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Request to prioritize national athletes in vaccination list approved

The IATF has included the national athletes and coaches to the Tokyo Olympics and Hanoi SEA Games in the Priority Group A4. (Alvin S. Go)

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has given its nod to prioritize national athletes seeing action in key international tournaments this year for vaccination against the coronavirus.

This was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in his press briefing on Friday, allowing for the early vaccination of national athletes and coaches set to compete in the Tokyo Olympics and the Hanoi 31st Southeast Asian Games.

The IATF included the national athletes, coaches, delegates and officials to both events in the Priority Group A4.

“The IATF approved the recommendation to the Interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group to prioritize the vaccination of athletes, coaches, delegates, and officials bound for the Tokyo Olympics and the Southeast Asian Games,” Mr. Roque said.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) made the request to allow the athletes to train better and with less worries with the end view of having the best possible representation in the targeted sporting events.

Also approved by the IATF is the training of national sports associations for the SEA Games but in adherence to guidelines set by the POC, PSC, Department of Health, and the Games and Amusements Board.

The POC expressed its gratitude to the IATF for approving their request.

“The entire sports community can now heave a sigh of relief with this approval. With this good news, our athletes can now look forward to serious training and preparations for two major competitions,” said POC President Abraham Tolentino in a statement.

The welcome development came on the heels of the recent announcement by the Vietnam SEA Games Organizing Committee that a “no vaccine, no participation” policy will be in effect in the Hanoi Games.

Eight Filipinos to date have qualified for the Olympics, namely, pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Caloy Yulo, boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, and rower Cris Nievarez.

Mr. Marcial has gotten two doses of the vaccines while he was in the United States while Ms. Diaz got her first shot in Malaysia two weeks ago.

The Olympics in Tokyo happens from July 23 to Aug. 8

The POC, meanwhile, earlier said it intends to send 626 athletes competing in 39 sports in Hanoi, which will take place from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Meralco energizes new Dolores 100-MVA power transformer

Seen in photos is the newly energized 100-MVA, 115 kV – 34.5 kV replacement power transformer with On-Load Tap Changer (OTLC) at its Dolores Substation located at Philec Road, Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal. This new power transformer will improve system reliability, preventing prolonged power outages to customers in Antipolo City, Binangonan, Taytay and Cardona in the province of Rizal. The OTLC feature, which was not present in the previous transformer, can optimally balance the load among the feeders served by the new power transformer and the other power transformers at the adjacent Cainta, Masinag and Taguig Substations, and enhance system flexibility during contingencies. Despite the heightened community quarantine measures imposed within the NCR+ bubble due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Meralco personnel are continuously working round the clock to execute vital capital projects to provide safe, adequate, and reliable energy service for all its customers.

After verification freeze, here’s how you can get Twitter’s blue check mark

Twitter users can once again apply to be verified after a years-long freeze on public submissions for the site’s blue check marks, though the company said only “notable” users would be awarded the badge. 

The social media company paused public submissions for these badges in 2017 amid criticism that its verification program was arbitrary and confusing. It said at the time the check mark was being confused with “an endorsement or an indicator of importance.” 

Under the new rules, accounts must have been active in the last six months and fit one of several criteria: government, companies, brands and organizations, news outlets and journalists, entertainment, sports and gaming, activists, organizers and other influential individuals. 

It also plans categories for scientists, academics, and religious leaders later this year. 

The accounts must also have a record of following Twitter’s rules — specifically, no violations that resulted in a 12-hour or one-week lock outs in the previous year. 

Twitter also said that in the approval process it would look holistically at user behavior such as harassment or posting content that promoted the supremacy of a particular group, “both on and off Twitter.” 

Accounts must also be complete with features like a profile image and be able to prove their identity through government ID or email addresses. 

Twitter said it was working to provide more information about a bevy of different account types: it plans to launch a new account of type of legitimate automated or “bot” accounts in July and memorial accounts, for deceased users, later this year. It said it was also exploring how to label humor and satire accounts. 

Twitter is also planning to let users add more personal information to their profiles, the design of which have largely not changed since 2014. The new section will start with displaying gender pronouns and expand to items like interests. 

Twitter said applications for verification will roll out over the next few weeks. It said the decisions would be made by humans and that users would hear back within four weeks. If refused, users can re-apply every 30 days. 

During the pause, Twitter has continued to verify some accounts, such as medical experts tweeting about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

About 360,000 accounts, out of Twitter’s 199 million monetizable daily active users, are verified. — Elizabeth Culliford/Reuters 

Mixed bag of results for Eala in Spain

Tennis teen sensation Alex Eala of the Philippines

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala advanced to her first professional doubles semifinals but saw her singles bid end at the women’s $25,000 tournament in Platja D’aro in Spain late Thursday (Manila time).

Ms. Eala, 15, along with partner Oksana Selekhmeteva of Russia topped the Russian pair of Vlada Koval and Sofya Lansere to barge into the semifinals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament.

She, however, fell to hometown bet Irene Burillo Escorihuela, 6-2, 6-4, in the singles event in what was a busy day for the Rafa Nadal Academy scholar and long-time Globe ambassador.

Despite the mixed bag of results, Ms. Eala shared that the fight continues for her and that she is happy with the opportunities given to her to continue to develop her game.

“Long day today with a singles and a doubles match here at the ITF W25 Platja D’aro. Not too lucky with my singles match today but I play semi finals in doubles tomorrow. Grateful smile…everyday. HAPPY #kindnesswinsday,” wrote the tennis sensation on a post in her official Facebook page.

Misses Eala and Selekhmeteva were to face the Dutch pair of Isabelle Haverlag and Suzan Lamens in the doubles semifinals later on Friday.

Ms. Eala is taking part in the main draw of the tournament because of her standing as one of the top junior talents in the world, earning for her an exemption under the ITF’s junior exempt program.

Azkals reveal squad list for Qatar training camp

Veteran midfielder Stephan Schrock (17) is one of the players called up for national team duty and will take part in the training camp in Qatar before heading to China for the joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. (SEA Games 2019 website)

The Philippine national men’s football team revealed late Thursday the names of the players who will be taking part in its training camp in Qatar in preparation for a joint continental qualifying tournament set for next month.

Twenty-five players were named from which the final roster of the Azkals seeing action in the joint 2022 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup and 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifiers in Suzhou, China, beginning June 3, will be culled from.

The team will first train in Qatar until the end of May before heading to the tournament proper.

Called up for national team duty were goalkeepers Neil Etheridge, Bernd Schipman and Kevin Ray Mendoza; and defenders Carlie De Murga, Alvaro Silva, Luke Woodland, Jesper Nyholm, Martin Steuble, Jefferson Tabinas, Mar Diano, Niko de Vera and Michael Kempter.

Also in the list are midfielders Stephan Schrock, Patrick Strauss, Iain Ramsay, Gerrit Holtmann, Raphael Obermair, Patrick Reichelt, Oliver Bias, Jarvey Gayoso, Matthew Baldisimo, Mark Winhoffer and Lloyd Fagerlie; and forwards Mark Hartmann and Angel Guirado.

Messrs Schrock and Etheridge were named captain and vice-captain, respectively.

The first batch of players flying from Manila left for Doha late Thursday while the other players called up flying in from different parts of the world will meet the team there.

The Philippines is currently at third place in Group A of the qualifiers with seven points from a 2-1-2 record, behind Syria (5-0-0) with 15 points, and China (2-1-1) with seven.

Maldives (2-0-3) and Guam (0-0-5) round out the group.

The Azkals last played in the qualifiers in November 2019, losing to Syria (1-0) in Dubai.

Scheduled qualifying matches of the team in 2020 failed to push through because of the pandemic.

The Philippine men’s football team is to face Guam on June 3, then China on June 9, and Maldives on June 15.

Curry, Clarkson among finalists for NBA individual awards

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is one of the finalists for the National Basketball Association most valuable player award, the league announced on Friday. (Golden State Warriors Facebook page)

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry and Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz are among the finalists for National Basketball Association individual awards, the league announced on Friday (Manila time)

Three-time NBA champion Curry is in the running for the Most Valuable Player award while Mr. Clarkson is in the mix for the Sixth Man of the year plum.

Mr. Curry, the league’s scoring leader (32 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.8 apg and 1.2 spg), is up against big men Nikola Jokic (26.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 8.3 apg and 1.3 spg) of the Denver Nuggets and Joel Embiid (28.5 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.0 steal and 1.4 bpg) of Eastern Conference top seeds Philadelphia 76ers.

For the Sixth Man of the Year award, Mr. Clarkson (18.4 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.5 apg in 26.7 minutes per game), who represented the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games, is pitted versus teammate Joe Ingles (12.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 4.7 apg in 27.9 minutes), and former league MVP Derrick Rose (14.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.2 apg and 1 spg in 25.6 minutes) of the New York Knicks.

In the Coach of the Year award race, in contention are Quin Snyder (Jazz), Tom Thibodeau (Knicks) and Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns) while the Defensive Player of the Year list has Rudy Gobert (Jazz), Draymond Green (Warriors) and Ben Simmons (Sixers).

For the rest of the awards, the finalists are Jerami Grant (Detroit Pistons), Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets) and Julius Randle (Knicks) for Most Improved Player; and LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Tyrese Haliburton (Sacramento Kings) for Rookie of the Year Award.

The selection of the three finalists for each annual award was based on voting results from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.

The winners of the awards will be announced through the course of the 2020-2021 NBA Playoffs, which kick off on Sunday. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Fretting about COVID, most Japan firms say Olympics should be canceled or postponed

TOKYO 2020 FB PAGE

TOKYO — Nearly 70% of Japanese firms want the Tokyo Olympics either canceled or postponed, a Reuters survey found, underscoring concerns that the Games will increase coronavirus infections at a time when the medical system is under heavy strain. 

With just nine weeks to go before the Games, states of emergency have been imposed in much of Japan until the end of the month to counter a spike in infections that has resulted in a shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas. 

The country’s vaccination program has also been particularly slow, with just 4% of the population inoculated, the lowest rate among the Group of Seven nations. 

The Corporate Survey, conducted May 6–17, showed 37% of firms were in favor of cancellation, while 32% want a postponement. 

In particular, those calling for a cancellation have increased from February when the same questions were asked in the monthly survey. Then, 29% were keen on a cancellation while 36% favored a delay. 

“There’s no way that the Olympics can go ahead under the current circumstances,” a manager at a metals firm wrote in the survey. 

“Nothing the government does seems to be well-planned. All it appears to be doing is spreading anxiety.” 

The results of the survey are roughly in line with public opinion polls. 

Many Tokyo residents say, however, they are conflicted about holding the Games. 

“Variant strains could enter, creating a terrible situation,” said Keiko Yamamura, a 58-year–old yoga instructor. “But when I think of the athletes who have worked so hard, I’d like to let them do it.” 

The government and International Olympic Committee have repeatedly said the Games will go ahead. About 70% of the 10,500 athletes due to attend have already qualified. 

If the Games, which have already been postponed by a year, were canceled, a quarter of the firms expect big economic losses. But nearly 60% said economic losses would be limited while another 13% said they expect economic losses to be relatively small. 

The survey, conducted for Reuters by Nikkei Research, canvassed some 480 large and midsize non-financial companies, of which about 230 answered questions on the Olympics. Respondents participate in the survey on condition of anonymity. — Tetsushi Kajimoto/Reuters 

COVID fight could return ‘to square one’: experts sound vaccines alarm

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

LONDON — India’s export ban on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shots risks dragging the battle against the pandemic “back to square one” unless wealthy nations step in to plug a gaping hole in the COVAX global vaccine-sharing scheme, health specialists said on Thursday. 

COVAX, which is critical for poorer countries, relies on AstraZeneca shots made by the Serum Institute of India, the world’s biggest maker of vaccines. It was already around 100 million doses short of where it had planned to be when India halted exports a month ago amid a surge in infections there. 

Rich countries with plentiful COVID-19 vaccine stocks must now share them immediately, at scale, the global experts said, otherwise the pandemic could be prolonged as the world struggles to contain a virus that is continuing to spread and mutate. 

“It is a huge concern,” said Anna Marriott, health policy manager at the global charity Oxfam. She and others said it was imperative that wealthy countries and regions make good on their rhetoric and share excess vaccines now. 

“The current approach that relies on a few pharma monopolies and a trickle of charity through COVAX is failing — and people are dying as a result.” 

Reuters reported on Tuesday that India is extending its ban, meaning it is now unlikely to resume major exports before October. 

Will Hall, global policy manager for the Wellcome global health trust, said COVAX’s heavy reliance on the Serum Institute left it vulnerable. India’s extension of its export ban made it even more crucial for rich countries to share doses via the scheme, he said, “not in six months’ time, not in a month’s time, but now.” 

“We’re not going to beat this virus unless we think and act globally,” he added. “We all should be concerned about this — the more the virus continues to spread, the greater the risk of it mutating to a stage where our vaccines and treatments no longer work. If that happens we’re back to square one.” 

A highly transmissible new variant of the novel coronavirus first identified in India has spread to several countries around the world. 

‘VERY FEW OPTIONS’ 

COVAX aims to get vaccines to at least 20% of the populations of the more-than 90 low and middle-income countries signed up to receive the shots as donations. It has so far distributed about 65 million doses of mainly the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, many of them to Africa. 

A spokeswoman for the GAVI vaccines alliance, which co-leads COVAX, said the facility was working hard to make up supplies. 

“We’re trying to find different ways of making sure that those countries that have received the first dose are able to also receive a second dose and that vaccinations can continue,” she told Reuters. “What we need right now, to meet the immediate needs, is dose sharing.” 

The United States said on Wednesday it would share a total of 20 million doses of Pfizer’s, Moderna’s and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccines by the end of June, donating a significant amount via COVAX, on top of 60 million AstraZeneca shots it had already planned to give to other countries. 

EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said this week that the bloc was working to significantly ramp up vaccine donations through COVAX in the second half of 2021. Vaccine sharing announced by EU member states has so far amounted to 11.1 million vaccines, he said, of which 9 million are being shared via COVAX. 

Britain, meanwhile, will have enough surplus doses to fully vaccinate at least 50 million people in poorer countries once every adult at home has been fully vaccinated, according to analysis by UNICEF’s UK office last week. 

The GAVI spokeswoman said COVAX’S reliance on the Serum Institute was based, largely, on its vast production capacity, ability to deliver at low cost and on assurances that it would be able to produce the millions of doses needed at speed. 

“It always was COVAX’s plan to grow and diversify its portfolio to 10–12 vaccines but at the start of the year when approved vaccines were only slowly coming online, we had very few options available to us,” she said. — Kate Kelland/Reuters 

Five best vivo Y series smartphones with top-notch style and performance

Stylish designs, crystal clear displays and 5000mAh-powered batteries make the vivo Y series an exciting lineup of innovative smartphones. From gaming to entertainment and photography, vivo Y series fuel different passions and winning moments.

vivo’s best-selling Y series offers users powerful hardware in good-looking devices for friendly prices

  • The vivo Y series smartphones capitalize on attractive designs, crystal clear displays, and hardworking batteries.
  • Some of the best vivo Y series smartphones are Y20i, Y30, Y31, Y20s (G) and Y12s.
  • These new smartphones are now available in select vivo stores nationwide.

The vivo Y series has provided smartphone users an impeccable lineup of value-for-money devices that have stylish designs, crystal clear displays, and long-lasting batteries. These phones are proof that in a period of increased digital activity, going for online passions need not be expensive.

Stylish designs, crystal clear displays, and 5000mAh-powered batteries make the vivo Y series an exciting lineup of innovative smartphones. From gaming to entertainment and photography, vivo Y series fuel different passions and winning moments.

In the more than 20 handsets released in the best-selling vivo Y series so far, here are the five latest favorites in terms of style and performance.

Projecting high definition displays with vivo Y20i

For gaming and entertainment fans, the vivo Y20i is the ultimate immersive experience for screens in smartphones that are worth less than PHP10,000. The 6.51-inch Halo FullView Display is among the most vibrant in entry-level devices. Sealing the excitement is the smartphone’s Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and a hardworking battery that provide lag-free, longer games.

Capturing fine moments with the triple rear camera in vivo Y30

Here’s another phone that is packed with a 5,000 mAh battery with games capability also enhanced by the Multi-Turbo 3.0. vivo Y30, however, has something extra for photo enthusiasts: its triple rear cameras that are stylishly stacked in a compact structure. Aside from gaming, the phone is also perfect for mobile photography with its 13-megapixel main camera complemented with a 2-megapixel macro camera and another 2-megapixel bokeh camera.

Hyped up for all-day fun with the vivo Y31

The Y31’s most notable improvement from its predecessor, the vivo Y30, is its 48-megapixel main front camera. The triple rear camera, also with macro and bokeh support, is maximized for all-day fun with the phone’s long-lasting battery and 18W fast charge. Making the Y31 more stylish is 8.38-mm slim design which is highlighted with a side fingerprint unlock.

Longer winning moments in Y20s [G]

Designed specifically with gamers in mind, this smartphone is supported with the Helio G80 Gaming Processor which loads game apps seamlessly and maximizes internet connectivity better. Aside from being boosted with a powerful gaming engine, the Y20s [G] also supports longer gameplay with its powerful battery and 18W fast charge that are kept in stunning colors of Obsidian Black and Purist Blue.

Powered up with the seamless performance of the Y12s

This newly-released summer of 2021 smartphone dazzles in its 6.51-inch Halo FullView Display with HD resolution 1600×720. The side-mounted fingerprint unlock makes this phone more trendy which helps gamers access its Multi-Turbo 3.0-powered processor easily, and makes the availability of the powerful dual camera to photo enthusiasts effortless.

The difference in priority specs and breakthrough innovations propel the vivo Y series as a best-selling collection of smartphones. It is, however, in equipping users with inexpensive devices for them to pursue their passions that makes the Y series an exciting smartphone lineup.

The vivo Y series phones are available in vivo stores nationwide. For more details, visit https://www.vivoglobal.ph/ or visit vivo Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Y12s is also available for purchase at vivo’s official Lazada and Shopee stores.

Israel-Hamas truce takes hold after 11 days of fighting 

REUTERS/MOHAMMED SALEM

GAZA/JERUSALEM — An Egyptian-mediated truce between Israel and Hamas began on Friday, but Hamas warned it still had its “hands on the trigger” and demanded Israel end the violence in Jerusalem and address the damages in Gaza Strip after the worst fighting in years. 

US President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., pledged to salve the devastated Gaza. Aerial bombardment of the densely populated area killed 232 Palestinians, while rocket attacks killed 12 people in Israel during the conflict. 

Palestinians, many of whom had spent 11 days huddled in fear of Israeli shelling, poured into Gaza’s streets. Mosque loud-speakers feted “the victory of the resistance achieved over the Occupation (Israel).” 

Cars driving around East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah at dawn flew Palestinian flags and honked horns, echoing the celebratory scenes in Gaza. 

In the countdown to the 2 a.m. (2300 GMT Thursday) cease-fire, Palestinian rocket salvoes continued and Israel carried out at least one air strike. 

Each side said it stood ready to retaliate for any truce violations by the other. Cairo said it would send two delegations to monitor the ceasefire. 

The violence erupted on May 10, triggered by Palestinians’ anger at what they saw as Israeli curbs on their rights in Jerusalem, including during police confrontations with protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque during the Ramadan fasting month. 

The fighting meant many Palestinians in Gaza could not mark the Eid al-Fitr festival at Ramadan’s conclusion. On Friday, throughout Gaza, postponed Eid al-Fitr meals were held instead. 

In Israel, radio stations that had carried around-the-clock news and commentary switched back to pop music and folk songs. 

DEATH TOLL 

Gaza health officials said 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, had been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments. Israel said it had killed at least 160 combatants. 

Authorities put the death toll in Israel at 12, with hundreds of people treated for injuries in rocket attacks that caused panic and sent people rushing into shelters. 

Hamas, the Islamist militant group that rules Gaza, cast the fighting as successful resistance of a militarily and economically stronger foe. 

“It is true the battle ends today but (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and the whole world should know that our hands are on the trigger and we will continue to grow the capabilities of this resistance,” said Ezzat El-Reshiq, a senior member of the Hamas political bureau. 

He told Reuters in Doha that the movement’s demands also include protecting Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and ending the eviction of several Palestinians from their home in East Jerusalem which Reshiq described as “a red line.” 

“What comes after the battle of ‘Sword of Jerusalem’ is not like what came before because the Palestinian people backed the resistance and know that the resistance is what will liberate their land and protect their holy sites,” Reshiq said. 

In Israel, relief was bittersweet. 

“It’s good that the conflict will end, but unfortunately I don’t feel like we have much time before the next escalation,” Eiv Izyaev, a 30-year-old software engineer, said in Tel Aviv. 

Amid growing global alarm, Mr. Biden had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek de-escalation, while Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations (UN) sought to mediate. 

In a televised address on Thursday, Mr. Biden extended condolences to bereaved Israelis and Palestinians and said Washington would work with the United Nations “and other international stakeholders to provide rapid humanitarian assistance” for Gaza and its reconstruction. 

Mr. Biden said aid would be coordinated with the Palestinian Authority — run by Hamas’ rival, President Mahmoud Abbas, and based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank — “in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal.” 

Hamas is deemed a terrorist group in the West and by Israel, which it refuses to recognize. 

POWER STRUGGLE 

Analysts saw a key goal of Hamas’s rocket campaign as being to marginalize Abbas by presenting itself as the guardian of Palestinians in Jerusalem, whose eastern sector they seek for a future state. 

Making the link explicit, Hamas named the rocket operation “Sword of Jerusalem.” 

Mr. Abbas, 85, remained a marginal figure during the 11-day conflict. He secured a first telephone call with Mr. Biden during the crisis — four months after Mr. Biden took office — but his western-backed Palestinian Authority exerts little influence over Gaza, and he made no public comment after the truce was announced. 

Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, an Abbas appointee, said “We welcome the success of the international efforts led by Egypt to stop the Israeli aggression against our people in Gaza Strip,” in comments published by Palestinian media. 

In perhaps a worrying sign for Abbas in his West Bank heartland, some Palestinians waved green Hamas flags in Ramallah, the seat of his government. 

Hamas previously demanded that any halt to the Gaza fighting be accompanied by Israeli drawdowns in Jerusalem. An Israeli official told Reuters there was no such condition in the truce. 

The State Department said that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken planned to travel to the Middle East, where he would meet with Israeli, Palestinian, and regional leaders to discuss recovery efforts. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Israeli and Palestinian leaders had a responsibility beyond the restoration of calm to address the root causes of the conflict,” he told reporters with serious dialogue. 

“Gaza is an integral part of the future Palestinian state and no effort should be spared to bring about real national reconciliation that ends the division,” he said. — Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams/Reuters 

Anti-Covid technology we all need

Did You Know? There are More Ways to Protect You and Your Family.

Find Out More About an Innovation that Makes Sure Your Home is a Safe Zone

At the onset of this global pandemic, no one was fully prepared for it. Now, we talk about the reality we all face: the novel coronavirus is sparing no one, and we must do something about it.

On Preventive Vaccines

As of writing, only 1.86% of the population have received the first of two doses of the vaccine and only 0.47% have taken both jabs that secure the value of effectiveness of the vaccine—lagging behind the government’s goal to vaccinate 70% of Filipinos by the end of this year.

The Anti-COVID Technology

 Although getting vaccinated is the highest form of prevention currently available, proper sanitation can go a long way to prevent the novel coronavirus from entering your home. Both public and private sectors have been doing extensive research to provide people more safety and security. One of which is Japan Quality brand Panasonic with its nanoe™ X Technology, nano-sized atomized water particles released by Panasonic appliances, such as its Air Conditioners.

nanoe™ X has been certified by Texcell, a French global contract research organization, to inhibit 99.7% of the novel corona virus in a 6.7m3 space in just 24 hours. [2]It deodorizes foul odors, inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses, and is effective in eliminating dust, allergens, and pollens for a fresher, cleaner indoor environment—giving you more ways to prevent diseases from invading your home. As a bonus, it even moisturizes skin and hair!

Out for outdoor errands? Or perhaps going for a quick trip to the office? Update your to-go needs with Panasonic Portable nanoe™ X Generator. This small (0.4kgs) yet high-performance device packs a punch in virus prevention, making sure that your immediate space, whether at home, at the office, or inside your car, leaves no room for viruses.

To use, simply plug it and press the power button on top of the generator. The portable device is powered by the same nanoe™ X Technology in Panasonic Air Conditioners that is certified by Texcell to inhibit the novel coronavirus by 99.7% in a 6.7m3 space in just 24 hours.

‘Prevention is better than cure’ is real now more than ever. Make sure that you are equipped to keep yourself and your family protected in this new normal, operating in hope that the world will see this pandemic through.

Follow Panasonic on Facebook at Panasonic Philippines & Panasonic Business Solutions Philippines, Instagram at @panasonic_ph to stay updated with their latest innovations—built to help you prevent viruses anywhere.

Read more about nanoe™Technology and the evidence to prove its effectiveness:

https://www.panasonic.com/ph/nanoe.html

References:

https://www.panasonic.com/ph/corporate/news/articles/covid-update-panasonic-air-conditioners-with-nanoe-x-confirmed-to-inhibit-the-novel-coronavirus.html

Co-engineered with ZEISS, vivo launches X60 Series in the Philippines

The vivo X60 series, co-engineered with ZEISS, will be available in vivo stores and kiosks nationwide beginning May 22, Saturday, and retails for Php34,999. For more details on the new smartphone, visit https://www.vivoglobal.ph/phone/vivo-X60/.

vivo and ZEISS redefines mobile photography with the launch of the X60 Series in the Philippines

vivo has officially released the X60 series of professional photography flagship smartphones in the Philippines. The latest series marks the inaugural vivo devices to be conceived in collaboration with ZEISS, a global leader in optics and opto-electronics. Featuring a cutting-edge design, the X60 series signifies vivo’s commitment to deliver the ultimate mobile photography experience. 

Photography Redefined Through Global Partnership with ZEISS

The X60 series integrates the user-oriented innovation of vivo and the outstanding expertise in mobile imaging of ZEISS. The combined best-in-class optical lenses, sensors, image processing algorithms, and diverse multi-modal features allow users to enjoy camera technologies that were previously only limited to professional photographers.

“vivo is excited to give consumers the best mobile photography experience by leveraging the capabilities of ZEISS, a legend in the world of optics for 175 years,” said Spark Ni, Senior Vice President and CMO of vivo. “Smartphones have become an extension of the consumer’s lifestyle to record and capture the joy-inspired moments of their lives, causing mobile photography to become a critical part of user experience. We have collaborated with ZEISS to bring unparalleled sharpness, clarity, and image quality to vivo smartphones.”

Key to the X60 series’ top-notch photography capabilities lies in its groundbreaking vivo ZEISS co-engineered imaging system. The X60 model has three rear cameras (48MP + 13MP + 13MP), as well as a 32MP front camera. The ZEISS logo has been emblazoned on the lens, while the ZEISS Vario-Tessar trademark is engraved beneath the cameras, fitting for the professional photography flagship device that is sure to turn heads.

For the first time, users can also access ZEISS Biotar Portrait Style on the vivo X series. This new feature allows users to create customized professional portraits, with an unprecedented ability to render center sharpness and a unique swirly harmonious bokeh.

Actress Rhian Ramos stuns in the vivo X60 ZEISS Biotar Portrait Style, a feature that will be made available for the first time in vivo smartphones. Photo taken by Master Photographer Xander Angeles using the vivo X60 5G.

Bringing Advanced Imaging Features to Users

The camera system of the X60 supplements the enhancement of image details and sharpness to help users get ultra-HD images. It utilizes a VIS 5-axis video stabilization technology, allowing users to obtain clear shots of objects in dynamic motion with greater accuracy. The Extreme Night Vision 2.0 helps users to recreate a million shades of night with a single tap, capturing the impressive expanse of the night through vivo’s innovative AI noise reduction algorithm. Users may also choose between HDR Super Night Portrait, Ultra-Wide Night Mode, Super Pano, Pro Sports Mode, Kids Snapshot, and Starry Sky, amongst many others.

Optimal Power and Flagship Performance

The vivo X60 series sports the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processo rthat promises smoother daily user experiences. With a substantial boost in CPU and GPU performance, these energy-efficient processors contain integrated 5G basebands that can make the user’s 5G wireless network lightning fast with minimal latency[1]. To accelerate the speed of its flagship processor, the X60 series also come with UFS 3.1 ultrafast flash memory to meet consumers’ need for running and storage.

Optimizingusers’sensory experience, the vivo X60 series features a 120Hz refresh rate[2] and 240Hz response rate running on an edge-to-edge AMOLED display. The industry-leading 120Hz refresh rate allows for effortless scrolling and viewing, while the 240Hz response rate induces an ultra-responsive touch screen to optimize user performance in gaming or occupational capacities. Additionally, the X60 series has been awarded with certifications including HDR10+, SGS Eye Care Display, SGS Seamless, and Hi-Res Audio; consumers can look forward to vivid clarity with stunning displays, leading to rich and immersive visuals that won’t strain the eyes after long periods of usage.

Ultra-Thin Design with Premium Aesthetics

The X60 boasts a stunning 6.56-inch flexible Ultra O Screencontaining a 3.96mm front camera punch-hole centered at the top with ultra-narrow bezels. Exuding elegant 3D curvature with futuristic aesthetics, the X60 series has carried on the elegance of the X50 with super-slender curves and a sleek silhouette. The contours are more captivating than ever and adorned with a choker – a beautiful band that runs along the top edge to complete a picture of grace.

The rear cameras are encased within the vivo X60 series’ New Dual-Tone Step, an ingenious layered design that refrains from an otherwise bulky look. Fashioned in thin cascading panels that rise in subtle steps, the Dual-Tone Step integrates all of the professional-grade imaging technologies and photography features co-engineered with ZEISS.

New Dual Tone Step multi-camera design

New Dual Tone Step multi-camera design

As slim as 7.36mm and weigh from 176g[3], the latest models area vailable in Shimmer Blue or Midnight Black. With Shimmer Blue, users can experience the visual radiance and feel the eternal hope of a sunrise, comprised of soft blue and purple hues that peek through the morning mist. Midnight Black is a powerful colorway that envelopes consumers in the tranquil summer night sky, allowing them to feel the fervor and passion hidden within – the energy of life.

The X60 will be available in vivo stores nationwide on May 22, Saturday. For more details on this new smartphone, visit https://www.vivoglobal.ph/phone/vivo-X60/ or visit vivo Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The X60 is also available for purchase at vivo’s official Lazada and Shopee stores.

 

vivo X60
Price Php34,999
Camera vivo ZEISS Co-engineered Imaging System
Processor Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 870
Storage* 12GB+3GB Extended RAM
256GB Internal Storage
Screen* 6.56″ Flexible 2.5 Ultra O AMOLED Screen
120Hz Refresh Rate | 240Hz Response Rate
*Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.56-inch in the full rectangle.
Actual display area is slightly smaller
Operating System Android 11 (Funtouch OS 11.1)
*Android is a trademark of Google LLC
Battery 4300mAh (TYP) with 33W FlashCharge
Connectivity Type-C, 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi MIMO, Bluetooth 5.1, OTG
Sensors In-Display Fingerprint Sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor, E-Compass, Gyroscope, Color Temperature Sensor
Location GPS, BEIDOU, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
Dimensions* Midnight Black
158.63 x 75.01 x 7.36 mmShimmer Blue
159.63 x 75.01 x 7.40 mm
*Actual Dimensions and weight may differ due to variations in processes, measurement method, and material supplies

 

[1]Actual 5G experience depends on local networks and software and is subject to the local carrier’s network situation.

[2] Some applications or gaming interfaces may be displayed with a 60 Hz refresh rate due to reasons such as software compatibility.

[3] X60 Midnight Black edition measures 7.36mm thick and weighs 176g, while Shimmer Blue edition measures 7.40mm thick and weighs 177g.

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