Twitter Safety Work Results Update

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Twitter’s commitment to move faster to make the platform safer started in January. First, the company conducted research to understand the issues at a deeper level, then we made a range of product updates. Then they convened the Trust and Safety Council to gather feedback and help guide them as we they forward.

While there is still much work to be done, people are experiencing significantly less abuse on Twitter today than they were six months ago. What follows is some new data on the progress that they’ve made, what they’ve learned, and their plans to continue improving.


Increasing Action on Abusive Accounts
Twitter is now taking action on 10x the number of abusive accounts every day compared to the same time last year. The platform also now limits account functionality or place suspensions on thousands more abusive accounts each day. There are repeat offenders who create new accounts after being suspended for violations. The new systems, in the last four months alone, have removed twice the number of these types of accounts. Beyond the technology, Twitter teams are continuing to review content daily and improving how we enforce our policies.


Driving Change in Behavior

Communication about problematic Tweets, especially to the people who send them, is key. Accounts that demonstrate abusive behavior are now limited for a time, and told why. Accounts that are put into this period of limited functionality generate 25% fewer abuse reports, and approximately 65% of these accounts are in this state just once.


Providing Personalized Controls

Twitter has introduced new ways to customize people’s experience, including notification filters and muting keywords. The Quality Filter feature has led to fewer unwanted interactions: blocks after @mentions from people that they don’t follow is down 40%. These numbers will vary, but the approach is having a positive impact. Twitter has consistent harassment definitions and policies that apply to everyone. However, people define abuse differently, so using these new tools, every person has control of what they see and experience on Twitter.


What Happens Next

More improvement, transparency, and speed. Online safety is an issue best solved in partnership with others, so Twitter will continue to collaborate with the Trust & Safety Council, industry experts, and academics to solicit ongoing feedback. We are committed to making Twitter a safe place for free expression.

Automated Election System (AES) Technology Fair

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will again utilize an automated election system for the next National and Local Elections (NLE) in 2019. Under the Republic Act No. 9369, the COMELEC Advisory Council (CAC) shall recommend to the COMELEC “the most appropriate, secure, applicable and cost-effective technology to be applied in the Automated Election System (AES).”

With this, the CAC will conduct the one-day Automated Election System (AES) Technology Fair on July 26, 2017, 8:30 AM, at the Novotel Hotel, Araneta Center to gather various technology providers to present and demonstrate the available local and international AES technologies.

Business Magnate Ramon Ang to Acquire the Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Rumors has it that the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) newspaper will be re-branded as "Ang Inquirer".

Ramon Ang confirms he has accepted the offer of the Prieto's to acquire Inquirer or PDI. "I have accepted the offer of the Prieto family to invest in the Inquirer Group" say Ramon Ang.

The Inquirer Group said the Prieto family "is confident that Mr. Ang will uphold the Inquirer Group's commitment to pursuing the highest standards of journalism."

The Prieto's have been running the PDI for 25 years, what motivated them to sell their brand?

The PDI sellout to Ramon Ang ensures full control of Big Business over local traditional mass media. Big Business is everywhere.

Changes will most probably now happen with PDI, my favorite independent-minded and crusading newspaper, now that Ramon Ang will take over
is taking over.

WINNING STATEMENT: "Never did we think we’d be sold off to a DUTERTE campaign donor at that."

Since there was a confirmation that all existing employees of PDI would still be retained, there is no fear of losing jobs.

Now that San Miguel Corporation's Ramon S. Ang has acquired the PDI, is this an impending information dissemination rivalry among Manny Pangilinan's Philippine Star and Business World. With businessmen in control of leading newspapers, there would surely be an influential force that would change the mindset of its readers.

But we all know that newspaper, and even magazine, readership has gone down so abruptly that there have been plenty of closures already. It seems it would be on the digital scene where "influence" would be strongly eminent.

I've been reading a lot from my social media timelines related to print media closing down and so I've tried my best to summarize and put everything substantial into the paragraphs below:

"A major publishing house is shutting down ALL its regular print magazines. Brands are shifting ad budget to digital. Circulation also down. So the two main revenue streams are drying up."

We were supposed to embrace digital spaces YEARS ago. Digital is a great new frontier. It is definitely effective. Nothing beats big data. Measurable, sortable, and shapeable. No bloated, bullshit "pass-on readership" numbers as well. The days of lying through the teeth about print runs and pass on readership are now over. Nothing beats an honest business.

Same with TV and radio. They bloat the numbers, and round 'em up to the next highest number. Figures that are untrackable and cannot be proven. Never as accurate and precise as digital. Dinosaurs don't like to be told they're going to be extinct.

Local print media ending their print runs was bound to happen. Most brands are pulling out support for print and putting everything in digital. People now believe digital is cool because it is easier to track, to trace, make data for and formulate conversions over amount of money spent..

But some are saying that "Print isn't dead, but needs to adapt. Digital is cool, but expectations need to be tempered." Would you agree to that statement?

"There needs to be more digital spaces that value and promote long form stories, meatier stuff that doesn't fit in 600 words or less." Since most of our attention span when it comes to online are short, articles are done as short as possible. The creativity is then reduced, or people are becoming more precise and straight to the point?

Well, there are still the fake news and those click-bait articles that seem to be more cunning in attracting readership. In this entertainment-centric world, if we stick with direct but boring headlines, people would tend to skip it if their curiosities are not actively triggered.

Even though Wazzup Pilipinas belongs to the digital or online world, we still value the prestige of traditional media, but is always happy to embrace an all digital world soon. We can't stop the inevitable.

Brillante Mendoza Presents Kadaugan at TV5

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When you say Cebu festival, people would always think of Sinulog. At every early first quarter of the year, people would usually flock to Cebu for the colorful Sinulog festival. 

I'm actually surprised there's another Cebu festival called Kadaugan held in Mactan Island, where we often set foot first whenever we go to Cebu since the airport is there. Kadaugan festival is an annual week-long celebration held in the month of April when the defeat of Spanish Conquistador Fernando Magellan by Mactan Chieftain Lapu-Lapu is re-enacted. Kadaugan means "victory" commemorating the victory of Mactan people (Oponganons) during the famous “Battle of Mactan” in the 16th century.

A special advance screening of this part of a series of monthly TV5 special movie made for television was held on July 20, 2017 at the Director's Club cinema of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong. So far this would be the sixth movie from out of the twelve all lined up on TV5. The particular episode will air on Sunday, July 30 at 10:30 PM.

SM Supermalls is one of the major partners and supporters of this Brillante Mendoza special feature. They have been supporting the director with his other projects aside from this television series. The Director's Club has been doing a series of special screenings featuring the made for television movies of Brillante Mendoza.

Flight CMP17: Bound for the Island of the Lost Winds

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Calling all science clubbers! Are you ready for another all-out experience? Fasten your seatbelts as the National Youth Science, Technology, and Environment Summer Camp (NYSTESC) 2017 takes off this July 24-27, 2017, at Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel, Tayabas Road, Lucban, Quezon!

Once again, the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs (PSYSC) is bringing you the most sought-after science camp for high school students and teachers in the country. With this year’s theme, "Flight CMP17: Bound for the Island of the Lost Winds", we are ready to bring you to a camp that will surely go beyond the limits of your expectations.

Get to explore the science of aerodynamics as we tackle wind energy conversion, transportation, animal aviation, and weather forecasting. Through our esteemed guest lecturers, various workshops and competitions, seminar and congress, this camp shall fill up our hearts and minds with truly good memories. But, wait! The fun doesn’t stop there! Be fascinated by the beauty of Quezon as we also take you to some of its wonders!

This event will surely be one of your 2017 highlights! So, what are you waiting for? Pack up and join us aboard this flight! Be part of the science clubbing movement as we keep its fire burning!

Affiliate with PSYSC today as they offer a totally new science clubbing experience!

TNCs Not Exempted from Remitting Fair and Correct Taxes to Government – LTFRB

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin B. Delgra III today clarified that Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are required to pay fair and correct taxes to the government, and that insinuations that DOTr Secretary Art Tugade wants a “share” from their earnings is utterly malicious.

In a press conference in Malacanang on Tuesday, Secretary Tugade was asked to comment on the directive of the LTFRB requiring TNCs to deactivate “colorum” driver-partners from their platform. The Transportation chief said anyone who wants to get into the business of public transportation must submit themselves to regulation.

Tugade said regulation would not only level the playing field and guarantee accountability, but also allow the government to collect the correct taxes from TNCs.

“Ang punto ni Secretary Tugade at ng LTFRB, kapag colorum ang isang sasakyan, walang habol dyan ang gobyerno. Paano mo masisingil ng tamang tax kung hindi nga sila rehistrado?” Chairman Delgra explained. “Like any business, TNCs and their partners are covered by laws of taxation and they must give what’s due to the government," he added.

Based on the numbers given by Uber and Grab, there are 56,000 activated Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) drivers, including the 3,000 with approved franchises. Out of these numbers, the two TNCs admitted there are TNVs which are accredited to both uber and grab. This means some 40,000 are plying the streets without being required to file tax returns to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“The problem is how can the government be assured that it is getting its fair share from these TNCs when majority of their drivers do not have franchises? Under existing laws, the TNCs, owner of vehicles, and drivers who are earning from this business all have tax accountabilities,” Delgra said.

On October 29, 2015, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 70-2015 or the guidelines for the taxability of TNCs and their partners.

Contestants Try to Survive in the New Reality Show “Kicking & Screaming” this August on AXN

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The most unlikely couples find their hands full in taking in more than they can handle in the new reality series Kicking & Screaming, which premieres this August on AXN.

Ten survival experts are paired with hapless amateurs who have no experience in living outdoors as they fight their way through a series of challenges in a remote jungle of a South Pacific island where they must overcome dangerous animals, raging rivers, hunger, and extreme weather.

While the experts are used to surviving in the wilderness, their privileged partners are not, resulting in lots of arguing, bickering, and swearing.

With a cash prize of $500,000 at stake, the mismatched teammates realize that in order to win, they must work together to thrive in the wilderness and to survive the toughest challenge of their lives.

The show, from Fear Factor executive producer Matt Kunitz, is hosted by New Girl actress Hannah Simone.

Kicking & Screaming premieres on August 7 and airs every Monday at 9:45pm first & exclusive on AXN.

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

Data Protection a Cornerstone of Robust Cybersecurity: Fortinet

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fortinet, a global leader in high-performance cyber security solutions, urged IT leaders to take steps to protect data in their organizations in a bid to strengthen data privacy, as well as cyber security in the country. “Data protection is an integral component of cyber security. It is not just about getting the right technology – it is also about governments creating the right legislative environment, and organizations managing the processes and restrictions for different users to access their data,” said Alvin Rodrigues, chief security strategist for Fortinet Asia-Pacific during the 2017 Information Security Officers Group (ISOG) Summit held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig City, recently.

Maintaining data privacy is a cybersecurity fundamental, and goes a long way in minimizing business losses when a cyberattack happens.

“Robust data protection also demonstrates your firm's commitment to customers,” stressed Rodrigues. “The personal information that customers put in your care is valuable to them. If you take good care of it, they will appreciate the gesture and continue to do business with you.”

Business Law Conference Is Themed Around #AffectedAko: In The Midst of Global Transformation

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Ley La Salle, De La Salle University’s professional organization for Legal Management students and future lawyers, will be holding its fourth Business Law Conference this July 21, 2017 at the 5th floor of Henry Sy, Sr., Hall, De La Salle University-Manila from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Business Law Conference is an annual event held by the organization wherein speakers are invited to discuss about certain topics that is connected with the event’s theme. In last year’s event, the theme chosen was “Millennials Towards Building a Nation”. Last year’s speakers gave awareness to the youth on the possible implementation of Federalism and its possible effects on the country’s social and commercial landscape. This year’s event will revolve around the theme “#AFFECTEDAKO: In the Midst of Global Transformation”. The event includes renowned speakers like Mr. Rabboni Francis B. Arjonillo, President of First Metro Investment Corporation, Mr. Robert Dispo, Vice Chairman and President of Citrek Holdings Philippines Corp, and Atty. Francis Tom F. Temproso, a legal adviser at the Commission of Human Rights.

The first session of the event, which will be from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, will focus more on business related topics such as the effects of the technological development boost and the radical change in international trade policies. The second session, which will run from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, will focus more on pertinent social and legal issues occurring in the current administration.

Ley La Salle invites everyone to partake in this incredible learning opportunity to be able to increase awareness in a time where atrocities and controversies are prevalent in the society.

BGC Features Next-Level Edutainment Facilities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Children are naturally curious but they have brief attention spans. To effectively nurture kids’ mental development while keeping their focus intact, educators have long employed the technique called edutainment, a combination of “education” and “entertainment,” which literally means mixing learning with fun.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC), home to top educational institutions like the University of the Philippines and the International School Manila, houses establishments that not only engage in edutainment but take it to the next level, that is, through hands-on experience.

The Mind Museum, KidZania, and Active Fun in BGC provide kids with tools that help them learn how the world works and discover their strengths early on. While it looks like a simple opportunity for play, these establishments cater alternative learning experiences that are fun, entertaining, and age-appropriate.

Apart from the usual videos and pictures, edutainment facilities in BGC have interactive displays and activities that let children experiment and explore things on their own. These establishments provide a complete sensory experience, stimulating all five senses.

The Mind Museum, for instance, inspires exploration, creativity, and understanding for the wonders of everything around and inside us. For kids and kids-at-heart, there’s so much to do like play music at the piano stairs, marvel at a life-sized T. rex fossil and a whaleshark, see themselves in an astronaut suit floating in space, or watch live experiments by resident scientists. Every corner is truly an adventure waiting to be explored.