The rival channels, ABS-CBN and GMA 7, have succesfully brought a new technology in the Philippine TV scene and it was firstly used for the coverage of the nationwide May 10, 2010 automated election. The automation of the elections was a first here in our country, and both of the said channels agree that the coverage should also be upgraded in terms of hi-technology systems, gadgets and interface. Here’s a brief comparison of the two studios:

GMA Network’s Studio 7, Eleksyon 2010:
- Newest and biggest studio of GMA Network
- Graphics system powered by Vizrt (http://www.vizrt.com/)
- Vizrt’s services are used by many of the world’s prominent broadcasters and publishing houses, including: CNN, CBS, Fox, BBC, Sky, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV, NHK
- Augmented Reality(Virtual 3D graphics) and use of hologram
- Touch screens (75 inches)
- Capable of putting over 40 live feeds on a screen
- Maps powered by Google
- In cooperation with PLDT, Globe and Smart

ABS-CBN’s War Room, Halalan 2010
- Graphics system powered by ORAD Graphics System (http://www.orad.co.il)
- Augmented Reality(Virtual 3D graphics)
- Gamechanger and Differentiator
- Touch screens (103 inches, largest in the Philippines)
- In cooperation with Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo volunteers, ABS-CBN News channel, abs-cbn.com and STI team for the parallel count.

Many people were outraged by the controversial decision of Acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra, last friday. The resolution was to drop murder case vs. the 2 Ampatuans, Zaldy Ampatuan and Akmad Ampatuan, because there were not enough evidence to prove so. According to Agra, even though someone witnessed and testified that Zaldy Ampatuan is one of those who planned the massacre, there is still a strong evidence that Zaldy was not in Maguindanao when the massacre happened. Many of his state prosecutors were against the resolution and they said that they will not follow the orders of the secretary.

I don’t know why but I wasn’t really that surprised, I had this gut feeling even at the start of this whole circus that eventually something shameful will happen, and I was right. But I don’t have the right to say so, I have no access to the evidences and I have never been to any of the court trials, all I have is an instinct, that the Ampatuans really did it, sorry but that’s what I really feel. And I felt relieved to see another interview of Agra, he said that the resolution is not yet final, and he is open for any strong evidences and the victims can file a motion for reconsideration.

And by the way, Andal Ampatuan Jr. just announced that their family supports the Aquino-Roxas tandem. Noynoy’s response was like “He must be joking!”

First Lady Michelle Obama with Jill Biden (wife of US Vice President, Joe Biden) volunteered at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C. last April 29, on their husbands’ 100th day in office. Together with more than 100 congressional spouses, they helped pack bags of meals for those poor kids in the area. But the focus is not on their good deed, but on Mrs. Obama’s sneakers!
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Belo hires lawyer with better looks
By Non Alquitran and Mike Frialde
MANILA, Philippines – Dr. Vicky Belo has dumped her current counsel Raymond Fortun for a better-looking lawyer.

Fortun, Belo’s lawyer for the past five years, claimed he has received notice of termination of his services in favor of Adel Tamano, who will serve not only as the dermatologist’s counsel but her spokesperson as well.

Fortun said he would stay on with the Belo Medical Group only until June this year.

He admitted that Tamano is more good looking than him.

“Oh, I admit he’s more handsome than me. It’s obvious,” Fortun said in Filipino, then broke into laughter.

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