Empress Of Drac, A Cebuana Blogger

Dell Inc., one of the world’s leading computer company, partners with Ng Khai Development Corporation, Cebu’s leading IT solutions provider to answer the growing needs of computer technology in Cebu and the Southern market.

Ng Khai, as Dell’s Premier Partner in its Partner Direct Program, aims to reach the Small Business Enterprise (SME) sector to help Dell expand its regional coverage in the primary cities and business districts in the VizMin area.

This partnership specifically aims to tap over a million smaller businesses in the Phippines (the largest territory of Dell in South Asia) and having Ng Khai as their business partner here in Cebu, Dell hopes that their technology would benefit those ones in the SME sector.

Both Dell and Ng Khai are confident with this expansion since Cebu is the second biggest growth center in the Philippines next to Metro Manila and the city is also boosting with large-scale manufacturing companies, IT parks and complexes ranging from business process outsourcing (BPOs), technical support, IT consultancy, and a lot more Information Technology development.

Competitive pricing (depends upon the package), custom integration for the company, and free tools to gear up system, are just a few of Dell’s offerings to their customers.  Each of their computer package features the following applications: Dell Control Point, Dell Latitude On, Dell Back up Manager and a lot more.

Photo Credit: Vernon Joseph Go

SM City Cebu opens its 3rd IMAX theatre in the country and the first outside Metro Manila today.  A pre-launching event and fashion show was held last 2nd of July to introduce the newest technology that would forever change your movie experience.

IMAX is the latest theater technology that features the highest-quality, most immersive motion picture entertainment.  It is specifically designed to deliver the world’s most immersive movie experience.  With it’s crystal clear images and combined with its powerful digital sound, the IMAX experience makes the audience feel as if they are IN the movie.

IMAX 3D

A 3D fashion show was held during the IMAX pre-launching at SM City Cebu, Northwing Atrium last week.  This event showcased Cebu’s 3Ds (3 DJs and 3 Designers).  The 3D theme represents the IMAX 3D technology which enables images to leap off the screen and into the laps of the audience, further enhancing the feeling of being IN the movie.

Below are the movies that will be screened at the IMAX theatre today.

1. AVATAR
2. Inception
3. Hubble 3D
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

IMAX theatre ticket price is around Php 400.

Reference: IMAX.com Photo Credit: LaagCebu.com

Lenovo Philippines launched a new global campaign dubbed as “Make Life More Fun” last 24^th of May, 2010 at Olio Bar and Restaurant, Banilad, Cebu City. The Fun Launch introduced their new range of idea brand of consumer PCs and notebooks: IdeaPad and IdeaCentre. The global campaign’s core message is based on connecting with spontaneous moments of fun experienced by Lenovo consumers.

Fun the Lenovo Way

Lenovo’s idea brand of laptops and PCs offer a new range of features that complement users’ wide range of personalities and ideas of having fun. These products are designed as tools for having fun, whether that means being on the go, playing video games, or running a small business. The following computers have clever features that inspire fun and creativity.

• · IdeaCentre A300 ultra-thin all-in-one desktop – A stylish multimedia AIO.
• · IdeaPad Z460 entertainment laptop – Affordable multimedia notebook.
• · IdeaPad U460 – An ultraportable laptop.
• · Lenovo V460 – An IdeaPad laptop for small business.
• · Lenovo B460 – And IdeaPad for small business and home office laptop
• · ThinkCentre A70z – An all-in-one desktop for business.
• · ThinkPad Edge 14” laptop

These new models have fun features which include Veriface Facial Recognition Technology, Long Battery Life, You Cam, Direct Share, OneKey Theatre II, FingerPrint Reader, SlideNav, Lenovo Security Suite, and Switchable Graphics. Also, these products are powered by the new 2010 Intel Core Processor Family: Intel Core i7, i5 and i3.

What is Your Idea of Fun?

During the Fun Launch, Lenovo also announced their newest blogging contest: “What is your IDEA of FUN?” Lenovo Blog Contest. The Lucky winner of this contest will receive a Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2 netbook. This contest is open only to all registered media guests of the Lenovo Fun Launch.

About Lenovo:

Lenovo is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by the Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufacturers and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services.

What is PLDT myDSL Overdrive?

• It is a series of events which includes a speedster bus roaming around the country.  Its main aim is to go beyond broadband.

What is inside the speedster bus?

• Unlimited broadband connection thru netbook and lappy terminals.  (Cool!!)

Inside the Speedster Bus

What are these series of Events?

• March 24, 2010 - Overdrive 2010 officially kicked off with the arrival of a newly decked out Speedster bus roaming the streets of Talisay, Mabolo, Mandaue and Mactan.
• March 27, 2010 - myDSL crew hit PC shops in SM City Cebu for raid upgrade.
• March 28, 2010 - Groundbreaking partnership with local cable channel RCTV in a free event dubbed LIVE and LOUD at Parkmall Grounds.
• April 11, 2010 - Speed Circuit Car Drifting Exhibition.  See the hottest rides at the SM Northwing Open Parking area.

Diva Montelaba of Starstuck 5, one of the launching’s guest

Photo Credit: Jose Farrugia

“PLDT myDSL Watchpad has over a hundred thousand subscribers and it’s growing”, revealed Miss Myla Villanueva, Senior Product Manager, during the short interview after the ribbon cutting of the launching of the myPLDT Speedster Bus last March 27, 2010 at Formo Restaurants.

Speedster Bus Launching at Formo Restaurants

When asked about the specific number of subscribers, Miss Villanueva replied that it is confidential.  She, however, quipped that this is to lessen transparency to competitors.

PLDT myDSL Watchpad is the very first internet TV in the Philippines and it is also the pioneer in the industry.  And, it is FREE to all PLDT users.  Its target market is mainly the young generation who are common patriots of the of the online world.  In terms of browser compatibility, it is best viewed using Internet Explorer.

This is how the inside of the myPLDT Speedster Bus looks like

You can watch the following channels thru your myPLDT Watchpad.

• Channel [V]
• CNN
• National Geographic, myView
• E!, Smart Shopping, TBN-World
• PBO, RCTV, Go, Splash
• CNBC, Cartoon Network, Animax, History, The Biography Channel, Crime & Investigation, Living Asia

Photo Credits: Jose Farrugia and Wilhelmina Sarawi

March 23, 2010 - Thakral Group announced its plan to expand their presence here in Cebu in the press conference held a while ago at Coral Room, Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City.  This Singapore-based multinational company intends to focus on the Southern market for its four IT subsidiaries, namely - Thakral Infotech, Technopaq, OrionElec and Raffles Solutions and Services.

During the press briefing,  Teddy Sumulong, Thakral’s General Manager, talks about the company’s high enthusiasm of the booming Cebu IT market.  He shares his vision and go-to-market strategy with the local IT media and industry bloggers.  He believes that the Philippine market, in general, have matured to a level of sophistication and understanding wherein the value and importance of information technology is no longer deemed as a peripheral but a critical component in order to operate and remain competitive.  Cebu and the other business districts within the region have similar level of maturity and goals to succeed within their respective markets.  Sumulong says the Thakral Group recognizes the tremendous opportunities of Cebu and its nearby cities can offer.

For a start, the Thakral Group will be hiring around 5 to 6 people as the pioneering staff in their distributing branch in the city.  They will also find strategic partner-resellers to distribute products from IT giants like EMC, IBM, Lenovo, and a lot more.

In Philippines alone, Thakral Group has already have 500 resellers.  The company has a 12-year experience as authorized distributor of IBM, Red Hat Linux, Oracle and Acer.

Corporate Profile

Founded in 1905, Thakral Group is one of Singapore’s largest homegrown conglomerates with operations spanning 35 countries and employing in excess of 10, 000 people worldwide.  While Thakral’s roots were in trading and textiles, the group has since forayed into electronics distribution, real estate, hotel establishments, manufacturing, IT and value-added consulting services.

Vice Mayor Rama assisting the handing ceremony

Globe WiMAX brought good news to 6 Cebu City Elementary Schools yesterday, during the handing ceremony held in Zapatera Elementary School.  Along with Vice Mayor Rama, Globe handed a year contract of free Wi-fi connection to Banilad Elementary School, Bario Luz Elementary School, Kamputhaw Elementary School, Lahug Elementary School and Zapatera Elementary School.

This event is carried out thru Globe’s ISP (Internet in Schools Program), which is a part of their vision to become a leader in ICT for education.  This program is the major education initiatives of Globe utilizing Globe Broadband to provide free internet for one year to applicable public schools all over the country.

Public schools which have wireless internet connection through WiMAX will have easy access to a wide range of information useful in enhancing the learning process.  However, Vice Mayor Rama warned that the students’ access must be limited to educational websites only.   Browsing adult and illegal websites are prohibited.

About WiMAX

WiMAX is the newest and cutting-edge wireless broadband technology offering by Globe.  WiMAX has improved reach versus other wireless technologies as WiMAX covers greater distances and is 33% faster and 25% more affordable than other broadband providers.

Are you one of those Google fanatics who always miss the chance of attending their conferences and events because most of them were held in Manila or outside the country?  Well, now is your chance to catch up with the biggest search engine in the world.

Google Japan will be sending their Software Engineer, Dan Cedric Delima here in Cebu to lead an innovation forum entitled, “ Inspiring Innovation: the Google Way”  on Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Conference Hall, Library Building, UP Visayas Cebu College.

The whole day event will begin with talks in the morning which will feature developments in open source, Google maps  and their applications. An award for the best Google application will be given in the afternoon following a DevCon Hackathon.

This Innovation forum was organized  by  Google, UPV Cebu DOST Technology Business Incubator , GTUG – Cebu, Developers Connect (DevCon), Philippine Emerging Start-Ups Open (PESO), Brain Gain Network (BGN) and the Ayala Technology Business Incubator (AyalaTBI). The Innovation Forum is one of the regular tech forums that AyalaTBI holds in Makati and regional centers in the country with partners. It has been running since 2007.

The event is free.  Interested participants may call  232 49995 for details.

February 17, 2010 - Lenovo has just launched their new IdeaPad laptops a while ago at Laguna Garden Cafe, Biliran Rd., Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.  The event is also their very first press launching in the city.  Their main purpose is to convey Cebu’s consumer market that the company has a serious commitment in providing beyond the edge personal computing designs and engineering which are tailored to the customer’s taste and lifestyle.

S10-3t, S10-3, Y550P, and Y460 are the new IdeaPad laptop PCs which are being launched along with the IdeaCentre B500 desktop.  All these new products have combinations of stylish designs and innovative features enabled by the ultra low power Intel Core processor family and improved performance with an Intel Core i7 processor.  Microsoft’s Windows 7 is the operating system for each product which includes LEE (Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7).  LEE is the result of joint engineering by Lenovo in collaboration  with Microsoft to provide users with faster system boot and shutdown, richer multimedia features and easy system maintenance tools.

According to Michael Ngan, Country Manager for Consumer Business, Lenovo Philippines, Lenovo’s Idea products are designed with the user experience in mind.  With that, he means that every aspect of product design and technology is engineered to improve how consumers seamlessly use these products to enrich their daily lives.

IdeaPad S10-3t and S10-3 are next-generation netbooks with style and rich multimedia.  These products have a combination of portability, style and industry leading technologies that will help redefine the netbook category.  Other than that, S10-3t is the very first multitouch capacitive convertible netbook tablet. (SRP for S10-3t: Php 29,900; SRP for S10-3: Php 23,900)

Specifications:

• 10.1-inch screen (can swivel 180 degrees for S10-3t)
• Intel Atom N470 processors
• 320 GB HDD memory storage
• Dolby Headphone audio
• DirectShare (to easily synchronize file with another laptop without having to connect to the internet )

Cool Features:

• Maplife - location based mapping software
• VeriFace - face recognition and Active Protection System to protect the PC hard drive from suddn bumps or falls

IdeaPad Y550P’s cutting-edge power is ideal for today’s multi-tasker.  This IdeaPad is the most powerful laptop in Lenovo’s portfolio. (SRP: starts at Php 75,000)

Specfications:

• Intel Core i7 processor (with Intel Turbo Boost Technology)
• NVIDIA discrete graphics
• 15.6inch HD widescreen display
• Dolby Home Theater

IdeaPad Y460 Laptop is ideal for users looking for the ultimate, mobile entertainment experience.  Its switchable graphics design doesn’t compromise battery life and it’s equipped with JBL-designed speakers and Dolby Home Theater surround sound. (SRP: Php 54,500)

IdeaCentre B500 desktop offers immersive entertainment experience with its Quad core processing power along with intel Core 2 Quad inside.  Its sleek design featuring a 23in Full HD screen and high-quality JBL-brand integrated speakers provie a quality viewing experience. (SRP: Php 65,900)

Lenovo has only one store branch here in Cebu and it is located at Cyberzone, SM City.