In a post event held last week of April, Tattoo, the #1 broadband in the Philippines continues to recognize social media icons, shakers and influencers with its prestigious Tatt Awards. The award giving body that stared last year is the first ever giving body that awards online icons, shakers and influencers who have “inspired, led, influenced and sparked changes in the world in a positive way.”

The first-ever Tatt awards held last year gathered and shone the limelight on technophiles, video vamps and passionate advocates of change.

Here is a popular Tatt Awards 2o12 Video by Petra Halimuyak:

LAST YEARS TATT AWARDEES

Young celebrity stylist Laureen Uy bagged last year’s Stylisimo Award for her fresh take on fashion, her very successful online store, Stylebreak and her religiously followed fashion blog, Break My Style.; `Professional heckler’ Loi Reyes Landicho received the Word Slayer award; TV host-columnist Bianca Gonzales was voted by her followers as the #1 Thoughtmover; Mikey Bustos for the Video Slinger award; Up Dharma Down, for Indie Rocker; Marc Macanas for Tech Junkie and the Philippines’ pride, Lea Salonga, for the Ball Breaker award.

“This year’s Tatt awards will honor a new batch of digital rockers,” explains Dong Ronquillo, head of the Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business. “What sets Tatt awards from other web-centric awards is that we look beyond mere statistics and acknowledge individuals who have expressed an opinion, created inspiring works or ignited social change. This is not a mere popularity contest but a recognition of people who used the social media space to share what they are most passionate about and, in the process, created positive influence and stirred action among people,” he adds.

TATT AWARDS COUNCIL 2012

Tatt Awards 2012 also proudly reveals its new Tatt Council, a group of celebrated online thought-leaders led by Ronquillo, that will collectively serve as judges to determine the winners in the different categories.

The Council members include award-winning journalist and ABS-CBN News & Public Affairs social media pioneer Maria Ressa; Filipino singer, comedian, and YouTube sensation Mikey Bustos; TV Personality-columnist and style guru Tim Yap; former music director for the rock station NU107.5 FM and musician Francis Brew; Multi-awarded humor blogger and one of Tatt Awards 2011 winners, The Professional Heckler, Loi Landicho; one of the most sought-after corporate, fashion and advertising photographers in the Philippines, Wig Tysmans; TV Host, Editor, Columnist, Endorser and Actor Raymond Gutierrez; model, host, magazine editor and sports enthusiast Rovilson Fernandez; Commissioner to the National Youth Commission and Outstanding student leader Gio Tingson; and Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) Vice President Pao Peña.

“The Tatt Awards is our venue for recognizing digital rockers who, through passion and individuality, have created a space that is uniquely theirs, but sincerely shared with others.”

Support your favorite online rock stars who rocked the social media stage as Tattoo opens the curtain once again to give them their well-deserved Tatt awards.

Do you have a nominee of the Tatt Awards 2012? Nominate them now by visiting www.tattawards.com.

Do you have a great idea that needs funding? Do you think your idea is the next big thing in innovation?

If you are a Filipino, who has a great idea, IdeaSpace Foundation is alloting Php 100 million for the first year to see your awesome idea moving.

In a gathering  of  prominent bloggers and representatives of regional blogging organizations, Manny V. Pangilinan (also known as MVP), meets for the first time these bloggers to answer questions on the newest group collaboration to benefit the technopreneurs and startup companies – IdeasSpace Foundation.

Meralco’s Vice President and Chief Information Officer Marthyn Cuan shares that IdeaSpace is an incubator cum angel-fund and accelerator program.

The new foundation’s finances are supported primarily by First Pacific Group companies.

IdeaSpace foundation has an initial start up fund of Php 100 million for the first year of its operations and an additional of half a million every year to sustain it. Supporting companies include: First Pacific Group, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), MPIC Hospital group, Meralco, Philex Mining, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), Digitel, Sun Cellular, ePLDT, Maynilad, IndoFood, MediaQuest and TV5.

Mr. Cuan further discloses, “We want to replicate the Silicon Valley model, and improve it. There’s a lot of gaps between the model and the Philipines. We will try to close the gap and bring it to a sachet level.”

Smart Communications Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto adds, “The number of the incubatees will depend on the number of bright ideas approved and depending on the requirement. The number can increase.”

Application Starts on May

In the same gathering, it was also opened that a national competition will be launched this year to be able to select who are the first incubatees of the program. Applications will be received starting May. Initial information regarding the search will also be loaded via www.IdeaSpace.ph.

Exciting Features of IdeaSpace to StartUps

In comparison to other existing incubation program, these are its edges:

1. Funding. Smart Communications, Inc. Strategic Business Development Head Earl Martin S. Valencia shares, “it depends on the merits of the idea. The foundation is ready to give as much funding as the project needs. Good thing about IdeaSpace is we will also help you find other investors either from our other group or other venture capital partners.”

2. Mentorship with Top Executives. There are a lot of things that every startup business should learn. Aside from developing the apps or system solutions, every successful technopreneurs understand the need for solid grasp of accounting, planning, operational control and its related knowledge. All of this are already accessible to the incubatees as they are beneficiary to a structured program hosted by the group’s Leadership Academy. Trainings will provide them a wider perspective to make the business successful and scalable.

3. Direct Market Access. If you are developing solutions or product/services specifically targeted to businesses already owned by the group like power utilities, toll roads and transportation, health care, mining, telecommunications, media and food, you will be given access to its direct market for actual testing.

MVP: Take Risk on Idea

The message is clear.

As a startup more than 30 years ago, MVP has created a throng of successful companies in the Philipines.

“We encourage people to take risk on their idea,” MVP explains. Based on statistics, only one innovation out of 3,000 ideas “sees the light of day.”

MVP continues,“But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.”

MVP, sharing his thrust and goals with the new foundation, said, “We want to see innovation in the strongest state.”

STARTUPS. It is more fun in the Philippines.

The growth of this innovation sector in the Philippines is outstanding. It is also impressive to note  how big companies, such as the First Pacific group, are providing opportunities for these innovation companies to grow and compete globally. It won’t be long when we pride ourselves to the number of celebrities we produce globally.  In subsequent years, we can see an increase in number of technology innovations we can introduce to the world. And that can happen most possibly, thanks to generous NGO’s and companies such as IdeaSpace Foundation.

That move can not just provide additional work or bragging rights to the Filipinos, this can also bring us in line with other first world coutries sooner than 2050.

Fleire Castro, the online marketing strategist of the event, relayed this info about Start-up Weekend Cebu and invited Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. to be the official media partner of Startup Weekend Cebu, which will be on May 11-13, 2012.

This event will bring developers, programmers, marketing professionals and business executives under one roof for a tedious, idea-squeezing and time-challenging 54-hour of meet-up, team-building and idea presentation to the big guns from Silicon Valley.

Of course, local personalities are also invited and included in the panel of judges.

To know more about the Startup Weekend, social media mommy blogger, owner of Third Team Media and member of Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., Fleire Castro brings to us this press release.

Startup Weekend is a 54 hour startup event that provides the networking, resources, and incentives for individuals and teams to go from idea to launch. Startup Weekend’s motto: NO TALK, ALL ACTION. START YOUR BUSINESS! In conjunction with the two entrepreneurs out of Seattle, WA – that were crazy enough to start this whole thing, and the more than 300 events that have been hosted in cities worldwide, we are our own community of passionate entrepreneurs on a mission to help others like us and facilitate innovation in Cebu by organizing the first ever Startup Weekend Cebu on May 11 – 13, 2012 @ UP Cebu.

What Actually Happens During Startup Weekend

Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday teams focus on customer development, validating their ideas, practicing LEAN Startup Methodologies and building a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening teams demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experts and the Startup Weekend Cebu Winner is crowned by the panel of judges.  Essentially, building their company in 54HRS.

Who are the crowd

Startup Weekend’s community consists primarily of passionate current and future entrepreneurs with ideas for new ventures mostly for web or mobile. These are the creative and influential workers of Cebu.  Startup Weekenders are the movers and shakers of the digital age. They are: No Talk. All Action. In addition to the attendees, we have key sponsors like Globe, Microsoft, and other A list companies who will have delegates in attendance. We are lining up key Filipino mentors who have successful startups and can provide entrepreneurial insight and inspiration to our attendees. We’ve also arranged to have a team of Venture Capitalists (VCs) from Silicon Valley be in attendance at the event and serve as judges on our panel. Last but certainly not least, we are inviting You, which means you will have access to this amazing lineup of talent.

You will get to experience what SWCebu is all about (free snacks of course) and you’ll be able to interview the organizers, judges and mentors. You are encouraged to write your pre-event entry as a participant of the blogging contest. Further details will be forwarded by event marketing head Fleire Castro of Third Team Media.

Startup Weekend Cebu is going to leave a lasting impression on the community and we want You  to be a part! We hope to be working with You, and please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Dave Overton & Fleire Castro

On Behalf of The Startup Weekend Cebu Team

Contact Fleire Castro, Online Marketing Organizer
cell: 09182656696  |  email: fleire@thirdteam.org

cebu.startupweekend.org
startupweekend.org

Bethany is composed of Quibranza siblings Luis on the vocals and guitars, Angelo on guitars and Paolo on the drums, plus Jan Osbert Dela Cerna on the bass. During the gig, their official single “Waiting” will be released for free. All the audience has to do is to bring their own USB flash drive with them, and there will be a counter set up to assist the loading of the song.

Coming off fresh from a weekend tour in Metro Manila (including a set at Eastwood mall), the band is back here in Cebu focused in promoting their new album. “We hope that this move will allow the public to get a feel what kind of songwriting we have in our album. It’s also our little Christmas treat giving the track out for free,” shares guitarist Angelo.

The band has performed in numerous gigs and festivals since starting 2008, making appearances in shows like the Visayan Music Festival, Fete de la Musique, Sonicboom Sinulog Blast Off, and being featured in local cable’s RCTV 36 show, Tambayan Sa Outpost. Other bands scheduled for the gig are Foc Fashion, Sirens, Detached, Lightyear, and Shuffled.

NetSuite OneWorld PH has been fully localized for the accounting rules, usage conventions, statutory and regulatory requirements of the Philippine market, including tax reporting requirements mandated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). NetSuite OneWorld PH is the perfect solution for Philippine businesses to manage their domestic and global businesses in the cloud, whether they are locally headquartered or a division of a larger, multi-national enterprise.

NetSuite has been in the country since 2007 and the companies using its business solutions include Jollibee Food Corporation, ABS-CBN, Institute of Culinary Arts and Food Services in partnership with FEU, MOTECH Automotive, Antech, among others.

To learn more about the news, check out NetSuite OneWorld PH at CebuTechBlogger.com.

The Xperia™ line of handsets brings consumers the best communication and entertainment experiences, delivered in a collection of smartphones to give consumers choice in size and style.

Mobile Phones:

Xperia™ X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro

The latest of these choices is the Xperia™ X10 mini and X10 mini pro. The X10 mini has dimensions of 3.2 by 1.9 by .63 inches, while the X10 mini pro with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard is 3.5 by 2.05 by .67 inches. Both are approximately the size of a credit card, but are bursting with numerous features. As Google Android smartphones, the duo can be customized with directly downloadable applications fromAndroid Market™.

More on X10 Mini…  More on X10 Mini Pro…

Xperia™ X10

The Xperia™ X10, which made a solid global debut earlier this year, was Sony Ericsson’s first smartphone in the Android platform. It has since become one of the company’s best sellers, and has been recorded as Japan’s top selling smartphone. The X10 mini is available in black, pearl white, lime and silver while the X10 mini pro is in black and red.

More here…

Xperia™ X8

Sony Ericsson had also announced a new Xperia™ mobile phone that will be arriving by the third quarter of 2010, the X8.  The X8will build on the success of the X10 and the mini products and extend the most entertaining smartphones collection to an even broader audience.

See specs here…

Xperia Vivaz Pro

Vivaz has an 8.1 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom, continuous auto focus for video, image stabilizer, 3D games, Facebook and Twitter applications. One can review the HD video content in the standby panel or online via Wi-Fi on the 3.2 inch widescreen. It’s has a curve-shaped design for the hands to easily and comfortably hold it.

More here…

PLUS . . .

Own the hottest shirt with the mightiest little mobile phone in your pocket. Sony Ericsson and Oxygen have launched a partnership to dress you up in the stylish new Oxygen mini tee with a special Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini pocket. Oxygen’s little black shirt of the season was specially designed with the Sony Ericsson Xperia™X10 mini as inspiration. With its new high-street style, Oxygen has gained a following among the ultra-hip and mobile. Fashionable men and women have found Oxygen the first and last stop to find that sophisticated party look that works. Oxygen has launched its latest clothes collection and carries a host of fashionable accessories. The Oxygen mini tee is only the latest among its must-have creations, available exclusively when you buy Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini or X10 mini pro.
For Oxygen shoppers, a minimum P800 purchase entitles them to a raffle coupon for one of 15 Sony Ericsson X10 mini handsets. The promo begins July 23 until August 31, 2010. Prizes will be drawn on September 10, 2010. Selected Oxygen shops will also feature Sony Ericsson X10 mini demonstrations.
Purchase a Sony Ericsson X10 mini or X10 mini pro during the same period, and get a free Oxygen mini tee. Visit a Sony Ericsson Experience Shop and authorized dealer nationwide or shop at Oxygen to learn more.

Sony Ericsson is a 50/50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson established in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London and operations in major markets around the world. Sony Ericsson’s strategy is to become the industry leader in mobile Communication Entertainment, through new styles of interaction across the internet and social media. Sony Ericsson offers exciting consumer experiences through innovative and feature rich phones, accessories, content and applications.  For more information, please see: www.sonyericsson.com/press.

Related posts:

Official Launching of Xperia in Cebu from Sony Ericsson by Rabsin de la Cruz

Sony Ericsson Opens X10 Cafe at SM Cebu Cyberzone with Xperia Mini E10i by Gerrymie Tampus

Sony Ericsson unveils the smallest Android smartphones in the world at the X10 Cafe of SM City Cebu by Karen Veloso

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 in Cebu by Kevin Ray Chua

For the first week, from July 9 to July 14, SM Cinema is bringing back Avatar in its full IMAX glory!

IMAX ticket prices range from P250.00 to P400.00.

NEO, one of the country’s leading manufacturers and distributors of excellent and dependable consumer portables, introduces its latest line of mobile computers, aptly named the EDGE – a new concept that will perfectly fit the new fast-paced and exciting digital lifestyle, great for work and leisure, or both.

First impressions would surely last as Neo’s EDGE Z3240 is maybe one of the smartest and hippest looking laptop you will ever see. It’s a wonder how this carefully engineered work of art packs so many great features in such a compact frame that redefines the term “ultra-thin”.  Its compact build may give you the impression that this laptop is not a serious computing machine. We beg to differ. The Edge Z3240 is actually a travelling executive’s perfect companion, ideal for both business and multimedia applications even on long trips because it has a longer battery life than standard-voltage notebooks. And, it is powered by Intel – the industry ’s leader in processors, this slim beauty carries a big stick. The 120 GB hard drive is sufficient enough for downloaded movies, music, pictures and all those work-related dragging stuff such as spreadsheets and documents.

Read the rest of the article here.

Related Posts:

• Nancy Cudis – RP manufacturer unveils thin laptops
• Agnes Jimenez – Is Neo’s EDGE Laptop thinner than MacBook Air?

The free wifi access is another innovation in SM City Cebu’s quest to be the premier mall destination of Cebuano Shoppers. This innovation would allow shoppers with Wi-Fi capable devices to conveniently access the web wherever they are within the mall’s premises, even the carpark.

The unveiling of this new service was covered by numerous media outlets, from radio stations to print media, including the Cebu Bloggers Society (whose 2 active members Sinjin and Jose won the 1st and 2nd prizes for the Photoblog contest). The launch featured the initial free Wi-Fi access at the SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium. As of August 4, the service is already available mallwide.

The free Wi-Fi launch in SM Cebu was simultaneously launched with SM Iloilo and SM Bacolod. To date, this brings 13 SM Malls offering free Wi-Fi access since it was first initiated at SM Marikina in February. By October this year, the SM management aims to have all its 36 SM Malls in the Philippines offer free Wi-Fi access.

The free Wi-Fi access is provided by ISP PhilCom Inc. (Philippine Global Communications Inc.). The speed has capacity to serve up to 200 users all at the same time, at an amazing 8 mbps. Though the mall averages 100,000 to 200,000 daily foot traffic, not all have access to Wi-Fi enabled devices and not all accesses the web simultaneously thus connection would still be stable.

So, head now to SM City Cebu and experience the fast internet access on the go – while shopping, of course!

This entry is patterned from Nancy Cudis (original post).

Related Event Coverage: 
SM City Cebu Launches Mallwide Wi-Fi – Miong
SM City Cebu’s Free Wi-Fi Launch, A Success! – Kai
SM City Cebu Free Wifi Launching – VanJohnn
SM City Cebu now a Wi-Fi Zone – Bryan Karl
LiveBlogging at SM City Northwing – Kevin Ray
SM City Cebu Mallwide WiFi Launching – Vernon
The SM Northwing Wifi Launching – Wilhelmina
SM City Cebu Launches Free Wi-Fi – Beejing

Two teams composed of four computer geeks from iStorya (that’s the local community forum for Cebu) fought on who to become the best overclockers in Cebu!  The teams were Cebu Xtream and Sugbo Elite. I was too engrossed with the event and the prize giving!

The following categories were part of the criteria in the ratings:

• Highest % Overclock
• Highest CPU Mhz
• Highest Bclock
• Highest memory speed (any timing)
• Highest 3DMark Vantage Score
• Highest Super PI

Both teams were given the chance to outperform each other with both the Intel and AMD setup. The processors used in the overclocking event included the latest Intel i7 920 (2.66GHZ) and the latest AMD Phenom Black Edition. The motherboards used were the Rampage II Gene (Intel) and the M4A79-T (AMD). Both of which are manufactured by ASUS.

During the event several prizes were given out to a number of audience members, mostly pc enthusiasts and geeks (engineering students from USC). Other prizes included case accessories, ASUS CPU coolers and more of the ASUS Xonar.

The post was written by Jose Farrugia, a technology blogger over at Mango Chico.