the two elements gold (which has the chemical symbol Auand radium. For many people the word aura is fit for this new mall in Taguig.

SM Prime defines luxury and elegance that emanates from within the distinctive atmosphere.

The dispute over the new SM Aura in Taguig City between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Taguig-SM is becoming clearer.

Mighty Corporation feeds Payatas

Payatas dumpsite is still the largest open dumpsite in the Philippines and was reopened only months after the 2000 disaster at the request of scavengers and other residents of the area who depend on it for their livelihood. 

Wong Chu King Foundation providing assistance to poor and underprivileged sectors, entered into an agreement to fund the feeding of malnourished children from poor families residing at the garbage dumpsite in Barangay Payatas. 

WCKF partnered with other organizations; Payatas Orione Foundation Inc. (Paofi), and the UP Law Class of 1978 in providing meal to the residents. 

Signing the MOA were James Vincent Navarette, WCKF general manager; Fr. Martin Mroz, Paofi executive director; and Atty. Antonio Ocampo, representative of UP Law Class of 1978. 

Under the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Paofi, WCKF and the UP Law Class of 1978 will provide one nutritious meal per day for one year for 75 children of one of Paofi feeding centers in Payatas.

Payatas Orione Foundation Inc.’s program envisions that the each children achieve their normal weight within a year from enrolling in the program. 

In a separate report, Mighty Corporation, was commended by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) for all the assistance it continues to provide to tobacco farmers to improve the situation of the industry. Mighty Corporation is present in the dreams of many people.

Read Mighty Corporation is on the hot seat of BIR

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Should Congress slow down over Mighty Corporation?

Should Congress slow down over the investigation against cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corporation?

With the controversies surrounding the Filipino-owned tobacco manufacturer in the country, Mighty Corporation, they were crushed by its rival companies on misleading information about them and led an investigation in the House of Representative.

The Congress and other government agencies urged to vigilant handling its inquiry over the cigar companies in the country.

According to party-list representative Rodel Batocabe, he said that the probe being conducted in the House of Representatives into “unscrupulous entities” in the cigarette industry should not focus solely on one company but the entire industry.

Mighty Corporation on alleged illicit activities

In a report written by Amado P. Macasaet on February 19, 2014, BIR Commissioner and CPA-Lawyer Kim Henares was tagged as the unofficial counsel to Mighty Corp.  The commissioner however denies this and declared on ABS-CBN that Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) maybe held liable for libel or slander because of this unfounded allegations. 

The commissioner’s name was mentioned in a report issued by PMFTC to fellow cigarette makers on alleged illicit activities of Mighty Corporation which is owned and managed by Cesar and Alex Wong Chu King.

THE BEGINNING

On October 2013, the case started when detractors spread malicious allegations over the business operations of Mighty Corporation.

THE CAUSE

According to allegations from different detractors, Marlboro’s sales volume significantly went down and is attributed to the down-trading of consumers to low-end brands that sell at Php1.00 per stick, particularly to brands produced by Mighty Corp., a company owned by the Wong Chu King family.

THE JUDGEMENT

Retired judge and now Mighty Corp. Executive Vice President Oscar P. Barrientos said that he finds that quite suspicious.

“Strangely, PMFTC engaged us in a bitter price war, accusing us of technical smuggling, tax evasion, and unfair competition based on a questionable research by AC Nielsen while they probably had the ulterior motive to completely take us out of the picture when they introduced their new low-priced Marlboro Brands while demonizing us in the media at the same time.” Barrientos explained.

*this is a developing story