2017 v18n5 - THE GIFT GUIDE ISSUE by Gadgets Magazine

Maribelle M. Alba

Ren Alcantara

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Managing Editor

#GIRLBOSS

Être fort pour être utile

@bellealba

@hisnameisren

THERESA ELORIAGA

ART DIRECTOR Garmonbozia.

@theresaeloriaga

JAEL MENDOZA

PRESY ALBA

EDITOR-AT-LARGE I don’t travel light, I lug too many gadgets, I can walk for miles exploring and I never say no to the local fare. @presy1121

MIA CARISSE BARRIENTOS

GRAPHIC Artist

Junior Editor

She holds a sketchpad on one hand, and a music sheet on the other hand

A bibliophile fascinated with tech. Also a walking fangirl dictionary.

@jaellaura_m

@miaissocoollike

RONEL BAUTISTA

ROBBY VAFLOR

GRAPHIC Artist

STAFF WRITER

The incarnation of the award-winning, hit single ‘ Torn ‘ by Natalie Imbruglia.

“Least likely to success.”

@sailorapollo11

Jewel Sta. Ana

STAFF WRITER

A music and photography junkie who plays like a pirate. @monsterjewfloat

@afterhourscritic

CHARRY DE LA PAZ

INTERN

Making it happen, one step at a time. @charryannetop

President & CEO

Sales Manager Account executive

Accounting manager Accounting Staff

Maribelle Alba Marisa Consuelo Carol Agabin Shirley Libiong Maritess Pascua-Maulion Lorie Bernardo

HR & ADMIN MANAGER Administration Staff

Amy Christine Giray Ramil Almojano Clifford Dela Paz

PR & MARKETING STAFF

Paula Candoy

Legal Counsel

Alba Law Office

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JOSE ALVAREZ

CONTRIBUTOR

Jose loves football, video games, computers, and history, but not necessarily in any order. @josealvarez

DECEMBER 2017 • JANUARY 2018

ARNEL DORIA

Mobility Consultant Marketing guru. Automotive industry veteran. Road safety advocate.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2017 | Volume 18 No. 5

Parade

Gadgets Lab

Make way for the newest gadgets and gizmos!

Picture Perfect Maris Racal and Inigo pascual are picture perfect with the Vivo V7.

Holiday Gift Ideas Indulge us with a rundown of our dream gadgets.

Dyson products for the modern home.

This city offers amazing architecture and cultures.

Dyson Product Showcase

Let our reviews help you with your holiday shopping blues.

December 2017 • JANUARY 2018

Destination: Rotterdam

Gift Guide

Make a mental of this list when last-minute shopping.

Mobility

Santa’s sleigh’s got nothing on these rides.

ASUS ZenFone 4 Captures Iloilo

A beautiful city seen through the ZenFone 4’s lens.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

This is where “Filipino Pride” applies.

He’s got that James Dean, daydream, look in his eyes.

Vision Petron 2017

Foolproof Vacation with Apps

Oh Boy: James Reid

SoKor(e)

Say Annyeong to these tunes.

Gaming

You’ll go off the grid with these games.

Bits and Bytes Here’s what made waves this past month.

No journey is too tough with these apps.

104

Super Nintendo This classic will never go out of style.

December 2017 • JANUARY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

PARADE

Otterbox Symmetry Series

iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus Case OtterBox is back with their stylish phone cases designed for the discerning millennial taste. The Symmetry series for the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus is available in trendy colors, graphics, and patterns. This series, however, isn’t all just glamour; it’s made with dual material for defense that prevents damages from drops and bumps, as well as from scrapes and scratches in one sleek form factor. It’s easy to install with its carefully customized form factor. It also has a screen bumper that serves as a layer of protection for the display when dropped facedown. Day in and out, rest assured your device is protected fashionably.

PHP 2,250 (iPhone 8 and iPhone X) PHP 2,600 (iPhone 8 and iPhone X Clear Series) PHP 2,950 (iPhone 8 Plus) PHP 3,200 (iPhone 8 Plus Clear Series)

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Otterbox Commuter Series

iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus Case Worrying about your device’s protection against dust, drop, and scratches? Commute confidently with the OtterBox Commuter series for that on-the-go protection your device needs! This set for the new iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus (also compatible with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus) is available in different color combinations along with the classic black you can’t go wrong with. This case offers a pocket-ready design with dual-layer tough protection to withstand falls and bumps. Interested? Here’s more: it has port covers to keep dust and dirt from accumulating in cable ports and jacks. Perfect for wanderers, with the commuter series, your device will thank you.

PHP 2,250 (iPhone 8 and iPhone X) PHP 2,950 (iPhone 8 Plus)

Otterbox Defender Series

iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus Case The big daddy of all the OtterBox series, the Defender, ships as a multi-layer buff of polycarbonate shell and synthetic rubber slipcover. This series offers your iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and even the previous 7th iteration of the iPhone a rugged defense against drops and falls. Its port covers shields your device from dirt, dust, and lint. This avoids clogging up of jacks and ports that can mess up with your device. The Defender also has a belt holster for the iPhone X which can be attached to bags, belts, and straps locking it in place. Rugged protection giving you confidence that your device is well-secured, isn’t that great?

PHP 2,950 (iPhone 8 and iPhone X) PHP 3,700 (iPhone 8 Plus)

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Alpha X1

Action Camera It’s never too late to record the last few adventures before this year ends! Tagged as the most budget-friendly action camera in town, the Alpha X1 is the thrifty man’s travel companion. Its 5-megapixel camera gives decent 150-degree wide–angle photos that users can truly treasure. Aside from that, its 1080p at 60 fps video recording quality is worlds beyond what its affordable price might suggest. Anyone can even take this little fella on snorkeling and diving sessions up to 30 meters deep with its durable waterproof housing. With its expandable memory through a micro SD slot, rechargeable 1000 mAh battery, and 2-inch LCD screen for preview and playback of media files, this action-camera gives you superb value for your money.

PHP 2,990

Beolit 17

Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Carrying the torch for the legendary Beolit speaker radios, the Beolit 17 has been crammed full of modern technology to create the best possible music experience no matter the time and place. Boasting acclaimed Bang & Olufsen acoustics, premium materials, and an eye-catching Scandinavian styling, the Beolit 17 is a wireless powerhouse every music junkie needs. A Bluetooth speaker housed in sleek anodised aluminium with an authentic full grain leather handle, you can tell at first glance that it’s built to last. This little sound monster has a 37 to 20,000 Hz frequency response, and ships with various amplifiers and drivers for sound to suit any setting. With it, you can wake up to your favourite morning tunes as alarm; pause, play or skip songs as remote feature; launch your playlist or customize your music to match your mood with ToneTouch—all possible with a single touch on the connect button.

PHP 29,990

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Beoplay A9

Wireless Bluetooth Speaker The Beoplay A9 is a beautiful spherical wonder that only gets better once you press play. Designed by Danish artist Øivind Alexander Slaatto, the Beoplay A9 fits right into any home setting, as it’s made from some of the best materials, and detailed to a tee. Beyond aesthetics, the Beoplay A9 is an extremely powerful and flexible music streaming system with an effective frequency range of 33.1 – 25.000 Hz. It is compatible to most digital devices, features the acclaimed Bang & Olufsen signature sound, and has various sound settings along with driver units for sound that resonates across the room. It comes with built-in access to major streaming providers, conveniently giving you millions of songs and curated playlists with a single tap. The Beoplay A9 is also customizable to match your preferences. You can change its wooden legs and front cover, as well as remove its legs and instead use the wall bracket to seamlessly blend the music system into your home.

PHP 139,000

Beoplay M5

Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Lounge in your favourite seat, put your legs up on the coffee table, and enjoy good music with the Beoplay M5. This standalone spherical speaker has multiroom audio capability that gives people a seamless way to connect to music they love. The M5 carries the highly-acclaimed Bang & Olufsen signature sound, and projects it evenly in all directions, and is clad in a premium wool-blend fabric that adds beauty to any interior arrangement. It can conveniently be controlled through a compatible mobile device and has support for Google Chromecast built-in, Beolink Multiroom, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay. On top of all these, the Beoplay also has True360 sound, various driver units, and power amplifiers to bring powerful sound and style into your home.

PHP 34,990

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

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Chord Poly

Music Streamer and Player This revolutionary music streamer is every audiophile’s dream! Partnered with Mojo, the Chord Poly is a versatile and wireless music player-slash-audio converter that dramatically gives a Hi-Fi quality to your favorite songs, whenever and wherever. Basically, this little device upgrades audio quality from various media devices including in-car and home entertainment systems. There’s also an extended storage for your music library through its microSD card slot that enables you to directly play party anthems from the palm of your hand. Its unique system turns your smartphone to a controller while the Chord Poly does its wonders. Sharing a oneof-a-kind music experience is also made possible through its twin audio jacks which are perfect for old souls who prefer to use wired earphones. Encased in its black matte shell is a rechargeable 2200 mAh battery that ensures up to nine hours of playback time.

PHP 139,000

Divoom Timebox Speaker

Is it a clock or is it a box? Actually, it’s both. True to its name, this youthful speaker-slash-smart alarm clock makes your mornings “va va voom” with its 121 full RGB LED lights that deliver thousands of vivid colors, right in front of you. Protected by an anti-scratch front cover and an isolation bracket, the Divoom Timebox is truly built to last. You can even unleash your creativity through its userfriendly mobile app that enables users to build their own designs with customized animations. The highlights of the product are the smart alarm system, professional sleep aid, and social media notification which are essential for the daily grind. Encased in its matte UV coated housing is a 5 watts full-range speaker with passive radiator and is powered by Digital Sound Processing technology. It may be small but this box could give you supreme calls and music on-the-go.

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DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Instax Share SP-3 Mobile Printer

Wouldn’t it be convenient if you could instantly print your photos as you capture them? Now you can with the Instax Share SP-3. This compact, square-like device is the latest addition to the Instax Share series of printers. Like the artsy photo format we’ve come to love on social media, photos that come out of the SP-3 have a 1:1 aspect ratio. The square photo is popular among smartphone users and with this smartphone-compatible printer; users can easily print out their carefully-curated square photos without a hitch. It boasts high-speed printing in just around 13 seconds, 800 x 800 dots resolution, and photo customization via the Instax Share app.

PHP 10,499

Vivo V7

Smartphone Though slightly smaller than the V7+, the 5.7-inch V7 is nothing short of amazing with its virtually bezel-less, all-screen display. Accompanying its stunning display are the brand’s signature ultrafast fingerprint scanner and a 24 MP front-facing camera for clearer than clear selfies along with a 16 MP rear-facing camera. Beyond sleek design and powerful hardware courtesy of an octa-core processor and 4 GBs of RAM, the V7 runs on Android 7.1 Nougat and is overlaid with Vivo’s own Funtouch OS 3.2 with Smart Split and App Clone technology to enhance function and productivity.

PHP 14,990

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

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Sony WF-1000X

In-Ear Headphones The Sony WF-1000X in-ear headphones are completely free of wires and are basically just buds that fit snugly in the ear. It has a no–frills design but packs industry-leading noise cancelling technology and a 6mm driver, allowing it to deliver dynamic sound despite its miniscule size. The headphones come in a sleek case that doubles as a charging dock. The pair will automatically power on and connect to the last device they were paired with when taken out of the case. On a full charge, it guarantees up to 9 hours of usage. For a better music-listening experience, this 1000X headphones is compatible with the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app through which users can customize sound to their liking.

PHP 9,999

Sony WH-1000XM2 On-Ear Headphones

The WH-1000XM2 is a headband-style premium headphones that offers the best noise cancelling technology combined with unique Ambient Sound mode, Personal NC Optimiser, and Quick Attention mode for sound that tickles your ears. It also ships with the Atmospheric Pressure Optimising feature and can last up to 40 hours with an audio cable, or 30 hours wirelessly. Additionally, it has a Quick Charge function which gives it 70 mins of battery life with just 10 minutes of charging. This 1000X variant is also compatible with the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app, making for a personalized sound every time you press play.

PHP 17,999

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Lenovo K8 Note Plus Smartphone

Perfect for mobile photography enthusiasts, this smartphone showcases a dual-camera setup that features a 13-megapixel primary and a 5-megapixel secondary lens which capture superb photos with bokeh effect. Selfie fanatics can also rejoice in its 13-megapixel front shooter that has a built-in LED flash. The 5.5 incher has a full-HD display protected by a 2.5D Corning Gorilla glass and an anti-fingerprint coating to complement its tough performance. Encased in its sleek body is the mighty deca-core Mediatek Helio X23 (MT6797) processor matched with a 4 GB RAM and a built-in 64 GB internal memory that ensure seamless multimedia and gaming experience. You can also get one of the longest use times thanks to its 4,000 mAh non-removable battery that supports rapid charging. To top it all, the well-built K8 Note Plus is the first deca-core smart phone released in the local market that truly gives value for your money!

PHP 13,999

Lenovo K8 Note Smartphone

A strong contender in the photography and music section, this 5.2-incher showcases a full-HD display that is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Its 13-megapixel, plus 5-megapixel dual rear cameras allow users to level up their photos, even in lowlight conditions, by adjusting various camera settings through its user-friendly camera app. This also applies to its 8-megapixel front camera with LED flash. Featuring Dolby Atmos technology, the K8 Plus offers supreme audio quality that music lovers will surely admire. Everyone can also enjoy the visually appealing TheaterMax mode through VR glasses for a total multimedia experience. Powered by an octa-core Helio P25 chipset with a 4 GB RAM and a 32 GB internal memory on board, this mid-range phone could truly bring happiness in a box.

PHP 11,999

DECEMBER 2017 Âˇ JANUARY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Millerton 6-Port 8A USB Charging Hub USB Charging Hub

Crafted with a powerful 8A output, this 6-port charging hub can refill battery simultaneously on your devices, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The Millerton 6-port 8A USB Charging Hub’s heavy duty matte black outer shell guarantees long-lasting use. Users can also expect an over-all protection for their gadgets as it features a multiple charging safety system that prevents over-charging, over-heating, and short circuit issues. This device automatically detects charging current for connected devices. It’s time to say goodbye to your numerous travel adapters and say hello to this portable, convenient, charging solution.

PHP 499 (original price PHP 2,500, promo until Christmas season only)

Pictar One

Camera Grip Capturing picturesque landscapes through your smartphone is now possible with this awesome camera grip from Miggö. Tagged as the best iPhone camera grip, the Pictar One gives you the functions of a DSLR camera in an ergonomically designed lightweight body. You can now take pictures like a pro through its five external buttons that enable users to tweak the camera’s aperture, exposure, shutter speed, and zooming options. Powered by an ultra-sonic system which is more battery-efficient than Bluetooth connectivity, this camera grip seamlessly connects to your iPhone via its own dedicated app. It also comes with a cold shoe mount and a universal tripod adapter which are compatible with most monopods, tripods, and detachable camera flashers. In case you’re wondering, this phone accessory has a removable 1/2 AA battery that can last from four to six months. Adding this to your mobile photography arsenal is truly a must!

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Oppo F5

Smarthpone Another “Selfie Expert” has reached the Philippine shores. Sporting a 6-inch FHD+ screen display with a wide 18:9 aspect ratio, the Oppo F5 truly embodies its flagship title. Its remarkable dual-front 16 megapixel cameras are a royal treat to every selfie and groufie fanatic. It also boasts a new AI beauty feature that allows you to take selfies like a pro! Meanwhile, its 20-megapixel rear camera equipped with AF and LED flash produces clear and crisp images. Powered by a Snapdragon 660 chipset, optimum performance is ensured. This sleek smart phone is available with 4 GB RAM topped with a 64 GB internal memory, making a smartphone you shouldn’t miss. With its built-in 3200 mAh battery, you are guaranteed to enjoy seamless entertainment.

PHP 15,990

Canon EOS M100

Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Style, substance, and functionality meet in the new Canon EOS M100. This mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is light and compact, yet has powerful Dual CMOS AF technology built-in to give you photos that are sharp, even when the subject is in motion. The M100 also makes use of a DIGIC 7 image processor in tandem with its 24.2 APS-C CMOS sensor to produce images with clarity and vibrance. Meanwhile, fitted at the back of the M100 is an LCD screen that tilts up to 180 degrees for hassle-free taking of photos at any angle. This function works great with the camera’s Self Portrait Mode for a no-holds-barred selfie session. Rounding out the M100 are its various connectivity options that make it the perfect photography tool to take with you on your adventures. It has support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connections so you can upload images on-the-fly. The EOS M100 is available in black, white, and gray.

PHP 33,998

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

LifeProof NËXT

iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X Case The LifeProof NËXT boasts six layers of protection in an ultra-sleek package to keep your iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X safe from drops, dirt, and even snow. Its two-piece outer shell wraps securely around the phone to deliver maximum durability and drop defense. Meanwhile, a raised bevel bolsters drop and touchscreen protection while the display is left uncovered for direct access to the glass. A clear outer layer prevents scuffs, scrapes, and scratches and an inner lining seals the case and phone from dirt. An audiotransparent mesh covers the speakers to block dust and debris while audio flows freely. In true LifeProof fashion, NËXT protects from drops up to 2 meters and carries an IP-5X rating for blocking dirt and other debris that can damage your phone. It is available in black, beach pebble, seaside, and cactus rose, and is also compatible with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

PHP 3,490 (iPhone 8 and iPhone X) PHP 3,990 (iPhone 8 Plus)

LifeProof SLAM

iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X Case Deflecting damage never looked so good. Engineered to withstand drops of up to 2 meters while still maintaining a slim profile, SLΛM combines sport, style, and safety for the newest iPhones. It has a transparent shell that allows the iPhone’s beautiful factory finish to shine while the perimeter flashes one of four available color options—night flash, lava chaser, aloha sunset, and free flow. The SLAM series is also compatible with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

PHP 2,490 (iPhone 8 and iPhone X) PHP 2,990 (iPhone 8 Plus)

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

GADGETS LAB

Apple iPad Pro 10.5 and Apple Pencil Reviewed by Ren Alcantara

Tablets have long been used mostly for content consumption, with incidental creation. While many have attempted to come up with creation tablets with some success, leave it to Apple to nail it. Behold, the Apple iPad Pro 10.5. DESIGN

Where it really shines is when it is had with the Apple Pencil.

There’s not a lot to say about the iPad Pro here. It’s a slab, with reasonably narrow bezels, an elegant chamfered edge, and buttons where you’ve come to expect them. A solid metal back, massive glass front, with a fingerprint scanner right down in the center. Apart from saying it looks like basically every other iPad, there’s not much else to talk about.

The fast 120 Hz refresh rate on the iPad, a quick processor, and whatever alien tech they’ve got going on in the Pencil make for an experience that is unbelievably close to actually writing on paper. Sure, the screen is quite slick, but the response is practically analog.

The pencil is about seven inches long, and just the slightest bit thicker than your usual 2B, with a good weight to it. The business end is a hard plastic point that’s thankfully replaceable, and the rear end is a magnetic cap that keeps the charging bit safe.

HARDWARE A 10.5-inch 2224 × 1668 display with 264 ppi, the powerful A10x Fusion chip and M10 coprocessor, and 4 GB of RAM round things out nicely. My particular model is the 64 GB, Wi-Fi only one, and yes, I got the Apple Pencil as well. You of course get all the modern connectivity options, save for cellular, which is just fine by me. The Apple Pencil has an internal battery, and a host of sensors to detect pressure and orientation, as well as a wireless module to communicate with the host tablet. Very impressive, and quite solid.

USER EXPERIENCE Here’s where it gets interesting. Using the iPad Pro as a regular tablet doesn’t really yield an experience too far removed from your average iPad or Android tab, though quite fast. Cameras, if you decide to use them for some reason, might be best I’ve seen on a tablet, and the fingerprint scanner works wonderfully fast. Apple’s control of their hardware really allows this device to perform fast, smooth, and absolutely wonderfully, whether playing games, loading web pages, or watching videos.

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Artists have given the system resounding praise, and for good reason. This thing really is amazing. While I myself lack even a single artistic bone in me, I tend to take plenty of handwritten notes. Most of my drafts are done longhand, and the way it handles writing is unbelievable. I’ve tried multiple devices that do handwriting recognition, employ a stylus, and feel reasonably ok, but I’ll be honest: this is how I imagined this technology would be. I really mean that. Pair the hardware with a good writing app (I use Nebo), and you have the perfect setup for capturing handwritten notes for translating into editable text later on. Battery life is impressive. If you take it out for an hour or two of notes daily, you should only have to charge every other day. I tend to use mine for scribbling articles, or paired with a keyboard for quick writing on the go, and I charge maybe twice a week.

brings, but everyone else who might just need a large, portable, fast tablet might want to look at a different model. The PHP 37,000 sticker price is a significant chunk of change, and to really make it shine, you need the Pencil, which is another PHP 6,000, so consider your use case well before you cash out.

Specifications: Weight: 469 g Dimensions: 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.24 in OS: iOS 10 Display: 10.5 inches Resolution: 2224 × 1668 pixels Pixel density: 264 PPI RAM: 4 GB Storage: 64 GB Cameras: 7 MP front, 12 MP rear Processor: A10X Fusion + M10 Coprocessor What’s Hot: - Amazing red-pen-like writing - Superb battery life - Great portability What’s Not: -Price -Still quite niche

The 10.5 model gives the best compromise between portability and usability, tucks into a bag with no fuss, and gives you about the same writing surface as a large notebook. Plus, you can choose the color of ink you use to write, on the fly. Next to my smartphone, this has, in very short order, become the most indispensable device in my arsenal.

VALUE As much as I love it, it certainly is not a device for everyone. Journalists, students, digital artists can all stand to benefit from the functionality it

Bottomline Yes, I actually went and bought one for myself.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

ASUS ZenFone 4 Reviewed by Robby Vaflor

ASUS has been pegged as a manufacturer of smartphones with great specs and excellent photo-taking capabilities. It is also known for its great value for money. With the launch of the ZenFone 4, ASUS went a different route and decided to give their latest flagship model a price bump. Let’s see if the price increase is warranted for the device. DESIGN

USER EXPERIENCE

What’s great about the ZenFone 4 is that it looks and feels like a flagship. Nothing too flashy—just a slate of metal married to glass. The back has the trademark ASUS logo with beams of reflective light radiating from it, while the sides have a nice brushed texture with bevels going along the top and bottom, giving dimension and depth to the design. The grip on the phone is not bad either, and feels great even when operating it singlehandedly.

Using the ZenFone 4 is a pretty solid experience. Out of the box, there would be a number of bugs and glitches, but kudos to the folks at ASUS for regularly updating the phone’s software and remedying such booboos with a sense of urgency.

The large 5.5-inch display is surrounded by a very miniscule bezel running along the edges of the phone. The solid-state fingerprint scanner serves as the smartphone’s home button, while the lock button and volume rocker are unobtrusively placed at the side of the phone. As far as minimalist designs go, the ZenFone 4 is a tux in a fancy dress party: timeless, neat, and subtle. And if you want a little more character, it’s also available in moonlight white and mint green colors apart from the standard midnight black.

HARDWARE The ZenFone 4 is available in two variants: one that runs on an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 CPU and Adreno 508 GPU mated to 4 GB of RAM; and another that runs on an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and Adreno 512 graphics chip on top of 6 GB of RAM. Everything else in terms of specs is the same for both variants: Dual rear cameras (the main camera rated at 12 megapixels with f/1.8 aperture while the wide camera is rated at 8 megapixels) utilizing Sony’s flagship IMX362 pixel sensor, coupled with four-axis image stabilization. The front camera on the other hand is 8 megapixels with f/2.0 aperture. The display is in full HD resolution while audio is upgraded with a DTS driver for high-resolution audio playback coupled with virtual surround headphone optimization. The ZenFone 4 gets 64 GB of built-in storage, expandable up to a whopping 2 TB (as long as you’re willing to ditch the second SIM). In terms of power, the phone gets a more-than-enough 3300 mAh battery with fast charging via USB Type-C.

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Multi-tasking and playing games aren’t a problem thanks to the improved clock speed of the Snapdragon 660 and the Adreno 512 GPU. Day to day operation is pretty smooth, and continuous use even with everything turned on (mobile data, location, NFC, Bluetooth) wouldn’t put too much of a dent on the battery. And even if it does, the phone’s quick charging will get you back to whatever it is you were doing in no time at all. Given the LED screens available, the full HD IPS screen doesn’t stand out, but it does the job pretty well in terms of displaying a clear image. One of the ZenFone 4’s strongest suits perhaps is its audio with DTS headphone support. Rarely would you see a driver’s software have the level of preset flexibility that you would find in the ZenFone 4, allowing you to customize not just based on the genre you are listening to, but also the brand and make of headphones you are using. Yes, the menu even has obscure and high-end brands. The camera, as one would expect from ZenFone 4 is pretty solid. The color and contrasting is spot on, and would probably even improve later in its lifespan with software updates. The wide angle lens is great for landscape photography, allowing users to capture more of the scenery. The f/1.8 aperture and flagship Sony sensors definitely help in letting in more light which is a godsend for everyday photo-taking. But it does pose a challenge when taking long-exposure photos or using Pro mode especially at night as it lets in a lot of light.

Specifications: Display: 5.5 inches, FHD 1080p IPS LCD capacitive touch, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection Sound: Hi-Res audio with DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound support CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 or 660 octa-core GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 508 or 512 Memory: LPDDR4x 4GB or 6GB Storage: 64GB onboard storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD OS: ASUS ZenUI 4.0 (based on Android Nougat) Main Cameras (Dual): 12-megapixel camera with Sony IMX362 dual pixel image sensors, f/1.8 aperture with four-axis, four stops optical image stabilization; 8-megapixel, 120-degree wide-angle camera Front Camera: 8-megapixel camera, f/2.0 aperture and 84-degree field of view Connections: USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, hybrid dual SIM Battery: 3300 mAh with fast charging

What’s Hot: -Great main camera -Highly flexible audio presets -Well-rounded specs What’s Not: -Price is a tad steep

VALUE Overall, the Zenfone 4 is a great phone. But great would’ve been perfect had the pricing been a little more generous. Not saying it’s not worth what it’s worth, but with the amount of phones to choose from in the current market, the PHP 28,995 price tag is a little bit tough to swallow.

Bottomline The ASUS ZenFone 4 is an excellent phone to have. We just wish it was a couple grand cheaper.

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teenage engineering PO-32 Tonic Reviewed by Robby Vaflor

Swedish electronics company Teenage Engineering (stylized teenage engineering) brings yet another edition of its quirky Pocket Operator drum synthesizer series to the world--the PO-32 Tonic--with the award-winning manufacturer claiming that it is their best one yet. I got my hands on one to see if there is truth to this rare outburst of Scandinavian pride. DESIGN teenage engineering is known to bring together retro elements with the minimalistic Scandinavian design ethos of its products, willing to break conventions in terms of appearance and operation, exemplified by its critically-acclaimed flagship OP synthesizer series. With this in mind, the PO-32 looks like a cross between a Casio calculator and a Nintendo Game & Watch, sans plastic covering. If you don’t get the referenced items, the aesthetic may be lost on you. It is so beautifully bare, with just an electronics board and exposed components. You can see the soldered pieces, pins and all. A “pro case” is available for a considerable amount more, but why cover up all the awesomeness?

to a pair of headphones or playing live through professional audio systems.

USER EXPERIENCE And just like a Game & Watch, the PO-32 is fun to use out of the box. The amount of customization allowed off the bat gives the synthesizer a level of depth that you rarely find in such a tiny device. Every sound from the kick drum to the cymbals is so clean and crisp, reminiscent of iconic 80s drum machines. The buttons, while in live play mode, are very responsive, clicking at every press: so satisfying. The knobs offer the right amount of resistance to be able to tune each hardware-generated sound’s pitch and morphing.

Each button (23 in all) is clearly labeled, with the action on each as tactile as can be. The two parameter knobs turn finely as well, for better control on the tone of each sound. All in all, the PO-32 exemplifies the simplicity of Swedish design with every element having a definite purpose, while looking so darn cool.

The 16 percussion instruments are transformed into a linear sequencer at the press of a button, where you can edit and save drum patterns which you can still edit in real time afterwards, a very useful feature for live performances. Tempo can be edited with the press of a button and a turn of a knob.

HARDWARE

The only issue that people might have at the start is figuring out the commands. Since there is a limited number of buttons compared to the amount of stuff you could do with the PO-32, learning how to operate it may be a bit challenging at first. And the small buttons maybe a challenge for people with chunky digits. But once you get the hang of it, the PO-32 is a great addition to any musician’s rig.

Compared to the 10 and 20 series of Pocket Operators, the PO-32 provides better flexibility for musicians. teenage engineering fitted it with a microphone for data transfer, a lock tab for pattern protection, and unlimited sound customization via the company’s micro tonic VST (sold separately on the website). The company also updated the LCD graphics to fit the “tonic” theme, and it’s really cute to look at while you’re designing your beats. Everything else is just carried over from its predecessors—if it ain’t broke, why fix it, right? The PO-32 uses real synthesizer engines for all of its sounds, giving high quality beats and sound effects every time whether you’re just connected

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Specifications: Real synthesizer engines Sequencer mode Parameter locks Built-in speaker and microphone 3.5 mm in and out micro tonic VST-capable Animated LCD display Fold-out stand Break away lock tab Clock + alarm clock function Battery powered (two AAAs, sold separately) 1 month battery life and two year standby time What’s Hot: -Excellent output quality -Highly flexible -Kooky design What’s Not: -Small buttons aren’t for everyone -Some commands may be hard to figure out at first

VALUE At USD 89, the PO-32 currently is the most expensive of all the Pocket Operators, but it’s still quite cheap considering what you’re getting. teenage engineering ships to the Philippines for an extra nine bucks (plus customs tariffs). Combining all of that, you still wouldn’t be breaking the bank on such a powerful device.

Bottomline The PO-32 is the best of all the Pocket Operators currently on offer and blows any competition within the price range clean out of the water.

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Carl Zeiss Lenses Reviewed by Presy Alba

I’ve needed eyeglasses since I was in grade school. Being near-sighted with astigmatism, I had to wear eyeglasses all the time, which I hated when I was younger. My prescription was so high and the lenses were always thick and heavy. In college I wore extended wear soft contact lenses and needed to wear eyeglasses occasionally as backup. But now after developing dry-eyes, my doctor shifted me to Scleral Gas Permeable Hard Contact Lenses to lessen my eye strain, especially after long hours of working in front of the computer. But for the past two years that I’ve been wearing Scleral Contact lenses, I’ve had a pair of reading glasses perched on top of my head just in case. Regular reading glasses did not protect me from eyestrain when working on the computer nor from the glare of the sun. After a long day at the office, my eyes were tired, driving home was sometimes a challenge. Then I learned that Carl Zeiss could tailor-fit a pair of spectacles for me that would address all of my concerns: DESIGN Made of ultra-thin lightweight materials, Zeiss lenses are designed with the user’s utmost comfort in mind. Each pair of eyeglasses is tailor-made to address the user’s vision requirements. In my case, I needed progressive lenses as base to correct my near vision for reading as well as allow me to see distant objects clearly without needing to remove or change my eyeglasses. And because I work in front of a computer all day, blue-light filters were recommended to reduce eye-strain. PhotoFusion, which automatically darkens the lenses when exposed to UV and sunlight, was added so I don’t have to put on sunglasses whenever I go outdoors. Lastly I needed to have DriveSafe glasses so that I could have clearer vision when driving, especially at night.

HARDWARE Whether made out of glass or plastic, each pair of Carl Zeiss spectacles takes advantage of their advanced technology to provide the user with the clearest vision possible. Even with all the added features I requested for my eyeglasses, it weighs just 17 g–the lightest glasses I’ve ever had--and this already includes the frame. I admit that I also chose super lightweight titanium frame, but it is 10 g lighter than my back-up glasses which is also made of ultra-thin glass.

USER EXPERIENCE I spent about an hour at George Optical for the required eye check up and to select the frame. 22

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Then it took about eight working days for my custom-made glasses to come back from Carl Zeiss in Germany, and it had all of the following features. Progressive lens are designed to correct vision from near to far with smooth progression. With it, there’s no need to remove my glasses when I need to look at distant objects. As the base lens, these were so thin and lightweight, it is comfortable to wear all day. Duravision Blueprotect is a special coating for clear lenses that filters blue light and prevents eyestrain when one is exposed to indoor lighting, computer screens, etc. for extended periods. So even when I have to work on the computer or be exposed to bright indoor light, I am protected from its harmful effects. Meanwhile, Photofusion is Carl Zeiss’ version of self-tinting lenses that darken when exposed to UV light. PhotoFusion is new technology that was introduced in 2011. It darkens and clears the glasses faster than previous versions of self-tinting glasses. Since the lens automatically darkens as soon as I step out into the sunlight, I no longer need to bring sunglasses. The last feature I’d like to highlight is the DriveSafe Lenses which are specially designed to improve driving vision especially at night, and protect the eyes from reflections. This is my favorite feature because objects are much clearer when driving especially at night.

VALUE

But in my opinion it was worth the investment as I have not had one stress headache or eyestrain in the 30 days that I have been wearing these glasses.

Specifications: Carl Zeiss Spectacles with prescription Progressive Lenses Duravision BlueProtect Coating PhotoFusion self-tinting lenses DriveSafe lenses What’s Hot: -Delivers on its promise of clear vision and comfort -Darkens and clears faster than other photochromatic lenses -Reduces glare for better night-time vision -Seamless transition from near to distance vision -Super ultra-thin and lightweight What’s Not: -Quite expensive -Not fog-proof -Not smudge–proof

Bottomline Worth the investment.

I have to say that because of the lens features I selected plus the super lightweight titanium frame I chose, these glasses did not come cheap.

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DECEMBER 2017 â&#x2C6;&#x2122; JANUARY 2018

Acer Spin 5 • Intel Core i7-8550U processor Quad-core 1.80 GHz • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with 4 GB dedicated memory • 8 GB, DDR4 SDRAM • 15.6” Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS • 1 TB HDD • Windows 10 Home

PHP 99,800

Yellow Hornet, Black Raven, Matte Green, Race Blu

Acer Swift 3 • Available in Steel Grey and Stellar Blue • 15.6-inch display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology • Bluetooth 4.0 • Bluetooth 2.1+EDR • Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC, 802.11ac/a/b/g/n wireless LAN with Acer Nplify, featuring 2x2 MIMO technology • Windows 10

PHP 39,999

Intel Core i3-7100U processor, 4 GB of onboard DDR4 system memory, 1 TB 2.5-inch 5400 RPM HDD

PHP 59,999

Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8 GB of onboard DDR4 system memory, 128GB SSD + 1 TB 2.5-inch 5400 RPM HDD

PHP 79,999

Intel Core i7-8550U processor, 16 GB of onboard DDR4 system memory, 256GB SSD + 1 TB 2.5-inch 5400 RPM HDD

Predator Triton 700 • Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor (4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB cache, 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.8 GHz, DDR4 2400 MHz or DDR3L 1600 MHz, 45 W) with Intel Smart Cache support • 16 GB of DDR4 system memory, upgradable to 32 GB using two soDIMM modules • 15.6-inch display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, Full HD 1920 x 1080, high-brightness (300 nits) • Killer Wireless-AC 1535, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless LAN • Supports Bluetooth 4.1 • Windows 10 Home OS • Dual stereo speakers

DECEMBER 2017 ∙ JANUARY 2018

PHP 134,999

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM

PHP 229,999

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 with MAX-Q design and with 8 GB of dedicated GDDR5X VRAM

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AGV K5S ENLACE • External CAF (Carbon-Fiberglass) shell manufactured in two sizes • EPS inner lining available in four sizes, and four different densities • Shell and EPS optimized using the FEM (Finite Elements Analysis) Ventilation system, consisting of one chin guard vent, two front air vents and an air extractor with rear on/off switch • Wind tunnel-tested for optimum ventilation and stability • Central front air vent with direct high air flow channel • Integrated rear spoiler • Removable and washable 3D Dry-Comfort liner and cheek pads • Includes removable breath deflector and chin curtain • Scratch-resistant and anti-fog polycarbonate face shield with 100-percent UV protection, offered in 2 sizes • Visor micro-opening system • XQRS (Extra Quick Release System) visor mechanism for quick visor removal • Tool-less removable and replaceable integrated scratch-resistant sun visor (ISV) • Double D retention system • ECE certified

PHP 19,500

GIVI B32N BOLD • Massive 32-Liter capacity • Can hold one full-face helmet, plus a jacket • Has enough room for an A4-sized hard folio, or 14-inch laptop back • Opens effortlessly with one button push • Integrated handle for easy access • One-click locking for easy security

PHP 3,950

BATTERY TENDER PORTABLE POWERPACK • Lithium-powered • Lightweight and compact • Integrated LED illumination for low-light use • LED charge indicator • 400 cranking Amps • Spark-proof • Reverse polarity protection • Boost power button when required • Compact. 3.5" x 6.75", approximately 0.9 lbs (Power pack only)

PHP 6,950

NOLAN N40-5GT • Fitted with VPS drop-down sun-shield • Fully removable and washable fabric liner • Microlock retention system • Compatible with N-Com communication system (Compatible with N-COM MCS II, B1 and B4 Kits) • Its advanced ventilation system • Wide visor and peak, for maximum comfort whether for use around town or on long trips. • Lexan Polycarbonate Shell for superior strength • Scratch-resistant visor • Removable peak • Top Air Intake and Rear air extractor • ECE Certified

PHP 11,800 26

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Tribe Earphone • Input jack: 3.5mm • Cable length: 115 cm • Durable, tangle-free and 100% handcrafted low-impedance earphones • 14.2mm speaker drivers • Gives high-definition audio quality • Comes with comfortable ear buds, control button and inline microphone • Universally compatible with all mobile devices • Available in Black, Pink, Red and Yellow

PHP 695

Vogue Earphone

Bikermate Speaker

• Speaker drivers: 10mm • Impedance: 16 ohms ± 15% • Sensitivity: 95 dB ± 3 dB • Wearable as a wrist-band • Stylish leather-braided 1.2m cable that measures • Includes call button for easier access • Compatible with all kinds of mobile device

• Multifunctional wireless speaker and power bank • Battery capacity of 8000 mAh • Water-resistant, good for outdoors • Compatible with all Bluetooth devices, • Up to 11 hours playback time • Includes control buttons for easy access • Has a 3.5 mm audio jack and a built-in dual mic • Comes with an attachable bike mount and an LED flash torch

PHP 795 (Promo Price

of PHP 395 UNtil january 31, 2017)

PHP 3,295

Aural Bluetooth Earphone Voltag-10 Power Bank • Battery Capacity: 10000 mAh • Battery type: Lithium-Polymer • Compact and lightweight design • Input and output: 5V, up to 2A • Can charge up to 2 devices • Has dual fast-charging USB and one micro-USB port • Includes automatic voltage regulation that provides optimum battery to your device • Available colors: black, white, pink and blue

• Stylish design • Connects to two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth • With noise cancellation feature • Has a built-in microphone • Rechargeable, up to 3-5 hours playback time • Compatible to both iOS and Android devices • Available colors: black and white

PHP 995 28

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Nokia 8 Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor • Adreno 540 GPU • 4 GB RAM • 64 GB internal storage, expandable up to 256 GB via microSD card • Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system (upgradeable to Oreo via OTA update) • 5.3-inch, IPS with 16M colors display • Nokia OZO Audio technology-equipped, 3.5 mm jack • LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity • Single- or dual-SIM slots • Dual 13 MP with LED flash rear and 13 MP fixed focus front-facing cameras • 3090 mAh non-removable li-ion battery • Available in steel and polished blue

PHP 29,990

Nokia 6 • Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor • Adreno 540 GPU • 3 GB RAM • 32 GB internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB via microSD card • Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system (upgradeable to Oreo via OTA update) • 5.5-inch, IPS Full HD display • Dual speakers, Smart Amplifier Dolby Atmos • LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity • Hybrid dual SIM • 16 MP rear and 8 MP front-facing cameras • 3000 mAh non-removable li-ion battery • Available in tempered blue and silver

PHP 11,990

Nokia 5

Nokia 3

• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor • Adreno 540 GPU • 2 GB RAM • 16 GB internal memory, expandable up to 128 GB via microSD card • Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system (upgradeable to Oreo via OTA update) • 5.2-inch, IPS HD display • Smart Amplifier Dolby Atmos • LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 • Single- or dual-SIM slots • 13 MP rear and 8 MP front-facing cameras • 3000 mAh non-removable li-ion battery • Available in tempered blue, silver, and matte black

• Quad-core MediaTek 6737 processor • Adreno 540 GPU • 2 GB RAM • 16 GB internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB via microSD card • Android 7.0 Nougat (upgradeable to Oreo via OTA update) • 5-inch, IPS HD display • LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity • Single or dual-SIM slots • 8 MP front and rear cameras • 2630 mAh non-removable li-ion battery • Available in silver white, matte black, tempered black

PHP 9,990 30

DECEMBER 2017 ∙ JANUARY 2018

PHP 6,990

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CB150R • Liquid cooled, 4 Stroke, DOHC - 4 Valves • 149.16 cc • Kick and electric starting • Full transistorized ignition system • Six-Speed Constant Mesh transmission • Hydraulic disc front and rear brake system • 1,293 mm wheelbase • 136 kg dry weight • 797 mm seat height • 12 L fuel capacity • PGM-Fi fuel system • 12.4 Kw / 9,000 rpm • 13.8 Nm / 7,000 rpm

PHP 116,800

Click125i • 4-Stroke, SOHC 2 Valve, liquid cooled, eSP • 124.8 cc • Kick and electric starting • Automatic, V-Matic transmission • Hydraulic front disc brake • Mechanical leading trailing rear brakes • Combi Brake System (CBS) • 1,280 mm wheelbase • 106 kg dry weight, 110 kg curb weight • 765 mm seat height • 5.5 L fuel tank

PHP 80,900

Wave110R • 4 Stroke, OHC, air-cooled • 109.17cc Displacement • Electric and Kick starter • DC-CDI ignition system • 4 Speed, Constant Mesh transmission • Front hydraulic disc brake • Mechanical leading trailing rear brakes • 1,224 mm wheelbase • 769 mm seat height • 3.7 L fuel tank • 6.13 kW @ 7,500 rpm • 8.49 Nm @ 5,500 rpm

PHP 56,900

DECEMBER 2017 ∙ JANUARY 2018

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Lowa Innox Evo Lo • Upper Material: Microfiber & Synthetic • Construction: Slip Lasted - Injected PU Midsole • Lining: Wicking Polyester Synthetic • Lacing Hardware: Fabric Eyelets Midsole: Double Injection • DynaPU with shock absorbing zones • Monowrap Frame: MONOWRAP Stability Frame • Sole: LOWA Enduro Evo • Stabilizer: Soft Country of Origin: Slovakia Weight (lb) 1.54

PHP 6,950

Cannae Pro Gear Loculus Satchel Bag

Olight M2R Warrior • Beam Distance: 682 ft. • Max. Performance: 1500 Lumens • Compatible Batteries: 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A • Light Intensity: 10880 Candela • Light Form: Standard hotspot diameter with impressive distance. • Mode Operation: Dual Switch • Comfortable and firm grip with ergonomic knurling allowing the user to operate the tail switch naturally without even looking at it due to it's smooth, barrierless tail cap. • Aside from momentary or constant turbo from the standard operation mode, the light also features an enhanced tactical mode for one click instant access to strobe. • Waterproof: IPX8 Weight (g / oz.) 149 / 5.26 • For hunting, tactical, military, security and protection, police, EDC, outdoor, professional activities, police. • Package Contents: Olight M2R flashlight, Double • Direction Stainless Steel Pocket Clip, 10A HDC • 3500mAh 18650 Battery, USB Magnetic Charging Cable, Lanyard, Holster, and User manual

• 500D Cordura Nylon • Strong Duraflex Buckles and Hardware • Reliable Inter-Locking YKK Zippers • Quick-Access Interlocking CCW pocket • Concealed Carry Capable in Both Main Compartment & Pocket • Easily adjustable Padded Sling • Unique Single Zip Body and Top Position Opening: Full or Vertical Access • Easy Access Side pockets • Protective 10" Tablet Compartment • Interlocking Main Zipper Pocket for Secure storage • Easy Grab Top Handle • Super-Grip Zipper Pullers • Quick Access Soft-Padded Protective Eye wear Compartment • Front Admin Pocket designed for electronic media storage • Ergonomically Designed for Maximum Comfort • Fabric: 500D Cordura Nylon • Capacity – 5 Liters • Dimensions – 10.5” (H) x 9.5” (W) x 4” (D) inches • Weight – 1.5 lbs

PHP 3,650

PHP 4,800

Opinel N.10 Corkscrew Knife • Blade length: 10cm • Blade Material: Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel Anti-corrosive • Hard, durable, grippy beech handle • Virobloc safety ring

PHP 1,250

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DECEMBER 2017 ∙ JANUARY 2018

GSX SERIES

Revolutionize your ride • Liquid cooled, 4 Stroke, DOHC - 4 Valves • 149.16 cc • Kick and electric starting • Full transistorized ignition system • Six-Speed Constant Mesh transmission • Hydraulic disc front and rear brake system • 1,293 mm wheelbase • 136 kg dry weight • 797 mm seat height • 12 L fuel capacity • PGM-Fi fuel system • 12.4 Kw / 9,000 rpm • 13.8 Nm / 7,000 rpm

GSX -R150 PHP 156,000 Blue, Black/Red colors

GSX-S150 PHP 112,800

Blue, Black, and Silver colors

RAIDER R150 CARB

SKYDRIVE 125 FI

For Professional Modification

Fuel Injection

• 147.3 cc, water-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, four-valve, single cylinder, carburetor engine (Euro 3-compliant) • 15.4 hp at 9,500 rpm • 12.4 Nm at 9,500 rpm • Six-speed • Telescopic (front); mono-shock link-type (rear) • Petal disc(front and rear)

• 124.1 cc, air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke, four valve, single cylinder, fuel injection (Euro 3 compliant) engine • 9.25 hp at 7,500 rpm • 19.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm • CVT transmission • Oil-damped telescopic coil spring suspension (front); oil-damped swingarm (rear) • Disc (front); Drum (rear)

PHP 96,900

PHP 78,900

Black/Red Wheels, Black/Gold Wheels, Black/ Yellow, Blue colors

Black, Red, Pink, and Violet

PHP 97,900

RAIDER R150 FI

Matte Black Premium

New Fuel Injection

PHP 109,900

Black, Black/Red, and MotoGP Blue 34

DECEMBER 2017 ∙ JANUARY 2018

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Sniper 150 The Street Monarch

• Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve • 149.7 cc • 11.3 kW at 8,500 rpm • 13.8 Nm at 7,000 rpm • TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition) • Performance fuel injection • Constant mesh 5-speed

PHP 99,800

Yellow Hornet, Black Raven, Matte Green, Race Blu

YZF-R6

Refined. Redesigned. Remarkable. • Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, Inline 4-cylinder, 16 Titanium Valves • 599 cc • 87.1 kW at 14,500rpm • 61.7 Nm at 10,500rpm • TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition) • TCS, ABS, D-Mode • Constant mesh 6-speed

PHP 749,000

Race Blu and Tech Black

Mio Aerox 155 Lead with Speed

• Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, Blue Core • 155 cc • 11.1 kW at 8,000 rpm • 13.8 Nm at 6250 rpm • Electric Start • Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) • V-belt automatic transmission

PHP 99,800

Black Raven, Race Blu, Vibrant Orange

DECEMBER 2017 ∙ JANUARY 2018

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PHOTO FEATURE

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COVER STORY

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MOBILITY

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HOME

TRAVEL

Destination:

There is an Albert Heijns supermarket in the basement, stalls that offer a wide array of products on the ground floor, including all kinds of spices, ham from Spain, an Asian grocery store, and so much more. Plus, there are several restaurants and bars on the mezzanine level.

Rotterdam

Just around the corner from the Markthal, right above the Blaak Subway Station, is the unusual Cube House designed by architect Piet Blom. It is designed to efficiently use space, not only within the living quarters inside the building itself, but also how it is situated. It is quite a surprise to see a subway train emerge beneath one of its archways.

Words and Photos by Presy Alba

Rotterdam’s claim to fame is that it is Europe’s largest port. It is also notably one of the busiest economic centers in the Netherlands, especially with its proximity to the Hague. But what most visitors find most surprising when they arrive in the city is its amazing architecture. While Amsterdam has quaint row houses, the Rotterdam cityscape is refreshingly modern. This is because the city-center was literally flattened by the Nazis in World War II. The postwar reconstruction offered opportunities for experimentation in structure and design–a trend that continues to this day.

Even if you’re based in Amsterdam, set aside one day to visit Rotterdam. You may purchase a round-trip ticket to Rotterdam from Schiphol airport, and you can also purchase a Rotterdam tourist day-pass for EUR 13.50 that will allow you to go around Rotterdam using all modes of public transportation.

On your way to the Markthal, you will cross a bridge that you might have seen in movies and on TV. The Erasmusbrug (or Erasmus Bridge) is also known as the Swan. It is a combined cable-stayed and bascule bridge that is less than one kilometer long. The appearance of the cable-stayed part is the reason for its nickname, but it is the bascule part that makes it most interesting: it is quite fascinating to watch the bridge go up to allow

If you are interested in modern architecture and avant-garde design, a visit to Rotterdam is a must. Most notable of the awesome buildings you will find in Rotterdam is the Markthal–a uniquely designed residential and office building that was opened in 2014 with a market hall below the arched atrium. The building is especially photogenic when its lights on in the evenings. The market hall is popular with both locals, tourists, and building occupants.

ships and boats to pass through. While in Rotterdam, you might also want to visit the Rotterdam Zoo. It is one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands and is known to be one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe. The zoo’s menagerie includes Sumatran tigers, African gorillas, Asian lions, and Asian rhinoceros. It also has an oceanarium and a botanical garden in the grounds. Drop by this city for its modern architecture, and stay for an antiquated travel experience.

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

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SNAP SHOTS

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VISUAL SPACE

Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

If there are two adjectives that fit a Filipino perfectly, it will be inventive and resourceful. This has been evident through the years. In fact, these traits can be traced from our ancestors who used art as a vital tool for survival. People used the nation’s vast natural resources to develop tools that will provide convenience for the existing civilization. Through Filipino’s resilience, a spark of creativity was ignited that led to the formation of our rich cultural heritage. The fire of Filipino brilliance continues to burn as the 2017 edition of Vision Petron, an annual national art competition for students held nationally and organized by Petron Philippines, concluded last November 23 at the iconic Old Senate Hall inside the National Museum. Currently on its seventeenth year, Vision Petron continues to unleash the hidden talents of younger generation through various forms of art. They have also organized a school caravan to invite various schools and universities nationwide that offers fine arts courses. It’s a highly anticipated contest among students due to its A-list panel of judges which was spearheaded by the national artist Ben Cab, musical director Louie Ocampo, Island Souvenirs owner Jay Aldeguer, professional photographer Wig Tysmans and media director Laurice Guillen. Aside from being a highlyacclaimed contest especially tailored for students, Vision Petron serves as a stepping stone for aspiring artists. For this year’s theme, Vision Petron rediscovers Filipino ingenuity through painting, photography, video-making, t-shirt art design, and music.

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

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Here is the list of the Grand Prize winners from different categories: Painting: Oil/Acrylic • Michael Froilan, Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology • Lorebert Comision, Adventist University of the Philippines • Mark Kenneth Garcia, Museo ng Probinsya ng Tarlac Painting: Water-based media • John Mark Saycon, Lakandayang Cultural Association Inc. • Michael Jay Ramos, Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology • Christian Aaron Bondoc, Tarlac State University Photography • Mark Daniel Bosito, International Electronics and Technical Institute • Lady Clarisse Quibin, New Era University • Ysabel Victoriano, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde • Rina Paula Burgos, University of Cordilleras • Sandra Sebello, City of Malabon University • Carl Kayne Valeriano, Union Christian College T-Shirt Art Design • Nico Mandapat, Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology • Jonathan Villalobos, University of Baguio • Michael Jay Salcedo, University of Mindanao Video-Making • Lizelle Ann Trinidad, Joey Marie Dela Cruz, and Lin Mark Ayao (La Verdad Christian CollegeApalit) • Kathleen Rae Gonzales, Ryan Christian Banag, and Ian Lance Jatayna (Asia Pacific College) • Christine Joy Bearnera, Arielle Rith Bactung, and Ronielyn Bolante (Iloilo Science and Technology University) Music Composition • Elmer Jan Bolano, University of San Agustin • Kenndric Pineda, STI College-Muñoz • Jonathan Valdez and Dawn Simon, University of Mindanao Winners for the painting category brought home gift certificates as well as Petron gift packs, trophies and a PHP 70,000 cash prize. Student photographers, musicians and t-shirt designers received Abueva plaques, medals and PHP 50,000 alongside with other Petron merchandise. Guests were able to see the magnificent works through the art exhibit that was also held on the same day of the awarding ceremony. The winning pieces of these young Filipino artists will be featured on Petron’s 2018 planner, desk and digital calendars, and greeting cards.

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DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

FEATURE

REID Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos

Charisma may not be his middle name, but James Reid oozes charm enough to launch a thousand ships. The last statement maybe an exaggeration, but this Fil-Aussie is a crowd favorite and there’s no questioning it. He can dance, sing, act, and model; he ticks all the right boxes of what would propel one into stardom and he has rightfully assumed that place at the top.

While he is a favorite subject of photographers, James is also passionate for photography. He has amassed a millions of followers on Instagram not only because of his name, but for his highly laudable photo aesthetics and a well-curated gallery. In our recent chat with the 24-year-old, he shared that he wants to post photos regularly but his layout prevents him from uploading photos that don’t fit his current feed concept. All the more reason to applaud his good eye for detail. Despite this evident talent in photography, James revealed that he hasn’t received any formal training in this field of art. And like most quickwitted millennials, he looks up tips online and applies them when he shoots. He quoted this one tip he particularly remembers: the best way to learn is just to go through every mode and test out every setting. That’s how he learned, but he has expressed that he’s eager to learn the nitty gritty of the craft. Eventually, James shared that, he would pursue professional photography—not for the money but just because he loves it so.

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If you follow the actor’s activities, you will see photos taken in various locations. A selfproclaimed traveller, James plans to explore more in the coming year having just been to famous East Asian countries, Japan and South Korea. At the top of his list is India. He says, that for some reason, he’s drawn to the place. The actor is enthusiastic to experience the textures, patterns, colors, and cultures he’ll be able to capture once he sets foot in the iconic destination. James has a lot of fond memories he’s documented with his camera and he pointed out that there’s one photo that stands out from the bunch. The photo was taken during sunset in California with one of his favorite persons as subject on a porch overlooking Lake Tahoe and a pink sky hovering above in the background. He boasted that the photo didn’t need postprocessing and was naturally beautiful. He has uploaded this photo on his Instagram—brownie points for fans who can identify what this photo is!

The actor also excitedly spilled details on his biggest project to date: a new film version of the much-loved Filipino comic title Pedro Penduko—to be released next year. James shared that he has been training a lot for the film and enjoys preparing for his titular role. The movie’s based on Pedro Penduko: The Legend Begins graphic novel which was released at last year’s New York Comic Con. There’s a new story arc along with surprises fans of the comic and of James can look forward to.

Coming out with these stunning photos wouldn’t be possible without a reliable shooter by his side. For his photo-capturing needs, the heartthrob takes the new Fujifilm X-E3 with him on his travels. He shares that this ultra-compact, rangefinder style mirrorless camera helps his inner artist to shine. With an intuitive touch-enabled display, the X-E3 is easy to control. It also utilizes the latest X-Trans CMOS III sensor and powerful X-Processor Pro for outstanding image quality. In 2018, James looks forward to making more music and dreams to collaborate with international rapper, singer, and producer PartyNextDoor (PND), who’s famous for having penned the hit Rihanna song Work, and where he gets his music inspiration from.

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DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

GAMING

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Words by Ren Alcantara Developer: MachineGames | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Platform: PC

Since the first Wolfenstein game came out some 30 years ago, the title has had quite a bit of success with the gaming community. There’s something innately fulfilling about giving Nazis the beatdown, with some pretty insane weapons, and a brash, tough protagonist. It’s 2017 now, and it’s good to see some things don’t really change, at least not by a lot. Wolfenstein: New Colossus picks up where the previous installment, Wolfenstein: New Order, leaves off. The Nazis won the Second World War, America is under German control, and the atompunk vibe is in every corner of ‘60s USA. Our hero, BJ Blazcowicz has survived the events of the previous game, but just barely. The resistance has moved its base into the massive submarine Eva’s Hammer, in order to keep the fight going.

DECEMBER 2017 • JANUARY 2018

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Things happen, and before long, you’re back in the saddle, quite a bit worse for wear, and slinging lead like it’s nobody’s business. In between the action, the game gives you a lot of insight as to what’s going on in our hero’s head, and it’s not very encouraging. Battle-weary, and still suffering from all the battles he has fought, you are in the shoes of a fighter on auto-pilot, just doing what he has to until he can’t do it any longer. This point is brought home even clearer by all the drama back at Eva’s hammer, Blazcowicz’s past, and the struggles the resistance is facing. It’s not the most fun thing to hear, as Terror Billy, as he has come to be known, randomly spouts lines that, for the life of me, sound painfully emo, and had me less empathizing with his internal pain, and more rolling my eyes each time he laments about the burden he has to bear. I get that games need a compelling story, and it’s meant to show his desolation and despair, but this seemed to me, a little heavy-handed. The tone changes sharply past the halfway mark, bringing back the tough FPS protagonist that we expect Terror Billy to be, which is a refreshing change. The story, while understandably basic, is carried by the storytelling the game does. There’s tension, surprise, revenge, and all the things one would expect, but shown in a compelling way, despite being heavy-handed at points. It’s also wonderfully over-the-top, with the previous sojourn to the Nazi Moon Base being trumped by, well, something else totally awesome. Fortunately, the Nazi-blasting is as good as ever. Every cutscene is crafted to both push the story forward, and remind you just how forking evil Nazis are. It’s not hard to hate Frau Engel, the main baddie of this installment. She a textbook psychopath, and she revels in that role. She’s not

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a very complex character, but the sense of crazy really does go through. Regular grunt Nazis are about the same, with a nice little touch. If they manage to drop you, your last conscious moment before an in-game death will often be a quick “I hope you died painfully” or some such quip from the soldiers. I suppose that’s warranted though. You do put quite a lot of them to bed in true Id Games gibfest fashion, particularly with melee or stealth kills. Weapons in the game are plenty of fun. First off, you have a hatchet. This is mainly for stealth, or up-close kills, both of which are quite brutal, and can be executed with a quick middle click once you’re in range. If you happen to have more than one hatchet on you, you can even throw it at your foe, which is mostly useful for stealth kills (just don’t bother trying to stealth run the game. It’s not natural). Should you need to make more of a statement, you have a slew of firearms with which to do that. You’ve got the standard submachine gun, and assault rifle, as well as a sticky grenade launcher, a very interesting multiple-barrel, magazine-fed shotgun, and a grenade pistol, along with a regular handgun, for when you spin the mouse wheel a little too far by mistake. You’ve also got grenades that you can upgrade with additional effects, though you can’t carry all that many. The weapons are designed to look heavy, industrial, over-the-top versions of WW2 era weaponry, for the most part, and it really fits with the game’s theme. Each weapon can be given upgrades using kits strewn all over the map, and while you’ll just stumble across a few, you’re going to want to head off the beaten path if you want to get more. The upgrades are extremely helpful

particularly on harder difficulty settings, when the enemies can both dish out, and take quite a beating. Ammo is generally plentiful, so whether you take a stealth approach with a hatchet, or you prefer kicking doors down and dual-wielding two different firearms, ‘Ol William has you covered. As in the previous game, there are also heavy weapons that you can either pick up from crates, emplacements, or heavy troops, and while these give you very serious firepower, you also move slower, making you prone to taking hits. You can’t put these heavy weapons away either, so if you need to climb a ladder, you’re going to have to leave them behind. Apart from upgrades to your weapons, the game also rewards your play style. For example, making enough kills while using two weapons at a time rewards you with increased ammo carrying capacity, and dispatching enough enemies with headshots increases damage when you use the iron sights of your weapons. There are quite a few, but if you keep playing the way you play, you’ll become more efficient at your job. Conversely, if you want to try a play style that you’re less familiar with, this makes it more rewarding, and a little easier each time you unlock a perk. The only real problem with the game is its length. After the twist in the middle, it all goes by very quickly, even with all the little side quests trying hard to keep you occupied. It’s like a roller coaster that’s slow to start, but gets really intense when you start flying, and like the amusement ride, it’s over a little too quickly, which is a terrible shame. All in all, it’s a title I enjoyed, and would recommend to anyone who likes a nice shooter. Just don’t try to stealth your way through it.

DECEMBER 2017 • JANUARY 2018

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APPS

Foolproof Vacation With Apps Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos

In the past, compasses, maps, and city guides were indispensable travel must–haves. But thanks to the conveniences of apps easily accessible through our pocket-friendly devices, traveling from city to city has become more enjoyable. With a calendar peppered with holidays, what better way to spend it than going on a trip? If you’re heading out this festive season, spare some space for these tools to make your vacation extra convenient.

Hitlist iOS, Android (Free) The best way to travel to a place miles away is by plane. Though there are cheaper options, nothing beats the comfort and short travel times you can get by flying to your destination. The clincher is, flying is pricier. Hitlist is for people hit by wanderlust. The flight-booking app features the best deals so you can travel for less. In the app, you can browse economy flights to your target location with stretched out dates and pricing in your currency, giving you more leeway. The app also suggests trips based around the details you input like places you’ve been to along with your interests.

PackPoint iOS, Android (Free) If you’ve traveled long enough, you know that packing is the most dreadful part of the process: there’s the mental battle of deciding what goes in the bag and the anxiety that you may have left something important out. Now packing worries can be a thing of the past with this app. PackPoint is a travel packing list app that helps you organize your luggage and keep the peace—no more clothes and accessories flying across the room. It will tailor a list for you depending on where you’re heading, length of stay, and the activities you’ll be doing.

DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

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Kingsman: The Secret Service Android Beta Version (Free) Entertainment comes in many forms. A four-hour journey can go by fast when you’re enjoying it: this can be through Netflix-binging, reading titles via Kindle, or listening to your travel playlist. But for hands that fidget, playing a game might be more fitting. Kingsman: The Secret Service takes all the elements you’ve loved in its namesake movie and turns it into a thrilling action game. You are to take on the role of a sophisticated but vicious Kingsman and beat criminals one swift move after the other. In the game, you can build your own arsenal of modish weapons and gizmos, ace levels, and go against players around the world through PVP matches.

Citymapper iOS, Android (Free) Traveling can either be a stressful or rewarding experience. But if you have total control over your itinerary, your journey will go without a hitch. One tool that can help you breeze through your travels is Citymapper. As its name suggests, this app has everything you need to get around your chosen city. It shows real-time departures for transits, line status and disruption alerts, well-curated maps, ride-hailing apps integration, bike routes, and more. The app also gets constant updates so users can never get lost. The only downside is, the app currently has limited cities available. Do know that the developers are actively working to include more cities for travelers to explore. Writer’s note: download the app and vote for a city in the Philippines to be included!

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DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

Be the Master of Trivia with HQ Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

Are you still dreaming of becoming a player in game shows on television? If you do, then this mobile app is for you! Tagged as one of the latest trending phone application in the US, HQ is a mobile trivia game that enables its users to experience a live game show right onto their devices. It is not a surprise to know that the brilliant app comes from the founders of Vine, which combined the concept of popular quiz shows like Jeopardy! and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire together with awesome video streaming—all in one package. The game automatically comes to life weekdays at 9 PM and every weekends at 3 PM for about 13 minutes. Contestants should expect to see a welldressed host popping up on their screens, who can be either the New York-based comedian Scott Rogowsky or the British personality Sharon Carpenter. There’s also a live text chat that keeps on flowing at the bottom of the screen to keep up its interactive vibe. What makes this game unique and exciting is the actual prize money that the game offers for lucky winners who will emerge as the champions for the 94

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specific round. This means that the cash prize will be equally distributed to each of the winners through Paypal. Each round consists of 12 questions to which the participants should give correct answers as fast as they can. Topics cover almost anything under the sun so reviewing facts and figures over the Internet is highly recommended! There is totally no room for mistakes here since players are only given 10 seconds to answer. Once the contestant gives the wrong answer, he or she will be of from the competition and will turn into a viewer as the round goes on. As of this writing, iOS users can now enjoy HQ by downloading it via the App Store. On the other hand, Android users should wait further as the developers prepare a launch in Google Playstore. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MUSIC CORNER

SoKoR(e)

7 South Korean Indie Acts You Need To Hear Right Now Words by Robby Vaflor

A recent visit to Seoul (in the young and hip district of Hongdae no less) has acquainted me to the veritable cornucopia of musical delights that South Korea has to offer beyond the shiny, polished glamour of mainstream K-Pop. Below are a few newfound favorites that you definitely have to give two listens at the very least.

Miso

Singer and producer MISO is the newest member of Club Eskimo, a collective of visual artists and musicians featuring other notable acts like Dean and OFFONOFF. She makes vibrant, sample-heavy music with R&B and trip-hop influences. If you dig light, fluttery vocals over hip-hop beats and chill keys and pads, MISO will not disappoint. Listen to her feature on OFFONOFF’s Cigarette along with TABLO—ish is fire.

December 2017 • JANUARY 2018

The Black Skirts

The Black Skirts is the solo project of KoreanAmerican singer-songwriter Bryan Cho who is currently signed to HIGHGRND, a sub-label of YG Entertainment headed by rapper and producer TABLO. The Black Skirts has a very diverse sound with songs ranging from the slow and fragile ballad to the delightfully twee head-bopper with warm guitars and thumping snares.

Cherry Coke

The music of Sun Kyung a.k.a. Cherry Coke can best be described as the type of stuff you listen to at the tailend of your night out. With elements of trip-hop, neosoul and chillwave, Cherry Coke is the perfect artist to have playing in the background of your come down from a night of partying.

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OKDAL

OKDAL, also known as Dalmoon—also known as Rooftop Moonlight—is an indie pop duo comprised of Kim Yoon Joo and Park Se Jin, both providing vocals and multiple instruments. They write sweet, melodic and folksy songs that would make you want to sway to the music or tap your toes at the very least. If they sound familiar, that’s probably because they’ve been featured on various soundtracks for Korean TV programs.

Say Sue Me

Something slightly different from but equally awesome as Secret Asian Man is Busan-based Say Sue Me. Describing their sound as a mix of surf rock and 90s-style indie rock, the band’s debut self-titled album is a collection of happy-sad songs with strong, jumpy drums and chill guitar riffs. The band is currently signed to London-based indie label Damnably, also home to Otoboke Beaver from neighboring Japan, a personal favorite of mine.

Shin Seol Hee

Singer-songwriter Shin Seol Hee’s music is difficult to pin down—ecclectic in the best way possible. Her debut LP Cinder Cone showcases her range of influence, creating deep soundscapes using a combination of orchestral and conventional instruments coupled with ambient pads, adding texture through sound effects and samples. It’s a sound comparable to post-rock band Amatorski, but with hints of folk and indie pop. There’s definitely something for everyone.

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Secret Asian Men

If guitar-driven indie rock tinged with surf and post-punk elements is more your thing, Secret Asian Men should fit like a glove on your playlist. The band’s sound is marked by dreamy, jangly, effects-driven guitars and distant, deadpan vocals. Similar-sounding Western bands include Wild Nothing, Yuck and Deerhunter.

December 2017 • JANUARY 2018

BITS & BYTES

DECEMBER 2017 Â· JANUARY 2018

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Visa Study Reveals More Filipinos Use Smartphones for Mobile Banking and Payments A study conducted by global payments technology company, Visa, showed that more and more Filipinos are turning to their smartphone for mobile banking and payments. Visa’s recent Consumer Payment Attitudes survey reveals that Filipinos are realizing the benefits of cashless systems with nearly three in four individuals utilizing a banking app on their phones, and more than half using mobile banking services at least once a week. It is further revealed that convenience and availability were the two top reasons why Filipinos are using mobile banking apps more frequently. According to the study, the most common functions of banking apps are to check account balances (85 percent); pay bills (63 percent); and transfer money (59 percent). It is also shown that 80 percent of surveyed Filipinos stressed www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

they would prefer using banking apps to check balances and pay bills over visiting a physical branch. Moreover, 65 percent of Filipinos have used their smartphones to make purchases. In terms of frequency, 41 percent of them make mobile payments at least once a week. The top reasons for making mobile payments are convenience, ownership of smartphones, and security of mobile payments. It is further revealed that 6 in 10 Filipinos have used on demand services such as booking transportation and ordering beauty services using apps in the Philippines. The trend seems to be higher for the emerging affluent at 70 percent. The motives for shifting to on-demand services are due to convenience and efficiency, along with ease of shopping in the comfort of home.

The Philippines, which is still majorly a cash-based society, is taking huge strides towards having a cashless economy. Embracing this system allows for faster, more convenient and, contrary to popular belief, safer transactions. Generally, it also affects the economy positively—as producing paper or plastic money is quite costly. For these reasons, the government has launched its “cashlite” agenda, which aims to reduce the use of cash over a span of 20 years. Visa’s study shows that the country is more than ready for this change. DECEMBER 2017 · JANUARY 2018

BPI Sinag Accelerate 2017 Awards Top 10 Social Enterprises

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Gravity Throws Big Bash for Ragnarok Journey

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Philips Monitors Showcases Devices at E-Sports Gaming Summit 2017

AOC Monitor at the Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit 2017

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RELIC

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