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UFC 205: McGregor wins 2nd title, makes history

It was a busy day at the Madison Square Garden as the UFC held another stacked event featuring big fighters such as Chris Weidman, Joana Jedrzejczyk, Conor McGregor and many more. The arena was packed as roughly around twenty thousand fans went on to witness the fights live.

The event was headlined by no other than Conor McGregor who defeated Eddie Alvarez to win the UFC Lightweight Championship. The Irishman made history as he was the first fighter ever in the UFC to hold 2 titles.

He defeated Alvarez in the second round with under two minutes remaining via knockout (punches). McGregor dominated the fight from the get-go taking down Alvarez to the ground three times in the opening round.

With this win, McGregor now holds the UFC Lightweight championship along with the UFC Featherweight title. He now improves his MMA record to 21-3.

Mobile phone brands continue to invest more in camera technology

The age of digital photography is currently at its peak, and continues to grow even faster with the emergence of innovations brought about by mobile devices. Contrary to the previous trend of high-quality cameras packed with heavy duty equipment, the name of the game in today’s field of photography is handiness brought about by the massive popularity of smartphones.

As the market’s interest in digital photography continues to grow, many of the big names in the tech industry are quick to make the most out of this trend. Global consumer electronics leader Samsung have been reported to invest approximately USD13.4B over the past two years in research and development (R&D) of its core technologies, making it as the second largest company in terms of R&D investment and even outdoing its rival, Apple. A huge bulk of these technologies is comprised of camera engineering, a feature that has helped the tech giant cement its reputation as one of the major players in the industry.
Fellow tech brand Huawei decided to foster a partnership with another tech game changer to gain advantage over its competitors. In April 2016, the Chinese tech firm unveiled the Huawei P9 and P9 Plus to the global market. Both phones boast of dual-lens cameras co-engineered with the number one premium camera manufacturer, Leica.  These two cameras are created to serve different but complementary functions: one being RBG with the other in Black and White in order to enhance image details and improve contrast values for better photo quality. Dual lens camera technology is increasingly becoming more popular among consumers as it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for digital photography: higher quality of focus, better perspective, and more visible depth of field. With the rise of such innovation, consumer preference now shifts beyond the usual megapixel count.

Leica and Huawei signed agreement on joint R&D innovation lab
Five months after this announcement came the creation of a joint R&D lab, located at the global headquarters of Leica at Wetzlar, Germany. The facility is named Max Berek Innovation Lab, after the renowned German inventor of the first ever Leica lens. The research center was specifically built to develop “software-based technologies to improve imaging quality in a wide range of photographic and mobile device applications.” Through this partnership, the two companies plan to further explore the capabilities of mobile photography in the fields of optical systems, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
The dual lens camera movement quickly gained momentum as proven by the introduction of the iPhone 7 Plus.
With these initiatives by global key players in the industry, more consumer electronic brands are expected to dedicate more of their investments in the development of camera technology and photography processing. The market can expect more cutting-edge smartphone offerings that would promise even higher quality cameras, and blur the lines between amateur and professional photography output.

Samsung no longer favored, reveals survey


The Samsung Galaxy Note S7 has been under fire for complaints of battery explosions. The product has been recalled in the market twice.
E-commerce platform Branding Brand conducted a consumer survey from October 12 to 13 involving 1,000 people who have had experience with using or owning a Samsung mobile phone at least once in their life.
The survey reveals that, surprisingly, a whopping 40 percent has voiced out that they are “done” with Samsung phones, most especially after the leading smartphone brand failed to quickly resolve a product problem in the past few months.
What this survey further suggests is the probability of 30 percent of Samsung phone owners to purchase an iPhone, while 8 percent will more likely convert to Google Pixel, and the remaining 62 percent will choose to continue using an android device from another brand.
Although disappointed with Samsung, some respondents still like the idea of using android gadgets because of familiarity and convenience. Overall, respondents who are current android users from both surveys will more likely consider other android devices such as the Sony Xperia Z5, LG G5 and photography ace Huawei P9.
A similar survey was conducted by Branding Brand after Samsung Note 7 global recall on 21-22 September had yielded a dropout result of 34 percent. This number has since increased by 6% to 40% after the announcement of global shutdown in production of Samsung Note 7.
Sources/ Links:

Battle of Dual Lens Cameras : iPhone 7 or Huawei P9

The dual camera is the new battlefield for all smartphones today. A trend which started five years ago, this movement in mobile technology is quickly gaining pace as some of the biggest names in the smartphone arena are adapting this innovation.
Chinese smartphone brand Huawei launched the P9 and P9 Plus, the frontliners of its mobile phone high-end line. Both units boast of a high-powered dual lens camera co-engineered with renowned German camera manufacturer, Leica. These dual cameras are equipped with 12MP sensors, RBG and monochromewith f/2.2 aperture that are built to work in tandem to enhance details for professional quality photos.
Months later, Apple launched its highly anticipated iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in September. Unlike its Huawei competitor, Apple only made the dual lens feature available in its iPhone 7 Plus model. Apple iPhone 7 Plus is also equipped with 12MP lenses, with one lens as wide angle and the other as a telephoto lens (2x zoom). The two lenses have f/1.8 and f/2.8 aperture, respectively.
The two smartphones seem to be in equal footing when it comes to clarity of details and overall quality of output. Nonetheless, each has its own highlights and strengths that cater to the photo savvy mobile phone user. For instance, Huawei P9 is known to be the go-to smartphone camera for taking dramatic, night cityscape shots with its low-light and bokeh photo effects, as well as its dedicated monochrome lens for crisp black and white shots. Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 Plus comes in handy in perfecting those medium shots with its 2x optical zoom enabled by the additional telephoto lens.
With their own highlight features and distinct functions, there is no clear winner in the duel between iPhone 7 Plus and Huawei P9. As seen above, iPhone 7 Plus performs  better in tighter and more focused shots due to its  post-simulation feature, which processes images in place more than the ordinary lens. On the other hand, Huawei P9 proves to be ideal for taking photos with more vivid color representation because of its P9 can stimulating capacity of flare effects and focus. 
As these big players in the smartphone industry continue to set the pace in the dual camera arena, other mobile brands are foreseen to follow suit. Apple and Huawei have currently set the standards for dual camera technology, but as the competition heats up in this field, other players are anticipated to join in the trend with their own offerings in the next few years. 

SOURCES:
http://www.xiaomitoday.com/iphone-7-plus-vs-huawei-p9-camera-comparison/
http://www.gizmochina.com/2016/09/22/dual-camera-battle-iphone-7-plus-vs-huawei-p9/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/bensin/2016/09/24/these-photos-prove-the-iphone-7-plus-doesnt-take-better-pictures-than-lg-v20-or-huawei-p9-plus/#6f0914ee2dac
https://www.cnet.com/news/dual-lens-phones-compared-iphone-7-plus-vs-huawei-p9-vs-lg-v20/
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Check-out-this-video-of-the-Rose-Gold-Apple-iPhone-7-getting-compared-to-the-iPhone-6s_id83379
http://consumer.huawei.com/en/mobile-phones/p9/images/p9/360-sequence/00.jpg

Redefining After-Sales Game in the World of Mobile Phones


Photo credit: Huawei Kuwait consumer website

The decision in purchasing mobile phones has always been a game of specs and hardware. Often neglected, but equally important is the after-sales service phone brands provide. Filipinos normally resort to DIYs such as visiting Greenhills for their trusted technician and Youtube how-to videos for a quick fix.
Yet we all know that nothing works better compared to having your very own phone brand’s after-sales service team work their magic.  


Photo credit: Greenhills Shopping Center Website
Samsung is known for having service centers within their stores where consumers can find approachable agents to assist them. Additionally, sales ladies also offer their assistance for simple repairs like updating software. If outside their expertise, they are ready to lead the consumers to customer service agents.  
Apple has been receiving mostly raves for its Apple Care service, mainly from consumers who have received new units as temporary replacement to their devices being fixed. Some rant though on the lead time it takes for their devices to get fixed or the lack of parts due to their devices easily getting phased out.
Challenger brand, Huawei, goes non-conventional and follows suit as concierge services. Huawei’s after-sales service offers a hassle-free alternative: just call the Huawei Customer Service Hotline to arrange for a free pick-up and delivery of your device/s. Consumers do not have to visit the website and troubleshoot their devices online. They can easily inform Huawei’s Customer Support Service regarding their problem then they can have one less thing to worry about.
Indeed, the mobile phone photography game has changed. The next time you purchase a phone, try thinking beyond the best camera and all other specs. Ensure that your mobile phone brand gives you also the best after-sales service customized according to your needs and busy lifestyle.


Juan Franciso Estrada makes 115 debut, Dominated Pinoy Raymond Tabugon

Former unified WBO-WBA world flyweight champion Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada made his superflyweight debut today at Francisco Leon Garcia Baseball Stadium in Puerto Penasco, Sonora Mexico.
Estrada (34-2,24) was hoping to knockout Tabugon but instead he dominated and outmuscled Filipino Tabugon (18-6-1,8) all over ten rounds.Estrada won the fight by the way of shutout  unanimous decision. The scores were 100-90 in all three scorecards.
The mexican warrior targets a rematch with the reigning pound for pound King and the WBC Superflyweight world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez of Nicaragua.

Boxing enthusiast Matt Dovin urges people to donate shoes

           
                             

Boxing enthusiast Matt Dovin urges people around the world to donate unused shoes to the poor.
“I am starting to do a shoe drive. I am collecting shoe donations. I would like to reach more than 300 pairs of shoes. I will be donating them to the poor people all over the world if anybody would like to help me out it’s appreciated please no high heels women shoes kids shoes men shoes gym shoes sandals dress shoes please make sure they are in good to great condition or slightly worn for more information please leave me a message thank you” Matt Dovin posted it on his social media account.
Matt Dovin is from Chicago. He is also a volunteer of boxing foundation that also helps poor people around the world. If you want to donate please contact him personally by leaving a message on his facebook account. Matt Dovin https://www.facebook.com/matt.dovin
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 



UFC fighter Josh Samman passes away

UFC fighter Josh Samman passes away after being in comma for almost a week, he was 28. Josh Samman has been hospitalized since late last week after his friend found him unresponsive in his home.

He was part of the 17th season of The Ultimate Fighter under Jon Jones’ team. He last fought in the UFC last July where he lost against Tim Boetsch  via TKO. He won the Performance of the Night award twice in his UFC career. Samman was also a contributor to various MMA websites.

Wearing black in Ateneo-La Salle tiff is freedom of speech



By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule



The Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University communities were urged by their respective administrations to wear black today for the first ever clash of their Seniors basketball team this season. The event is one of the most hyped games in collegiate basketball what with all the rivalry and the personalities who attend the annual game.
The sports community has been split over the political tone of the event as the wearing of black shirt or accessories signify a protest against extrajudicial killings in the country and against the burial of former President Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. From where I stand, I don’t see anything wrong with this kind of protest.
Sport provides a stage for public attention and awareness so if a sentiment is aired in an event like this, we cannot control other people’s way of showing their own opinion. International sporting events had also become a bully-pulpit for political and social concerns. In the recently concluded NBA finals between Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors in game 6 in Ohio, a man walked at the middle of the court during half time and took off his shirt, with marks written in his body protesting against now Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, some fans flashed rd cards with a message warning against human trafficking. In the recently concluded 2016 Rio Olympics, a fan from the archery competition was forcibly removed from the stands as he shouted “Temer out! It was a reference to their interim President Michel Temer who took power after the ouster of their President Dilma Rousseff thru impeachment.
Yes, I am against the burial of former President Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani and all forms of extra judicial killings in the country but I am in favor of the government’s war against illegal drugs. I am also against the President’s tirades against US and UN. Yes, I did vote for President Digong in the May polls but it doesn’t necessarily follow that I will always favor everything he does or every policy he makes. Give credit where credit is due, but vigilance will always be the light against tyranny and oppression.
email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

After conquering the odds, Lebron James is set to return to Manila!

Lebron James, who is now a three time NBA champion is set to return to Manila.

After winning his elusive third championship against Curry and the Golden State Warriors last season, James will be visiting Manila from September 8 to 9.  He will be conducting a camp for chosen winners of the  BATTLE THE DOUBT challenge. Lebron James will also have a Battle the Doubt night which will be held at Araneta Coliseum on September 8.

For more information on how you can join the Lebron James tour in Manila this year,  please visit nike.com.

NEW BALANCE Power Run 2016: November 6, 2016 at the Bonifacio Global City!


EVENT DETAILS

RACE CATEGORY AND FEE:
     
            6 KM Category– Php 850
            16 KM Category – Php 950
            25 KM Category – Php 1,150

*Early bird registrants will get a Php 100 discount.

DATE: November 6, 2016 (Sunday)

VENUE: Bonifacio Global City

GUN START:

            8 KM –   5:00 AM (Assembly time: 4:00 AM)
            16 KM – 4:30 AM (Assembly time: 3:30 AM)
            25 KM – 4:00 AM (Assembly time: 3:00 AM)
        
RACE KIT INCLUSIONS: 
8 KM Category: Race Bib w/ Timing Chip, Race Tech Shirt, New Balance freebie items (For early bird registrants only. Limited until supply lasts.), Post-run drinks.
16 KM Category: Race Bib w/ Timing Chip, Race Tech Shirt, New Balance freebie items (For early bird registrants only. Limited until supply lasts.). Post-run drinks.
25 KM Category: Race Bib w/ Timing Chip, Race Tech Shirt, Finisher’s medal, New Balance freebie items (For early bird registrants only. Limited until supply lasts.). Post-run drinks.
REGISTRATION VENUES:
Online Registration: August 16 – October 16, 2016. (Early Registration Period)
                                October 17- October 23, 2016 (Late Registration Period)
In-store Registration: September 26 – October16, 2016 (Early Registration Period)
                                October 17 – November 2, 2016 (Late Registration Period)
    Concept Stores:
     
    New Balance Uptown Mall, BGC
    New Balance Bonifacio High Street
    New Balance Glorietta
    New Balance Alabang Town Center
    New Balance Trinoma
    New Balance Marquee Mall, Pampanga
    New Balance Ayala Center, Cebu

    Get a FREE RACEKIT! 

    From 15 Aug to 15 Sept 2016, just purchase any regular-priced New Balance Vazee from any of our selected New Balance Concept Stores: Ayala Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Glorietta, Ayala North Point Talisay, Ayala Trinoma, Ayala The District Imus, Bonifacio High Street, Festival Supermall Alabang, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Robinson’s Place Ermita Manila, Shangri-la Plaza.

    Global Hoops 2016: 3 Nations Unite For A Night Of Game And Music

    Three streetball teams from three different nations have united along with the icons of Philippine hiphop for a night of fun and excitement as they have combined urban music and streetball in just one event.

    Global Hoops 2016, an event organized by sports events management and productions company, King Bally as spearheaded by its founder, Mr. Allan Delos Reyes, have gathered the strongest streetballers from USA, China, and the Philippines, in order to exhibit their owning talent in streetball, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, Pasay City on August 20.
    Streetball fans were astounded as they saw in action U.S.A’s  legend Philip Champion, also known as ‘Hot Sauce’ in streetball,  China’s More Free, Bigmax, Helmet, and many more.
    The streetball talent showcase started in a one-on-one match as Philippines’ Lil Flash took on USA’s Master Jeng of the Court Kingz, wherein the USA representative dominated the Filipino pride in the late game. 
    Furthermore, five-on-five matches were also shown in the event as Team USA, China, and Philippines have displayed a series of anlkle breaking moves and creative finishers that can only be seen in streetball.
    Team Philippines also included veteran professional players including Jimmy “The Mighty Mouse” Alapag, Willie “The Thriller” Miller, Rich Alvarez, Don Allado, Carlo Sharma, and sharpshooters Ren-Ren Ritualo and Ronjay Buenafe, UAAP standout Jeron Teng was also included on the roster.

    Aside from the talent showcase in streetball, King Bally also invited the some of the popular hiphop artists of the country such as Gloc 9, Andrew E., Abra, Loonie, Ron Henley, Quest, and the Philippine All-Stars to add up some spice to the said event through performing urban music.

    Though it started a bit late, the outcome was still great. It can be seen from the eyes of the people who watched that they have really enjoyed the event. They left the venue with their eyes amazed after seeing too much crossovers, alley-oop dunks and broken ankles, and with their ears filled with such good music.

    Aside from music lovers and hoop junkies, professional players like Talk ‘N Texts’s Mo Tautuaa and Ryan Reyes also had a great night in MOA Arena.

    The said streetball-urban music event organized by King Bally is set to support two beneficiaries – Earth Day and Christian Mission Service Philippines (CSMP).

    ADRIANO MORAES CROWNED INTERIM ONE FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION EDUARD FOLAYANG OVERCOMES DURABLE ADRIAN PANG HONORIO BANARIO SHOCKS EDDIE NG TO WIN BY UNANIMOUS DECISION

    13 August 2016 – Macao, China: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), treated fans in Macao to a thrilling evening of world-class mixed martial arts action. The Venetian Macao’s glitzy Cotai Arena played host to ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD, which featured the absolute best in local and international MMA talent. In the main event, Adriano Moraes was crowned the interim ONE Flyweight World Champion with a submission victory over Tilek Batyrov.
    Visit the official ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD photo gallery by clicking:
    In the main event of the evening, Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes of Brazil defeated Kyrgyzstan’s Tilek Batyrov by submission to capture the interim ONE Flyweight World Championship. Batyrov owned a slight advantage in the striking battle for the majority of the bout, but on the ground it was all Moraes as the Brazilian spun a web of crafty grappling to dominate Batyrov. In the second round, Moraes was finally able to lock in a deep rear naked choke to force the tap.
    Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of Baguio City, Philippines braved through an extremely durable Adrian “The Hunter” Pang, putting together one of his best performances to date. Folayang attacked his opponent with a variety of spinning back fists, wushu side kicks and sharp elbows to stop Pang in his tracks on multiple occasions. As Pang continued to stalk forward, Folayang willingly poured on various combinations. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of the Filipino MMA stalwart.
    Filipino mixed martial arts veteran Honorio “The Rock” Banario gave the performance of a lifetime with a thorough decision victory over Evolve MMA lightweight standout Eddie “The Magician” Ng. For three rounds Banario fought intelligently, tagging Ng with lightning quick strikes from his world-class wushu stance. Banario also once again put his improved grappling on display in a tight ground war with Ng. Ng started the bout off fast in his usual aggressiveness, but Banario kept his composure and was able to come away with the comprehensive win.
    Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Sydney, Australia shocked the Asian MMA world with an impeccable submission victory over 18-year old Christian “The Warrior” Lee. Nguyen owned the advantage in the striking department, landing a handful of well-time overhand punches. A left hand counter dropped Lee before Nguyen grabbed a hold of his neck in a guillotine choke. Nguyen dragged Lee to the canvas where he put his younger foe to sleep with Lee refusing to tap out.
    Alexandre “Bebezao” Machado of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Alain “The Panther” Ngalani of Hong Kong brought the crowd up to their feet with an action-packed clash of colossal heavyweights. Machado was rocked by a Ngalani combination in round one, but was able to recover when the fight went to the ground. In the second round, an exhausted Ngalani struggled to find the strength to continue, tapping to a volley of strikes from top position by Machado.
    In a tremendous battle of will, undefeated female atomweight Istela Nunes of Brazil impressed in a successful ONE Championship debut with a victory over former world title challenger Mei Yamaguchi. Nunes overcame Yamaguchi’s power and aggression by smothering the Japanese fighter in close range. The fight was close for three whole rounds as Nunes earned a razor-thin split decision.
    Ma Jia Wen proved to be a complete offensive force, showcasing his wrestling and striking skills in a comprehensive technical knockout victory over the Philippines’ Jimmy Yabo. Yabo was a live challenger for the first two rounds but faded late in the bout, succumbing to Ma’s constant pressure. After taking Yabo down in the third, Ma finished off the Filipino with ground-and-pound.
    Chinese bantamweight Ma Hao Bin overcame a spirited effort from Cambodia’s Chan Rothana, winning by three-round unanimous decision. Rothana owned a striking edge throughout the contest, but Ma was able to earn the judges’ nod in a very close fight by utilizing his world-class wrestling. All three judges saw the bout in favor of Ma Hao Bin.
    Team Lakay’s strawweight prospect Joshua Pacio opened up ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD with an impressive display of grappling skill by defeating Thai fighter Kritsada Kongsrichai in the first round by rear naked choke. Kongsrichai dominated the striking exchanges in the early going but as soon as Pacio got the takedown, he worked straight into a submission and forced the tap.
    Official results for ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD
    Interim ONE Flyweight World Championship bout: Adriano Moraes defeats Tilek Batyrov by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:49 minutes of round 2
    Lightweight bout: Eduard Folayang defeats Adrian Pang by Unanimous Decision (UD) after three rounds
    Lightweight bout: Honorio Banario defeats Eddie Ng by Unanimous Decision (UD) after three rounds
    Featherweight bout: Martin Nguyen defeats Christian Lee by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 4:30 minutes of round 1
    Heavyweight bout: Alexandre Machado defeats Alain Ngalani by TKO (Tapout) at 0:21 minutes of round 2
    Female Atomweight bout: Istela Nunes defeats Mei Yamaguchi by Split Decision (SD) after three rounds
    Featherweight bout: Ma Jia Wen defeats Jimmy Yabo by TKO (Strikes) at 2:31 minutes of round 3
    Bantamweight bout: Ma Hao Bin defeats Chan Rothana by Unanimous Decision (UD) after three rounds
    Strawweight bout: Joshua Pacio defeats Kritsada Kongsrichai by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:37 minutes of round 1
    In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.
    For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ ONEChampionship.
    About ONE Championship™
    ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, Physique TV, MYTV, HTV, Esporte Interativo and more.