1st Philippine Digital Publishing Conference

With the rise of electronic books, e-readers, and the magnitude of information available on the Internet, fears have arisen that the old-fashioned book might go permanently out of style.

To address this, members of the local publishing industry came together on September 13 and 14 for the country’s first Philippine Digital Publishing Conference at the UP-Ayala Technohub. Entitled “the Future of the Book,” the two-day series of talks covered the changing landscape of publishing, the rise of e-books, and how Filipino readers, writers and publishers can make the best of these changes.

Sponsoring the conference were the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Filipinas Heritage Library, and Vibal Foundation, Inc.

An exhibit right outside the session hall also featured the evolution of e-readers through the years, from readers on the laptop, up until the recently-released Apple iPad.

Keynote speaker and BDAP president Lirio Sandoval said, “The public and private sector of the Philippine book industry are very much concerned about the future of the book industry in this digital generation, and it affects publishers, book sellers and readers alike.”

“This conference is the latest in many such conferences around the world, asking what the future might hold for [books and traditional publishing],” he said. “Some say the digital age will be the end of the book, others say it will be another chapter in the long and illustrious history of the book.”

For further information, contact Vibal Foundation at (632) 712-9156 to 59 loc 343 to 344, fax (632) 416-8460 or
visit their website at www.vibalfoundation.org.

InfoSec Conference 2010

Digital Filipino Club and Posh Marketing Services brought out to Filipinos a forum that generally shared and educated protective ways on how to secure environment against the radioactive internet usage. This was entitled InfoSec Conference 2010 that gathered top practitioners who shared their best practices on Information and Technology security at the Intercontinental Hotel, Makati City last August 25, 2010.

Speakers from global enterprises, technology leaders, certified security professionals and law enforcers identified risks, threats and vulnerabilities some companies are facing today. They also provided preventions and solutions to protect businesses in the country.

Various speakers who graced the event were Mr. Tunde Fafunwa, and Mr. Wilson Chua and Mr. Fernando Martirez III of Bitstop Network Services on State of Internet Infrastructure and Security in the Philippines, Mr. Paul Hubbard and Mr. Jeff Arrienda of YesPayments on Managing E-Commerce Fraud, Mr. Jojo Colina, ePLDT on Technology Presentation: Justifying your Security Spend, Peter Scott of Global Competitiveness Consultancy and Training on How Applicable is Six Sigma and ISO Standards to the IT Sector (and its security concerns), Dr. Pierre Tagle of Mobiliance on Possibilities and Security Challenges in Cloud Computing, Atty. JJ Disini of Disini & Disini Law Office and Mr. Dustin Andaya of SureSeal on State of Cyber Crime in the Philippines, and Janette Toral of DigitalFilipino Club on Search Engine Hacking and Information Gathering.

For more information on the event, contact Posh Marketing Services at (632) 443-POSH(7674), 347-7322, 0920-9826837 or 0922-8583538, email info@poshmarketingservices.com or visit the website http://www.infosecphilippines.com/.

Systems Integration Philippines 2010

Systems Integration Philippines launched a three-part expo at the SMX Convention Center last August 19 to 21—Signs and Media World Expo, an international signage, multimedia presentation technology, equipment materials and services exhibition; the Total Office Products and Services show, an 8th International Business IT Solutions, Audio and Video Communications, Digital Printing, Graphics Design and Office Automation Technology, Products and Services Exhibition; and Corporate Gifts Expo, the 8th Corporate Giveaways, Office Supplies, Stationery, Incentives, Premiums, and Souvenirs Exhibition.

The event highlighted innovative office supplies to marketing solutions. Moreover, the exhibits showcased free seminars and product presentation from top exhibitors and associations such as: The Value of Corporate Wellness Programs to Corporations by Philippine Kettlebell Corporation; How to Choose the Best Office Supply by Crown Supply; Digital Printing Busienss by Graficad Creation; and Sanus Wallmount Systems: Make Room for Life by Goldway Digital Equipment.

The three-day exhibit will not be a complete success without the help of its partners and sponsors: China Business Philippines, Business World, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Gadgets Magazine, Gadgets Philippines Inc., 88db.com, Agility Logistics, MultisTiQ, ANC, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, Resort World Manila, PowerSpeak Inc., Sanyo, SMX Convention Center, Manila Pavilion, TV Style Video, PLDT myDSL, and Panasonic.

For more information about the event, contact Global-Link MP Events International Inc. at (632) 750-8588, 887-1304; fax (632) 750-8585; email info@globallinkmp.com or visit their website at www.globallinkph.com or www.globallinkmp.com.

HealthCare Information Management Outsourcing Services 2010

In the past few years, the health care information management and outsourcing industry broke through the market and now commands a high-value, world class playing field.

With this trend in mind, the Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Phillippines (HIMOAP)(formerly known as Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines, Inc.), together with DL Media Focus International Inc. organized HealthCare Information Management Outsourcing Services 2010 held last Aug. 10 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria.

Centered on the theme “Bringing the Philippine Workforce to the 21st Century,” the conference gathered healthcare information companies, hospital IT administrators, medical and IT professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners, educators, health maintenance groups, and medical transcription companies to learn about the healthcare information business and its various opportunities, the latest information management systems, skill and industry requirements, and the most current network trends and global perspectives in the industry.

Some of the topics discussed were the market trends and service opportunities in the Philippines, IT systems and protected health information, the value of health informatics, the international classification of diseases and current procedural technology codes in healthcare information management, and career development opportunities in the industry.

HealthCare Information Management Outsourcing Services 2010 was held in cooperation with the Business Processing Association of the Philippines, the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology, and Tholons Advisory, Investments, and Research, co-presented by PLDT Business Solutions, and supported by Bayan Telecommunications. The Philippine Star served as the event’s media partner.

For more information, please visit www.mtiapi.com or www.himoap.com, or contact DL Media Focus International Inc. at telephone numbers (632) 889-7763, 856-4954, 844-8341, or telefax number 886-4407.

Netizen Icons and Experts to Grace 3rd Social Networking Conference 2010

Digital Marketing think tanks, media personalities, social media experts and netizen icons will share their expertise during the 3^rd Social Networking Conference 2010 scheduled on April 22-23, 2010 at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City.

The Social Networking Conference 2010, presented by Fiera de Manila, Inc., and DigitalFilipino Club is an event geared towards companies and digital marketing/advertising professionals and businessmen/entrepreneurs who are interested to use social networks for advertising/marketing their products and services. It is for dynamic and innovative companies, start-ups, and upcoming players who would like to leverage on current technologies to communicate and sell their products/services through social networks; and, gain knowledge as to how this industry is working and evolving.

Experts who will share their time and knowledge with participants include:

• Maria A. Ressa, Senior Vice-President, ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs and Managing Director, ANC
• Paul Papadimitriou, Digital Intelligence Strategist, Driving Left, Limassol and Tokyo
• Paul John M. Peña, Head - Digital Marketing, Globe Telecom, Inc.
• Juan Armando V. Rojo, Vice President, Corporate Brand and Communications, Bayan Telecommunications
• Alex Dan Tacderas, Brand Manager, Kraft Foods
• Eduardo Mapa Jr., Managing Director, Media Contacts Manila
• Rosan Cruz, Assistant Vice President of Group Public Relations, BENPRES Holdings Corporation
• Joey Alarilla, Social Media Editor, Yahoo! Southeast Asia
• Jim Ayson, Senior Product Manager, VAS & DATA Services/WCD, SMART Communications Inc.
• Janette Toral, Founder, DigitalFilipino
• Racquel Cagurangan, General Manager, PoliticalArena.com
• Nick B. Fontanilla, Ph.D., President, The Asia-Pacific Centre for Research, Inc. and President, Philippine Marketing Association (PMA)
• Leah Camilla R. Besa-Jimenez, General Manager, Proximity Philippines
• Brad Geiser, Co-Founder, Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications Inc.
• Chinie Hidalgo-Diaz, Marketing Director, Teleforce Asia Inc.

Other highlights of the two-day event include technology presentation, case study analysis, and the Social Networking Awards Ceremonies 2010 which honors Filipino excellence in social media and social network marketing and advertising.

The 3rd Social Networking Conference 2010 is sponsored by Yahoo Philippines, Globe Telecom, Inc., Eyeblaster, SMART Communications Inc., Inquirer.net, BusinessWorld, Business Mirror, Studio 23, Philstar.com, Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM, Filbars International Subscription System Inc, and Blog4Reviews.

For registration and inquiries, please contact the Event Manager at (632) 896-0639, 896-0637, 899-6216 or e-mail at fiera@info.com.ph. Visit the website at www.fmi.com.ph or http://socialnetworkphilippines.blogspot.com.

Digital Forensics and Network Security Conference Slated

Digital forensics is playing a more prominent role in law enforcement, network security, and information assurance. The field of study encompasses not just digital evidence, but also the areas of cyber law, sociology, and security to name a few. Its increasing importance is reflected in its growing role within crime investigations, civil cases and security.

In this light, Globalknowledge Philippines, Inc., will stage the 2010 GK Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law on March 19, 2010 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City.

The aim of the conference is to bring together IT managers, system and network administrators, security specialists, academics, security solutions vendors, practitioners and anyone interested in computer forensics its role and application, and techniques in detecting, responding and investigating computer and related security incidents. The event shall also serve as an avenue to share their views, experiences and knowledge with those involved in the forensic computing field.

Topics include Forensic Acquisition, Forensic Process, Digital Forensic Education, Mobile Device Forensic, and Network Forensics, which will be discussed by practicing IT Forensics Experts from the Philippine National Police, EC-Council, and Guidance Software.

For more information, contact Globalknowledge Philippines, Inc at (632) 721-4380, 724-1891, email roselle@globalknowledgeph.com, sandra@globalknowledgeph.com or visit their website at www.gkphilippines.com

4th Annual Call Center and BPO Training Convention Set This March

Teledevelopment Services, in coordination with strategic marketing communication firm TeamAsia, is organizing the 4th Annual Call Center and BPO Training Convention on March 11 – 12, 2010 at the Quezon Ballroom of Makati Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City.

The two-day event will carry the theme, “The Vision of the Next Decade: Conquering Uncharted Grounds”. Major speakers from industry leaders and aligned sectors have been invited to share their views and expertise on the new challenges business process outsourcing (BPO) companies will face, as well as the next trends and opportunities that will emerge.

Invited speakers include Mr. Celeste Ilagan, former Board of Investments Executive Director and now Assistant Vice-President for Marketing and External Affairs of Sutherland Global Services representing the industry; Mr. Vincent Fabella, president of Jose Rizal University and Philippine Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, representing the academe; and Mr. John Philip Orbeta, Vice-President for Human Resources of Ayala Corporation, representing talent and leadership management.

Approximately 250 delegates from major industry service providers and their clients are expected to attend the conference.

The convention also marks the first Annual BPO Training Excellence Awards, organized in cooperation with the Philippine Society for Training and Development. It aims to recognize organizations and individuals that have exemplified distinction in the field of BPO training.

The 4th Annual Call Center and BPO Training Convention is in partnership with the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, Business Process Association of the Philippines, Contact Center Association of the Philippines, People Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Society for Training and Development, and sponsored by inContact, Inc., and the following media sponsors: Philippine Daily Inquirer JobMarket Online, Business Mirror, and and The Radio Partners, Inc., (Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, Killer Bee FM, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM)

For more information about the event, contact Ms. Rona Castillio, Conference Secretariat at (632) 757-3500 loc 31, (63917) 881-3706, e-mail rccastillo@teamasia.com or visit the event website at http://www.tdstrainingconvention.com.

Asia Internet Congress to be Held in the Philippines for the First Time

For the first time, local entrepreneurs who are utilizing the power of the internet will have a chance to hear from the best practitioners in the industry as the Asia Internet Congress will be held in the Philippines for the first time on March 4-5, 2010 at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Quezon City

Co-presented by Powermax Consulting Group, Fireballonline.com, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Job Market, and LloydLuna Communications, the event will carry the theme, “Internet Marketing: A Click to Business Profit”.

The Congress will feature today’s sharpest internet marketing minds like Mr. Simon Leung, Google Optimization Insider and Master AdWords Optimizer; Mr. Alvin Phang, Asia’s top Wordpress Blogging Expert; Mr. Jo Han Mok, One of the World's Top Copywriters; Mr. Jaz Lai, Singapore’s List Building Master, and a Top Multilevel Marketing Expert; Mr. Fabian Lim, CEO of AsiaInternetAcademy.com and top internet marketer who has been featured in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

Philippine experts will also grace the event, including Mr. Donald Lim, founding President of Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) and the CEO of Yehey.com; Mr. Ian Del Carmen CEO of Fireballonline.com, Internet Marketing Expert, and International Best-selling Author of “Crack the Secret of Code” and “Rags to Dot Com Riches”, Mr. Lloyd Luna, New Media Marketing Expert and a sought-after motivational speaker and author; Mr. Nix Nolledo, Chairman of Xurpas.com, myayala.com, and Havoc Digital Media; and Mr. Joel Disini, President and CEO of dotPH.

Topics include Internet Marketing Success; Best Practices in Internet Marketing; Common Blunders in Internet Marketing; Search Engine Marketing; Social Media Marketing; Email Marketing; Copyrighting; Corporate Branding in the Internet; Passive Recurring Income Through Membership Sites; PLUS Bonus Topics – Word Press and Everything You Need to Know on How to Start an Online Business.

The 1st Asia Internet Congress Philippines is sponsored by Center for Pop Music Philippines, Inc., Stars and Events, UK Derm Pharma, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Creative Voices Production, Crowne Plaza Galleria, Certified eMarketing Consultant, PinoyInternetMarketing.com, Slimmers World, One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites, and the following media partners: Open AXCSS Solutions, Friendster.com, TipidCP.com, TipidPC.com, Inquirer.net, Philstar.com, PinoyExchange.com, Business Mirror, and The Radio Partners, Inc., (Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM), and Entrepreneur Magazine.

For more information about the event, call Liezel Anam of Powermax Consulting Group at (632) 470-1054 to 55, 470-1267, (63926) 695-8428, or visit the event website at http://www.asiainternetcongressphils.com/

2010 Second Mindanao Internet Cafe Summit Hopes to Define Online Child Safety in Internet Cafes

Officials of the different internet café associations and internet cafe operators in Mindanao will converge for the 2010 Mindanao Internet Café Association Summit (MICAS), scheduled on February 18 and 19, 2010 at SM City Davao in Davao City.

Organized by the Internet Café Association of Davao (ICAD) and I-Café Pilipinas, the event will carry the theme, “Bringing the Benefits of Information Communication Technology to the People of Mindanao through the Internet Cafes”

According to Mr. Adolfo Solanor, president of ICAD, the Second MICAS would definitely be bigger, better and bolder this year. It is bigger, in terms of participants, as the event brings together the different internet café associations and other stakeholders in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry in Mindanao.

The event will be better because this year, MICAS 2010 offers are two simultaneous events. First is an ICT Trade Exhibit that will showcase the latest advances in computer hardware, software and internet related services. The other is the workshop of the officials of the internet café associations and operators to come up with an action plan that would further the development of the internet cafes industry in Mindanao. It is bolder as the participants set their goals to they claim their leadership in ICT access at the community level.

Since majority of the customers of internet cafes are children, the Second Mindanao Internet Cafe Associations Summit hopes to be the venue for the adoption of the “Davao Declaration” which will define the initiatives of the different internet cafe associations in the promotion of Online Child Safety in internet cafes. It hopes to become a forum in which discussions could be initiated that could lead to an increase in awareness of the great responsibility of internet cafe operators as ICT access centers at the community level in ensuring the online safety of their customers.

“We truly believe that the 2010 MICAS will serve as a vehicle in the further development of the internet cafes as a leader in community ICT access for peace and development in Mindanao” stressed by Mr. Ed Zafra, Chair of I-Café Pilipinas, a national organization mainly composed of the internet café associations and operators in the Philippines.

The Second Mindanao Internet Cafe Associations Summit is supported by Intel Technology Philippines, in partnership with Microsoft Philippines, Inc., and Genuine Equity for Mindanao (GEM) Project, Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT), and Department of Trade and Industries (DTI). The event is sponsored by ICT Davao Inc., and iGlobe Technology.

For more information about the event, contact the Internet Café Association of Davao at (6382) 297-7594, fax (6382) 297-7593, email mindanaosummit@yahoo.com or visit the event blog site at http://2ndmicas.wordpress.com/.

Emerging Business Solutions at E-Services 2010

Bright skies are on the horizon as the tenth anniversary of the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) event in the Philippines – the e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition, scheduled on February 8 – 9, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, signals edgier, more empowered breakthroughs and solutions for the ICT/BPO business industry as world markets recover from recession.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the event carries the theme, "Bright Skies Ahead: Collaborating for Smarter Business Solutions". An annual tradeshow and conference, e-Services has served as a premier platform for converging business and IT interests for local industry players and foreign delegations from places like the US, Japan, China, India, Korea, and the Asia Pacific. The show began in 2001 as a mere IT exhibition before evolving into the international ICT/BPO conference and exhibition it is today.

“We have always envisioned e-Services to be the venue, the go-to place, for global ICT leaders and authorities to interact, exchange ideas, and to showcase their products and services,” said Ms. Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran, Deputy Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge of CITEM. “Now for its 10th year, we want more than ever for IT companies to be where they need to be in order to maximize their business advantage, in light of the current market condition.”

Expectations for the show’s 10th year are high as the Philippines positions itself to grab a bigger market share from the multi billion-dollar BPO industry. e-Services 2009 booked US$100M export sales and US$1.484M in negotiated sales, as well as attracting ICT/BPO brands like Help Desk Institute – Japan (HDI-Japan), Salmat Limited, and Mustang Technologies, among others.

In addition to Back-office Operations, Contact Centers, Engineering and Design Services, Games Development, Animation, Health Information Management, Legal Transcription, and Software Development and Telecommunications – areas that showcase the competitiveness of the local industry – e-Services 2010 celebrates its landmark year with plenty of new attractions aimed at providing IT companies with the capabilities to maintain and improve the competitive advantage of their businesses.

Included in this is the introduction of new Exhibit Zones available: the Outsourcing Nation Zone where IT and BPO companies from neighboring Asian countries participate as exhibitors; the Green IT Zone that features environmentally-compliant IT companies and allied firms; the Consumer Electronics Zone that serves as a one-stop shop for the latest technology products and hardware electronics; the Creative Industry Zone with a sponsored Gaming Competition that includes local and international game developing companies; and the e-Government Zone to feature government agencies providing investments assistance to interested foreign companies.

In a bid to emphasize e-Services 2010 as the venue for high-level business matching and strategic partnerships, the Power Investors Program is launched as a buyer campaign program designed to maximize the business opportunities of exhibiting companies, with new formats Speed Networking and Online Business Matching made available.

Another fresh initiative is a Call for Papers mechanism with the aim of generating broader and more comprehensive choices for relevant topics to be presented in the Conference. Special Events such as the e-Services Awards that recognizes industry champions and ICT /BPO personalities and achievements; a Golf Tournament; a Networking Reception; and post-event company visits are also in the works.

The 10th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition is in partnership with the Board of Investments, Foreign Trade Service Corps, DTI-Regional Operations and Development Group, Commission on Information and Communications Technology and supported by Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MTIAPI), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and the European IT Service Center. Media partners are: Media G8way Corporation (Computerworld, PC World), Outsourcing Magazine, Philstar.com, Business World, IT Matters, Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, Wall Street Journal, Management Systems Asia, and China Business Philippines.

For more information on the 10th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition, contact the CITEM IT Services Division at (632) 832-5044, 831-2201 ext 212/251, email itservices@citem.com.ph, or visit the event website at www.e-servicesphils.com.

PHP Developers Summit 2010 Set

Web programmers inclined in using hypertext pre-processor (PHP) are invited to take part in the PHP Developers Summit 2010, scheduled on January 30, 2010 at the Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City.

PHP Developers Summit 2010, organized by PHP-User Group Philippines, is this year’s biggest gathering of the best tech-talents, professionals, and web developers promoting the use of PHP and open source solutions in the enterprise and schools.

Among the invited experts for the event include Happy Mobile Inc CEO Dominick Nowell A. Danao, Brewed Concepts President and CEO Bing Bryan Tan, Friendster, Inc. Senior Developer Paolo Alexis Falcone, Microsoft Developer Evangelist Alezandra Nicholas, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Mr. Rodney Jao, and Computer Professionals’ Union Coordinator Rick Bahague, Jr.

PHP Developers Summit 2010 is in partnership with Microsoft Philippines and sponsored by Zend and Globe Labs.

Register online by sending your name, position, company and contact details to chean@phpugph.com. For more information, contact PHP User Group Philippines Inc. at (632) 975-6976, (63917) 865-2412, or visit their website at http://www.phpugph.com/.

Philippine MMT Recognized at Asia Pacific Mobile Money Transfer Conference

The country’s mobile money technology (MMT) was recognized by the international community as the Philippines hosted the Asia Pacific Mobile Money Transfer Conference last December 8 – 9, 2009 at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Organized by Clarion Events Ltd., the conference aims to find ways on how to revolutionize the flow and management of money worldwide, giving new definitions to bills payment, management of payrolls, and person-to-person mobile money transfers.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. delivered the keynote address during the event. In his speech, he said that the technology of issuing electronic money was made available in the Philippines through the pioneering efforts of our country’s two largest telecommunications companies, Smart Communications, Inc., through Smart Money, and Globe Telecom, Inc., using GCash platform. Gov. Tetangco added that the country’s experience in MMT shows the benefits that can transform the lives of millions of people stemming from the convergence of ideas in service innovation.

During the two-day event, the country’s telecom and financial partners shared their experiences as pioneers in mobile money services. The event was filled with focus group and round table discussions designed to tackle the issues on MMT and device real solutions and innovations for the industry.

The Asia Pacific Mobile Money Transfer Conference is supported by Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization, GSA, International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN), Microenterprise Access to Banking Services, MicroSave, Mobey Forum, Mobile Alliance Singapore, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, Chemonics, Edgar, Dunn & Co., The event is sponsored by Ericsson, Obopay, SBA Technology, Roamware Inc., Comviva, Western Union, MoneyGram, TransferTo, and Sybase 365, with the following media partners: Developing Telecoms, InfoCom, Maverick China, Micro Capital, Microfinance Focus, Microfinance Insights, Mobile Payments World, Payments Cards & Mobile, Telecom Asia, TelecomWatch India, The Paypers, Wireless Asia, and Wireless Watch Japan.

For more information about the event, contact Steven Clarke, Event Director of Clarion Events Ltd. at steven.clarke@clarionevents.com or visit the event website at http://www.mobile-money-transfer.com/.

COMDDAP Expo Manila 2009 Set to Showcase Best of Philippine IT

The best and the latest technology of the information technology (IT) industry will be present in this year’s biggest IT selling exhibit, the Computer Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines (COMDDAP) Expo Manila 2009, to be held on December 3 - 6, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center of the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Aptly titled “Maximum Exposure,” the event serves as the biggest one-stop-shop for IT products and services. The event will be highlighted by four major activities designed to exhibit the best of Philippine IT.

Twelve of the best minds and companies of the local IT industry will be featured in the special exhibit, Open Pinoy Solutions (OPS). It aims to place the Filipino IT geniuses into the spotlight and give them their well-deserved recognition.

3D Philippines Initiative or 3DPI is a one-of-a-kind program, featuring incredible and usable virtual models of the Philippines’ breathtaking sites found on Google Earth using Google SketchUp.

Reprising its widely popular shootout events, COMDDAP Expo Manila stages the back-to-back blockbuster this 2009. Now sharper, brighter, and with more brands in the running, The Great Projector Shoot-Out and LCD Monitor Shoot-Out are sure to help experts and consumers determine which brands are the most superior.

Finally, in the tradition of the COMDDAP Shootouts comes the latest showdown of pixel proportions. Visitors will train and challenge their sights in choosing the best quality inkjet printers at the Printer Shootout. The most popular printer brands will face off in a showdown of printing prowess by displaying photographic printouts for display and intense scrutiny.

Aside from this year's series of special events and seminars, offering the most up-to-date discussion and hottest tech trends on Adobe, Microsoft Windows 7 and data loss prevention, lucky expo-goers have the chance to win amazing gadgets and other exciting prizes in the daily raffle.

For inquiries, contact COMDDAP Secretariat at (632) 8103814, 8927947, 7509456 or visit their website at www.comddap.org for more details.

2nd National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP)

The Metro Clark ICT Council (MCICTC) hosted the 2nd Philippine National ICT Summit 2009 at the Jasmine Function Hall, Fontana Convention Center, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga last November 5-7, 2009. The summit was themed “One ICT, One Nation”, signifying unity in the midst of diversity.

Around 4,000 ICT delegates here and abroad attended the event dubbed “How Information and Technology Councils can help one another to grow productively competitive alongside our Asian counterparts in the still growing IT industry.”

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened the 3-day summit, which aimed at recognizing the importance of ICT in advancing today's growing business activities here and abroad. The summit was also in line with President Arroyo’s vision to make the Philippines globally competitive in the ICT industry. Secretary Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua III, chairman of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), introduced the President.

In her keynote speech, the President highlighted the flourishing business process outsourcing (BPO)-IT industry in the country and its major contribution to economic development. The industry started with 4,000 BPO workers in 2001, now it has a workforce of over 400,000.

Arroyo also cited the government's efforts to further develop the Philippine Offshoring and Outsourcing industries, investing heavily in research and development, telecommunications infrastructure and IT-related skills training. CICT was also created to provide an enabling environment for the growth of ICT.

She also congratulated the fast ICT growth in Clark, Pampanga, running third to Metro Manila and Metro Cebu in the country's Cyber Corridor. The National Outsourcing Association of the United Kingdom has selected the Philippines as the “Offshoring Destination of the Year,” proving once again that the country ranks as a top offshoring hub in the world.

Following the President’s speech was a presentation by Secretary Roxas-Chua titled "Philippine Position in ICT and Global Trends of BPO IT Industry."

Other topics discussed included Philippine BPO Industry, Taking the Center Stage by Jonathan Rosenberg, President, Cyber City TeleServices; Developing Cutting-Edge Technology for the Benefit of Society by Cesar Flores, International Sales Director, Smartmatic International; and, Development of Clark Freeport Zone by Mr. Benigno Ricafort, president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

Speeches and presentations were also made by Clark International Airport Corporation Present and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano; Dennis Wright, president of Peregrine International (Global Gateways Logistics City); Angeles City Mayor Francis Nepomuceno (Sharing Best Practices: Angeles City ICT Position); Globe (The Philippines World-Class Connectivity Infrastructure and TxTConnect Raffle Quizzes) and, Iris Hester Tan-Chiu, IBM Philippines (Smarter Planet Innovation Initiatives).

Lastly, the following topics were also covered in several other discussions: Voters Education; Special Kick-Off Workshop with IT Educators, ICT Council Leaders, & Academic Institutions by SMARTMATIC TIM; CICT: Kapihang BPO; CICT: The Philippine Cyber Corridor; Bizpark Program; Technopreneurship Program; The Philippine Business Registry; Social networking of Aspects of Voter’s Education; CICT: PSIA Developers Connect; Technology Showdown by Saver’s Digital Hub; Competency Standards Development and Certification; Integrating ICTin Education; Providing ICT-Enabled Opportunities for Out-Of-School Youth and Adults; Creative Content Development; National Computer Institute- Government’s ICT Training Arm; Low Cost Computing; Product Options: Mobile and Broadband Communications Services; Technology Imperatives; Regulations and Governance of Mobile and Broadband; and, Communications in the Philippines.

The summit also had business matching activities, seminars by Smartmatic on automated elections, exhibitions and displays, cultural presentations, street dancing and musical show.

Also featured was CICT’s “Convergence 2009: Empowering The Filipino Through ICT converges with BPAP Talent Caravan,” highlighting its key programs/projects like the Community eCenter Program, BizSpark, Service Science Management and Engineering, eSkwela, iSchools, Creative Content Development Project, Nettop ng Bayan, eLGU, eBayad and eSerbisyo and the Business Processing Association of Philippines’ (BPA/P) Career Caravan activities like career talks, call center job simulation, job fair and career assessments.

The Summit became the platform for all IT-related industries in the Philippines to share best practices, broaden linkages, learn the latest IT-technologies and learn from the wisdom of the experts here and from around the world through the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP).

MCICTC, a member of the NICP, is one of the emerging ICT Councils in the Philippines that envisions of transforming the Metro Clark as one of the preferred IT and BPO destinations in the country. The council’s mission is to promote the development of the ICT industry as an effective instrument for investment and job generation.

The NICP, comprised of 30 ICT Councils, represents the national venue of united partnership for the Philippines ICT industry. It is the hub of super regions in Asia with ready information technology platforms for investment destinations.

The 2nd NICP was spearheaded by the Clark Development Corp. and Cyber City Teleservices Inc., and co-sponsored by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and Peregrine International, ComClark, and Savers Group of Companies. Government agencies that assisted in the event included the Department Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Clark Investors and Locators Association, Philippine Society of Information Technology and Educators (PSITE), Fontana Leisure Parks, Technology Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), Stotsenburg Hotel, Angeles City Government, Mabalacat Government, and Smartmatic-TIM Corporation also contributed in the conduct of the summit.

For more information about MCICTC, you may call them at (045) 599-5353 or visit their website http://www.metroclarkict.com/summit.

Farming Merged with Robotics at 2009 National Robotics Competition

The 2009 National Robotics Competition (NRC) was held at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia last October 23-24, 2009.

The contest was open to all Filipino students between 9-18 years old (born before Nov 1, 1991). Any type or brand of Robot, or custom-built automaton, was allowed for the competition.

The tournament was divided into two categories: open, wherein students were tasked to create a presentation based on a theme; and regular, where students were tasked to build a robot designed to battle in a “sumobot” match.

With the theme “Agribots in the City,” this year’s open category revolved around the farming cycle and possible activities in Philippine setting where technology and robotics can be applied. Students were tasked to construct two robots that “will do tasks that represent harvesting, sorting of grains, storage, transporting to market, feeding of animals, and switching of irrigation and biogas.”

The mainstay “sumobot” competition, aptly described as the “wrestling of the robots,” had a simple premise: to push the opponent robot out of a makeshift dohyo (sumo ring). Robots battling in the sumobot match must not weigh more than 500 grams, and must not exceed dimensions of 15 cm by 15 cm.

Around 80 teams participated and competed for the prize award of representing the country in the 11th International Robot Olympiad (IRO 2009) held at Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea, last December 17-20, 2009. Students from Makati Science High School emerged as winners in the “open” category. All top-prize winners received cash, plaques and robot kits.

Pasay City Mayor Wencaslao “Peewee” Trinidad graced the opening of the competition.

Coinciding with the 2nd NRC were several seminars conducted by the organizers. PRGF conducted a free robotics workshop featuring robotics inventions and robotics competitions by the private and public high schools in the whole country, and student delegates from other Asian countries.

GCI arranged a Seminar Series for I.T. Educators and Robotics Workshop, which centered on various Science, Technology and ICT programs.

A wide range of participants joined in the seminars – from students to parents and I.T. teachers. The seminars were free of charge but pre-registration was required. Among the workshop topics were:

• Technology Tools for Schools
• Opening your school to Open Source Technology
• Fashion 101 for Teachers
• Robotics in Schools - patterned after the Singapore style
• Using Microcontrollers in Science Experiments
• English Teaching and Learning Technology
• Hotel System for HRM Schools
  

The 2nd National Robotics Competition was organized by the Genetic Computer Institute (GCI), INEX Singapore, Nido Science Discovery Center, SM Mall of Asia, Honda and the Pinoy Robot Games Foundation (PRGF) and sponsored by GENETIC Infoservices Corporation, Innovative Experiment (INEX), Nido, and the following media partners: Manila Bulletin, TV5, Yehey!.com, Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT , and 103.5 Max FM.

For more information about PRGF, email info@pinoyrobotgames.org or visit www.pinoyrobotgames.org.

Election Fever Felt at Campaigns 2010

With the country’s national elections only 5 months away, the election fever was highly felt during Campaigns 2010 held last October 21-22, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Dubbed as the “Ultimate Suppliers Exhibition and Forum for the 2010 National Elections”, the event was organized by Publicus Asia, Inc., and managed by Ideas, Concepts and Events Inc., (ICE, Inc.,) www.ice.com.ph. The 2-day event gave visitors a chance to try the Commission on Elections’ new automated machines. Visitors tested the actual print count optical scans that will be used during the presidential elections. A representative from Smartmatic-Total Information Management answered all the questions regarding the reliability of the counting machines.

Various suppliers of election-related materials, services, and other paraphernalia showcased their products and services during the exhibit. The Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas displayed numerous political sketches and artworks. Seminars about pre-campaign activates, voters’ education, political campaigning, new media campaign strategies, automated elections, and election laws and regulations were conducted throughout the event.

Highlighting the event was the presidential forum hosted by Studio 23’s Y Speak. Presidential candidates where represented by their youth spokesperson during the forum. Mr. Robin Garcia represented Sen. Francis Chiz Escudero, Ms. Kariz Espena for Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Ms. Shills Andres for Sen. Richard Gordon, Mr. Luis Abad for Sen. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, Mr. Ginno Jaralve for former President Joseph Estrada, and Mr. Aaron Benedict de Leon for Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro. Sen. Jamby Madrigal graced the event and answered politically relevant questions from the hosts and audience.

Campaigns 2010 is sponsored by the Commission on Election, Manila Bulletin, Studio 23, Y! Speak, and Publicus Asia, Inc.

For more information about the event, contact ICE, Inc. at (632) 584-5321, (632) 584-5316, (632) 727-2151, email ice.incorporated@yahoo.com, info@ice.com.ph or visit their website at www.ice.com.ph.

Experts Shared Views and Practices at 3rd Internet Mobile and Marketing Summit

Internet and mobile marketing experts from all over the world shared their insights and success stories in utilizing the power of the internet and mobile media for marketing purposes during the 3^rd Internet Mobile and Marketing Summit held last August 25 – 26, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Organized by the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines, the event was guided by the theme, “Digital Delivers”. The informative 2-day conference aims to assess the digital marketing scenario in the Philippines and present relevant studies and practices of marketing and ad agencies that utilizes the internet and mobile.

IMMAP President Arthur Policarpio welcomed the delegates of the event. Nestle Philippines Senior Vice President and Communication and Marketing Service Director Sandra Puno and Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) President Charmaine Canillas delivered the keynote address during the first day of the event. While Unilever Philippines Chairman Fernando Fernandez and Mobile Marketing Association President and CEO Mike Wehrs gave the keynote address during the second day of the conference.

Several notable speakers graced this year’s conference including:

• Ms. Bennett Porter, Head of Marketing Emerging Markets for Yahoo! Inc.,
• Mr. Kent Wertime, Asia-Pacific Director for OgilvyOne Worldwide
• Mr. James Laffery, Ret. Vice President of Procter and Gamble Philippines
  
• Mr. Rahul Vasudev, Director of MediaCom Interaction
• Mr. Jerico Barrera, Client Service Director for Media of The Nielsen Company
• Ms. Teresita Villareal, Marketing Director for Customer Marketing Group of ABS-CBN Broadcasting, Inc.
• Mr. Masaki Iwata, Digital Solutions Producer of Dentsu Japan
• Ms. Riana Roces Trinidad, Co-Managing Partner of Proud Mama Concepts, Inc.,
• Mr. Jose Anton Diaz, owner and blogger of Our Awesome Planet.
  

The second day of the conference was highlighted by a special case presentation courtesy of the 2009 Boomerang Gold Award winners. The winners are:

• Cyber Boomerang Category: Nescafe Palistuhan by Proximity Philippines
• Mobile Boomerang Category: Quaker Oats Eat Well and Win Promo by Proximity Philippines/BBDO Guerrero
• Integrated Boomerang Category: Sandbox by: Smart Communications, Inc. and Wolfpac Mobile, Inc.
  
• Innovation Boomerang Category: Awesome Philippines Second Life Press Conference by the Philippine Department of Tourism and Media Contacts Philippines

The 3rd Internet Mobile and Marketing Summit 2009 is sponsored by OgilvyOne Worldwide, DentsuIndio, Smart Communications, Inc., Business World, Fiera de Manila, MobiThinking, Yahoo! Philippines, Friendster, Inquirer.net, Admax Network, iHub Media, Eyeblaster, Snapworx, Inc., PinoyExchange.com, Adobo Magazine, The Philippine Star, Philstar.com, IT Matters (Special section of Business World), Affle, Business Mirror, Canon, Studio 23, and The Radio Partners, Inc. (Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, Killer Bee FM, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM)

For more information about the event, contact Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines at (632) 896-0637, 896-0639 or visit the event website at http://www.interactivesummit.com.ph/.

2009 ASAP Conference Business Refreshed Ideas of Advertising Suppliers

Despite the wilting economy, the Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines (ASAP) held its annual conference at the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel InterContinental Manila August 18, 2009.

Entitled “Business Refreshed! Inspire. Incite. Ignite,” this year’s conference offered trendsetting and eye-opening topics pertinent to the industry, the changing themes of media and technology and the profile transformation of its leading players.

Now on its 30th year, the annual ASAP Business Conference presented top-calibre speakers and experts who shared real experiences aimed to jumpstart life back to the staggering business. The conference boasted of the following guest speakers: Dean of the Lyceum of the Philippines University College of Business Administration Dr. Leonardo Garcia, Jr., CPM AMEd, on “Recession Proof Marketing,” Chairman and Chief Disturber of Business Works, Inc. Anthony Pangilinan on “Blue Ocean Strategy,” Chief Executive Officers of Woo Consultancy Mon and Abby Jimenez who exposed the ins-and-outs of “Family in Business” and University of Asia and the Pacific Professor, Dr. Bernardo Villegas who tackled “Economic Prospects.”

Rod Nepomuceno and Greg Banzon simply discussed “Brand You”. Relative newcomer to the ASAP conference, Professor Jacinto C. Gavino, DPA of the Asian Institute of Management tackled the encompassing topic “Successful Business Management”, and last but not the least, Remigio Tito C. Tirones, Senior Vice President and Head of SME Banking Group of Planters Development Bank took on “Financial Management in SMEs.”

The 2009 ASAP Business Conference is sponsored by PLDT SME Nation, Adobo Magazine, BOS, Business Works, The Parenting Company, a.s.v. Events Pool, CTV Corporate Television, Design Archipelago, 88 Storey Films, Executive Decisions, Fiera de Manila, Focus Media, Forsc Ink, Inc., GA Printing, Holy Cow! Animation, Modern Ads & Promo, Paradigm Visions Photography, RoadRunner Network, Soundesign, Studio Teknik, The Next Step Events, Unitel Pictures; and the following media Partners: Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, The Manila Times, Business World, Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM.

ASAP represents exemplary service to advertising, production and multi-media endeavors. For more information about ASAP, call (632) 893-0564, (632) 893-0738, telefax (632) 893-0404, e-mail asap@pldtdsl.net or visit their website at http://www.asapmanila.org.ph.

Systems Integration Philippines 2009 Showcases Latest Gadgets

The most innovative technologies, products, and services in digital media, audio and video equipment, home theater systems, electronics, and gadgets will be presented at the Systems Integration Philippines 2009 to be held on August 20 – 22, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Systems Integration Philippines 2009 is the only trade show in the country which covers today’s shift toward business integration and convergence in its entirety. The event incoporates the

• 7^th International Telecommunications, Broadcasting, Electronics, Gadgets, Information Technology and E-Commerce Exhibition (COMMWORLD '09)
• 3^rd Total Digital Media, Audio and Video Systems, Home Theater and Entertainment, Personal Electronics, Gadgets and Lifestyle IT, Technology, Products and Services Exhibition (Digital Electronics 2009)
• 9^th International Pro Audio and Video, Lighting, Music and Movie Technology, Concept Designs, Visual Communications, Multimedia and Commercial Electronics Products and Services Exhibition (PALMM Philippines 2009)
• 7^th International Business IT Solutions, Audio and Visual Communications, Digital Printing, Graphic Design and Office Automation Technology, Products and Services Exhibition (The T.O.P.S. Show 2009), and the
• 7^th Corporate Giveaways, Office Supplies, Stationery, Incentives, Premiums and Souvenir Exhibition (Corporate Gifts Expo 2009)
  

The show aims to provide insights into new business opportunities in audio/video systems, computer hardware and software, copying and duplicating machines, digital audio systems and equipment, home theater and entertainment systems, and web based learning systems, among others.

A seminar about proper audio and acoustics for institutions will be held during the event. The seminar is specifically designed to equip businesses as well as other institutions with the skills and knowhow in getting the best entertainment and sound systems. Another seminar, called O.P.E.N. For Business, is a sales and marketing training program that will teach owners and management level employees techniques to address the various challenges facing businesses today. Special discount and packages are available to registrants on both seminars.

There will also be discounts on on-site purchases, and attendees can watch product presentation by leading brands, technical seminars, new product showcase, and a whole lot more.

Entrance is free to all pre-registered guests and trade buyers. Pre-register online at http://www.globallinkph.com For more information about the event, contact Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. at (632) 750-8588 or email sip@gesi.com.ph

Systems Integration Philippines 2009 is sponsored by Sanyo, Agility Logistics, Amazing Philippines Theater, BusyTrade, Big Pix Graphic Systems, Centrex Corporation, Chase Technologies Corporation, EVI Distribution Inc., FocalCast Network, Inquirer.net, JIMAC Inc., Microdata Systems and Management, Inc., Multistiq, Inc., PowerSpeak Inc., SMX Convention Center, Stage Craft International, Tamayo's Catering Yehey.com, Zamony Venture Corporation, and the following media partners: Business World, DaigdigPinoy.com, Fair News Media, Inc., Gadgets Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin PC World Philippines, The Philippine Star, Speed Magazine, Home Radio 97dot9, Mellow 94.7, XFM 92.3, and Jam 88.3. Official Hotel Sponsors are Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Century Park Hotel, The Heritage Hotel, and Manila Pavillion. Official Internet Provider is PLDT MyDSL.

Digital Marketing Secrets Revealed at JCI Seminar

Internet is a powerful business and personal tool. It is changing the global landscape of marketing, advertising, business transactions, learning, and even living. I. It is the new platform to build brands, raise awareness, and reach millions of people around the world at low cost or no-cost strategies.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Makati Princess Urduja gathers the country's internet industry experts to share the techniques on how to maximize the web in a one-day seminar aptly titled, "Digital Marketing: What Really (Really) Works". The event will be held on August 18, 2009 at the Ateneo Professional School in Rockwell, Makati City.

Three respected speakers will share their knowledge and insights on how to effectively use the internet through search engine optimization (SEO), digital marketing strategies, and e-business techniques. They are Ms. Maria Java, Head of Digital Marketing of ABS-CBN News, Ms. Maan Tolentino, from www.jujups.ph and ProudlyFilipina.com, and Mr. John Galang of Yahoo! Philippines

Registration fee is P1,500.00 which includes snack, seminar kits, and certificates. For more information, contact Ms. Edlynn Ng at (632)502-4542 (0917)538-1085, (0917)533-6869, or email jci_urduja@yahoo.com