by Cherl/Uncrumpled
http://uncrumpled.co.cc/?p=217
December 31, 2009 – Thursday

Dragonica Online the latest MMO published by the leading Online Game Publisher of the country – IP e-Games PH, and handled by Dragonica Community Manager Pyro, formerly Community Game Master Cerberus.

The game’s style is like a chibi-anime, characters are really cute xD. We can choose from 4 different first-class-characters for character creation. There is a Ninja, a Knight, a Mage, and an Archer, they can all evolve to second class and third class characters. During character creation, you can select the gender, character class, face,
hair, and hair color of your character.

One good thing about this game is that, you start with cool clothes already, you won’t be thinking much that you are a newbie.

http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/news/view.php?id=15381&cid=5
December 29, 2009 – Tuesday

Manila, Philippines -- IP e-Game Ventures Inc. recently held the biggest single-day free play event for Runes of Magic, the high-fantasy MMORPG that is set to redefine the standards of the local free-to-play scene.

Runes of Magic (ROM) pulled off this feat last December 11 holding a nationwide simultaneous freeplay event. A large host of players flocked the selected key internet cafés located strategically around Metro Manila, with other vital locations in Bulacan, Cebu, and Davao.

Apart from increasing the already brimming awareness on Runes on Magic, the free-play event also served as a test phase for the servers that will house the upcoming OBT and commercial periods. This is the way for IP e-Game Ventures Inc. to ensure its players will receive the utmost game experience and satisfaction. The event also made it
possible for e-Games know from the players themselves their suggestions and expectations from the game.

Edwin Sallan
http://mb.com.ph/articles/235745/ip-egames-bares-new-online-game-2010
December 26, 2009 – Saturday

FAIRVIEW GAMING team wins 1st ever OP7 National Championships and bags P200,000 cash prize.

Even as it maintains its dominance in the field of online gaming in 2009, IP E-Game Ventures, Inc. or simply IP E-Games, the number one-ranked online gaming publisher in the country announced the launching of more new titles for 2010.

During its recently concluded Road To Dominance IV event, E-Games Chief Operating Officer Gil Edeza announced these new online titles namely Dragonica, a side-scrolling adventure game, Bandmaster, a music band game and OP7, its newest massively multiplayer online first person shooter or MMOFS will be available by the first quarter of next year.

Edeza says Dragonica boasts of RPG elements and an eight-way side-scrolling system in full 3D that provides fun and intuitive gameplay even for first time players. “Dragonica has the potential for bringing all kinds of gamers together in one game,” he points out.

“Its easy-to-use interface and gameplay system will appeal to casual gamers and first-time MMOG players, while the game’s RPG elements, combo system and PvP battles will also attract veteran players.”

Heidi Mendita-Garayblas, Vice President for e-Games, adds that the game’s appeal widespread appeal is rooted in its uniqueness.

“Dragonica, though side-scrolling, is the first to use 3D graphics to enable more freedom of movement. With its humor and use of pop-culture references, it’s easy to have fun while playing this game.”

By: Alexander Villafania
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20091224-243801/Local-ICT-executives-and-their-Christmas-wish-list
December 24, 2009 - Thursday

MANILA, Philippines - INQUIRER.net asked top executives within the local information and communications technology (ICT) industry what’s in their Christmas wish list.

James Velasquez, IBM Philippines country manager “I believe it’s time to put the not so good things behind and move forward to a better and smarter 2010. On behalf of IBM, I would like to wish the entire nation a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

Barry Bunyi, Dell Philippines country manager “My personal wish is for the Philippines to continue to surprise the world by growing GDP amidst the economic slowdown. The 1-2% projected growth in 2009 is a welcome relief that what we feared did not necessarily occur. In 2010, may we be able to pleasantly surprise everyone by growing higher than the 4% our government is forecasting. As a Filipino, I also wish that we have a peaceful election in May and may the Filipino people be able to discern well who our next leaders should be.”

Teddy Tiu, Autodesk Philippines country manager “I wish that we will be able to reach out to more institutions, like the donation made to Sisters of Mary School, and impart the knowledge of using Autodesk design tools to less privilege students. This knowledge of Autodesk design tools would then translate to providing better opportunities and thereby, uplift their living standards in the society and promote sustainable development in the whole country for the achievement of long lasting peace to every citizen.

Manuel Wong, Acer Philippines country manager  “For the company, wishing for another successful year for Acer Philippines. Personally, wishing for another year of family blessings.”

Ronnie Latinazo, EMC Philippines country manager “I always wish for prosperity, happiness and peace for myself.
Specific for 2010, I wish for full economic recovery for the world.”

Gil Edeza, IP E-Games Chief Operating Officer “I wish the New Year will start really with a bang with our new games and titles, that the game industry grows in general, and for everyone to feel that in our hearts we are all gamers.”

Monchito Ibrahim, Commission on Information and Communications Technology Commissioner “A successful 2010 automated elections and industry, government and the academe really working together to address the talent supply situation.”

Business Mirror – Technology C4
December 24, 2009 – Thursday

IP-Converge Data Center and BTI Global signed a private lease circuit deal to expand services.

BTI Global Communications Japan Inc., the Tokyo-based subsidiary of Bayan Telecommunications Inc., announced recently that the company has signed a contract with IP-Converge Data Center Inc. (IP-Converge), the information technology and telecommunications subsidiary of publicity listed IPVG Corp., for an international private lease circuit (IPLC) with bandwidth capacity of 620 megabits per second.

Cornelius Macalino, managing director at BTI Global, said this order will address the expected increase in demand for telecommunications services as Bayan and BTI Global aims to serve more markets, not only in the Philippines but also in Japan and in other Asian cities.

“There is a huge opportunity for Bayan and BTI to address not only the domestic and Japan-Philippine market, but that of fast-growing Asian cities,” says Macalino. “IP-Converge provides a reliable solution that supports our company’s strategic initiatives, particularly their capacity on the Intra-Asia Capable Systems [IAC] which will give us unparalleled access to major Asian markets.

BTI Global Inc., will leverage on IP-Converge’s capacity on the IAC for its Japan-Manila connectivity. The IAC is a 6,700-kilometer multi-terabit cable system that connects Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. The cable system offers the lowest latencies to these countries and connects seamlessly with existing cable systems in the Asia-Pacific region. Its unique design bypasses earthquake zones around Taiwan, potentially eliminating the risk of cable cuts brought about by natural disasters.

“We just acquired our IAC capacity earlier this year and we are very pleased to have almost immediately addressed a large requirement for a global company such as BTI,” said Percival C. de los Reyes, IP-Converge senior vice president for managed data services.

BTI Global was established in Tokyo, Japan as what began as a prepaid and rechargeable phone card service giving the overseas Filipino market a voice and text messaging connection to the Philippines. It later evolved into a provider of a full range of telecommunications services in the country.

By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First posted: 12/24/2009

Despite a slow start and cautious steps, the information and communications technology (ICT) industry in the Philippines went on to recover from the economic crisis that rocked the world in 2008.

Many ICT executives saw somewhat better working environments. For some, it may be a surprise but to these executives, it was a mix of good business decisions that led to more manageable operations.

Resiliency

2009 will end with many ICT companies describing the year as challenging but manageable. On a larger scale, the industry was resilient and optimistic.

Acer Philippines Country Manager Manuel Wong described the year as being positive amid increased competition. He said his company was faced by cut throat pricing and the entry of more players in the already crowded PC business, especially on netbooks.

IBM Philippines Country General Manager James Velasquez also said that it was a challenging year but that the ICT industry is just as resilient. For IBM, it was still a good year as it made several client wins.

Velasquez cited several local companies that made such strategic investments in ICT. These include Globe Telecom, Metrobank, Coke, Del Monte, Red Dragon Farms, to name a few.

EMC Philippines Country Manager Ronnie Latinazo noted that businessmen, with a foreknowledge of the problems they could face if they do not make sound decisions to upgrade their IT infrastructure, made necessary adjustments in allocating their resources for sustainable operational efficiency.

Reflecting on the same issue, Dell Philippines Country Manager Barry Bunyi also noted that businesses were also well aware of the consequences of remaining conservative when it comes to IT investments.

“Companies were spending where it made most sense and yet continued to demand IT solutions that were not only more cost efficient at the time period of acquisition, but throughout its usage lifecycle,” Bunyi said.

Natural disasters

Tropical storm “Ondoy” and Typhoon “Pepeng,” which wrought hundreds of millions of pesos in damages, put even more strain on the industry. Some companies, especially those in the contact center businesses, had to temporarily stop operations of their locations when some of their locations got flooded.

Other shops with warehouses located in affected areas of Metro Manila lost millions of stocks of equipment.

Still, the disaster pushed companies put the concept of disaster preparedness at top priority. In a previous interview, the new Philippines manager of APC by Schneider Philippe Reveilhac said that companies were looking towards better business continuity measures in the face of such natural disasters.

APC provided assistance to its customers and, for some time, offered an exchange program for customers who want to replace damaged power supplies for new products.

As a result of these disasters, some companies started looking at new building designs to ensure business continuity. Teddy Tiu, Autodesk Philippines country manager, said there has been an emphasis on ICT’s role on urban planning for disaster preparedness and response.

“Design solutions, for example, can contribute to these efforts by providing design innovation tools and technologies that will enable them to visualize, simulate and analyze their design before being physically built,” Tiu said.

Election blues

Even while companies seem to be gung-ho about next year, only a few share some cautious expectations for 2010. Rightly so as the next presidential elections could decide how businesses would prepare themselves amid “normal” political environments.

Gil Edeza, chief operating officer of IP E-Games said companies, still cautious after their experiences during the previous economic crisis, would only start to invest after the May elections, when a new president is announced.

Commissioner Monchito Ibrahim of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) is also wishing that there should be a successful automation of the 2010 election.

He also hopes that the 2010 election would show how the private sector could work closely with academic institutions to ensure the poll automation successful.

As the year draws to a close, the ICT industry remains to be in good spirits, albeit still cautious.
Nevertheless, the industry is expected to benefit from positive economic gains in the coming year as companies invest in technology to further improve their operations.

What remains to be seen is how technology spending progresses, particularly after the elections, which can be a good indicator of economic recovery for the country.

Dandi Galvez
Philippine Star – Billboard, page C7
December 20, 2009 – Sunday

The movile applicatiosn development bubble just got bigger with the announcement of “Mobile Xtreme! The Big Apps Competition”, a nationwide search for the most innovative mobile applications that is open to all. Anyone, from tech gurus, computer students and amateurs, can join the competition.

At the helm of this groundbreaking endeavor is IPVG Corp., a fast-growing company engaged in the information communications and technology (ICT) industry; MegaMobile Inc., its mobile communications business unit; and in partnership with the Ayala Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and GlobeLabs, a division of Globe Telecom that focuses on technologies.

Dickie Gonzales, Tech Entrep mentor, lecturer, TechBootCamp director and president of the Philippine Emergic Start-ups Open (PESO) Inc., says, “This started in an innovation forum [in 2008] when Enrique Gonzales, CEO of IPVG Corp., gave a talk and said we need to develop our own games locally because all of our games are imported. We’re paying a lot of royalties for those. Ranulf Gross of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) was there and said GDAP is going to help support that. As we got to talk about it, we said, the mobile space is really getting big so why don’t we do something that would fit into the mobile space?”

Eventually, MegaMobile got involved and has supported the competition since. “When we found out that there was going to be a collaboration between IPVG and TBI, we felt it was a timely activity considering the mobile industry is growing,” said Manny Fernando, president of MegaMobile Inc.

Why mobile? Fernando explains: “Two main things: The market is there. You have 65 million mobile phone users. Second, the reason we concentrated on Java is it’s really not that difficult to build an application around Java. There’s a lot of competence already locally.

I think an activity like this will definitely interest a lot of people. That’s why we said students, established corporations or individuals can join. Considering the development of and growth of the data business, the only thing really lacking is Filipino content.”

Why Java? As an aggregator, MegaMobile welcomes mobile concepts and developed products (preferably the latter) for applications that run on the Java (J2ME) platform. The competition will be facilitated through an official web-based portal where contestants can upload their entries, which can consist of applications under the following categories.

Category 1: Games and Entertainment Entertainment, fun and games
Category 2: Enterprise and Productivity - Enterprise and productivity solutions; applications that address business needs as well as home and work productivity needs of individuals;
Category 3: Cause-oriented Cause-oriented applications, news and public service applications that address needs of underserved and marginal sectors of society (ex: farmers, fishermen).

The competition presents a chance for developers to showcase original applications. The best entries will receive infrastructure support from IPVG to help develop their ideas into full-blown commercial products, plus, a chance to have their products launced commercially through IPVG and MegaMobile. Category winners will also receive a bonus cash prize of P50,000 each.

“We want to establish a developing application. It’s a form of technology business in a smaller way,” averred Gonzalez. “One of our objectives is to assist the techies, not just to develop an application but to find a complete commercial use for it.”

He continues, “I’d like for people to think that even if they are not techies, they can join. What’s more important is the idea. To write out the software and the code for it is something they can acquire from other people.”

By going to the competition website, groups or individuals may join the forums and take part in the ongoing discussions on the latest trends in mobile applications.

Entries may be uploaded at www.mobilextreme.ph, where online learning materials, discussions and forums will be held simultaneously during the competition period, which runs from November 2009 to February 2010. The deadline for submission of entries is on January 10, 2010.

For details and to learn more about the organizers, visit www.ayalatbi.org, www.ipvg.com, or www.mymegamobile.com. To learn more about GlobeLabs, visit www.globelabs.com.ph. For inquiries, email innovation@ayalafoundation.org or call 752-1267.

Melvin G. Calimag
Manila Bulletin – Infotech, B-7
December 18, 2009 – Friday

A Tokyo-based subsidiary of Lopez-owned carrier Bayan Telecommunications has contracted the IT and telecoms arm of local tech conglomerate IPVG for the lease of a high capacity bandwidth.

In a statement, BTI Global Communications Inc., said it has signed a contract with IP Converge Data Center for an International Private Lease Circuit (IPLC) with bandwidth capacity of STM-4 or 620 Mbps.

http://www.davaopress.com/?p=330
December 18, 2009 – Friday
(IPVG mentioned)

AT least 150 young Filipino leaders inspire in recent multi-cultural, multi-sectoral dialogue of the Asia-Pacific Region that encourage and push for a more dynamic participation of young leaders in their own spheres of influence.

Bacolod Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and several other young Filipino leaders had an inspiration during the Asia Society’s Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last November with the theme: “The Changing Face of Leadership: Crisis and Opportunity”.

“The summit gave me more inspiration to continue and never give up fighting for our generation’s survival. I believe the new generation of young leaders in Asia and the Pacific will lead our countries and eventually, our world to a brighter future. There is the indomitable spirit in each one of us to persevere in protecting the environment,
promoting honest governance and corporate social responsibility”, Batapa-Sigue said, who was among the ten emerging young leaders chosen to represent the country.

 …The Philippines 21 delegates for the year 2009 includes Steve Laurence Arquiza, Secretary General of Junior Chamber International of Davao City, Jocelle Escalante Batapa-Sigue, Bacolod City Councilor, Jose Romeo De La Cruz, Santiago City Councilor, Cecile Victoria Dominguez, Executive Director, Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara
Foundation, Jaime Enrique Yuchengco Gonzalez, President and CEO of IPVG Corporation, Ryan Guinaran, Local Reform Implementation Coordinator for Mountain Provinces - Formula One For Health, Dennis Gupa, Stage Director of the University of The Philippines in Los Baňos, Rommel Juan, President of Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc., Darwin
D.J. Mariano, Public Affairs Director of Cemex Asia Pte. Ltd. and Efren Peňaflorida, CNN Global Hero 2009.

http://www.psep-online.com/entertainment/gameplay-digital-entertainment/a-new-breed-of-cyber-athletes.html
December 16, 2009

OP7 First National Championship Open the Doors to Professional Gamers

December, 2009 – X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play), the joint venture company of IP e-Game Ventures Inc. (e-Games) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc. (GMA7) held the First OP7 National Championship Tournament, offering the bounty to change Massively Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter Gaming in the country.

The First OP7 National Championship was one of the main highlights during Road to Domination 4 (R2D4), the year-ender event of e-Games and X-Play held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. “R2D4 was attended by more than 10,000 gamers based on pre-registered attendees and walk-in registrations at the event,” says George Royeca, Chief Operating Officer of X-Play Online Games Inc.

“The PhP 200,000 winner-take-all grand prize of the OP7 National Tournament held during R2D4 brought out the best of this generation’s Cyber Athletes, as this is the biggest published cash prize ever to be given in a Philippine online FPS tournament,” says Royeca.

OP7 Product Manager Sonny Carlos claims, “There is nothing more important than reflexes and the capacity to work under pressure. With that much money on the line, some gamers play like their lives actually are a stake.”

The Best FPS Players from All Over The Country

The OP7 National Championship brought out the very best First Person Shooter (FPS) players from all around the country. The tournament consisted of 3 death match battles where winners were determined by either being the first to 50 kills or the most kills within a time limit. These short series of matches were formulated to eliminate the least skilled, non-cooperative teams quickly. The Wildcard Slot brought 20 teams vying for the open spot in the final four.

These final four slots were filled by the following teams:

Luzon : Fairview Gaming

Visayas : Team Bisdak

Mindanao : Team Carnage

Wildcard Slot : FG-HOA

Each brought their own special ingredients to the brew.

However, the final two teams had a particularly special concoction.
Team FG-HOA consisted of the most seasoned players who had not only won previous battles, but they have also trained with some of the players from the opposition, Fairview Gaming. The match played out with safe strategy and tactic, using defense once the kills were high so the timer would call the win. The third round however brought a long 6 minute standoff. Fairview Gaming team member “Pandemic” took the first shot into enemy territory, eventually disposing all 4 team characters from FG-HOA, before he was taken down.

At the end of the tournament, Fairview Gaming bested more than 1,000 players from all over the Philippines and was named as the Grand Champions of the 1st ever OP7 National Tournament.

Fairview Gaming team members Wren Cris O. Canizeres [a.k.a. WakWakYou], Oscar L. Rogel Jr. [a.k.a. Pandemic], Alvin P. Rillera [a.k.a. SgtWapak], and Melvin P. Basuel [a.k.a. L4nce] shared how they all were all hyped up to beat the other contenders, and that they spent numerous hours practicing and analyzing their tactics. These hours rack to about 4-6 a day at least 5 days a week.

Melvin P. Basuel [L4nce] also tells us about their win. “Nasa kanila yung advantage.” [They had the advantage.] The opposition for the finals had seasoned players who had been competing for the World Cyber Games (WCG) since 2001, an international e-sports event which unites gamers from all over the world.

“Nasa amin yung strategy” [We had the strategy,] he continues on to say.

“Years na kami nagpapractice, so kumbaga lahat ng efforts namin namunga na.” [After years of practice, all our efforts finally bore fruit.] Melvin P. Basuel [L4nce], the team commander speaks for everyone. The team members will be giving most of the winning to their parents. For most of them, it took some time to wear the parents down so that they could finally be allowed to practice.

Now he tells us, “Ngayon balato balato na ang sinasabi nila.” [Now they ask for some of the winnings.]

Interestingly, their tactics are used by soldiers in real life battle. With the advent of games such as OP7, real war tactics can be played out and real skills are honed. For more information about OP7 and to download the game, visit www.op7.com.ph.

Professional Cyber Athletes

Royeca says, “The OP7 National Tournament is paving the way for online gamers to be recognized as Professional Cyber Athletes.”

The games unveiled at R2D4 and the existing games in the line up look to be indicative of a bright future for those who understand what opportunities online gaming presents. X-Play will definitely seek to give gamers the best gaming experience and online tournaments to bring cyber athleticism to the mainstream.

Royeca believes that, “Online tournaments are becoming popular digital spectator sports. With these mass-appeal online games, X-Play is creating a whole new way of playing and watching online games.  We’re crossing over from online to TV and we will come out with new initiatives to truly bring these two mediums together in an unprecedented way. And it’s all happening in 2010,” he said.

This is the beginning of the age of the Cyber Athlete.

Hardwarezone Community - Digital Entertainment | Just Announced
http://www.hardwarezone.com.ph/news/view.php?id=15299&cid=5
December 16, 2009 – Wednesday

Manila, Philippines -- X-Play Online Games Inc., the joint venture company of IP e-Game Ventures Inc. (e-Games) and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI), the digital media arm of GMA Network Inc. (GMA7), held the First OP7 National Championship Tournament, offering the bounty to change Massively Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter Gaming in the country.

The First OP7 National Championship was one of the main highlights during Road to Domination 4 (R2D4), the year-ender event of e-Games and X-Play held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. “R2D4 was attended by more than 10,000 gamers based on pre-registered attendees and walk-in registrations at the event,” says George Royeca, Chief Operating Officer of X-Play Online Games Inc.

“The PhP  200,000 winner-take-all grand prize of the OP7 National Tournament held during R2D4 brought out the best of this generation’s Cyber Athletes, as this is the biggest published cash prize ever to be given in a Philippine online FPS tournament,” says Royeca.

OP7 Product Manager Sonny Carlos claims, “There is nothing more important than reflexes and the capacity to work under pressure. With that much money on the line, some gamers play like their lives actually are a stake.”

The Best FPS Players From All Over The Country

The OP7 National Championship brought out the very best First Person Shooter (FPS) players from all around the country. The tournament consisted of 3 death match battles where winners were determined by either being the first to 50 kills or the most kills within a time limit. These short series of matches were formulated to eliminate the least skilled, non-cooperative teams quickly. The Wildcard Slot brought 20 teams vying for the open spot in the final four.

These final four slots were filled by the following teams:

Luzon : Fairview Gaming

Visayas : Team Bisdak

Mindanao : Team Carnage

Wildcard Slot : FG-HOA

Each brought their own special ingredients to the brew.

However, the final two teams had a particularly special concoction. Team FG-HOA consisted of the most seasoned players who had not only won previous battles, but they have also trained with some of the players from the opposition, Fairview Gaming. The match played out with safe strategy and tactic, using defense once the kills were high so the timer would call the win. The third round however brought a long 6 minute standoff. Fairview Gaming team member “Pandemic” took the first shot into enemy territory, eventually disposing all 4 team characters from FG-HOA, before he was taken down.

At the end of the tournament, Fairview Gaming bested more than 1,000 players from all over the Philippines and was named as the Grand Champions of the 1st ever OP7 National Tournament.

Fairview Gaming team members Wren Cris O. Canizeres [a.k.a.
WakWakYou], Oscar L. Rogel Jr. [a.k.a. Pandemic], Alvin P. Rillera [a.k.a. SgtWapak], and Melvin P. Basuel [a.k.a. L4nce] shared how they all were all hyped up to beat the other contenders, and that they spent numerous hours practicing and analyzing their tactics. These hours rack to about 4-6 a day at least 5 days a week.

Melvin P. Basuel [L4nce] also tells us about their win. “Nasa kanila yung advantage.” [They had the advantage.] The opposition for the finals had seasoned players who had been competing for the World Cyber Games (WCG) since 2001, an international e-sports event which unites gamers from all over the world.

“Nasa amin yung strategy” [We had the strategy,] he continues on to say.

“Years na kami nagpapractice, so kumbaga lahat ng efforts namin namunga na.” [After years of practice, all our efforts finally bore fruit.] Melvin P. Basuel [L4nce], the team commander speaks for everyone. The team members will be giving most of the winning to their parents. For most of them, it took some time to wear the parents down so that they could finally be allowed to practice.

Now he tells us, “Ngayon balato balato na ang sinasabi nila.” [Now they ask for some of the winnings.]

Interestingly, their tactics are used by soldiers in real life battle. With the advent of games such as OP7, real war tactics can be played out and real skills are honed. For more information about OP7 and to download the game, visit www.op7.com.ph.

Professional Cyber Athletes

Royeca says, “The OP7 National Tournament is paving the way for online gamers to be recognized as Professional Cyber Athletes.”

The games unveiled at R2D4 and the existing games in the line up look to be indicative of a bright future for those who understand what opportunities online gaming presents. X-Play will definitely seek to give gamers the best gaming experience and online tournaments to bring cyber athleticism to the mainstream.

Royeca believes that, “Online tournaments are becoming popular digital spectator sports. With these mass-appeal online games, X-Play is creating a whole new way of playing and watching online games. We’re crossing over from online to TV and we will come out with new initiatives to truly bring these two mediums together in an unprecedented way. And it’s all happening in 2010,” he said.

This is the beginning of the age of the Cyber Athlete.

Philippine Star – Networks, page C4
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=532233&publicationSubCategoryId=71
December 14, 2009 – Monday

MANILA, Philippines - IP e-Game Ventures Inc., (e-Games), online game subsidiary of IPVG Corp. and publisher of the leading MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) titles RAN Online and CABAL Online, is proud to announce its newest online adventure game, Dragonica.

Dragonica is more than just another MMOG. With RPG elements and an eight-way, side-scrolling system in full 3D, the gameplay is fun, intuitive and won’t be a hindrance even for first-time MMOG players.

For advanced players, Dragonica also has a combo system wherein you can chain your attacks along with special skills to deliver added damage against your opponents. No matter which level you are in, Dragonica has something to keep you playing.

Ed Richelle Uy
The Sunday Times Magazine – b8
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sunday-times/7714-op7-ushers-new-breed-of-cyber-athletes
December 13, 2009 – Sunday

They came, they saw and they fragged their way to 200 grand.

Fairview Gaming bested more than 1,000 players from all over the Philippines and was named as the Grand Champions of the first OP7 National Tournament. The OP7 Championships was one of the main highlights during Road to Domination (R2D4), the year-ender event of e-Games and X-Play held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, and as we reported last week more than 10,000 gamers trooped to the venue to participate.

As one of the most anticipated events during R2D4 a couple of weeks ago, OP7 National Championships opened the doors for a new breed of gamers and would likely change the way people look at multiplayer online first person shooters.

“The P200,000 winner-take-all grand prize of the OP7 National Tournament held during R2D4 brought out the best of this generation’s Cyber Athletes, as this is the biggest cash prize ever to be given in a Philippine online FPS tournament,” says George Royeca, chief operating officer of X-Play Online Games Inc.

By MELVIN G. CALIMAG
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233767/mobile-apps-contest-gets-ground
December 12, 2009 – Saturday

With the intention of marrying mobile content development and entrepreneurship, the country’s oldest business and technology conglomerates have joined forces to launch a competition for the country’s most dynamic space – the mobile communications sector.

Business heavyweight Ayala Corp., through Ayala Foundation, and local tech group IPVG Corp., recently launched “MobileXtreme: The Big Apps Competition,” a nationwide search for innovative mobile applications designed by budding developers.

The competition is being spearheaded by IPVG,, Ayala Technology Business Incubator, and Megamobile Inc., the mobile communications arm of IPVG.

Megamobile is currently a mobile service partner of content providers and communities which include names in the publishing, online gaming, music, and entertainment industries.

The contest is seeking mobile applications that run on the Java (J20) platforms. The competition will be facilitated through an official Web-based portal where contestants can upload their entries.

by JC John Sese Cuneta
http://gameshogun.ws/salon/e-gamers-flock-to-road-to-domination-iv
December 11, 2009 – Friday

Road to Domination IV as the name suggests, is an IP e-Games event to promote and get the gamers excited for their main and grand event - Domination IV.

But, R2D4 is as good as the “main” event because of the number of people that are here enjoying the festivities, freebies, and competitions.

Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer – Business, B2 http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20091207-240718/IPVG_sells_content_provider_MegaMobile
December 8, 2009 - Tuesday

PUBLICLY LISTED IPVG CORP. has sold a controlling stake in one of its major subsidiaries to a local media investment firm.

IPVG yesterday disclosed that it had sold 70 percent of MegaMobile Inc. to local firm LINQ Information Entertainment Quadrant Corp.

MegaMobile, a value-added service provider selling content like ring tones and images to mobile phone subscribers, was also purchased by IPVG in February 2008 for P6.4 million.

Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
Philippine Star – Business, B-8
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=530378&publicationSubCategoryId=66
December 8, 2009 – Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines - LINQ Information Entertainment Quadrant Corp., a private equity group focusing on strategic investments and strategic alliances and collaboration in the new media, digital media, and emerging media space in the Asia-Pacific region, has acquired majority control of MegaMobile Inc., the mobile communications subsidiary of publicly-listed IT company IPVG Corp.

Under the investment agreement, IPVG will issue new shares to be acquired by LINQ, representing 30 percent of the outstanding shares of MegaMobile, plus another 40 percent from the original shareholders (post infusion) by way of secondary purchase.

The principal shareholders in this transaction are IPVG and the original shareholders of MegaMobile.

Upon completion of the transaction, the shareholding pattern of MegaMobile would be 70 percent for LINQ and 30 percent for MegaMobile’s original shareholders.

MegaMobile is a fast growing mobile value-added services (VAS) enabler and aggregator with its own unified access code across all the mobile carriers in the Philippines.

The company is focused on delivering compelling content and innovative applications to mobile communities.

Company officials said MegaMobile has successfully earned strategic partnerships with well known content owners and media companies by providing revolutionary services.

LINQ is a private equity group in the Philippines with presence in Singapore. Its proponents, which include the principal shareholders of the Inquirer Group of Companies and the Print Town Group, have more than two decades of experience in both traditional and non-traditional media and publishing businesses.

IPVG earlier said that it is redefining its core businesses that are high growth and high margin where the company has a strategic differentiator and is selling its non-core businesses to streamline corporate focus.

It added that it has been raising cash, reducing its debt, strengthening its balance sheet and is maintaining growth and profitability of its core businesses.

For the first six months of 2009, IPVG posted net income before taxes of P24.3 million, 55.6 percent lower than the P54.8 million generated in the same period last year. Gross and net revenues during the period were up 1.4 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.

by CMA, GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/178706/local-fund-to-buy-70-of-ipvg-unit-megamobile
December 8, 2009 – Tuesday

A local investment fund will acquire majority of MegaMobile Inc., a mobile service provider owned by listed IT firm IPVG Corp.

IPVG told the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday it would sell LINQ Information Entertainment Quadrant Corp. an initial 30 percent of the outstanding shares of MegaMobile, plus another 40 percent of the company owned by original shareholders.

As soon as the transaction is completed, LINQ will have 70 percent of MegaMobile, with IPVG retaining the rest.

MegaMobile is a value-added mobile service provider that offers content and applications to local mobile networks.

LINQ, which has a presence in Singapore, is a private equity group with investments in digital media in the Asia-Pacific region.

Its principal shareholders include the Inquirer Group of Companies and Print Town Group.

LINQ has more than two decades of investment experience and hands-on management in both traditional and nontraditional media and publishing businesses.

Kristine Jane R. Liu
Business World – Corporate News, 6 / S1
http://www.bworld.com.ph/main/content.php?id=2761
December 7, 2009 – Monday

A LOCAL investment house has acquired a majority stake in one of the units of listed information technology firm IPVG Corp. in line with a goal to expand operations in the region.

In a statement sent at the weekend, IPVG said LINQ Information Entertainment Quadrant Corp. has bought a 70% stake in its mobile communication subsidiary MegaMobile, Inc.

"We have agreed to be diluted down to 30% [because] we believe the entry of LINQ creates value for both the company and all of its stakeholders. With LINQ, [IPVG was able to get] a strategic partner and financial investor," IPVG Chief Executive Officer Enrique Y.
Gonzalez said in the statement.

Mr. Gonzalez did not disclose how much the IPVG group got for selling the 70% stake, saying the deal was confidential. He also did not say where the company would use the proceeds generated from the sale except that "the transaction will catapult MegaMobile to the next level."

Under the agreement, newly issued shares representing 30% of the outstanding shares of MegaMobile will be acquired by LINQ. In addition, it agreed to buy a 40% stake in the mobile company by buying the shares of existing shareholders.

LINQ is a private equity group focused on "strategic investments and strategic alliances and collaboration in the new media, digital media, and emerging media space in the Asia-Pacific region."

Aside from the Philippines, the company has a presence in Singapore through LINQ Information Entertainment Quadrant Pte. Ltd. (Singapore).

LINQ’s proponents, which include the principal shareholders of the Inquirer Group of Companies and the Print Town Group, have more than two decades of investment experience and hands-on management in both traditional and nontraditional media and publishing businesses.

MegaMobile Inc., meanwhile, is a "value-added mobile content and applications developer" focused on delivering services to "mobile communities."

The erstwhile IPVG unit offers mobile content and communication services, such as messaging and mobile advertising services, to subscribers of the mobile carriers in the Philippines.

IPVG’s other business segments include Internet services and security, content and business process outsourcing.

Shares in IPVG closed 2.46% lower on Friday at P1.58 per share.

http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/LINQ_acquires_IPVG_mobile_communications_unit.shtml
December 7, 2009 – Monday

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- LINQ Information Entertainment Quadrant Corp. (LINQ), a private equity group focusing on strategic investments and strategic alliances and collaboration in the new media, digital media, and emerging media space in the Asia-Pacific region, has acquired majority of the entire issued share capital of Mega Mobile Inc. (MegaMobile), the mobile communications subsidiary of publicly listed information technology (IT) firm IPVG Corp.

Under the agreement, newly issued shares will be acquired by LINQ representing 30 percent of the outstanding shares of MegaMobile, and another 40 percent of the company acquired from the original shareholders (post infusion) by way of secondary purchase. The principal shareholders in this transaction are IPVG and the original shareholders of MegaMobile.

Upon completion of the said transaction, the shareholding pattern of MegaMobile would be 70 percent for LINQ and 30 percent for MegaMobile’s original shareholders. MegaMobile is a fast growing mobile value-added services (VAS) enabler and aggregator with its own unified access code across all the mobile carriers in the Philippines.

The company is focused on delivering compelling content and innovative applications to mobile communities.

MegaMobile successfully earned strategic partnerships with well known content owners and media companies by providing revolutionary services.

LINQ is a private equity group in the Philippines with a presence in Singapore. Its proponents, which include the principal shareholders of the Inquirer Group of Companies and the Print Town Group, have more than two decades of investment experience and hands-on management in both traditional and non-traditional media and publishing businesses. (PNA)

http://abs-cbnnews.com/technology/12/06/09/linq-acquires-ipvg-mobile-communications-unit
December 6, 2009 – Sunday

MANILA - LINQ Information Entertainment Quadrant Corp. (LINQ), a private equity group focusing on strategic investments and strategic alliances and collaboration in the New Media, Digital Media, and Emerging Media space in the Asia-Pacific region, has acquired majority of the entire issued share capital of Mega Mobile Inc. (MegaMobile), the mobile communications subsidiary of publicly listed IT company IPVG Corp.

Under the agreement, newly issued shares will be acquired by LINQ representing thirty percent (30%) of the outstanding shares of MegaMobile, plus a further forty percent (40%) of the company acquired from the original shareholders (post infusion) by way of secondary purchase.

The principal shareholders in this transaction are IPVG and the original shareholders of MegaMobile. Upon completion of the said transaction, the shareholding pattern of MegaMobile would be 70% for LINQ and 30% for MegaMobile’s original shareholders.

MegaMobile is a fast growing Mobile value-added services (VAS) enabler and aggregator with its own unified access code across all the mobile carriers in the Philippines.  The company is focused on delivering compelling content and innovative applications to mobile communities.

MegaMobile successfully earned strategic partnerships with well known content owners and media companies by providing revolutionary services.

LINQ is a private equity group in the Philippines with a presence in Singapore. Its proponents, which include the principal shareholders of the Inquirer Group of Companies and the Print Town Group, have more than two decades of investment experience and hands-on management in both traditional and non-traditional media and publishing businesses.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=245654
December 6, 2009 - Sunday

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) -- LINQ Information Entertainment Quadrant Corp. (LINQ), a private equity group focusing on strategic investments and strategic alliances and collaboration in the new media, digital media, and emerging media space in the Asia-Pacific region, has acquired majority of the entire issued share capital of Mega Mobile Inc. (MegaMobile), the mobile communications subsidiary of publicly listed information technology (IT) firm IPVG Corp.

Under the agreement, newly issued shares will be acquired by LINQ representing 30 percent of the outstanding shares of MegaMobile, and another 40 percent of the company acquired from the original shareholders (post infusion) by way of secondary purchase.

The principal shareholders in this transaction are IPVG and the original shareholders of MegaMobile.

Upon completion of the said transaction, the shareholding pattern of MegaMobile would be 70 percent for LINQ and 30 percent for MegaMobile’s original shareholders.

MegaMobile is a fast growing mobile value-added services (VAS) enabler and aggregator with its own unified access code across all the mobile carriers in the Philippines.

The company is focused on delivering compelling content and innovative applications to mobile communities.

MegaMobile successfully earned strategic partnerships with well known content owners and media companies by providing revolutionary services.

LINQ is a private equity group in the Philippines with a presence in Singapore.

Its proponents, which include the principal shareholders of the Inquirer Group of Companies and the Print Town Group, have more than two decades of investment experience and hands-on management in both traditional and non-traditional media and publishing businesses. (PNA) /LDV/PR

Ed Richelle Uy
Sunday Times Magazine – B8
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sunday-times/7291-e-games-paves-way-to-domination-4
December 6, 2009 – Sunday

Over half a million worth of cash and game items, 10,873 attendees, 5,000 square meters of floor space, more than dozen games, and one single event that heralds the path to Domination 4.

To describe Road to Domination 4 (R2D4) as “successful” is like calling the president’s ambitions mediocre. In fact, in all my visits to the SMX convention center this year, only a few other events could even match the number of attendees of an e-Games event.

Still, the ever-modest Ed Pasion, e-Games vice president for Marketing, says they were quite surprised by the turnout for R2D4. “We originally planned to hold it in one of the malls as we never really intended it to be that big of an event, but when we talked to the malls and gave them our initial estimates of about a few thousand, we couldn’t find a venue that could accommodate us,” Pasion narrates.

Pasion said R2D4 was their way of saying “Thank You” to all e-Gamers.

“The year 2009 was great in spite of the fact that the whole country suffered from typhoons. We’re promising our whole community that 2010 will be better and brighter for them. The 10 million strong e-Games community continues to grow every year and their continued dedication and loyalty to e-Games and X-Play, inspires us to give them the best online gaming events and the best gaming experience.”

R2D4 is also the kickoff event for Domination 4, e-Games’ biggest gaming event for 2010 and served as the launch pad for several new e-Games titles for the coming year.

New games

One of the biggest announcements of the year was the acquisition of Runes of Magic (ROM), a game that plays strikingly similar to World of Warcraft (WOW), the most popular MMORPG in the world today. Developed by Runewaker Entertainment, e-Games believes that ROM will redefine the standard for free-to-play titles. ROM’s gameplay and features are of Magic has a more distinct Western style fantasy setting, and offers depth of play that will cater to both casual and hardcore gamers.

Another game that debuted at R2D4 was Dragonica, a 3D side-scrolling MMO/Casual game with eight-way movement, the only one of its kind so far. Gil Edeza, chief operating officer of e-Games, expressed his excitement over the launch of Dragonica and said it had the potential for bringing all kinds of gamers together in one game. “It’s easy-to-use interface and gameplay system will appeal to casual gamers and first-time MMOG players, while the game’s RPG elements, combo system and PvP battles will be attractive to veteran players.”

Dragonica is being played by hundreds of thousands of players from Korea, China, Taiwan, Russia, U.S.A, Europe and Southeast Asia and was nominated as “the most anticipated game” by Gamespot Korea after the GStar 2007 convention. Heidi Mendita-Garayblas, vice president for e-Games, said that Dragonica’s widespread appeal is rooted in its uniqueness. “Though side-scrolling, it is the first to use 3D graphics to enable more freedom of movement. With its humor and use of pop-culture references, it’s easy to have fun while playing this game.” Just how unique? Imagine being able to summon Bruce Lee, Michael Jackson and a bunch of other notable pop characters to help you in your battles.

Not to be outdone, X-Play, the joint venture between IP e-Game Ventures Inc. and GMA New Media revealed its newest BandMaster Online. Bandmaster’s gameplay is similar to popular music band games wherein each player will have to match the beats of their chosen instruments to render an outstanding musical performance. Ivee Feria, product manager of Bandmaster explains, “Bandmaster should prove to be different from all the casual games that came before it. The degree of interaction required has the potential to create music without spending a single second in the recording studio. It is a novelty for its category and should offer unique opportunities to those who are musically inclined.”

George Royeca, chief operating officer of X-Play, said with the advent of technology, the music industry has evolved to a point where the artist can present their music directly to the public. Bandmaster takes this one step further, offering the opportunity to display artistic talent to their peers within a virtual setting. And when it goes on alpha and closed beta next year, Royeca said Bandmaster will definitely have OPM songs.

OP7 also made its much-anticipated commercial launch at R2D4. The game began closed beta testing in September and went on open beta testing (OBT) phase in October. The commercial version of OP7 will feature new maps, the best of which is the Dust Map, which resembles De Dust, the most popular map of FPS game Counterstrike. It will also introduce the Clan System, which promises to bring players to work more cohesively as a unit. Working as a clan will bring added benefits to members such as additional bounty for accumulated hours played and more.

Sonny Carlos, product manager for OP7, said that these new improvements and adjustments will make OP7 run better and provide an even more improved and balanced gameplay.

Tournaments and freeplay

Besides the game launches, each of the e-Games and X-Play titles had their own set of activities and tournaments. RAN Online, CABAL Online, ZX Online, Runes of Magic and even Dragonica held live tournaments, freeplay and offline activities to engage their dedicated gaming communities. A total of 120 top-of-the-line PCs were available for freeplay and other activities. X-Play also held the grand finals of the OP7 National Tournament Championships. The best teams from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR, competed for the P200,000 grand prize.

Leading up to the OP7 National Championship Tournament, X-Play held a series of daily OP7 tournaments in key Internet cafés located throughout the country.

Winning teams of the daily tournaments were rewarded up to P6,000 worth of in-game items, and the weekly winners get P5,000 cash as the bounty. Through the course of the tournaments, over P1-million worth of cash and in-game prizes were given away.

Audistas celebrated the third year anniversary of Audition Dance Battle, the leading online music dance game in the Philippines. Audition went commercial in November 2006 and since then has gathered some of the most loyal gamers in the online gaming industry. Audition held several live activities and tournaments for its passionate gaming community including a mini-concert by GMA Kapuso star Rhian Ramos, the feature star for the Audition Dance Battle Album. Other Kapuso talents who performed with Rhian and R2D4 included Vaness del Moral, Dominic Roco, plus pop singer Brenan.

Finally, e-Games also revealed a more “grown-up” RAN Calendar 2010 that featured beautiful female gamers of RAN Online, the No.1 campus-based MMORPG in the country today—The Road to Domination 4.

Game Magazine – Walkthrough, 32 – 35
December 2009

After the Counter Strike era has come and gone, what could possibly
bring back the hype of gamers to try out a new FPS with so many new
games and genres emerging? Two words: Operation 7.

Taste a dose of reality in Operation 7 which equips gamers with the
real thing – get a hold of your dream gun and customize it to your own
style, experience stages with remarkable sound effects, and die with
honor as you don’t get fragged by a single bullet that hits your arm.

Exaggerating? Hardly.

By: Relly G. Carpio
Playground – e1337 Player Pg. 36 to 37
December 2010

The first time I found out about Rhian’s affair with Audition was when George Royeca, Chief Operating Officer of X-Play, dragged me along to a studio somewhere in San Juan. He swore me to secrecy before letting me in on the secret recording session of what would eventually become Rhian’s first single “You.”

I knew about Rhian from her work in Lalola. I got to speak to her all of ten or fifteen minutes at the studio that day in between sound checks. But from her enthusiasm, I knew that she meant the endorsement. Because though her first love is acting, and is currently married to her career as an actress, she has a running affair with gaming.

And computer games love you too
“I love computer games! Unfortunately, I don’t get to play as much anymore,” Rhian confides. “Sundays mostly, after Church and lunch, we get into some serious Rockband—me at the drums, my mom on the mic, and my sis on the guitar.

“I miss playing,” she continues, “I get to play some online games on Yahoo! and Facebook. Comparatively short because I used to play Runescape.”

Her sister has a PSP which she is very envious about. She can afford one and you fanboys would surely sell your spleen to buy her a unit, but you would be wasting an organ. “I used to have a Gameboy, Super Mario yan siyempre! But now…even when I’m in the car, I have to work – phone patch interview or sleep in the car. I can afford a handheld, but I can’t afford the time.

But if she could, Rhian says “I would like to try games like Warcraft or maybe even DOTA. I want to play those because my friends play it, but they don’t teach me.

This is the part where you little DOTA boys have fantasies about teaching her how to play that ridiculous game.

Down, boys.
“But even before the song or the endorsement, I wanted to play Audition. Because in real life, I am not the best dancer in the world, to put it kindly; and I would love to be able to do it online.” She gushes, “When I found out about recording the song, I was really happy that I was about to be a big part of the gaming community.”

“I wanted to be able to connect with the Audistas.” She expounds, “It is part of human nature that we want to be part of a group or accepted. And that’s what I thought this song could do for me. There was the fear that I would not be accepted by the Audistas because they were already tight. But after meeting them, they welcomed me with open arms.

Yes, yes, this is the part where you DOTA heads imagine putting your arms around her and say “We will welcome you too…”

By: Relly G. Carpio
Playground – Tournament Watch Pg. 26 to 27 December 2010

Who wouldn’t go? E-Games released two new games at the event--- Dragonica and Bandmaster; they had Rhian Ramos, Vaness del Moral, Dominic Roco and Brennan; they had the Ram Calendar Girls of 2010, and the Sex Bomb Dancers; they had Greyhoundz. Truly the slogan “San Ka Pa?” hit home as even the old fogies next door were seen loitering at the gates to see what it was all about. And more than a few were forced to go in because they made the mistake of taking their kids to a car show.

What capped the night was what had to be the biggest news of that whole fantastic day. As OP7 went commercial at R2D4 so did they hold their first nationwide competition with a whopping Php 200,000 prize plus high-end gaming mice from Raven and a large trophy.

One team each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and a wildcard that was chosen that day from 16 NCR based-teams battled it out late into the night for a prize unheard of in the history of local gaming competition. Unsurprisingly, the final two were sisters teams FG and FG HOA. FG stands for Fairview Gaming, which means these guys were from Fairview Quezon City, a known gaming ground, and HOA stands for Horsemen of the Apocalypse, one of the oldest first-person shooter gaming groups in the country and has represented us at many World Cyber Games competing in Counter Strike.

The finals were in a new map called Dust, a homage map to de_dust of Counter Strike fame. It was a best of three, race to 100 kills, 10 minute deathmatch. True enough, since no one has ever played this map, the first round was a kill ‘em all ruckus with FG HOA using their CS skills in taking the win with 47 to 38. It was an awesome battle as movements and tactics used in de_dust came to the fore and strategies that are obviously only applicable in the original map were adjusted to fit this duplicate.

The second round was 33 to 28 in favour of FG who used the same strategy that FG HOA did near the end round of the first match to claim the win. The strategy was ti hunt for a kill to take the lead, then camp at the spawn area and defend it tooth and nail to maintain it. Sounds iffy but all is fair and all that.

The third round began with a nail biting 3 minute wait-and-see on who cracks first as both teams camped in their respective spawn areas.

Eventually, “someone blinked,” as X-Play COO George Royeca said.

Surprisingly, it was someone from FG HOA who did and sadly, instead of taking a kill became one; and the race was on to retake that single kill. For all the skills that FG HOA showed in the first match they were simply not ready to retake a base that they didn’t even see in the first round and never gave much attention to in the second. With a few seconds left, the leader of FG HOA stood and shook the hand of FG the very first winner of the OP7 National Competition.