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HONOR opens its first authorized store in Saudi Arabia

November 5, 2023
HONOR opens its first authorized store in Saudi Arabia

HONOR Saudi just open its first authorized store in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East earlier this month. The store is located in Al Hayat Plaza in Dammam, Eastern Region of the Kingdom. Those who visit the store’s opening day received special offers.

Here are some photos as posted by @HonorKSA;

Arm to acquire minority stake in Raspberry Pi

November 5, 2023
Arm to acquire minority stake in Raspberry Pi

Arm announced that it had acquired a minority stake in Raspberry Pi. This investment is a significant development in the partnership between the two companies, which has been ongoing since 2008. Raspberry Pi has used Arm-based CPUs in all of its single-board computers (SBCs), and the two companies have collaborated on a number of initiatives, including the development of the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller.

The acquisition of a minority stake in Raspberry Pi is seen as a strategic move by Arm. Raspberry Pi has sold over 40 million SBCs to date, making it one of the most popular platforms for IoT development.

The partnership will benefit to both companies; Arm gains access to Raspberry Pi’s large and active community of developers, which can help to accelerate the adoption of Arm-based chips in IoT devices, Raspberry Pi, in turn, benefits from Arm’s expertise in chip design and its global reach.

“Arm and Raspberry Pi share a vision to make computing accessible for all, by lowering barriers to innovation so that anyone, anywhere can learn, experience and create new IoT solutions,” said Paul Williamson, SVP and GM, Internet of Things Line of Business, Arm. “With the rapid growth of edge and endpoint AI applications, platforms like those from Raspberry Pi, built on Arm, are critical to driving the adoption of high-performance IoT devices globally by enabling developers to innovate faster and more easily. This strategic investment is further proof of our continued commitment to the developer community, and to our partnership with Raspberry Pi.”

“Arm technology has always been central to the platforms we create, and this investment is an important milestone in our longstanding partnership,” said Eben Upton, CEO, Raspberry Pi. “Using Arm technology as the foundation of our current and future products offers us access to the compute performance, energy efficiency and extensive software ecosystem we need, as we continue to remove barriers to entry for everyone, from students and enthusiasts, to professional developers deploying commercial IoT systems at scale.”

The acquisition of a minority stake in Raspberry Pi is also seen as a sign of Arm’s commitment to the open-source community. Raspberry Pi is a popular platform for open-source software development, and Arm has stated that it will continue to support the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s commitment to open source. Financial details of the deals was not disclose.

Xeleqt AI wins the Grand Prize at the Start-up Innovation Challenge at the PH Digicon 2023

October 19, 2023
Xeleqt AI wins the Grand Prize at the Start-up Innovation Challenge at the PH Digicon 2023

Xeleqt AI, a startup that develops artificial intelligence-powered solutions for the financial industry, has won the Grand Prize at the Start-up Innovation Challenge at the PH Digicon 2023.

Xeleqt AI is an IoT-enabled business-to-employee platform that helps businesses automate their operations, improve productivity and services. The company’s platform is already being used by a number of leading companies in the Philippines and around the world.

Together with Xeleqt AI, Mylo Speech Buddy and Vison Technologies won the contest, placing 1st and 2nd runner-ups, respectively.

The winners of the Start-up Innovation Challenge receive a number of prizes like; cash prizes of Php250,000 (1st), Php200,000 (2nd) and Php150,000 (3rd); mentorship, and access to resources and support from PLDT Enterprise and Smart Communications.

The PH Digicon is the largest digital technology conference in the Philippines. The conference brings together leaders from the government, industry, and academia to discuss the latest trends and developments in digital technology.

DICT’s statement on the hacking and defacing of the House of Representative website

October 16, 2023
DICT’s statement on the hacking and defacing of the House of Representative website

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) just release an official statement regarding the defacing of the House of Representative (HoR) website.

This is the full text of DICT’s statement;

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirms that a cybersecurity incident involving the House of Representatives (HOR) website occurred on Sunday, 15 October 2023.

The HOR immediately put the website offline to prevent further unauthorized access and reported the incident to the DICT – Philippine National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-PH).

CERT-PH is conducting an investigation to determine if sensitive data has been exfiltrated by the threat actor.

Recommendations were likewise provided to the HOR IT Team to prevent future security breaches on their website.

The DICT informs the public that the HOR website shall be online soon with its security vulnerabilities already addressed.

The next stages of the investigation on the incident, which include threat actor attribution and case build-up, shall be pursued by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, in coordination with our law enforcement agencies.

The DICT reaffirms its commitment to be an active partner of government agencies as they fulfill the primary responsibility of safeguarding their own ICT systems and infrastructure against cyber threats.

By:

Renato A. Paraiso
Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs
DICT Spokesperson
pio@dict.gov.ph

At the sametime, DICT also release a Tagalog version of their statement.

Yesterday, the website of the House of Representative (HoR) was hacked by the hacker group 3MUSKETEERZ, defacing it with the troll face meme captioned it “You’ve been hacked. Have a nice Day! Happy April Fullz Kahit October Palang! Fix your website.” and changed its content with the same messaging.

Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion

October 15, 2023
Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion

Microsoft has officially acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, the deal has now been finalized after a lengthy regulatory review. The announcement was made by both company and published official statement on their respective website. Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard, and he and his team will maintain their focus on driving efforts to further strengthen the company’s culture and accelerate business growth. Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming and will be part of Microsoft’s Xbox Team.

Activision Blizzard is one of the largest and most successful video game companies in the world. It is the publisher of popular franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Candy Crush, and Diablo. Microsoft is already a major player in the gaming industry with its Xbox console and Xbox Game Pass subscription service. However, the acquisition of Activision Blizzard gives Microsoft a significant boost in market share and makes it the third-largest gaming company in the world, behind Tencent and Sony.

When the deal was first announced, it faced regulatory pushback and was delayed due to concerns about competition in the cloud gaming market. To address these concerns, Microsoft made several concessions, including giving consumers in the European Economic Area free licenses to stream their Activision Blizzard games. Microsoft also signed agreements with console rivals Nintendo and Sony, promising them access to Call of Duty games for 10 years.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) was the last regulator to approve the deal. The CMA stated that the concessions made by Microsoft were a “game-changer” that would allow for competitive prices and better services.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, write a letter/email to announced the acquisition.

NPC launches “Na-leak ba ang PhilHealth Data ko?” Portal

October 14, 2023
NPC launches “Na-leak ba ang PhilHealth Data ko?” Portal

In the wake of the PhilHealth Hacking, Philippines’ National Privacy Commission (NPC) launches the “Na-leak ba ang PhilHealth Data ko? Portal. The “Na-leak ba ang PhilHealth Data ko? Portal is a tool to check if your personal data is included in the PhilHealth cyberattack last Sept 22.

NPC explained that “Na-leak ba ang PhilHealth Data ko? Portal is a “simplified database search portal designed to help individuals verify the status of their personal information in light of the recent incident involving the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) database, purportedly exfiltrated by the Medusa Ransomware Group, and posted online on October 5, 2023. As of October 13, 2023, the initial batch of data available on the portal pertains to individuals aged 60 years and above, containing an estimated 1 million records out of 8.5 million senior citizens.”

To access the “Na-leak ba ang PhilHealth Data ko? database search tool, visit: https://philhealthleak.privacy.gov.ph, then just provide your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) to know if you are part of the leaked database.

Malacañang release official Philippine Holiday for 2024, sans EDSA People Power Revolution

October 14, 2023
Malacañang release official Philippine Holiday for 2024, sans EDSA People Power Revolution
Malacañang just release the official Philippine Holiday for next year, 2024. It’s the usual list of Holidays except that EDSA Revolution Anniversary was removed from the list of Special Non-working holiday which is celebrated every February. Malacañang explained that the EDSA People Power Revolution commemoration was removed, since the event has “minimum socioeconomic impact” as it falls on a Sunday. Malacañang moved the commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary to Feb. 24 this year in lieu of Feb. 25, via Proclamation No. 167, as a special non-working day, to be consistent with holiday economics.
20231011-PROC-368-FRM
The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution or the February Revolution, was a series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines, mostly in Metro Manila, from February 22 to 25, 1986. There was a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. The nonviolent revolution led to the ousting of Ferdinand Marcos and his family, including the current President of the Philippines, Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr., who was already in his late 20s at that time, ending of his 20-year dictatorship and corruption, and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

Joel Embiid to play for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics

October 8, 2023
Joel Embiid to play for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Image: NBA

Philadelphia 76ers and the NBA’s reigning MVP, Joel Embiid announced that he will play for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The announcement comes after talking to both Team USA executive director Grant Hill and the representatives from the French national team.

Joel Embiid who was born in Cameroon and holds both French and American citizenship, to which team he will be playing have been the talk/debate, since Team USA failed to bring home a medal in the last FIBA World Cup and the coming 2024 Paris Olympics. Embiid joins other NBA superstars like LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant who have expressed interest in playing for Team USA at the next year’s Olympics.

Department of Migrant Workers issues Advisory regarding the “State of War alert” issued by Israel’s Home Front Command

October 7, 2023
Department of Migrant Workers issues Advisory regarding the “State of War alert” issued by Israel’s Home Front Command

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel just issue an advisory regarding the “State of War alert” issued by Israel.

𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞: “𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭” 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel (PE-Tel-Aviv) and the Migrant Workers Office – Israel (MWO) are closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in affected areas in the wake of the “State of War alert” issued by Israel’s Home Front Command.

Filipino community (FilCom) leaders are in touch with their members. They report that they remain calm and are accounted for. FilCom leaders remain in contact with the Philippine Embassy and MWO.

Filipinos in Israel are advised to take specific precautionary safety measures and follow the instructions provided by the Israeli Homefront Command.
The DMW and OWWA has set up a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk for OFWs in Israel and their families. Please call Hotline +63 2 1348 or the following WhatsApp and Viber nos: +63 9083268344 | +63 9271478186 | +63 9205171059.

One OFW family has sought assistance from the DMW. We have contacted the concerned OFW. She is safe and sound.

Please standby for further announcements as the situation develops in Israel.
###

Philippine Coast Guard release statement on the Maritime Incident near the Bajo de Masinloc

October 4, 2023
Philippine Coast Guard release statement on the Maritime Incident near the Bajo de Masinloc

PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela has released a statement regarding the Maritime Incident near the Bajo de Masinloc, which resulted in the death of 3 Filipino Fishermen. Here’s the full text of PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela statement, which is also posted on his X/twitter account.

PCG Investigates Maritime Incident Involving Capsized Fishing Boat and Casualties

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is currently conducting a thorough investigation into a maritime incident that resulted in the capsizing of a Filipino Fishing Boat (FFB) DEARYN on October 2, 2023. The incident occurred approximately 180 nautical miles from Agno, Pangasinan, after the vessel was hit by an unidentified vessel.

The following individuals have been identified as casualties of the incident:

1. Boat Captain Dexter Laudencia
Address: Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales
Age: 47

2. Boat Crew Romeo Mejeco
Address: Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales
Age: 38

3. Boat Crew Benedicto Olandria
Address: Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales
Age: 62

The eleven (11) fishermen who survived have provided their accounts of the incident. According to their statements, on October 2, 2023, at approximately 4:20 a.m., while FFB DEARYN was moored at their payao, adverse weather conditions and darkness may have contributed to their boat not being detected by the passing unidentified vessel, thus resulting to the incident. They further shared that they used their small service boats to transport the bodies of their fallen companions to Infanta, Pangasinan, as their fishing boat had sustained significant damage.

The PCG is diligently cross-referencing the fishermen’s accounts, along with the date and time, to identify the vessels that passed through the exact location of the incident. Efforts are being made to ascertain the identity of the vessel involved, and once identified, the PCG will reach out to the flag of the vessel and her next port of call for further investigation.

The PCG is committed to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation into this tragic incident. Updates on the investigation will be provided as new information becomes available. The PCG extends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Captain Dexter Laudencia, Boat Crew Romeo Mejeco, and Boat Crew Benedicto Olandria.

President Bongbong Marcos Jr. Release Statement regarding the Death of 3 Fishermen near the Bajo de Masinloc

October 4, 2023
President Bongbong Marcos Jr. Release Statement regarding the Death of 3 Fishermen near the Bajo de Masinloc

President Bongbong Marcos Jr. has released a statement regarding the death of 3 Fishermen near the Bajo de Masinloc. In his statement, the incident is still under investigation and that the commercial vessel that rammed the fishing boat of the 3 fishermen are still unidentified. He is also asking to “allow the PCG to do its job and investigate, and let us refrain from engaging in speculation in the meantime.”.

Here’s the statement that was published on X, formerly twitter;

It can be recalled that last Monday, October 2nd, three Filipino fishermen died because an unidentified commercial vessel rammed their fishing boat near the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). You can read Rappler’s full report on the incident.

PhilHealth issue another “Urgent Notice to the Public” in connection to the Cyberattack last Sept 22.

October 3, 2023
PhilHealth issue another “Urgent Notice to the Public” in connection to the Cyberattack last Sept 22.

PhilHealth has once again release an announcement that they are calling “Urgent Notice to the Public,” this is in connection to the Cyberattack that was made last Sept 22. The health agency reiterates that no member information have been taken and that membership database is intact and unharmed by the cyberattack last Sept 22.

They later reminded the public to be cautious in opening malicious contents online and on social media, which I suppose, is directed to PhilHealth’s employees. The agency is also working with the authorities to catch the perpetrators.

PhilHealth is currently working with multiple agencies that includes Department of Communication Technology (DICT), National Privacy Commission (NPC), Philippine National Police Cybercrime Division, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the National Bureau of Investigation(NBI) to identify the perpetrators of the hacking.

Here’s the announcement by PhilHealth:

PhilHealth previously posted a Urgent Notice to the Public explaining what information have been compromised in the cyberattack that happened last Sept 22. Below are compromised PhilHealth member’s information;

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Sex
  • Phone number
  • PhilHealth ID number

The Health agency also recommended a number of steps that affected PhilHealth Members can take as a precaution.

The hackers demanded a ransom of $300,000 or approximately P17 million as payment to decrypt the files but according to a report by CNN Philippines, “The DICT confirms that some PhilHealth data affected in the Medusa ransomware attack have been published in the dark web after the deadline to pay ransom money to hackers lapsed.”

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) denounces the massive illegal recruitment for jobs in Italy

October 2, 2023
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) denounces the massive illegal recruitment for jobs in Italy

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has denounced the massive illegal recruitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for jobs in Italy.

Here’s the full text of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) statement;

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) denounces reported acts of massive illegal recruitment schemes preying on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) being charged with illegal and exorbitant placement and consultancy fees and lured into non-existent jobs in Italy.

The DMW is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila and the Philippine Consulate General in Milan (PCG-Milan), and our Migrant Workers Office in Milan (MWO-Milan) in the investigation of alleged perpetrator agencies and individuals both in Italy and the Philippines.

The DMW is also working with the Department of Justice (DoJ) through our Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), in documenting and investigating the complaints of nearly 100 victims last week.

The DMW warns the public on offers of fake overseas job offers and the illegal collection of exorbitant placement fees. Through our AKSYON Fund, the DMW will put the full force of the law to bear on unscrupulous individuals and organizations and seek justice for victimized OFWs.

The DMW urges other victims of illegal recruitment to contact us and report these offenses so we may assist them in the filing of their cases. They may reach us through the Facebook page of our Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) at https://www.facebook.com/airbranch or email at mwpb@dmw.gov.ph and also through their hotline number +63 2 8721-0619.

DICT official statement on PhilHealth Ransomware Attack

September 30, 2023
DICT official statement on PhilHealth Ransomware Attack

Following the PhilHealth ransomware attack last September 22, 2023, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has released an official statement.

Here’s the full text of DICT’s statement;

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Cybersecurity Bureau, proactively responded to address a ransomware attack that targeted the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) last September 22, 2023.

Upon learning of the breach, the DICT Cybersecurity Bureau’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) went to PhilHealth Head Office and implemented critical security measures which included the disconnection of workstations from the network, prompt coordination with PhilHealth to gauge the extent of the attack, and collection of relevant logs for thorough analysis.

As of September 25, 2023, PhilHealth’s critical web services are only accessible via their IP addresses and currently ongoing comprehensive security scanning. Efforts to restore the functionality of PhilHealth’s DNS server are underway.

The DICT condemns the ransomware attack carried out against PhilHealth in an attempt to illegally access the information of its members. We shall continue to investigate and monitor the acquired logs from PhilHealth’s affected systems. An extensive checklist has been prepared by the DICT to benchmark PhilHealth’s readiness to get their systems online.

The DICT is committed to ensuring the full restoration of security and stability in PhilHealth systems and to safeguarding government systems and infrastructure from malicious cyber threats.

Price for the coming KCON Korean Festival in Saudi

September 28, 2023
Price for the coming KCON Korean Festival in Saudi

We know the when and the who for the upcoming KCON Korean Festival in Saudi, and now we have the answer on the “HOW MUCH” since there have been no official announce on the ticket price for the Korean Festival.

There will be 3 categories of tickets; Entry Ticket will be SR 280.00, Golden Circle is SR 550.00 and VIP will cost SR 1,000.00.

  • VIP : This ticket will include the access to the VIP stand, Free Snacks and Drinks, access to the Gold Circle, and the convention.
  • Gold Circle : This ticket will include the access to the private lounge, the Gold Circle, and the convention.
  • Entry Ticket : This ticket will include the access to the general areas and the convention.

You can get your tickets from TicketMX using this link – https://www.ticketmx.com/en/d/4080/kcon-saudi-arabia-2023

The Music Commission will host the KCON Festival for the second time in the Kingdom on October 6 and 7 at the Mohammed Abdo Theater in Riyadh City Boulevard, with the participation of 14 Korean bands performing an international concert over two days presenting a variety of Korean cultural music as well as allocating an accompanying exhibition concerned with Korean culture.

Exhibition timings: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Concert timings: 10:00 pm – 12:30 am

Ticket categories:
VIP : This ticket will include the access to the VIP stand, Free Snacks and Drinks, access to the Gold Circle, and the convention.
Gold Circle : This ticket will include the access to the private lounge, the Gold Circle, and the convention.
Entry Ticket : This ticket will include the access to the general areas and the convention.
Meet & Greet : An additional ticket added to your basic ticket that let you enjoy the experience of meeting your favorite band and artists.
3 different sessions, 3 different bands per day from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Mobile User’s Name and ID to appear starting Oct 1st

September 27, 2023
Mobile User’s Name and ID to appear starting Oct 1st

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia has announced that the new regulation requiring all mobile phone operators to display the caller’s name and ID will take effect on October 1, 2023.

This new regulation is aimed at reducing the number of spam and scam calls received by mobile phone users in Saudi Arabia. It will also help to improve the safety and security of mobile phone users.

Under the new regulation, all mobile phone operators will be required to display the caller’s name and ID on the recipient’s phone screen before the call is answered. If the caller’s name and ID are not available, the caller’s phone number will be displayed instead.

The caller’s name and ID will be obtained from a central database that is maintained by the CST. The database will contain the names and IDs of all mobile phone subscribers in Saudi Arabia.

Mobile phone users can choose to have their names and IDs displayed to all callers, or they can choose to have their names and IDs displayed only to callers who are in their contact list.

The new regulation also requires mobile phone operators to provide their subscribers with the ability to block unwanted calls. Subscribers will be able to block calls from specific phone numbers, or they can block all calls from unknown numbers.

The CST has stated that the new regulation is part of its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of mobile phone services in Saudi Arabia. The CST is also working to protect mobile phone users from spam, scams, and other forms of fraud. Mobily, STC, Zain and Virgin Mobile are the top mobile provider in the country and are expected to comply with this new regulation.

The new regulation is expected to have a positive impact on mobile phone users in Saudi Arabia. It will help to reduce the number of unwanted calls, and it will improve the safety and security of mobile phone users.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Delivery Hero to sell FoodPanda Business in South East Asia

September 25, 2023
Delivery Hero to sell FoodPanda Business in South East Asia

On September 20, 2023, Delivery Hero, the parent company of Foodpanda, announced that it was in talks to sell its Foodpanda business in Southeast Asia. The move comes as Delivery Hero is facing increasing competition from other online food delivery platforms in the region, such as Grab and Gojek.

The potential sale of Foodpanda is significant, as the company is one of the leading online food delivery platforms in Southeast Asia. Foodpanda operates in eleven Southeast Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. The company has over 10 million users and over 60,000 restaurants on its platform.

The potential buyer of Foodpanda is reportedly Grab, the Singapore-based ride-hailing and super-app. Grab is already the leading ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia, and it is also expanding into other verticals, such as food delivery, payments, and financial services.

The sale of Foodpanda would create a dominant player in the Southeast Asian online food delivery market. Grab would have access to Foodpanda’s large customer base and network of restaurants. This would give Grab a significant advantage over its competitors. The sale of Foodpanda would also have implications for consumers, since this will lessen the competition, which could potentially raise prices or reduce discounts after acquiring the food delivery company.

On the otherhand, the sale of Foodpanda could also lead to improved innovation and efficiency in the Southeast Asian online food delivery market. Grab could use its resources to invest in new technologies and improve its services. This could benefit both consumers and restaurants.

The negotiations are in their preliminary stages and it is uncertain and subject to various open points whether this will lead to a definitive agreement. However, the potential sale of Foodpanda is a significant event that could have a major impact on the online food delivery market in Southeast Asia.

PhilHealth hit by ransomware, Hackers demands $300,000.00

September 25, 2023
PhilHealth hit by ransomware, Hackers demands $300,000.00

On September 22, 2023, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was hit by a ransomware attack. The attack was carried out by the Medusa ransomware group, which encrypts files and demands a ransom payment for the decryption key. The hackers responsible for the attack have demanded a ransom of $300,000 or approximately P17 million as payment to decrypt the files.

PhilHealth detected the attack early on Friday and immediately shut down all of its online systems, including its website, portals, and e-claims. The agency is currently working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other government agencies to investigate the incident and restore its systems.

In a statement, PhilHealth assured the public and its members that their personal and medical information was not compromised or leaked in the attack. However, the attack did disrupt the agency’s operations and caused some inconvenience to its members.

On September 25, PhilHealth announced they are working to restore all of its systems and that its members could now avail of its benefits again. The agency also said that it was implementing additional security measures to prevent future attacks.

Pricing of iPhone 15s and Iphone 15 Pros in Saudi Arabia

September 18, 2023
Pricing of iPhone 15s and Iphone 15 Pros in Saudi Arabia

For those in Saudi Arabia, the iPhone 15s and iPhone 15 Pros are now available for preorder and will be available in retail store on the 22nd of September. While there is no Online Apple store for Saudi Arabia, you can place your preorder to any of the local retailers in the country.

Below are the Saudi Pricing of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max;


Iphone 15
128 GB – SR3,799.00
256 GB – SR4,299.00
512 GB – SR5,299.00

Iphone 15 Plus
128 GB – SR4,199.00
256 GB – SR4,699.00
512 GB – SR5,699.00


iPhone 15 Pro
128 GB – SR4,699.00
256 GB – SR5,199.00
512 GB – SR6,199.00
1 TB – SR7,199.00

iPhone 15 Pro Max
256 GB – SR5,699.00
512 GB – SR6,699.00
1 TB – SR7,699.00

Lineup for the KCON Korean Festival in Saudi

September 16, 2023
Lineup for the KCON Korean Festival in Saudi
Image: @KConOfficial

We finally have the official band line up for the coming KCON Korean Festival in Saudi. Of all the 14 bands, I only recognize Super Junior. Looks like the rest of the bands are up and coming bands in the K-POP scene.

For October 6th;

  • Super Junior D&E
  • HighLight
  • Hyolyn
  • Kard
  • Everglow
  • 8turn
  • Riize

For Octoher 7th;

  • Super Junior
  • Oh My Girl
  • Dreamcatcher
  • Tempest
  • The New Six
  • Eleltz U+P
  • Evnne

The KCON Korean Festival will (KCON Riyadh 2023) be on Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7, at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City. In addition to the musical performances, there will be an exhibition dedicated to Korean culture. This will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of Korea’s rich history and traditions.

The official Instagram account of KCon also announced the band line for the KCon Riyadh.

About that USB-C Connector in the new iPhones

September 13, 2023
About that USB-C Connector in the new iPhones

The new iPhones will have USB-C ports. This is a major change from previous iPhones, which have used the Lightning connector. The switch to USB-C is being made in order to comply with a new European Union regulation that requires all new smartphones to have USB-C ports.

The USB-C port, as mentioned by Android users, is a more versatile port than the Lightning connector. It can be used to charge devices, transfer data, and connect to external displays. It is also the standard port used by many other devices, such as laptops, tablets, and cameras. This means that you will be able to use the same charger and cable for your iPhone 15 and other devices. It is however not yet confirmed if the new iPhones will be able to support external displays.

The switch to USB-C is a welcome change for many iPhone users. It is a more modern and versatile port that will make it easier to connect the iPhone to other devices and accessories. It is also a step towards reducing e-waste, as there will be no need to have separate chargers for different devices.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will have USB-C ports that support USB 2.0 speeds, though this is yet to be confirmed. This means that the new iPhones be capable to transfer data at a maximum speed of 480 Mbps. However, it is possible that Apple may release a later version of the iPhone 15 with a USB-C port that supports faster speeds.

Overall, the switch to USB-C is a positive change for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. It is a more versatile and modern port that will make it easier to connect the iPhone to other devices. It is also a step towards reducing e-waste.

KCON Korean Festival returns to Saudi for the Second time

September 11, 2023
KCON Korean Festival returns to Saudi for the Second time
Image: @KConOfficial

Here’s something for OFW who are a big fan of K-pop, K-drama and/or Korean culture in general.

The KCON Korean Festival will return to Saudi Arabia to celebrate Korean culture in all its vibrant forms. This year, KCON Riyadh 2023 is officially happening this fall. The festival will take place on Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7, at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City.

KCON Riyadh 2023 promises to be an exciting event, featuring performances by 14 South Korean bands. Fans can look forward to a variety of concerts and meet-and-greets, providing a unique opportunity to interact with their favorite artists.

But KCON is not just about music. It’s a celebration of all things Korean. In addition to the musical performances, there will be an exhibition dedicated to Korean culture. This will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of Korea’s rich history and traditions.

Moreover, a market will be set up where attendees can pick up all sorts of Korean goodies. Whether you’re looking for K-pop merchandise, traditional Korean crafts, or popular Korean snacks.

First launched in LA in 2012, KCON has since grown into one of the largest Korean cultural festivals worldwide. It now attracts over a million visitors yearly across four continents.

No line up have been announce and we can assume that this will come in the coming days.

DICT and DFA Launches eVisa Application to Improve Visa Processing for Foreigners

August 26, 2023
DICT and DFA Launches eVisa Application to Improve Visa Processing for Foreigners
Image: @DICTgovph

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched an eVisa application system, which is expected to improve the visa processing experience for foreigners who wish to visit the Philippines.

The eVisa system was launched on August 24, 2023, at the DFA Office of the Consular Affairs in Pasay City. The launch was led by DICT Undersecretary for e-Government David L. Almirol Jr. and DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo.

“The eVisa is our clear message to the world that we recognize the benefits of digital technology for efficient and quality public service. With eVisa, we are adapting to the realities of modern travel, transforming the Philippines into a top-of-mind destination for business and leisure.” Undersecretary Almirol said in his speech.

The eVisa system allows foreign nationals to apply for a visa to the Philippines online. This eliminates the need to visit a Philippine embassy or consulate in person, and it can significantly reduce the time it takes to process a visa application.

The eVisa system will initially be available to Chinese citizens who can submit their Philippine visa requirements online as the eVisa system accommodates the Philippine Consular offices in Xiamen, Shanghai, Macau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Guangzhou, Chongqing, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Beijing.

It is planned to be available for citizens of 15 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The government plans to expand the list of eligible countries in the future.

By offering unparalleled convenience and improved public service delivery, eVisa is expected to facilitate ease of doing business and reinvigorate the country’s tourism sector. The salient features of the eVisa Application system include:

  1. Improved Efficiency: Allowing applicants to submit their required eVisa documents online from the comfort of their homes eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices. This not only saves time for the applicants but also streamlines the processing for the authorities.
  2. Fast Processing and Decision-Making: Embracing digital transactions and automation can significantly speed up the processing of visa applications.
  3. Secure Online Payments: The eVisa Application system provides secure online payment options, enhancing transparency and minimizing security risks.
  4. User-centric interface: The website’s user-friendly interface gives clear instructions, making sure applicants can go through the process easily and confidently.
  5. Real-time updates: Applicants can monitor the status of their application in real-time, reducing uncertainties and concerns.

This project shows the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the visa application process for various international visitors. Further, eVisa is aligned with the global trend where various governments are adopting digital solutions to improve public services and operational efficiency.

The launching of the eVisa Application system is expected to pave the way for an optimized and seamless visa application experience that is poised to set new benchmarks in global best practices.

Other government agencies that took part in the development of the eVisa include the Department of Tourism, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Immigration.

Source: DICT

Potato Corner under fire for insensitive Job Postings

August 22, 2023
Potato Corner under fire for insensitive Job Postings

Popular Filipino snack brand Potato Corner recently came under fire after a job posting for a service crew member went viral on social media. The post, which was shared on the company’s official Facebook page (now deleted), included a number of “inappropriate” qualifications, such as “good visual impact and pleasing personality,” “weight must be proportionate to height,” and “have clear complexion, eyesight and good set of teeth.”

The post quickly drew widespread criticism from netizens, who accused Potato Corner of discrimination and body shaming. In response, the company deleted the post and issued an apology.

“We deeply regret the oversight in the job posting,” Potato Corner said in a statement. “We, together with our business partners, are working to ensure that such incidents will not happen in the future.”

Potato Corner also said that it is “committed to fostering an inclusive environment” and that it “does not support or condone discriminatory hiring practices.”

In the wake of the Potato Corner incident, other companies have also been taking steps to review their own job postings and even created a job posts that’s a total opposite to Potato Corner’s postings. A good example is this job postings from Lola Nena’s;

The Potato Corner incident is a reminder that companies need to be more careful about the language they use in job postings, even though they mean well and it may even appear funny but in reality appear discriminatory and indifferent to other people.

Remembering Ninoy Aquino Jr. – Four Decades After His Sacrifice

August 21, 2023
Remembering Ninoy Aquino Jr. – Four Decades After His Sacrifice
Image: Ninoy Aquino in an interview with Pat Robertson

A little background
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was a Filipino politician who served as a senator of the Philippines and governor of the province of Tarlac. He was a leading politician from the opposition and was critical of then President Ferdinand Marcos. His arrest on the evening of September 22, 1972, signaled the implementation of then President Ferdinand Marcos’ Proclamation Number 1081 that placed the Philippines under martial law. In November 1977, a military court convicted him of murder and subversion charges and sentenced him to death. He went on a 40-day hunger strike to profess his innocence.

In 1980, he suffered a heart attack and was brought to the hospital. In a surprise visit, then First Lady Imelda Marcos told him he could seek treatment in the United States. While in Boston, Massachusetts with his family for three years, he delivered lectures that focused on his advocacy for the Philippines’ return to democracy. The text of the statement he had prepared to deliver upon his return to the Philippines later became available. He dared Marcos to “order my immediate execution or set me free.” He said, “national reconciliation and unity can be achieved but only with justice, including justice for our Muslim and Ifugao brothers.” He proposed that “the workingman must be given his just and rightful share of his labor, and to the owners and managers must be restored the hope where there is so much uncertainty if not despair.” He said that subversion could not be stopped with repression but with “a more equitable distribution of wealth, more democracy and more freedom.”

The Assassination
On August 21, 1983, Ninoy Aquino was assassinated on the tarmac of Manila International Airport upon his return from self-imposed exile in Boston. His death galvanized the political opposition and led to the EDSA People Power uprising in 1986. His widow Corazon became the 11th President of the Republic. The Filipino people ratified a new Constitution in 1987 to enshrine the restoration of democracy.

Today marks the 40th death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino. It is fitting that the country’s principal gateway to international travelers has been named after him. In 2004, the date of his assassination, Aug. 21, was declared a national holiday (Republic Act 9256). Ninoy Aquino’s spirit continues to shine as a beacon of hope, reminding us that the struggle for a better future is worth every effort.

Ninoy Aquino’s legacy is one that will always be remembered by Filipinos around the world. His courage and sacrifice inspired millions to fight for democracy and freedom in their own countries. As we commemorate his death anniversary today, let us remember his words: “The Filipino is worth dying for.”

Disney+ and Hulu Subscription Price to Increase this October

August 15, 2023
Disney+ and Hulu Subscription Price to Increase this October

Disney has announced that it will be increasing the prices of its streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu, in October. The ad-free version of Disney+ will increase from $10.99 to $13.99 per month, while the ad-supported version will remain at $7.99 per month. The ad-free version of Hulu will increase from $14.99 to $17.99 per month, while the ad-supported version will remain at $7.99 per month.

The price increase is effective for new subscribers starting on October 12, 2023, and for existing subscribers starting on November 1 2023.

Disney has cited rising content costs as the reason for the price increase. The company has been investing heavily in new content for its streaming services, including original series and movies, as well as live sports. The price increase is likely to be met with some resistance from subscribers, but it is not unexpected. Streaming services have been raising prices in recent years, as they compete for subscribers and content.

“The strong momentum of our ad-supported plans in the U.S. demonstrates the importance of providing consumers with choice, flexibility and value,” said Joe Earley, President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. “We are excited to expand that offering in more markets across the globe, including in Europe and Canada, and to launch a new premium duo bundle of ad-free Disney+ and Hulu this Fall, as we take steps toward making extensive Hulu content available via Disney+ later this year for Bundle subscribers.”

Canadian Embassy in the Philippines releases statement in support of the Philippines regarding the water-cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea

August 8, 2023
Canadian Embassy in the Philippines releases statement in support of the Philippines regarding the water-cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea

Together with the United States, the Canadian Embassy in the Philippine also release an official statement regarding the water-cannon incident between the Chinese Coast Guard and the Philippines Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.

Just like the United States, Canada express their support to the PCG and “condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels on August 5th, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.”

Here the full text of Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH) statement;

Canada unreservedly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels on August 5th, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.

Unsafe maneuvers and use of water cannons to disrupt the lawful operations of Philippine vessels is unacceptable, and inconsistent with the obligations of the People’s Republic of China under international law. Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion by the PRC against its neighbours undermine safety, security and stability across the region, and raise the risks of grave miscalculation.

Canada reiterates its support for international law, including the 2016 arbitral decision on the South China Sea, which is final and binding, and calls on the PRC to comply with its obligations under international law.

Only by ensuring full respect for international law can we collectively set conditions for effective and collaborative management of maritime resources, maintenance of maritime safety and security, preservation of marine biodiversity, and respect for maritime boundaries, while ensuring the rights of all states under international law are protected.

United States release statement regarding the West Philippine Sea incident

August 8, 2023
United States release statement regarding the West Philippine Sea incident

Just hours after the incident between Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the WPS, United States Embassy in the Philippine release a statement in support of the Philippines and the PCG.

The full text of the press release was also published on the US.gov website, with the inclusion of 2016 Hague ruling in favor of the Philippines.

Here’s the full text of the press release;

The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of dangerous actions by the Coast Guard and maritime militia of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to obstruct an August 5 Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Firing water cannons and employing unsafe blocking maneuvers, PRC ships interfered with the Philippines’ lawful exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and jeopardized the safety of the Philippine vessels and crew.

Such actions by the PRC are inconsistent with international law and are the latest in repeated threats to the status quo in the South China Sea, directly threatening regional peace and stability. By impeding necessary provisions from reaching the Filipino servicemembers stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, the PRC has also undertaken unwarranted interference in lawful Philippine maritime operations.

As made clear by an international tribunal’s legally binding decision issued in July 2016, the PRC has no lawful claim to the maritime area around Second Thomas Shoal, which is located well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The United States reiterates, pursuant to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines. The United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the arbitral ruling as well as to respect the freedom of navigation – a right to which all states are entitled.

The United States reaffirms an armed attack on Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—including those of its Coast Guard in the South China Sea—would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

Chinese Coast Guard fire water cannon at Philippine Ship going to Ayungin Shoal

August 7, 2023
Chinese Coast Guard fire water cannon at Philippine Ship going to Ayungin Shoal
Image: @Jay Tarriela

In the latest China versus Philippines, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship going to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission, the PCG said in a statement on Sunday, Aug 6th, 2023.

The water-cannon incident happened on Saturday as PCG vessel were escorting indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deliver food and supplies to military troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre. The incident was captured on video by Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela and a drone video also made rounds on social media.

Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela said that “The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against the PCG vessels escorting the indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday, 5 August 2023.” Tarriela added that “Such actions by the CCG not only disregarded the safety of the PCG crew and the supply boats but also violated international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.”

Here’s the full text of what Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela on his social media account;

Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela later posted a number of videos regarding the incident;

And “recorded evidence of the Chinese Maritime Militia working in conjunction with the Chinese Coast Guard”

It’s unclear what will be the response of Chinese envoy in the Philippine after being summoned by a deputy minister of the Philippines’ foreign affairs department.

NLEX Issued Safety Advisory on the situation at the Tulaoc River Bridge, San Simon, Pampanga

August 3, 2023
NLEX Issued Safety Advisory on the situation at the Tulaoc River Bridge, San Simon, Pampanga

NLEX Corp. just issued a safey advisory regarding the situation at the Tulaoc River Bridge section of NLEX in San Simon, Pampanga.

In the advisory, it states that both on the North bound (Plaridel to Tulaoc River Bridge) and South bound (San Fernando to to Tulaoc River Bridge), the approximate speed of vehicles are 5 to 10 kph due to the water buildup. Class 1 vehicles are advised to use the left most lane.

NLEX Corp. added that as the water level of Pampanga river continue to rise, NLEX team will be installing sand bags to reduce the flooding at the Tulaoc River Bridge section.

The flooding of the Pampanga river is caused by the Typhoon Egay (international name: Doksuri) that recently devastated under 200 cities and municipalities that are not under state of calamity.