Filipino filmmaker tops HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mobile photography has revolutionized the way we capture moments, offering a convenient and accessible way to take stunning photos using smartphones. This portable and versatile way of photography has empowered individuals to express their creativity through the lenses of their mobile phones.

The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards serve as a platform that highlights spectacular photos and videos taken using HUAWEI smartphones from around the globe. XMAGE is an exclusive mobile photography brand associated with HUAWEI, representing the continuous breakthroughs and commitments in mobile imagery.

This year, a Filipino filmmaker was named the grand prize winner for the first time. Domcar Calinawan Lagto, an author and a filmmaker, secured the grand prize with his stunning photo of a lightning coming from ash clouds depicting an image of a dragon. The photo was captured using a HUAWEI P30 Pro, entitled Dragon Clouds.

The image was taken in the evening of January 12th, 2020, where a phreatic eruption from the Taal Volcano caused ash clouds, in which lightning was observed by viewers in Nasugbu, Batangas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explained that by Six PM that day, eruptive activity had generated steam-laden plumes up to nine miles tall, causing extreme weather events.

Dragon Clouds by Domcar Calinawan Lagto, shot using HUAWEI P30 Pro

Lagto’s winning photo received positive comments from the judges, expressing their admiration on how perfectly the timing was for the shot. “This is seriously a formidable image. Timing is everything”, Jessica Hromas stated.

“Unique and unrepeatable moments make the most memorable photos. This image has all the hallmark signs of a world class capture, with stunning exquisite light, grabbing the viewers attention and allowing the eyes to travel through the different elements of the scene. A classical example of being in the right place at the right time, following careful planning and creating a masterpiece.”, José Ramos also added.

Aside from Lagto, several Filipinos also won from the other categories of XMAGE Awards. Rhon Paolo C. Velarde obtained the Best in Category for #Portrait using HUAWEI P40 Pro, and Melvin Anore also won the Best in Category for #Night Walk using HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro.

Jamir Lyndon Lumbao, Ferdinand Bedana, Philip Ann Guay, and Jason Martin Sy, among others, were named as runner-up winners from different categories using their HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro smartphones. They have secured a spot in #Hello Life, #Portrait, #Art and Fashion, and the #Night Walk categories respectively. The Treasured Memories video of Kuya Less also won the Best in Category for videos.

Child’s Future by Rhon Paolo C. Velarde

 

Skating Rink by Melvin Anore

 HUAWEI Philippines also awarded three best photos of the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023 Philippines for the #ZoomIntoPhilippines local competition. User cradleofklein’s Daragang Magayon photo received a HUAWEI Sound of Joy for winning second runner-up and a HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 as #ZoomIntoPhilippines special award winner.

Daragang Magayon by user cradleofklein’s 

Parallel World photo by user bebe15

The Parallel World photo by user bebe15 placed first runner-up and received a HUAWEI GT Runner, while the grand prize of a HUAWEI P60 Pro was awarded to user chaiasher15 for Fishing Under The Rising Sun photo.

Fishing Under The Rising Sun by chaiasher15 

The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards was launched in 2017 and did not only inspire individuals to take impressive images using their mobile phones but also became a platform to showcase artistic creations that give people a glimpse into the photographers’ views.

Yes, I’m using a coffee shop as a personal office, and here's why

BY JOHANNES CHUA

Nov 17, 2023 05:44 AM

  

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EDITOR’S DESK

At least five friends forwarded me a link to a viral video featuring a foreign vlogger wondering why a popular coffee shop chain is “used” as a personal office among Filipinos. My brother said that I’m the guiltiest, since as far as he knows, a certain coffeeshop on Matalino Street in Quezon City is my “work address.” 

Yes, I’m guilty as charged. I use a coffee shop as a personal office — even more than that! I conduct meetings, interviews, and socials there. I write all my articles and editorials, even edit an entire magazine, in that place. There was even a time where I completed an entire masteral thesis over a series of nights in that coffee shop, once spending 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. there since it operates 24/7.

Some people will disapprove of this practice. As a former restobar owner, I frown upon guests who monopolize the communal videoke all night if their only order was a bottle of beer. I’ve encountered before a coffee shop owner who would even hand you the menu once he noticed that you’ve been staying for too long.

Well, it’s a fact that there are some who linger all night and hog an entire desk to work or study with just one cup of coffee, which would soon turn into iced coffee, chilled by the aircon. This should not be tolerated, otherwise we may wake up one day with coffee shops imposing time limits like buffet restaurants. 

This kind of coffee shop “culture” makes us distinct from the rest of the world. I believe that Pinoys using the coffee shop as an office mirrors our society’s yearning for clean, safe, and comfortable spaces for work. Unlike other countries with libraries, museums, or malls catering to remote work needs, Metro Manila lacks 24/7 spaces (unless you consider working inside a 7-11) where you can peacefully type on your laptop. Though there are co-working spaces that charge per hour, the trend didn’t catch on that much compared with coffeeshops that are mostly filled with students studying during weekdays. 

You just have to check out Manila Bulletin’s in-house café called Paper+Cup, which is filled to the brim with students, as they appreciate its comfortable ambience. Located in our lobby, it has multiple electrical outlets, strong WiFi, and enjoyable drinks. I even use Paper+Cup as a meeting venue for my team.

I have also observed that using a coffee shop as a workplace also reflects the weariness of Filipinos in the work-from-home setup. Some people I know who are (solitary) virtual assistants desire a “change of view” and the coffee shop ambiance injects in them some semblance of normalcy — like working in an actual office.  

Of course, I understand that a coffee shop is a business first and foremost, and incurs expenses for electricity, aircon, manpower, etc. It is just right for a customer to purchase an “equitable” amount of food and drinks. When I’m at my favorite coffee shop, I make sure to order a hefty meal and a slice of cake if I’m staying for long. How could I continue enjoying its “amenities” if it is not a sustainable business venture? My patronage is my way of “paying back” for the use of space. 

While I wholly welcome a commentary from a foreigner who is exposing to the world our “quirkiness,” it should not sound like the words of early conquerors like Magellan, who came to our land to “educate” us. We have our own way of life and a foreigner’s comment is, I believe, for entertainment purposes (and perhaps, for virality and dollars) only. I respect his comments, and that even made me ponder why we, indeed, consider a coffee shop as a personal office, but my resolve remains unchanged. In fact, I’m writing this column now inside a coffee shop. 

You may ask me why I don’t do this in my own home (this is the perennial question of my parents), which is more comfortable since there are no distractions there. That’s precisely my answer — the moment I see my bed, my mind wanders off to dreamland; all creative endeavors are shelved, and I plunk down in bed for a “nap,” which turns into an eight-hour deep sleep.

That’s why, if I want to do a task, write an article, or finish reading a book, I head to my favorite coffee shop. This holiday season gives me more motivation to do work there, as I’m “rewarded” with an e-sticker for every drink I purchase, which can be converted into merchandise upon reaching a certain quota. 

With Pinoys residing in denser communities, of condo studio units filled with four to six occupants, with more youth lured by virtual work, expect more laptops to be turned on inside coffee shops. And for every table filled with conversation among friends or a family taking time off, there is another table with someone like me, quiet yet frantically typing on a keyboard. I hope no foreign vlogger will film me, engrossed in my work, without my half-filled drink and my half-eaten chezzzcake.

(Johannes L. Chua is the editor of the Environment and Sustainability Section of Manila Bulletin.)

MOA on AI weather forecasting system signed; Marcos says PH is AI-ready

 

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Nov 16, 2023 09:32 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Atmo will undertake cooperation activities to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using AI technology.

• Marcos says the Philippines is embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of the Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

• Marcos acknowledges that the Philippines still has a distinct lack of trained talents. 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and California-based tech company Atmo have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish Asia's largest artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather forecasting program in the Philippines.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

This developed as President Marcos witnessed the signing of the MOA between the two parties on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 16 (Manila time).

Atmo, a leading AI meteorology company, will undertake cooperation activities to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using artificial intelligence technology. 

This will be Asia's largest AI-driven weather forecasting program, playing a pivotal role in bolstering the Philippines' resilience in the face of climate change.

 

AI and cybersecurity

In his meeting with Silicon Valley investors, President Marcos said that the government is looking at AI technology and increasing capability in terms of knowledge and know-how.

Marcos said the government and private sector are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, pointing out the need for capability improvements. 

"And the part that AI plays in this is also something that we need to be — at least to have put a good deal of thought to," he said.

"As I said, digitalizing our system, we have now to put in together; we need to have data centers, we need to have our own cloud so that we have, again, that capability," he added.

 

AI demands

As the government focused on upskilling and reskilling Filipino workers, President Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines still has a distinct lack of trained talents.

"We don't have enough engineers. That simple. So we need to get them trained, we need to get them... as part of the system," he said.

"And so again, we have really put a great deal of emphasis on retraining. These are new technologies," he added. 

 

PH is AI-ready

Despite this, President Marcos highlighted that the Philippines is ready to embrace AI as he invited tech companies and venture capitalists to partner with the country in its technological revolution.

"The Philippines is ready to become your partner in navigating the AI future," he said.

"As we look to the horizon, let's 'Make It Happen in the Philippines,' where the promise of a future defined by technological inclusivity and shared growth is not just envisioned but actively realized," he added.

According to Marcos, the Philippines is currently embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of the Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

"We believe AI can uplift the lives of Filipinos. I'm certain our discussions here today will help the Philippines steer our roadmaps in a direction that maximizes the skills of Filipinos and helps them achieve their aspirations," he added.

 

Bringing AI tech to PH

David Dewalt, CEO of Nightdragon, a leading venture capital firm for cybersecurity, security, safety, and privacy, said his company and the other tech firms present are looking forward to bringing all the technologies that will benefit the Philippines, considering its young and robust workforce.

"The way I would say it is the Filipinos have an unbelievable ability to integrate into the global business systems as we do, maybe unmatched by any workforce on the planet," he said.

"I think using the upskilling and the retraining of those teams to focus on how we will — when we get the productivity benefits to invest in more resources, we can do that even more so in the Philippines with teams that are experts on generative AI," he added.

Ryan McInerney, CEO of Visa, said generative AI will be a leveling force for small businesses. He added generative AI will give microbusinesses, nanobusinesses, and small businesses the tools and capabilities to provide Filipinos with a rich shopping and commerce experience.

The roundtable meeting was co-organized by Dewalt, Bain, and Company CEO Emmanuel Maceda, Crescent Point Group Vice Chairman Thomas Pompidou, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

They were joined by Microsoft Managing Director Michelle Gonzalez, Mandiant (A Google Company) CEO Kevin Mandia, and Group of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) Head Chris Emanuel.

Plug and Play Ventures CEO Saeed Amidi, Altimeter CEO Brad Gerstner, HP (formerly Hewlett-Packard) CEO Enrique Lores, Mastercard Co-President Ling Hai, and Anthropic were also present during the roundtable meeting.

LPA to enter PAR, trough to bring rains in 10 areas – Pagasa

The extension of the low-pressure area or LPA located east of northeastern Mindanao is forecast to drench Palawan, Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Caraga, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi on Friday, November 17, 2023, says the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.