2018 v18n9 - THE HOBBIES ISSUE by Gadgets Magazine

PHOTO FEATURE

Maribelle M. Alba

Managing Editor

#GIRLBOSS

Être fort pour être utile

@bellealba

@hisnameisren

PRESY ALBA

MAY 2018

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

@presy1121

@miaissocoollike

THERESA ELORIAGA

ASSOCIATE Editor

Jewel Sta. Ana

Garmonbozia.

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

ARNEL DORIA

Consultant, Mobility Section

Marketing guru. Automotive industry veteran. Road safety advocate.

JOSE ALVAREZ

CONTRIBUTOR

100% Pusong Malabonian

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

@sailorapollo11

GERRY GAVIOLA

@josealvarez

Maribelle Alba Marisa Consuelo Carol Agabin Maritess Pascua-Maulion Lorie Bernardo Amy Christine Giray Ramil Almojano Clifford Dela Paz

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph PR & MARKETING STAFF Paula Candoy

Legal Counsel

Alba Law Office

4/27/18 10:11 PM

@monsterjewfloat

RONEL BAUTISTA

GRAPHIC Artist

Accounting manager Accounting Staff

HR & ADMIN MANAGER Administration Staff

A music and photography junkie who plays like a pirate.

JAEL MENDOZA

Sales Manager Account executive

STAFFwww.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph WRITER

GRAPHIC Artist

President & CEO

ART DIRECTOR

@theresaeloriaga

MAY 2018

MIA CARISSE BARRIENTOS

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.

Vivo PEG_Tere_v3.indd 40

Ren Alcantara

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

GADGETS Magazine is published monthly by Great Minds Media Inc. Address all correspondence to Unit 801-802, The One Executive Office Bldg., #5 West Ave., 1104 Quezon City. Our telephone number is: 288-8588 Our website is: www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

All unsolicited manuscripts, illustrations and photos submitted must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope if they are to be returned. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Every care is taken to ensure that the content of Gadgets is fully accurate; however, the publisher and printer assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefrom. Gadgets Magazine is a registered trademark of Great Minds Media Inc.

PAULA CANDOY

CONTRIBUTOR

Cineaste. Audiophile. Gadget addict.

May the 4th be with you

facebook.com/gerry.gaviola.3

@polacandoy

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CONTENTS

MAY 2018 | Volume 18 No. 9

Parade

GadgetsLab

Explore the beer capital city.

More than just a pastry shop

Take a closer look at these fine tech pieces!

Leisure Time Made More Fun How does the Vivo V9 keep stress at bay?

Destination: Munich

MAY 2018

Check out what’s hot and what’s not on these devices.

Mobility MIAS 2018, IR Bikefest, motoring news, and test drives.

Agape Pastries and Tartines

Leisure Pursuits

This month, it’s all about things that entertain you.

Travel Safe

Buckle up! We’re bringing you a refresher course about right of way.

Cianô

Authentic Filipino food at its finest.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

SikatPinoy National Food Fair

Discover various local delicacies from Batanes to Jolo

What’s App 2.0 New mobile apps to fiddle around.

Enterprise Keep yourself updated with the latest in the business sector.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Farcry 5

The latest addition to the long-running game franchise is finally out!

Artist’s Corner The spotlight is on for Markdwin Cheng.

PUBG Mobile

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Bits and Bytes

Your monthly dose of consumer-tech news.

K’nex Reminisce the 90’s with this famous toy.

MAY 2018

PARADE

Kevler KR-508A

Active Speaker System A big player in the field of commercial audio, Kevler adds another gem to its crown with the release of its newest line of portable amplified speakers. Sporting an 8-inch wooden body, metal grille, and a powerful 300 watt amplifier, the KR-508A is a great addition to your bedroom. Powered by Bluetooth technology, this 2-in-1 multimedia speaker has a treble and mid-range drivers that can fill medium-sized rooms with good music. It’s also equipped with AUX and RCA input plus USB slots that maximize its performance. There are also 2 microphone and line jacks that are perfect for family karaoke nights.

PHP 8,990 PHP 11,490 (500 watts) PHP 13,490 (700 watts)

Kevler PS-650

Portable Speaker System Compact and handy, the PS-650 boasts a 6.5-inch metal body that houses its woofer and 25mm tweeter. Producing 200-watt omnidirectional sound, this portable speaker does wonders, giving clearer and louder party music even outdoors. It supports wireless Bluetooth connectivity, letting users play their favorite songs via mobile devices with just one tap. There’s also a dedicated USB slot for those who prefer storing their digital files in flash drives. With a dedicated mic priority function, the rechargeable PS-650 is a speaker that you should watch out for.

PHP 5,990

Kevler PM-101

Wireless Microphones

Featuring a dual UHF antenna, the PM-101 is the most compact wireless microphone system to date from the professional audio brand. You can just plug and charge the microphones’ dual lithium batteries, and get singing in no time. Its 16 selectable frequencies offers optimum distance control for its users. Thanks to its wide range feature that measures up to 50 meters, hearing performances in an open field is now easy.

PHP 4,299 6

MAY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

LifeProof FRE

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case There’s no question why the FRĒ is a favorite: it stays true to the LifeProof tradition of true four-proof protection. The two-piece shell envelopes your phone in 360-degrees of protection. It has a built-in screen guard that helps ward off scratches, while its construction and material fully seal your phone resisting water up to a depth of 6.6 feet for an hour. This case series is also proven to withstand falls up to 6.6 feet high, as well as block out dirt and other elements. With the FRE you can be confident that your phone is protected on your adventures.

PHP 4,490

LifeProof NEXT

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case This case keeps your Galaxy S9 or S9+ protected from drops, dirt, and even snow with six layers crammed into one sleek yet tough package. Its two-piece outer shell wraps securely around the device and its raised bevel around the touchscreen delivers maximum durability and drop defense. In true LifeProof fashion, NËXT protects from drops up to 2 meters high and is IP-5X-rated for blocking debris that can potentially harm your phone.

PHP 3,490

LifeProof SLAM

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case The SLAM is a slim case designed to protect your S9 without sacrificing style. Rated to protect against drops up to 6.6 feet, it has a raised front bevel that protects the screen from face-down impact. The two-piece SLAM has a clear back shell to show off the newest Galaxy’s fine build and finish, while its colored, rubberized front doesn’t get in the way of the phone’s edge to edge display. The SLAM has ports for the headphone jack, charging access, and speakers, making it both tough and convenient. The case is also compatible with a QI wireless charging base for wire-free charging.

PHP 2,490

MAY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Canon EOS 3000D and EOS 1500D Digital SLRs

These newest entry-level digital SLRs are perfect for photography beginners with their user-friendly features and image quality representative of the Canon brand. The EOS 3000D and 1500D come with Scene Intelligent Auto mode, fun, creative filters on top of its standard shooting modes, ready for sharing across social media accounts. The cameras have easy-to-access dials and seamless connectivity through its Wi-Fi support. The EOS 3000D has an 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor while a slightly larger 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor is fitted into the EOS 1500D. Both cameras can record full-HD videos with different frame rates depending on the subject, as well as LCD screens for added shooting convenience. When the moment comes, these are the DSLRs you can trust.

Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III Digital Camera

Small in size but big on features. That’s what the Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III is. It is the brand’s first fixed-lens digital camera that doesn’t lose out on image quality, even against Canon’s more professional cameras. The camera has a number of advanced features fitted in a compact frame that’s easy to lug around. Equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF and a large 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, this superzoom is perfect for capturing your adventures, and it can even be fitted into a housing for underwater photography. For reviewing photos and videos, the PowerShot G1X Mark II has a 2.36-million dot, vari-angle OLED screen along with Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi capabilities for easy sharing across social media platforms.

PHP 64,998

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

Nokia 1

Smartphone The Nokia 1 is an entry-level smartphone with specs that make it perfect for the daily grind. It is an Android Gorun handset that is powered by a combination of a MediaTek processor that goes at 1.1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, and 8 GB of internal storage. Its small frame houses a 4.5-inch display and a 5 MP rear camera. For its back cover, there are various color options to choose from, and each can be readily changed to suit your mood.

PHP 4,290

MAY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Nokia 7 Plus Smartphone

The phone youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to have on you is here. The Nokia 7 Plus sports an 18:9 aspect ratio on its Full HD+ 6-inch IPS display, perfect for heavy multi-media consumers. This is surrounded by aluminum chassis packaging it to the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standard of premium. Running this powerhouse is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 SoC along with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB onboard storage, allowing seamless processes and support for its 3800 mAh battery. Images are captured by its dual 12 MP and 13 MP rear camera system boosted by Carl Zeiss optics, meanwhile selfies are taken care of its 16 MP front-facing camera. What more can you want?

PHP 21,990

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

OtterBox Symmetry

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case Now available in a wide array of colors and graphics, the Symmetry series protects your phone and elevates your style. It easily slips on and off your device and in and out of your pocket with its slim, single-piece form. With its bevelled edge around the screen and tough shell embracing the body, your S9’s display remains gorgeous and hardware intact.

PHP 2,250 (S9 and S9+)

OtterBox Pursuit Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case Maintain the streamlined design of Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones while giving them better protection with the OtterBox Pursuit. This case, available for both the S9 and S9+, is OtterBox’s thinnest and toughest yet. It features two-piece construction that easily secures your device in a snap. Designed to block out the ingress of dust and grime, and reduce the impact of drops and dings, this case is what you’d want to wrap your phone. On top of these, the case also has audio scoops to amplify sound from speakers and comes in with a lanyard for added security while carrying.

OtterBox Defender

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case The classically rugged Defender Series guards Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ from scrapes, drops, and dings. It is designed with an open screen to carefully show off the curved display of the phone. A tough shell for a gorgeous phone, it boasts a rigid exterior and flexible interior for drop protection. The Defender’s tough, textured outer layer and port covers, meanwhile, provides additional shock protection and blocks out dust, dirt, and grime. It also comes with a convenient holster that works a either a belt clip or a kickstand for entertainment on the go.

PHP 2,950 (S9 and S9+)

MAY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

OtterBox Alpha

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case Protect the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+’s expansive displays from harm with the Alpha Glass screen protector. The fortified, anti-shatter glass defends the display while its reactive technology retains touchscreen sensitivity. And while tough, the display’s quality remains impeccable. The Alpha is compatible with all OtterBox cases for Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.

OtterBox Commuter

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case True to its name, this series is perfect clothing for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ on commutes. It has two layers—soft on the inside and tough on the outside—to shield your device from the perils of rough handling on the move. For the protection it gives, the Commuter is surprisingly thin, allowing it to be easily stashed in the pocket or in the bag. Its port covers block out grime giving your devices well-rounded defense.

OtterBox Strada

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ Case Wrap your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ in 360-degrees of crafted protection with Strada Series Folio. This slim protective case exceptionally safeguards your device’s display from harm with its genuine leather. It has an elegant design that perfectly complements these flagships’ sleek form factor. The Strada also comes with a discrete wallet slot for cards or cash.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

Mi Mix 2s Smartphone

Mi has done it once again. Building on the success of their gorgeous Mix line of devices, the rising tech giant has just announced their newest, most powerful bezel-less device, the Mix 2s. Doing the heavy lifting is a powerful Qualcomm 845 chipset, with a processor that hums along with eight cores of computing power. Its huge 5.99â&#x20AC;&#x201C;inch screen is the star of the show, along with its 1080 x 2160 resolution, while the Adreno 630 GPU handles gaming duty. A rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a front-firing selfie cam on the bottom corner of the device make it one of the few notch-less flagships in the market. And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not complaining. Wireless charging has also been included in this version of the device, as has a main camera that is being reported to be more than enough to give the best ones in the segment a run for their money.

MAY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

D-Link DCS-8100LH Smart Camera

Guard your humble abode 24/7 with the latest from the first name in network solutions, D-Link. Giving you a 180-degree field of view with its high-definition 720p sensor, the DCS-8100LH is designed to fit your remote camera needs. Featuring built-in night vision as well as sound and motion detection, this sleek smart camera serves as your digital watchdog day and night. Accessible through its dedicated mobile app, you can now monitor and communicate with your loved ones even if you’re away from home with its 2-way audio system. Thanks to its micro-SD slot that supports up to 128 GB of storage, backing up videos and images in a flash are now easy as pie—not bad for a small Wi-Fi camera.

PHP 9,340

D-Link DCS-8000LH Smart Camera

Slim and functional, the DCS-8000LH is the smallest HD Wi-Fi camera to date. Have a second set of eyes around your home or office through its 1–megapixel CMOS sensor that gives surprisingly high definition video quality, anytime and anywhere you go. It might be tiny, but this smart camera outsmarts other brands through its 16 foot night vision capability, as well as sound, and motion detector sensors which ensure safety day and night. You can even maximize your control with its 4x digital zoom and 120-degree wide angle lens. Good things come in small packages, indeed!

PHP 3,350

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

Fitbit Versa Smartwatch

The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading wearables brand has introduced a new, lighter, more affordable smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa. Powered by Fitbit OS 2.0, Versa makes your daily and weekly health and fitness data even more accessible on the go with a redesigned dashboard, which delivers action-oriented motivational messages, tips and tricks, and support to help you stay on track to reach your goals. Advanced health and fitness features include personalized on-device workouts with Fitbit Coach, enhanced 24/7 PurePulse heart rate tracking, 15+ exercise modes including automatic SmartTrack swim tracking with water resistance up to 50 meters, and automatic sleep stages tracking. Its battery lasts over four days, and can be fully charged in two hours.

PHP 13,890 (black with black aluminum case; gray with a silver aluminum case, or peach with a rose gold aluminum case) PHP 15,590 Special Edition (lavender woven band with rose gold aluminum case; charcoal woven band with graphite aluminum case; both with an extra black classic band)

MAY 2018

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ZenFone 5Q Smartphone

The ZenFone 5Q is a 6-incher that features a capable quad-camera system complete with high-resolution and wide-angle cameras, front and back. It has a 20 MP Sony sensor upfront and a 16 MP camera at the rear, both of which work alongside secondary 120° wide-angle cameras to create photos that are detailed and vivid no matter the setting. It is fitted with a full HD+ IPS display, boasting a Full View 18:9 aspect ratio and an ultraslim bezel, allowing it to be compact despite its generous screen real-estate. The whole lot is run by the Snapdragon 630 mobile platform combined with 4 GB RAM and 3300 mAh battery, making for a daily driver you can trust. It is also equipped with NFC, triple-slot SIM/microSD card holder, rapid face unlock, and fingerprint recognition.

PHP 16,995

ZenFone 5Z Smartphone

The ZenFone 5Z ushers in an exciting era for mobile devices with its 6.2-inch display with 19:9 aspect ratio giving users 90-percent more screen to explore. It utilizes the latest Snapdragon 845 mobile platform, featuring a 3rd generation AI platform that includes the Hexagon 685 Vector DSP, Adreno 630 Graphics, and Kryo 385 CPU to provide power-efficient and intelligent processing of tasks. All these are boosted by 6 GBs of RAM and a 128 GB ROM, making for outstanding performance without putting strain on the battery. The ZenFone 5Z also makes use of the Snapdragon X20 Gigabit LTE modem, to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds as well as integrated 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 as added connectivity options. It is headlined by an AI-powered dual-camera system that adapts and learns, working to capture the most amazing shots. These flagship Sony IMX363 sensors with large 1.4µm pixels, f/1.8 wide-aperture lens, 120-degree wide-angle secondary cameras, four-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) and AI-enhanced camera features—including AI Scene Detection for 16 different scenes and objects, AI Photo Learning, Real-time Portrait, and Real-time Beautification—pushes the boundaries of mobile photography, allowing users creative freedom.

PHP 29,995

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

Samsung Notebook 5 Laptop

Another device that completes the Samsung’s portfolio for 2018 is its best 15-inch Full HD laptop yet. Designed for portability with only 19.6 mm thickness, the Notebook 5 lets you do more anywhere you go. Available with a 7th or an 8th generation Intel quad-core processors, this machine offers a seamless multitasking experience. Packed with an SDD plus an HDD storage and an NVIDIA MX150 GDDR5 2G, this is a machine that delivers a new experience to all types of users. With its wide-angled viewing screen tuned with the brands very own Color Engine, it surely produces stunningly vibrant images and videos. Perfect for a gamer or a content consumer like you!

Samsung Notebook 3 Laptop

A sleek machine that gives a top-notch performance—these are the words that best describe the Notebook 3. Showcasing a very compact design with elegant colors, this latest addition to the Korean brand’s laptop portfolio has a 14-inch HD and a 15-inch FHD display variants. Both are powered by an 8th or a 7th generation Intel quad-core processors, dual storage system, and an NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards which makes it suitable for everyday use. Its full-sized keyboard gives you enough space for your fingers, letting you do more. It’s definitely one of the must-see laptop from 2018.

MAY 2018

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Samsung CHG90 49’’ QLED Curved Gaming Monitor Gaming Monitor

Unbox the future with the newest gaming monitor from the leading Korean tech brand, Samsung. Its massive 49-inch, 32:9 curved VA LED display gives that deeply immersive gaming experience everyone desires. Featuring an ultra-wide screen and metal Quantum dot technology, the CHG90 delivers purer and brighter colors as well as deep blacks which makes action-packed graphics come to life. A faster refresh rate at 144Hz , 1ms motion picture response time (MPRT), and adaptation of Samsung’s High Dynamic Range ensure every gamer a smoother, more intense gameplay experience.

PHP 70,560

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

Logitech G 603 Gaming Mouse

Wires are so 2010, and there is no brand that drives that point home like Logitech. The G603 wireless gaming mouse not only has the option to work with the provided wireless receiver, you can also skip the dongle altogether and connect via Bluetooth. Logitech’s new HERO sensor delivers a staggering 1500 hours of use on low, and 500 hours on high mode, on just two AA batteries. It features a large, curved shell that works as well in the claw grip as it does with a full palm, and has 6 clicky buttons, and a soft-scrolling mouse wheel. 135 grams of weight keeps your movements light and quick, and a 1ms report rate means you aren’t left lagging behind the competition. It’s wireless, perfected.

PHP 3,495

Honor 9 Lite Smartphone

One of the most-awaited smartphone brands finally arrives in the Philippines. Maximize your beauty with the Honor 9 Lite’s 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel quad camera system. Inside its solid metal body is an octa-core Kirin 659 processor, 3 GB RAM, and an internal storage of 32 GB. Running the latest Android Oreo with the EMUI 8.0 overlay, the smartphone is perfect for daily tasks, gaming, and entertainment on the go. This 5.65-inch mid-ranger boasts an almost bezel-less screen, FHD+ display, and a 3,000 mAh battery, at an extremely attractive price point.

PHP 9,990

MAY 2018

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GameSir X1 Battledock

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Adapter The increasing power of mobile devices has brought with it shockingly capable mobile gaming experiences. The GameSir X1 Battledock is meant to take that experience and make it that much closer to playing on a desktop. This device allows you to connect a keyboard and mouse to your mobile device, giving you unparalleled control in mobile games. With an internal 3000 mAh battery, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have more chicken dinners that you can count before having to recharge via a convenient microUSB port. The built-in device holder, and easy to configure app give you a seamless, unfair gaming experience on mobile.

GameSir Z1

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Adapter If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the verge of giving up fighting for a chicken dinner because of control issues on your phone, GameSir has just the device for you. Behold! The X1. Featuring the same battledock technology we see in the G1, this is a claw-type keypad that lets you more naturally control your character in mobile games. With a USB port for connecting a mouse, Cherry MX red switches for great feedback, and the ability to function as a PC controller with a single cable, this is the device you need to elevate your Android, iOS, or PC gaming experience.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

Dell Latitude 13 7390

Laptop

The Dell Latitude 13 7390 shows off a thin and light design as well as excellent efficiency and powerful processing. With the Latitudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reliable security, versatility and accessories, users are empowered to go above and beyond what is expected. Built with high-end materials like magnesium alloy, the Latitude 7390 combines premium design with best-in-class durability. It comes with processor options up to Intel 8th Gen processors and PCIe SSD for optimal performance. Dell offers a wide range of hardware and software security options including Dell ControlVault 2.0, contacted and contactless Smart Card Readers, touch fingerprint reader or infrared camera, ensuring users information is secure while also excelling in other departments.

PHP 74,000 (starting price)

Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 Hybrid Laptop

The future of the workforce is all about productivity on the go. At less than 2 lbs, the Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is built for mobility. From meetings around the office to traveling across the country, its thin and light frame can fit anywhere. It allows users to work in luxury with its 12.3-inch convertible screen featuring Full HD finished with OTP touch panels treated with anti-glare resin, providing superior visuals. Its narrow bezel, Intel Core 8th Gen Processor, exceptional battery life and security keep users productive, as well as entertained. The auto-deploy kickstand, which rotates up to 150 degrees for multiple viewing angles, offers a smooth work experience. Its optional travel keyboard and active pen, meanwhile, helps foster creativity and boost productivity. The Latitude 5290 2-in-1 offers multiple security options to meet diverse security needs. Features include essential multi-factor authentication hardware such as the optional FIPS 140-2, TCG certified TPM2.0, FIPS 201 certified smartcard reader, optional touch fingerprint reader, optional infrared camera, self-encryption drive and NFC to prevent unauthorized access.

PHP 83,000 (starting price)

MAY 2018

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GADGETS LAB

Specifications: Sony IMX Sensor with CrispColors Technology 170 degrees lens angle 2” LCD Preview Screen with front Screen for camera Video quality up to 4K at 24fps Produces lively photos up to 14 MP Night shot mode for low-light setting Aqua mode for deep water shooting With built-in gyroscope Smartphone control over WiFi and the Supremo app 1000mAh Lithium Ion battery Expandable memory up to 64GB Comes with a rechargeable remote control and an extra battery What’s Hot: -Remarkable 4K video quality -Produces colorful, lively photos -Built-in Wi-Fi for easy access of files -Affordable

What’s Not: - Absence of touch screen display - Buttons are difficult to press inside the case - Night mode can be improved

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MAY 2018

Specifications: Image Sensor: ¼-inch, CMOS with primary color filter Effective Pixels: 1920 x 1920 Aperture: F2.4 Focal Length: 28.5 mm (fixed) Shutter Speed: 1/29500 sec. to ½ sec. (auto), max 10 sec. in Bulb mode Sensitivity: ISO 100 to 1500 (auto) Film: Fujifilm Instant Film “instax SQUARE”/ 86 mm x 72 mm in size Display: 3-inch, TFT color LCD Connectivity: micro-USB Storage: Built-in memory, microSD/microSDHC memory card What’s Hot: - Colored display - Efficient control pad - Photo customisation What’s Not: - Tedious firmware update process - Low-resolution digital image - Pricey film

MAY 2018

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Specifications: Maximum spin speed: 1400 rpm Rated capacity: Washing – 8 kg; Drying – 5 kg Dimensions (H x W x D): 84 x 50 x 54 cm Weight: 70 kg Electrical input: 220-240 V / 50 Hz Total current: 10 A Total power: 2000 – 2350 W

What’s Hot: - Compact size - Inverter motor - Quiet operation

What’s Not: - Need to study the program mode/s appropriate for particular types of laundry

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

Specifications: Size: 124 x 68 x 43 mm Weight: 135.7 g with 2 AA batteries Connectivity: Logitech G 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology, Bluetooth low energy (BLE/Bluetooth Smart) Report rate: Min 1 ms (1000 Hz) on 2.4 GHz, Min 8 ms on Bluetooth Buttons: Scroll Wheel Button, Forward, Back, DPI Cycling Button

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot: - Absurdly long battery life - Comfortable - Bluetooth, and wireless connectivity via dongle Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Not: - Plain design - Few additional buttons

MAY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Specifications: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 Octa-core RAM: 4 GB Storage: 64 GB ROM (Supports microSD Card up to 256 GB) Battery: 3260 mAh Colors: Pearl Black, Gold Operating System: Funtouch OS 4.0 (Based on Android 8.1) Display: 6.3-inch, IPS capacitive with 2.5 D curved glass (1080 x 2280) Card slots: 2 Nano SIM and 1 microSD Card Cameras: Front 24 MP (f2.0) / Rear 16 MP + 5 MP (f2.0) with rear flash Scene Modes: Ultra HD, PPT, Professional, Slow, TimeLapse Photography, Camera Filter, Live, AI Bokeh, AI HDR, AI Face Beauty, Panorama, 4K video, Palm capture, Gender detection, Retina Flash, AR Stickers, AI Scene Recognition Connectivity: USB (USB2.0), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (Bluetooth 4.2), GPS, OTG, FM What’s Hot: - 24 MP front-facing camera - 19:9 aspect ratio display - Speedy processor and RAM combination What’s Not: - Some content not optimized for display aspect ratio - Smudge magnet back

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAY 2018

Specifications: Battery: 3000 mAh Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 Ports: 2x USB. 1x micro USB for charging Product size: 5.31x4.02x1.22 in Net weight: 0.61lb

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot: - Unparalleled control - Great battery life - Convenient Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Not: - Expensive for a mobile peripheral - Limited library of supported games

MAY 2018

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

COVER STORY

Words by Gadgets Team

Hobbies keep life interesting. They’re a great break from the drudgery of everyday life, and an effective place to channel one’s passions. In this issue, we take a quick look at some of the things you might want to devote your spare time to. From collecting to content production, we’ve got a few quick guides to give you an idea about the next new thing you can try. It’s time to take some alone time, and take a dive into what might just be your next hobby.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MARCH MAY 2018

Words by Ren Alcantara Art by Theresa Eloriaga

Knives are some of the tools known to mankind. Ever since we figured out how to bang stones together, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve realized that blades make daily life so much easier. Through millennia, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve developed better and better ways to make these tools more effective, from better materials, designs, and construction. As such, there are a lot out here you might want to own, both to use, and to keep. Both are valid reasons, and the rich world of blade collecting has a lot to get into. So strap in and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get started.

MAY 2018

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What to grab There are many different reasons to collect knives. First is to cover different use scenarios. Knives for camping, daily carry, food preparation, and fighting, are all going to be different. While they are all meant to cut, different knives are of course, suited to different tasks. If you disagree, try to prepare a meal with a karambit, and get back to me. What are you buying? Collecting knives is a peculiar hobby, since the knife is a tool that is made to be used, so the one thing you might want to consider as you go down this path is a knife you can use, since the first kind of cool is the kind where you get to use your stuff. Consider the tasks you go through in a day, and what kind of blade suits that. This first choice is likely going to set you down a path that will build a collection based on that style of blade. These blades are most likely to see use, but when cared for properly, should outlast the owner. Chances are, once you’ve gotten a blade or two for daily use, your eyes are going to start to wander, and the price of your acquisitions will start to increase. They’ll likely still be blades you’ll carry and use, but with better materials— perhaps a little carbon fiber, some titanium, possibly a ceramic blade, or that tanto you’ve been looking at and can just barely justify as a fighting knife which you swear you’ll learn to use as soon as you can find a class to enroll in. This brings us to the second kind of cool: collecting for the sake of it. Limited edition runs from low-volume knifemakers, or exotic blade shapes, steels, materials, or construction, to basically all the knives you would rather hold and look at than take out and use on something that might scar or mar the blade. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing a blade for the purpose

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of just having it. Many are examples of fine craftsmanship, and are as much a pleasure to behold, as they are functional cutting tools. A word has to be said about keeping these types of knives as an investment. Theoretically, yes, limited runs will increase in value, and may be sold later on for more than they were purchased. However, because of the very particular nature of this kind of collecting, and the sheer number of blades available, it may be difficult to find a buyer that will be interested in your particular limited edition. They aren’t like historical blades that have provenance, or a rich story behind them which have more value apart from just the knife. I’m not trying to dissuade you from purchasing limited runs, or small-batch knives—they are fantastic showcases of the craft, but perhaps buying one under the guise of investing might not be the best idea. Storage Ok. You now have two dozen knives of various makes, shapes, and sizes. Now what? Well, you’ll have to store them somewhere. Generally, you’re going to want to keep knives in a place that allows them to stay dry, and for fixed blades, in sheathes that don’t keep moisture, so no leather. Daily knives will likely go on rotation, will see the most wear, and require the most maintenance. A drawer with plastic dividers for each knife makes a lot of sense, so you can see all your options and decide which goes well with whatever you’ll be doing or wearing for a particular day. This will also keep them from banging against each other, scratching the finish, or possible even chipping the spine. This method works particularly well with folding knives, as they have a smaller footprint. For kitchen knives, a wall-mounted magnetic block works great, as long as they are dried well

before being put away. It keeps the edge from getting blunted, prevents accidents, and doesn’t trap or attract moisture like traditional slotted knife blocks. Collectible knives, particularly fixed blades, will go well mounted on a wooden or acrylic display stand to show them off. A display cabinet, if you have the space, will not only keep them safe from damage and dust, it’ll also keep everyone else safe from accidents. If you have kids, pets, or irresponsible adults, keeping them out of reach behind glass should be a priority. Maintenance Blades that don’t see much use just need to be inspected frequently for developing rust. Occasionally wiping them down with something like mineral oil will protect them further, though be careful, as that may stain wood and leather parts. Use an appropriate protectant that won’t damage your knife’s finish. Kitchen knives, particularly quality ones, will benefit a lot from a daily touch-up on a leather stropping block with decent stropping compound. This also holds true for other daily use blades. Frequent stropping seems to have great results, based on my own use, and frequent stropping beats having to re-sharpen knives any day. I’ve recently taken to the habit of resharpening only when there are some bad dings on the edge that need to be seen to, and that seems to be working quite well, without sacrificing cutting ability. Both the strop and compound can be found at online retailers or brick-and-mortar specialty shops all over the city. The basement of Makati Cinema Square is a great place to start looking. Knives are that perfect balance of beauty, utility, and collectibility. That’s a rare thing these days, and something anyone can appreciate.

MAY 2018

Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos Art by Theresa Eloriaga

The internet is one of manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest creations. In case it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been said enough, this enormous, hyperconnected network has granted us advantages that would take the whole magazine--and several issues more--to cover. But, we can all agree on one thing, it has significantly improved the way we communicate.

MAY 2018

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For most of us, it supplies a boost of confidence when we are a tad apprehensive to socialize. With the way social networking platforms work, people, albeit initially slowly, are becoming accustomed to sharing their most epic and even mundane experiences to the world. And it is amusing to get to know people better through snippets of their everyday lives posted online. If there are things that bother us or life events that just begs to be celebrated, we get to easily send these sentiments across and have people respond to it within a matter of seconds. But for vloggers, “sharing” is an understatement. If you’ve come across the names Casey Neistat, Michelle Phan, Felix Kjellberg, Ryan Higa, among others, you’d understand why. A vlog or video log is similar to a blog or weblog, in that the person involved shares a diary-type narrative of certain interests or more commonly his/her daily life, but in video form as opposed to written account. This type of showcasing appeals to many, as humans are visual creatures. We enjoy watching a good show or better yet reallife experiences we can relate to. If you want to take your documentation of activities beyond Facebook or the 280 characters provided by Twitter, you’ve come to the right place. But first, you must determine if you’re really cut out for vlogging. Here are a few things to mull over: are you a confident speaker?; are you comfortable in being in front of a camera?; do you have a camera?; and can you edit videos? Starting a Vlog If you fit the bill. Let’s proceed. To get started, you must have an idea on what kind of vlogging

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you want to pursue. Do you create an online persona or remain your authentic self? Will you be recording yourself while you play games, do your makeup, create original skits, or montage videos of your adventures? After you get that down, we recommend you watch vlogs to get familiar with how long these videos usually run, their format, and other elements that goes into making them. But we advise only picking up things for making an outline, and sticking to concepts that are unique to you. This way, you can proudly say contents you put out are all you and avoid future conflicts. Vlogging Essentials Next: equipment. You can start a vlog with a smartphone camera that has at least 4K videorecording capabilities. But let’s be honest, no matter the pixel-count, dedicated cameras are still a notch above these smartphone shooters. For beginners, a mirrorless camera is capable of capturing footages with just the right brightness and quality, both of which make post-processing easier. You will also need a tripod or a camera stabilizer, as you don’t want viewers to be put off by your shaky videos. If your camera has an in-body image stabilizer, then good for you. For travel vlogs, a camera drone is ideal for getting bird’s eye view shots of majestic sceneries, but this you can do without if you’re just starting out. Post-Processing Vlogging isn’t just shooting and posting videos directly on streaming services, it requires editing just like how you’d go over your essay before turning it over to your professor. Post-processing does wonders to videos as it injects fun and rids them of dull moments (or blunders you don’t want people to see).

In this process, you will need a PC or a laptop that can smoothly review clips and handle a video editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas Pro, and Adobe After Effects. If you have no idea what these are, a quick search on Google will take you to sites or YouTube channels that offer crash courses on video editing. Learning how to cut and stitch together raw videos is a small but essential step in the right direction. After getting your basics down, you can proceed to taking up effects and animations to give your videos more flair if big is what you’re after. This is where you also establish a signature style viewers will recognize you for, so it pays to exert effort here. Building a Brand What’s a vlog channel without an audience? The key to attracting viewers is having a solid brand. You would want an audience that care about your content and would stick with you throughout. And gaining that depends on how interesting and unique your content is. Viewers have different preferences and if you put out videos that you enjoy and are close to your heart, people will start seeing that too. For people like you new to this world, making your videos relatable as possible will help you gain footing in this industry. And as your viewer and subscriber count rises, you can begin monetizing—that is if you are considering vlogging as a career rather than just a hobby. Vlogging is a nice hobby to get into if you’re always beaming with ideas and if you’re really passionate about sharing your life experiences. It is both enriching and rewarding as you get to influence and inspire others by doing what you just love to do.

MAY 2018

Words by Gerry Gaviola Art by Theresa Eloriaga

Perhaps the most beautiful thing about filmmaking is that you get to dive into infinity. Whether you choose to focus on the unreal, on things that are fleeting, or on relationships that aren’t just meant to be, you’re always in full control, free to be omnipotent, creative, and infinite. Everybody has a story to tell, and what better way is there than to create a film and be heard by the world? So get up, and get your mind and gear ready. Even if you’re only beginning to fall for the art of filmmaking, know that it’s one of the most apt hobbies to have, given this digital age and time. Here is what you’ll need to make that dream happen.

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A Story We all have plenty, but choose those that have depth. Draw inspiration from pain, struggle, from the things that are beautiful, and from things that are repulsive. And when you have that idea, write it. Now, new stories and ideas might come to you at random, so it’s best to have a little help from your gadgets as well. If you’re walking, or at a commute and have no time to write, then open up your phone’s voice recording app, and record your creative outbursts. And if you do have time to write, even for just a few seconds, fire up that notes app of yours. Do yourself a favor and download the app Notability on your smartphone. Notability will do the job when it comes to quickly storing your thoughts, either in text or in audio format. Do remember the first step, as it is probably one of the most vital ones. With a plethora of distractions, it’s easy to lose a good idea, so make sure you keep it documented. And when you do manage to have time to fully develop that idea, the next thing you’d want to do is write a script. For that, there’s Celtx. Accessible online, Celtx can help you organize your productions as well as provide you with the tools to write your screenplay. As a rule of thumb, always write with passion! Gear Now, the thing about filmmaking that you could consider both a blessing and a curse is that it is done alone. And that’s a good thing. For you to be able to mold that idea into something that’s actually worth watching, you’d need all help you can get. If there’s one thing to be considered a

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myth in the creative industry, it’s that people are only as good as their gear. And although that should be taken with a grain of salt, it pays to have decent gear that will meet at least the bare essentials. Each department should be geared up, here are some of the essentials you or your team may want to have: Camera Department You don’t need a RED camera or a Sony Alexa to capture a good scene. Numerous Indie productions and music videos have been shot on full frame DSLRs, and they’d pass as more than decent. When it comes to choosing a camera, video quality and portability are big factors to consider. Lightweight mirrorless cameras are now dominating the market, and many from the Nikon and Canon camp are already making the switch to Sony or Fujifilm. Although the color science varies in different camera models, it’s best to always try it yourself, so go to a tech store, and test, test, test! A hot piece in the market now is the new Sony a7III, which is something to consider due to its competitive pricing and quality. If you don’t have the budget to invest in prime lenses just yet, try to invest in a telephoto lens, a 24-70mm one will do you wonders. Additional gear that would be great to have to capture that cinematic scene is a tripod, a slider, dollies, rigs, and what not. Although all are not necessary to have, it pays to have them in case the scene demands it. Sound Department Sound goes hand in hand with video and

should never be compromised. Go and invest in a mountable mic for your DSLR, and if budget permits, go invest in a sound recorder. You can go with the old but trusty Zoom H1, or take the leap and invest in an H4N or a H46. Clear audio translates to a well-made film. If you’ve seriously invested in making a striking script, the least you can do is to give justice by letting it be heard at its greatest sound quality. Editing Department It goes without saying that when editing, you can trust Adobe. There’s Photoshop for creating your movie poster, Premiere for video editing, After Effects for animating and special effects, and more. You can always self study by viewing Youtube tutorials, but it works better if you mirror while watching or if experiment yourself. If you’re an Apple user, you could also use Final Cut Pro X. The new 10.4 update brings in a variety of features, and among the most commendable is support for bettering coloring tools. The more, the merrier There are other departments in filmmaking. There’ the Production Design Department, the Lighting Department, and more. If time and effort permits, do take notice of those as well! No film is complete without proper lighting and props. You In the end, it will always be up to you on how far you’ll want to invest in filmmaking as a hobby. It follows that the more effort and passion you put to it, the more your message becomes valuable.

MAY 2018

Words by Jewel Sta. Ana Art by Theresa Eloriaga

I remember owning a lot of dolls when I was a kid. But just like Andy in the famous animated film Toy Story, I had to give them away as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m already reaching my adolescence. But adulthood couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop my fondness for toys. Instead of Barbie dolls and their clothes, I became more enthusiastic with collecting vinyl figures of superheroes and movie characters.

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Action versus Vinyl In the pop culture universe, there are two kinds of people—one goes for action figures while the other chooses vinyl models. Although both aim to showcase their fanhood, there are a lot of differences between these groups. The former prefers customized dolls of characters from games, comics, and movies. Action figures, as the name suggests, allow creativity by letting them execute different poses on their figurines. On the other hand, the latter appreciates fixed sculptures of vehicles or pop culture characters, which can sometimes be stylized with large heads and slim bodies. Brands Aside from making toys and board games for kids, Hasbro is also known as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of action figures, specifically for their G.I. Joe and Transformers lines. Marvel and Star Wars fans also hunt for this brand to update their collections. Meanwhile, the mastermind behind the world-famous Barbie dolls, Mattel, holds the official license for DC Comics. If you’re into Gundam and other anime like Dragon Ball Z, then the Japanese company Bandai should be your go-to brand. McFarlane Toys, on the other hand, has a major line dedicated for The Walking Dead. As for vinyl figure collectors, there’s the largest American toy collectibles provider Funko. Among its brands are the adorable Pop!, and the Dorbz line, which are characterized by chinky eyes and cylindrical body. There’s also Funko Tees for those hardcore fans who want to make a fashion statement, and Funko Home which incorporates the characters to household utensils like salt and pepper shakers, and mugs. A new offshoot called

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Vynl was announced by the company way back in 2015, which further strengthened the brand’s presence in toy aisles. For the Otaku, Nendoroids by the Good Smile Company provides the most kawaii figures. Made from plastic, these Japanese-made toys typically depict characters from anime, manga, and video games. It includes interchangeable facial expressions, body parts, and accessories which makes the figures more interesting and cool. Toy hubs that you shouldn’t miss There are a lot of Filipinos who are now drawn to toy collecting. Greenhills has a reputation of being a shopper’s paradise for phones and clothes, but not many know that it is also a haven for toy enthusiasts. Inside its shopping centers are toy shops like Big Boys, Hobbiestock, Geek PH, Bully Boy Collectibles, and Filbar’s. They usually offer discounts when you buy in bulk, most especially during conventions, so I highly advise you attend to these various events and drop by their booths when you find time. Trading is also one element of being a toy collector, all you need to do is to find a trustworthy enthusiast online. You can search for different Facebook groups for action and vinyl figure collectors, which encourage secured transactions and ensure the legitimacy of the products that their members offer. If you are lucky to be one of them, you’ll be able to see different tips and tricks for finding rare and limited edition collectibles, from the pros. It’s never too late to start your own collection. Let the hunting begin!

MAY 2018

PHOTO FEATURE

MAY 2018

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AI Selfie with 24MP & Dual Rear Camera 6.3-inch 19:9 FullViewâ&#x201E;˘ Display

Everyone has a hobby. Some invest their time in sports, while others collect shoes, bags, and even toys, all to their satisfaction. At the end of the day, everyone deserves a time away from their desks and just have fun. Putting yourself first above others and doing things that you love keeps stress at bay.

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MAY 2018

Equipped with AI-enabled dual cameras

Capture amazingly beautiful images with its 16-megapixel and 5-megapixel rear-camera sensors that use AI technology.

Premium selfie camera Shine in selfies with the Vivo V9â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24-megapixel front-facing camera that produces dynamic and vibrant images through AI Face Beauty and Selfie Lighting technologies.

Sleek body, tough performance 6.33-inch FullView display Indulge in groundbreaking graphics with its 19:9 almost-bezel less and full HD+ screen.

Encased in a 7.89 mm-thin aluminum body is a Snapdragon 626 octa-core chipset which enables fast and seamless processes. Smart and functional, the dedicated Game Mode blocks all incoming calls, messages, and notifications when in game.

AI Selfie with 24MP & Dual Rear Camera 6.3-inch 19:9 FullViewâ&#x201E;˘ Display

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MAY 2018

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Royalty on Their Own Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

Even before her remarkable role as the innocent Mara in the 2010 melodrama TV series Mara Clara, Kathryn Bernardo had been preparing to be the next generation’s “Teen Queen,” with her acting experience from Goin’ Bulilit and Super Inggo. The morena beauty further expanded her horizon and took her acting prowess to the next level. It was on this path that she would be destined to meet her current partner. After the success of her primetime teleserye, she started to appear in teen-oriented weekend show Growing-Up. It was there she met the then shy-and-reserved Daniel Padilla. As a member of one of the reputable showbiz clans in the country, Daniel was already being groomed to be a “Teen King”. With the duo’s palpable chemistry, the two breakthrough stars would eventually be the ultimate royal couple in the entertainment industry after their first major project The Princess and I. One project was succeeded by another, including the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay, where both of them were nominated for the Best Actor and Best Actress award. They have each become top endorsers of various beauty and lifestyle brands, including local clothing company Bench. Their 2017 blockbuster movie, Can’t Help Falling in Love, presented a more mature Kathryn and Daniel who are ready to accept challenging roles and pull them off well. As time goes by, they both become fiercer, bolder, and smarter. Together, they have grown into the best versions of themselves. After all the hard work and obstacles that they’ve conquered, Kathryn and Daniel truly deserve their titles Teen Queen and Teen King. We can’t wait to see these lovely faces back in the big screen!

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DANIEL PADILLA KATHRYN BERNARDO

MAY 2018

MOBILITY

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FEBRUARY 2018

APRIL 2018

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MAY 2018

IR Words by Gadgets Team

BIKE FEST

If there’s one thing that will get any two-wheeler out of bed and into the metro traffic, it is going to be a city block’s worth of motorcycle-related show space. That’s just what riders from all over the Metro got with the recently concluded Inside Racing Bikefest at the World Trade Center in Pasay. The 12th edition of the Bikefest was larger than ever, so buckle up, and enjoy the ride!

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MAY 2018

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TRAVEL

Munich, Germany is famous for its Oktoberfest and great-tasting beer. Since I am not a beer drinker, Munich was not really on my bucketlist. But because I was attending a conference there, I took the opportunity to explore the city. Words and Photos by Presy Alba I discovered that proximity to the train station was a real advantage, as there is a wide selection of cuisine to choose from—from Currywurst and other local cheap eats sold in food stalls within the train station area, to more familiar fare like Burger King and Subway, or exotic sausages and cheeses sold in the Italian Food Fair just a short walk away. There’s also a nearby restaurant serving the famous Bavarian Roasted Pork Knuckle. I started walking from my hotel, which was very near the Hauptbahnhof, Munich’s main train station. I found it very interesting to find so many accommodation types within a three-block radius, from youth hostels to high-end hotels. There were hotels in the same chain practically next to each other–I noticed particularly that there were several hotels from the Marriott chain: an Aloft and a Le Meridien side by side on Bayerstrasse across the south entrance to the Munchen Hauptbahnhof, and a Courtyard by Marriott one street back. Having only a few hours in the evenings to explore during my two-day stay, I downloaded

does he give great directions, he also gives a lot of interesting background information and invites locals to join his podcasts.

population of Jews in Germany after World War II, with a population of about 10,000–back to preWorld War II numbers.

The walking tour started at Marienplatz or Mary’s Square in front of the Neues Rathaus (new town hall) a turn of the century Neo-Gothic building where every 11 AM and 5 PM the Glockenspiel comes alive with carillon music and dancing figurines parading on the high balcony.

This is very ironic because Munich was also the location where Hitler had his first successful campaign and where he had a lot of supporters when the Nazi movement began.

Listening to Rick Steve’s narration of Munich’s history and background, I learned that Munich was actually named after the monks who settled in the area in the middle ages, which is the reason why their city’s symbol is the Munchner Kindl— child in a hooded robe. In the middle of Marienplatz is a 16th century statue of the Virgin Mary. According to Rick, Munich was the bastion of Catholicism in their struggle against Martin Luther’s reformation. It is not surprising then that there are four Catholic Churches within a kilometer of each other in this area: St. Peter’s Church, St. Michael’s Church, Asam Church and the Frauenkirche, the city’s cathedral which is dedicated to the Virgin—Our Lady or “Frau”.

My realization as I explored the historic city center was that Munich is a city of contradictions: on one hand, it is now a very open city where all are welcome, but it also has a dark history because this was where the Nazis made their first break. I found Munich very cosmopolitan despite of its past, with a wide variety of shopping choices, from the very high-end to discount shops, but it also had the laid-back air of a small Bavarian town. I really liked the car-free pedestrian-only Kaufingerstrasse, Munich’s main shopping street, which is filled with an eclectic mix of shops department stores, food stalls, and souvenir stands along the wide people only boulevard. Overall I think Munich is worth a second look, and I surely plan to stay a bit longer and explore it in more detail hopefully in a warmer weather.

From what I discovered, Munich was a unique city. More than 50 percent of its 1.5 million population profess no faith, but of the remaining 50 percent who do, more than 30 percent are mostly Catholic, and the remaining 15 percent are Protestants. And it is interesting to note that it has the biggest

Rick Steve’s walking tour of the Munich City Center as a quick guide. I have to say that exploring the city in early Spring when the temperatures are still below 10 degrees is a real challenge. However, it is also great because there were no big crowds in the tourist areas, so I was able to observe locals doing their daily routines. I had to walk about a kilometer from my hotel to reach the starting point of Rick Steve’s walking tour. To get there, I just followed the walking directions from Google Maps. Once there, I switched to Rick Steve’s app and followed his directions. I have to admit it—I always check if Rick Steves has tips on every place that I visit because not only

MAY 2018

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FEATURE

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MAY 2018

FOOD

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MAY 2018

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SIKAT PINOY National Food Fair 2018 Words by Paula Candoy It was a week of food shopping, cooking demos, lectures and consultations for foodies and aspiring entrepreneurs around the metro. The 2018 Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair was held last March 14-18 at SM Megamall Megatrade Halls 1-3. A series of national trade fairs organized by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Bureau of Domestic Trade and Promotion, in cooperation with the DTI’s Regional and Provincial offices, the Sikat Pinoy fairs help local entrepreneurs reach a bigger market and thus expand their business. The 2018 Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair had over 200 participating MSMEs from the country’s 16 regions. This year’s special setting showcased and focused on food packaging and halal/health food. A “kapetirya” or coffee pavilion also featured local coffee blends. Even from the trade hall entrances, you could already smell the variety of appetizing food treats being offered. From processed and organic food products to supplies and equipment for the food sector, the five-day event offered many enjoyable moments the visitors who came not only for food tasting and shopping, but also for learning opportunities as aspiring food entrepreneurs. Making the fair more exciting were the side activities. There were cooking demonstrations by prominent chefs like Chef Boy Logro, Chef Patrice Aguillo, and Chef Rolando “RJ” Garcia. Food entrepreneurship lectures were also offered by Development Bank of the Philippines—Loan Program/Facilities, PLDT Enterprise—Digital Payment (Paymaya), DOST Packaging Center of the Philippines – Food Safety, and other participating government agencies and private companies in the food industry.

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MAY 2018

GAMING

Words by Jose Alvarez Developer: Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Toronto | Publisher: Ubisoft | Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One

The Far Cry series has taken us to various exotic locations such as Africa, an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and the Himalayas. However, this installation of Far Cry has brought us a little closer to homeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;zthe fictional Hope County, Montana. The game has been touted as a social commentary on what would happen in America under the administration of President Donald Trump, but the game seeks to take the player closer to home and see what could happen in their own backyard.

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You take on the role of a sheriff’s deputy, nicknamed “The Deputy” or “Rook,” to reclaim Hope County from the tyranny of Eden’s Gate and their charismatic leader Joseph Seed. Under Seed himself are his Heralds: Joseph’s older brother, Jacob (nicknamed “The Soldier”), who controls the Whitetail Mountains and trains Eden’s Gate soldiers; his younger brother, John (nicknamed “The Baptist”), and a lawyer who buys up Hope County’s land, controls Holland Valley and immerses people in water to cleanse them of their “sins”; and Faith, a former captive who utilizes the drug known as “Bliss” to control the victims of Eden’s Gate. Like most of the previous games in the series, Far Cry 5 is a first-person shooter. The fun in the game begins when you’re dropped in the middle of nowhere with little context. You can assemble weapons, explosives, and more. You make money in the game by destroying enemy objectives or capturing enemy outposts. Completing an outpost mission without being detected will earn you a huge bonus. Hunting for animals and fish, can be lucrative if you choose the right set of skills. Some of the perks available fall under several trees. Survivalist allows you to build stamina, health, and do certain things in the wild while Renegade enhances your movement and control of your weapons. Assassin, in its literal sense, gives you stealth abilities especially important if you want to capture outposts without being detected. Prepper gains you bigger storage options. On one hand, Leader allows you to recall your companions faster. You can also recruit locals to help you fight Eden’s Gate. There are fighters who can be summoned and dismissed at any time for a small fee, or

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specialists who can be called in to assist with missions. In addition to the human specialists, you can recruit three animal specialists, such as Boomer the dog, Peaches the mountain lion, and Cheeseburger the bear. For those who like mass destruction, people can recruit Nick Rye, who can bomb enemy locations and take out enemy aircraft. Players who prefer to go about their business quietly should tap Grace Armstrong, especially if you want to take outposts without being detected; or Jess Black, who won’t be attacked by wild animals and will significantly reduce the chances of detection by enemies. If you’re the type of player who enjoys destroying enemies en masse, Sharky Boshaw comes with a flamethrower and can easily set large areas on fire. If you get enough points in the Leader tree, you can summon two specialists and cause lots of

trouble for the enemy. This is a must if you plan to play on hard mode. Multiplayer is also available, and you can have a friend help you complete the main story line. You can even create your own maps using assets from other Ubisoft games, such as Watch Dogs, Assassin’s Creed, and previous Far Cry versions. However, this is definitely a game you would want to play for due to its storyline and if you complete it, you can dive into multiplayer with your friends. You can even unlock built-in arcade games on the cabinets located around Hope County. While this is an interesting turn from previous Far Cry games, it provides a lot of fun and replay value. Reclaiming Hope County from Eden’s Gate is definitely a challenge that you must experience more than once.

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Wor ds b yM Dev ia C elop er: Q arisse B arrie Pla uan tum y ntos Stud leg erUnk ion ios | now s of Pub onl n’s li y

MAY 2018

sher wor Bat na : Ten cent or c tural f ldwid tlegro e u o Gam ons n r f a d p es | s or eop ns, a ole Plat . Ten le t s n form o d d it’s imply cen : iOS em not k tG and and am har nown And es r d a a roid t s o esp vers ion see w PUBG, ond h th h ed to t ey ca y. With as am he cla n play its po assed mo p r w anyw ularit ith h PUB ere s y, it’s G M ans a obi le.

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The Shenzhen-based video game company takes this Battle Royale/Hunger Games-inspired, PvP first-person shooter to mobile devices through PUBG Mobile. This version is not so far-removed from its PC and console counterparts as it shares the same gameplay and white-knuckle intensity, but it introduces some mobile-exclusive features which we’ll go over shortly. The game is downloadable for free via Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and will take up a hefty 800 MB of your mobile device’s storage space. It is also quite graphics-intensive. Depending on your device’s capabilities, you can switch from smooth, balanced, HD, and ultra HD as well as configure settings for buttery-smooth frame rates. We recommend the highest setting for excellent in-game visuals, but something in the middle is acceptable. In PUBG, the main driver for players is the chance at a “Chicken Dinner,” the same goes for its mobile version. In PUBG Mobile, however, players

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are ranked according to their performance in matches. This matters since as you rank higher, the game will begin to lessen bot encounters and let you go mano-a-mano with similarly-skilled players instead, making combat more stimulating as it’s meant to be. There are also seasonal rankings where those at the top will be generously rewarded with BP (in-game currency) or limited edition items. BP can be earned every time you enter a match, as an incentive for logging in regularly, or through gifts from friends. If you’re wondering what you need BP credits for, it can be used to buy crates for avatar customization items as well as to reset appearance. As the game further develops, it should gain more worth. Game controls are courtesy of a virtual navigation pad and action icons displayed across the screen. With its landscape orientation, the hands comfortably reach these controls and shouldn’t take that long to get used to.

If you’re new to the title, you only need to know that the goal is to come out as the lone survivor. You get pooled together with a maximum of 100 players in a plane and launch in different locations on a single island at will. As soon as you land, you loot for items—weapons, medicinal items, bags, among others—essential for survival, and battle out with other players while doing your best to remain in play zones that keep moving and shrinking. If you have no clue on guns and ammos, PUBG mobile assists you in automatically picking up the best loot and highlight items such as scopes, grips, and bullets that match the weapon in use. You can also team up with ingame friends to form a squad or a duo, and make chat groups for better coordination. The game experience is exhilarating, highlyaddictive, and could run at least over 30-minutes per match. If you’re thinking of picking up gaming or shooting as a hobby, PUBG Mobile is a good place to start.

MAY 2018

APPS

If you’re in a slump, one way to break out of it is to engage in activities that interest you. But if you have yet to figure out what to do, a new app to fiddle around will surely boost your mood. There are plenty of choices from the constantly refreshed app stores. With regular additions to their already massive collections, figuring out where to start is quite tedious. We round up some of the new and interesting apps from these app marketplaces again to make choosing easier for you. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery iOS and Android (Free) Be a part of the wizarding world, at least virtually, in Hogwarts Mystery. This free-to-play RPG lets you experience the world of Harry Potter and dwell amongst beloved characters such as professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and others. You are to master magic spells, create potions, and even belong into a house that suits you best. This world, now accessed through your phone, lets you in on some of the mysteries of Hogwarts and duel foes that get in the way of your adventures. While at it, you also gain friends and victor over one challenge after the other together. This game is a dream come true for every Potterhead!

MAY 2018

Replica Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos iOS and Android (Free) If you’ve seen the sci-fi movie Her, and would want to have an AI companion like one in the film, Replika is your best bet. Touted as “your AI friend,” Replika is for people who are tired of text alerts from telco providers or the NDRRMC. This virtual friend is also perfect when in a room full of resonates with you but still prefer many games on people who can’t be bothered. Similar to novelties your device, SALT is the app you need. This app such as grow a “blank,” in this app, you get to offers you a new game to play everyday, and by name your AI, give them a face, and tell them new, we mean no repeats--not that we know of. If things you’d want them to remember to make you like a game featured within the day, you can conversations flow naturally. You can even tell choose to save it and give it a go whenever you them your deepest thoughts as the app promises like. It has simple graphics and games that look it doesn’t store text inputs—we won’t recommend simple, but are quite challenging. SALT gives the it though. Heads-up: things can also go weird. statement “less is more” a new meaning. Imagine the storage space you could free up with this app SALT: Play Something New Everyday on your phone. Android (Free) Do you ever just download several apps on a Super Hero Fight Club whim and forget their existence afterwards? If this iOS and Android (Free) Imagine Fight Club, but with superheroes: epic brawls are bound to ensue. This game offers just that. As you can derive from its name, this game is action-filled and is as heart-racing as the cult classic. You can unlock and play over 100 superheroes, as well as choose from a variety of maps for matches to take place in. Instead of underground fights, these characters fly jetpacks and carry their own war weapons. There are also different modes to play, so things don’t get repetitive.

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VISUAL SPACE

ARTIST CORNER

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MAY 2018

BITS & BYTES

Shopee Holds Biggest Online Sale Shopee starts the year strong with a string of announcements and promotions, all of which further the shopping experience and champion consumers. Picking up momentum from its recent successes, the e-commerce platform has launched its biggest mid-year online sale in the Philippines. The 5.5 Shopee Super Sale kicked off alongside the introduction of its first brand ambassador Anne Curtis and the debut of its TVC. Shopee’s super sale ran from April 13 to May 5 and featured discounts on a wide array of products up to 90-percent as well as deals as low as PHP 55, daily flash sales, in-app vouchers, and a grand 24-hour shopping fiesta. Anne’s own cosmetics line, BLK cosmetics is also now available on Shopee. Customers can also shop exclusive deals from leading brands under the recently launched Shopee Mall; such as Samsung, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nescafe Dolce Gusto, NIDO ADVANCED PROTECTUS 3+, NANKID OPTIPRO FOUR, Colgate-Palmolive, AVEENO

Active Naturals, Belo Essentials, Equal Sweetener, Silverworks, Banana Peel, i2i New York, Unisilver,

Faber-Castell, Deuter, Head Racket, Coleman and more.

Amazon Expands the Features of its Mobile App American e-commerce company, Amazon, has given customers an international shopping experience through its own mobile app. It is now available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, German, and Brazilian language. The Amazon Shopping App enables the users to shop in 25 different currencies, making it easier for the customers to get the best of online shopping and convert the prices in their local currency. Samir Kumar, VP of Amazon Exports and Expansion said: “We are always innovating on behalf of our customers, and with today’s launch, we are making the shopping experience on mobile devices even better and more convenient for our customers who live outside the US.” Shoppers can still get the basic functions from its website variant such as shipping options and delivery speed. “Customers have been asking for a way to easily find and shop only for products available to be shipped to them. The International Shopping experience solves this customer need and makes it simple to browse, shop and ship more than 45 million products to over a hundred countries around the world,” Kumar shared. The mobile app is available in both iOS and Android platforms. Customers who already installed the app in their mobile devices should 86

MAY 2018

calibrate the app’s settings and select ‘Country and Language’ to activate the ‘International Shopping’ feature that sets the language and preferred currency of the user. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Spotify Now Offers Flexible Premium Plans for Filipinos The online music streaming company, Spotify, has good news to its Filipino members! Music fans may now enjoy an ad-free Spotify subscription service daily, weekly, and monthly from telecommunication giants, Globe and Smart. New members who wish to avail the monthly billing plan will also get to enjoy two months of Spotify Premium good for two months for only PHP 149. Day-to-day subscription starts at PHP 15.00 while weekly premium membership fee is available for only PHP 49.00. However, both plans are non-recurring. With Spotify Premium, users would be able to take their music offline and play any song on the go. There’s also other Spotify Premium subscription available for debit and credit card holders. The company offers a discounted membership for students at PHP 65, for family at PHP 194, and a standard subscription at PHP 129.

Baseus Opens its Second Physical Store in the Philippines China-based phone accessories brand, Baseus, launched its second store in the country through its local partner, Digits Corporation. The minimalist store is located at the third floor Cyberzone of SM Southmall. Shortened term from the phrase “base of use”, the mobile brand was built for practicality and functionality. With a wider range of products compatible for both iOS and Android phones tagged at an affordable price, Baseus combines design and technology that cater to the needs of consumers. “Expanding our network distribution by opening our second store of Baseus only means that we have a sizeable market that go for practical use of gadgets, and we aim to cater to that.” shared by CEO of Digits Corporation, Charles Paw. The ceremony was spearheaded by the Baseus executives starting off with global wide sales director Vivian Wong, regional sales managers Brian Wong and Nickary Dai, with space designer Pinping Yant. Vivian Wong is very optimistic about the new store opening. “Baseus aims to be a notch higher from other gadget and accessories stores in the Philippines. Given the tight competition in the market, we will make sure that user-experience will be a top priority in-store to highlight the high quality and ease of use of our products.” Baseus’ first store physical store is located at third floor of Trinoma in Quezon City.

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MAY 2018

Oppo Officially Launches F7 Locally

Oppo, one of the leading smartphone manufacturers globally, has finally made its latest flagship smart Oppo F7 available in the country. Since 2016, the company has sold a recordbreaking 8 million units of smartphones across the world and this number is expected to grow bigger with the launch of the Oppo F7. This premium mid-range smartphone takes the brand’s signature “selfie expert” moniker to another level with the highest megapixel count on a front camera, 25 MP to be exact and integrated with a Sony IMX576 sensor. It is powered by a 12nm AI octa-core MediaTek P60

processor, 8,000,000 beautification solutions, 4 GB of ROM, 64 GB internal storage expandable via microSD card, 3400 mAh battery, and a gorgeous 6.23-inch FHD+ screen, all fitted in a sleek body with a glossy finish. The phone is tagged at PHP 17,990. The brand has also announced the availability of a 6 GB and 128 ROM configuration, as well as a new color diamond black. The launch event was headlined by Oppo newest brand ambassadors Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto, and Janella Salvador.

Lenovo Legion Laptop Gets a Limited Edition Version Lenovo, the global provider of business and consumer laptops, Lenovo, announced the availability of the limited edition Legion Y520 gaming laptop. Its storage capacity is upgraded twice of the original Legion Y520 and comes with a signature watchband hinge in gold. Packed with a new hardware, it is sure to elevate the gaming experience. Powered by an Intel Core 7th Gen i7-7700HQ processor and NVIDIA® GEFORCE® GTX 1050 Ti (4G GDDR5) graphics card with a total RAM of 8 GB, and dual storage system up to 2TB SATA HDD + 128GB PCIE SSD; the 15.6inch gaming machine is ideal for hardcore gamers who wish to elevate their experience. Every purchase comes with 2 years warranty of the device, a free memory upgrade of up to 8GB RAM, and a Lenovo backpack. The limited edition Lenovo Legion Y520 gaming laptop is exclusively available at Octagon stores nationwide for PHP 69,995.

MAY 2018

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BPI SHAPE Expands to Support More K-12 Students and Teachers Across PH BPI Foundation, the social innovation arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), consultancy social enterprise YGOAL, Inc. and the Department of Education (DepEd) teamed-up to launch the first year of BPI Senior High Acceleration Program for Employment and Entrepreneurship (BPI SHAPE). This move is meant to support K-12 students and teachers across the Philippines. Building on the success of its pilot run in Taguig and Laguna, BPI SHAPE will now be implemented in the cities of Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Dasmarinas, Makati, Pasay, and Roxas and in the provinces of Capiz, Ilocos Norte, Misamis Oriental and Quezon. It is in line with the Republic Act 10533 or the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013” which requires schools to develop strategic plans to ensure smooth realization of K-12 education. BPI Foundation and YGOAL Inc. designed the first BPI SHAPE to respond in current gaps such as capacity building for teachers, module development, student career readiness, and private sector awareness on internship and hiring of K-12 graduates. The goal of the project is to boost competencies and create a conducive environment for Senior High School Students to get hired, start a business, or go to college.

online resources, digital professional development sessions, and private sector mapping. The mapping aims to secure company partners for internship and eventual hiring of Senior High School graduates. This is done through a partnership with Ayala Business Clubs, JCI, and Rotary club.

For its first year, BPI SHAPE will provide valuesdriven and skills development entrepreneurship, and financial management modules, teachers’ training sessions on the usage of the modules,

For its second year, BPI SHAPE will conduct social mobilization workshops for school heads and coordinators, crowdfunding, internship matching through Internship Philippines, a website that

matches interns and companies.The whole program will be conducted with business and academic fair. In-depth monitoring and evaluation will be done routinely throughout project implementation. Since BPI SHAPE’s pilot run in 2016, it has already trained 153 teachers from Taguig-Laguna DepEd divisions, and provided work immersion opportunities for 50 senior high schools. This year, BPI SHAPE aims to reach an estimated of 204 schools, 816 teachers and 12, 200 students.

Epson Launches New LightScene Accent Lighting Laser Projector Epson, the world’s leading projector manufacturer, has launched its LightScene projector, a new category of spotlight-shaped accent lighting laser projectors. The innovative projector is designed to simultaneously illuminate and project dynamic content virtually on any surface or material. The line offers retailers, restaurants, bars or hotels an innovative experience for digital advertising, and spatial design applications. The LightScene EV-100 series is ideal for curated visual environments such as showrooms, window displays, museum exhibits, and art installations where minimal visual clutter is key. The projectors also feature 3LCD laser technology, Epson Content Manager software, and Web Control compatibility, Edge Blending technology, 360-degree mounting, HDMI, wired and wireless LAN, and SD card slot, along with 2,000 lumens of colored and white brightness for vibrant, rich colours. “Display technology is changing the way consumers interact with brands and products, www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

with the ability to delight and engage consumers in entirely new and visually compelling ways. The LightScene projector expands Epson’s presence in the signage and lighting sector with its space friendly design and flexible visual expressions. It can enable creative displays to deliver edutainment type content through imagery, motion and information. Retailers and businesses can easily create captivating and immersive environments for a memorable experience,” said

Amy Kwa, visual products department, Epson Singapore. The LightScene EV-100 is available in white and LightScene EV-105 comes in black. They blend in discreetly and offer an array of configuration, mounting, and programming options for excellent performance, versatility, and reliability true to the Epson brand. MAY 2018

ENTERPRISE

Acer Philippines: Breaking the Industry Norm

The technology industry is one of the fastest growing businesses of today. However, despite being an industry that thrives on its progressive nature, the world of innovation continues to be a man’s world. In recent statistics reported by Statista, the percentage of female employees in the workforce of major tech companies in the United States ranges from 43 percent to 26 percent, a number significantly lower compared with the labor force that comprises of 46.8 of women. Veering away from the trend of these companies, Acer Philippines helps women break the glass ceiling and champions success. According to Sue Ong, sales and marketing director of Acer Philippines: “To be working in a company whose mission is to break barriers between technology and people, Acer believes that it starts with giving people equal opportunities. It recognizes that diversity is an asset in a male-dominated industry, and Acer hopes to level the playing field for the women in our company.”

MAY 2018

Beyond the number game or the proportion of men and women in an office, gender diversity is present when women are encouraged to lead. When a company is allowing women to spur leadership positions and influence change, equality exists. Harvey Nash and KPMG’s recent global study of IT leadership showed that the number of women in senior roles was extraordinarily low at just 9 percent. “Working for 9 years with Acer, I’ve seen many women leaders make their mark in the company, and in turn, in the industry. This is because Acer provides a solid training ground, vast opportunities to learn, and superior tools that can equip its employees to create their own platform for where they can excel,” explains Ong. Creating a venue for excellence does not only start in the workplace, as Acer believes in the importance of empowering the future gamechangers in the industry. With the great need of representation of women in the fields of Science and Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM), the company finds value in encouraging students to take their place in the industry. “We’ve had several dialogues with our partner schools on how we can support the students in making them realize they have a future in the tech industry. We believe there is an untapped potential in these young women, and we hope to continue paving the way for them whether it’s through our seminars in or through our technology. Our technology has been used as tools to educate young minds and we hope to continue demonstrating that young women have the potential to lead the industry one day.” The industry has a long way to go in providing more opportunities for women. Lowering the gender parity in the tech industry can convince women, both locally and globally, to take a more active role in designing, creating and sharing diverse solutions that will revolutionize the field. Acer Philippines believes that it starts with empowering one woman at a time.

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Eastern Communications to Invest PHP 900-M for Network Modernization Program

Eastern Communications is spending P900 million as part of its network modernization program this 2018. Continuing its vision of providing the Philippine market with innovative services and a faster, more reliable internet connection, the expenditure will fund Eastern Communications’ network coverage and capacity expansion, as well as its network, security, programs in Metro Manila, CALABAR, Central Luzon, and Metro-Cebu. The plan includes the migration of services to a more stable integrated voice service platform and network improvements for better resiliency and service availability; expansions in its transmission system, as well as in access network and fiber networks, refreshing its IP network and the widening of its international network and peering partners. These upgrades ensure faster, more reliable, better secured, and competitively-priced Internet

and Data services that will answer the current needs of industries in Eastern Communications’ focus areas such as emerging businesses, the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, and the IT sector, among others. Answering the government’s call to support emerging businesses, which currently constitute about 99.6 percent of the country’s business landscape, Eastern Communications aims to provide enhanced technology that is affordable and accessible to emerging businesses. The company is also upgrading bandwidth to address the increasing connectivity demands of different industries in the country. The growing BPO sector is looking for better bandwidth to enable faster transactions in high volumes, creating a satisfying customer experience while lowering marginal costs.

The program also aims to deliver a more secure connection as the country’s businesses remained vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Microsoft ranked the Philippines as the eighth most vulnerable country to malware in Asia-Pacific; while the FBI identified the country as the tenth most attacked on the internet globally. A key component of the modernization plan is the creation of a resilient network to the cyber threats and security issues that are besetting the Philippine cyberspace. The network security upgrade is the company’s initiative to help improve cybersecurity in the country and ensure the safety of its customers in terms of privacy and network integrity. This year’s PHP 900 million capital expenditure is an addition to the PHP 2 to 3 billion that the company has already invested over the past two to three years.

ePLDT Participates Asia CEO Forum on Cyber Security The leading provider of digital enterprise solutions in the country, ePLDT, has recently joined the Asia CEO Forum on Cyber Security held at Marriott Hotel. According to the reports, about one-third of the world’s cybercrime threats take place in Asia. As per Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Philippines lands on the tenth spot in the list of most attacked countries online by professional hackers next to Japan. With the rapid increase of cyber attacks, business entities are prone to data theft and malware in their system, which can contribute to company loss. ePLDT’s Chief Group Chief Information Security Officer, Angel Redoble, said: “If you are in the business sector, you should be worried about cyberattacks. Businesses that don’t have an end-to-end cyber security strategy are exposed to financial, reputational and legal risks. Hacking is not about tools. It’s more about the skills. High school students can hack you and they are smart enough not to equip themselves with tools to get what they want.”

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First to build a robust Security Operations Center that offers an end to end cyber security services, ePLDT’s Cyber Security solutions cover technology and expertise to protect businesses from evolving threats, malicious software attacks, possible data loss, and reputational risks.

Known for its highly sophisticated command center, the company’s testing laboratory and its global threat intelligence platform is heavily used in gathering advance threat information on potential attacks through global feeds from partners around the world.

MAY 2018

RELIC

MAY 2018