Ensembles X Xernan Orticio for Holiday 2014

I love this new collection from Ensembles! Really, really nice designs!

Press Release:

Yearly, Ensembles collaborates with current most celebrated fashion designers through its Young Designer Series and on its 6th installment, Ensembles welcomes fashion designer Xernan Orticio to take part in this year’s Holiday Collection. 

Sleeveless Satinized Twill Tent Dress
Teal and White, P1595

With a design aesthetic like Xernan Orticio’s which is “structured, minimal, and highly engineered,” this collection will surely fill an Ensembles woman’s wardrobe needs! Something corporate but can pass as an after-work outfit, and of course, something that can withstand trends. 

The collection includes well-tailored pieces with streamlined designs, metallic details, clean and sleek jumpsuits and dresses with structured lapels, and to complete the collection, a wearable drama of lovely flowy dresses and tops with all-over orchid print in shades of purple and red! 

Ensembles and Xernan Orticio worked closely together to be able to cater to the working class, and interpreted designs that would be highly appreciated by Ensembles women. 

Sleeveless Orchid Print Shift Dress
Magenta and Red, P1495

When asked about the collection he did with Ensembles, he said “Each piece in the collection are inspired by my signature patterns, It's a collaboration of 2 minds so I focused on stamping each DNAs on the garments without making a look that's overpowering and seasonal, I want the garments to stay classic and withstand trends.”

This luxe-infused series is sure to fill your tailored and feminine wardrobe gaps! Paired with the fabulous heels from Janilyn (www.facebook.com/janylinshoes), the collection is definitely a must have for the upcoming holiday season! 

About Xernan Orticio

Now on its 6th year, Ensembles is back with another budding fashion designer for its Young Designer Series 2014. Since 2009, Ensembles has collaborated with different young and talented Filipino designers known as the Young Designers Series. Past featured is all about the strong and independent woman with a style that’s fashion forward yet elegant.  That’s why this year’s collaboration with Xernan Orticio is a perfect match. 

(Left) Shortsleeve Crepe Dress with Pleats at Waist, White and Magenta, P1795
(Right) Sleeveless Satinized Twill Peplum Short Dress, Teal and Red, P1695

Xernan Orticio is a graduate of fashion design from Fashion Institute of the Philippines; and as if completing a fashion course is not enough, he was able to showcase his very first collection for the renowned Philippine Fashion Week at the age of 19! Not only that, he is currently part of a high-end designer boutique alongside Randy Ortiz and Francis Libiran!

With a good number of experiences and mentors under his belt, he shares his fashion icons to us in the likes of Riccardo Tisci and Nicholas Ghesquiere. There is no doubt that he is led to the path of strong and luxe-infused design aesthetic. Asking him about his own design principle he described it as “structured, minimal but highly engineered, and strategically tailored,” which are evident in our collection. 

(Left) Sleeveless Orchid Print Top, Magenta and Red, P1295
(Right) Sleeveless Halter Top, Green and Black, P1195 

When asked about the collection he did for Ensembles, he said “Ensembles and my line both cater to the working class and that's the starting point of the collection I created for the brand. Each piece in the collection are inspired by my signature patterns, It's a collaboration of 2 minds so I focused on stamping each DNAs on the garments without making a look that's overpowering and seasonal, I want the garments to stay classic and withstand trends.” 

For more information on Xernan Orticio’s collection for Ensembles, please log on to ensembles.com.ph or visit Facebook page facebook.com/EnsemblesOnline. You may also follow @EnsemblesOnline on Twitter and Instagram.

Get Ready To “Ooze” Control This Halloween with Nickelodeon’s Mutant Mayhem

Moms and dads who are looking for kiddie Halloween activities! Read this!

Press Release:

It’s time to scream and shout as Nickelodeon prepares the ultimate scarefest this Halloween with its annual themed party. Kids of all ages are called on to join this year’s “Mutant Mayhem” on October 31, 2 PM, at Hall 1 of SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

A homage to everyone’s favorite childhood heroes in a half shell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as other mutants from popular Nickelodeon shows, this year’s theme celebrates the supernatural in all its forms, from the fairly mischievous to the downright menacing. 

One of this year’s most anticipated trick-or-treat events is complete with entertainment, attractions, games and freebies that make for a hauntingly memorable Halloween experience. From the rooftops to the sewers, boys and girls will be thrilled to no end with the line-up of stage games, booth activities and surprise appearances and performances from their favorite Nick characters.

Of course, what is Halloween without the strange ensembles and monstrous make-up? This year’s costume contest shines the spotlight on kids who stand out in the most creative, scariest or cutest looks. Rounding out the fun-filled event are the spooktacular prizes and goodies to be given away, from dangerously cool merchandise to wickedly yummy treats.

From October 1 to 31, Mutant Mayhem freaks can grab two free tickets to the spine-tingling event of the season for a minimum single receipt purchase of P1000 at any participating Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express stores.

Those up for a little contest can also score tickets by answering this simple question:  If you were a mutant, what would be your special skills or powers? This is open to kids ages seven to 14 years old. Just log on to nick-asia.com, register, and send in your reply. 50 kids with the best answers will get four tickets each to the event. Deadline of entries is on October 26, so get creative and submit your entries now!

So embrace your superpowers and “ooze” control at Nickelodeon’s Mutant Mayhem this Halloween! For more information, log on to www.nick-asia.com/mutantmayhem or visit Nickelodeon’s Facebook page.

Nickelodeon’s Mutant Mayhem is presented by Toy Kingdom. Co-sponsored by Ace Water Spa, Jack ‘n Jill Wiggles, Jack ‘n Jill Chiz Curls, Kinder Joy, Koala’s March, Lipps Pop Stix, McDonalds, Monster High, Skechers Kids, Swift, and Tobots.

Global Fashion Label, Forever 21, Sets Trends at Philippine Fashion Week in October

For those who want to score tickets to F21's fashion show at the PhFW!

Press Release:

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—FOREVER 21, the Los Angeles-based retail giant known to bring the freshest trends internationally, joins Philippine Fashion Week this October 24 at SMX Convention Center. 

Showcasing the brand’s latest collections for women, men, and girls, the show sees the return of Forever 21 to the catwalks of PhFW since the fast fashion brand first heated up the runway in 2011. Expect to see must-haves perfect for the season in trendsetting forms to cover the holiday flurry and sweater-weather season. 

Taking on the contrasting moods of fun fashion and sophistication, Forever 21 is ready to show the Philippines how to spark up in style this holiday season.

Find out how to get tickets to this anticipated show at Forever 21 stores, or follow Forever 21 on social media: 

Instagram - @f21philippines

Twitter - @forever21ph

Facebook - www.facebook.com/Forever21PH

Forever 21 is located at Megamall, SM Makati, SM City Cebu, The Block North Edsa, Mall Of Asia, Lanang Premier, Aura Premier, SM City Fairview, and SM City Clark.

City Kart Racing Fires Up “Race To Boracay”

I drove a racing kart for the first time early this month! Read all about it here. Then, take the chance to experience it, too, and join CKR's race that might win you a trip to Boracay for two!

Press Release:

City Kart Racing (CKR) launched its first major project for the year, “Race to Boracay”.  Expecting more than 500 drivers to vie for the “fastest driver” title, “Race to Boracay” could easily be the biggest motorsports event Manila has ever seen.  It will be the perfect occasion to meet and mingle with fellow speed enthusiasts.

The competition involves four stages. First is the qualifying round where all participants will be given five chances to come up with their best lap time using karts fitted with soft compound tires. This lap time will determine their entry to the pre-final round which will accommodate only 200 drivers.  From there, 50 will be chosen to take part in the finale. Then the top ten will race for the title of the “fastest driver”. 

With CKR’s state-of-the-art timing system which records lap times up to the thousandth of a second,  precision is guaranteed. It will be fun to compare lap times with the other contenders and find out exactly where you rank. And because CKR has a mobile application for its timing system, you can monitor the numbers even if you’re not at the race track. 

There will be two classes, juniors (13 to 17 years old) and adults (18 years old and above). Awaiting the winners of each class at the finish line is a 3-day-2-night hotel certificate and round trip airfare for two to the paradise of Boracay. Special treats are also in store for the two runners up. Other drivers will get a chance to win goodies in the raffle.

Schedule of activities for Race to Boracay is as follows:

October 23 - November 14 Qualifying rounds (any day except Saturday and Sunday afternoon)

November 22         Pre finale

November 23         Finale, grand finale, awarding and raffle

Entry fee is reasonably priced at P3,900, which includes five qualifying rounds. The early birds, who register before October 17 will get one free practice run. 

City Kart Racing’s Race to Boracay is supported by tsikot.com, autoindustriya.com, C! Magazine, ourawesomeplanet.com, and wheninmanila.com.

CKR is open from Monday to Thursday, 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. And Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight. It is located at Circuit Makati, Barangay Carmona, Makati. Reservation a must. For more information, call (0917) 4551060 or log on to www.citykartracing.com.

About City Kart Racing

City Kart Racing’s 700-meter kart track combines straights and technical turns for the driving pleasure of both beginners and advanced drivers. “I think this is one of the best I have ever designed,” declares CKR chairman Jean-Marc Freihuber. It has a bridge, a tunnel, and sweeping corners.  

“Safety is always our priority,” emphasizes Freihuber who says they are unrivalled in that department in the Philippines. “We follow European standards,” he states. And safety requires that drivers can step on pedals properly. The minimum height requirement for drivers is 120 centimeters or 4 feet. CKR has karts for both adults and kids.  Those who want to take racing a notch higher can enrol in karting classes conducted regularly for cadet and junior levels.  Or why not sign up with their racing team? CKR has its own team that travels all over the world for the love of karting. So far they’ve competed in Japan, Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, France and Italy. The team offers arrive-and -drive services and focuses on highly motivated aspiring champions, even beginners. 

With its facilities and various function halls, CKR is an ideal venue for team building activities and corporate events.  Events lined up for the rest of the year include karting clincs on October 26,  November 22 and December 13. A six-hour endurance race is scheduled for December 21.

New Collection from Freeway NACS x Federico Alcuaz!

I've been buying clothes from Freeway for years because they fit really good and the designs are always great. Here's a new collection I'm sure a lot of Filipino women would love to know about ...

Press Release:

Freeway is honored to pay tribute to a very versatile artist who has earned him recognition here and abroad. He was conferred the title of National Artist in 4 disciplines -- for Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture, and Mixed Media in 2009.

Printed Loose Top, Red, P1295

Freeway's 10  piece fashion collection tribute is composed shift dresses, comfortable casual tops, shirts, and slinky pieces beautifully adorned with Federico Alcuaz’s masterpieces such as “Man with Still Life” and “Duet in Brown and White” to name a few! 

Shortsleeved Sublimation Tee, Brown, P1195

Perfect for the holiday season, the collection did not fail to serve you with rich colored print dresses and tops that can be worn from day to night affairs, complete with tote bags for your functional trips!  The collection uses comfortable material such as satinized twills and poplins for the casual work wear to stretch georgettes and knits for the weekend get-up.  

Loose Top, Black, P1295

Each item will have a National Artist gift packaging and a bio-tag so that one can learn more about the life and works of Alcuaz. A perfect gift for anyone this Holiday season.

Shortsleeved Printed Shift Dress, Black, P1495

Yes, you can finally sport a work of Alcuaz adding up to his vast exposure in 20 museums and major cultural institutions in the world today! 

Shortsleeved Printed Loose Dress, Brown, P1495

For more information or to shop online, visit freewayonline.com.ph or our Facebook page facebook.com/FreewayOnline. You can also follow @FreewayOnline on Twitter and Instagram.  Shop Online, it's easy and reliable!

About Alcuaz

Federico Alcuaz is one of the country’s internationally renowned and multi-awarded artists, having excelled beyond the borders of the Philippine islands. Juggling two degrees in college - Fine Arts degree in University of the Philippines in the morning where he was taught by National Artists such as Fernando Amorsolo, Guillermo Tolentino to name a few, and a pre-law degree in San Beda College in the evening, it is no doubt that the Federico Alcuaz we’ve come to celebrate today will reach this kind of recognition. 

Printed Shortsleeved  Dress, Black, P1495

Alcuaz did not stop there, he continued his studies in law at the Ateneo de Manila University but decided to pursue art on a full-time basis. 

Printed Shawl, Peach, P695

Proving himself worthy of his chosen career, Alcuaz has since bagged awards for his works from across the globe and of course in his own country with Presidential Medal of Merit Award at 2005 under his belt and being claimed as a National Artist for visual arts.

Printed Neck/Bag Scarf, Red and Blue, P399.75 each

Alcuaz has come to be known for his “Tres Marias,” his Manila landscape series, portraits and his abstracts. 

Tote Bags, Red and Pink, P799.75 

Alcuaz’s works are showcased in 20 museums and major cultural institutions all over the world.  In his 55 year career he has exhibited in leading galleries in Spain, the Philippines, Portugal, Poland, the United States and Germany. 

Background Information

Freeway's National Artist Collectors' Series started in 2009 as a pocket collection to pay tribute to the works of Nick Joaquin (Literature). Thankfully, it was well appreciated. Freeway was very happy with the awareness that was created among our customers and the appreciation shown towards our own Filipino Arts and Culture through our National Artists. From then on, Freeway has paid tribute to the following National Artists bi-annually: 

2009 - Nick Joaquin (Literature)

           Ang Kiukok (Visual Arts)

2010 - Jose Garcia Villa (Literature)

           Ramon Valera (Fashion)

2011 -  F. Sionil Jose (Literature) - living National Artist

            Vicente Manansala ( Visual Arts)

2012 -  Levi Celerio (Music)

            Botong Francisco (Visual Arts) - 100th Centennial Celebration

2013 -  Lucio San Pedro (Music) - 100th Centennial Celebration

            Juan Luna ( Visual Arts)

2014 -  Bienvenido Lumbera (Literature) - living National Artist

            Federico Aguiar Alcuaz (Visual Arts)

Roeder Camanag Essays The Role Of The Sublime Paralytic In "Ang Huling Lagda Ni Apolinario Mabini."

Read what notable personalities in Philippine theater have to say about Roeder, then watch him perform his latest role as Apolinario Mabini!

Press Release:

As Roeder Camanag celebrates his 27th year as an actor, he will embark on the most challenging role as the sublime paralytic in Dulaang UP's Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini. After essaying the roles of Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo and Jose Rizal, let us all send our best of cheers to Roeder for this monumental role of his lifetime. 

Director/choreographer DEXTER MARTINEZ SANTOS on ROEDER:

Back in 2000, I met Roeder in "Luna: An Aswang Romance." I was a theater student who was part of the cast. I could still remember how he effortlessly performed a monologue as he weaved himself from one suspended bamboo to the next. No complaints. No inhibitions. 

Eight years after, the late Bong Embile was supposed to play Boulasem in Dulaang UP's "Orosman at Zafira." Two weeks before the opening, Bong had to leave due to health reasons. Roeder came in to the rescue. He came to rehearsals prepared. He has memorized his lines and was very eager to learn the complicated choreography. He didn't just master the combinations, he was able to infuse his strong dance background in the execution. He personalized it ... his movements were precise but charged with character and intention. 

He reprised the role in 2010... giving Boulasem with much ease ... with a darker temper. Students on the wings watched in awe as the archaic text rolled into his tongue with so much clarity.

For Orosman at Zafira's professional run in 2011 , he took on the challenge to play Abdalap, Boulasem's son. The role required more from him physically and vocally . But as usual , he owned the role. His Abdalap was not only cunning , it was also painful and devastating. He reprised the role in the National Theater Festival in CCP. Up to now, I give him my high respects for being able to successfully portray Abdalap amidst the great demands of the role. The other members of the cast were 20 -10 years younger than him but he was able to deliver, as usual.

In 2013 he played the Chinese tycoon , Stephen Yan in DUP's "Collection" with so much wit and restraint . He was also Mang Paco in Bit by Bit's "Maxie the Musicale". He had a hard time learning his song during the music rehearsal but during the staging rehearsals, he had already mastered his songs. Notes on the dot. Nuances were clear. Songs were utterly bitter.

When Floy Quintos told me that he has a Mabini musical, Roeder was the only and first actor that came into my mind. Floy told me that he has already thought of an actor who will play the lead role. I was very afraid that he might be thinking of somebody else but to our surprise , we were both eyeing for Roeder .

I still believe that Roeder is one of the most underrated actors in Philippine Theater. "Ang Huling Lagda ng Mabini" is our 7th production together. Finally , a theater production that am directing with Roeds in the lead role. It was/is/will always be a privilege to work with an actor who is disciplined, brilliant but very humble. He is an actor who listens. He is an actor who is willing to experiment and saturate possibilities. He is an actor who successfully owns every role because he works hard for it. 

Roeder is a gift to every director. You tell him what you want and he gives you more than what you want ... impeccably. 

Director/actor/writer DENNIS MARASIGAN on ROEDER:

I have worked with Roeder in theater and film, and that is largely because he is one of the most dependable and talented actors the country has today. Coupled with his talent is the passion to always push himself beyond his comfort zone, such that he disappears completely into his roles. His American Robert in "Pilipinas Circa 1907" (2007) and Chinese Filipino Errol in the film "Vox Populi" (2010) are just some examples of his acclaimed performances.

Playwright/director/actor RODY VERA on ROEDER:

Walang kiyemeng maghubad sa Virgin Labfest. (May following na siya hahaha!) First time sa dinirek kong play "Three Unsent Letters"-- no problem kahit nangangatog siya sa loob ng tub filled with water and rose petals floating at the top. Ang mga bakla sa audience wanted the balcony seats so they can see from top view!

And so I guess when he did it again this time for an Indonesian play "Threesome" -- wala na lalong kiyeme. full frontal kung full frontal. Gow! 

Roeder is such a loveable friend backstage-- sa "Stageshow" at sa "Apples from the Desert." We're always dressing roommates. He will have his iPod packed with songs by Rosemarie Clooney or Bette Midler and will bring along a biography of one of those theater moguls/celebrities on Broadway or Hollywood. And he would talk endlessly about so many things, while putting on his makeup.

And then he would give me tips on how to put on makeup, what makeup items to buy. Will suggest color, shade of foundation. 

But always with a smile, it's all part of his day. Di ko alam kung professional yun o he just really loves doing it, or accepted that it's really part of the life he's living. I think it's more of a calling, than just being professional.

Actress MAE PANER on ROEDER:

Ewan ko pero may feeling ako na Roeder is so much more than the roles and recognition given him thus far. Sa dalawang play na pinagsamahan namin, ang "Insiang" at "Stageshow", hindi lang husay sa pag arte, pag awit at pag sayaw ang bilib ko kay Roeder kundi pati ang kawalan ng DIVAness. 

Sa "Insiang" may eksenang lumakad lang siya ng dalawang minuto sa iskwater bilang shoke pero dalawang oras ata nya itong pinaghahandahan tuwing show. At sa parehong play machong basketball player din sya. At walang bahid ng isa ang isa pa. Husay! 

Sa "Stageshow" naman ay bida sya - ibang level ang requirement nun sa acting, singing at dancing bukod pa sa energy pero 101% ang binigay nya sa lahat. 

Minsan, para sa thesis ng mga estudyante napalaklak siya ng tunay na gamot at isinugod nya sarili nya sa ospital. After, wala syang bitterness. Happy to serve lang. Kung bading nga ako liligawan ko si Roeder eh, at iibigin ng wagas!

Actress LIESL BATUCAN on ROEDER:

I love Roeder! I fondly call him my Sweetie. He is such an angel in my life.  He is truly kind, loving, generous, thoughtful, funny and incredibly sweet -- a true gem of a friend. As an actor/singer/dancer, he is the total package -- immensely gifted, completely professional, highly intuitive and very collaborative -- making him sheer joy to work with. My experience of working with him in TP's "Stageshow" at the CCP was nothing short of magical. 

ANG HULING LAGDA NI APOLINARIO MABINI 

Book & Lyrics: Floy Quintos 

Original Music: Krina Krina Punsalan Cayabyab

Direction & Choreography: Dexter Martinez Santos

October 1 to 19, 2014

Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman.

For tickets, sponsorships and show buying inquiries, call Camille Hizon Guevara 0917-823-9531, 926-1349, 433-7840, 981-8500 local 2449 or email dupguevara@gmail.com

Hacking a Living Room: Kaspersky Lab Researcher Finds Multiple Vulnerabilities in Popular Connected Home Entertainment Devices

This informative article just proves that it connecting devices at home could pose risks especially if the owners are not that tech-savvy. Are you one of them?

Press Release:

Popular connected home entertainment devices pose a real cyber security threat due to vulnerabilities in their software, and a lack of elementary security measures such as strong default administrator passwords and encryption of Internet connection.

Kaspersky Lab security analyst David Jacoby conducted a research experiment in his own living room to find out how safe his home is in terms of cyber security. He inspected home entertainment devices such as network-attached storages (NAS), Smart TVs, router, Blu-ray player, etc. to find out if they are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. And it turned out they are.

The Kaspersky Lab expert examined two NAS models from different vendors, one Smart TV, a satellite receiver, and a connected printer. As a result of his research David Jacoby managed to find 14 vulnerabilities in the network attached storages, one vulnerability in the Smart TV and several potentially hidden remote control functions in the router.

In line with its responsible disclosure policy, Kaspersky Lab does not disclose the names of the vendors whose products were subject to research until a security patch closing the vulnerabilities is released.

All vendors were informed about the existence of the vulnerabilities. Kaspersky Lab specialists work closely with vendors to eliminate any vulnerabilities they discover.

Remote code execution and weak passwords: The most severe vulnerabilities were found in the network-attached storages. Several of them would allow an attacker to remotely execute system commands with the highest administrative privileges.

The tested devices also had weak default passwords, lots of configuration files had the wrong permissions and they also contained passwords in plain text. In particular, the default administrator password for one of the devices contained just one digit. Another device even shared the entire configuration file with encrypted passwords to everyone on the network.

Using a separate vulnerability the researcher was able to upload a file in an area of the storage memory inaccessible for ordinary user. Should this file be a malicious one, the compromised device would become a source of infection for other devices connecting to this NAS – a home PC, for instance – and even serve as a DDoS bot in a botnet.

Moreover, since the vulnerability allowed the file to be uploaded in a special part of the device’s file system, the only way to delete it was by using the same vulnerability. Obviously, this is not a trivial task even for a technical specialist, let alone the average owner of home entertainment equipment.

Man-in-the-Middle via Smart TV: While investigating the security level of his own Smart TV, the Kaspersky researcher discovered that no encryption is used in communication between the TV and the TV vendor’s servers.

That potentially opens the way for Man-in-the-Middle attacks that could result in the user transferring money to fraudsters while trying to buy content via the TV.

As a proof of concept, the researcher was able to replace an icon of the Smart TV graphic interface with a picture. Normally the widgets and thumbnails are downloaded from the TV vendor’s servers and due to the lack of encrypted connection the information could be modified by a third party.

The researcher also discovered that the Smart TV is able to execute Java code that, in combination with the ability to intercept the exchange of traffic between the TV and Internet, could result in exploit-driven malicious attacks.

Hidden spying functions of a router: The DSL router used to provide wireless Internet access for all other home devices contained several dangerous features hidden from its owner.

According to the researcher, some of these hidden functions could potentially provide the ISP (Internet Service Provider) remote access to any device in a private network.

What’s more important is that, according to the results of the research, sections of the router web interface called “Web Cameras”, “Telephony Expert Configure”, “Access Control”, “WAN-Sensing” and “Update” are “invisible” and not adjustable for the owner of the device.

They could only be accessed via exploitation of a rather generic vulnerability making it possible to travel between sections of the interface (that are basically web pages, each with own alphanumeric address) by brute forcing the numbers at the end of the address.

Originally these functions were implemented for the convenience of the owner of the device: the remote access function makes it fast and easy for the ISP to solve possible technical problems on the device, but the convenience could turn into a risk if the controls fell into the wrong hands.

“Individuals and also companies need to understand the security risks around connected devices. We also need to keep in mind that our information is not secure just because we have a strong password, and that there are a lot of things that we cannot control. It took me less than 20 minutes to find and verify extremely serious vulnerabilities in a device which looks like a safe one and even alludes to security in its own name,” said David Jacoby, the author of the research.

“How would similar research end if it was conducted on a much wider scale than just my living room? This is just one of many questions that needs to be addressed by device vendors, security community and users of such devices collaboratively in the nearest future,” he also added.

“The other important question is the lifecycle of devices. As I've learned from conversations with vendors, some of them will not develop a security fix for a vulnerable device when its lifecycle is over. Usually, this lifecycle lasts for one or two years, while the real life of devices – NASs for instance – is much longer. Whichever way you look at it, it is not a very fair policy,” Jacoby concluded.

How to stay safe in the world of connected devices

Make the hacker’s life harder: all your devices should be updated with all the latest security and firmware updates. This will minimize the risk of exploiting known vulnerabilities.

Make sure that the default username and password is changed – this is the first thing an attacker will try when attempting to compromise your device.

Most of the home routers and switches have the option of setting up your own network for each device, and also restrict access to the device – with the help of several different DMZs (a separate network segment for systems with a greater risk of compromise) / VLANs (a mechanism for achieving logical separation between different logical networks on the same physical network). For example if you have a TV, you might want to restrict access to that TV and only allow it to access a particular resource within your network. There isn’t much reason for your printer to be connected to your TV.

The full text of the research study ‘Internet of Things: How I Hacked My Home’ is available at Securelist.com.

Snack up on Chocolates - Without the Guilt!

Can eating chocolate be healthy? Read this! :)

Press Release:

Is chocolate your number one indulgence choice?  Are you looking to give in to your sweet cravings but hoping for a healthier option?  

If you want to snack up on chocolates but worried about putting on the pounds or too much sugar, here are five (5) delightful reasons to satisfy your taste for premium chocolates sans the guilt:

Sweetness comes Naturally

Be sure to check if your favorite chocolate brand contains natural sweeteners such as Stevia and Maltitol.   Unlike other sugar substitutes, stevia is derived from a plant.  It is a green, leafy plant (Stevia rebaudiana) native to South America, where the leaves have been used there for centuries as a natural sweetener.  It is fifteen (15) times sweeter than sugar. 

Maltitol, on the other hand, is a bulk sweetener produced from naturally occurring compounds in wheat and corn, which are both renewable sources.  It improves taste profile, texture, “mouth-feeling” and enhances the natural cocoa flavors of chocolate.  

 The Darker the Chocolate… the Better.  

Dark Chocolates contain more cocoa and less milk and sugar.   It is known to be a great source of antioxidant and improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.  Quality dark chocolates are also rich in minerals such as fiber and iron (Source: authoritynutrition.com).  One good thing nowadays is that dark chocolates come in a variety of range and flavors offering more options to every “chocoholic’s” preference.   

             

Pleasure in every bite.   

Chocolates are considered by most people their “feel good”, comfort food. Studies show that chocolates stimulate the release of endorphins, the natural hormones, which has the ability to improve mood and promotes a feeling of pleasure and sense of well-being.   Discover what’s behind the pleasure in every bite of your favorite chocolate bar.  

Go for All-Natural Ingredients.  

With the growing trend of health and wellness in the country, Filipinos are more discerning on the food they eat and the products they buy.  However, one common misconception is that most health food generally doesn’t taste as good.  

Finding the best sugar-free chocolate that tastes as pleasurable and sweet is indeed quite difficult.  However, the key to discovering delicious, sugar-free chocolate begins with the finest ingredients.  Valor Chocolate experts craft great-tasting chocolates from bean to bar, ensuring that its pure, rich taste come from quality cacao beans transformed into luscious chocolate bars.   

Less Calories… Same Great Taste. 

Good news to all weight-watchers!  No need to avoid those tempting candy and chocolate aisle in the supermarket.  You can now indulge your delightfully sweet cravings with sugar-free bars but still enjoying the same great taste.   Valor sugar-free bars come in broad range that is ideal for chocolate lovers who are watching their weight or need to control their sugar intake. They retain all the flavor and pleasure of chocolates – without the sugar.

With these five (5) wonderful reasons to enjoy chocolates, you no longer need to deprive yourself of enjoying its indulging pleasure.  In fact, all these can be experienced in Valor’s wide range of sugar-free chocolate bars which contain all natural ingredients, natural sweeteners and made from quality cacao beans from three (3) of the world’s finest sources – Ghana, Ecuador, and Panama. 

The pleasure that lies in each bite of Valor Chocolates is in giving in to your craving for the best-tasting chocolate without the guilt.  So the moment you get your hands on a bar of Valor be sure to surrender yourself to its premium sugar-free chocolate goodness!  

Valor Chocolates is Spain’s no. 1 sugar-free chocolate brand.  Available in Sugar Free plain chocolates - Dark, 70%Dark, Milk, Dark with Truffle, Milk w/ Hazelnut Creamy; Sugar Free chocolates with nuts - Whole Marcona Almonds and Whole Hazelnuts; Premium Bars and more! Available in leading supermarkets, department stores, drugstores and other retailers nationwide.  For more information, visit Valor’s Official Facebook Fanpage: www.facebook.com/valorchocolatesphilippines.  Exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Composite Group of Companies.  

Giordano Philippines Launches #Throwback Contest, Celebrates 25 Years of Giordano Fashion

Remember wearing those classic Giordano shirts back in the '90s? If you have a photo of yourself wearing them, you might just win gift certificates! Read on ... 

Press Release:

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – As part of Giordano Philippines’ 25th anniversary celebration, the brand has launched a #ThrowbackThursday campaign for all Giordano fans who can relive the 90s in style with the ‘My Giordano Moment TBT Photo Contest’. 

“The brand has enjoyed 25 good years here in the country. No doubt Giordano fans have also created good memories throughout the years with our products. This campaign allows us to look back and see how far we have come as a brand. Also, it’s a chance for us to see which clothing styles stood the test of time,” said Bea Lim, VP for Marketing - Giordano Philippines.

To join, ‘like’ Giordano Philippines on Facebook and follow @GiordanoPH on Twitter and Instagram. Upload your throwback photos wearing any Giordano merchandise, from tops and bottoms to bags and caps, on any of the three social networking sites. Use the hashtag #MyGiordanoMoment followed by the year it was taken and merchandise description (#MyGiordanoMoment  #Polo  #1995). Two winners will be announced weekly and will take home PhP500 worth of gift certificates each.  

The contest is open to everyone. Last day of sending entries is on October 31, 2014. The last batch of winners will be announced via Giordano Philippines’ social networking sites on the first week of November. 

For more information about Giordano Philippines and the ‘My Giordano Moment TBT Photo Contest’, log on to www.facebook.com/GiordanoPhilippines.