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Palompon emerging as watersports hub

THE TOWN of Palompon in Leyte has once again strengthened its positioning as a mecca for watersports with the successful staging of the recent Abre Grande sports festival which featured a 15-km kayak marathon and a mantaha regatta.
Organized by the Palompon Municipal Eco-tourism Council, Inc. and supported by 2Go Travel Supercat and the Department of Tourism-Region 8, the sports fest is the kick-off to the monthlong Lawig Festival which is part of the town’s patronal feast of St. Francis Xavier.
According to Mayor Ramon Oñate, the sports extravaganza and the festival seek to promote environmental protection through eco-water sports and rediscover the town’s precolonial heritage of sailing and maritime trading.
The tandems of homegrown paddlers Marjun Montealto and Joemer Montealto of Team Cyclist Palompon and Diosdado Paradero Jr. and Arnold Panilag of Team JoPao capitalized on their home water advantage to capture the first and second places, respectively, of the kayak marathon.
Visiting competitors Danilo Atendido and Joebert Abad of Team LGU Dimasalang from Masbate province edged the rest of the pack to secure their third-place finish.
The paddle fest ran from the Kalanggaman island, named last year as the country’s most amazing sandbar by the travel portal Skyscanner, to Palompon town proper.
In the mantaha category, Cambinoy Mangrove and Livelihood Association Paddlers and Brgy. Parilla 4Ps Paddlers, snatched the top two honors, with Dimasalang Masbate National High School Paddlers settling for third.
The mantaha is an improvised dragonboat made out of two hulls of the typical fisherman’s outrigger boat to simulate the excitement of sprint paddling. Crewed by eight paddlers, a drummer and a rudder man, the 300-meter race was held at the town’s Tabuk Mangrove Park.
Now on its eighth edition, Abre Grande also included with duathlon for kids and open categories (run, bike, run), long board competitions, and a 6.42-km trail run at the Palompon Terrestrial Eco-Adventure Park.
Literally meaning “grand opening,” it is a recipient of the Pearl Award from the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) for being country’s best sports tourism event in 2017.
Meanwhile, Palompon town was elevated to the group’s Hall of Fame for winning the Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (Municipality Level) for three years in a row because of this event.

Hall-of-Famer Mourning touts how far the NBA has come

ONE of the iconic players in the National Basketball Association in the 1990s, legend and Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning said he is amazed at, and proud of, how far The Association has come since he first stepped on it.
Recently visited Manila to witness the official tie-up between NBA Philippines and smart phone maker Vivo as local partners, Mr. Mourning, a 16-year NBA veteran, said much has changed in the NBA, and all for good, from the time he became part of it in 1992.
He mentioned how the game has evolved, particularly the play of big men in the league.
“The players that are coming into the league now are more versatile and more talented in different areas. Not only are they able to shoot the basketball but they also able to dribble the basketball very well. You have taller guys who back when I was playing were limited to the post but now they play in the perimeter, shooting threes and handling the ball like Kevin Durant,” said Mr. Mourning, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, during the NBA-Vivo partnership launch.
“Dirk [Nowitzki] started it when he began shooting from the outside. The way the league is calling the game has helped the perimeter players. It’s still physical but not as physical as before. So players are freer from the perimeter. But it has been good,” he added.
As a brand, the NBA has also grown globally, a testament he said to the leaders of the league throughout the years who made sure the NBA continues to be relevant in every possible way through partnerships it has forged, including the one with Vivo.
“Anytime we get to celebrate another partnership it helps grow the brand. The more partnerships we have the bigger this brand becomes globally. It has grown well since I first played in the NBA. It means we are doing something good,” said the two-time NBA defensive player of the year (1999 and 2000).
Drafted second overall in the 1992 NBA rookie draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Mr. Mourning, 48, ended his career with the Miami Heat in 2008 with one NBA title to show for (Heat, 2006) and career averages of 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.
He also won an Olympic gold medal in 2000 while successfully coming back from a life-threatening kidney disease after.
A decade away from the game, Mr. Mourning said he has not been completely away from what he loves doing, still being part of the Heat franchise.
He said he enjoys what he is doing now and committed to giving back to young players in the league.
“When I retired I took a year off and afterwards I was hired by the Miami Heat and I took the position of vice-president for player development where I help create programs which I work with the players not only to help them become professionals on the court but off of it as well,” said Mr. Mourning.
“Outside of that, what keeps me busy is also I work as ambassador for the NBA. So I travel to different places and doing work for the league as well as having a foundation back in the States to provide services for children in Florida,” he added.
As to the Philippines, Mr. Mourning said he has heard a lot of great things about it prior to coming here, including how good the food is here and how passionate basketball fans Filipinos are.
He encouraged local fans to continue supporting the league and continue growing the sport which he considers as the best and biggest out there. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

UAAP Season 81: Another golden double in judo event for University of Santo Tomas

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas became solo men’s champions anew while its women’s team ruled for the fifth straight year in the UAAP Season 81 judo competition Sunday the Enrique Razon Sports Center in De La Salle.
With heavyweight Dither Tablan and half lightweight Ryan Benavides leading the five-gold haul, the Growling Tigers collected 45 points to complete a three-peat and annex a record 14th crown overall.
Ateneo, which shared the men’s title with UST last season, settled for second place with 18 points after winning two golds.
University of the Philippines, which also had 18 points but could only muster third place as it only won a gold to show.
Tablan emerged as the season MVP, while Benavides captured the Rookie of the Year honors.
Other Tigers gold medalists were Russel Lorenzo (extra lightweight), Mitchell Salcedo (middleweight) and George Kim (half heavyweight).
With MVP Khrizzie Pabulayan’s half lightweight gold and a deluge of seven silver medals, UST collected 36 points to extend its longest winning streak in the women’s division to five years.
The Tigresses won their 11th tiara overall.
UP captured three golds but placed second with 25 points, edging
University of the East, which tallied 24 points in third spot.
Lady Warrior Remieanne Pangilinan, who topped the half middleweight category, took home the Rookie of the Year honors.
In the juniors division, UST retained the boys title, while UE made it two in the girls section.

Two queen sacrifices

Chess.com Isle of Man International
October 20-28, 2018
Douglas, Isle of Man

Final Top Standings
1-2. Grandmaster (GM) Radoslaw Wojtaszek POL 2727, GM Arkadiy Naiditsch AZE 2721, 7.0/9
3-9. GM Vladimir Kramnik RUS 2779, GM Alexander Grischuk RUS 2769, GM Hikaru Nakamura USA 2763, GM Wang Hao CHN 2722, GM Gawain Jones ENG 2677, GM Baskaran Adhiban IND 2668, GM Jeffery Xiong USA 2656, 6.5/9
10-28. GM Anish Giri NED 2780, GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA 2780, GM Viswanathan Anand IND 2771, GM Sergey Karjakin RUS 2760, GM Richard Rapport HUN 2725, GM Le Quang Liem VIE 2715, GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi IND 2711, GM Vladislav Artemiev RUS 2706, GM Zoltan Almasi HUN 2702, GM Peter Leko HUN 2690, GM David Howell ENG 2689, GM SP Sethuraman IND 2673, GM Vladislav Kovalev BLR 2664, GM Hrant Melkumyan ARM 2660, GM Emil Sutovsky ISR 2633, GM Mircea Parligras ROU 2623, GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly IND 2622, GM Daniel Fridman GER 2600, IM Alina Kashlinskaya RUS 2447, 6.0/9
Total Participants: 165 players
Time Control: 100 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 50 minutes for the next 20 moves followed by 15 minutes play-to-finish with 30 seconds added to your clock after every move starting move 1
The past few months have been chess-packed, what with the Batumi Olympiad (Sept. 23-Oct. 6), European Club Cup (October 13-18), the women’s world championship (Nov. 3-23) and the Magnus Carlsen vs Fabiano Caruana world championship (Nov. 9-26) following in quick succession.
One of the strongest opens in the world is held annually in the Isle of Man. This is an island between Great Britain and Ireland which is a self-governing British Crown dependency: the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II and defence is the responsibility of the United Kingdom). This year the giant open took place from Oct. 20-28. A total of 65 International Grandmasters, 20 of whom are rated 2700+) and 45 International Grandmasters went to the Isle to participate.
The husband-and-wife team of GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek and IM Alina Kashlinskaya were the big winners. GM Wojtaszek tied for 1st place with the Latvian-turned-German-turned Azerbaijani GM Arkadiy Naiditsch and then won the tiebreak to claim the trophy. The two of them received 37,500 British pounds for the first place tie and Wojtaszek received an additional 500 pounds for winning the tiebreak.
The wife, IM Alina Kashlinskaya had a very good day on Oct. 28, 2018, which was the last round of the tournament. She defeated Samuel Sevian, a 2634-rated GM which brought her total score to 6.0/9. This earned her first GM norm and won the top woman’s prize of 7,000 pounds. To top it all it was her birthday! The Polish-Russian couple won a combined 45,000 pounds, the equivalent of around P3 million. Not bad at all!
A lot of very good chess was played in the tournament – I will show you two brutal queen sacrifices.
First a brilliancy by the 23-year old Indian GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi. With a rating of 2701 he is currently the third highest-rated Indian after Anand and Harikrishna. After the game he went over the moves with IM Danny Resnch and I have incorporated several of his comments in the notes below.

Eggleston, David J (2406) — Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi (2711) [C54]
Isle of Man Masters Douglas, Isle of Man (1), 20.10.2018

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 d6
I went through Wesley’s DVD on playing the Black side of the Italian Game. He points out here that Black wants to play 5…d5 however, it does not work because of 6.exd5 Nxd5 7.Qb3 winning a pawn. So, instead of 5…d5 Black can either castle kingside or play 5…d6. The latter is safer because 5…0–0 6.Bg5 is a hard pin to break. On the other hand 5…d6 gives up the idea of pushing the d-pawn to d5 in one go.
6.0–0 0–0 7.a4 a5 8.Bg5
The significant factor here is that White has already castled, because now …
8…h6 9.Bh4 g5
Taking the pawn on g5 with the knight is not as strong with the white king on g1.
10.Nxg5?!
GM Vidit remarks that he has studied this position and concluded that 10.Nxg5 is not good here because White needs many moves to get his pieces into position, for example the b1 knight still has to travel over several squares to get to its optimum position on the e3 square. It appears that best move here is 10.Bg3.
10…hxg5 11.Bxg5 Kg7 12.Qf3 Rh8!
Better than 12…Kg6 13.Bh4 Rh8 14.Qg3+ Kh7 15.Bxf7 White is doing very well.
13.Nd2 Qe7 14.h4 Bd7 15.Bd5
White’s intention is to follow this up by Nd2–c4–e3.
15…Rag8 16.Nc4 <D>
POSITION AFTER 16.NC4
Now comes the surprise.
16…Nxd5!
Vidit wasn’t sure if the queen sacrifice is absolutely correct, but he saw that his moves now are easy to make and so the decision to go for it was easy to make.
17.Bxe7 Ndxe7 18.Ne3
After the game Vidit said that White should not have given up the h4–pawn so easily and perhaps try to take the initiative with 18.g3 Kf8 19.Qf6 but that doesn’t work because of 19…Rxg3+! 20.Kh2 Rh3+ 21.Kg2 Rg8+
18…Rxh4 19.g3 Rh6 20.Rfc1 Rf8!
Opening up the f-file.
21.Kf1 f5 22.Ke1 fxe4 23.Qxe4 d5!
The final difficult move. The point is that 24.Nxd5 is refuted by 24…Bf5 25.Qc4 Bxf2!
24.Qg2 Bh3 25.Qg1 Bxe3 26.fxe3 Rhf6
It is already a clear win for Black.
27.Ke2 Bg4+ 28.Ke1 e4 29.d4 Rf3 30.c4 Nb4 31.Kd2 Rf2+ 32.Kc3 R8f3 33.Kb3 Rxe3+ 34.Rc3 dxc4+ 35.Kxc4 Be6+ 36.d5 Bxd5+ 37.Kd4 Nc2+ 38.Kc5
[38.Rxc2 Rd3+ 39.Kc5 (39.Ke5 Rf5#) 39…Rxc2+ 40.Kb5 Rb3+ 41.Kxa5 Nc6#]
38…Rxc3+ 39.bxc3 Rf6 40.Kb5 Nxa1 41.Qxa1 e3 42.c4 Bc6+ 43.Kxa5 Kf7 44.g4 Bf3 45.c5 Nc6+ 0–1
After 45…Nc6+ 46.Kb5 Be2# it is mate.
Do you remember IM Vincent Keymer? He was only 13 years old when he won the 2018 Grenke Chess Open in April of this year ahead of 49 grandmasters (four of whom were 2700+), scoring 8/9 for a performance rating of 2798. This was a sensational result and qualified him to play in next year’s Grenke Classic, a category 20 event where he will be competing against the likes of Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian and, well, you get the picture.
Vincent did not do as well here in the Isle of Man, but he did come up with a brilliant victory over a tough opponent – former candidate GM Boris Gelfand.

Keymer,Vincent (2491) — Gelfand,Boris (2701) [D46]
Isle of Man Masters Douglas ENG (8), 27.10.2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.Bd3 0–0 8.0–0 Re8
The main line goes 8…dxc4 9.Bxc4 b5 10.Be2 Bb7.
9.e4 dxc4 10.Bxc4 e5 11.Rd1 exd4
The text move has never been seen before, and 11…Qe7 is the most common move. However, Gelfand is a great expert in the Semi-Slav and if he plays it then it must be good.
12.Nxd4 Qc7 13.g3 Ne5 14.Be2 Bh3 15.Bg5 Neg4 16.Bf1 Bxf1 17.Rxf1 Be5 18.Nf5 g6 19.Nh6+ Nxh6 20.Bxh6 Ng4 21.Bd2 Rad8 22.Kg2
White must not get overoptimistic with 22.f4 which only looks good but actually loses to 22…Qb6+ 23.Kh1 (23.Kg2 Bxc3 24.Qxc3 Rxe4 White’s position will be collapsing soon) 23…Bxc3 24.bxc3 Rxe4! 25.Qxe4 Rxd2 mate will soon follow.
22…Qe7 23.h3 Nf6 24.Rfe1 Qc5
Black cannot win the e4–pawn: 24…Bxc3 25.Bxc3 Nxe4 26.f3.
25.Rad1 Qc4 26.Bg5 Rxd1 27.Rxd1 b5 28.f3 b4 29.Qe2 Qe6 30.Na4 Qxa2 31.Qc2 c5 32.Nxc5 Rc8 33.Rd2 Qa5 34.Be3 Qc7 35.Qd3 Qc6
[35…Bxg3? 36.Na6 Qe5 37.Bd4 followed by 38.Bxf6 will win a piece for White]
36.Kf2 Bc7 37.Na6 Rd8?
The correct move is 37…Ba5.
38.Nxb4!
It looks like Gelfand missed this and only looked at 38.Qe2 Rxd2 39.Bxd2 Nh5 40.Nxc7 Qxc7 41.f4 a5 where he is at least equal.
38…Qe6
[38…Rxd3 39.Nxc6 Bxg3+ 40.Ke2 Rxd2+ 41.Kxd2 a6 Material is equal but White’s centralized king gives him the advantage in the ending.
39.Qxd8+! Bxd8 40.Rxd8+ Kg7 41.Bd4 Kh6
Maybe a better chance is 41…Qxh3 42.Rd6 Qh2+ hoping for perpetual check.
42.g4 Nd7 43.Nd5 f5 44.Rh8!
Threat is 45.g5+ which forces mate.
44…fxe4 45.f4! Nf8
[45…Qxd5 46.g5+ Kh5 47.Rxh7#]
46.g5+
Not 46.Rxf8?? Qxd5 and the tables have turned.
46…Kh5 47.Nf6+ Kh4 48.Nxh7 e3+ 49.Bxe3 1–0
 
Bobby Ang is a founding member of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and its first Executive Director. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he taught accounting in the University of Santo Tomas for 25 years and is currently Chief Audit Executive of the Equicom Group of Companies.
bobby@cpamd.net

Laker James strives

LeBron James is a great many things, and among those great many things, he can also be an egotist, a blowhard, a whiner, and a fool. Yet, he continues to lord the National Basketball Association precisely because those are the worst that can be said of him. In two and a half weeks, he will turn 34, an age where countless other superstars before him have been compelled to greet with a rocking chair in the horizon. In his case, it’s simply a number that reinforces his status as the most singular presence in the sport’s highest echelon.
Today, James will share the court with best friend Dwyane Wade for the last time. They joined the league together in 2003, but while his banana boat colleague is in the midst of a farewell tour as a substitute for the lottery-bound Heat, he is just in the opening stages of a four-year stint as the herald of the on-the-rise Lakers. The pictures in the short and medium terms are rosy due in large measure to his exertions; apart from 7.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists, he’s norming a 10-year-best 28.3 points. And the purple and gold are thriving as a result; were the season to end today, they would be the fifth seed in the highly competitive West, a whopping six spots better than their immediate past lottery position.
Indeed, the Lakers are in the conversation for all the right reasons anew. And, significantly, they’ve stuck to their guns in terms of retaining their flexibility heading into the 2019 offseason. Staying committed to a youth movement designed to fortify their future, they’ve inked veterans outside of James to one-year deals. The intent is clear: they’re swinging for the fences in the 2019 offseason to partner him with one or two major free agents. And for all the gains they’ve made, they’re not short-circuiting their plan to instigate moves for the here and now at the expense of the there and then.
Needless to say, James affords the Lakers the luxury of time. In terms of going for the hardware, he could have chosen better and taken his talents elsewhere. But because he values family and friendship above all, he made a career decision that furthers his dreams not involving the basketball. That it’s also paying off on the floor is a testament to his skills. Sure, he commands the room and, in the words of some of his critical peers, sucks the air out of it. On the other hand, he has proven himself worthy of the attention, and if they can’t see their stars shining brightly alongside his own, then that’s on them and not on him.
Meanwhile, James couldn’t care less. He know his body of work speaks for itself, and he continues to build on it in a way that no one else can. He doesn’t have legal issues. He hasn’t embarrassed himself, those around him, his employers, and his sport with public transgressions. He strives to give back to his community and speaks out on social issues without fear or favor. If that’s what a “toxic” environment means, then so be it. Ask Wade, who was glad to experience it up close. Ask the Lakers, who are ecstatic to be relevant and respected once more.
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

Data is the new oil. Here’s how to keep yours secure

In today’s hyperconnected society, we have unprecedented access to information. We are online for a significant portion of our waking hours, using the internet to communicate with friends and family, conduct business, and complete financial transactions. But just as these tools continue to make our lives more convenient, they’ve also introduced new ways for the criminally-inclined to mine the data we create, and use it against us.
Jonathan John B. Paz, data protection officer and enterprise information security officer of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), shares these simple tips to protect your data and ward off online scams, especially during the Christmas season.

Look for the Lock

When accessing websites that require your information, ensure that you have a secure connection. Check for a lock icon beside the https:// on the address bar of your browser.

Change Your Password Regularly

It may seem like a hassle to update your password often, but many have fallen victim to cyber-attacks because they use the same, or even similar, passwords on different accounts, be it on social media or online banking sites. Consider using password protection software, such as One Password or LastPass, which store your passwords and help you create unique passwords that are harder for criminals to guess.

Do Your Research

Cyber criminals can collect data by sending fake online promotions. These online sale scams are usually spread via social media. They may even come from your friends who are just as excited by great deals. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Verify online promos first before you provide your information.

Conduct Transactions at Home

While it may be more convenient to use free WiFi to purchase items on the go, this can put you at risk of having your data and your hard-earned money stolen. Cyber criminals have different ways of masking WiFi networks (e.g., setting up a fake public WiFi) which allow them to monitor your online activities and obtain sensitive personal information such as your login credentials, credit card information, and the like.

Use Security Software

Install the latest anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall on your devices. Make sure that all these are updated and that software update patches are installed as soon as they are released. This is to protect yourself and your computer from most basic attacks.

Log Off

Cyber criminals choose no time or place to attack. They rely on your complacency and your preference for convenience. The easiest and most effective way to make sure that no one can access your data is to log off once you’re done with your transactions. Make sure to lock or shut down your computer when you leave the office.

Shred documents and information that you no longer need

Rather than throw documents in the trash, shred or cut them up. Criminals can easily glean information from bank statements, medical results, insurance statements and credit applications.

Stick to the necessities

Unless needed, do not bring important documents with you during the day. When you go out, take only the IDs, debit and credit cards you need. This minimizes the possibility of misplacing your files or cards and leaving yourself open to attacks.

Reset your devices before getting rid of them

Delete personal files, empty digital trash bins, uninstall relevant software, delete browsing history. In other words, just wipe out every piece of personal information in your devices before throwing them out or giving them to somebody else for recycling.

Watch what you post

Posting too much information about yourself allows identity thieves to know about your life, use their knowledge to answer “challenge” questions on your accounts, and get access to your money and personal information.
“When it comes to protecting your data, you shouldn’t take shortcuts,” Paz said. “Criminals expect us to always choose convenience over protection, especially during the Christmas rush. These simple tips remind us of the practical habits we need to develop.”
 

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Sidebar | 'The Best Investment Ever'

Love Marie Ongpauco Escudero, otherwise known by her stage name Heart Evangelista, is known for her vast collection of Hermès bags. “I have one extremely expensive bag that I’ve always wanted,” she told High Life in an interview. It was her Himalayan crocodile Birkin (similar to the one with diamond-studded hardware that was sold at auction at Christie’s for HK$2.94 million). “I buy myself all these Birkins because it’s the best investment ever,” she said.

She has since stopped buying for herself. “I’m done,” she said about collecting bags. But clarified that she still purchases Birkin bags, this time as canvases for her art: Ms. Escudero paints over beat-up and worn-out Birkins she finds, and sells them for more than double the price. “I used to have an emotional attachment to bags. But if you look at it as like money or good investments, then you think about it as a business.” – JLG

This year’s most coveted cars

It has been a challenging year for the Philippine economy. Rising prices of goods, a weakening peso, alongside the newly implemented tax reform have affected consumers across all industries. For automobile manufacturers especially, an additional excise tax placed on top of existing car prices have challenged the industry to offer the best model lineups and deals to entice prospective buyers.

The industry has put its best foot forward this 2018, with cars that are powerful, efficient, reliable, and affordable. Here are, in no particular order, some of the best and most desirable of them.

Mazda 2 

The subcompact sedan Mazda 2 remains one of the most in demand cars under the P1-million mark in the country. The updated model is equipped with Mazda’s proprietary SKYACTIV with G-Vectoring Control that optimizes the car’s dynamics control for better ride comfort and stability. The technology gives the Mazda 2 a high compression ration to produce more torque and better responsiveness even at low revs.

The vehicle also sports the eye-catching KODO: Soul of Motion design that carries confidence wherever it goes. With improved fuel efficiency, uncompromised engine power, and enhanced safety measures, the Mazda 2 still lives up to its promises of an impressive driving experience on the road.

Suzuki Ciaz

The newest version of Suzuki’s Ciaz compact car model was designed to excel. Receiving a whole new look, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz seeks elegance by combining a driven sportiness with stylish, sophisticated flair. A lean and expansive exterior is complemented by the spacious, relaxing atmosphere of the interior cabin, with ergonomically designed seats that aim for comfort in both the front and the rear. In addition, an enhanced rigidity and tuned suspension, and reductions made to noise and vibrations make for a smooth and quiet experience for drivers and passengers.

The Suzuki Ciaz also pulls no punches with a refined K14B engine, which with the car’s aerodynamic and lightweight body, provide a certain dynamism and efficiency on the road. The combination of the suspension and rigid body provides a perfect fit that enhances driving stability and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) performance.

Ford EcoSport

The popular street smart compact SUV from Ford returns with a refreshed design and improved performance, justifying its popularity with Filipinos everywhere. Comfort and convenience has also been enhanced for families. Every inch of the new EcoSport is designed for action, giving its drivers the energy and power to do more and move more freely. The sub-1.0L engine has been named the International Engine of the Year six times for its fuel economy and its capacity to deliver with the power you want on the road.

The EcoSport Titanium model also comes with a new 6-speed automatic transmission, giving drivers easy maneuverability and control for a unique, powerful driving experience.

Honda City

The Honda City, seeking to emulate advanced mobility, utilizes cutting-edge driving innovations and outstanding comfort features to retain its place as one of the most popular cars in the subcompact sedan segment. Designed with angular lines and sharp creases guarantee an aerodynamic driving experience with an effortless efficiency. Meanwhile, a cabin with generous space and ample storage can seat guests and valuables with ease.

The City is also equipped with the Euro-4 compliant 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that, in combination with the variable valve timing and lift electronic control technology, optimizes responsiveness based on the driver’s instinct and intuition. The result is a spirited vehicle dynamic with impressive fuel economy to boot.

Toyota Vios

Among the most popular vehicle in the country, the Toyota Vios is one of its company’s most successful creations. The subcompact sedan, which has been in the market for more than a decade, has been driven and tested by thousands of drivers, and it still remains relevant to this day. Part of the reasons are Toyota’s unique 1.3 and 1.5 Dual VVTi engines that provide speed, responsiveness, reliability and impeccable fuel economy unlike any other. The Vios also comes with either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, alongside standard safety features like stability control, brake assist, and air bags.

The design of the updated Vios aims to provide pleasure in driving. Practical in design, simple in functionality, and spacious where it counts, the Toyota Vios is described as a “compact saloon” that sets a new standard for enjoyable and luxurious driving.

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai ends 2018 with a blast, launching the newest version of its Accent model. Designed with personality at the forefront, Accent’s radiator grille has been improved exclusively by installing the traditionally clean and refined style of the headlamps and rear combination lamps. The 1.6 CRDi diesel engine with VGT promises power, producing a maximum 136 ps at 4,000 rpm and 30.6 kg·m (DCT) torque at 1,750 — 2,500 rpm or 26.5 kg·m (MT) torque at 1,500 — 3,500 rpm.

The Accent’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) is developed to keep its optimal rpm when driving, and provides superb fuel efficiency, acceleration performance, and smooth driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission, meanwhile, provides smooth, noiseless gearshifts thanks to a key and ball-type synchromesh, optimized gear tooth shape, and precision machining. There is also a 7-speed Double clutch transmission (DCT) available.

Mitsubishi Xpander

Phasing out its popular Adventure AUV this year, Mitsubishi has launched the new Xpander model with a cleaner 1.5L DOHC gasoline engine. This new engine comes with the signature Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) that can produce 105 hp and 141 Nm of torque, and can be paired with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Xpander builds on Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield Design, producing a masculine, aggressive appearance with large bumper headlights and a skid plate. As a seven-seater MPV, the Xpander comes with the creature comforts expected from its class, with interior space that offers a luxurious and comfortable design. — Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

Notable rides of 2018 worth-purchasing

Modest sales of various types of vehicles among the local automotive sector has been observed in the past months of 2018. The light commercial vehicles (LCVs) — under which fall sport utility vehicles (SUVs), multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), and pickups, among others — are gaining more interest, competing with commercial vehicles segment for the first spot in terms of sales.

In this generation, SUVs, MPVs, and pickups are likely becoming the new aspirational vehicles because of their practicality, efficient powertrains, and impressive road presence. As the year comes to an end, we have compiled some of the most notable vehicle models under these segments that are worth-purchasing.

Ford Ranger Raptor

Engineered with ultra-strength frame, giant bash plate and an elevated design, Ranger Raptor sets a new benchmark in off-road performance.

On the outside, this pickup showcases a bold look with its signature Ford block-letter grille, muscular haunches, and frame-mounted bumper, which perfectly complemented with LED fog lamps, and integrated bumper and 3D badging in its tailgate.

Under Ranger Raptor’s hood lies a cutting-edge 2.0L bi-turbo diesel engine, which has been carefully calibrated with Ford’s latest 10-speed auto transmission technology to deliver more top-end power, more bottom-end torque, improved acceleration, and quicker gear changes. According to the company’s Web site, the Ranger Raptor is the first factory-ready high-speed off-road performance truck.

Honda BR-V

This seven-seater SUV exhibits innate toughness and sporty nature. Its chrome front grille, and roof rails with silver finish give it a strong appearance and distinguished style. Inside the cabin, BR-V offers a comfortable and inviting space. With the one-touch fold-to-tumble second row and the interior’s versatile seat configurations, access to third row and accommodation of various cargo requirements are made easier.

The Honda BR-V comes with BR-V’s 1.5 i-VTEC engine that produces 120ps, harnessed by Earth Dreams Technology CVT.

Such combination ensures peppy performance and notable fuel efficiency, the company says in its Web site.

Reassuring safety, BR-V is packed with safety features that guarantee its passengers a safe journey.

These include dual front SRS airbags to protect the driver and front passenger in the event of a front collision; hill start assist, a feature that prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when the brake pedal is released; vehicle stability assist that keeps the vehicle in control during cornering and turns; and speed sensing auto door lock.

Mazda CX-9

This SUV is meticulously crafted to perfection. From cutting-edge engineering and technology to a spacious cabin, CX-9 offers a driving experience not typically found in a full-size SUV.

The Mazda CX-9 boasts a KODO design philosophy, which is based on the idea of breathing life into the vehicle’s form. Its grille’s signature wings flow into beautiful, compact LED headlamps that curve and extend deep into the front fenders, while its LED taillights echo the headlamps design theme, featuring a strong horizontal layout that wraps around the body to emphasize CX-9’s presence.

Behind the wheels, CX-9 offers newly adopted front-seat ventilation system that draws hot and humid air away from areas where the occupant’s body is in contact with the seat surface. It comes with premium sound system that features several speakers, and a navigation system that displays current location and route on the windscreen via Active Driving Display and also on the center display.

This seven-seater SUV is powered with SKYACTIV-G 2.5T, an all-new turbo-charged engine developed specifically for CX-9 to give relaxed yet powerful torque of a 4.0-litre V8 while achieving best-in-class listed and real-world fuel economy.

Mitsubishi Xpander

The Mitsubishi Xpander is one of the newest additions of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) to its product line-up. This all-new cross multi-purpose, sport utility vehicle has an overall exterior that communicates an adventurous and futuristic style. It flaunts Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield design concept with a luxurious front grille, which will be available in chrome with clear smoke coating for GLS Sport and GLS variants and gloss black for GLX Plus and GLX variants.

Meanwhile, it also offers a dynamic and highly functional interior features. Aside from interior that provides a comfortable space for maximum of seven adults, it also features a carefully crafted layout that lets passengers enter and exit the vehicle with ease, and a tumbling system for folding the second row seats that provides easy access to third row seats.

The Xpander is equipped with a 1.5L 4A91 MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System) DOHC 16-Valve engine which gives a maximum output of 105PS / 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 141N-m / 4,000rpm.

Suzuki Ertiga

This MPV features an excellent blend of bold, sporty looks and advanced aerodynamics. It exudes a sleek exterior profile that includes stylish headlamps, alloy wheels, classy rear combination lamps and overall aerodynamic styling.

Inside the cabin, Ertiga offers a world where elegance meets utility. Every inch of the space is designed to optimize the comfort and convenience of the driver, as well as the passengers. The second and third row seats can be adjusted into a variety of different configurations to accommodate different passengers and luggage combinations.

In terms of road performance, Ertiga’s compact, lightweight body, aerodynamic form, and powerful yet efficient engine create the base for its excellent environmental credentials. With the optimization of suspension and NVH performance, superb handling and ride comfort have also been achieved. — Mark Louis F. Ferrolino

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Significant trends in the automotive industry

According to the research firm MarketsandMarkets, important technological advancements post 2016 have caused the automotive industry to drastically evolve.

“The old-fashioned four-wheeled cars, which were earlier equipped with basic features, have transformed into connected cars with advanced features such as cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others,” it said.

In an article posted on its Web site, MarketsandMarkets identified key technology-driven trends that, it thinks, “may surprise you,” as the title of the said article reads.

On top of the list is usage-based insurance vehicles. The firm said IoT, which is a network of physical devices that connect with one another and share data, has led to a wave of connectivity that has influenced almost every industry, even the insurance industry.

“The IoT platform helps to connect the insurers of various sectors such as motor, property, and individual policyholder blockchain. Insurance companies are increasingly using IoT data to improve their precision in assessing risk, pricing policies, and estimating necessary reserve. The introduction of IoT has created significant opportunities in the automotive insurance sector such as usage based insurance,” the firm said.

Another important trend in the automotive industry is driven by technologies like the V2X (vehicle to everything) and V2G (vehicle to grid) technologies.

“The telematics application of automotive vehicle-to-everything technology offers intelligent traffic systems, collision avoidance, parking management systems, emergency vehicle notifications, and remote monitoring and diagnostics, among other sub-applications. It provides the vehicle with the ability to receive warnings regarding real-time traffic and alerts related to accidents or other hurdles,” MarketsandMarkets said.

It defined V2X as a wireless technology involving the exchange of information between a vehicle and all other entities — from other vehicles to infrastructure to the cloud — it comes into contact with. V2X tech enables the optimization of traffic flow, increased traffic safety and reduced emissions, among other things.

V2G technologies, MarketsandMarkets noted, employs peak load management as distributed storage devices that enable the usage of electric vehicles.

The third trend the firm listed has to do with connected vehicles and the concept of vehicle as a hub. Over the next decade, the firm noted that artificial intelligence-based systems in automotive applications, which nowadays are rare, would become an essential component in new premium vehicles.

“Human-machine interface, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous vehicles are the various applications that will drive the vehicle as a hub concept,” MarketsandMarkets said, adding that a strong IoT backup is needed to connect vehicles and devices.

Mild hybrid is the fourth trend. “The concept of high voltage electrical systems was discussed and developed 15 years back regarding [42-volt] systems,” the firm said. But 42-volt system did not take off because of the costly components and the lack of a real driving for development.

“However, today, the recurrence of high voltage 48V is driven by fuel economy and emission regulations. In today’s market, components are much cheaper, technology has improved considerably, and the need to reduce CO2 emissions is a substantial driver for the concept,” MarketsandMarkets said. A shift toward 48V architecture — or, at least, using that in combination with existing platforms — might help automakers meet fuel economy and emission regulations.

Technologies related to car health monitoring are another important trend in the automotive industry. MarketsandMarkets said that although at present automotive biometric identification systems are still in an initial phase of development, these are projected to grow by the end of 2022, and gain significant market share three years after, in 2025.

Other related technologies that MarketsandMarkets said would find market acceptance are iris and facial recognition technologies. “Manufacturers are trying to overcome the in-vehicle health state of drivers, for which the drivers’ fatigue, heart rate monitoring, and sleep deprivation [are] detected and notified with warning systems. The health monitoring is done with the help of sensors equipped [in] steering and seat belts. Thus, with the integration of semiconductors, the in-vehicle health monitoring would emerge as the new trend post 2020,” the firm said.

Finally, there’s the truck platooning. In truck platooning, the firm explained, “two or more trucks drive very close behind the platoon leader at high velocity, with the next truck automatically following the leader through vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.” This represents an “incremental step” toward fully autonomous freight transport on public roads, MarketsandMarkets said, adding that large fleet transport companies will buy platoon-enabled vehicles from 2019 to 2020.

In closing, the firm said that with technological advancements and upcoming automotive trends, the automotive industry is moving toward platform-based services, enhanced products for electrification and increased level of automation.

“These innovations will help OEMs to enhance the user experience. In addition, they will help the Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to increase their business revenue by offering systems as well as hardware components,” MarketsandMarkets said.

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