Martin Nguyen Determined to Make History at One: Legends of the World

Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen completed his climb to the apex of ONE Championship’s competitive 70.3-kilogram weight class by clinching a prestigious martial arts gold against a fierce Russian rival.

The 28-year-old Australian standout knocked out the previously unbeaten Marat “Cobra” Gafurov and laid claim to the featherweight crown in the main event of ONE: QUEST FOR GREATNESS this past August.

Nguyen may have won the ONE Featherweight World Championship by defeating a tough foe like Gafurov in August, but now he is moving up a weight class and looking to acquire a second world title.

The newly-minted featherweight kingpin is set to challenge Filipino martial arts superstar Eduard “Landslide” Folayang for the ONE Lightweight World Championship in the main event of ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

For Nguyen, he savors the opportunity to become the first two-division world champion in ONE Championship history.

“I like Eduard [Folayang]. I said to myself I did not want to compete against someone I like and take away their glory, but opportunities like this do not come around too often. And, if I refused to do this, someone else was going to compete against him and take his glory. So it is strictly business,” he said.

According to Nguyen, he considers his highly-anticipated championship clash with Folayang as a dream come true.

“Following my title win, I took a one-month vacation. But in my mind, I really wanted to compete. I was so eager to return to the cage once more before the conclusion of 2017. My wish came true in the form of this dream match against Eduard Folayang,” he shared.

After signing the bout agreement for the cross-divisional showdown with Folayang, Nguyen immediately headed back into training camp and will train as usual with KMA Top Team in Sydney, Australia to figure out the puzzle that is the ONE Lightweight World Champion.

While the Filipino is a world-class striker, Nguyen has noticed a recurring pattern in his style that could leave him vulnerable in their upcoming title tilt.

“Eduard’s striking is pretty legit. A bit wild, but it works for him. Everyone who gets tagged by Eduard, they walk into every single one of his strikes and put pressure on him. But Eduard is the counter striker, and everyone who comes forward gets hit with a spinning attack, a big right hand, or big kicks,” he explained.

“You have to keep moving against someone like Eduard. If you do not move, then you are a standing punching bag. With my style, I am always moving. If I am going backwards, sideways, or forward, I want to make it hard for him to hit me, and I want to make every bit of my wrestling count,” Nguyen added.

Despite being the taller athlete by a mere three centimeters, Nguyen anticipates being the lighter man on the night of ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD.

Nguyen plans to use that to his advantage, believing his speed and dynamism will be his keys to victory in the five-round championship contest.

“My strength in this match is my pace and my cardio. Eduard has legitimate cardio, obviously, training in Baguio City, but going at the pace I go at, I think he is going to fatigue, and my grappling will get the best of him. He is a strong guy, but I will use his weight against him in this match,” he stated.

Nguyen knows that he has quite the challenge ahead of him, especially since he is heading into Folayang’s home turf of Manila in the Philippines.

However, Nguyen is up to the task and trusts in his plan that he will take home the ONE Lightweight World Championship and write his name in history books.

“It is so surreal, Last year, I set my goals. I said to myself, ‘This year, I want to rematch Marat [Gafurov], take the belt off of him, and become a two-division champion.’ I am 75 percent of the way there. I beat Marat, and I got the featherweight belt. Now I am in a super bout for the first time ever in ONE Championship history to become a two-division champion. Everything is falling into place. It is appealing to know all hard work pays off,” he stressed.

Although he has a tough test in front of him on 10 November, Nguyen remains optimistic that a decisive outcome will be in his favor at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD.

“This match is going to be stopped,” he guaranteed. “I would love for it to be a KO, but I see it as a submission or a TKO for Martin ‘The Situ-Asian’ Nguyen, of course.”

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Mindanao Power Supply Restored After Transmission Tower Bombing

Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi immediately convened the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATSEF) to coordinate the restoration of the power services in affected areas in Mindanao. This was done following the attack on Transmission Tower 106 along Kibawe and Sultan Kudarat by suspected terrorists at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 3.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), a member of the IATSEF, was able to tap an alternative power transmission line to temporarily supply the needed electricity. After the bombing of Tower 106, power was temporarily sourced from an alternative route through the Tacurong 69kV line. Because of this, the voltage was being maintained at 45MW due to load limitation.

The NGCP also reported that a rotating load curtailment is being implemented in the franchise areas of Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Cotabato Electric Cooperative and Palma & Cotelco Light & Power to maintain the delivery of power services in the affected areas.

To improve the delivery of electricity service further, a bypass line is being constructed through an excavation for anchors and the setting up of two sets of Emergency Restoration System from the Baloi Substation. As per NGCP, the completion of the other significant restoration works may take two more days.

Cusi reminded the IATSEF to ensure the safety of the personnel performing the restoration works and asked law enforcers to investigate and arrest the bombers.

 

Pagani Automobili Hypercars: Coming to the Philippines Soon!

For hardcore motorheads, hypercars represent the ultimate in automotive technology, a notch above supercars in terms of performance, technology, design, luxury, exclusivity, and rarity. With price tags in the millions of dollars, hypercars exist only in the rarefied world of the rich and famous, and ordinary mortals might never get to see one in their lifetime, except on a movie screen—or in a scale model box.

Some hypercars offered in the market are the Bugatti Chiron, the Lamborghini Centenario, and the Porsche 918. Exclusively creating only hypercars, Pagani is a marque that many Filipino motorists may not be familiar with. Founded in 1992 by Argentinian Horacio Pagani, the company is based in the Motor Valley, just outside of Modena, Italy, and is manned by just 130 employees.

The Pagani Zonda was first introduced at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show. Although it does not share the names of its customers, it is well-known that Lewis Hamilton owns a purple 2012 Pagani Zonda.

The Pagani Huayra, which was featured in the 2013 Transformers 4 movie, retails for US$2.5-million. It has a top speed of 378kph, and 0-100kph acceleration time is 3.2-seconds. Only about 40 units are built each year.

How do you recognize a Pagani? Its most distinctive feature is the 4-tube exhaust—the Quattro Scarichi, in Italian—coming together in a circle.

There are currently no Pagani hypercars in the Philippines, but that may change very soon!

Most Sought-After Locations for Properties in 2017

Global real estate website Lamudi unveils the most searched areas in the Philippines for the first nine months of 2017

Where do Filipinos want to live? Global real estate website Lamudi provides an answer to this question by looking at its online search data from the first nine months of 2017. Based from the choice of more than 11 million site visits, these are the preferred locations of online property hunters in 2017.

1. Quezon City

Metro Manila’s largest city (both in terms of size and population) is still the Philippines’ most popular city among property. According to Lamudi, Quezon City’s popularity can be attributed to the sheer volume of listings available, which number around 15,000 properties for sale and for rent. The city also has a number of high-ticket real estate projects in the pipeline, most notable of which include the city’s official CBD, Triangle Park. It is also noteworthy that some of its neighborhoods, including Cubao, Eastwood City, Commonwealth, and Fairview, are some of the most searched areas on the Lamudi platform.

2. Parañaque

The “City of Subdivisions,” southern Metro Manila’s Parañaque is the second most searched city on Lamudi for the first three quarters of 2017. Aside from its popular enclaves—including Merville Park, BF Homes, Multinational Village, and Better Living Subdivision—Parañaque is also home to the up-and-coming Entertainment City, where three of Metro Manila’s multibillion-dollar resort casinos are already operating.

3. Makati

At third spot is the Philippines’ business and financial capital, Makati. Although it may seem that people are looking further afield due to the city’s sky-high property prices, Makati remains a highly sought-after location, which is best demonstrated by a number of exciting projects, especially those outside its central business district (CBD) area. Some of the areas that are gaining attention include Brgy. San Antonio and Chino Roces Avenue, both of which now boast condo projects from some of the country’s biggest players.

4. Cebu

The Queen City of the South is the fourth most searched city for real estate during the first nine months of 2017. Its laidback ambiance complemented by modern conveniences is hard to resist, which entices many to invest or even relocate in the city. It is also worth noting that Cebu is perhaps one of the few cities outside Metro Manila that boasts a full-fledged, master-planned business district.

5. Las Piñas

Las Piñas is the fifth most preferred destination by property seekers. Like its neighbor to the north Parañaque, it boasts numerous gated communities catering to both affordable and high-end markets. The city also has a distinct residential feel that attracts many house-hunters and with transport infrastructure in the south rapidly developing, it will not be surprising to see many to start moving to Las Piñas soon.

6. Manila

Often overlooked, the City of Manila is a fresh entry to the top ten most searched city for real estate. However, considering the immense evolution that is expected to take place in the city, we can expect to see more and more people check out Manila for its real estate. Many condominiums and townhomes projects are currently in the pipeline, particularly those found along Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and even under-the-radar neighborhoods like Santa Ana. In addition, the city’s local government announced a reclamation project on Manila Bay to start soon. This makes Manila not just a good place to invest, but a city to watch out for in the coming years.

7. Pasig

Pasig is home to the eastern half of Ortigas Center—one of Metro Manila’s three most important business districts. Because of its strategic location, real estate choices in the city continue to surge up. Its property offerings are diverse, from office and commercial spaces and mid-end and upscale condos, to houses and townhouses in both high-end and mid-end gated communities. This makes Pasig a worthy top-of-mind destination when it comes to real estate investment.

8. Taguig

Taguig is home to Bonifacio Global City (BGC)—one of the most important business districts in the country. As the live-where-you-work concept is more appealing to homebuyers nowadays, Taguig is a popular choice among online property-seekers. Aside from BGC and McKinley Hill, other Taguig areas are also gaining popularity, including Brgy. Ususan, AFPOVAI Village, and Arca South, among others.

9. Santa Rosa

This Laguna city, located approximately 38 kilometers south of Metro Manila, offers some of the most highly sought-after properties outside the Philippine capital. Santa Rosa has a number of high-profile gated communities and mixed-use developments, including Ayala Land’s Nuvali, Cathay Land’s South Forbes, and Vista Land’s Sta. Elena City. The city is also well-connected to Metro Manila and the rest of CALABARZON via the South Luzon Expressway, while the upcoming Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALA) will make it high accessible from the Kawit Exit of the Manila–Cavite Expressway.

10. Antipolo

Located east of Metro Manila in Rizal Province, Antipolo is mostly known as a tourism hub and a pilgrimage site, but this year the city is getting much attention from property-seekers. This city, home to almost 780,000 residents, is the place to be for value-for-money properties for first-time homebuyers and starting families.

Lamudi Housing Fair 2017

Many real estate choices from the top ten most-searched cities on the Lamudi platform will surely be available at the upcoming Lamudi Housing Fair, slated this October 13–15 at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong. Exclusive property discounts, auctions of foreclosed properties, and home-buying and investment seminars are just some of the highlights of this year’s housing fair. For more information, visit www.lamudi.com.ph/housing_fair.

Online Tax Assistance Platform Taxumo is the First Digital Startup to Get Four-Year Tax Holiday from BOI

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As part of the government’s thrust to spur the digital startup industry and technological innovations in the Philippines, pioneering online tax assistance platform Taxumo was recently granted a four-year income tax holiday so it can focus its resources on growing its business. 

This recent move makes Taxumo the first digital startup firm approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) under the 2017 IPP (Investment Priorities Plan.) 

Taxumo is an easy online tax filing and payment web app that revolutionizes tax processing for Filipino solo entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and freelancers. Says EJ Arboleda, Taxumo’s CEO: “We are grateful that the BOI has given the attention to Taxumo, which sets a precedent for the tech startup industry to get the support it needs to move forward, which in turn will generate jobs and ease business operations. We are proud to be leading the way for the industry.” 

“Digitalization is a great equalizer that levels the playing field among small and large firms. Adopting an innovation-led business model, like the integration of digital strategies and e-commerce, enables MSMEs to scale-up their status and become competitive in the long run,” Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ramon M. Lopez said. 

“We must effectively tap the potential of MSMEs as it forms a significant part in of our country’s growth resurgence and nurturing them not just as backbones of our economy but also one of the prime movers of both domestic and regional growth.” 

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said: “BOI supports entrepreneurial startups as an engine for economic development and as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation. While the Philippine start-ups sector is at a nascent stage, our large young internet-savvy population and growing economy make the country a hot-bed for technology-driven activities.” 

He stressed “the need to have a forward thinking mentality that is anchored on providing entrepreneurs and startups with the necessary support to start and grow right from the earliest stages of development.” 

Through Taxumo, users simply enter their income and expenses in the system regularly, which then provides real-time information on tax dues. 

The platform also autofills the relevant tax forms (BIR Form 2551M for Monthly Percentage Tax Payments, Form 1701Q for Quarterly Income Tax Payments, and soon, Form 1701 for Annual Income Tax Payments) with calculations based on the data entered by the user. 

From there, they can easily file and pay their tax dues online through Taxumo as well. Users can avail of paid subscription packages on the platform, depending on their needs.

 

See other tax return options here

Debunking Outsourcing Myths

Wazzup Pilipinas!Outsourcing is an emerging strategy used by many organizations today to keep their business operations efficient and profitable.

Outsourcing allows companies to assign certain business operations to outsourcing firms rather than accomplishing it internally, thereby, reducing manpower expenses and other operational costs without sacrificing operational efficiencies.
However, despite its obvious benefits, there are still some companies that do not yet fully appreciate the advantages outsourcing brings to a business. In fact, they often look at the practice as an added expense rather than an opportunity to cut costs. 

Prople, Inc., one of the leading business outsourcing companies in the country, lists some misconceptions about outsourcing and what are the truths behind these myths.

1.    Outsourcing can only reduce costs

Truth be told, outsourcing primarily reduces costs.  However, this is only one of its many benefits. Outsourcing also helps increase productivity because the personnel assigned to the task is usually highly trained for the job. This means that less or no training is needed for the task to be done. In the long run, it increases efficiency and productivity because it allows companies to focus on their core business instead of spending time, effort, resources and manpower on these processes.

2.    It saves money but the quality of the services are at risk

When a job is outsourced, it is assigned to a group of people with the prerequisite skills set. This means that the people working on the job are experts who know what needs to be done, thus, reducing the chances of poor work quality.

3.    Less management control over the specific task and results

Even if the job is outsourced, it doesn’t mean that clients have no control of the output or the outsourced staff. It is a standard among BPO firms to guarantee timely and specific deliverables ensuring that the integrity of the output is maintained and that the staff assigned perform at excellent levels at all times. Companies that outsource usually interface regularly to make sure that the quality of the work is sustained.

4.    SMEs cannot benefit from outsourcing

While outsourcing seems to be done mostly by large companies, what many don’t realize is that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit better from outsourcing. Hiring people will mean that resources are allocated for salaries, benefits, and other mandatory government payments. Outsourcing takes away the need to pay the required salaries as the fees paid to an outsourcing firm are based on a specific set of deliverables. Once the task is completed, the costs discontinue.

5.    Outsourcing causes loss of jobs

BPOs cut down the workloads of an enterprise by accepting minor tasks, like for payroll and tax services among others. Instead of hiring people to work on these, a company may open other positions that will help them focus more on their business core. Furthermore, outsourcing opens up employment opportunities for people who prefer working on a per project basis.

Prople Inc. was established to assist local enterprises of any size. As one of the leading business processes outsourcing companies, it delivers proven, best-in-class methodologies and solutions to ensure their customers’ business stability and progress.

It is staffed by value-driven employees, such as accountants, auditors, project managers, business analysts, engineers and IT professionals, who are rich in adequate professional experiences that may help companies realize true benefits of outsourcing.

Overall, it aims to produce practical outputs including increase of efficiency, immediate start on new projects, control of capital costs, reduction of labor costs, maintaining the focus on the business core and preventing risks that threaten the success of enterprises, and these are what Prople, Inc. desires to provide.

For a complete list of Prople, Inc.’s services, kindly visit its website at https://www.propleinc.com/.

AXN Announces Fourth Golden Buzzer for Asia’s Got Talent Ahead of World Premiere on October 12

AXN announced today that there is an added twist in its latest season of Asia’s Got Talent: a fourth Golden Buzzer to be pushed by new show hosts Alan Wong and Justin Bratton.

The announcement comes ahead of the highly-anticipated Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 which premieres next Thursday, October 12 at 8:30pm on AXN.

The Golden Buzzer, a privilege typically reserved for celebrity judges, David Foster, Anggun and Jay Park, is pushed for an act deemed so incredible that it is sent straight through to the semi-finals for a closer shot at the grand prize of USD100,000. This season, the hosts and each judge will have the power to push the coveted Golden Buzzer only once during the first five episodes called the ‘judges’ auditions’.



“The Golden Buzzer is a life-changing and highly emotional moment on Asia’s Got Talent where viewers share in the journey of the act. Empowering the hosts to choose their favorite act adds an extra layer of excitement to the show. Many of our fans on the Asia’s Got Talent Facebook page requested for this to happen, so we’re thrilled to make the hosts’ Golden Buzzer a reality,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

In Season one of the hit-rated series, Filipino shadow dance group, El Gamma Penumbra, received Anggun’s Golden Buzzer and ultimately won the series. The new season of Asia’s Got Talent promises a bigger, bolder and greater variety of acts from 15 countries which includes a mesmerizing array of magic, dance, music and martial arts, all vying for the four Golden Buzzers.

Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 will premiere on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 8:30pm on AXN. To follow the journey of this season’s Golden Buzzer acts, check out #AXNAsia, #AsiasGotTalent and #GoldenBuzzer.

Asia’s Got Talent is the 67th adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Asia’s Got Talent is supported by presenting sponsor Traveloka, the leading travel booking app for all flight and hotel needs; and sponsoring partner Great Eastern Life, the market leader in the conventional life insurance business and the largest life insurer in Malaysia by asset size.

Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destination, is the official venue partner of Asia’s Got Talent.

@AsiasGotTalent / #AXNAsia / #AsiasGotTalent / #AsiasGotTalentAuditions
www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent

AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

The New YZF-R6: Refined, Redesigned, Remarkable

Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. launches the latest addition in their R-Series Category and would make the R-World very much exciting, the new YZF-R6. This model has the next generation R-Series design and technology that encapsulates the essence of performance, style and function with its very own Racing DNA originated from the top of the line racing model. Having its unparalleled racetrack success, the new YZF-R6 is the perfect choice for amateur and professional racers alike.

You can feel the race bred soul with its powerful 599cc inline 4-cylinder, 16 Titanium valves DOHC F.I engine for a refined and smooth high-revving power. Featuring the Aerodynamic style with the next generation control, its YZF-R1 design style cowling with LED position lights & hidden headlights, Race style Analogue Tachometer with Digital Screen appeals to be sportier than ever.
This new beast also comes with a remarkable high-tech electronic system such as Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) for a broader and more tractable powerband, a 6-mode Traction Control System (TCS) as well as a Quick Shifter System (QSS), ABS and D-Mode Adjustable engine power that will give you the ability to push even harder and ultimate control, while having the fully adjustable YZF-R1 type 43mm upside down front forks combined with rear shock and dual front discs for sharper handling and stronger braking.

The new YZF-R6 is available in Race Blu and Tech Black with an SRP of Php749,000 in all Yamaha Big Bike Shop.

Its time to dominate the road, on track or street.

YZF-R6 Technical Specifications

ENGINE
Engine type	Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, Inline 4 cylinder, 16 Titanium Valves
Bore x Stroke	67.0×42.5mm
Compression Ratio	13.1:1
Displacement	599cm3
Maximum Power	87.1kW(118.4PS)/14,500rpm
Maximum Torque	61.7N・m(6.3kgf・m)/10500r/min
Starter System	Electric starter
Lubrication system	Wet sump
Engine Oil Capacity	3.40L
Fuel System	Fuel injection
Clutch Type	Wet, multiple-disc, Slipper Clutch
Transmission Type	Constant mesh, 6-speed
Shift Pattern	1-N-2-3-4-5-6
Final Drive	Chain
Primary/ Secondary  Reduction Ratio	2.073 / 2.813
Gear Ratios	1st: 2.583, 2nd: 2.000, 3rd: 1.667, 4th : 1.444, 5th: 1.286, 6th: 1.150
DIMENSION
Length X Width X Height	2040mm X 695mm X 1150mm
Wheelbase	1375mm
Minimum Ground Clearance	130mm
Seat Height	850mm
Curb Weight (with oil & full fuel tank)	190kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	17L
Caster Angle	24°00′
Trail	97mm
Steering Angle	25°
Minimum Turning Radius	3.6m
FRAMEWORK
Frame Type	Aluminum Delta Box
Front Suspension /  Inner tube diameter	Upside Down Telescopic fork (Coil spring/Hydraulic damper) /  43.0mm
Rear Suspension	Link Type Monocross Suspension
Front Tire / Rim Size	120/70ZR17M/C (58W) Tubeless / 17M/C × MT3.50
Rear Tire / Rim Size	180/55ZR17M/C(73W) Tubeless / 17M/C × MT5.50
Wheel travel(Front/ Rear)	120mm /  120mm
Front Brake	Hydraulic dual disc brake (320mm)
Rear Brake	Hydraulic single disc brake (220mm)
Anti-Lock Braking System	Equipped
Headlight/ Auxiliary light/ Brake Light/ Tail Light/ Turn Signal Light (L/R)	All LED
Meter Panel	Digital Speedometer/ Analogue Tachometer/ Liquid Crystal Odometer / Liquid Crystal Trip Meter / Digital Water Temperature Meter / Digital Clock/ Fuel Consumption Indicator/
ELECTRICAL
Ignition System	TCI (transistor controlled ignition)
Battery Type	YTZ7S / 12V,6.0Ah(10HR)

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES:

Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system
The Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system provides you with pinpoint accuracy and an unprecedented level of control to push yourself as you define speed. The precise throttle valve opening is calculated and intake volume is controlled in real time to give you the thrust exactly as you intended.

New Adjustable Traction Control System (TCS)
The new YZF-R6 is equipped with a 6-mode adjustable Traction Control System (TCS) that gives more confidence in various road conditions and provides freedom in a wide range of rider preferences. This state-of-the-art system modulates throttle opening, ignition timing and fuel volume seamlessly with minimal disruption to forward drive which is virtually unnoticeable by the rider.

New Selectable Drive Mode (D-Mode)
The 2017 YZF-R6 users are now given full flexibility to choose the ideal engine character for various riding situations. It is equipped with Yamaha’s D-Mode system which offers three throttle valve control maps (Standard Mode, “A-Mode, and “B-Mode”) with different throttle response settings for absolute adaptability in just one click.

Powerful New Brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System(ABS)
Sheer speed requires remarkable braking power. That’s the reason why the 2017 YZF-R6 inherits the braking prowess of the YZF-R1 with larger 320mm dual front disc brakes, matched to radial-mount four-piston calipers and a Nissin® radial-mount master cylinder. To top it all off, now it is equipped with ABS for maximum control as you decelerate in unfavorable road conditions.

Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I)
With a multitude of high-tech electronic systems, the YZF-R6 is the most sophisticated 600 supersport bike Yamaha has ever created. The YZF-R6 features Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) which makes for a broader, more tractable powerband while contributing to optimum efficiency.

Upside Down Front Forks (USD)
The 2017 YZF-R6 is now even closer to YZF-R1 as it shares the same advanced KYB® front telescopic forks which are then specifically tuned. These 43mm Upside Down beasts ensure top of its class front-end feel and experience while offering maximum adjustability.

Quick Shift System (QSS)

The YZF-R6 bears all the characteristics of Yamaha’s thoroughbred R-Series DNA. At its very core is speed and precision control. And to help you push even harder is the Quick Shift System (QSS) which enables clutchless upshifts for your unlimited appetite for speed.

Bloggers That Share Fake News: You Give Blog a Bad Name!

 

There’s no such thing as absolute freedom, Mocha. Your freedom ends when it infringes on the rights of others. You can't separate your nonsense individual perspective, to your duty to serve the people.

Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson says she is not required to be fair in her social media posts even after she entered government service because she is a blogger.

Opinion-based po ang blogging." says Mocha. But, Mocha dear, you're not just a mere blogger anymore. You're now an ASec. of the PCOO.

Saying "She's a victim of fake news" and then saying "I invoke my right to self-discrimination" is fairly consistent.

It’s very sad that Mocha, who allegedly spreads fake news, earns a lot more than the teachers who dedicate their lives to educate us.

As a blogger, I'm insulted by Mocha's assertion that bloggers make up facts.

Antonio Trillanes, Bam Aquino, Grace Poe and even Nancy Binay looked good when they were questioning Mocha. There were a lot of quotable quotes that emerged.

It's simple, really. Mocha is not a journalist, so therefore her articles are not news. Take them with a grain of salt. Be a smart reader. Articles written by bloggers like Mocha are like opinion pieces written by columnists. They are not news items. They can be biased.

Fake news is not just mere lying. It masquerades as truth by using and distorting a time-honored genre of truth-telling: journalism.

Mocha is a victim of fake news by mainstream media? That may be too hard to accept but there could be some truth to that statement too.

But are journalists really sharing real news? No matter how you look at it, everyone could never be in exception of being biased, and partisan to certain parties or ideals. Journalists or media  also receive special perks, privileges, freebies, etc., when covering events or featuring certain brands. This is outside the advertising options available on traditional media.

The best example is when a certain brand made a raffle draw where all three reporters of the top TV networks won the main raffle prizes. I don't need to say that the raffle draws were rigged. It was very obvious.

Why are brands doing it, and why are media men accepting this culture? So both parties could get favors. Thus, the spread of "fake news" when "bribes" in the form of tokens or complimentary gifts, or even thanksgiving parties, are offered to media.

"Blogger and Journalist are entirely different. When you are a journalist it is a must to get both sides of the stories while as a blogger you are showing your perspective on the scenario. However each and every blogger should have the strong basis on their opinions. Fake news happens when a journalist or blogger twisted the story and/or showing some chunks of the reality to make it on their favor." - Justine Lee

How to avoid being a victim of fake news?

1) Check if the facts stated match with other reputable sources...

2) Don't fall to confirmation bias (if an article or statement supports your opinion, you don't bother fact checking it anymore)

3) Avoid "hyper-partisan" media because they tend to exaggerate their fanaticism towards their alliances

4) If you did not personally see it, always give it the benefit of the doubt

New on Travelbook.Ph: Easy and Hassle – Free Online Booking of Tour Activities

TravelBook.ph, a leader in providing excellent online hotel booking deals in the Philippines, now becomes a one-stop website for all your travel needs as they are now offering Tours, Activities, and Transfers.

Experience the best with this newest offering from TravelBook.ph!

Book affordable travel packages, exciting tours and activities, and convenient in-land and boat transfers via Travelbook.ph!  Just log on at www.travelbook.ph/tour, choose an activity, transfer service, or travel package to avail, and indicate your preferred travel destination and date.

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No need to wait any longer for your booking confirmation! Expect to get an immediate confirmation on your reservations alongside the necessary details of the activity that you availed. Prices are also fixed so you don’t have to worry about the additional fees and charges.

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Cosplay Mania 2017: Stressful Queues, Missed Meet and Greets, But Lots of Fun with Friends

First of all, Cosplay Mania has been a blast for me. Regardless of the hardships I encountered on both days of the event. It amazed me how star studded the event was. Inviting seiyuus we all love and cosplayers we go gaga all over. The Japanese singers are all fantastic. Even though I only knew a few of the songs they performed, I kept my head banging, my hand keep swaying and I keep on shouting cheers till my voice got hoarse. Even the creators of Yuri on Ice was a huge bomb to me, having them tell us the secret behind the success of the anime and we even got the chance to see something exclusive. In these part of the event I wish for them to keep up the good work. Having good relations to other countries especially Japan, the home of our beloved anime, should be maintained and nourished.

But because this has been a huge event, there have been problems that arise. Day 1 was hell. Yep, that was one way to describe it. I usually arrive early for events like this but I made sure that on day 1 I will arrive much earlier than my usual. I came around 7AM but the line was already long. At first I didn't mind that. It's the usual, I would say. But after they opened the door for entry and an hour already passed but my line didn't even budge a bit.

Most of the people lining up are already complaining because its really hot. I'm starting to get irritated too because a girl suddenly cut in between me and the group in front of me, thinking that it was the end of the line. Good thing she realized her mistake and looked for the end of the line. That made me ask why. Why is the line so messy and taking forever to move.

I've been attending cons for years and I even arrive late at some but the usual was 12 in the afternoon most of the line are already gone and most of congoers are already having a blast inside. But on day 1, the show already started but the attendees are still outside. I missed the first sched for the meet and greet.

At around 12 noon I am almost desperate because the Yuri on Ice panel will start at 1 and I'm still outside. 12:30 and I finally entered the SMX only to be shoved to another line for the tyvek. Then it dawned to me what is making the line move slower. It was this tyvek system that they changed. That instead of doing it in the entrance itself so that the congoers are directly entering the con area, they made another line for the tyvek booth. Its like we need to line up four times for the entrance itself. Other says that we shouldn't complain about the long line because its the usual on events like this. Yes its true. But will you complain if you fall in line at SM mega's staircase and SMX hallways with aircons and away from the glaring sun. Nope. Its the heat that they made us to endure that triggered our hot headedness.

All in all the staff was unprepared for the crowd. To think that they should have an estimate of attendees based on the pre-selling of ticket they made. We even bought the ticket earlier so it would spare us the line for the ticket buying but it all became meaningless.

After the hellish and chaotic line I finally got inside and started enjoying myself. Strolling from booth to booth, buying merchs. Watched the Yuri on Ice Panel, the only reason why I attended day 1 and then stroll again to get pics from cosplayers. When all of a sudden I encountered the best moment of my life, I turn around and there she is, my idol, Hikarin.

Starstruck and dumbfounded I didn't notice her anxiousness... She was stuck in the crowd on her way to the stage and even her assistants are clueless as to what to do. Another evidence of unpreparedness. Then I heard one of the fans says that Hikarin was sad because no one was buying for her meet and greet. Sorry to Hikarin and other guests but your fans are all trapped outside. And the most astonishing thing is Hikarin was the first to apologise to her fans that waited outside and didn't even get the chance to see her. Take note, not the Cosplay Mania organizers who first apologise but the guest themselves even though they have nothing to do in managing the event. How was that?

I gave another chance for day 2. I even arrived an hour earlier than yesterday. Luckily, my friends will all be attending so there is someone I could talk to while waiting. I hold a gold ticket and our line moved faster than yesterday so its a thumbs up for that improvement. They added another lane for the VIP and Gold which is good too because on day 1, silver moved faster than the VIP lane that made people more irritated. I also noticed the increase of police and security personnel.

On day 1 a friend of mine lost her iPhone and others among her line lost their phone too. The lack of security is alarming so I'm glad they added it up on day 2. I enjoyed taking pictures with my friend and waited for the guests meet and greet.

But alas we weren't able to attend because we don't have a stub that they did not explain how to get or where to get. I heard that you need to buy something for the meet and greet. We all thought that it was already part of the gold ticket since its one of the halls we could access. They did not explain that part thoroughly so our efforts in lining up are in vain. We even missed the Seiyuu's stage appearance for that. We even lined up an hour earlier for the Jam concert.

When we got inside, they imposed the rule of no photo and video recording, same as their other program. Me and my friends enjoyed the Jam. Singing, waving, dancing along with the guests singers. But what annoyed me is that, one of the organizer will walk in front of us every minute waving the signboard saying no photo and video recording. Its really disturbing how we are in the height of jam and they will appear in front of us. They could have make it every after song or the in between rest of the singers. I know they really want to be strict for the guests sake but they could have done it better. Its not only the guest that are important, the fans too waited for this moment for a long time not just to be pissed by their crappy management. In short if not for my friends sharing the same pain as me, I would have felt the same way as day 1.

Yes the Cosplay Mania is the best. What they offer, the guests they brought and how they presented them to us are the best. But how they treated the fans and congoers are the worst.

Written by Ailene Amihan (Hikari Kaze)