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Manila Standard - 2022 September 24 - Saturday

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INSIDE A 10-PAGE TECH & GADGETS 6TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Sustainable Technology in a Post-Pandemic World

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Sustainable Technology in a Post-Pandemic World 6TH TECH & GADGETS ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 E-mail: advertise@manilastandard.net

Augmented Reality is future of live entertainment By Sheldon Angelo G. Cruz Jr.

T

HE formula of concerts hasn’t changed much in the past few decades. We buy tickets, wait in line all day under the blazing sun to get into the venue and then sing along with the artist/s at the top of our lungs.

PH’s future lies in digital infrastructure By Patricia

Taculao

reliant on digitalrequire a has become N A world that several functions of societyAmong the for efficiency. developments, infrastructure a country’s stable digital that find it necessary is significant sectors LOCAL LEADERS to economy. eager CALLING ON

I in a Post-Pandemic World Sustainable Technology

companies is a competitive developSeveral private physical infrastructure Digital infrastructure interconnects get the digital call upon the attention to build the advantage that technologies or society’s ment underway leaders to prioriand virtual on the a company of local government focus specifically foundation for tize bills that digital operations. years, the Philippines issue. and Ayala the Aboitiz In the past two in its digital economy For instance, that the Marcos adrise fortune saw a sudden found their infrastrucgroups requested as many Filipinos Others discovered ministration consider digital coincidon select platforms.to conduct the busi- tures in their priority projects, Marcos a different avenue President Ferdinand connectivity. activities. a ing with in ness of daily in development,the Jr.’s push for universal their interest across Besides ushering also conveyed on digital infrastructure role in They partnerships stable digital public-private if these became a part of plays a significant country also economic recovery. infrastructure priority list. desired rethe Philippines’ the government’s has laws that adproduce the However, to a well-planned collaboThe government in the couner sults, it needs the government, private dress digital infrastructure in ration between society to complement try, namely the Build-Operate-Transf civil promotes PPP sectors, and Law, which still (BOT) project deliveries. its strengths. several issues infra- financing digital Law lists telco inNonetheless, the BOT digital arPhilippines’ a Moreover, as among the potential plague the challenges include and invesfrastructure connection, the government allows the structure. Common and fortified eas wherein also lack of a stable deprived of connection tors can collaborate. It in constructing with some areas Many telecommuni- implementation of PPPs techconand communications services entirely. information technology companies database facilities. to provide cations and networks and the situation prob- nology digital infrastructure tinue to discuss Besides putting of the government, existing connectivity solutions to the priorities also encouraging tech- among are lems. from players in the no private companies programs many existing Although have resources, carried on them to review nology industryimplement a relevant the previous administrationthe developcan infraand include single one country’s digital to the present change in the in the Philippines ment of digital assets. claim that Globe reports structure. Manythe appropriate partFor instance, calling upon the govdevelrecognize how Inc. is provide inclusive as Telecom review its priority list under Filipinos nership can for ernment to program, while of becomopment opportunities Build, Build Turn to B3 their pursuit global the Build, they continue player in the ing a new power digital economy.

network: Top-Rated fixed Converge is thebe rated top in the Philippines to What it means

lives that affect their for make choices up, what to wear moment, people AT EVERY another: what time to wakeon. Some decisions— and in one way or have for breakfast and so more consequential to having work, what a business partner—are in all cases, like choosing changes in our lives. But that is bestowed on important right lead to bigger choose is an Fixed the power to or poor. as the Top-rated 2022, everyone, rich Converge, in emerging for Q1-Q2 Awards™ is based That is why Ookla®’s Speedtest Because the award Network in of the majority. customer’s preference reflects the choiceit means it reflects the on user ratings, in terms of total experience of and sentiment. of the customer’sspeed. It’s also a measurethe “It’s a reflection just raw are happy with service, not the quality of this indicates the customers Chief Operations so Romero, satisfaction said Jesus C. to an ISP service we provide,” gaining rating given ratings winning and Officer of Converge. the highest average 5-Star that It’s not just aboutshowing the Philippines Converge garnered using the Speedtest® expansion set of users rating is a user survey feature about and aggressive within by the sample 5-star in its fiber network service at a price point prestige. It’s what it takes to give them Speedtest Speedtest. With its investment makes sure it offers feature. The the global using the Ooklabehind Speedtest, is Converge average Filipino. that we have solutions. Being able to a testing nationwide, appears after reach of the company intelligence, is Ookla®, the and broadband network no longer be the best internet Top Rated Awards internet should leader in mobile related technologies. The presented by Ookla. That’s and connect to the a right of every Filipino. applications Speedtest Awards, the for these achievements choice part of the semi-annual to be recognized privilege, but has been working hard for the people’s honored Being in are “We and investments customer sentiment. reliable internet why Converge directing effort that reflect than giving deliver fast and means we are more important areas of the of network past years to There’s nothing and I’m glad this is reflected and unserved President the right place. they deserve Uy, CEO and to the underserved people the servicesaid Dennis Anthony Philippines. Fixed in such ratings,” of Top-Rated ROMERO, to earn the title choice? of Converge. done — JESUS C. Officer the people’s What has Converge Operations has it become best value Network? Why EXPANDING COVERAGE to bring the Converge Chief aggressive rollout to innovate has been on an and very its subscribers. Converge continues Converge has 2022, its network52% products to Since 2020, fiber network. As of Q2 speed, low latency, lot of coverage of its you have high Gaming and Video. A and a household fiber ports nationwide of to get to things: “With our network, million homes, that some 1.3 million perfect for two we’re working on peering on the passed 13.5 alone. jitter, this is This meant and low 2022 streaming of games and Philippines. Video months online in the in the first six Filipinos play at the fastest possible time. but low jitter,” added markets in Visayas were rolled out going deep into existing areas in Luzon to truly these websitesrequires not only high speed, This year, it’s as in existing coverage presence in Cebu, other hand, well It already has a few. Mindanao, as - AFFORDABILITY available to all. Cagayan de Oro, to name the Romero. and its aggressive YOUR BUCK serve make the network BANG FOR Davao, and its fiber network service at a we aim to investment in makes sure it offers its Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, to expand as Even with its said. Converge “We will continue people,” Uy average Filipino. upgraded from a 50 expansion nationwide, needs of our NETWORK youngest reach of the has been connectivity the is able to price point within STRONG, REDUNDANT its presence the FiberX1500 Converge has its pricing, it That which allows roll-out, expanding and making Its flagship product, expansive coverage, Without increasing experience. its nationwide Visayas and Mindanao country today, Other than its to 100 Mbps. fiber broadband life. network in the customers. in Luzon, Converge continues to all. Mbps speed an upgraded digital experience to existing markets connectivity available and most advanced includes the deeper into to enjoy a richer prestige. It’s about offer more Filipinos world-class the best broadband will help more it to deliver and gaining them the assets of Converge—which segment - numbers affordability visit about winning have what it takes to give should The total fiber and the submarine cable about Converge, we “It’s not just internet To learn more ict.com/. of April 2022. with two major Philippines that able to connect to the domestic backbone That’s why kilometers as showing the atedISP https://www.converge equipped - to every Filipino. solutions. Being to over 563,000 in Mindanao network is best internet privilege, but a right of past years to deliver fast Video link: https://cnvrge.co/topr This domestic - one in Luzon and another network failure. a the areas of the no longer be been working hard for loops and unserved redundancy protected against any localized underserved Converge has for capital expenditures is internet to the make sure it spent P25 billion backbone connecting and reliable In 2021, the Company Romero closed. subsea cable networks nationwide, Philippines,” its domestic distribution to complete Mindanao, expand among others. Visayas and initiatives, and launch automation

This was an experience that can be shared by multiple generations. Chances are, your concert experiences are similar to what your parents have encountered. With restrictions lifting as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, concerts are beginning to be a part of our lives again. However, there have been some changes to the formula. AUGMENTED FORMULA September has showcased some innovations for concertgoers. Earlier this month, Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X brought augmented reality (AR) stageside. American rapper and 3x Grammy nominee Harlow kicked off his “Come Home, the Kids Miss You” Tour last September 5. Fans were treated to an AR experience via Snapchat. During Harlow’s performance of “First Class”, attendees were able to point their phones upwards and

ABBA produced a concert performed by the holographic versions of them.

see a digital jet flying overhead. Furthermore, they were able to buy concert merchandise directly from Snapchat. A day after, Grammy award winner Lil Nas X also kicked off his “Long live Montero” Tour with a concert in Detroit, where attendees were given a playbill upon entry, which was scannable with Snapchat. Once the concertgoers scanned the playbill with their phones, they received a voice message walking them through what they were about to experience. After that, they witnessed all three

Sustainable Technology

Earlier this year, Elton John and ABBA also held an AR concert with ABBA taking on a different approach and producing a concert performed by the holographic versions of them. No longer will these artists’ visions be limited by budget constraints or logistical issues in concerts. Like with the aforementioned performance of Harlow’s “First Class”, though it was possible for his team to organize for an actual jet to fly overhead during the song, it would have been a massive undertaking, not to mention expensive. AR made the task easier, though. AR has the ability to realize the vision of many artists and allow them to give their fans the best experience possible.

acts of augmented reality -- act 1 featured cocoons, the second act showcased butterflies, and lastly, the 3rd act featured Nas himself. THE EVOLUTION OF MUSICAL STORY TELLING Musicians are storytellers, their music, music videos, and concerts all serve to tell a tale and entertain. AR is another tool for these musicians to convey the story they want to tell. Nas and Harlow are not the first to bring AR stageside and they won’t be the last as by the looks of it, this trend is here to stay.

in a Post-Pandemic World

6TH TECH & GADGETS

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 E-mail: advertise@manilastandard .net

American rapper and 3x Grammy nominee Jack Harlow kicked off his ‘Come Home, the Kids Miss You’ Tour last September 5, with fans being treated to an AR experience via Snapchat. (Snapchat/Live Nation/ VR Scout)

Switching to Smart is now easier with simpler MNP process EXPERIENCING the power of Smart, the Philippines’ Fastest and Best mobile network, has become easier than ever with Smart’s simpler Mobile Number Portability (MNP) process, which enables customers to switch without changing their mobile number. Joining the Smart network now takes only three easy steps: Step 1: Get your 9-digit Unique Subscriber Code (USC) from your current network provider. Valid for 15 days, the USC serves as clearance that your account is free from unpaid fees and balances. Step 2: Get a Smart 5Gready MNP SIM and apply online. If you’re switching to a Smart Prepaid or TNT account, you can get your 5Gready MNP SIM by heading to any Smart Store nationwide or having it delivered to your doorstep by ordering it online. On the other hand, if you’re porting into a Smart Postpaid account, you can secure your 5G-ready MNP SIM by booking an appointment at your preferred Smart Store. Step 3. Activate your Smart 5G-ready SIM. Upon getting your Smart 5G-ready MNP SIM and completing your MNP application, you can activate it by dialing *123# and following the steps on the screen. You will receive a text notification upon successful activation. UNLEASH THE POWER OF SMART Through MNP, more Filipinos can unleash the power of Smart, the first and only local mobile operator to be recognized as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network by

Ookla ®, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To earn this prestigious citation, Smart led in two crucial Ookla Speedtest AwardsTM categories, namely Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage in Q1– Q2 2022.• With Smart’s fastest speeds, subscribers can do and accomplish more—from connecting with loved ones in crystal-clear video calls, sending important work and school files in a flash, sharing content on social media in real-time, to watching highdefinition videos seamlessly and playing high-bandwidth mobile games without lag. On the other hand, Smart’s widest coverage means customers can stay connected more—whether at home or office, during the commute to school or work, or outside the city. Switching to Smart also comes with a host of awesome perks and rewarding experiences, from exclusive access to premium on-demand entertainment, easy access to the latest promos and lifestyle treats via the GigaLife App, and up to 9 GB data freebie for prepaid subscribers, among others. Make the Smart move now and unleash the #PowerOfSmart without changing your number via MNP. To know more, visit https:// smart.com.ph/Pages/mobilenumberportability. •Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage: Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1–Q2 2022. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

Polaris Esports, Rex Regum Acer’s Predator Leagu Qeon rule e PH finals

By Peter Atencio

M

EMBERS of Team Polaris went into their final battles feeling disappointed but emerged joyful after they stopped Grindsky, 2-0, in the of-three finals series bestthe Predator League of 202223 DOTA 2 Philippine Qualifiers Grand Finals on Sunday evening at the of Asia Central Atrium,Mall Pasay City.

Rex Regum Qeon

members

Vargas emerged deaths and eights in with 15 kills, four Game 2 after Polaris routed Grindsky, 48-26, The big plays of three “Fight lang kami. for the final win. members of the Philippine national na mananalo kami,” Dahil alam namin team lifted the team up, along with a good Vargas, who did a said the 21-year-old lot of heavy lifting allowed them to pull game plan which helping produce by off a 38-22, 48-26 Members of Team the needed resources triumph. Polaris at the awards early in the game. rites of-three finals series Still exhausted after After Sibol teammates 2022-23 Philippine in Predator League rales in an ambush. qualifier in Cebu City, losing in another Marvin Rushton and McNicholson Valorant Qualifiers Grand Finals. Polaris finally hoisted members of Team In round 25, Draxii ueva rushed for kills “Lelouch” Villancame out of hiding They needed an to break and 8-all and eliminated trophy with big smiles the championship deadlock and grab extra 26th round finish off SBE, 14-12, to final seconds Chris “Pro” Martir in the a “Okay naman sila. on their faces. to lift RRQ to a 13-12 minute mark, Team 14-9 lead in the 18 Pero hindi sila triple kill from femalewith a trap and a lead. 100% ngayon, dahil RRQ also drew time pull away, and Polaris took their teammate Kelly kahapon natalo sila “KellyS” Sedillo’s games of Nathaniel support from the sa finals ng T1 Acer Predator laptop Vandal rifle. on the 27th minute. were ahead by 28-17 qualifiers,” said team This pushed RRQ “kvzx” Dingal and “Nexi” Cabero, Franz manager Marvin Osorio, Lelouch was the second James setback on Saturday P200,000 purse and to the crown, the eventually went home as Team Polaris Princess Laosantos, “2ge” Goopio. highest scorer in Game 2 (10-5-17). senior marketing national 2022 finals sending to The Interwith the P200,000 cific Predator Leaguea slot to the Asia-Pa- manager for first prize honors. in Singapore. Polaris gathered There was still tiredness which returns with 2022 Grand Finals, past interviewAcer Philippines said, in a enough strength Former Team Sibol destroy the final tower in their eyes to in-person matches that strong partnerships as Team Polaris also from November 11 in the game at the from within the esports ny Vargas, also knownathlete Jan Anthoearned a slot with to 13 in Japan. 46th minute mark. Grindsky to the community has as Natsumi, led “Nakabawi ang made the formation Polaris’ efforts with Asia-Pacific Predator “Expected namin of Philippine-based League 2022 Grand ang depensa. KayaSBE. Nabasa namin teams possible. dying, which finishedImmortal hero Undahil iyung hero ko na lalamang kami turns with in-person Finals, which reat Level 25 when isang side ng mapa sinara namin ang ang nagke-carry (reit was over. “We have formed sources),” said Rushton, para malaman namber 11 to 13 in Japan.matches on Noveming ang plano at madepensahan partnerships, we havestrong alliances and who utilized a Undying usually versatile hero, Doom sponsored sila,” said ported In reaching the finals, coach JC Jamir. which port/tank role for theserves as a lane supcan become many esports programs and supGrindsky early a powerful late-game eased out Execration, and local Emmanuel “Emman teams ties which allow him team and has abili2-1, while Polaris ability to quickly farm. threat due to its FPS” Morales PC over the years. We were the official won over Atomic Esports showed the way for off the lane to secure to harass enemies partner of the Esports in the semifinals. Their fight with Talon space for his carry Meanwhile, a day segment of the while KellyS backedRRQ with 27 kills, Southeast Asian to farm. Esports earlier sapped Polaris’ energy Qeon (RRQ) fought earlier, Rex Regum along with Jed “Draxii”him up with 19, hosted in 2019,” Games when Philippines day’s semis and finals going into the Sunsaid Laosantos. Jamir with 18. Game 2 to sweep off a late rally in In Game 2, SBE clash with their 2-3 Laosantos (SBE), 2-0, (13-7, South Built Esports deficit and tied the rallied from an 8-11 the company’ssaid Acer Predator is 14-12), in their bestmatch, premium 12-all, after brand for Azis “Azys” Nandang gunned down Mo- gamers looking for the ultimate gaming experience.

SectionS B, c & D

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 220• 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P20 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US vows to defend PH

Marcos-Biden talks also touch on SCS issue, other bilateral topics By Vito Barcelo, Vince Lopez, and Macon Ramos-Araneta

P

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met on Thursday (Friday in Manila) with US President Joe R. Biden in New York, as the American leader reaffirmed the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to the defense of the Philippines. The two leaders discussed the situation in the South China Sea and underscored their support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They also discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including

energy security, climate action, and infrastructure, a White House statement said. Both presidents also discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and its implications for energy prices and food security, as well as ASEAN Next page

ALLIES MEET.

PBBM briefs WB execs on development priorities By Vince Lopez and Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presented to the World Bank Group his administration’s priorities aimed at bringing progress and development to the Philippines, Malacañang said Friday. This, after Mr. Marcos shared on his official Facebook page that he had a meeting with top World Bank executives in New York City on Thursday. “The World Bank has stood with the Philippines in the most challenging times, bringing resources, linkages, and partnerships to bear on the country's social, economic, and environmental initiatives since 1945,” Mr. Marcos said. “We are incredibly grateful and proud to continue partnering with the World Bank to improve the lives of Filipinos,” he added. Next page

FRENCH CHARM. In these photos from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos' Facebook page, French President Emmanuel Macron kisses her hand then talks to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as Speaker Martin Romualdez records the encounter on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 20.

Pinoys no visa anew in Taiwan; HK eases isolation for travelers By Rey E. Requejo FILIPINOS will be able to travel to Taiwan by the end of the month without the need to secure a visa after the East Asian country reinstated its visa-free policy to 11 countries. Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs

WEATHER ‘Karding’ intensifies, parts of Luzon rainy TROPICAL Storm "Karding" has slightly intensified and is forecast to bring rains over parts of Luzon starting Saturday night, the weather bureau said in its 5 p.m. bulletin Friday. Next page

announced on Thursday the resumption of visa-free entry to select countries starting Sept. 29 as part of its government’s first stages of easing up its borders amid COVID-19, the English website of staterun news outlet CNA reported. Besides the Philippines, other countries Next page

WHO tempers COVID gauge; end still far off THE head of the World Health Organization on Thursday tempered his assertion that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic was near, warning that declaring the crisis over was "still a long way off". Last week, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that the world had "never been in a better position to end the pandemic... The end is in sight." And US President Joe Biden went further in an interview broadcast Sunday, declaring that the pandemic in the United States "is over." But speaking to the media again Next page

Senate okays on 2nd reading bill postponing brgy., SK poll By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE proposed measure to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled on December 5 this year passed the Senate on second reading.

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros opposed the deferment of the elections to next year. Before the voting on the second reading, Hontiveros proposed that instead of Next page

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City on September 22. Biden later shakes hands with Mr. Marcos' son, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" A. Marcos III (inset) with the President, Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez looking on. AFP

CPP-NPA terror tag case up to CA as DOJ drops appeal By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday said it will no longer appeal the ruling rendered by the Manila City Regional Trial Court that declared that the Communist Party of the Philippines

and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, are not terrorist organizations. Instead, the DOJ will file a new petition with the Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said.

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CCP'S SINAG. To mark the 53rd anniversary of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the facade of the CCP building is adorned and with colourful light set to sounds during the SINAG 2022: Light and Sound show, which will run run from September 23 to 25 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The CCP will close its doors for two to three years starting January 2023 for renovation and structural retrofitting works. Danny Pata

PESO DECLINES TO NEW LOW OF P58.50 TO USD BUSINESS / A8

NEDA: ‘PAMASKO’ TO PROP UP PESO IN LAST 2 MONTHS NEWS / A2


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