Pushing Conversations: ALLIANCE of TECH INNOVATORS for the NATION

Had a great time over at Diamond Hotel for the event of Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), an organization who's goal is to bring government, private institutions and communities together for innovations in the digital front. As of 2021, The Philippines has earmarked the biggest growth among other ASEAN countries so it's apt to hold their launch here together with stakeholders, industry experts and government officials this April 12th. 

Pushing for inclusive growth, ATIN reiterates the importance of its 3 pillars, namely education and skills training, digital adoption and innovation and harnessing digital trade opportunities. Monchito Ibrahim is its Lead Convenor after his stint as an Undersecretary of the DICT.

He says "I want to tell you what the ATIN stands for, and what to expect in the horizon. The pandemic has brought up on huge change in the economy, our adoption has changed day to day lives including shopping, business, even government dealings. We needed to optimize, we had to transform to provide essential services. The next ten years will make ASEAN have the biggest growth according to studies. We remain on track as checked last year. The PH alone added 20 Million internet penetration and has opened a lot of opportunities for workers, internet jobs, merchants, entrepreneurs, and made 20 percent year on year, and potentially earn billions come 2030. The Filipino workers started to work in the digital space when lockdowns happened. Online stores amount to 88574 businesses registered in the last year alone. It should be inclusive, a society approach is essential to democratize it and benefit everyone, leaving nobody behind."

Hon. David Almirol the DICT Undersecretary says "We have 37 projects on DICT but want to emphasize 6. We have the eGov Super app, eLGU, eGovCloud, eTravel and more. The eGov PH give citizens access to mandated government services, a portal to have ease of doing business in one place. We were able to combine it on one platform. The benefits will go to people, the first time to unify solutions of government agencies without disturbing their current platforms. Your National ID, SSS, BIR, DTI, DOT, LTO, etc all by downloading one app. We assisted and made it happen."

This is just the start of a planned environment of policy and regulatory discussions to drive even more participation from Filipinos and our ASEAN neighbors to foster initiatives for growth with the public and private sectors help. This would be done through the first ATIN Digital Economy Summit 2023 which hopes to benefit MSME's improve their digital infrastructure and help even more communities.

Home Cinema Dreams Come True with the LUMOS DAWN

Meet the LUMOS DAWN, the newest affordable home cinema projector available in the Philippines.

My love for movies and the arts has always been an obvious thing since I've been covering entertainment events in Manila. I've always wanted to have my own home theater especially during the pandemic, and it's a lovely premise to have one at so you wouldn't have to go far if you want to enjoy local and international films right at the comforts of your home. You'll be glad to know that there exists something that would fulfill your dreams, meet the new LUMOS DAWN Projector. 

 

Form and Function I Need

Aside from the usual subscriptions I have on streaming apps, I often watch Anime, documentaries, gaming re-runs, and the best films available online on TV. I've got some of the best brands bar none, but I do feel that TV's just doesn't cut it to feel like you're in a movie theater. My room theme is monochrome, and a wall was painted white years ago so I figured I'd better put that to good use. The LUMOS DAWN arrived safely packaged in a box within a box.

It comes with a Remote, a User Manual, a Basic Set-Up Tips flyer, a Power Cable, an RCA Cable and an HDMI Cable. If you're not a techie, it's easy to understand how to put these together. The package doesn't come with batteries, buy one from the grocer or use the one on other remotes for the meantime.

This is where the Power Cable goes

Shiny lens, with the LUMOS logo in front

Underneath, it's got a place where you could fit a stand and screw it. I love how it's a standard size and it fits on my actual tripods here at home.

It's got an audio port where you can use your wired earphones in, an AV port, 2 USB ports for storage and plugging in other devices in plus an HDMI port where I had my laptop plugged in (and see HD quality videos in).

The front has a power button, turns green when it's ON

I like that this one has a cover so you won't have trouble keeping it in boxes or have it gather dust in storage.

The LUMOS DAWN Smart is a smart device, so the remote control for it is essential. The NEXT and DONE clicks, the Volume Control, Home, Menu, Source switches, and mouse control is done through this. You can use a wired mouse too, but it would be so convenient to just get batteries for this and make your movie and streaming moments E A S Y. 

I love how this particular device has a very compact form factor, like they thought about making it small sized but powerful. It's got ample amount of ventilation so as not to heat up. The ports are also positioned well, not too crowded for all the other devices you would need to connect it to. After hooking it up with the cables, we turned it ON. 

The Experience

After screwing it to the tripod I had sitting around, we turned it on and checked its features. After pointing it into the wall I had inside my room, I adjusted the settings by turning the knobs in front. It just takes a few seconds to do that.

You can set the distance of the device quite far (about 3m max) to achieve an 125 inch screen and still see clear images. I did change my wall paint to a matte white color about a year ago and it did wonders for the images this time. It's like my own projector screen without shelling out extra for that. With its 1080p support and 600p clear resolution, it's undoubtedly one of the best ones in the market in the same price range. Quite bright as its got 2500 Lumens which makes videos clear and not appear blurry or faded on screen. When you turn it on, it would ask for your language, timezone, have it connect to your home's WiFi network to gain access to internet. The device has it's own App Store, or Google Play so if there's something you would like to install for a smart device like this, it'll be cinch to do.

It has a built in YouTube and Netflix app so you don't need to bother installing one on the device. They don't also advice you update it and just use as is. If it's not broken, why fix? Makes sense! Aside from that, it's got AirScreen and Miracast which you can use to cast your mobile phone screens into the LUMOS DAWN so imagine what you can do with those Mobile Legends, Call of Duty or Genshin Impact sessions you do for hours. It may well then be the grandest place to play and have an immersive experience (yes the LUMOS DAWN has Dolby Audio speakers!). I'm totally not suggesting you do those TikTok numbers you've been practicing secretly, but you do you!

The soil from Mars certainly looks detailed

I don't need to move shelves, just point the projector on the space I've got on the east side of my room and it becomes an extra place to watch more videos!

LUMOS DAWN gives a lot of these features without breaking the bank. It's priced at Php 6,999 and the LUMOS DAWN Smart version for Php 9,999. It also comes with a 1 Year local warranty which assures you hours of movie and entertainment pleasure right at the comforts of your home. I even used it as a screen to watch YouTube videos today. It was lovely watching documentaries, foreign TV shows and Valorant matches which I streamed live on the YouTube app. Now isn't that a dream?! If you wish to have one, you can purchase them today at https://www.lumosprojector.ph/.

Well, since I'm celebrating my site's milestones this year and you've read this far, I'm letting you in on a huge surprise. I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY of a brand new LUMOS DAWN. This is your chance to win that dream home cinema projector you've been eyeing, and I'm here to make your Home Cinema Dreams Come True with the LUMOS DAWN. All you need to do is look for the Facebook post of this article HERE and follow these steps below:

1. On the comment section, tag 3 FB friends and comment “I like LUMOS DAWN because…….” (and state why you do)!

2. Share the FB article post on your Facebook timeline (set in PUBLIC) with the hashtag #LUMOSHomeCinemaGiveaway and tag the official LUMOS FB page @lumosprojectorph  

3. Bonus points will go to those who Like our FB Page @kumagcow - 1 bonus entry

and Like & Follow the LUMOS FB page @lumosprojectorph - 1 bonus entry

(take screenshot and post photo of liked page on the comment section) 

All I need from you (if you WIN) is a photo with the prize when you get it and tag us both. All I wish is that you put it to good use, and here's hoping the best of luck to whoever wins it! Winners will be announced next week so stay tuned!

 This definitely made my Home Cinema Dreams Come True!

Put Livestream Talent to Use with SUPERNOVA MANILA

Just had a chat with good looking actor, commercial model, and very spirited dancer Ryle Santiago this week as he embarks on a new venture with his team under an agency called Midnight Suns. We discussed more of their live stream arm which they properly call "Supernova Manila" which has kept him and his associates busy these past few months.

Ryle says "Supernova is our live-streaming branch which is under our mother company, Midnight Suns. We hire anyone who has a phone and is of legal age and they can earn up to 1.5M monthly via digital gifts which can be withdrawn into cash. We also market our talents as influencers (we have micro all the way to mega influencers) to brands for posting. I have plans on turning it into a full talent agency in the future, but we’re taking things step by step. We formed Midnight Suns with 6 other people. But right now, Supernova is being handled by me, my brother who is our COO and Janzen, one of my supporters that I trust. She's our Graphic Designer and Online Event Coordinator. Aside from her, we have Pam Castro, our Data Analyst and Edwina Salvador our Client Success Representative."

Recently, Ryle Santiago joined VIVA Artists Agency and told us the circumstances of his showbiz work. Since leaving his previous network, he sent intentions joining another network's artist agency but felt he didn't fit the part. Ryle quips "VIVA made me feel the urgency in signing with them because everything was quite swift. Just like what Michelle Yeoh said, "Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re past your prime.""

Currently, Supernova Manila has over 700 people onboard. Ryle says "Most of them are actually marketable influencers which makes it easier to give them over to our partner brands. All of them are live-streamers because the live-streaming we do doesn’t really need experience or training. Anyone can pick up their phone and start earning with us. We have people from all walks of life, all industries and all ages. We have Nurse Jentz who is a full time nurse in Dubai who makes a 100k extra with us on her free time. We have Maria who is an 18 year old student that watches her parents’ sari-sari store in during the day, studies, but makes 200k a month by live-streaming. It may sound intimidating, but all everyone does is respond to the comments they get on the live or talk to each other in a zoom meeting-like live where you and up to 11 of your friends can earn simultaneously while talking to each other."

They're quite happy to note that Supernova Manila has already changed lives and Ryle says "We plan to expand to different countries so that we may contract hosts from all over the world because currently we host those that are in the Philippines. We want to give OFWs a chance to earn extra as well. I also want to turn it into a talent agency in the future and maybe with the help of my future projects from Viva, that can be a reality. I believe that other than the monetary, we find success in seeing our talents live completely new lives. It feels good seeing their success stories, seeing where their money goes, like some of our hosts got married with what they earn, give birth, put up houses for their parents and lots more. But it gets really heartwarming when we all get together and you see that they’ve all become such great friends."

There are different posts currently available on Supernova Manila. You can be a Host, a Manager, Affiliate or an Influencer. They don't even require a résumé, experience or  fees to get involved. He says "Anyone can join us provided they’re of legal age, have a phone and a valid ID." They see a huge potential in livestreaming and help their talents score brand deals. He adds "The brand partnerships are a bonus for the hosts. Of course, it’s the client’s discretion on who they pick for their campaigns. We at Supernova Manila also aid in the creation of the content to ensure that the quality of posts are always top-notch."

For those interested, you may get in touch with them via ryle.midnightsunagency@gmail.com or their official IG accounts @midnightsunagency or @supernova.mnl on Instagram. Ryle says "If you’re ready to break free from the office and the 9-5 grind, join Supernova Manila by The Midnight Suns and earn big your way! You can get the freedom to work, whenever, wherever, the sky’s the limit! Come start living your life on your terms today!"

TOP SHELF Features Inspiring Story of Chrizmarie Builders CEO Lyn Macanas

 

Had a grand time over at SEDA Hotel in Vertis North about a week ago for the grand launch of TOP SHELF, a new business and lifestyle magazine that features TOP entrepreneurs, leaders of different industries and their inspiring stories. They already had their maiden issue last June 2022 featuring the world class artist and singer Gigi De Lana. This year, they're featuring the very inspiring story of the President and CEO of Chrizmarie Builders and Construction Supply Madam Lyn Macanas. Their theme for this issue is Women Empowerment, a fitting subject matter that begs discourse especially these very trying times.

Her story was a showcase of strength, courage, and sheer determination of leading her company into one of the leading construction firms in the region. This would certainly inspire a lot of women, much of who have gone through hardships and had to raise kids all on their own. 

Other women like Miss Supermodel Worldwide Alexandra Rosales, DOT Undersecretary Atty. Elaine Bathan, Dr. Dhyrla Santos Nunez will also be featured on the profile sections. There will also be travel stories that will feature Camotes Island and the country of passion, food and love Italy. The events section on the other hand will contain a piece about Miss Supermodel Philippines under Velvet Media. The company is led by Mae Evelyn Maghirang, their National Director. 

 

Entertainment courtesy of Alab Poi Dancers

 

TOP SHELF Marketing Director Bianca Lapus welcomed us to the occasion, it was awesome seeing her during the event! She told us how she also wanted to feature Vhong Navarro in future issues. That's something you should definitely watch out for on TOP SHELF.

Some of her gowns were showcased during the event

 

Her precious daughters also participated on the runway. They were so happy doing this.

 

She wore a red number for the second instance she rocked the stage

Then a couple more looks to end the show

TOP SHELF Magazine is under Velvet Media Incorporated. You may visit their site topshelf.asia or their social channels by searching TOP SHELF Mag PH. You may get issues via Magzter.com if you prefer subscription. They are also set to release quarterly, so stay tuned on Q2-Q4 for more.

Congratulations Ms. Macanas, to the men and women of Chrizmarie Builders, to Velvet Media Inc. and the whole TOP SHELF editorial team!