Pantawid Gutom Cash Transfer in the Philippines Lauded by World Bank as world's best

Conditional cash transfer beneficiaries PHOTO FROM BLOGS.ADB.ORG

PH cash transfer program among world’s best–World Bank

The World Bank gave the country’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program high marks, saying it was one of the “largest and best-targeted social safety net programs in the world.”

Ruslan Yemstov, World Bank’s leading economist on social protection and labor, presented on Wednesday the results of the bank’s “The State of Social Safety Nets 2015” report which showed that 82 percent of the benefits of the Philippines’ CCT program went to the bottom 40 percent of the population and noted that it was “way superior” to previous social programs.

“The poor and vulnerable in the Philippines benefit from what is today one of the largest and best-targeted social safety net programs in the world,” said Yemstov, who led the team that prepared the WB report, said.

Protecting families

Social safety net programs include cash and in-kind transfers to poor households with the goal of protecting families from the impact of economic shocks, natural disasters, and other crises; ensuring that children grow up healthy, well-fed and stay in school; empowering women and girls, and creating jobs.

According to the World Bank report, more than 1.9 billion people in 136 low- and middle-income countries benefit from social safety net programs.

Across the world, CCT programs account for over 50 percent of social safety net programs, and are being implemented in 64 countries—a dramatic increase from two countries in 1997.

The report also noted that CCT had positive spillover effects on the local economy of target communities. Every dollar transferred to beneficiaries generates income ranging from $1.34 to $2.52 in local communities (“multiplier effects”).

Cash transfers boost school enrollment and attendance, increase live births in safer facilities, improve prenatal and postnatal care, promote regular growth monitoring of children during critically important early ages, and enhance food security, the report said.

In the Philippines, almost 4.5 million households are enrolled in the CCT, or Pantawid Pamilya program, from only 360,000 households in 2008.

“CCT grants account for an average of 11 percent of the income of the poorest recipient households,” noted World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi.

Keep kids healthy and in school

Evaluation studies, according to Konishi, also show that CCT in the Philippines is delivering on its objectives: keeping poor children healthy and in school.

The program increased prenatal and postnatal care by 10 percentage points and increased the delivery of babies in health facilities by skilled health professionals by 20 percentage points. Children benefited by receiving higher intake of vitamin A and iron supplementation by around 12 percentage points and by increased weight monitoring visits to health facilities by 18 percentage points.

Aleksandra Posarac, program leader of the World Bank in Manila, said the Philippines has developed a system “way superior” to previous ones.

She lauded the government’s information management system, called Listahanan,” that identifies who and where the poor are in the country.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, whose agency is the lead implementor of the social safety net program, said the data base, “in a way, makes it corruption-proof.” - INQUIRER

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2015 FIBA Asia: Gilas Pilipinas rebounds, mauls Hong Kong for first win by 51

Jayson Castro (William) led the Philippines with 21 points, five rebounds, and two assists. - Photo from FIBA File

A frustrated Gilas Pilipinas bares its teeth and bites down hard on Hong Kong for a strong recovery from a tough loss in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship

Gilas dusts off loss, mauls Hong Kong by 51

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – A different Gilas Pilipinas showed up on Thursday morning, September 24 than had been on display the day before. And they sent quite a strong message to the rest of the competition.

The 2013 FIBA Asia silver medalists vented out their frustrations from an embarrassing opening day defeat to Palestine as the 69th ranked Hong Kong was the unfortunate victim of a 101-50 decimation in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship at the Changsha Social Work College Gymnasium in Changsha, China.

Jayson Castro, or Jayson William in international play, showed why he is considered Asia's top point guard, exploding for 21 points, 5 rebounds, two assists. He also was 5-of-6 from three-point land. The speedy Castro was firing on all cylinders as he provided not only offensive ammunition but also stability and leadership in orchestrating Gilas' sets.

Andray Blatche followed up his 21-point outing vs Palestine with a 17-point, 8-rebound performance, while Dondon Hontiveros, after going one-of-6 from downtown in the previous game, found his shooting touch and went 4-of-6 from long range against Hong Kong for 14 points to go with 8 rebounds.

Terrence Romeo added 11 points on 3-of-11 triples to go with 5 rebounds, two assists and a steal. Ranidel De Ocampo chipped 10 points and 7 rebounds.

The Philippine national men's basketball team, ranked 31 in the world by FIBA, bared its teeth and bit down hard on Hong Kong from the get-go as they raced to a 20-2 lead out of the gates thanks to Castro's taking over early on.

TAKEOVER. Jayson Castro, known internationally as Jayson William, stabilizes, leads, and orchestrates Gilas Pilipinas on both ends of the floor from start to finish as the Philippines makes mince meat of Hong Kong. Photo from FIBA

And although Hong Kong, which easily dispatched Kuwait on opening day, found their stride late in the first period, and were backed by the small crowd at the venue, the Philippines refused to be slayed once again and outscored their foes 23-7 in the second period to take a 51-22 halftime lead they would never relent.

The statement game continued in the third even as cheers echoed through the arena for every made Hong Kong shot as Gilas entered the fourth period armed with an 83-38 advantage.

The Philippines' defense was sticky. They clogged the paint and made sure they had active hands and feet all throughout. Unlike the first game, Gilas found the mark from the outside with a 41.2% 3-point shooting clip as opposed to 23% versus Palestine.

After the horrible loss to Palestine, head coach Tab Baldwin dared his players to do more.

"I got nothing for rebounds. That's on you," he said after explaining some adjustments for the Hong Kong game, as shown on a TV5 report.

"If we have to discuss that issue again then I won't be interested in putting my hand in the circle again with you guys. And you guys shouldn't be interested in that too. Fair enough?"

Watch the Video of 2015 FIBA Asia Championship: Gilas Pilipinas vs Hong Kong

"Let's have integrity. Let's do what Filipino basketball players have been doing for years – let's play with puso (heart)," he added.

The team, clearly disappointed during that huddle in practice, responded nicely as they out-rebounded Hong Kong, 62-38. The Palestinians had the edge a day before, 53-58.

Gilas also remembered to move the ball around again and look for the open man as they registered 16 assists, compared to just 8 against Palestine.

They were much more aggressive, too, being smarter with their shot selection. Instead of mostly chucking three-pointers barely 24 hours earlier, Gilas took it strong to the hoop and went 17-of-28 from the line. While that free throw shooting still needs work, they limited Hong Kong to just 5-of-8 from the stripe.

Turnovers were also decreased from 15 to 10.

Siu Win Chang and Duncan Reid led Hongkong with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Gilas will round up Group B play with Kuwait on Friday, September 25. The team has no room for a loss through to the second round after dropping the Palestine game. – Rappler.com

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Armed Forces united & published a manifesto AGAINST BBL Bangsamoro - Shocks President Aquino!

Aquino ‘surprised’ by Bangsamoro manifesto

SEVERAL GROUPS of retired military and police servicemen, a number of retired chiefs-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and one retired chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) called for the junking of the peace agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in a published “manifesto” that President Benigno S. C. Aquino III said took him by surprise.

In a “Manifesto of Retired Officers” published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Monday, the groups urged the Supreme Court to declare as null and void the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), saying these agreements violate the Philippine Constitution.

The 13 groups which signed the call include the following:

* Association of General and Flag Officers

* National ROTC Alumni Association

* Kampilan Peacekeepers Association

* Fraternal Organization of ROTC Reservists and Veterans

* Filipino War Veterans Foundation

* Philippine National Police Retirees Association

* Veteran Generals and Flag Officers Federation

* Cavliers 57

* Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association

* Kapisanan ng Kawal Mindanao

* Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache Association

* Last Watering Hole

* Reform the Armed Forces Movement Foundation

Retired PNP chief Umberto A. Rodriguez also signed the manifesto, together with retired AFP chiefs Efren I. Abu, Dionisio R. Santiago, Generoso S. Sengu and Alexander B. Yano.

Political analyst Ramon C. Casiple said that in the military and police service, retired officials tend to have an influence on their junior officers given the culture and nature of these organizations.

“Within the military and police circles, they are influential in a sense that the active leaders now used to be their junior officers,” Mr. Casiple said in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

“I’m not saying that they can actually command their junior officers but we can say that their influence to them is considerable,” he added.

Mr. Aquino said he was “surprised” by the statement, as he noted several among the signatories used to be part of the security cluster.

“So, I was surprised that their reaction was to that degree and that they have objections,” Mr. Aquino told reporters Monday.

“Maybe what’s good is to have a public dialogue with them... so everyone can see if their position on the matter has sound basis,” he added.

In the manifesto, the groups called for safeguards on the proposed BBL, including provisions stating that the proposed Bangsamoro region is “a constituent part of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Other provisions being pushed in the manifesto include a renouncement of separatism, disarmament of all combatants six months after the agreement’s ratification, and conformity of the proposed Bangsamoro region with the Philippine Constitution. –read more at Business World Online

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Controversial ₱700-million Iloilo Convention Center opens for APEC Summit

PNoy opens Iloilo Convention Center

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III led on Monday the inauguration of the controversial ₱700-million Iloilo Convention Center (ICC).

Aquino opened the state-of-the-art convention facility located on a 1.7-hectare lot in Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The ICC became controversial last year after former provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada Jr. alleged that the structure was overpriced and implicated Senate President Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo.

Mejorada accused Drilon of conspiring with a supposedly favored contractor to rig the bidding of the project.

Mejorada alleged that W.V. Coscoluella and Associates, which designed the building, was awarded a contract without a public bidding and that construction was overpriced by ₱488 million.

President Aquino at the inauguration of the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City. Official Gazette PH

Drilon was charged with graft before the Office of the Ombudsman in October 2014, but the charge was dismissed for lack of merit.

Two stories high with a floor area of 11,832 square meters, the ICC can accommodate over 3,000 guests. It will be used as one of the venues for some high-level ministerial meetings of this year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

The construction of the ICC began in 2013 and was based on a design inspired by Iloilo's Dinagyang and Paraw festivals.

Aquino also joined the ceremonial launch of the Iloilo Business Park and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. - Louis Bacani @philSTAR

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VIDEO: Pinay X Factor favorites 4th Power grew up in poverty before shooting to stardom got standing Ovation

The group impressed the judges. image: mirror.co.uk

X Factor favorites 4th Power grew up in poverty before shooting to stardom, their mum reveals

The girl group sparked outrage last week as it was revealed they were professionals, but they have come a long way from their childhood

X Factor favorites 4th Power grew up in poverty before reaching stardom, their mum has revealed.

Filipino sisters Almira, 27, Celena, 19, Mylene, 23, and Irene, 25, wept with joy on the opening show after getting a standing ovation from the new judging panel of Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw.

Some viewers were livid when the Sunday People last week revealed they were seasoned professionals.

But life has not always been so good. The girls grew up in a poor neighborhood in the city of Santiago with two more siblings, their junk dealer dad Dominador and mum Erlindo.

Revealing the family's struggle, Erlindo said: "We moved from place to place to find a better life. Poverty forced my husband to buy and sell bottles and newspapers in a pushcart.

"I sold Tupperware, beauty products and fashionwear. With our hard work, we sent our five daughters and our son to school."

She revealed how they got their first break by finishing second in a family singing contest while wearing homemade kit.

The group appeared on This Morning

The sisters raised travel money by singing at an arena between cock fights and went on to perform at birthdays, weddings and concerts to help pay for school tuition.

A string of international competitions followed.

The band had told X Factor producers about their extensive experience before being invited to perform for the judges.- Read more at Mirror.co.uk

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Piolo Pascual back on the cover of Esquire

Piolo Pascual @ Esquire. image: Coconuts Manila

This time, Piolo Pascual gets his solo Esquire cover.

Unlike his usual glossy appearances in other magazines, Kapamilya idol Piolo Pascual sported a gritty, understated look on the September issue cover of Esquire. The cap Piolo was wearing is actually owned dby photographer Geric Cruz, who shot the cover.

In a Facebook post, Esquire said Papa P will be sharing his thoughts on fatherhood, fame, and his role in Lav Diaz's movie Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis.

Of all his experiences on cam, Piolo told Esquire that playing Simoun, who is based in Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, is one of his most challenging roles to date.

Esquire last had Piolo on the cover in 2013, when he was promoting the film, On The Job. At that time, he shared the cover with co-stars Gerald Anderson and Joel Torre.

"I think I’ve come to the point in my life where I can say, 'I think I’ve done enough.' I’ve done more than enough. But if God is going to take me some place else, I won’t mind. But for now, damn, man... never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d get this far," Piolo said.

The September 2013 issue will also be giving readers an inside look at the set of the film, as well as Lav's directing style.

With the theme "Say You Want A Revolution"  (a line from Revolution of The Beatles, yes?), Esquire also touches on poems from writer and poet Pete Lacaba and a love story from the Martial Law era.

More of Papa P coming through:

Piolo Pascual @ Esquire. image: Coconuts Manila

Piolo Pascual @ Esquire. image: Coconuts Manila

Read more at Coconuts Manila

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Alex Castro's Penis groped at Cospomolitan Bash 2015 Showdown

Alex Castro's dick groped by an anonymous fans during his Cosmopolitan Bash 2015 stage ramp - image: grabbed from PEP Youtube channel

Alex Castro's "jun-jun" groped at #CosmoCarnival 2015

As posted at Philippine Entertainment Portal or PEP, Isang mahiwagang "nilalang" ang tila sinuwerte dahil nahawakan nito ang "jun-jun" ng Kapamilya actor/performer na si Alex Castro sa Cosmo Carnival 2015 na ginanap noong September 5, sa SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds sa Pasay City, Philippines.

Na-spot-an ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ang pangyayari na makikita sa video na ito simula sa 0:35:

Or, tingnan nyo na lang yung pangatlong photo sa gallery sa sa baba.

Alex Castro - image source: pep.ph

Alex Castro - image source: pep.ph

Alex Castro's penis groped by a mysterious fans - image source: pep.ph

Alex Castro - image source: pep.ph

Sa huli, tila na-enjoy pa rin naman ni Alex ang Cosmo Bash ngunit nag-iwan siya ng mensahe sa mahiwagang "nilalang" sa kanyang Instagram account.

Sabi ni Alex: "Salamat sa #cosmopolitan at sa lahat na nanood. Dun sa nanghawak bonus na sayo yan! Wag ka na maghuhugas ng kamay. #cosmopolitancarnival2015"

Read more at Philippine Entertainment Portal

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Gilas Pilipinas whips Chinese Taipei-B, finishes 2nd in Jones Cup

image: Inquirer

TAIPEI – Gilas Pilipinas, as expected, rampaged past Chinese Taipei B, 96-67, and secured first runner-up honors at the close of the 2015 Jones Cup invitational basketball tournament at the Xinchuang Gymnasium here Sunday (September 6, 2015).

The Nationals pulled away early and preserved a commanding lead to the finish to end up with a 6-2 win-loss record, a game behind Iran at 7-1.

Gilas Pilipinas pulled off earlier wins over Taipei A (77-69), Spartak-Primorye of Russia (85-71), Japan (75-60), the Wellington Saints of New Zealand (92-88) and USA Select-Overtake (78-74), and suffered losses against South Korea (70-82) and Iran (65-74).

Ahead of the Gilas-Taipei B tiff, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan prodded the Nationals to finish strong, thanking them for the patriotism they stirred on their proud showing here.

“Best of luck Gilas on your last game. Team has generated a lot of goodwill here,” Pangilinan posted on his Twitter account @iamMVP.

“I’m surprised myself at the level of keen interest, and support, as well as a strong sense of patriotism you guys have stirred,” he also said. “Let’s finish strong today; make this country stand taller and prouder. Cheers. Puso!”

The Nationals obliged, capping a performance that coach Tab Baldwin considered “a big step for FIBA Asia.”

“With all the circumstances, I’m pleased with the second-place finish. It’s respectable,” said Baldwin. “It’s not really want you want, but we take the most of it. And there are many positives.”

“Like Iran, Japan and korea, we came here to get better for FIBA Asia. It’s a very difficult format playing eight games in eight days. I think there were positives out of that, but we suffered fatigue and injuries. Importantly, we’ll take the positives from our Jones Cup experience,” he added.

Without a doubt, the Nationals got improvements in so many aspects, putting some of these in display in their lopsided win over Taipei B.

Gary David took his turn to lead the way with a game-high 22 points spiked by two three-pointers while Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo and Moala Tautuaa contributed double-digit outputs as the Nationals rolled past the young Taiwanese squad for a fifth podium finish here in the last 11 years.

Tautuaa and Calvin Abueva delivered 12 and eight points, respectively, playing their eighth game in eight days here. The two were the only Gilas players who played here without a day’s rest.

Abueva finally got a rest after hurting his back on a bad fall six minutes and 17 seconds into the game.

Subbing for Abueva, Troy Rosario nailed the two gift shots as Gilas seized the lead at 22-21 before eventually pulling away en route to the win and the second-place finish coming after Gilas II’s title run here in 2012.

It’s Team Phl’s eighth podium finish overall in the Jones Cup after four title conquests and three third-place finishes.

Iran recaptured the Jones Cup crown with a 7-1 record, its lone defeat coming at the hands of the Americans when the Iranians rested 7-foot-2 behemoth Hamed Haddadi.

Haddadi threw his weight against the Filipinos, but Baldwin can count on Andray Blatche to match up with the Iranian giant on their rematch in FIBA Asia.

The 6-foot-10 NBA veteran was to arrive here Sunday night and is to rejoin Gilas in practice in Manila starting Wednesday.

Blatche and the entire pool will have three practice days before plunging back into action in the MVP Cup on Friday to Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. (SB)

The scores:

Gilas 96 – David 22, Castro 15, Tautuaa 12, De Ocampo 10, Abueva 8, Intal 7, Ramos 7, Thoss 6, Rosario 6, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Norwood 0, Taulava 0.

Taipei B 67 – Chien 18, Hsiao 14, Lin 9, Lee 9, Huang 8, Lee 3, Liu2, Lin CW 2, Chen 2, Chou 0, Cheng 0, Chien 0.

Quarterscores: 24-21, 50-32, 82-52, 96-67 - INQUIRER

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Was Julie Anne once the 'Yaya Dub' in Alden's life?

(Right) Julie Anne San Jose: The blessings are pouring. (Left) Alden Richards, rumored to have been Julie Anne’s first (secret?) boyfriend. - image: philSTAR

Because the AlDub tandem of Alden Richards and Yaya Dub/Maine Mendoza is the most popular today, not just here but around the world (in Filipino communities reached by GMA Pinoy TV), the name Julie Anne San Jose is brought up as having been a “Yaya Dub” in Alden’s life once upon a time (although she and Alden would keep mum if reminded about it).

I guess if asked about it, Julie Anne would simply blush as an answer. Same with Alden. Why their romance didn’t progress (didn’t it, secretly?) remains a little mystery up to now.

Both are happy where they are, Alden as the current Crush ng Bayan, Pambansang Dimples and Pambansang Bae rolled into one, and Julie Anne in GMA shows Buena Familia, Sunday PINASaya and Pepito Manaloto. Currently in New York (with Dingdong Dantes, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Christian Bautista and Betong Sumaya) for the 10th-anniversary celebration (yesterday) of GMA Pinoy TV, Julie Anne was recently named the newest celebrity advocate of World Vision. The music video of her latest single titled Not Impressed will be released anytime now.

Funfare let Julie Anne play the “If I Were” game.

• If I were an animal, I would be... A bird. I want to fly.

• If I were a song, I would be... Who You Love. Just because...Hahahaha!

• If I were a place, I would be... Outer space. Space-walking would be cool.

• If I were a tree, I would be... Cherry Blossoms. I wish to take it home.

• If I were a flower, I would be... A rose. I find it really lovely.

• If I were a food, I would be... Pizza. I’d never ever give up pizza.

• If I were a movie, I would be… A Marvel movie. I’m always fond of any Marvel movie.

• If I were a car, I would be... Lamborghini. That car’s sexy.

• If I were a part of the house, I would be... The music room, my comfort zone.

• If I were a hero, I would be... Superman. He’s a classic.

• If I were a cartoon character, I would be... Spongebob. He’s so cute and soft.

• If I were a book, I would be... The Mortal Instruments series. I’m addicted to it.

• If I were a Hollywood actor/actress, I would be... Johnny Depp. He can portray and slay any role.

• If I were a subject (Math, English, etc.), I would be... Science. I love science.

• If I were a president, I would be... Abraham Lincoln. He’s appointed to be the best leader of all time.

• If I were a perfume, I would be…Burberry. It has a sweet scent.

• If I were a musical instrument, I would be... A piano. It’s very soulful and can touch many hearts.

• If I were a drink, I would be… Water. It’s the major constituent of the fluids of organisms.

• If I were a country, I would be... Japan. I’ve never been there and I heard so many good things about that country.

• If I were a fictional character, I would be... Santa Claus. I also wanna ride on his flying sleigh with the reindeer.

• If I were a music icon, I would be... Beyoncé. Ultimate performer.

• If I were a luxury brand, I would be... Hermes. It’s a beautiful brand.

• If I were a sport, I would be... Firing. Guns are cool (if properly used).

• If I were a dessert, I would be… A cake. All-time favorite.

• If I were a season, I would be... Spring. Not that hot, not that cold. - philSTAR

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German Technology unveiled new "inkless" printing instant digital camera

Print your photo instantly without using any ink! Its German technology image: Polaroid

Polaroid Snap: their new “inkless” instant digital camera

Berlin – Polaroid announced at the IFA 2015 in Berlin, Germany, its new Snap instant digital camera. The pocket-size device delivers the simplicity and instantaneity by which the brand is known for and it is available at a very reasonable price. But was is most appealing about the $99 digital camera is that it uses ink-free Zero Ink Printing technology developed by ZINK.

The Polaroid Snap contains a 10MP digital instant camera with an incorporated printer that uses ZINK Zero Ink Printing technology. Its 2.8 lens is a fixed focal length, meaning there is no zoom. It doesn’t have a screen, but instead has a pop-up optical viewfinder on top. Additionally to having a photo booth mode, which takes six pictures in 10 seconds with or without the classic Polaroid photo border, users will also be able to set a 10-second timer.

Moreover, consumers can instantly print full 2×3-inch images automatically when the picture is taken. Due to its fast printing abilities, users will be able to shoot new images while the device is printing.

The new addition to the Polaroid family also features a MicroSD up to a 32GB capacity to save images for later uploading them to a computer, cloud service or share in any social media.

Design

The Polaroid Snap minimalist design features a look that incorporates classic elements of the Polaroid legacy, such as the iconic Polaroid Color Spectrum. The resulting design involved the efforts from Ammunition, a design firm that was also behind the creation of the Polaroid Zip, Polaroid Cube and Polaroid Cube+.

Furthermore, the digital camera will be available in black, white and vintage Polaroid.

The Polaroid Snap instant digital camera uses the groundbreaking ink-free Zero Ink Printing technology developed by ZINK. The essential element of the revolutionary technology is the patented ZINK Paper, which is an advance material embedded with cyan, yellow and magenta dye crystals including a securing polymer overcoat.

Before printing, the dye crystals are colorless so the ZINK Paper looks like a regular photo paper. But when printing, the device uses heat to activate and colorize the crystals, resulting in a full colored picture. Additionally, the ZINK Paper is adhesive backed so the photo can be used as a sticker. - Polaroid / Pulse Headlines

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New Apple battery so powerful that your phone could last weeks

'Fuel cell': The new tech could end the misery of short battery life for millions - image: mirror.co.uk

Apple patent envisions fuel cell battery that could power a smartphone for weeks

Quick, what's your No. 1 qualm about smartphones? Chances are, you said "battery life." Most smartphones today, even high-end ones, barely last a day of heavy use.

Apple is looking to fix that problem with a new patent, filed in March and published Sept. 3, that describes a "fuel cell system for a portable computing device."

The patent envisions a system consisting of a fuel cell, which converts fuel to electrical power, an interface to the portable computing device (e.g. smartphone) and a controller that monitors the state of the fuel cell and controls it.

An image from an Apple patent filing, describing a fuel cell system for powering portable computing devices - image: Freepatentsonline

As far as patent applications go, this one seems pretty broad; for example, it mentions many possible fuel sources, ranging from lithium hydride and water mix to liquid hydrogen.

The patent posits that a hydrogen fuel cell could "enable continued operation of portable electronic devices for days or even weeks without refueling" (wouldn't that be dreamy), but also immediately mentions that it's "extremely challenging" to design portable, cost-effective hydrogen fuel cell systems.

As always, a patent filing does not mean we'll soon (or ever) see a product using the technology. A duo of very similar patents, also filed by Apple, were published in 2011, and they definitely haven't resulted in any real world products yet. At least the new filing shows Apple is still interested in the technology, rekindling hopes of a fuel cell iPhone in the future. - Mashable

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Men, Hunks, Pinoy, Pinoy Actor, Model, Entertainment, Hot bodies, Philippines, Bachelor

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

IN PHOTOS: Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2015

MANILA, Philippines – The men of Cosmo's annual Bachelor Bash took the stage once again at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on Saturday, September 5. This year's bash, themed "Cosmo Carnival," featured celebrities like Daniel Matsunaga, JC de Vera, Elmo Magalona, GMA 7 actor Derrick Monasterio and model and host LA Aguinaldo, walking the stage to the sound of screaming fans.

Most of the guys will be in the CosmoMen supplement in Cosmo's September issue with Erich Gonzales on the cover.

Check out the photos form the Carnival below:

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

See more photos in Rappler

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