It been months since the worldwide outbreak of A (H1N1) influenza virus. Cases of the epidemic has been observed in the Eastern part of Mindanao and is continuously rising. At this point, there are already 42 cases of A (H1N1) virus confirmed in Davao city. The ages affected of the virus range from 1 to 42 years old from which majority are teens and those in their late 20's.

Five schools in Davao City already have their classes suspended due to cases of the virus observed among students and faculties. The five schools are Ateneo de Davao University, University of the Immaculate Conception, San Pedro College, Holy Child of Davao City, and Davao City National High Scool.

There is still no reported vaccine to protect anyone from A (H1N1). The Department of Health, however, provided guidelines on how to monitor cases of the virus and advised administrations for a 10-day isolation of those that have symptoms.

In terms of risk factor, doctors said there are high-risks groups but everyone is vulnerable to the disease. These high risk groups are said to be people with ages 65 and above and babies less than two years old. These also includes people with serious illnesses like diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and others.

Task Force Influenza A (H1N1) in Davao city conducted a forum on the virus which addressed people's misconceptions about the virus. Some people theorized the disease to have come from swine and that it is acquired by pork consumption.

DOH officials however made public reminders that the best way to protect people from the virus is to take constant care and observation of their own health.

Considered as one of Davao’s PRIDE for being a truly unique, well organized, and massively attended event, the word about the annual DCE has reached the far corners of the Philippines, and has been the hot topics in numerous online communities.

Here’s a quick rundown on this year’s event’s main portions and important info you should know:

• 1.) Davao Cyber Games (DCG) Competition – PC Gaming event between the different clans of gamers in Davao. Cyber games: DoTA, Call of Duty
• 2.) LAN Party Extreme (LPX) – 3 day gathering of the best computers in Davao, set at the center of the event. The event will host the usual PC Modding, Performance, and High-end Gaming Competition. It’s aimed also to educate the public, wow them w/ realization and better understanding of what QUALITY PC COMPONENTS are all about.
• 3.) TECH XTREME – a unique tech exhibit where people come to see new High-End PC Components and accessories, learn about them, and get purchasing information.
• 4.) Online Games – big competition by top online gaming companies (Major sponsors of the DCE) My Game, and E-Games (a big supporter since the 1st DCE).
• 5.) PhotoOps (NEW!) – an amateur photography contest. Recognizing the rapidly growing community of Photography hobbyist, and realizing similarities with the culture of the DCE.
• 6.) Possible/Others – like the previous DCE’s there will be lots more for everyone. Live Bands, COSPLAY, on spot contests, challenges, sms activities, raffles, and so much more!

WHEN/WHERE: July 24, 25, and 26, 2009 @ the Event Center SM City Davao.

MARKET: PC Gamers, Internet Café Players, High-end Gaming and PC Enthusiasts, IT Professionals, Photography Hobbyists, fans of DCE participants, as well as hundreds of fans, well wishers, and curious audiences.

ORGANIZERS: The DCE is born out of team effort. Primarily organized by eSquared Events (e2) partnering with various companies such as BLINQUE TECH and SM Cyberzone.

TECH XTREME: Or “TX” as we commonly refer to, is a dedicated area in the event venue for displaying the newest and best computer products in the Philippines. We have a vision for the TX to become a very popular and trusted brand for exhibiting these types of products. To protect its reputation, only exhibitors with products that we feel coincides with our TX theme (high tech and unique) and has good following, reputation as well as approval of the PC Enthusiast community are allowed.

Source: Lester(DCWired/DCE Participant), http://www.davaoexchange.com/