Cash or checks? Or Cheque?

Can you imagine a bank that doesn’t issue out checkbooks to its clients? Well, by 2018, checks will be jurassic, at least in Great Britain. The Board of the UK Payment Council has announced that the check clearing system will clear its last check on October 31, 2018.

Again, technology has pushed a traditional mode of payment into the history books. The use of debit cards, credit cards, and other forms of electronic payment systems (EPS) has grown in popularity. Salaries are often debited directly into one’s bank account. UST has stopped using checks to pay salaries of its professors. Now, the money goes straight into one’s Security Bank account, conveniently located within the campus. Gosh, I just encashed one check earlier at Security Bank.

According to the UK Payment Council, fewer people are using checks as mode of payment in that country. From 10.9 million checks in the 90s, only 3.8 million checks were paid out daily in Britain. Countries like Sweden and Norway have phased out the use of checks in their financial systems.

Locally, according to the PCHC, it processes a daily average of 682,915 Integrated and Inter-regional clearing items with annual count of 337,384,486 physical inward and outward checks. That includes our Security Bank check payments for our condo. The PCHC is the only clearing house in the Philippines.

Noel Barcena says, “Next to cash, checks are instruments most used for payments. PCHC primary role is to provide and maintain an efficient, economical and effective medium of exchange of cheques and other electronic payment items amongst its member banks.” Noel is the VP for Operations of PCHC. He provided me with insights about PCHC and BCPs (business continuity plans) as part of a feature story on business continuity for the Philippine Business Magazine.

There is some concern that if checks are eventually phased out as a form of payment, the older segment of the population who are not like BayanTel’s Lola Techie could be easier targets for thieves. Why? The elder people could be keeping large amount of cash at their homes.

It is generally believed that the Romans used an early form of check called “praescriptiones” during the 1st century BC. Banks in Persia, were also known to have issued letters of credit known as “Ṣakks.”

Did you know that checks during the 1600s were exchanged in coffee houses?

Now, I have to keep those old Far East And Trust Company (FEBTC) and Urban Bank checks I have. They could become rare memorabilia twenty years from now! I hope the BSP doesn't move towards a check-less society as checks are still a convenient and hassle-free mode of payment.

Doing more, with less

Like me, you probably also have too much information on your laptop. Which is one reason why am looking for an iOmega EGO external hard drive. Anyone know where I can find one?

According to the latest IDC Digital Universe White Paper, sponsored by EMC, there has been a five-fold growth in four years of digital information. Yup, that includes digital pictures we upload on Facebook or Friendster or music we buy and download from iTunes. And the more affordable costs of digital gadgets and equipments has contributed to the increase of digital information.

The study reveals that next year, 70% of information in the digital universe will be created by individuals like you and me. This study examined how IT departments were coping with the growth (or rather the boom) of information and how money was being allocated to manage corporate data. From the 405 respondents, 92 were from the financial, manufacturing, telco and energy sectors in the Philippines.

“Within the Philippines’ telecoms industry, the challenge is now about which telco can offer the most value-added and creative content in order to expand consumer offering that provide end to end solutions on the go,” says Ronnie Latinazo, Country Manager, EMC Philippines. I am sure both Globe and Smart are fighting toe to toe to get these value-added and creative content to their subscribers. Unless, you see a network out of coverage reach message.

For companies, there would be an increasing need for security, compliance and preservation of digital information. A key element in the IDC study showed that data security is still a missing key element in information management strategies. From the total 405 respondents, some companies still don’t have data security policies in place.

“Companies are under tremendous pressures to achieve higher levels of efficiency with existing technology that have now because IT budgets are often reduced or unchanged despite an increase in demand for constant upgrades,” says Latinazo. Yup, we have heard of “doing more, with less.” Given the tough economic times, IT budgets are really being affected.

Sometimes, with reduced IT budgets, companies face a continuing challenge on the customer front. Respondents from the five countries who were part of the IDC survey (Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and India) say that “they need to deploy technological products and services in more innovative and strategic ways.”

My IT budget? Around 5,000 pesos for an Iomega eGo™ Portable Hard Drive. Anyone know where I can get one? Preferably colored red. Has multiple connections too!, one FireWire® 800 port, one FireWire 400 port, one USB 2.0 port and offers interface versatility for Mac users like me.

Music Piracy

During the second day of the IPR Conference held at the EDSA Shangrila Hotel, I eagerly sat and listened to Ken Leung of IFPI talk about music piracy. Ken is Regional Operations Officer of IFPI Asian Regional Office. He has many years of experience in tackling IP theft and has participated in many raids in the Region.

According to the IFPI website, this organization has 1400 members in 72 countries and represents the recording industry worldwide. IFPI also has affiliated industry associations in 44 countries. It’s mission include, promoting the value of recorded music, safeguarding the rights of record producers
 and expanding the commercial uses of recorded music.

Ken explains to his audience what SIDs or Source Identification Codes found in original music CDs. There are actually two types of these codes, namely: the mould codes and mastering codes. Look at your original music CD. The mould code is found in the inner ring. An example of this code is “ifpiA103.” This code identifies which manufacturing plant replicated the CD. While in the outer ring is the mastering code. Ken explains that this code “tells us that the master of the disc was made by which plant in which country, like where the sampler was made. An example of this code is IFPI LAB12. LAB is the plant code.

“Obliteration of the SID Code suggests piracy,” says Ken.

Ken also described some of the biggest challenges on music piracy. He describes “high quality counterfeits” which have better printing, packaging and contents. He says, “It is almost the same as legitimate ones.”
Another is “cross border piracy” wherein the replicating plant in one country has already closed but there are no records of replicating lines.

He cites the case of 12 containers with replicating machines shipped from Canada and the US to the Philippines. “Last May, together with the Bureau of Customs, these replicating machines were confiscated. The OMB refused to grant a license for import to the Chinese businessman,” adds Ken.

David Blakemore adds, “A lot can be done internationally to trace movement of goods and equipment.” There is a need for more intelligence sharing among law enforcements and government agencies. David has 34 years experience with the New Zealand Customs Service.

There is definitely a need for more partnerships and collaboration between government and private sectors for stronger enforcement of the IP laws. This IP Conference is also a good step towards better public education to increase the respect for intellectual property.

Importance of Intellectual Property

Earlier, after the first day of “WIPO Asia Pacific Conference on Intellectual Property Strategies and National Development,” I sat down with David Blackmore at the Boracay Room of EDSA Shangrila Hotel. The theme of this conference is “Innovation in Motion.” David was in the Philippines last 2007, when he run a training program for IP law enforcement. Based in New Zealand, David is the Executive Director of IPR. Photos by Ruth Roman.

Together with Melvin Calimag of the Manila Bulletin, we talked about some of the issues and concerns related to IP or intellectual property.

“All economies are suffering from counterfeiting and piracy, but the face of the problem is changing. Every conceivable sector is affected and it’s consequences include, among others, consumer safety and business revenue,” says David

We were surprised when David shared that in India alone, there were 40 fake versions of Vicks Vaporub. He describes that fakes not only compete with the originals but among the fake products too. Even YKK zippers is also copied. “It is one of the most faked items,” adds David.

My friend, Melvin asked which product sector ranked high among piracy and counterfeiting. David replied that “music piracy was more prevalent but luxury goods and clothing was most visible.” No arguments here. Just go around tiangges and one can see thousands of fake brands like Louis Vitton, Lacoste and Polo.

It is common knowledge that a lot of fake products come out of China. I asked David about this challenged being faced in the world’s largest economy. Maybe, if there was tighter control within China’s borders, less fake products will reach the tiangges and flea markets around Metro Manila. David says, “Chinese customs makes a lot of seizures.” He explains that the size and scale is too big too handle. That I can imagine. And there must some tech-driven way that can help address this problem. It would be tough to physically check each container van coming out of Chinese ports. “Customs control is important,” adds David. “80% of all seizures are made by custom officials.”

David calls for the need for more involvement among all stakeholders. “We need to expand alliances beyond government and law enforcement agencies.” He also sees the public awareness should start in schools, which could contribute to an increase of respect for intellectual property. Agree that we can find a champion among our midst who will instill in the minds of the youth the importance of respecting intellectual property, specially, related to music and photos.

I asked if there could be a champion for IP issues. I shared that Al Gore was successful in putting climate change high in the priority list among government through the film, An Inconvenient Truth. David opined that the famous football player, Ronaldo, can champion the fight against fake football jerseys.

This event contributes to increased awareness for intellectual property as it exemplifies cooperation between government and the private sector as intellectual property becomes a strategic tool for national development.

Mystery Google

Just browsing around Google and by chance, I was led to this site. A really mysterious site that yields results that can be unexpected, unrelated, mysterious and even yucky! Or scandalous.

Try and click on www.mysterygoogle.com and maybe, you can help unravel this mystery.

Or maybe, it will lead into something more mysterious that relates to Halloween!

Conversations or Confrontations

When Tweeter first caught the fancy of netizens, many quickly subscribed to the idea of sharing the most trivial, mundane things about life and the world in 140 characters or less. Whether one was drinking coffee at Starbucks, waiting for a SIA flight or going to bed after watching ”CSI New York”, tweetizens were sharing posts and messages that made the microblogging site a growing phenomena. Many celebrities welcomed Twitter as a promotional medium that kept fans updated of their personal and professional lives. It was fun and quick way to communicate with fans. A novelty.

But today, tweets have gone beyond conversation of one to the world. It has become a battleground. Many celebrities and personalities to are losing control of their emotions and letting go of rants and angst against friend, foe or even fans.

Many of us remember Demi Moore from the classic movie, “Ghost” and even "St. Elmo's Fire," "A Few Good Men" and Charlie’s Angels.” And her famous cover in "Vanity Fair" when she was pregnant! Through Tweeter, she has called out for help, in behalf of the victims of Tyhoon Ondoy. Other celebrities who have appealed for help include Ricky Martin, Josh Groban, Allysa Milano and even Paris Hilton.

These days, she speaks her mind out against gossip blogger Perez Hilton who has criticized her about her parenting skills.

Remember Kanye West stealing the limelight from Taylor Swift during the MTV Video Music Awards. He received angry tweets and blog postings from other celebrities and fans.

Last March, Mark Cuban was fined UD$25K by the NBA after he questioned and tweeted about officiating.



Microblogging sites is changing the communicatons landscape. And presents a challenge for communications practitioners who work with celebrities and personalities who use this technology to express rant and rage. It is like a gun, lock and loaded with 140 characters, that celebrities with little or no control over the emotions can fire at anytime, in real time, 24/7 across twitterverse.


Celebrities need to exercise restraint in social media, specially, since they have an image and reputation to protect and maintain. Picking up a fight on Tweeter is more dangerous. It will only serve to aggravate any grievance or grudge. And chances, it gets you coverage on CNN and E News. But isn’t that really bad publicity. Do remember what T. Scott Fitzgerald said, "You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say."

Tweets have really changed how people communicate. Still, despite changing technology, wouldn’t it be nicer to just call and talk to that person rather than hide behind our mobile devices? It is really much better to get back to old fashioned, less tech-driven face-to-face conversation. Or even a just a phone call.

Otherwise, follow Miley Cyrus who has joined the “Qweeters.” Miley leaves behind nearly 2.2 million followers, which includes her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus. Now, it's back to achy, breaky, heart?

MPI Technology at MMC

Back in the late 90s, probably like many of us, we knew Siemens' as a brand of mobile phones. But this company is really more than just phones. Based in Germany, the company also uses technology and innovation for the healthcare industry. And today, I saw how technology works for MMC’s Nuclear Medicine Department using Siemens’ myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) technology.

Nuclear medicine sounds a little high-tech. And am sure that the MPI equipment called Symbia made by Siemens is worth millions of pesos. Photo of the Siemen’s Symbia from www.medical.siemens.com

According to Wikipedia, MPI “evaluates many heart conditions from coronary artery disease (CAD) to hypertropic cardiomyopathy and myocardial wall motion abnormalities.” In simple language, it will find out if there are obstructions to my heart, as explained by Noel Santillan, med-tech assigned at the Nuclear Medicine Facility of MMC. Noel assisted me through the process.

I arrived at MMC a little after 9:00am and had the procedure approved by Medicard. Aileen had facilitated the approval of the procedure. It was quick as there were very few patients around at this time of the day. But don’t come around 10am, as you would surely wait much longer.

The procedure would help determine if I had CAD. What is CAD? According to http://md.gehealthcare.com, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart, usually caused by blocked arteries. My cardiologist needed this test to rule out any possible heart problems.

The procedure involves an injection of a small amount of radioactive material which circulates in the bloodstream and shows if your heart muscle is receiving adequate blood supply under stress and/or rest conditions. Yup, a small amount was injected through a vein in my left palm. Noel reassured me that it was just a very small amount. (Source: http://md.gehealthcare.com)

I waited for the first scan at the Waiting Room. There were lots of magazines. The TV, mounted on the right corner of the room was tuned in to CNN, which was featuring China’s anniversary parade. Tanks and soldiers. I just read about the “Power 100” which featured the top 100 sports personalities in BusinessWeek Magazine. Of course, Kobe, Lebron and Tiger made the list.

What stage will I reach for the treadmill test? That would be another blog entry.