Vigattin Radio welcomes JD Abenaza founder/CEO of Zeenoh and Ms.Val Balace together with Ms. Mara the Co-founder of PeekaWoo.
Zeenoh started way back September 2008, it all began on a quiet evening in 2008, JD (Zeenoh's founder) dreamt that he was flying. In the course of his adventure, he was pursued by a big question mark (?) symbol. He was caught up in the chase, and as the symbol stuck to him, there was a big explosion. He then saw pieces of letters floating in the horizon. It took a while before he figured out that the set of letters spell his name, and the word "Zeenoh" was highlighted. People sometimes pronounce "Zeenoh" as "Sino", which means "Who?" in English.
JD said he's an avid fan of 'SEGA', a Japanese multinational video game development, publishing, and hardware development company. So when JD had an opportunity in 2008 to start his own business, he commenced with outsourcing and developed 8 applications which is now downloadable on android phone and iOS market. Now, he has his own 11 employees and successfully built his company in the list of emerging game developing organizations.
Zeenoh's very own game patintero, gained a lot of appreciation from pinoys and gladly for foreigners. Co-Anchor Elison asked him what was their very famous game they have made, and JD answered all the way, "Patintero".
Patintero is a virtual "Filipino street game" developed by Zeenoh. The game involves two teams and a grid. The objective of the game is for the first team to cross the grid, and for the second team to block the opponents from crossing.
Zeenoh also collaborate from a background of a third-party provider for companies like Pokemon, Game House, Mind Candy, Konami, SEGA, DENA, TOSE and GREE.
Now they were developing their very first Filipino horror game for desktop, including famous monsters like 'mananangal', 'aswang', 'paring pugot (the GOMBURZA)' etc. They were planning to release it sometime in september 2015. The game was advertised in 'steam community', that gained a lot of votes to be published officially in steam. Steam is an internet-based digital distribution, digital rights management (DRM), multiplayer, and social networking platform developed by Valve Corporation. Steam provides the user with installation and automatic updating of games on multiple computers, and community features such as friends lists and groups, cloud saving, and in-game voice and chat functionality.
Co-Anchor Arne Barcelo suggested to JD that if ever he can make filipino games related to politics and academic purposes. Ms. Arne also said that every trending app came from each individual's interest, most likely when they enjoy it, they will share it to others until it trends.
Co-Anchor Elison Barcelo asked on how long will the game be feasible and remain in track in gaming and popularity. Mr JD says that every game needs maintenance and proper development especially listening to user's opinions.
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Peekawoo founder and CEO Valenice Balace says Peekawoo was born out of her want to create an app that would have less competition in the Philippines. She was single during that time. She said that some of us will not admit that we have tried to open and browse dating sites. She have tried some and she have to admit that she felt a little bit desperate while trying it because it was either you upload a photo and guys go through every girl like a catalogue or, like one of the apps she tried, which had location-based service, in just few minutes, someone wanted to go to her house.
She added that they were a fully-operated female team and has a more wholesome and friendly approach to dating. They’re working on an aim for actual legit first dates and not hook ups nor marriage. Their main goal is to create an environment where people can meet online, go on first dates and not feel desperate or cheap. It’s just really about expanding people's network, meeting others and enjoying 20's.
Co-Anchor Arne Barcelo asked if what will happen when there are people who want to try to make bad actions like rapes or etc., Ms. Val answered that what's good in Peekawoo is that they always made offline event meet ups so there will be safe meet-up places for each other. She said that their recent biggest event was on SM Aura, around 150 people attended and collaborated with each other in different activities. And for monitoring, they have program feature that valiates user's information if it's true or not to avoid crimes and other bad intentions.
The app gone viral especially for teenagers in the Philippines. Ms. Val said that they have also options for lesbian and bisexual which was the reason why their app continues to have subscribers.
This upcoming February, they will be planning events for lovers and for those who want to have a date this love month.
Co-Anchor Elison asked about how hard it is to have employees in their beginning years. Mr. JD said that as long as you're flexible enough and know the right management among your people, your company will be doing great and will go through success.
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