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USA whips Thailand, sweeps Quezon City leg of Volleyball Nations League

June 19, 2022 7:50 p.m.

ALI Frantti sustained her solid play as United States beat Thailand, 17-25, 25-13, 25-23, 25-18, and end its Volleyball Nations League Quezon City campaign undefeated Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Americans went perfect in four matches in Week 2 and improved to 7-1 overall for 21 points which allowed the Tokyo Olympic gold medalists to move closer in securing a spot in next month’s Finals in Ankara, Turkey.

“It was awesome. All the teams are incredible, we can’t take anything for granted,” said Frantti. “It’s going to be a battle. It’s going to be a grind each day. It’s going to be harder and harder. I think all the competition is good. You know, we will gonna take it one day at a time and focus on what’s next,” she added. 

A Penn State product, Frantti, who came through with 27 points, including two blocks, and 10 digs, was satisfied the way the Americans responded after yielding the opener to the Thais.

“We were able to settle in and get over the nerves and I think our team did a good job in regrouping,” said Frantti, who also led the scoring in USA’s straight-set romp of Poland on Friday.

Kelsey Robinson had 11 points, 16 digs and seven receptions, middle blockers Chiaka Ogbogu and Anna Stevenson each scored 10 points, while libero Justine Wong-Orantes collected 16 points for USA. 

One of the crowd favorites, Frantti was delighted with the reception she and the Americans received from the almost 5,000 fans at the fabled Big Dome.     

“Oh, it’s unbelievable! I couldn’t hear myself on the court.  The fans are so loud. It was an unbelievable experience I won’t forgot. It’s amazing how you guys love volleyball so much. I really appreciate it,” said Frantti, who is making her USA debut this year.

With Lauren Carlini taking charge of distributing plays in the second set, Frantti and Robinson were able to produce the offense for the Americans dominate and level the match after the Thais took the opener.

Ajcharaporn Kongyot and Chatchu-On Moksri, connecting well with setter Pornpun Guedpard, were solid in giving Thailand its first set lead.

The Thais had only a win to show in the Philippine leg and remained in the middle of the standings with an even 4-4 slate.

Ajcharaporn finished with 25 points and 11 digs while Chatchu-On contributed 13 points and 13 digs for Thailand.

The event has Mikasa, Ganten, Gerflor and Senoh as global sponsors and global suppliers, PLDT Home as presenting partner, Rebisco, MG Philippines, TOP Speed Insurance, Asics and Maynilad as official sponsors, Havas Ortega, The Look Company, Summit Outdoor Media, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Marketing Media Ventures, Strong Media Advertising Solutions. 91.5 Win Radio, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, City of Taguig, Quezon City and F2 Logistics as official suppliers.

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TikTok enhances safety, transparency for Filipino community with new initiatives

7:01 p.m. July 16, 2023

TikTok, the world’s leading short-form video platform, is taking further steps to ensure a safer and more transparent platform for its Filipino community. In response to the evolving digital landscape and the rise of AI-generated content (AIGC), these initiatives are designed to maintain a secure environment, uphold community guidelines, and ensure users can trust the content they encounter on the platform.

Strengthening Community Guidelines Enforcement

As part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard its community, TikTok recently published its Q1 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report. During this period from January 1 to March 31, 2024, TikTok removed 4.26 million videos in the Philippines for violations of its Community Guidelines. Of these, 99.7% were removed proactively, and 95% were taken down within 24 hours.

To further enhance transparency, TikTok updated its Community Guidelines in April to provide clearer rules and introduce new features that help creators understand and comply with policies. Available in English and Filipino, these guidelines include detailed definitions and outline moderation practices for features like Search, LIVE, and the For You feed, ensuring policies are clear and accessible to all users.

Advancing AI-Generated Content Transparency

In response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content, TikTok has implemented new measures for transparency. Since May, TikTok has automatically labeled AI-generated content uploaded from specific platforms. This initiative is part of a collaboration with MediaWise, a program of the Poynter Institute, and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), making TikTok the first video-sharing platform to adopt C2PA’s Content Credentials technology. These labels aim to provide users with clear context about the nature of the content they consume.

Educating the Community with Media Literacy Tools

To support its community in navigating AI-generated content and combating misinformation, TikTok is launching new media literacy resources. Developed in collaboration with experts, these resources are integral to TikTok’s broader strategy to enhance user understanding and foster a more informed community. As part of this initiative, TikTok has partnered with MediaWise to release 12 educational videos throughout the year. These videos aim to teach universal media literacy skills and explain how TikTok’s AI-generated content labels can help contextualize content. This partnership underscores TikTok’s commitment to educating its community and fostering a more informed user base.

Expanding AIGC Labeling Through Partnerships

Building on its efforts to ensure content transparency, TikTok has extended its auto-labeling capabilities for AI-generated content created on other platforms. By integrating the ability to read Content Credentials from C2PA, TikTok automatically recognizes and labels AI-generated content, with plans to expand this to audio-only content soon.

In the coming months, TikTok plans to attach Content Credentials to its content, ensuring transparency even when content is downloaded, allowing users to utilize C2PA’s Verify tool to identify AI-generated content and understand its creation details.

Driving Industry-Wide Adoption

In its mission to promote industry-wide adoption of Content Credentials, TikTok has joined the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). As the first video-sharing platform to implement Content Credentials, TikTok is at the forefront of encouraging transparent content practices across the industry. The gradual increase in auto-labeled AI-generated content on TikTok is expected to grow as more platforms adopt this technology, fostering a more transparent digital landscape.

For You Feed and Creator Code of Conduct

To further enhance safety, TikTok has introduced new standards that will temporarily restrict accounts that repeatedly violate content standards. These accounts and their content will be harder to find in search, with creators being notified and given the option to appeal.

Additionally, TikTok published a Creator Code of Conduct outlining the standards expected from creators involved in TikTok programs, features, events, and campaigns. This code reinforces TikTok’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive platform.

Through these measures, TikTok continues to focus on helping its community, especially creators, understand its rules and enforcement methods to ensure a safer experience for its users. By embracing continuous innovation and collaboration, TikTok strives to create a secure and inclusive space for creativity and connection.

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SM Prime, DTI empower MSMEs with 83 SM mall spaces, training, mentorship

(L-R): SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual

9:15 p.m. July 12, 2024

Good news for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)! SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) solidified a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on July 1 at the SM Prime Headquarters.

This collaboration empowers MSMEs with prime mall space in 83 SM Malls nationwide, aligning with the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines program. Besides providing space, SM Prime offers MSMEs discounted booth rentals, training programs on product development, marketing, financial management, and mentorship opportunities with experienced business leaders.

SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (3rd from left) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual (3rd from right) with (L-R): SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Operations Royston Cabunag, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Operations Junias Eusebio, DTI Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, and DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan
Key signatories from SM and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sign the Memorandum of Agreement.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque

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DTI National Food Fair celebrates local flavors at SM Megamall

8:26 p.m. July 11, 2024

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully concluded the 10th National Food Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1-3, held from July 3-7, 2024. This premier event showcased the rich flavors of the Philippines and empowered over 200 Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

Food enthusiasts enjoyed a bounty of fresh produce, regional specialties, and delectable treats from all corners of the country. Attendees had the opportunity to stock up on pantry staples, explore health-conscious options, and discover unique ingredients to elevate their cooking skills.

(L-R): Megatrade Hall’s Maite Quiogue, SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Operations Royston Cabunag, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, SM Megamall Assistant Vice President for Operations Christian Mathay, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan, and SM Megamall Assistant Mall Manager Isabella Manjon

(L-R): Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, and DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan

The 2024 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair brings together the best food and flavors from all 16 regions.

Fresh pomelos and other local fruits take center stage at the National Food Fair in Megatrade Hall.

A potential buyer gets ready to take home bottled Bicol Express and Laing at the 10th National Food Fair in SM Megamall.

Crispy, salty, and packed with nutrients —these water spinach chips are the perfect healthy snack.

Bottled honey and baked fruit crisps, all made with local ingredients.

Davao del Sur and Misamis Oriental’s chocolate products are crafted from premium cacao beans.

Quality golden salted eggs from Rizal.

A variety of coconut products from San Pablo, Laguna.

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