2022v22n7 - Threats in the Digital World by Gadgets Magazine

Contents

APRIL 2022

VOLUME XXII • Issue VII

GADGETS LAB 24 28 32 36

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08 Epson PU Series 10 Lego Technic Mclaren Formula 1 Race Car 12 Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro 13 vivo Y21T 14 Oppo A76 15 Oppo Enco Air2 16 Logitech POP Keys 17 Logitech POP Mouse 18 POCO X4 Pro 5G 20 Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 3rd Gen 22 Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 / 5i

Logitech Signature M650 realme 9 Pro+ motorola edge 20 fusion Predator Helios 300

COVERSTORY 40 You Are Your Data 44 Secure Your Data, Secure Your Future 48 Beware of These Brand-New Threats from the Cybersphere

CYBER SECURITY 52 Metaverse —Everyone gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Wants to be There 54 Cybersecurity Trends and Tips For 2022 56 Cisco 2022 Data Privacy Benchmark Study

MOBILITY 58 Fit For The Fam 62 Volvo Retail Space 64 Formula 1 Partners With Lenovo 66 Kia Santo Tomas 67 Mitsubishi Xpander Reservation Promo 68 When Do You Need To Change Your Car Windshield Wipers? 70 KTM RC 200 72 Yamaha YZF-R15M 74 Petron Strengthens Support For Major Car and Bike Shows

76 Project Xandata 80 Elden Ring

APRIL 2022

GAMING

VOLUME XXII • Issue VII

FINTECH 82 BPI BizKo 84 Binomo 85 Resumed OFW Deployment Spikes Remittances

EDUCATION

ENTERPRISE 86 Enstack 88 The Power of Google Search In Decoding Decisions 5

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90 Addressing the disconnect between students and educators is key to protecting tomorrow’s workforce 92 UAAP Season 84 94 Minecraft Education Edition

Contents

EMPLOYMENT 96 Great Place To Work VOLUME XXII • Issue VII

100 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

104

112

104 Startup Myths

112 Disaster Resilient Communities

APRIL 2022

INNOVATION 110 L’Oréal Brandstorm 2022

PROPERTY 114 Konstruk The 1st e-Hardware Ng Bayan 115 Mini-Golf @ Aura

116

120

116 Show Your Heart Some Love

Starbucks x Grab

WELLNESS

FOOD

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118 A TB-Free Philippines

122

128

The latest in the world of tech

McAfee Antivirus

RELIC

NEWSBYTES

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Projector

Epson PU Series EPSON HAS LAUNCHED a new suite of High Brightness Laser Projectors ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 lumens. These projectors are engineered to offer flexibility and convenience to meet a wide spectrum of requirements and to deliver bright, true-to-life images across various verticals including corporate, education, and digital signage applications. April 2022

Equipped with Epson’s proprietary 3LCD technology, these new models ensure brilliant and faithful color reproduction for bright and vibrant projections. The no rainbow effect advantage also guarantees a more comfortable viewing experience during presentations in conference rooms, public displays for exhibits, or digital signages during events.

With the high contrast ratio as well as 4K enhancement feature, these projectors are capable of delivering crisp and sharp images right down to the smallest display for a truly immersive and mesmerizing experience to captivate audiences. These projectors also support HDR10 and Hybrid LogGamma for more precise detailing for light and dark graduation contents, gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

improving the vibrancy and contrast for the optimal display Thanks to the revolutionary 4-in-1 laser package, these projectors have a compact and lightweight design, saving on storage space and making installation a breeze. Its laser light source also allows up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free usage. The optional ELPAF63 external air filter also reduces maintenance intervals in dusty environments, such as shopping malls, museums, and exhibitions

The Epson PU-series suits Epson’s wide range of interchangeable lenses, allowing projection on curved and corner spaces, as well as the ability to project borderless multi-directional projections with 360-degree rotation, without any loss in image brightness. These projectors are perfect for projecting learning materials in class, business presentations, and digital signage requirements. Users can easily adjust position, brightness, and color with the motorized lens shift and wider lens shift range. The wider lens shift range aids in optimizing adjustment precision, while the newly

adopted stepping motor makes highly precise adjustments when employing projection techniques, such as edge blending and stacking, to suit wide possibilities in projector placement. To enhance usability even for ceilingmounted projectors, such adjustments can be made via remote control or over a network. Additionally, with its Simple Stacking function, the PU-series can be stacked using a remote controller from the OSD menu instead of a conventional set-up via PC or Wi-Fi router. This enables the use of in-built processing for PC-free stacking without the need for external equipment, therefore saving costs. This makes the process faster and easier while shortening both installation time and manpower required.

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System integrators will also benefit from the Open Web API within the Epson PU-series. It allows the implementation of simple commands to control the projectors, making it easier to integrate with end-users existing systems.

These models come with 3-year limited warranty coverage.

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Epson PU-series have the built-in Near Field Communication (NFC) function that works with the Epson Projector Config Tool. This intuitive application allows users to efficiently check their projector information, complete a diagnosis, configure the network, and change projection settings even when the projector is switched off. This can be done by simply placing an NFCcompatible smartphone over the NFC mark on the projector.

April 2022

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April 2022

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LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car Plastic Construction Toys

PHP11,999

DRIVERS, GET READY to fuel your Formula 1 passion as you get the new LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car ready for the tracks! This impressive new model is packed with exquisite design and functionality which will be sure to steal the show in any collection.

The new LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car is the first LEGO Technic incarnation of a Formula 1 car and offers racing fans a meticulous translation of McLaren’s pioneering design and cutting-edge technology that’s so crucial on-track. This set offers Formula 1 enthusiasts a chance to recharge and relax with a hands-on,

focused building activity that helps them explore their passion for the sport. This 1,432 piece model will be sure to give LEGO fans and McLaren Racing lovers alike an immense sense of pride when they cross the finish line. Measuring over 13cm high, 65cm long, and 27cm wide, the model is complete with sponsor stickers to make it a display piece to cherish. The LEGO Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car 42141 is available in LEGO Certified Stores, the official website at bankeebricks.ph, and partner online retailers like Lazada, Shopee, Dotcom, and Zalora.

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Just like its real-life counterpart, this stunning LEGO model is truly a one-ofa-kind piece of engineering excellence. Designed in close collaboration between engineering experts from the LEGO Group and McLaren Racing as the new Formula 1 race car was in development, the new model pays homage to the team’s iconic 2021 season livery while giving fans a glimpse of what they might

expect from McLaren Racing’s new F1 season model. The LEGO Technic version of the McLaren masterpiece is fully modeled on the life-size version featuring a V6 cylinder engine with moving pistons, steering activated from the cockpit, suspension, and a differential lock.

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April 2022

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Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro Wireless Earbuds

DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES, from online meetings, catching up with family, working out with online fitness videos to paying bills or running errands, are now largely driven by digital connectivity. In all of these activities and more, wireless audio products have become valuable additions to one’s tech arsenal. Soundcore’s Liberty 3 Pro is the perfect partner for those looking for a premium sound experience and advanced noise cancellation technology at an accessible price point.

distortion. With two dual drivers — one focused on bass and the other on mids and treble — these wireless earbuds offer deep bass drops, luscious mids, and sparkling trebles for the best listening experience.

Soundcore is Anker Innovation’s premium audio brand, and the Liberty 3 Pro is the culmination of years of enhancements in its headphone line. Soundcore has worked with 20 Grammywinning audio producers, including Krish Sharma and Alex Pasco, to achieve its best-sounding earbuds ever made.

Different from the usual noise cancellation technology, Liberty 3 Pro’s HearID ANC (Active Noise Canceling) automatically customizes noise reduction features based on the outside environment while creating a unique sound by analyzing users’ in-ear pressure for the most precise and real-time experience.

Utilizing Soundcore’s latest generation of its groundbreaking coaxial driver technology — the upgraded Astria Coaxial Acoustic Architecture 2.0 (ACAA 2.0) — the Liberty 3 Pro delivers sound with even greater detail and zero April 2022

The Liberty 3 Pro also supports LDAC technology, which when used with compatible devices, can transfer three times the amount of data versus standard Bluetooth formats and provides a highresolution audio experience for listeners.

Thanks to Soundcore’s Fusion Comfort Technology, the Liberty 3 Pro features an ergonomic design with silicone ear wings that include an air pressure relief structure to combat wearing discomfort.

It comes in four nature-inspired colors: Fog Gray, Midnight Black, Frost White, and Dusk Purple, all highly durable, scratch-resistant, and with a mirror-like finish that creates unique effects on the earbuds’ surface. From early morning workouts to working round the clock, the Liberty 3 Pro can keep up, thanks to an impressive battery life of up to 32 hours of playtime in the case and 8 hours in the earbuds themselves. Charging for 15 minutes gives 3 hours of playtime. The case is compatible with a USB-C cable or wireless charger. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Smartphone

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vivo Y21T PHP10,999

NOWADAYS, PEOPLE INVEST time finding the most compelling plays to catch viewers’ attention, often sharing their gaming clips to show off their best and sometimes funniest plays. These short videos definitely rake in views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Enter vivo’s Y21T gaming phone, which helps you to start downloading screen recordings and editing software on one convenient device that’s powerful enough to handle such software, and save videos.

The Snapdragon 680 processor and Multi-Turbo 5.0 reduce lag, prevent screen freezing, and improve one’s overall gameplay experience. This can aid them in playing better so they can have exciting content to record and share. The vivo Y21T also has a 4+1GB Extended RAM and 128GB ROM to make you you won’t run on memory or even experience lags. The Y21T likewise has an Ultra Game Mode feature, which mutes background notifications while one is in-game. This ensures unexpected calls and texts won’t disrupt the screen recording process.

Of course, all this can take a toll on a typical phone’s battery. The vivo Y21T is anything but typical. With a 5000mAh battery, users will have up to 8 hours’ worth of juice to accomplish everything. The vivo Energy Guardian (VEG) makes sure that the Y21T efficiently saves power without compromising the user experience. Lastly, the 18W Fast Charge cuts down the charging time so they can do it all over again. Thanks to its turbocharged features, the vivo Y21T gaming phone will bring out the gamer and content creator in everyone. So, go and fill your social media with fun and epic highlights for everyone to see! April 2022

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Many creators want to go the extra mile and create thumbnails for their gaming and video highlights, especially if they’re uploading content on YouTube or any other social media platform. With the help of Y21T’s camera features, they can take multiple photos at home using the Y21T, consisting of a 50MP Rear Camera and 8MP Super Night Selfie Front Camera, and because of these camera features, aspiring content creators and even general

consumers will be able to capture moments vividly and level up their content creation game.

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Oppo gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Smartphone

A76

PHP11,999

EQUIPPED WITH THE OPPO Glow Design, OPPO A76 features an upgraded 6.56-inch punch-hole screen with a more responsive and fluid 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate display. It also packs a 5000mAh battery and OPPO’s own 33W SuperVOOC charging to keep users productive and entertained when they need it. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, OPPO A76 delivers a smooth user experience, even while multitasking. Two different memory and storage combinations are offered with the OPPO A76: 4GB + 128GB, and 6GB + 128GB, allowing microSD storage expansion up to 1TB. OPPO A76 supports the RAM Expansion feature, which helps alleviate performance bottlenecks for memory-limited devices. OPPO A76 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 33W SuperVOOC fast charging technology that give users the necessary battery power to stay connected. A 5-minute charge allows phone calls for over 3.5 hours. Battery use is now more efficient with features such as Super Power Saving Mode, Super Nighttime Standby, and Optimized Night Charging, ensuring a long-lasting and safe user experience. Available in Glowing Blue and Glowing Black, OPPO A76‘s Glow Design makes it visually stunning, feels great in the April 2022

user’s hand, and is still highly durable and resistant to fingerprint smudges and dirt. Users who rotate the phone under bright lighting condition can see how the back finish subtly changes in color and sparkles. OPPO A76 features a 6.56-inch HD display that has a remarkable 89.9% screen-to-body ratio. The display is also enhanced with a 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate, making watching videos and playing games a truly immersive experience. Its fingerprint sensor now sits on the side of the phone, making the phone lighter, thinner, and look more refined. ColorOS 11.1 on OPPO A76 makes the entire user experience effortless

and efficient with fluidity with the help of its useful features such as Bullet Screen Message, FlexDrop, Three-finger Translate with Google Lens, and upgraded Privacy features. It also features System Booster to ensure a comprehensive smoothness for the phone, and Link Boost 2.0 which allows users to always connect intelligently and enjoy low latency, high-speed internet. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Oppo Enco Air2 Wireless Earbuds

SPARE YOURSELF from tangled wires and enjoy the freedom of listening to music wirelessly with OPPO Enco Air2, the newest entry-level earbuds which satisfy your need for quality audio, charming aesthetics, and practical performance. The OPPO Enco Air2 provides users with deep, powerful bass, crystal-like midrange, and silvery treble—the perfect combination for an immersive audio experience. The Bluetooth-enabled earbuds have two new Enco Live sound effects: Clear Vocals and Bass Boost to further enhance their bass performance so listening to pop, rock, or EDM, will give you a live concert-like experience.

The new earbuds are also very ergonomic and light which allows you all-day comfort. It can deliver music playback for up to 4 hours without the charging case but when used with the charging case, the earbuds can provide playback for up to 24 hours. The OPPO Enco Air2 also has an AI Noise Cancellation feature which automatically adjusts the audio when in a noisy environment, and updated smart touch controls. It can also be used by OPPO smartphone users as a remote camera control for hands-free convenience.

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Whether you love mobile gaming or TV shows, the OPPO Enco Air2’s certified low-latency performance will deliver an

experience that’s on par with traditional wired earbuds. Users can enable Game Mode with just a triple tap to enter lowlatency mode—it’s specially designed to improve problems such as out-of-sync audio and visuals, interference, and more.

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April 2022

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Logitech POP Keys Mechanical Keyboard

PHP5,990

LOGITECH RECENTLY launched POP Keys, one of the newest products in the Logitech Studio Series to bring character, joy, and self-expression to your work routine. The release of the new mechanical keyboard redefines what your personal workspace can look like with three vibrant new aesthetics.

mechanical keys and new-generation functions. Its 12 new FN shortcuts feature Snip Screen, Mute Mic, and Media Keys to facilitate the modern workday. Experience typing that’s almost addictive on typewriter-style mechanical keys and feel your fingers bounce across the comfy, scooped keys as they click, clack, and pop.

POP Keys comes with eight swappable emoji keycaps in the box – four on the keyboard itself. The emoji keys can be easily customized to your favorite emoji or another handy shortcut using Logitech Options software, available via a simple download for PC or Mac.

POP products empower multi-device creativity, connecting to up to three devices at a time via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt wireless receiver. Each also comes with the promise of durability and long-lasting battery life—a signature of Logitech products.

Beautifully retro, POP Keys offers comfy, scooped typewriter-style April 2022

POP Keys works with macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Chrome OS, and Android.

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Logitech POP Mouse Wireless Mouse

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CUTE AND COMPACT, the POP Mouse slips easily into your bag or pocket for onthe-go working and keeps you productive with the Smartwheel that flips automatically from high-precision to speed scroll mode. Its smooth body, crafted for comfort, fits snugly in your palm to help you work on whatever is needed. Available in many vibrant colors to bring joy to your work, POP Mouse delivers a sweet design that helps you curate a joyful desk space. When Logitech Options is downloaded, use the mouse with Logitech Flow, a software feature for easy text, file, and image copy-and-pasting between computers. POP Mouse works with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.

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April 2022

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POCO X4 Pro 5G Smartphone

6GB + 128GB: PHP16,990 8GB + 256GB: PHP17,990

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POCO X4 PRO 5G is the brand’s latest smartphone that packs a flagship-level experience, but at a value for young tech enthusiasts. With cutting-edge features such as a 120Hz AMOLED display, 108MP camera, Snapdragon 5G processor, and 67W turbocharging, it delivers all-around high-end performance for day-to-day use, gaming, and budding professional photography alike. Its large 6.67” AMOLED DotDisplay screen not only catches the eye but also operates at a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and immersive true-to-life visual experience. This is the first time that POCO employs AMOLED for X-series. That, on top of the 360Hz touch sampling rate, means the smartphone responds to every movement in no time. Every scroll, swipe, or drag on the screen offers less lag. And every color is vibrant and larger-than-life, thanks to DCI-P3 wide color gamut. The AMOLED display featuring 2400 x 1080 FHD+ resolution can automatically adjust its brightness to match its surroundings. In addition, with an SGS Eye Care Certification to boot, POCO X4 Pro 5G’s screen is softer on its users’ eyes during long gaming sessions. POCO X4 Pro 5G has a powerful 108MP sensor at the helm of its camera array. It measures in at a massive 1/1.52” making it one of the world’s highest resolution sensors available. Paired with the sensor’s 9-in-1 binning technology, the sensor captures more light for improved clarity and brings out the most from every shot. The device is also accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP micro camera on the rear, while a 16MP sensor sits on the front. Whether on the hunt for the best shots while on top of snow-capped mountains, in the heart of downtown, or in the mood for a spontaneous selfie, POCO X4 Pro 5G captures every scene precisely and clearly. It comes with a range of features such as a panoramic selfie option to make sure everyone stays in the shot, no matter how big the gathering. It also offers slow motion, dualvideo, time-lapse video, super macro, movie filters, and kaleidoscope to breathe life and a dash of excitement to any footage that’ll be sure to be attention-grabbing. April 2022

Under the hood is a Snapdragon 695 5G processor built on 6nm production technology, bringing flagship-level speed and efficiency. The octa-core CPU is headed up by two Arm Cortex-A78 performance cores that can reach speeds up to 2.2GHz. In addition to 8GB of RAM, POCO X4 Pro 5G offers an extra 3GB transformed from the 256GB of ROM thanks to Dynamic RAM Expansion Technology, making it ideal for lag-free mobile gaming and providing a smooth, 5G-ready user experience. And with a whopping 5,000mAh battery, users can scroll, browse, and game all day and night with more than 15 hours of video playback, 25 hours of reading, 191 hours of music playing back to back. When the device finally is running low on juice, users can get back to action in no time. Thanks to 67W turbocharging, POCO X4 Pro 5G can charge 70% in just 22 minutes — a mere coffee break — and can be fully charged in only 41 minutes. In addition, it delivers an immersive entertainment experience by offering dual speakers for loud and clear stereo sound, and a Z-axis linear motor for stronger vibrations with crisper and more accurate feedback while gaming. The smartphone also supports the all-new MIUI 13, with new features and performance improvements to optimize the user experience. POCO X4 Pro 5G comes in three colors, Laser Black, Laser Blue, and POCO Yellow.

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April 2022

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Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) Tablet

PHP12,999

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BINGE LONGER AND STUDY smarter on the 10.61-inch 2K IPS LCD display of the new Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen). With a four-sided narrow bezel, 400 nits of brightness, and up to 85 percent screen-to-display ratio, users can enjoy entertaining content in the highest mobile streaming resolution available on a tablet at up to 1080p. Ideal for immersive streaming of one’s favorite shows and movies from providers such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and others all in cinematic quality, users can move from room to room with enveloping audio above and around them via Dolby Atmos delivered over quad speakers.

April 2022

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Powered by a hefty octa-core processor with up to 4GB RAM and 64GB storage for superior performance, this tablet runs on Android 12 OS with updates to come. With clever optimized Reading Mode settings, time will fly when kicking back, browsing, or immersed in learning something new. Make studying easier on the eyes with TÜV-certified low blue light, as well as easier on the notetaking hand as the user can intuitively jot notes and doodle with the optional Lenovo Precision Pen 2 and Lenovo Instant Memo. Channel one’s thoughts or ideas when drawing in tilt mode with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, and ample battery life. Offered in a unique dual-tone design with two color options, the sleek Lenovo Tab M10 Plus weighs 465g to keep it light and productive all day with up to 12 hours of video playback with a 7700mAh battery.

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April 2022

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Laptop

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 | 5i BETTER ERGONOMIC experiences are in store with the new design language of the IdeaPad Flex 5i convertible laptop featuring up to 12th Gen Intel Core i5 U-series processor and Intel Iris Xe MAX Graphics, and the IdeaPad Flex 5 convertible laptop with up to AMD Ryzen 3 processor with built-in Radeon graphics. A 360-degree hinge enables multiple modes including a laptop to tablet mode, or stand to tent mode, while its drop-down hinge design allows the keyboard to slightly lift when opening the laptop for a more comfortable typing experience. It’s a feature that also helps to focus the user’s field of view above the bottom bezel for a roomy 90 percent active screen area. Expect vibrant and crystal-clear visuals from the next-gen IdeaPad Flex 5i and IdeaPad Flex 5 with an up to 2.8K 16:10 display on offer with an OLED option

April 2022

for impressive image quality — even in daylight. Not to mention better contrast and fuller viewing angles too with up to 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut and 400 nits brightness. These IdeaPad laptops come TÜV-certified for low blue light technology to help reduce eye strain while maintaining color accuracy, while Lenovo Eye Care software helps users choose the ideal light setting for them. Get the most out of collaboration with additional Smart Learning features from Lenovo, such as flip to start, Smart Power, and Smart Noise Cancelling that helps tune out background chatter to enhance hybrid learning experiences, plus an upgraded FHD webcam plus privacy shutter. The

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mic picks up the user’s voice clearly when speaking and helps to suppress feedback from clackety typing noises or loudspeakers in the background. Equipped with a full-function Type-C port (USB 3.2) for fast data transferring and power delivery, new IdeaPad laptops also support display output and Thunderbolt™ 4 to make connecting

devices even easier. Enjoy smooth streaming and tackle content creation tasks like editing with up to 16GB memory and PCIe SSD 1TB storage for expanded performance. Experience clear sound via user-facing speakers with Dolby Audio and 65W support for fast charging for 15 minutes for two hours of video playback via Rapid Charge Boost.

This IdeaPad features a slimmer, lighter build than previous models for portability. The IdeaPad Flex 5i and IdeaPad Flex 5 are offered in a selection of calming hues to express the user’s unique style. To jot down ideas in tablet mode, simply use the latest optional Lenovo Digital Pen capable of capturing any color from real-life objects easily.

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REVIEWED BY franceska aguila

LOGITECH SIGNATURE M650 wireless mouse

You’d think buying a mouse is simple and easy, but choosing one that suits your work and lifestyle could get a bit tricky. Hand and wrist health are just as important as the functionality of the mouse, and Logitech offers ease and function with their latest Signature M650 wireless mouse. April 2022

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design The Logitech Signature M650 is a wireless mouse, designed for maximum productivity and comfort. It is sturdily built, with a contoured finish and rubberized ridges for a firm grip and traction. An ambidextrous mouse, it is also available for lefties. To accommodate different hand sizes, it comes in regular and large. I got the regular-sized unit, which fits perfectly in my hand. My thumb sits just right on the side buttons, making them more conveniently accessible. It is lightweight but somewhat heavy for gaming.

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It features two programmable side buttons and a SmartWheel that you can also customize and key-bind specific shortcuts through the Logi Options+ app. Its silent clicks are 90% quieter compared to other models. The Signature M650 is made from 26% to 64% recycled materials, and comes in three colors — Graphite, Off-White, and Rose (not available for lefties).

hardware The Signature M650 uses Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking sensor technology. In my opinion, an optical mouse beats a laser when it comes to performance on various surfaces. The light from the former is scattered less than in the latter, hence a better response on glass. The back of the mouse shows the pairing button, an on/off switch, and the battery cover. Under the cover is an AA battery that can last up to 24 months and a USB dongle. Compatible with iOs, Android, macOS, and Windows. Its wireless Bluetooth range is up to 10 meters.

April 2022

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Logitech Signature M650

user experience I was very excited about receiving the Logitech Signature M650 in Rose. Aside from its aesthetic, I was eager to try out its silent clicks and programmable side buttons. In contrast to other mice, the left and right mouse buttons were indeed quieter, but the side buttons still produce the usual clicking noise. Note that it’s not your typical plug-andplay mouse. You first need to install the Logi Options+ application which, once installed, you can now customize your wireless mouse. What I liked about customizing the mouse is that you can personalize both the side buttons and the SmartWheel with specific commands for different applications on your desktop, you can also adjust the speed of the pointer and the scroll wheel to your liking.

for work and play, so when Logitech released the Signature M650, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Compared to the old mouse I was using, I noticed how comfortable and suited it was to use for longer sessions during work and editing. Of course, I also had to test the mouse out for gaming. I found that although it did the job, the mouse only has a polling rate of 125Hz which isn’t really recommended for gaming. Also, it has a

high-click latency and it’s slightly slow for fast-paced games that require a lot of movement.

VALUE The Logitech Signature M650 has an SRP of PHP1,690, a tad more costly than other optical mice. Still, this is a relatively affordable price considering the smart features and benefits this wireless mouse has to offer.

Choosing the right mouse for your needs can be very important, especially

April 2022

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SPECIFICATIONS Sensor technology: Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking Nominal to max value: 400dpi to 4000dpi Buttons: 5 (Left/right-click, back/ forward, SmartWheel with middle click) Battery type: 1 x AA battery (included) Connection Type: Logi Bolt USB Receiver, Bluetooth Low Energy Technology Wireless range: 10-meters Compatibility: Supported by Logitech Options+ on macOS 10.15 or later and Windows® 10, 11, or later

what's hot

what's Not  The side buttons are not silent unlike the left/right buttons High-click latency for gaming

BOTTOMLINE The Logitech Signature M650 is a must-buy for your convenience and for your wrist and hand health.

April 2022

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 Customizable buttons for functionality through Logi Options+ Ergonomic design Available for lefties Seamless wireless Bluetooth pairing Post-consumer recycled materials were used to produce the mouse for sustainability.

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REVIEWED BY franceska aguila

REALME 9 PRO+ smartphone

Smartphones are ever-evolving as manufacturers continue to update and improve their products. Aside from performance and functionality, smartphones such as the new realme 9 Pro+ are now focusing on camera quality for better photography and content creation.

April 2022

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Included in the box alongside the realme 9 Pro+ box are a SuperDart charger, a clear silicon case, and an ejector pin, but no earphones! The test unit we received came in the Aurora Green color with a gloss finish for a premium feel. Not surprisingly, it is lighter and thinner than other models in the realme Numbers series, as the 9 Pro+ claims to be the thinnest realme phone yet.

Featuring the same Super AMOLED Display as previous models, the latest realme 9 Pro+ has an edge with its higher refresh rate of 90Hz. A neat feature allows you to configure your screen color mode to Vivid, Natural, or Pro mode, so you can choose the color temperature that suits your eyes. The power button is placed on the right side of the phone. The volume rocker and sim card tray are at the left. As

usual, the stereo speakers, headphone jack, and charger are at the bottom. In front is a single camera, while at the back is the triple camera. The optical fingerprint sensor is embedded in the display of the smartphone.

hardware The realme 9 Pro+ is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G Processor and runs on Android 12 and Realme UI 3.0 operating system. It has 8GB expandable RAM and 256GB storage. The battery is 4500mAh with a USB-C 60W SuperDart fast charger that charges your phone to 100% in under an hour. realme stepped up its mobile photography game even more with the 50MP Sony IMX766 wide camera with OIS support in addition to its triple camera with an 8MP ultrawide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and video captures 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/480fps, and 720p at 960fps.

April 2022

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design

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realme 9 Pro+

user experience When realme announced that their newest smartphone would have the first 50MP Sony IMX766, I was excited to experience the camera. So when I got the demo unit, I immediately tried out its various camera settings such as Street Photography and Nightscape that capture pictures in the best quality even in low light settings. The 9 Pro+ also has image stabilization, reducing unnecessary movements on your photos and videos. Its camera shows clear improvements, despite a tendency to over brighten pictures, especially at night. Testing out the new upgrade on its Street Photography mode with the newest 90s Pop filter, it has a Long Exposure that includes a Neon Trail and Light Trail Portrait to add light streaks to your night photos of cars, airplanes, and other moving vehicles. The Rush Hour mode is perfect for capturing photos in a busy or crowded area, adding a remarkable motion blur to your surroundings. Lastly, Light Painting lets you paint

April 2022

Others

with lights at night time or in a lowlight setting. I tried taking videos in 4k resolution and got promising results — crisp, sharp, and detailed footage. It’s also good for creating content that needs transitions as you can pause in between recording, and add in some video effects.

Among my favorite features is the Dolby Atmos Dual Stereo Speakers that deliver clear quality sound, making your music and gaming a satisfying experience.

With regards to performance, the realme 9 Pro+ is a good performer. Its 90Hz refresh rate makes it a decent gaming smartphone. I tested out some games with the biggest download size such as Call of Duty Mobile, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Genshin Impact, and also Apex Legends Mobile, and surprisingly didn’t experience any lags or app crashes. Also, what I liked about gaming on the realme 9 Pro+ is that swiping from the side of your screen shows your system status while playing (FPS, GPU, and CPU), the phone’s battery percentage, and temperature. You can adjust your performance settings and turn on Game Focus Mode which silences incoming calls and notifications. It also allows you to use the Pro Gamer mode which is perfect for competitive gaming. A downside of Pro Gamer mode is the tendency of the phone to heat up.

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SPECIFICATIONS

realme 9 Pro+

Others

VALUE

what's hot

From the first SONY IMX 766 rear camera and its updated Street Photography mode to its seamless 90Hz Super AMOLED display, there is a lot to love about the realme 9 Pro+, which is reasonably priced at PHP 23,999.

 SONY IMX 766 rear camera Dolby Atmos dual speakers 0% to 100% charging in less than an hour Lightweight and slim

what's Not  Bloatware or unnecessary pre-installed apps Subpar front cam quality AI processing in photos is slightly visible

BOTTOMLINE The realme 9 Pro+ is great for casual mobile photographers and offers decent performance as a mid-ranger smartphone. 31

April 2022

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CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G Operating System: Android 12, realme UI 3.0 Storage: 8GB (RAM) + 256GB (ROM) Display: Super AMOLED display, 90Hz Dimensions: 160.2 x 73.3 x 8mm Front/Back: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Glass Battery: 4500mAh, USB-C SuperDart 60W fast charger Camera: Triple; 50MP (wide) Sony IMX766 OIS Rear Camera, 8MP (ultrawide), 2MP (macro) Front; 16MP (wide) Fingerprint: In-display optical fingerprint Audio: Dolby Atmos Stereo Speakers Colors: Sunrise Blue, Aurora Green, Midnight Black Package Includes: Clear silicon case, USB-C SuperDart fast charger, sim card tray ejector pin

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REVIEWED BY GABRIEL PE

Motorola Edge 20 Fusion smartphone

The Motorola brand has seen a resurgence lately, and I was excited by the opportunity to try out the motorola edge 20 fusion. With the rebirth of the motorola razr and the introduction of the budget G-series, to the mid-range Edge series, the brand is drawing attention with products that offer great features at a reasonable price. April 2022

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design The motorola edge 20 fusion has a standard design. Our test unit came in the Electric Graphite color, which looks more gray than the usual black. The casing is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, but the included jelly case takes care of that. The motorola edge 20 fusion sports a 6.7inch OLED FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The display also supports HDR10+ so you can expect some great Netflix experiences on this. In front is a 32-megapixel selfie camera. At the back is a square camera layout (unlike the rectangular setup in the other edge-series phones) and the Motorola logo.

hardware When it comes to hardware, the motorola edge 20 fusion is a decent device. It has an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor which, like all Dimensity chips, has 5G support. It has 8GB RAM and our test unit had 128GB of internal storage that is expandable via a microSD card.

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The left side has the sim-card tray and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The right has the volume and the power button that doubles as the fingerprint reader. On top is just a mic hole, while the bottom has the USB Type-C charging port, the single downward-firing speaker, and a 3.5mm headphone port (hooray!).

The main highlight of the motorola edge 20 Fusion is its 108-megapixel camera at the back. It also has another 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. What’s the difference between the Fusion’s camera setup and the other Edge 20-device is the third camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor in lieu of the other’s telephoto lens. Lastly, the selfie camera at the front retains

the 32-megapixel shooter like the other phones in the series. For power, the motorola edge 20 fusion has a 5000mAh battery, enough power to last me a day. As for charging, the included 30W charger can replenish the phone’s energy from 10% to 100% in an hour and a half of charging. April 2022

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Motorola Edge 20 Fusion

user experience

not sound hollow — all from the single downward-firing speaker.

numbers, but it is capable of getting the job done, especially in gaming.

I’ve been playing with the motorola edge 20 fusion for a couple of weeks now and, honestly, I have been continuously impressed.

Moving to performance. I ran some benchmarks on the phone, and it got satisfactory results. Antutu V9 had it at 373453, Geekbench 5 had it at 576 for single-core and 1728 for multi-core. Lastly, 3DMark Wild Life had it at 1602.

Speaking of which, I did spend most of my time with the phone gaming. The Dimensity 800U was powerful enough to run Genshin Impact on the highest settings but with some massive frame drops when casting spells. For the best gameplay experience, medium on 60fps is the way to go. As for other games, Apex Legends Mobile was pretty smooth even on the Ultra HD setting, while League of Legends: Wild Rift had the ultra-setting but was locked to 60fps even in lower resolutions. One thing I like about the motorola edge 20 fusion is that it does not get hot even during heavy gaming sessions.

Right after setup I wanted to immediately test out the OLED display by going straight for a Youtube video. The display is great as all OLEDs are, but what astonished me the most is the phone’s audio. It offers decent volumes and does

Numbers are good and all, but what do they mean? The motorola edge 20 can be relied on to deliver good performance. Sure it’s not at the level of flagship

Now on to the camera. Images are good for the most part. In great conditions, it is able to produce sharp images. However, for indoor and low light, it’s pretty meh although I would argue that it’s slightly better than other phones in this price range. As for video recording, it can capture up to 4K but is limited to 30fps, which is compensated by great EIS performance.

April 2022

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SPECIFICATIONS

what's hot  OLED Screen Good Speaker HDR10 supported Display Good processor 108-megapixel camera

what's Not  90Hz already feels underwhelming

VALUE

BOTTOMLINE Coming in at PHP16,995 the motorola edge 20 fusion is a bit on the pricier side. Still, it’s easily a great all-around device with a capable processor, a 108-megapixel camera, 5G-ready, and a great gaming experience.

The motorola edge 20 fusion is a great all-around multimedia device!

April 2022

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Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 800U Display: 6.7-inch OLED FHD+ display, 20:9 Max Vision, DCI-P3 color space, HDR10+, 90Hz refresh rate Memory: 8GB Internal Storage: 128 GB expandable via MicroSD OS: Android 11 Camera: Front: 32-megapixel; Rear: 108-megapixel (main), 8-megapixel (ultra-wide/macro), 2-megapixel depth sensor Battery: 5000 mAh, capable of 30W fast charging Fingerprint reader: Side-mounted Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC Other features: IP52 water resistance, 5G-ready, Ready For (wired/wireless casting) Dimensions: 166 x 76 x 8.25mm Weight: 185g

REVIEWED BY FRANCESKA AGUILA

PREDATOR HELIOS 300 gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

gaming laptop

With the popularity of gaming and streaming, Acer caters to the needs of all the gamers out there, with new improvements and a cleaner look – the Predator Helios 300 proves that the best can still do better.

April 2022

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The design changes on the Predator Helios 300 are noticeable at first glance. The brand engraving and muscle lines have been removed, and what’s left is the Predator logo with cutouts on the sides to reveal a teal background on the inside of the cover that I personally think is nifty, giving it a minimalistic look. The lid and the cover for the keyboard are

black metal with an anodized finish. The bottom of the laptop is made out of plastic and the same goes for the frame of the screen. On the bottom edge of the laptop is the lightbar. On the sides, some of the ports and the grates of the vent have the same teal and black combo as the cover. Opening the Predator Helios 300 reveals a gorgeous 17.3” QHD 165Hz IPS Display with a narrow border, an

FHD webcam, a 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, and a trackpad that feels buttery to the touch. Connectivity is not an issue as this RTX laptop has the essentials that you need. On the left are the USB-A port, 3.55mm audio jack, an ethernet port, and a Kensington security slot. On the right are two USB-A ports. At the back, to keep the cords smartly out of the way, are the HDMI, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C port, and charging port.

April 2022

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design

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Predator Helios 300

hardware

user experience

Running on a Windows 11 operating system and a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, this laptop surely is optimized for competitive gaming and max graphics. In addition to that, the Predator Helios 300 also has an Intel Killer E2600 Ethernet Controller and an Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1675 to eliminate lags and disconnects while in-game. For memory, the demo unit has 32GB RAM and 2TB of internal storage. Overheating won’t be a problem with its custom-engineered 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D Fan Technology and the cooling effects of liquid metal thermal grease. In addition, cooling fans adjust to keep some areas cooled while in heavy use with its CoolBoost Technology.

I’ve been hearing the hype about Predator gaming laptops for a couple of years now and I’ve always wanted to try it out to see what the fuss was all about, so when the Predator Helios 300 arrived, you can only imagine how thrilled I was to use it. Booting up the laptop produces this cinematic sound and the keyboard lights up with a ripple effect. The display is bright and colorful, readable during the day, and perfect for nighttime gaming sessions.

I tested out my favorite games on the Predator Helios 300 — League of Legends, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and Forza 5. Of course, a stable internet connection is also important for uninterrupted and seamless gaming, and I don’t always have a good connection even when I use a LAN cable, but playing on this RTX laptop, I encountered zero to minimal lagging, and it was fast, as expected. Just a slight concern, it tends to overheat quickly. Thankfully, pressing on Turbo mode overclocks the CPU and runs the cooling fans on max speed to almost instantly cool

It has a per-key RGB mini LED Backlit 4-Zone keyboard that adds aesthetic and an extra boost to your gaming experience. The keyboard is customizable through the PredatorSense app for true RGB control. As the ultimate tool in this gaming laptop, the PredatorSense app not only lets you customize your keyboards, it also allows you to monitor and control your systems, including the cooling fan, to maximize its potential.

April 2022

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SPECIFICATIONS

what's hot

down the laptop, although the motors were a bit too loud. Overall, the gaming experience is brilliant. The battery life while gaming can only last you up to 3-4 hours, so it is best to keep the charger plugged in the whole time while you’re at it. Still, this is much better compared to other mainstream gaming laptops with a measly 2-hour in-game battery life. When it comes to audio, DTS: X Ultra takes a different approach to surround sound, with an updated algorithm and improved head-related transfer function (HRTF) for quality sound and direction placement. SFX is crucial when gaming especially in FPS games that require strategy. The speakers of the laptop are satisfactory, even loud enough to cover up the noise of the cooling fan. Sound directions are somehow hard to pick up as it seems to be coming from just one place. Gaming with plugged-in headphones or earphones is a different

story, with much more accurate sound directions; the SFX is excellent and produces a crisp sound that takes your experience to a whole different dimension.

VALUE

 Intel Killer for zero to minimal lagging Superb gaming performance PredatorSense app for overclocking Massive storage

what's Not

Priced at PHP94,999, the Predator Helios 300 is a good buy if you’re looking in the market for a high-performance laptop that’s suitable for fast-paced or competitive gaming.

 The laptop and charger itself are both heavy Overheating

BOTTOMLINE The Predator Helios 300 is one of the best RTX gaming laptops that you can get. With overclocking features and a top-of-the-line graphics card, it’s like a custom-build PC in one package.

April 2022

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Display: 17.3” QHD 165Hz IPS Display, Advanced Optimus / FHD 165Hz, 3ms OD, Advanced Optimus / FHD 144Hz, 3ms OD Processor: 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3080 Laptop GPU Cooling: 5th Gen AeroBlade™ 3D Fan Technology, CoolBoost™ Technology, Liquid Thermal Grease RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz Storage: PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD in RAID 0, up to 2TB OS: Windows 11 Pro Connectivity: Killer DoubleShot™ Pro and Killer™ Wi-Fi 6E AX 1675i & Ethernet E2600 Ports: 3 X USB, USB Type-C™ with Thunderbolt™ 4, HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort™ 1.4, 3.55mm audio jack Battery: 4-Cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)

Cover story

Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo

YOU ARE YOUR DATA A Crash Course on Data Privacy in the Philippines

n 2016, the personal data of over 55-million Filipino voters were stolen from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) database and were published online by a Philippine hacker collective. The breach involved personally identifiable information of the most sensitive nature, including passport numbers and expiry dates, residential addresses, and birthdates. It remains one of the biggest local cybersecurity stories as of writing, both in terms of the scale of the breach, as well as its role in

April 2022

thrusting the topic of data privacy into the public spotlight. Just imagine. The information you use to access your finances, sign up for mobile plans, and take out a loan might have been part of this leak. Someone might have been able to steal your identity and you probably would have never known until you’re facing criminal charges for something you have not done. The breach underscores one very important thing—you are your

data. Unfortunately, we cannot just decide to stop sharing our information with others. Today’s digital age necessitates that we share our data for most kinds of transactions, transactions that become more efficient and convenient over time. As such, you have to be familiar with your fundamental right to data privacy. But what exactly are data privacy rights, where should they apply, and why should you care?

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April 2022

Cover story

DATA PRIVACY RIGHTS IN A NUTSHELL Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 was enacted “to protect the fundamental human right of privacy, of communication while ensuring free flow of information to promote innovation and growth.” RA 10173 also specifies that the country has an “inherent obligation to ensure that personal information in information and communications systems in government and in the private sector are secured and protected”. Personal information in this sense refers to any data which can give away your identity, whether directly, such as by explicitly saying your name (Juan de la Cruz), or indirectly, such that your identity can be reasonably inferred from other pieces of information. RA April 2022

10173 applies to any instance where your personal information is processed, including when it is collected, recorded, organized, stored, modified, retrieved, used, erased, or destroyed, among others. The Data Privacy Act also extensively defines your various rights, which include your right to (1) be informed when your data is being processed; (2) object and withdraw consent anytime; (3) access and request copies of your data; (4) correct and modify inaccurate data; (5) erase your data; and (6) file a complaint and receive compensation when your data privacy is violated. At its core, RA 10173 ensures that while the processing of your personal information will remain unhindered, it mandates data processors to first, put in place measures to protect your data

and your data rights, and second, get your consent and inform you when your data is being collected, why your data is being collected, and how your data will be protected, among others. This applies to both digital and analog means of data collection. WHERE DOES DATA PRIVACY APPLY AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE? These rights apply whenever your data is being processed by an individual or an institution in the Philippines. This means that if you are providing information such as your name, email address, or mobile number, the mandates of the Data Privacy Act should automatically be observed. Big companies, brands, and government agencies are usually compliant with the gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

“To sum it up, we need to treat our data more carefully. The Data Privacy Act is a necessary foundation towards this end, but more needs to be done, both by individuals and institutions. Just as the world runs on oil, so too does it run on data.”

Data Privacy Act. In many transactions with them, whether online or pen and paper, privacy consent statements are usually already integrated into the forms. While we usually skip them due to their comprehensiveness, miniscule font size, and legalese jargon, they are nevertheless there and contain all the necessary information you need to understand how exactly they use your data, how they protect it, and who you should contact for concerns regarding your data privacy. This means that if the entity does something that is not covered by the statement, they have breached your data privacy rights. You receive a marketing newsletter when you didn’t agree to? That’s a breach. One of their employees contacted you for non-official business? Breach. They get hacked and your data is leaked online? Terrible breach.

The same ideally extends to small businesses. However, if this past pandemic has proven anything, it is that the practice of ensuring data privacy has not truly made its way into the mainstream. Some COVID-19 tracing forms are haphazardly done for compliance with pandemic guidelines, but not in compliance with data privacy. Other people can freely see our data in these forms, leading to easy cases of identity theft and spam messages. To sum it up, we need to treat our data more carefully. The Data Privacy Act is a necessary foundation towards this end, but more needs to be done, both by individuals and institutions. Just as the world runs on oil, so too does it run on data. Know your rights and educate others on what must and must not be done to personal data, lest we risk other, more serious data breaches in the future. April 2022

Cover story

Words by Franceska Aguila

April 2022

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iving in a digital world where everything is online, it’s always important to be vigilant about the sites that we access and the applications that we download, especially when it requires us to input our personal information and/or bank details.

April 2022

Cybercrime has been occurring for as long as we can remember. In 202021, however, cyberattacks skyrocketed, targetting more individuals and businesses. With so many potential threats surfacing online such as hacking, malware, phishing, man-in-themiddle attacks, and DNS tunneling, we must learn how to secure our devices and personal data. And although cyber-risks cannot be completely eliminated, these can be reduced by taking preventive measures. Here are some ways to protect your devices’ security and your data privacy: April 2022

INSTALL A PASSWORD MANAGER

UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD REGULARLY

Working on passwords could be a chore but updating them regularly is vital to your protection. Cybersecurity experts recommend that you change your passwords every 3 months, they also recommend you to have different passwords for all of your social and banking accounts; this limits the risk of a breach and access by an unauthorized person.

A password manager is an encrypted digital vault where you can store all your login information. Most apps have a unique password generator, that generates a different password whenever you access your accounts. Apps like Bitwarden–the leading passwords service for 2022– are quick to install and easy to use. It has a password manager and generator that’s free to use for an unlimited time.

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Cover story

The most common 2FA or TwoFactor Authentication that applications use is SMS-based; it sends a code to your mobile number upon login for verification. Enabling the 2FA feature adds an additional layer of protection against potential intruders.

Most browsers display a warning sign when you enter an unsecured website. In case you don’t see a notification, one easy way to find out if the site is safe is to check its URL. The origin or protocol should display “https” instead of “http”. Another clue to possible malware in a website could be spam pop-up ads or malvertising.

By keeping your operating system up to date, you can make the most of your computer’s latest security update to secure your data and privacy.

ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION ON YOUR APPLICATIONS

CHECK IF THE WEBSITE IS SAFE AND SECURE

Experts have predicted that this year, data breaches will affect more businesses and organizations, deepfakes will arise, and mobile and crypto attacks could increase. As cybercriminals continue to take advantage of the effects of the pandemic, experts anticipate the emergence of advanced attack methods targeting a variety of industries. Cybercrime has become more widespread due to the Internet’s convenience and anonymity. It never hurts to make sure your devices and personal information are protected from possible security risks. To ensure and strengthen your devices’ security here are other recommended ways to protect your device from these cyberattacks:

INSTALL AN ANTIVIRUS WITH FIREWALL Most antivirus software include a Firewall upon installation. These are designed to protect computers from detected viruses, Trojans, hackers, and other unrecognized software that can jeopardize your device

UPDATE YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM

or put your security and privacy at risk. They block spam sites and ads, prevent phishing attacks, and protect against identity theft.

GET A VPN A virtual private network or VPN conceals your online activity. It also hides your IP address and your personal data when connected to public WiFi or even at home. It also protects your data from your own internet provider, apps, and other services that you use. In addition, it also allows you to access restricted online content from other countries and play games on a different server. Hearing or reading about cybercrime could be frightening. Still, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest cyberthreats and how you can take basic precautions to avoid or counter these attacks. Antivirus software, VPNs, and password managers are measures to ensure your own security and protection, even while continuing to be vigilant and careful about online activities.

April 2022

Cover story

Beware of these brand-new threats from the cybersphere Words by Gabriel Pe

April 2022

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echnology has transformed our lives. With the arrival of the internet and the concomitant tech advancements (Cryptos, IoT, etc.), life has never been easier. Technology has made it convenient to work remotely, to stay connected with one another, to stay healthy, and many more. But over the years, our reliance on the convenience of the internet has spun a darker side bent on utilizing the system to commit criminal acts. Over the years, cyber threats have risen to not only take data but even injure us physically. Here are some of the brand-new threats targeting our safety.

April 2022

Cover story

SMISHING AND PHISHING We’ve covered phishing in earlier issues of GADGETS Magazine. Phishing schemes are some of the older tricks in the book, but don’t let your guard down. Reports have indicated a rise in phishing attacks during the pandemic. Additionally, these attacks have been getting more and more elaborate, with cybercriminals having access to more sophisticated methods. Phishing is an activity where cybercriminals send emails that contain a link directing victims to a fake website. These are usually familiar websites where you typically provide sensitive information such as your bank’s website or your favorite shopping website’s login page. They can get your email address, password, and other login credentials. After gathering your credentials, the criminals will then use the information to access your account on a legitimate website. Smishing is the same as phishing but this time, attackers are using the SMS protocol to send fraudulent links with worrisome messages to encourage victims to not think twice about the website they’re accessing. Smishing can actually trick a lot more people since attackers can use thirdparty apps to spoof the Sender ID. They can pose as your normal Bank message and use that to ask for an OTP or even send you links that contain malware or a phishing website. We have become so complacent and unsuspecting about SMS threats that we can easily overlook them if we’re not careful.

April 2022

TEXT SPOOFING WITH MACHINES Similar to Smishing, Text Blast machines are hardware used to spoof the Sender ID and send malicious messages. The difference between this machine and smishing is that the machine sends messages within a specific vicinity regardless of the telco. It’s not as far-reaching as using thirdparty software, but it can still provide similar damage to gullible victims. Recently, it was the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) who sounded the alarm for these machines, albeit for a different reason. Some machines are able to replicate the emergency notifications reserved for natural disaster warnings. It was a similar machine that produced an “emergency alert” that a certain candidate was about to file his candidacy for the national elections. The NTC, in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, declared these devices illegal. However, they

were shocked to find how easy it is to access them via e-commerce platforms. Additionally, they are portable and can be used from anywhere and, worse of all, they’re hard to trace as some machines do not need a sim card to work.

RANSOMWARE / SPYWARE If there is a threat that’s constantly evolving, ransomware is probably it. Cybercriminals often use malware to infiltrate and encrypt your data. After encrypting the data, they’ll ask you to ransom what was encrypted, hence the term ransomware. Ransomware is continuously evolving, with criminals coding more complicated malware to avoid the usual detection methods. In 2021

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get a cent from the attack since the mined crypto will be directed to the attackers. The only upside is that cryptojacking normally doesn’t damage your PC, but who’s to say that the code used doesn’t have any other malware that can wreck havoc on your device?

GPS TAG STALKING If there’s a worrisome trend that seems like it came from George Orwell’s 1984, this may be it. infiltrate several key US agencies and “spy” on their data. It took months before the attacks were discovered. By then, hundreds of private firms and nine crucial federal agencies had been compromised.

alone, there were a couple of big-time ransomware attacks, including the Colonial Pipeline attack in the US where the attackers hacked an energy pipeline supplying the US east coast. In the end, Colonial Pipeline needed to pay out USD 4.4 million to restore its system. Now if you think that ransomware attacks only focus on the big guys, you are dead wrong. Groups can attack randomly regardless if you’re loaded or not. Aside from ransomware which encrypts data, there is also spyware, a malware that infiltrates networks or your personal device with the goal of gathering sensitive data. At the start of 2021, the Solarwinds attacks allowed cybercriminals from Russia to

Spyware attacks actually occur at a smaller scale than the Solarwinds attack and just gather the victims’ sensitive information. From there they’ll have access to the victims’ bank accounts and other finances, all while being undetected, sometimes for years.

CRYPTOJACKING Cryptocurrency enthusiasts have not spared from cyberattacks, especially now that prices are skyrocketing. A new type of cyber attack called Cryptojack has been used to steal from victims’ crypto wallets. But even if you don’t have a crypto wallet, you can still be a victim of cryptojacking, where your PC or device’s performance is hijacked by mining in the background. In essence, they’re transforming your PC into a remote mining rig without your knowledge. Additionally, you won’t

When Apple released the AirTag last year, it seemed like it could do no wrong. It was simply a small device that you can inconspicuously attach to your personal belongings so you could track wherever they are. But the biggest GPS tag’s greatest draw also became its most significant threat when cunning criminals repurposed the tracker to stalk victims. AirTags as well as other GPS tags (like Tile, etc.) have been used by stalkers to track their victims’ every movement. Their inconspicuous nature allows criminals to simply slip them inside a victim’s bag or coat and they never notice it. Apple has already acted on the issue. iPhone 11, 12, and 13 users can now use precision finding to locate unknown AirTags. They have also warned users that each tag has a unique serial number that can be traced back to the paired device. The company is working with law enforcement to help track down and arrest the criminals responsible for such attacks.

April 2022

Cyber Security

METAVERSE EVERYONE WANTS TO BE THERE Words by Sandra Lee, Managing Director for Asia Pacific region at Kaspersky

he term Metaverse is pretty hot right now. More and more brands are striving to conquer the Metaverse using various integration formats. For example, Gucci is creating its own world in the Sandbox metaverse. The luxury brand has announced that it will buy the virtual land in The Sandbox to start building its world on the platform. At the same time, the first NFT restaurant, the Flyfish Club, opened in New York. You need to buy an NFT membership card to get into it. The number of places in the club is limited: the owners have issued 2.7 thousand tokens, providing entry for regular members and 385 tokens for top-level guests. A permanent membership will cost 2.5 Ethereum, or a little over $8,000, for which guests can access a cocktail bar, a restaurant and private events. Dan Neary, Vice President of Meta in Asia Pacific noted in a recent April 2022

virtual press conference that it’s more pronounced in APAC than anywhere else if we think about the speed by which many industries, have adapted to things like mobile or messaging. SoftBank Group Corp. is investing $150 million in a South Korean metaverse platform that has amassed a large following of young female users by selling high-fashion items for 3-D avatars, according to the companies involved in the deal. Considering the level of hype, there will undoubtedly be an inevitable economic effect. According to PWC’s VR and AR forecasts, these technologies could impact 23 million jobs by 2030. This, in turn, could lead to an economic growth of $1.92 trillion. One reason is that the technologies used in the Metaverse can make it possible to minimize the gap between theory and practice.

Sandra Lee Managing Director for APAC, Kaspersky

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shorter: only 20 minutes compared to one hour. Also, according to Aimprosoft forecasts, in the next few years, the e-learning market is expected to grow significantly from $185.26 billion in 2020 to $388.23 billion in 2026.

Is there any corporate perspective? Metaverses can be useful for end-users to play and spend time in virtual spaces. At the same time, businesses can also benefit from the use of digital spaces. One of the most obvious options is to improve the training and education experience for employees. Metaverses and immersive technologies can accelerate corporate e-skills and others. The Metaverse provides new interactive learning experiences in VR, AR, and Mixed reality that enable people to learn faster, retain information better, and enjoy the process. A recent PWC study devoted to VR usage for soft skills development found employees who trained in virtual reality simulations learned four times faster than in-class learners and twice as fast as online learners. In addition, compared to the allocation of resources, the sessions were

What about “metarisks”? On the other side, it is often not completely clear what people mean when using the term Metaverse. Are they referring to a particular virtual world, like Fortnight, or a VR ecosystem, like Oculus? To complicate the matter further, people throw in more buzzwords, like NFT and blockchain. For example, there is a startup that promises a solution to create AI-enabled digital avatars that can be minted and sold as NFTs to be used in the Metaverse – it’s enough to make your head spin. All this complexity makes many people wonder if there are cybersecurity and privacy implications. However, cutting through the hype, we can see that most things remain the same. We still have the problem of a possible account takeover, which can lead to identity theft and fraud. In the same way that adversaries can get access to your personal or corporate correspondence if they hack your email accounts via phishing, malware, or credential stuffing, they can also gain access to your personal data stored on your preferred Metaverse platform. From a corporate perspective, it still means that a human is the weakest link when it comes to cybersecurity. Some things might turn out to be different, and let’s try to imagine where this might go in a few years if the concept persists. One of the promises of Metaverse is interoperability. For example, a house you bought on Decentraland and a pair of luxury virtual sneakers from OpenSea would be accessible on all platforms, including the one you use to go to work at your virtual office. This creates a single point of failure and puts greater stress on the need to protect your accounts. Another problem is that this interoperability can be based on

blockchain, such as Ethereum. This puts more responsibility on the end user to keep their identity and digital property safe as current blockchains, by definition, lack central authority. This means if your fancy NFT avatar is stolen, the platform cannot help you, as demonstrated by the high-profile NFT-ape stealing cases. Also, tying identity (and access to personal data) to a blockchain wallet, which also stores your money and digital property, means cybercriminals will be more eager to gain access to them. Finally, the question of trust in the platform is important. Many companies are already using the cloud as their primary infrastructure and have distributed their workforce accordingly, so moving the office to a VR world would be a logical next step (even though the tech still needs to evolve considerably to make the idea of being in VR for 8 hours a day appealing). Those whose operations involve handling personal data or classified information might want to continue relying on on-premise solutions and not expose the identities of their employees on a blockchain. This means that should Metaverse actually become a new paradigm, (which is still an if), the basics of threat mitigation will be the same: protect your accounts by using password managers and 2FA, use a reliable cybersecurity solution to prevent malware and phishing attacks, and educate yourself and your employees on best cybersecurity practices. If you already use cryptocurrency, invest in a hardware wallet and please read our cybersecurity tips on how to keep your crypto safe. Of course, the Metaverse is still far from being a solid reality but when it does become part of daily lives, not every brand will be able to grow in these competitive markets. Like the people who control them, avatars will have limited time, opportunity and energy to interact with companies. Brands that hope to thrive in the Metaverse tomorrow need to explore its boundaries and possibilities today and stake their bets before there are no more virtual worlds left to conquer. April 2022

Cyber Security

CYBERSECURITY TRENDS AND TIPS FOR 2022 Eastern Communications ‘E-Huddle 2022’ webinar series looks at trends, challenges, and tips Cybersecurity is a factor that enterprises must take into consideration as business operations become more dependent on digital. According to a recent survey by multinational cybersecurity solutions provider Fortinet, 73% of the organizations had at least one breach over the past year that can be partially attributed to the lack of enhanced cybersecurity skills.

Threat landscape for 2022

Dedicated to helping businesses emerge stronger in the next normal, Eastern Communications together with global IT partners, Trend Micro and Fortinet, recently tackled cybersecurity trends, challenges, and tips.

With enterprises ensuring cloud security basics, cybercriminals will follow technology trends and continue using tried-and-true attacks to wreak havoc on cloud adopters. Liao said that businesses are more prone to phishing emails, illicit mine cryptocurrency, and misconfigurations in cloud environments.

The sessions were part of Eastern’s E-Huddle 2022, an industry webinar series graced by various key opinion leaders in tech in an effort to promote digital transformation among businesses in the country. April 2022

In its first run entitled Toward a New Momentum: 2022 Security Predictions, Trend Micro senior presales consultant Ulysses Liao shared that cybercriminals will be quick in taking advantage of the transition as companies work on improving their digitization.

He added that ransomware attacks are an evolving cyberthreat, affecting cloud workloads

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and data center servers. Leaking, mining, weaponizing stolen data by denying access will be the major challenges, but this can be prevented by implementing stringent policies.

as unexposed vulnerabilities of the devices being used.

best-in-class partners. Wong advised organizations to maintain a consistent security Wong advised organizations to profile for users regardless of maintain a consistent security location and invest in enterpriseprofile for users regardless of grade cybersecurity solutions location and invest in enterprise- that can extend to home Moreover, commodity attacks (i.e. grade cybersecurity solutions workers. malware software installation) will that can extend to home be leveled against SMEs, which workers. “Hybrid is here and it’s here to malicious actors will be sizing up stay. For it to become successful, as less defended targets. Wilder, “Hybrid is here and it’s here to we need to consider things zero-day exploits are also foreseen stay. For it to become successful, including having a unified this year. Zero-days pertain to we need to consider things secure hybrid work solution recently discovered computerincluding having a unified to ensure that all users will be software vulnerabilities that secure hybrid work solution secured and safe in terms of hackers will take advantage of to to ensure that all users will be connectivity in any environment outpace businesses. secured and safe in terms of they are in, and ultimately connectivity in any environment provide a seamless user “Security teams will need to they are in, and ultimately experience,” Wong explained. be well-equipped to contend provide a seamless user with malicious actors’ intent on experience,” Wong explained. Eastern Communications is repurposing older vulnerabilities committed to empowering and exploiting newly found ones Eastern Communications is businesses with the latest in a matter of days, if not hours,” committed to empowering digital solutions through the Liao said. businesses with the latest E-Huddle series, alongside digital solutions through the its reputable IT partner and Securing hybrid work E-Huddle series, alongside leaders. The initiative will have its reputable IT partner and upcoming sessions in April, Remote work since the pandemic leaders. The initiative will have discussing various topics on has imposed more cyber risks upcoming sessions in April, business emergence, efficiency, due to a lack of visibility into discussing various topics on and more. To catch the next employees’ home networks. In business emergence, efficiency, E-Huddle sessions, log on to the second E-Huddle run entitled and more. To catch the next facebook.com/easterncommph. Securing Hybrid Work, Fortinet E-Huddle sessions, log on to senior business development facebook.com/easterncommph. Eastern Communications manager Ching Ping Wong Eastern Communications secures businesses with a stressed that businesses would secures businesses with a holistic approach through its need to reinforce their systems as holistic approach through its Eastern Cyber Defense Suite, hybrid work is expected to persist Eastern Cyber Defense Suite, providing state-of-the-art even after the pandemic. providing state-of-the-art cybersecurity technology from cybersecurity technology from best-in-class partners. According to Wong, users and devices from various locations accessing a company network are usually the start of cybersecurity issues. While Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps users secure their online activities, he explained that it does not necessarily solve the other issues including the lack of authentication capabilities as well

April 2022

Cyber Security

CISCO 2022 DATA PRIVACY BENCHMARK STUDY 82 Percent of Organizations in the Philippines Consider Privacy as a Business Imperative Cisco’s 2022 Data Privacy Benchmark Study found that privacy is mission-critical, as 91% of respondents in Asia Pacific consider privacy a business imperative. The survey — an annual global review of privacy corporate practices, on the impact of privacy on organizations and their views towards data privacy — showed that privacy investment continues to rise, and organizations see a high return on investments from privacy spending.

April 2022

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Privacy has become a true business imperative and a critical component of customer trust for organizations around the world. Eighty-five percent of the respondents in the Philippines said customers would not buy from them if their data was not properly protected, and 97% indicated that external privacy certifications are important in their buying process. According to Cisco Philippines’ managing director Zaza Nicart, “Data privacy continues to be crucial for business success, not just in the Philippines, but across the Asia Pacific, with 96% of organizations in the region saying that they are reporting one or more privacy-related metrics to their board, and privacy investment rising with an average budget increase of 18%. These trends are more pronounced in the region when compared to the rest of the world.” “At Cisco, we believe that privacy is a fundamental human right, therefore, we must protect it with adequate security and transparency tools. It is encouraging to see that organizations are reaping significant business value from privacy and considering it a business imperative,” Nicart added.

Privacy legislation continues to be very well received around the world even though complying with these laws often involves significant effort and cost (e.g., cataloging data, maintaining records of processing activities, implementing controls – privacy by design, responding to user requests). In the Philippines, 94% of the country’s corporate respondents said privacy laws have had a positive impact, and only 1% indicated the laws have had a negative impact. “When it comes to data privacy and storage, compliance to the Philippine government’s legislations and jurisdictions is our top priority. This is one of the reasons why UGNAYAN 2030 — Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program, revolves around public-private partnerships. Cybersecurity concerns all sectors, so it is important that varying demands are met within the parameters of our governing policies,” Nicart shared.

the use of data in AI and automated decision-making. Forty-six percent of consumers surveyed felt they cannot adequately protect their data, chiefly because they do not understand what organizations are collecting and doing with their data. “Cisco is committed to data privacy, including governance of emergent technologies such as artificial intelligence,” says Anurag Dhingra, Cisco vice president and chief technology officer, Collaboration. “We’re publishing the Responsible AI Framework as part of Cisco’s commitment to transparency and adaptability by establishing a governance process and concrete working practices for our development teams, including vital communication channels with our customers and constituencies. The framework defines clear principles in alignment with the values of our customers.”

As governments and organizations continue to demand further data protection, they are putting in place data localization requirements. Eightyeight percent of survey respondents in the Philippines said this has become an important issue for their organizations. Privacy’s Return on Investment (ROI) But it comes at a price — locally, 82% remains high for the third straight said that localization requirements year, with increased benefits for small are adding significant cost to their to medium size organizations. More operation. than 60% of respondents felt they were getting significant business value Finally, when it comes to using from privacy, especially when it comes data, 83% of survey respondents in to reducing sales delays, mitigating the Philippines recognize that their losses from data breaches, enabling organization has a responsibility innovation, achieving efficiency, to only use data in a responsible building trust with customers, and manner. Nearly as many (82%) making their company more attractive. believe they already have processes in place to ensure automated decisionRespondents estimate their ROI to making is done in accordance with be 1.8 times spending on average. customer expectations. Yet, Cisco’s Respondents from the Philippines 2021 Consumer Privacy Survey reported a higher ROI of 2.3 times this showed many individuals want more year, compared to 2.1 times in 2021. transparency and 56% of consumers surveyed globally are concerned about 57

April 2022

MOBILITY

he All-New Avanza is being positioned by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) as the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that is “fit for the fam, guaranteed to bring the joy of driving and more happiness on the road.”

FIT FOR THE FAM THE 2022 TOYOTA AVANZA April 2022

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April 2022

MOBILITY

First introduced in the Philippines in 2006, the Avanza has become an image of versatility and reliability perfectly suited for Filipinos’ mobility needs. Developed as a spacious vehicle that can seat 7 people with room to spare for items and luggage, this MPV has been a choice for many for its capability as a trustworthy road companion. Now on its 3rd generation, the All-New Avanza gets even better value-formoney features and striking design upgrades for its 2022 reinvention. April 2022

“The Philippines loves commercial vehicles or CVs. Through the years, MPVs have served as a practical choice for the day-to-day needs of Filipino families,” said TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto during the vehicle launch, adding: “And we love giving our customers choices! That is why, we are reintroducing our reliable, tried-and-tested model in the compact MPV segment. I am sure this full model change of this well-loved family car will bring more happiness for all.”

The All-New Avanza gets an updated exterior featuring a “sleek and active” design, split-type LED headlamps and for the G variant, 16” alloy wheels. It also comes with additional convenience as it now has the push start button system and a 4.2” TFT MultiInformation display for the G variant, and auto-fold side mirrors for both G and E variants. Better fuel efficiency and improved driving experience are guaranteed with every trip with the new front-wheel drive and CVT transmission. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The interior similarly gets the feeling of novelty with the new 2-tone seat material. The All-New Avanza can handle any road trip needs with its flexible 7-seating adjustments with the Long Sofa Mode feature and ample luggage space. Controls are within reach and entertainment is guaranteed for the journey with the 8” Audio Display that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity available for the G and E variants, and USB ports available for recharging each family member’s tech. Safety is always the utmost priority, especially for a family mover such as the All-New Avanza. The G and E variants are equipped with a back camera and back sensor, while the G variant is equipped with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Camera Traffic Alert for easier parking and maneuver. It also features Vehicle Stability Control and 6 SRS airbags (G variant). The All-New Avanza comes in four variants, each developed to cater to specific needs. Truly committed to being an affordable and practical vehicle of choice, the suggested retail price for the 2022 Avanza starts at PHP813,00 for the 1.3 J MT variant that comes in silver metallic, black metallic, and white. The three other variants are available in greenish gun metal mica metallic, silver metallic, black metallic, and dark red mica metallic. The 1.3 E MT retails for PHP928,000; the 1.3 E CVT is priced at PHP984,000; the top-of-the-line 1.5 G CVT has a PHP1,039,000 tag.

April 2022

MOBILITY

VOLVO RETAIL SPACE NOW OPEN IN ALABANG

fter 27 years in the Philippines, Volvo Philippines continues to expand its operations to make Volvo ownership more convenient. The Scandinavian luxury carmaker introduces a new concept in the luxury car retail business, Volvo Retail Space, which has the elements of showroom and aftersales operations, to thoroughly cater to the sales and service needs of Volvo patrons living in the south of Metro Manila. April 2022

This initiative is in preparation for a full dealership transition in partnership with one of the biggest dealership conglomerates in the country, ANC Group of Companies. Under its visionary leader, Anthony N. Cheng, ANC has grown to be the preferred dealership group by customers across all segments with its wide range of brands, combined product portfolio, aftersales, and unparalleled customer experience.

“As we celebrate almost three decades of Volvo presence in the country, we mark it with another milestone by establishing a new car retail business concept. The Volvo Retail Space will enable us to make our vehicles and service more accessible to Volvo enthusiasts and loyal customers residing in Alabang and neighboring areas”, shares Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, president & CEO of Volvo PH. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

This partnership is another example of how Volvo PH continues its dedication to its valued customers. As one of the first automotive dealerships to be granted the government’s Safety Seal Certificate, Volvo PH moves forward with various services and offers that make the whole Volvo ownership experience fun and rewarding. As a testament to its commitment to customer satisfaction, Volvo PH is the first local automotive car company to launch a client-centric customer service program during the coronavirus pandemic through Volvo Concierge. This multi-channel system assists Volvo car customers and owners with their sales and aftersales needs.

the premium Volvo retail experience with our clients in the area,” quips Arcilla. The Volvo Retail Space is located at Tierra Nueva Alabang-Zapote Road, Cupang, Metro Manila, and can be reached through the telephone numbers (02) 8519 7320 or (02) 8519 7006, mobile number +63 919 075 0942, and email volvocarsalabang@volvophils.com.

Similar to the Volvo PH headquarters in Makati, the Volvo Retail Space in Alabang offers a safe and comfortable space where guests can look at Volvo models on display, conduct their sales and aftersales business, and even testdrive Volvo vehicles. “We are preparing an exhilarating line-up of vehicles as we continue to move towards a more electrified range. That is why we are doubly excited to open our doors in the south and share

Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, president & CEO, Volvo Philippines

April 2022

MOBILITY

FORMULA 1 PARTNERS WITH LENOVO To bring cutting-edge technology to its operations

ormula 1 announced that Lenovo is an Official Partner starting with the 2022 season. The multi-year deal will see Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology used across Formula 1’s operations as it continues to bring the highest level of racing and entertainment to its worldwide fanbase. As global leaders in their respective fields, Formula 1 and Lenovo want to push the boundaries of what’s possible when combining sports with advanced technology.

April 2022

Over the next few years, the partnership will involve Lenovo’s technology being used across the Formula 1 organization, both back at its base and at races. Lenovo’s hardware devices, as well as High-Performance Computing and server solutions, will be increasingly integrated throughout the organization’s operations. From running powerful on-premises data collection solutions to producing higher quality content and supporting broadcast applications, the

Formula 1 and Lenovo collaboration will result in a better experience for fans. The partnership will drive the global visibility of Lenovo, showcasing Lenovo’s capabilities on a global scale and integrating industry-leading hardware technology at the heart of Formula 1. It plans to leverage Lenovo’s extensive selection of premium hardware as well as innovative

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next-generation technology such as augmented and virtual reality, as F1 continues to connect fans with the sport in new and more engaging ways. Earlier this year, F1 announced that it has extended its commitment to creating employment and education opportunities for underrepresented groups, in the form of ten engineering scholarships each year through to 2025. Lenovo is also focused on diversity and inclusion and removing barriers, and through the partnership will work with F1 on projects related to this important area. Stefano Domenicali, president & CEO of Formula 1, said: “As we prepare for our record-breaking season, it is exciting to welcome Lenovo to the team and for us to join forces with a global leader in technology. Like everything

in Formula 1, precision and detail are everything, and Lenovo will be at the forefront of providing their experience and innovative technologies to our operations throughout the season. Our fans expect the best from everything we do, and Lenovo is the perfect partner in terms of its premium hardware offerings. We are entering a new era of our sport and we’re committed to delivering a high-quality experience for our dedicated followers around the world.” For his part, Lenovo chairman & CEO Yang Yuanqing noted, “We are proud to announce our new global partnership with Formula 1, the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, to engage half a billion fans all over the world with exciting, innovative experiences. This partnership is based on our shared passion for innovation,

performance, and the winning spirit. Together Lenovo and Formula 1 will push the limits of technology to help shape a faster, smarter, and more sustainable future.” “Partnering with Formula 1 to deploy Lenovo’s smarter solutions across the organization, from base operations to the stunning excitement of the Grands Prix, will help push the boundaries of what is possible and transform the racing experience. Formula 1 is focused on its digital transformation and continuing to surprise and delight its fans. Lenovo’s portfolio of hardware, services, and solutions will be key to helping Formula 1 create new ways for fans around the world to experience the same thrills you’d experience trackside,” added Luca Rossi, president of Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo.

April 2022

MOBILITY

KIA SANTO TOMAS New Design Language

futuristic atmosphere with its metallic surfaces and cool lighting.

that every Batangueño receives the best customer experience in the dealership.

Situated along President Laurel Highway in Barangay San Roque, Santo Tomas, Batangas, the newly remodeled Kia Santo Tomas features an eye-catching and modern façade bearing the new corporate logo which was first unveiled to the public late last year.

The improved showroom is the first step taken by Kia to inspire Batangueños to start their journey. Next comes the brand’s effort to provide customers and prospects with the experience they need to motivate them. This is why the sales representatives over at Kia Santo Tomas have been better trained to assist customers, solve needs, and exceed expectations. Under the management of MG Gateway Mantrade Corp., dealer principals Michael Goho and Markane Goho promise to champion the philosophy of Movement That Inspires while ensuring

The refreshed store identity, the new customer experience, and the improvements in management embody the brand’s intent to drive Filipinos towards a better tomorrow. Kia Philippines wants to create innovative experiences that will drive people towards their ideal future—and they will achieve this through purpose-driven vehicles and a thoughtful store design.

ia Philippines’ new brand identity continues to spread its footprint. Following the inauguration of its new dealership in Alabang, the Korean carmaker officially reopens its newly renovated dealership located in South Luzon, Batangas. It’s now the second showroom in the country to implement the new design language and motto of Kia: Movement That Inspires.

Guests can expect to see the brand’s Opposites United design philosophy in action when they visit Kia Santo Tomas. The customer area features a relaxing, earthy feel with its minimalist wooden interior and warm lighting. In contrast, the showroom has a more thrilling and April 2022

“Our brand’s purpose is to create spaces that will inspire consumers,” said Manny Aligada, president of Kia Philippines. “To create more time for consumers so they can focus on what inspires them and what they aspire for.” Kia Santo Tomas is located along President Laurel Highway, Barangay San Roque, Santo Tomas, Batangas. For sales and aftersales-related inquiries, call +63 909 611 2753, +63 931 832 8088, or +63 927 133 2331.

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MITSUBISHI XPANDER RESERVATION PROMO

itsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is offering a 2-Year Maintenance and Interior Disinfection Package free of charge to customers who will place a reservation for the New Xpander until April 30, 2022.

the life of vehicles. This is a practice we wish to instill and help uphold among our Filipino customers, as not only does it retain the productivity of their Mitsubishi cars but also look after their safety” according to MMPC president and CEO Takeshi Hara.

The said aftersales service plan follows a specific maintenance and parts replacement schedule. Designed to protect holders from costly repairs down the line and guarantees them expert technical care and genuine parts on every visit. This covers the 1,000 to 25,000-km check-up for advance buyers of the brand’s best-selling 7-seater MPV.

“We have always placed importance in delivering peace of mind through our reliable and accessible aftersales services. This can be seen with the Mitsubishi Service Connect app which was developed because we wanted owners to be able to easier reach their preferred Mitsubishi Motors outlet and service records or requests even when on the go and just through a mobile phone. And now as we introduce the newest Xpander, it is no different, with

“Regularly scheduled preventive maintenance is essential to prolong

this special PMS package we want their ownership experience to be allencompassing so they can freely enjoy and be confident behind the wheel.” Read the terms and conditions of eligibility at Mitsubishi Motors’ official website.

April 2022

MOBILITY

WHEN DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR CAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS? April 2022

our car’s windshield wipers are very important as they serve as your first line of defense when driving under torrential rains. The wipers also instantly get rid of small debris that block your view when driving under any weather condition. Because road accidents usually happen due to poor driving visibility, windshield wipers are considered most vital for safe driving, along with lights. However, proper maintenance of windshield wipers is often overlooked. Fortunately, wiper blades can easily be replaced by any DIY motorist, and doing so may not be costly at all. Still, every car owner should observe ways to properly take care of wiper blades.

Taking care of wiper blades When having your car washed, don’t overlook cleaning the windshield wiper blades as dirt stuck on those could cause trouble when you use the wipers. You may use a soft cloth to wipe clean the wiper blades to avoid any possible problem. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Inspect your windshield wipers and their blades as frequently as you possibly can. Look out for several potential issues when doing so. Those include metal corrosion, a broken frame, or any visible damage appearing in the rubber part. When any or all of these are observed, get ready to replace the blades.

When is it time to replace? In general, it is advisable to replace your car’s wiper blades yearly or when there is a noticeable difference in their performance. If you often take outof-town vacations or business trips (whatever the season), it is a must to include inspecting your windshield wipers to make sure those remain in ideal condition for long drives. Don’t hesitate to make a replacement when you see smears, skips, or streaks when you use your windshield wipers and when those affect your driving visibility. Unlikely noise created by the wipers can also indicate a need for replacement. Another advisable time is before the onset of the rainy season, which usually starts at the end of May each year.

This is to make sure the windshield wipers are always in reliable and best condition, especially during stormy or rainy days—a necessity for your overall driving safety. Is your car often exposed to harsh sunlight? Do you park your vehicle in an open-space parking lot all day, every day? Your car’s wiper blades could easily dry out, which may affect their effectiveness and flexibility. This is also the reason why in countries like the Philippines, experts advise that wiper blades be replaced more frequently. If you properly maintain your car windshield wipers and you are still dissatisfied with their performance, you could consider brands that offer superior wiper performance.

Trust only the best One brand to consider is Valeo, a European tech and automotive parts company. It offers automotive wiper systems that include a complete range of windshield wipers. Its products are meticulously designed and

manufactured to be efficient, attractive, and easily adaptable for any type of vehicle in the Philippines and even in the entire Southeast Asian region. Check out Valeo First, which carries the brand’s reputable wiper blades in the aftermarket segment. As an original equipment supplier, Valeo manufactures over 100 million wiper blades annually—distributed in 33 countries, including the Philippines. Its wiper blades are synonymous with superior performance, durability, and best design. “We are proud to distribute Valeo windshield wipers in the country,” said Benjamin Bangayan Jr, president of BSB Junrose, a local distributor of Valeo original parts. “The brand’s promise to bring ‘Smart Technology for Smarter Mobility’ naturally aligns with BSB Junrose’s commitment to provide only the best automotive supplies to vehicle owners in the country.” Check out the Valeo Official Store page on Lazada and follow them on Facebook (VOSPH). April 2022

MOBILITY

April 2022

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KTM RC 200 The Daily Performer

ighly anticipated by RC fans all-over the world, the second generation RC 200 continues to offer unmatched class-leading performance and outstanding value that’s perfect for Filipinos aspiring to own their first supersport KTM.

delivery with every twist of the throttle. Improved airflow throughout the engine allows the KTM RC 200 to run cooler, giving it the optimal performance temperature needed to hit the apex, lap after lap, or charge through rush hour traffic.

The 2022 KTM RC 200 is a step forward when it comes to eye-catching race bike style and everyday performance. With a collection of essential premium parts, such as WP APEX big piston fork, WP Apex rear shock absorber, lightweight wheels, and ABS, the new generation RC 200 promises to live up to its indisputable reputation as The Everyday Racer.

A new SUPERMOTO ABS mode allows the rider more freedom when it comes to hard braking without compromising on safety. This is done by deactivating ABS functionality on the rear wheel which allows the rider to slide the rear into a corner. The 2022 KTM RC 200 also features an all-new, redesigned LCD instrument panel that gives you all the important information you need, as well as a gear indicator.

At the heart of the 2022 KTM RC 200 is the proven Euro 4 200cc liquidcooled, ultra-compact single-cylinder four-stroke motor with revised engine mapping for improved torque figures and smoother, hard-hitting power

With the competitive introductory price of PHP198,000, it comes in Silver and Black colors, and is now available at selected KTM authorized dealers nationwide. April 2022

MOBILITY

YAMAHA YZF-R15M Connect with the R Spirit

he Yamaha YRF-R15M has arrived in the Philippines and is set to redefine the way you race. This innovation was crafted for riders that desire high-performance riding both on and off the track. It offers the latest in advanced technology that stems from the R brand and exudes a signature motorsports identity that can only be given by authentic Yamaha Racing DNA. Once you ride

April 2022

this masterfully crafted machine it will unleash your racing passion and the thrill of every corner will be magnified with every rev. It is powered by a refined 155cc LC4V SOHC F.I. engine, and VVA. This new engine gives you enhanced horsepower with a higher engine displacement, improves overall efficiency with better fuel consumption. Its performance

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is also complemented by an Assist and Slipper Clutch, Traction Control System, and Quick Shifter; a first in a Yamaha single-cylinder motorcycle for quick and smooth, clutchless, fullthrottle upshifts. It continues to carry the prestigious R-Series DNA. The aerodynamic body design features new fairings for excellent high-speed stability. The slim profile and small frontal projected area work well with the M1-styled bubble windscreen to help prevent oncoming wind from being drawn in around the rider when in a racing tuck. This helps reduce discomfort when riding at high speeds. The new headlight of this model features a single bi-functional LED unit emitting both the low and high beams. It is characterized by increased brightness,

a broad beam spread, and little variance in illumination across the beam. The new LCD instrument panel house newly added indicators for shift timing, the Traction Control System, individual left and right turn signals, and more. The panel has two display modes for the rider to choose from: a Street mode placing priority on information necessary for riding on city streets and a Track mode that limits information to what a rider wants for the racetrack, such as altering the tachometer bar to begin at 6,000rpm. This model doesn’t skip on comfort as well with upside-down front forks that provide excellent shock absorption. The Dual Channel ABS gives maximum braking control from both front and rear disc brakes. The Super Wide Tire

is measured at 140mm and is specially designed for better grip on wet or dry surfaces. For safety, the engine does not operate when the side stand is down. This ensures that the motorcycle is used with the side stand folded up. It also includes notable features such as the aluminum swingarm, special seat, dual horn, meter panel switch, logoengraved top cap, 3D logo, and gray color muffler guard. The YZF-R15M is designed to deliver unparalleled racing authenticity. It is available in two color variations: Icon Performance with an SRP of PHP189,500, and Anniversary White (WGP 60th Anniversary edition) with an SRP of PHP193,500. Visit YZONE, the Yamaha Flagship Shop, Yamaha Rev Zones, and 3S Shops nationwide.

April 2022

MOBILITY

PETRON STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR MAJOR CAR AND BIKE SHOWS April 2022

ndustry leader Petron Corporation further strengthens its support for the International Auto Show (MIAS) and the Inside Racing Bike Festival and Trade Show, so car lovers and motoring enthusiasts can once again enjoy the excitement of the country’s biggest auto and motorcycle shows. In both events, the brand will highlight its “Petron Panalo ang Pilipino” theme to emphasize its solidarity with our countrymen and our shared aspiration to rise up and recover from the challenges of the past two years. Billed as the Manila International Auto Show co-presented by Petron, the much-loved auto show returns to the World Trade Center on April 7-10, 2022, with Petron as the gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

exclusive fuel and lubricant sponsor. MIAS visitors will be welcomed by a Petron booth with a rally-car display in the lobby. Inside the main hall, they can visit the Petron service station setup, and participate in games and other activities. In addition, the Petron-MIAS Custom and Car Classic Competition will showcase 50 cars from different eras. These cars trust only Petron Blaze 100, the only 100-octane and Euro 6 gasoline in the country.

in the country with the local capability to formulate world-class products to meet the diverse fuel needs of Filipino motorists. Unlike other industry players, Petron—as a Philippinebased company—has the management flexibility and technical competence to create quality products that meet the needs of our countrymen, from motorcycle riders to tricycle and jeepney drivers, as well as everyday motorists and owners of highperformance vehicles.

Having served the fuel needs of the country for almost 90 years, only Petron has a deep understanding of the unique driving conditions on Philippine roads. Its R&D team is constantly striving to create diverse products that will deliver optimum efficiency for every type of vehicle. Created by Filipinos for Filipinos, Petron fuels and lubricants are designed to meet the motoring needs of everyone.

Meanwhile, in recognition of the fast-growing motorcycle industry, Petron also participates in the Inside Racing Bike Festival and Trade Show, scheduled from March 25-27, still at the World Trade Center. The Petron booth showcases its Petron Sprint 4T motorcycle engine oils, which have been specially formulated for Philippine road conditions. In addition to the highlight of Petron’s motorcycle oil, the latest BMW motorcycle bikes are displayed on-site and exciting games prepared for this big event. As the country’s leading oil company, Petron takes pride in being the biggest oil player and only remaining refiner

April 2022

Gaming

Developer

platform

April 2022

PUBLISHER

The Studio of Secret6, Inc.

Secret 6, LLC, IDC Games

Microsoft Windows

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Inspired by Filipino culture

roject Xandata is a fast-paced, pick-up-and-play 3v3 first-person shooter developed by Secret 6, a game development studio that is based in the Philippines, San Francisco, and Madrid. For over a decade, the studio has worked on a number of notable AAA game franchises such as The Last Of Us, Uncharted, Tomb Raider, and The Witcher 3, just to name a few.

agent

What started out as a solo passion project of Secret 6’s technical director Gene Gacho has now turned into a full-scale studio production that aims to show what local game development is capable of. “Together with a veteran lineup of talented developers, we’ve been working hard on Project Xandata for over 5 years now. It’s seen a lot of iterations. But now we are ready to showcase our own brand of competitive fps and further prove that the Philippines is capable of producing high-quality video games,” Gacho said.

juggernaut

MARKSMAN

April 2022

Gaming

Play With Limitless Possibilities in Xandaigdig

Project Xandata throws players into Xandaigdig, a sci-fi world inspired by Filipino culture. Become a Xandat and participate in action-packed team battles rooted in movement and skillbased gameplay. Being made by Filipinos, it comes as no surprise to find local inspiration within the game. “In Project Xandata, we made an effort to build our own lore that parallels a lot of modern Philippines. From Philippine mythology to Filipino pop culture, Xandaigdig is full of references that will be instantly familiar to the Pinoy gamer,” said Jem Bernaldez, Project Xandata art director.

April 2022

Xandats are armored combatants that use MagiTech, a mix of magic and technology to harness and control the power of the elements — each one providing a variety of abilities to play around with. All this is made possible through the DIWATs or “Divine Weapons and Technology” which are powerful element-based artifacts left behind by the ancient civilizations of Xandaigdig. Project Xandata offers an extensive customization system that lets players play the way they want to. There are three classes — agent, juggernaut, and marksman — all offering unique abilities for the player to choose which role best suits them.

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Skip the grind to obtain the best gear. All classes have access to the same weapons. This creates an even playing field where success is based on skill rather than the hours put in. There are nine weapons with 18 possible perk combinations each, and loadouts can be customized in a way that suits preferred playstyles. Change the way Xandats look on the battlefield. In-depth visual customization and a variety of unique cosmetics to collect can help the player stand out to intimidate opponents, or just look cool for others to look up to. A high-impact 3v3 format emphasizes the need for individual skill and team synergy across all the game modes. Never be out of the action with a system designed for a fast-paced gameplay loop that rewards your mastery of movement and skill-based gameplay.

Players can also look forward to more new additions to Project Xandata down the line. “The game is meant to be a live service that is constantly updated with new content such as game modes, events, maps, elements, and weapons to play around with,” said Mig Sevilla, Project Xandata product manager.

Know more about Project Xandata on their official websites https://projectxandata.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/gaming/ projectxandata.

April 2022

Gaming

Developer

FromSoftware platform

PUBLISHER

Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware (JP)

Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC

Words by Jose Alvarez

hink of all the hard games you’ve played throughout your life. Younger readers may remember Dark Souls (another FromSoftware creation) or Cuphead, while older readers may have grappled with the likes of Battletoads, Time Crisis, Contra, or Ninja Gaiden. Contra was so hard that there was even a cheat code that gave you 30 lives to survive the perils of the game. This begs the question: can games be both hard and enjoyable? With the hype surrounding Elden Ring, we take a look at what makes this game one of the hottest games right now. Players have reported spending an average of about 85 hours to complete the game, but for those who want to fight further and grab all the achievements, you’ll have to put in the time and effort. FromSoftware pulls no punches in Elden Ring either. You are a “Tarnished” who has become blessed by grace, having to make the journey to The Lands Between to become an Elden Lord. For those who want another twist, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin is the lead scenario writer. Take that how you will. There are no hallways here—once you set foot in Limgrave, you can go exploring and do whatever you want. You can explore mini-dungeons, level up, and more at your pace. The main scenario is always there, but you can just as well travel off the beaten path and do a bunch of stuff before getting back on the main road. The challenge? Enemies don’t scale to your level, so choose wisely when you want to actually explore the game and do those side quests. You don’t want to be stuck at a low level where enemies can kill you in one hit—as I, unfortunately, found out only a few hours into the game.

April 2022

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Combat is actually varied—you can fight on horseback, stealth past enemies, and summon creatures to fight for you with their own abilities and situational advantages. You can also equip Ashes of War to your weapons to change their affinity. There are many stats you have to juggle based on build—if you want to be a spellcaster, for instance, you might want to target a few select stats such as Intelligence, Mind, and FP. There is a lot of math homework to be done here, so make sure you know what you want to do early on because you won’t get a chance to respect until you hit around level 50—and only in exchange for a rare item in the game. I won’t put out any spoilers here, but make sure to hold onto them when you find them. Thankfully, the folks over at FromSoftware are a bit forgiving. If you come up against a boss that is just too hard to beat, you can always walk away and come back when you’re powerful enough to kill the said boss. However, the difficulty of the game itself will push your sanity to the limit, and when you defeat a boss, there is a huge sense of satisfaction. I would even argue that it was greater than the satisfaction I have defeating opponents in multiplayer games. Speaking of multiplayer games, you can bring your friends along and bond over the Herculean tasks this game throws at you as well.

April 2022

FinTech

Digital platform enables MSMEs to manage business finances better Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) recently launched BPI BizKo, a simple, affordable, and convenient subscription-based digital banking platform that enables micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manage their business finances and provides an integrated online system for invoicing and collection. The all-in-one online platform available via app and web offers MSMEs immediate access to their account information – to view balances, deposits, and payables, regularly pay employees, suppliers, utilities, and government dues, create digital invoices under their business name, get invoice number reminders to avoid duplication, and receive and monitor payments through its intuitive invoicing system. With your BPI Online Banking Account linked to BizKo, entrepreneurs can now skip the hassle of submitting multiple requirements for onboarding, and instead easily enroll and transact via BPI BizKo anytime, anywhere. With BPI BizKo, MSMEs can handle everyday financial and accounting processes without the need to move funds to another e-wallet or bank account, or physically go to the branch. This helps in streamlining the cash flow to and from their partners and customers for more accurate and hassle-free monitoring. While these are benefits that come with having a corporate online banking platform, these often require a significant initial deposit and the maintenance of a daily balance that some MSMEs struggle with. BPI BizKo allows them to access these services through flexible and friendly subscription plans available in monthly and annual terms.

March 2022

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BPI BizKo account creation and subscription plans

BizKo Facilities

BPI BizKo is accessible through its official website www.bpibizko.com and mobile app for download via App Store and Play Store. Business owners can create a BizKo account by clicking on the ‘open account’ online to get started. Having an existing BPI deposit account and BPI Online Banking account is a must to enroll in BizKo.

• Free Account Viewing and Transaction History • Bills Payment • Transfer to BPI Accounts • Transfer to Other Banks • Payroll • Government Payments • Invoice-Generation and Payment • Request Money–Generation and Payment • Payment Link Generation and Payment • Financial Report Generation

Customers can choose from four subscription plans, available in monthly or annual payment terms that start at PHP50 and PHP100 per month for basic and premium plans respectively. A minimum fee of PHP10 will be charged for each successful transaction. Fees vary, depending on the transaction type and subscription plan.

On top of these features, BPI is also working on BizKo to allow customers to accept credit cards and GCash as payment methods for their businesses, enabling MSMEs to become cashless as COVID-19 continues to accelerate digital payments. Like BPI’s other mobile apps, BizKo is protected by two-factor authentication. For added convenience, biometrics activation is available. Additional security features include PIN nomination for any change to the BizKo user’s account settings, email notifications for each login and transaction, and set-up of BizKo transactional limits. Meanwhile, BizKo’s infrastructure employs best-in-class security measures for encryption.

Launch promo: Free three-month trial Get a free three-month trial subscription when you enroll in BizKo from February 28 to May 31, 2022. To claim this, activate BizKo and wait for the promo code to pop up, then input this on the payment confirmation page.

March 2022

FinTech

What sets Binomo apart from the rest? Binomo prides itself as an online investment platform that’s both for beginners and professional traders alike. New traders will certainly benefit from the various training materials that Binomo provides. It has a demo account feature that beginners can use to train and hone their trading skills before advancing to actual trading. It’s a secure environment that uses virtual funds so that traders don’t lose any real money while they’re learning. Just by creating an account in Binomo, Filipinos will automatically receive PHP50,000 (USD1,000) demo funds that they can use to start their trading journey.

Smart investment platform enters PH

n recent years, investing has become more convenient and accessible for more Filipinos thanks to the availability of financial technology and online trading platforms. According to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the online stock market accounts continued to grow ahead of its c for the third consecutive year increasing by nearly half in 2020.

It also doesn’t stop there, Binomo offers Filipinos an opportunity to learn trading and financial analysis thanks to detailed educational materials: video tutorials, pop-up tips, stepby-step strategies, a detailed glossary, a demo account, and tournaments as well as any help in understanding how the platform works. Binomo offers four account types: Demo, Standard, Gold, and VIP. Traders will be able to access more tools, bonuses, and benefits as their account upgrades.

This recent increase has prompted Binomo, an international smart investment platform, to make the Philippines one of its focus markets. Binomo, founded in 2014, has millions of users on its platform and a presence in over 130 countries. It is regulated by the International Financial Commission (IFC) and certified by Verify My Trade (VMT), an organization that certifies the quality of trades made on the site.

Knowledge, time, and experience are necessary to have extra income with online trading but there is always a risk of losing part or all of the invested capital. Binomo offers features that make online trading convenient. However, trading is a highrisk endeavor, and anyone can lose all of their invested cash.

“We understand that everyone has a dream they’d like to achieve and online trading is a way to reach that goal faster. With Binomo, users will find everything they need to speed up their journey from beginner to someone knowledgeable about how to attain their goals more quickly,” said David Clark, APAC managing director.

April 2022

Download Binomo’s mobile app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free!

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Resumed OFW Deployment Spikes Remittances

ccording to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the number of overseas Filipino workers repatriated due to COVID-19 reached 809,373 last year, as of November 2021.

Metro Manila and 38 other areas in the Philippines shift to Alert Level 1. As OFWs redeploy aboard, WorldRemit, a leading global payments company, will continue to aid in allowing for OFW’s contributions to bolster the economy by providing an easy, safe way for these workers to contribute to their families’ ongoing expenses — which are expected to rise in the short term.

With the easing of restrictions and successful vaccination rollouts in various countries across the world, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) noted an increased demand for the 675,567 OFWs deployed in 2021 in sectors like healthcare, seafaring, and IT.

Additional expenses are anticipated for many Filipinos as they relocate back to major cities as employers and businesses increase demands for onsite reporting, face the onset of hybrid school and pure face-to-face classes, and prepare for the potential inflationary impact of current economic conditions.

Remittances remain vital to the Philippine economy as a result, accounting for nearly 9 percent of gross domestic product, reaching a fresh high of USD34.9B, a 5.1 percent increase from last year. This reflects the selflessness of overseas Filipinos, who continue to send money to their families back home in spite of global economic challenges. This consistent cultural reality is essential during the state of transition as

According to a WorldRemit 2021 survey, 35 percent of Overseas Filipino Workers said they have increased the amount of remittances sent for education since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with daily expenses (41%) and medical expenses (44%) mentioned as two other important reasons for regularly sending money home. “Our Overseas Filipinos continue to rely on WorldRemit for secure, convenient, and cost-efficient digital transactions for their remittances sent to their families back home. WorldRemit dedicates its services in supporting OFWs in regaining financial autonomy as we adapt to a new normal that views COVID-19 as endemic,” said WorldRemit country director, Earl Melivo. As the Philippines transitions to its next state of reopening, remittances will be essential to helping families adapt to these changes. Employees and students will begin the transition to hybrid approaches and in many cases, employers may slowly return to prepandemic levels of staffing.

To ensure your family has everything they need in these trying times, download the WorldRemit app and get started: https://www.worldremit.com/.

April 2022

Enterprise

SME superapp launches in PH

outheast Asia’s first SME superapp Enstack enters strong in the Philippines. Since launching in beta late in February 2022, Enstack has helped over 10,000 merchants by providing them with all the tools to run their small businesses directly from their mobile phones. Enstack is a fast, free, and easy-touse SME superapp that provides entrepreneurs with all operational, logistical, and financial tools they need in a single platform. On Enstack, businesses can accept orders from customers over the phone, in person, and online via its revolutionary Chat Store. With the Chat Store, merchants can automatically receive orders via their Facebook Messenger accounts, without replying to each message, and directly fulfill them using the Enstack app so they never miss a sale. April 2022

SMEs can also offer customers multiple payment options, including Cash On Delivery, GCash, Paymaya, BPI and Unionbank direct debit, and ship packages with integrated logistics providers such as Grab and 2Go directly from the app. Other management tools include sales and expenses recording, inventory management, and analytics. Enstack is free to use, reducing barriers among SMEs to digitize due to costs. “Running a business from home can be exhausting. On top of the manual labor required, I also spend a lot of time using different apps and tools to ensure all orders are received, processed, and delivered timely to customers. With Enstack, I can now automatically receive orders with Chat Store, get paid whatever way my customer wants whether it’s COD, GCash, or bank transfer, and send products on the same

day through Grab using just one app,” said Sunshine Mesias of Eishan Shop. Behind Enstack is Oriente, which has provided Filipinos access to credit through their Shop Now, Pay Later services. With Enstack, it expands its focus on Southeast Asian SMEs and strengthens its mission to empower local merchants. “After supporting the biggest merchants through our digital credit services, we now want to optimize the smallest of businesses so they can keep up with the rise in digital consumers. After seeing the swift growth and adoption of our free easy-to-use superapp, driven purely by word-of-mouth, we know we’ve created a game-changer with Enstack. We’re glad to see our initial group of over 10,000 SMEs, led by merchants in food and beverage, feel empowered as they take their first step gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

towards digitization so they can be more efficient, profitable, and thrive in today’s economy,” shared Geoffrey Prentice, co-founder of Oriente. “According to the World Economic Forum, SMEs make up 99.5% of business in the Philippines but only contribute 36% to the local economy. Lack of access to digital technologies that allow SMEs to adapt to new ways of doing business may decrease this number further. Technologies like Enstack help small local businesses maximize their potential and increase their contribution to the economy so we can close this gap,” said Lance Gokongwei, president and chief executive officer of JG Summit Holdings, Inc. Enstack is available in the Philippines and Vietnam and is set to launch in other Southeast Asian countries in the next 18 months. It is free to download on the App Store and Google Play.

“Enstack is a fast, free, and easy-touse SME superapp that provides entrepreneurs with all operational, logistical, and financial tools they need in a single platform.”

April 2022

Enterprise

THE POWER OF SEARCH IN DECODING DECISIONS I n the era of information overload, decision-making is not as simple as it was before. In fact, 80% of consumers today are facing difficulty making decisions because of too much information or too many options. This has impacted the path to purchase, creating what is called the “messy middle”.

The messy middle is a noisy space between triggers and purchase, where consumers are won and lost. This complex and emotional journey begins when they look for more details about a product or service which can be overwhelming given the abundance of available information. This is where people lean on Google Search to decode their decision-making process. In the recently held Decoding Decisions event, Google looked into the research and discussed insights and best practices that can inspire brands to use Search to help and win consumers.

information from the most trustworthy and authoritative sources to help them make better decisions,” said Sapna Chadha, vice president for marketing – Google India, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.

Throughout the messy middle, Google Search is the trusted place for consumers. It plays a crucial role in the exploration and evaluation phases, helping people streamline information as they search for the most relevant, accurate, and trustworthy options. Seventy-three percent (73%) of people say Google Search is their number one most preferred touchpoint when looking for relevant information across all categories. In 2020, Nestle’s Maggi, a line known for its seasonings and is one of the leading

“Search was at the heart of our plan because it’s an integral part of our consumers’ cooking journey as they plan their meals. We used cross-platform audience lists to drive video viewers of the Maggi Philippines’ YouTube channel to the website,” said Seaneen Arcilla, service pillar lead, food and dairy culinary business unit, Nestlé. The campaign is effective in driving results. Metrics show that the crossplatform approach of re-engaging video viewers on Search resulted in a seven times higher click-through rate and 3.5 times higher conversion rate. In addition, 40% of website traffic comes from remarketing lists — a much higher percentage than they expected. “Getting real-time consumer insights from our website and turning consumer actions to marketing initiatives to drive business growth for Maggi enabled us to decode how consumers make purchasing decisions. This was pivotal to make our approach more personalized and datainspired,” Arcilla concluded.

“In a world where decision-making is more difficult than ever before, people are searching for answers. That’s why we are humbled that billions of consumers turn to Google to search for answers every single day. This pushes us to continuously improve to provide people with the most relevant and helpful April 2022

brands in the culinary market, embarked on a project to improve the functionality, recipe service, and total user experience of its website.

To learn more, visit g.co/DecodingDecisions_PH.

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April 2022

Education

ADDRESSING THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS IS KEY TO PROTECTING TOMORROW'S WORKFORCE Hybrid learning has the potential to equip millions of students about to enter the workforce – if its challenges are addressed immediately Words by Michael Ngan, country general manager at Lenovo Philippines

industries, technological aptitude is a good indicator of success. Students practicing hybrid learning are gaining and building upon technological skills that will make them more competitive in the workforce. Introducing more technology into classrooms – physical and virtual – has offered students accessibility and convenience, but also presented new challenges. Distractions, lack of motivation, and a disconnect between educator and student suggest students may not be able to keep up with their educations, according to a 2021 education study by Lenovo and Microsoft.

Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines’ country general manager

s hybrid learning solidifies its place in our new normal, it is vital that we address today’s challenges to digital learning to prepare tomorrow’s workforce.

By harnessing the full potential of online learning, we can lay the

The rise of hybrid learning in response to COVID-19 restrictions seems to present a silver lining. Across

April 2022

basis for a skilled workforce of tomorrow.

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Bringing a different kind of creativity into the classroom In 2020, the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an estimated 1.6 billion students out of school. A year later, over 800 million students globally continue to grapple with complete or partial school closures. The study conducted by YouGov and Terapinn saw over 80% of upper-level and 95% of educators increased their use of technology in the classroom within the past year in Asia Pacific. Standout challenges to online learners — distractions, lack of motivation and immediate feedback from their educators, and social isolation — didn’t stop students from recognizing the benefits of online learning. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of students found accessibility to be a major advantage, while 62% found that it saved time and eliminated the need to commute.

at least 138,000 tablets worth PHP1.3 billion, San Juan City partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to acquire 11,000 tablets and 1,500 laptops, and Manila City donated tablets to students of the Universidad de Manila (UDM) worth PHP8.8 million.

Lowering barriers to an engaging, fulfilling digital learning experience is crucial to growing these proportions and getting students back on track. To do that, we need to approach our education technology more creatively — combining new, engaging technologies in the classroom alongside adequate support.

In the recent EDUTech 2022 forum in February, Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua said that the pandemic made us realize there are still other technologies we need to use and that it also accelerated the digitization of education. He pointed to DepEd Commons, an online platform where resources and learning materials are shared, as an example of the Department of Education’s move towards digitalization and upskilling for teachers.

For example, AR and VR solutions can help students reduce learning time for new skills and improve retention while being more cost-effective. The introduction of integrated and comprehensive AR and VR solutions such as Lenovo’s ThinkReality solution can open the doors for students to experience limitless immersive environments.

We can also lean on technology to help develop less quantifiable soft skills that are still vital within the workplace. Implementing custom education technology software and hardware, including Lenovo’s end-to-end Smart Classroom solution, can prepare students for future workplaces while developing the collaborative skills they need for success. Using a combination of devices, students can collaborate with each other on projects in multi-dimensional ways.

It’s a door that stands wide open, but only one-third of educators have explored Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. Meanwhile, existing technology has not been fully utilized with merely 38% of students using video conferencing applications for their lessons, and an even smaller proportion (20%) of students are using cloud-based file-sharing services.

Expanding the classroom and creating the next generation of lifelong learners

Framework for the future While the global pandemic led to seismic shifts in the education landscape, it has also laid the foundation for a new training ground for the future digital working world. As students experiment and become familiar with a variety of learning methods and technologies, they not only finesse their digital skills but also develop the ability to adapt quickly and resiliently to change. As new technologies quickly become relevant in the workplace, students equipped to take up new skills boldly — at any age — stand the best chance for success.

Expanded and enriched access to hybrid learning helps close the gaps between students and their knowledge. Streamlining the systems that students use in school can help encourage use, giving students access to devices, support, and services in one place. A number of local government units (LGUs) initiated their own programs to provide assistance to learners and educators alike during the shift to online learning. Pasig City procured

April 2022

Education

UAAP SEASON 84

Smart Prepaid lets you watch for free via gigaplay

chool pride returns to its fighting form as mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) enable all fans to stream the games of UAAP Season 84 on the GigaPlay app for FREE — with absolutely no subscription fees or data charges for a limited period only.

April 2022

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As part of its thrust of allowing the youth to pursue their passions while living the life they love, fans won’t have a reason to miss the action-packed games while rooting for their favorite teams and players as Smart makes it easier for students to ease right back into their school pride and team spirit.

lineup while connected to Smart mobile data or PLDT Home WiFi — without worrying about data charges. Recognizing that most students are still supporting UAAP VOLLEYBALL AND their schools remotely CHEERDANCE UP NEXT and live audiences are not allowed during the live GigaPlay is also set to games, Smart plays a crucial offer FREE streaming role in delivering real-time of the UAAP Volleyball eliminations and the UAAP UAAP action to subscribers GigaPlay is set to stream and sports fans. Cheerdance competition, select UAAP games for which are both scheduled FREE, starting with the The UAAP coverage further in May. elimination round of the boosts GigaPlay’s lineup UAAP Men’s Basketball To enjoy free streaming on of sports content, which tournament. The tip-off GigaPlay, Smart subscribers includes streaming of the game featured the Battle of must simply download the NBA, PBA, PVL, and FIBA Katipunan UP vs ADMU GigaPlay on the Apple App games. last March 26. Store or Google Play Store, To learn more about set up an account, and The UAAP Season 84 games watch their preferred game GigaPlay, visit www.smart. are scheduled on Tuesdays, on the GigaPlay content com.ph/Pages/GigaPlay. Thursdays, and Saturdays following the quadrupleheader format, meaning all universities will have one game per day in the double round-robin eliminations.

April 2022

Education

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Microsoft recently launched a pilot of the mobile version of Minecraft: Education Edition exclusively in the Philippines, providing 23 million Filipino students early access to an expanded learning experience in school, at home, or in any remote learning environment. Minecraft: Education Edition is a game-based learning platform designed to promote creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in an immersive and secure digital environment. Educators worldwide use the platform to engage students across various levels and curriculums to bring abstract concepts to life, making learning interactive and fun. Public and private schools across the Philippines have been integrating Minecraft: Education Edition as part of teaching instruction to increase academic engagement and stimulate students’ interest in learning, especially during the pandemic as classes have largely been held virtually for nearly two years. With 84 million smartphone users in the Philippines, Microsoft aims to provide access to game-based learning to more students nationwide.

April 2022

“With the right tools and program interventions, game-based learning approaches can improve a child’s memory capacity, computer, and simulation fluency, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and build other skills such as map reading or practical thinking,” said Joanna Velez Rodriguez, public sector director of Microsoft Philippines. “Because of the availability of Minecraft: Education Edition, more teachers and students can access the application whether using Windows, Mac, iPad, Chromebook, or even your android mobile devices. At Microsoft, we remain committed to supporting DepEd in preparing our teachers and students for future skills by making technology accessible to everyone. Our partnership has always been anchored on enabling quality and accessible education by supporting the digital transformation of the DepEd and the learning journeys of students and teachers in the Philippines.” Designed for students of all learning styles and all grade levels, Minecraft: Education Edition provides more than 300 Minecraft worlds to explore and over 600 standards-aligned lessons to engage learners across the curriculum from history, languages, social and emotional learning, equity and inclusion, and STEM-focused areas such as chemistry, coding, and

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much more. With the tools available on the platform, teachers can easily curate lesson plans for specific learning outcomes. Through these project-based lessons, students develop critical 21st-century skills which they can apply in their future workplaces. Minecraft: Education Edition for mobile devices ensures the platform is more accessible than ever to teachers and students. “On behalf of the DepEd, I want to express my gratitude to the people behind this endeavor making the Philippines the first country where Minecraft: Education Edition for mobile is being launched for pilot testing,” said Undersecretary Alain Del B. Pascua of the DepEd. “To our 900,000 thousand teachers and 23 million learners, use this opportunity to enhance teaching and learning using technology with Minecraft: Education Edition. Let us encourage more teachers and learners to actively use this tool for game-based learning to improve teaching and the learning processes in today’s technologically advanced world. I would like to thank Microsoft Philippines for your continued partnership and shared commitment with the DepEd in providing the

technological needs and support and ultimately a better tomorrow for our teachers and learners.” DepEd is working closely with Microsoft and its Global Training Partners for the broader use of Minecraft: Education Edition in the country’s education system. With Felta Multimedia, DepEd has recently implemented a pilot test to enable virtual field trips for students using Minecraft: Education Edition to foster learning in Philippine history. DepEd is also providing a series of free online tutorials on Minecraft: Education Edition, together with Line Learning and Development Solutions, through its ETulay sessions on social media and continues to capacitate and empower more teachers and learners with the support of DepEd’s “Minecraft Champions” and “Minecraft Certified Educators”. The pilot release of the application is exclusive in the Philippines and is now available for download through the Google Play Store. Students and teachers can access the platform by signing in using their Microsoft 365 school accounts.

April 2022

Employment

reat Place to Work, the global authority in workplace culture and the gold standard of recognition as well as the data scientist behind the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, released its list of the 25 Best Workplaces™ in the Philippines for 2022. This year’s list features more companies than in 2020 and 2021. The organizations are also categorized under Small, Medium, and Large, depending on the number of employees. “We are delighted that more companies are getting certified as great places to work. This shows that more Philippine companies and their leaders are committed to building high-trust workplace cultures. We believe that many others will join as they get inspired by the Great Place to Work®-Certified companies who are leading the way in putting their people first and enjoying the many benefits of doing so,” said Antoinette Talosig, managing partner, Great Place to Work Philippines, and principal consultant at Great Place to Work ASEAN. For over 30 years, business leaders, research institutions, and the public worldwide have relied on the Great Place to Work Trust Model as the definitive standard of what it means to be a great workplace. The Trust Model serves as the foundation of the Trust Index Employee Survey, which analyzes participating employees’ experiences through five dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.

Top 25 in the Philippines April 2022

Using this lens, the prestigious global consultancy firm has proven that the definition of a great workplace is one where employees trust the people they work for, have pride in what they do, and enjoy the people they work with. The 2022 rankings represent the workplace experiences of over 130,000 employees in the Philippines.

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Philippines’ Best Workplaces for 2022 Large Category

Organizations with 1,000 or more employees.

DHL Express

Synchrony Global Services Philippines

Accenture, Inc.

[24]7.ai

American Express International

Ingram Micro

RealPage

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc

Teleperformance Philippines

ADP Philippines

April 2022

Employment

Medium Category

Organizations with 100-999 employees.

Cisco Systems Philippines

Atlassian

Hilti

HP PPS Philippines Inc.

Genesys Philippines

Ericsson Telecommunications, Inc.

Balsam Brands’ Regional Operating Headquarters – Balsam International

Ericsson Telecommunications, Inc.

April 2022

Hilton

CarParts.com

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Small Category

Organizations with 10-99 employees.

SafetyCulture Philippines

Qavalo

Mars Pet Nutrition Philippines

HP PPS Philippines Inc.

“As confirmed by numerous studies, satisfied workers result in greater productivity. And greater productivity means faster growth for our industries and heightened recovery for the economy. It is my sincere hope that more business groups will follow the lead of the top 25 best workplaces in the Philippines,” said Ramon Lopez, Secretary for the Department of Trade and Industry. “We look forward to the day when every sector of our economy would soon be populated by great workplaces, where leaders empower their workforce to reach their full human potential as part of their organization.”

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unemployment and underemployment, poor working conditions, and pressing concerns around employees’ holistic well-being and mental health. What we see in 2022 is that more companies will commit themselves to be Great Place to Work®-CertifiedTM to create a supportive work environment for their employees,” she added. “In 2022, we know what’s important — we must take care of each other in terms of physical, mental, and financial health. We need to be concerned about each working person, not only as individuals but also in terms of their family and community. It’s up to the leaders to ensure that we treat people in a respectful, caring, honest, fair, and equitable way. So they know we care about them, not just as an employee, but also as a person,” said Michael C. Bush, global CEO, Great Place to Work.

When asked why more Philippine companies are getting certified as great workplaces, Antoinette said, “For the past two years, we have weathered numerous challenges in the country, chief of which is the COVID-19 pandemic. We also have increasing rates of

April 2022

Employment

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION 5 Ways HP Philippines is Breaking the Bias

(L-R): MAZZY PESTANO, Country Category Manager for Business PC and Displays; MARIANNE AGUSTIN, Partner Business Manager; and PATRICIA CHLOE CHAN, Management Associate at HP Philippines — empowered women leaders who are driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace through the Women's Impact Network.

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any companies have recognized the benefits of a workplace that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A diverse workforce inspires creativity and innovation, as multiple perspectives allow teams to see the world differently. Studies have shown that organizations that highlight diversity and inclusion are happier and more productive.

1 Recognize that gender-based stereotype exist.

The Philippines, in particular, continues to move in the right direction, ranking 2nd in the Asia Pacific to close the gender gap. According to the 2020 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines has closed 78% of its overall gender gap, while this year’s report showed that the Philippines has achieved gender parity in terms of women’s presence in senior and managerial roles.

In order to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, it is important to recognize unconscious bias, acknowledge it, and act on it. Simply put, unconscious bias is a stereotype that people form without them being aware of it. A good example is women’s role in tech.

However, the same report showed that income and wage gaps continue to persist. Women tend to still earn less even if they hold similar positions as men. While there are a lot of factors to look at why this happens, one way of addressing it is to create a bias-free environment where women will feel more supported and recognized.

HP is one with the country’s goal of progressively breaking gender bias. Through various programs, HP ensures equal opportunities for all and provides unwavering support for women. One such program is the Women’s Impact Network (WIN) in the Philippines. The group empowers female employees while also advancing DEI across the whole company. WIN recently welcomed its new officers for the fiscal year 2022, led by its chairperson, Marianne Agustin who also serves as the partner business manager at HP.

With a commitment to creating a more equitable and just society in Asia, HP recognizes the common biases women, especially in the tech industry, have encountered and offers ways to break them:

“The prior WIN Leadership teams left big shoes for us to fill and we look forward to making a difference to all the WIN members during our term. Specifically, we want to expand the network by cultivating more allies, organizing more knowledge-sharing sessions where we are constantly reminded to operate with a DEI lens, and providing more opportunities for all members and nonmembers to take part in an inclusive culture where everyone is celebrated and empowered to be the future of HP,” she said.

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3 Foster a sense of belongingness within teams.

According to a report by Catalyst, 45% of women business leaders in the US say it’s difficult for them to speak up in virtual meetings. The report also shares that one in five women say they’ve felt ignored or overlooked by colleagues during video calls.

Set clear DEI commitments. Since the tech field is dominated by men, they are likely to connect better to male candidates, leaving women with fewer roles. A study of research institutions revealed that women only hold one in five top jobs in science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM) globally. It’s even more challenging for mothers whose parenting status is a barrier to advancing their careers.

“Joining the male-dominated tech industry can be very intimidating for some women who are new in the workplace. That’s why I think it is important to choose a company that is consciously advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure that you are being valued as a woman and given significant opportunities to grow in your career,” Patricia Chloe Chan, HP management associate, and an officer of WIN PH, advised. “Ever since I joined HP, I am always encouraged to speak up, share my ideas, and I’m constantly assured that my voice is always being heard—for that I feel more empowered than ever, especially as a woman in tech.”

To address this, there need to be clear directions and concrete policies embedded in companies from the start to exercise being more open, supportive, and proactive in advancing DEI within the workplace as well as driving it from the top. HP’s founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard embraced diversity as part of the HP Way because it drives innovation. It is not just fundamental to HP’s culture, but a business imperative. Today, HP has the most diverse board of directors of any Fortune 100 technology company with 31.7% of HP leadership, from directors to even higher roles, being women.

When remote work was implemented in 2020, HP teams in PH started their weekly video call session called HP Connect, where they gather to share updates, life stories, and helpful methods to help them cope as they work from home. It sparked new opportunities to have everyone speak their mind and contribute ideas, including even the youngest and the newest members of the team. Recently, HP also introduced the NextGen PH, which aims to provide an inclusive, open, and safe space for all HP employees. It is designed to ensure everyone enjoys equality, whether economic, cultural, societal, or environmental, and enables the purpose to grow stronger every day.

“Working in a tech company can be intimidating. Friends and mentors helped me to be the best version of myself today and not someone that I’m not comfortable pretending to be just to fit in. I’m grateful to HP for consciously and deliberately finding ways to help a working mom like me to love myself, my family, and my career through various activities—from simply showing care and celebrating life with expectant mothers to initiatives that enable us to build confidence, upskill leadership skills, and balance work and personal life,” shared Mazzy Pestano, who aside from being the vice-chair at WIN PH, also leads as the country category manager for Business PC and Displays at HP.

April 2022

Colleagues, especially men and people in positions of power, are also encouraged to be allies. By just listening when a woman speaks already helps amplify their voice. It is also a good practice to ask women their opinions and allow them to finish their thought if they are interrupted. Another important aspect of allyship is to speak up when they see female colleagues being discriminated against, bullied, or harassed.

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Acknowledge that there is more to be done.

Prepare more women for leadership roles.

While there has been significant progress made, WEF also reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has pushed back gender parity, adding 36 years to close the gender gap globally. As a purpose-driven brand, HP recognizes that there’s more work to do and the only way to deliver on its promise to make life better for everyone, everywhere is to fully commit to ending inequality.

Leadership is usually associated with perceptions of masculinity. Data, however, shows the opposite. Women leaders outperform and are rated by their colleagues as more competent on almost every dimension of leadership. Companies that have women leaders see greater profits and more satisfied employees.

Last May, HP has pledged to achieve gender parity in leadership by 2030. By that time, it aims to accomplish the following:

For Agustin, there is an underlying layer to this because women are also always seen as ‘too emotional’. She said, “Women are perceived to be emotional when making decisions. I have personally experienced this not just in the IT industry but in general. But while business decisions must be made based on facts and without prejudices, a woman’s emotions can’t be a hindrance to this. In fact, it will always be our strength because it guides and keeps us grounded.”

• • •

Achieve 50/50 gender equality in HP leadership by 2030 Achieve greater than 30 percent technical women and women in engineering by 2030 Maintain higher than 90 percent rating on internal inclusion index for all employee demographics annually

“Accelerating commitment to gender equality within the company and in the industry is par for the course for HP, a business that believes in leading with purpose and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse workforce is not only a social imperative but a business one,” ends Agustin.

There are many ways to bring women into leadership positions. Aside from WIN PH, HP is making strides to boost female leadership through other localized programs such as the Women in Leadership Lab (WILL) which prepares female employees for management roles, and Catalyst @ HP which accelerates female leadership by monitoring and advancing the careers of women. As of 2020, 37% of participants have been promoted or are currently performing a new role. Across the workforce, HP conducts training programs, job rotations, and bench planning to make sure women develop their skills and learn new ones.

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April 2022

Innovation

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

STARTUP MYTHS April 2022

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QBO Head of Community and Ecosystem Dave Del Rosario debunks six common misconceptions about the Philippine startup scene that keep Filipinos from participating in this fast-growing sector

he Philippine startup industry, while robust and rapidly developing, is still relatively new. There are many questions and concerns, and quite a few myths about the industry—misconceptions about money and funding, to who exactly should be leading a company (spoiler: women can and should build their own startups). In line with QBO’s mission to educate and empower the local startup community, Del Rosario dissects myths and limiting beliefs that keep people from fully participating in the Philippine startup industry.

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Innovation

Startups are not for women There is an ongoing discourse on gender roles in the workplace and challenging the perception that women are more suited to support rather than lead, particularly in the tech and startup space, which is traditionally seen as a ‘masculine’ space. “We see it in public discourse, that women can’t be leaders because they’re weak or too emotional,” noted Del Rosario. “But gender does not have any bearing on the ability to lead. Leadership means taking responsibility, finding potential, developing potential, and bringing people together to achieve the best possible outcome.” From the likes of startup veteran Crystal Gonzales of PICK.A.ROO, to a disruptor in the exporting business Mel Nava of 1Export, to relatively new founders like Noreen Bautista of Panublix, and many more—there is more than enough evidence that women founders can be successful and thrive in a male-dominated industry. There have also been calls to get more women interested in the ecosystem, as well as an increase in initiatives to further support them. Fortunately for Filipina founders, there is a program April 2022

for that. QBO aims to support more women in tech through the Startup Pinay program, which aims to foster a community of female-led tech startups and provide them with opportunities to thrive. Startup Pinay provides women in tech with resources such as events where they can connect with peers, mentors, and potential investors and partners; startup development programs to help them access personalized mentoring, funding, partnerships; ecosystem mapping reports to help them find resources in their area; and market outreach and expansion programs. Startups are expensive to set up It’s true that you need to spend money to make money—startups are not exempt from this—but more than the capital that you start out with, it is how you manage what you have that plays a vital role in getting your business off the ground. When starting out, Del Rosario advises that you seek external funding from those in your trusted circle: your family, your friends, people who see the potential of your crazy idea and believe in your business plan.

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In addition, there has been an increase in efforts to keep up with the rapid development of the local startup industry. These initiatives include incubator and accelerator events, as well as programs like ecosystem mapping, the Department of Science and Technology’s Startup Grant Fund program, and the Department of Trade and Industry and National Development Corporation’s Startup Venture Fund, which aim to help Filipino founders find and access key resources such as mentoring, startup development programs, and funding. IdeaSpace and QBO also invest in startups and have previously invested in startups such as 1Export, Airship, and Workbean, among others. “It’s not solely about raising funds for your startup, but also about doing more with less and working carefully in order for you and your business to develop at a more sustainable rate,” said Del Rosario. Startup founders need a strong tech and business background Having a background in technology and business can be a great advantage, but it’s not at all a requirement. In fact, not all startup founders come from tech or business backgrounds. “Some successful women founders gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

started out with work experiences or backgrounds outside of ‘traditional’ tech backgrounds,” shared Del Rosario. “If you look at our growing ecosystem, founders and teams are increasingly coming from different backgrounds and experiences. What they do have is a good sense of business, a deep well of knowledge in a specific area, and the ability to execute, seek out advice or support, and iterate quickly.” Startups need to be the first to succeed “Disruptive” is a common—maybe even overused—term that is thrown around when talking about startups. But being disruptive doesn’t mean you need to be the first in the market. What is important is that you offer a solution that addresses the pain of your target customer, your willingness to listen and pivot as necessary, and your ability to bring people together and execute quickly. With the growth in modern technology and the digital space, it is rare to find companies that created their businesses out of brand new ideas. It’s not just

Startups cannot compete with bigger traditional businesses

about what you’re doing differently, it’s also about how you’re doing it better. Startups are not profitable While startups may seem destined for overnight success, this is not the case. Del Rosario shares that as with most things, startup growth and profitability take time. “Startups may find their first few years with no revenue or at a loss, but this does not equate to failure,” he explained. “Slow growth is normal as you are still in the process of introducing your product while the market is still getting accustomed to your offers. Once you adjust your business model to the consumer’s demands and needs and find the right product-market fit, your startup may have huge potential for exponential growth.”

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Many are hesitant to enter a market where big corporations are playing because they are afraid to compete with them. But with the nature of startups, it is less about competition and more about collaboration. “The beauty of startups is that they are able to offer a unique, innovative, and sometimes, niche solution that bigger businesses aren’t able to provide,” said Del Rosario. A notable example of this is how large corporations have been turning to startups and their solutions to help the former’s internal processes—from challenges in HR to tax filing—run more seamlessly. “One is not better than the other, but if you have tech inclinations, building a startup can be an impactful and exciting way to start an entrepreneurial venture. Kumu’s collaborations with ABS-CBN, and TV5 and Cropital’s collaboration with SMART show that when there is common ground, startups can pave a third way and collaborate with larger businesses.”

April 2022

Photo by Startaê Team on Unsplash

Innovation

The beauty of startups is that they are able to offer a unique, innovative, and sometimes, niche solution that bigger businesses aren’t able to provide.

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The startup ecosystem is still an old boys’ club When Startup Pinay was launched in 2018, the quit rate for female founders was 41% compared to their male counterparts, which was at 17%. There was also a sizable gender gap, as men outnumbered women in the ecosystem. This is no longer the case. In Gobi-Core’s 2021 Philippine Startup Ecosystem Report, they noted that the gender gap has now shrunk to a 1:2 ratio, a marked change compared to the 1:5 ratio observed in the ecosystem a few years ago. The country is also starting to see investors focus on gender lens investing. The Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN) made the proactive decision to integrate the gender lens investing approach into their ways of working.

Spurred by their partnership with Investing in Women, MAIN set two goals—to foster gender diversity by increasing the number of women angel investors and amplifying their voices and to support gender-diverse startups through capital allocation, training, and mentorship. Since then, their investments in women have increased, up to 18.2% for women members and 29% for women-led startups. While there is much to be done in terms of driving for the empowerment of an inclusive startup ecosystem, it is through conscious and intentional efforts of larger institutions and individual actors that make the local startup ecosystem less of an old boys’ club and more of a diverse community. Taking your first steps into the startup scene can be daunting. However,

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there is a steadily growing interest, participation, and investment in the industry, which has also led to an increase in startup support initiatives and programs. QBO Innovation Hub has been at the forefront in developing programs to help educate and empower those interested in the local startup industry. From educational sessions such as their BASIQS courses to their knowledge sharing activities in the form of their monthly QLITANs, from mentoring and consultation sessions to largerscale incubation programs and funding, from specialized guidance for women leaders in the form of their Startup Pinay project—QBO is here to provide you with the right tools and ingredients to step into the spotlight and make your mark in the Philippine startup community.

April 2022

Innovation

Global Innovation Competition opens to young Filipinos L’Oréal Philippines recently opened entries for L’Oréal Brandstorm 2022, a global business and innovation case competition that recognizes the work of students that drive progress and positive change in the beauty industry. Now on its 30th year, L’Oréal BrandStorm is championing inclusivity as students and graduates from any field of study from over 65 participating countries are invited to join. This year, Brandstorm has become bigger than ever, with the competition being opened to innovators aged 18 to 30 years old, and with three new tracks to choose from: 1. The Inclusion Track asks participants to imagine breakaway products and services to empower inclusive beauty. 2. The Green Track challenges participants to invent the next dimension of sustainable beauty. 3. The Tech Track encourages participants to revolutionize beauty personalization and experience through tech innovations.

international semi-finals on May 12, 2022, before advancing to the international finals on June 23, 2022. In its 30-year history, the competition has garnered over 61,000 participants, with over 23,000 participants from STEM majors. In 2012, one Filipino team was crowned the global champion. To join, participants must form a group of three, and ideate disruptive innovation pitches. Teams submit a three-slide presentation, as well as a three-minute video presenting their pitch aligned with their selected track. Each member of the team must be a registered student taking up undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate studies. Members of the team may come from different universities but must be from the same country. Diverse representation is highly encouraged.

With its expansion to three tracks, six teams from the Philippines (two per track) will be selected as national champions and will get the chance to compete in the

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Throughout the competition, participants discover L’Oréal’s culture and stay in touch with its recruiters for potential career opportunities. This year, all participants will get access to a full e-learning platform and exclusive L’Oréal and Salesforce business content. The global winner of the competition will win a threemonth Intrapreneurship mission in Paris, where the travel and accommodation will be provided by L’Oréal. The Interpreneurship mission is a hands-on experience at the L’Oréal Headquarters in Paris, France, where participants will be implementing their winning idea or innovation through real-world work at one of the biggest beauty companies in the world. Entries closed on March 25, and the Philippine National Finals are set on April 22, 2022.

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April 2022

Property

DISASTER RESILIENT COMMUNITIES A

s climate change continues to impact the frequency and scale of extreme weather conditions worldwide, many steps must be taken to lessen the impact of these natural calamities in order to prevent the loss of life, livelihood, and infrastructure. With safety as a priority in developing each of its communities, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the largest and fastest-growing real estate company in the Philippines, remains committed to disaster resilience through an integrated approach to property design. By keying in on social connectedness and sustainability, SMDC creates developments that provide a wide range of comforts and conveniences to its homeowners so they can live safer and better. April 2022

FUTURE-PROOFING THE FILIPINO HOME

to its commitment to long-term sustainability.

Each project is the product of thorough area studies, including flood, traffic, geo-resistivity, and soil, and built with pioneering technology, protective materials, and other environmentallyfriendly practices to mitigate disaster risk and minimize environmental impact.

In its development in Cainta, SMDC’s Charm Residences has built a detention tank that will be able to hold approximately 100,000 liters of water. During storms, the detention tank will temporarily store rainwater to reduce the flood risks not only in the property but in its neighboring communities.

Communities are at the heart of every SMDC development. As a property developer, it takes measured steps to safeguard its communities from severe natural events. By continuously evolving to meet the growing homeowner needs and adhering to well-defined resilience standards, SMDC creates homes that can withstand the threat of natural disasters, with each development standing as a testament

Other SMDC developments integrate the topography of a site’s natural surroundings to mitigate the occurrence of harmful weather events. For Vine Residences in Novaliches, portions of the structure were suspended from the site’s soil grade, which not only preserves the trees and vegetation present in the area but also incorporates a natural defense against flooding and corrosion.

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COMMUNITIES THAT CHAMPION ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Research points to half of the world’s population residing in cities with projections leading to a likely increase to 70% in the next 20 years. These developments contribute to higher air pollution, heat island effects, and the loss of green space, which also leads to an increase in morbidity and premature mortality in people. To offset the personal and environmental impact of rapid urbanization, SMDC has taken the lead in creating integrated communities that provide easy access to essential goods, services, livelihood, recreational venues, and transport hubs. These master-planned developments are the product of a

holistic approach to addressing climate change. Placing daily needs close to residents reduces car dependency, one of the top ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint. The abundance of green space is another key consideration that goes into the design of SMDC properties. Situated within each development are amenity areas rich in greenery and open space, providing residents with avenues for recreation and wellness without having to leave their homes. These areas help minimize the urban heat island phenomenon where infrastructure absorbs and re-emits the sun’s heat — a prime example of how design solutions highlight SMDC’s commitment to sustainability. For SMDC, sustainability entails more than just green living. Encompassing

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environmental, societal, and social pillars, sustainability is a concept that not only affects the environment, but also the safety, health, and productivity of a structure’s occupants and their immediate communities. By making sustainable design safe and accessible, SMDC enables more homeowners around the country to rest assured in the event of severe weather conditions. Through concentrated efforts made to reduce carbon emissions, energy, and waste, SMDC aims to address the larger issues of global warming and climate change — building a nation of resilient communities now and in the generations to come. To learn more about SMDC and its developments, log on to www.smdc. com. April 2022

Property

KONSTRUK

The 1st e-Hardware ng Bayan

onstruk, Philippine-based e-commerce and the first e-hardware ng bayan, recently launched its online platform, making online transactions for home improvement and construction supplies a seamless experience for both customers and merchants. Konstruk was built on the realization that while many businesses have transitioned online, the construction sector has not been able to fully do so. Konstruk founder and chief executive officer Rommel Bulalacao said, “the majority of merchants from the construction sector, especially the MSMEs, are still brick-andmortar stores or do not have sufficient capabilities to bring their business online.” He cites how his 30 years of experience in the construction field have led to this observation.

heaviest casualties, especially with the absence of an online platform. “There was no dedicated concept yet for the construction and home improvement sector using e-commerce,” Bulalacao said. With this realization, Konstruk came to be with the goal to promote business continuity in the construction and home improvement sector. The digital marketing platform helps community hardware stores, wholesalers and distributors, and manufacturers of construction materials including home appliances and furniture become part of the online business ecosystem to promote new products and push their inventory through the platform. Conversely, customers can now conveniently shop at the Konstruk

website and app and choose from a wide range of products. No need for long commutes, hours spent in traffic, or having to worry about exposure when going shopping — everything you need can be done right at home. They are also assured that their transactions are reliable and safe as payment methods such as the Metrobank payment gateway system and Gcash are available. “Konstruk is committed to helping the industry build back better. As the first e-hardware ng bayan, we will continue to innovate and improve our service for the benefit of our partner merchants and customers,” Bulalacao said. To know more about Konstruk or how to become a partner merchant, visit konstruk.ph.

Moreover, the lockdown brought by the pandemic emphasized the importance of having an online presence. As the construction sector was not spared from the losses inflicted by the pandemic, small to medium businesses were among those who received the April 2022

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MINI-GOLF @ AURA BGC’s first roof-deck mini golf course

here’s a lot of fun and fitness family and friends can now enjoy at the roof-deck miniature golf course at the Skypark at SM Aura Premier. They’ll be on top of the world — and on top of their game –—in the mini-course, which features five holes with varying degrees of challenge difficulty. BGC’s first roof deck mini-golf course surrounds one of the mall’s iconic art installations, the giant red carabao sculpture by internationally recognized multimedia artist Jefrë Manuel. Mall patrons who wish to play a few rounds only need to approach the course attendant and present a receipt from any of the restaurants located at the Skypark. There’s no minimum purchase requirement and the presentation of a receipt allows up to three players to join. Safety will always be SM Aura Premier’s top priority and the mall has implemented guidelines to ensure all players will be kept safe. All equipment are sanitized and disinfected before and

after each use, ensuring that there’s no virus transmission from held items. Proper social distancing is also ensured by way of the area only being allowed up to ten players at a time. Adding to that, the general area is regularly cleaned and disinfected. All these combined create the perfect recreation activity that’s out of the ordinary and, above all, safe. The mini-golf course is the newest addition to the Skypark’s fun features

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for its customers. At the same location are the Paw Park for pets, and al fresco dining pods. All these have all made the mall’s fifth level, and the entire SM Aura Premier complex, one of BGC’s most unique and sought-after leisure and lifestyle destinations. For more information on the #MiniGolfAtAura and other mall features at SM Aura Premier, visit @ SMAuraPremier on Facebook and Instagram. April 2022

Wellness

SHOW YOUR HEART

SOME LOVE Simple steps to keep your heart healthy

ardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the world’s leading cause of death, accounting for about 1 in every 3 deaths globally. In the Philippines, the incidence of deaths caused by hypertension and diabetes mellitus, both of which can lead to heart diseases, rose in 2021.

It is important to show our hearts extra love and attention — Here are easy-to-remember steps you can add to your everyday routine to keep your heart healthy and happy year-round.

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Move more

Eat healthy

Working or studying from home means being glued to one’s seat for 8 hours or even more a day unlike when commuting to work or school which requires some walking or even running at times. As such, it is crucial to allot some time to stretch and move around. As mentioned, heart experts also recommend getting at least 1 hour of exercise or physical activity per day to strengthen the heart.

In a recent webinar by the Philippine Heart Association, heart doctors encouraged Filipinos to follow the 5-2-1-00 regimen. What this means is that the daily diet should have at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, only 2g (or one teaspoon) of salt, and 0 sugary drinks. Aside from this, the regimen also advises at least 1 hour of daily physical activity and zero smoking. Additional healthy alternatives for guilt-free eating include: • Choosing natural seasoners such as calamansi instead of high-sodium condiments like soy sauce, fish sauce, or ketchup • Having fresh fruits instead of sweetened snacks such as cakes and cookies for dessert • Drinking more water and less artificially sweetened beverages

An entire hour dedicated to just exercise may sound daunting, but there is a workaround: This 1 hour can be spread throughout the day. Small amounts of moderate physical activity that increase the heart rate such as brisk walking, climbing stairs, gardening, or doing household chores are already a good start. Gradually increase the duration, frequency, and intensity of these activities to maybe engaging in actual exercises or workouts even at home.

Say no to smoking

Monitor your blood pressure

According to the Department of Health (DoH), 15.5 percent of Filipino adults are tobacco smokers and approximately 1 in 10 Filipino adult men smoke tobacco on a daily basis. These statistics are alarming as tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke are common heart killers.

Hypertension is one of the biggest risk factors for various cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Data from the DoH reveal 25.8 percent of adult Filipinos were diagnosed as hypertensive and 54.5 percent are currently on medications to control their hypertension.

Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of CVDs. In fact, within a year of quitting, the risk for a heart attack drops dramatically. Within five years, reformed smokers are about as likely to experience a stroke as a person who has never smoked. So, quitting or not smoking at all is a big gift of health that you can give your heart.

Hypertensive or not, listen to your heart. One of the best ways to do this is to make it a habit to monitor your blood pressure. Products such as OMRON’s line of digital blood pressure monitors (BPM) have made this easier than ever and from the comforts of home. OMRON’s digital BPMs are equipped with the latest technology to make heart health monitoring as intuitive as possible. They are also easily accessible through the most trusted local pharmacies and drugstores or online via OMRON’s flagship e-commerce stores.

So, every day of the year, always show your heart some love. You can start with these simple reminders.

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Wellness

A TB-FREE PHILIPPINES DOH, PhilCat, and J&J Philippines join hands against tuberculosis

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uberculosis (TB) continues to affect millions of people around the globe, with an annual mortality rate that is higher than HIV and malaria combined. In the Philippines alone, there are over 539 active cases of TB for every 100,000 Filipinos. This makes it a major public health problem in the country. In observance of World TB Day, the Department of Health (DOH), together with the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT), and Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc., conducted a webinar focused on raising awareness of the disease to encourage more Filipinos to take a proactive approach in battling TB in the country. The event entitled Sama Sama TB ay Labanan, Para sa Ligtas na Buhay at Kalusugan is part of the group’s collaborative efforts to find and treat around 2.5 million Filipinos with TB by end of year, according Dr. Winston Palasi, Medical

Officer IV of DOH’s Infectious Disease Division. He said, “Our enhanced case-finding strategy makes us optimistic that we can end TB in the country. Together with our partners, we continue to run nationwide programs aimed at getting potential patients to seek professional consult and receive proper care.”

TB can be deadly, but it is curable and preventable. According to Dr. Rontgene Solante, chairman of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Fellowship Program of San Lazaro Hospital, “Maintaining good personal hygiene and leading a healthy lifestyle are surefire ways to avoid contracting the disease.”

“Aside from improved access to diagnostic services and treatment, we are also educating people with TB on how they can properly care for themselves so that they do not become active cases again in the future. We are also teaching them how to help contain its spread through simple yet effective measures such as working from home and avoiding public transportation, restricting travel among TB patients who are quickly become noninfectious provided they take the drugs,” added Dr. Camilo Roa, president of Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc.

“There’s a simple need of providing access to information so that many Filipinos will be more aware of this communicable disease and we can encourage them to become tuberculosis advocates as well. Our group has been successfully rolling out projects such as TB literacy training, so that more people will take part in this movement to end TB in our country soon,” shared Ma. Eloisa “Louie” Zepeda-Teng, founder and president of TBpeople Philippines Organization Inc.

J&J looks to empower youth as the generation to end TB

The youth comprises more than 40% of the Philippine population, making them valuable assets in the fight to end TB. By harnessing their potential as agents of change, they can help pave the way for a safer, healthier Philippines that is free of TB. This is what J&J Philippines has set out to do in 2022 together with its local and global partners. “Our vision is to be able to turn the youth from targets into advocates or what we call #TuberculosisWarriors,” said Stephanie Lao, global public health manager at J&J Philippines. “We are excited to roll out a series of initiatives that will empower the youth to take charge of the country’s TB trajectory. The first phase will

be headlined by #TuberculosisWarriors game filters on social media, which they can use to learn more about TB and spread awareness on the disease with their family and friends in a fun and engaging way.” “Enabling the youth’s access to TB care and equipping them with the right tools to influence others to act will help accelerate our progress towards curbing the statistics on this deadly epidemic. Their meaningful participation in efforts to combat TB will also contribute greatly to achieving the larger, global goal of ending TB by 2030,” ended Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of medical affairs at J&J Philippines.

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STARBUCKS X GRAB Wide-ranging partnership will cover Southeast Asia’s six largest markets by 2024

tarbucks announced an integrated partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, across six markets, including the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The partnership will provide customers across Southeast Asia with a seamless Starbucks Experience, allowing them to earn Starbucks Rewards benefits on purchases through Grab, have more ways to order and pay in stores, and enjoy their Starbucks orders sooner with last-mile delivery fulfillment through Grab’s delivery network. Customers will be able to enjoy more personalized and convenient experiences that deepen their connection to Starbucks through a range of Grab services including GrabPay, GrabRewards, GrabFood, GrabExpress, and GrabGifts. Building on Starbucks and Grab’s shared commitment to creating a positive impact, the partnership will also help provide food assistance to communities in need across Southeast Asia, while reducing food waste, through the expansion of the Starbucks FoodShare food donation program, starting in the Philippines in March 2020.

helping to deliver positive impact in the communities we serve through our FoodShare program.” “Consumers like the convenience of food delivery but they also enjoy meeting up with friends in Starbucks over a cup of coffee. We believe the online ordering and in-store dining experience will become more connected, as brands in Southeast Asia look for ways to bridge these channels. We are excited to be working with Starbucks, one of the most iconic and loved coffee retailers, on this wide-ranging partnership to deliver a more personalized, rewarding, and seamless experience to our customers,” added Saad Ahmed, managing director, Commercial at Grab.

Integrated loyalty program

A first for Starbucks in Southeast Asia, Starbucks will integrate Starbucks Rewards with the Grab platform so that customers can enjoy more ways to earn rewards on their Starbucks orders. Starbucks Rewards members will be able to link their accounts with GrabRewards to earn both Stars and GrabRewards points for every order made through GrabFood. In the future, customers will also have “As one of the most digitally connected regions in the option to sign up for a Starbucks Rewards membership the world, Southeast Asia continues to inspire us to via the Grab app and redeem free beverages, birthday elevate the Starbucks Experience,” said Erin Silvoy, treats, and exclusive offers. The company will introduce vice president, product and marketing, Starbucks this new feature in the Philippines in the second half of Asia Pacific. “Our partnership with Grab allows us 2022, with plans to expand to additional Southeast Asia to provide more options for customers to create a Starbucks Experience that is right for them, while also markets by 2024.

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Delivering seamless customer experiences across Southeast Asia Customers will be able to enjoy the Starbucks experience through expanded options and solutions through Grab including: •

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Pay with the same e-wallet online and instore: Customers will have the option to pay for their orders via their GrabPay e-wallets in-store and in-app, giving them more ways to earn GrabRewards as well as Starbucks Rewards Stars. Order online for in-store pick-up via GrabFood: Customers can skip the line and order their favorite food and beverage items directly from GrabFood’s self-pick-up feature, which will inform them when their orders are ready for pick up.

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Instant delivery via GrabExpress: Customers can get their favorite Starbucks food and beverages delivered to their doorsteps faster than before by GrabExpress when they order via Starbucks-owned channels.

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Social gifting through GrabGifts: Customers can now purchase and send pre-loaded Starbucks gift cards to friends and family via the Grab app in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

connect with Starbucks, the company will launch its FoodShare food donation program this March in the Philippines, starting with 40 stores in the Metro Manila area. Starbucks’ regional partnership with Grab will enable participating stores to connect with Grab drivers to pick up food donations from stores daily and deliver them to local non-profit organizations such as the Philippine Food Bank Foundation. Starbucks aims to expand the reach of the program to more communities in the Philippines, as well as additional markets throughout Southeast Asia. FoodShare started in 2016 after Starbucks partners (employees) advocated for a program that would allow stores to donate unsold food and distribute it to people facing hunger in communities across the U.S. FoodShare is now available at 100% of US and Canada company-owned stores. Since entering the Southeast Asia region over 25 years ago, Starbucks has expanded to more than 1,882 stores across the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with more than 19,853 partners proudly wearing the green apron. The company is committed to driving continued sustainable growth by investing in digital innovations that deliver meaningful value and convenience and social impact initiatives that create a positive impact in the communities it serves.

Creating Positive Impact through Starbucks FoodShare program As part of Starbucks People Positive aspirations, focused on enhancing the well-being of all who

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Newsbytes

ACER LEADS 2021 PC SALES WITH 27% MARKET SHARE For the 13th consecutive year, Acer led the PC — desktop, notebook, and workstation — market in the Philippines in 2021 with a 27% market share on the strength of stay-at-home demand for devices to be used for education and work, said IDC. Acer has led the notebook category in the Philippines for 16 consecutive years, with a record-high 33% market share in 2021. It had a 30% market share in consumer notebooks and a 34% market share in gaming notebooks.

learning as Filipinos turned to Acer, the tech giant known for its strong position in the education sector. Other factors that drove growth were the increased need for devices as more Filipinos worked from home and Acer’s multiple product offerings across all market segments and the brand’s value for money proposition. Some 1.72 million PCs from different brands were sold in the Philippines in 2021 from 1.35 million in 2020 and 1.34 million in 2019, said IDC.

Globally, PCs were in high demand with 350 million units shipped worldwide. The IDC Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, Q4 2021 also showed that work from home and digitization drove demand in the private sector. The share of notebooks in the consumer market went up from 73% before the pandemic to 84% in 2021. For the commercial market, the notebook share went up from 30% in 2018 to 69% in 2021.

In the consumer branded desktop category, Acer had a 31% market share in 2021 as it dominated the consumer all-in-one desktop category with a 52% market share. In the monitor category, it had a 22% market share for 2021. In terms of PCs shipped by the end of 2021, Acer Philippines sold 561,000 units last year from 394,000 in 2020 and 347,000 in 2019. This strong performance was driven by online March 2022

(L-R) Sue Ong Lim, Acer Philippines General Manager and Maciek Gornicki, Senior Research Manager of IDC

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strong beyond our expectations, due to online learning and work-fromhome needs, including notebook PCs, Chromebooks, monitors, and others, we did our best to fulfill them,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines general manager.

Pandemic-related quarantines and lockdowns also drove the growth in gaming- and entertainment-related PC sales in the Philippines in 2021. For Acer, sales of gaming notebooks nearly doubled with 113,000 units sold last year from 75,000 in 2020 and 38,000 in 2019.

Last year, Acer also stepped up its sustainability efforts by introducing the Earthion program, through which the tech giant engages its entire ecosystem from supply chain partners to consumers and employees by helping tackle environmental challenges through innovative and integrated solutions.

The shortage of semiconductors across the globe has resulted in supply issues for everything from computers. According to Acer, the shortage would continue until at least the second quarter of 2022.

Since 2020, Acer’s notebooks have adopted recycled paper for packaging, and this has saved 8,750 kg of paper pulp and cut down on the usage of 20 million plastic bags. From Acer’s internal recycling activities, over 50 metric tons of batteries were recycled and remanufactured into new ones.

“The PC has become a necessity during the pandemic. While the demand was

In 2021, Acer announced a new “enviro-friendly” laptop, the Acer

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Vero, containing 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in its keyboard caps, and about 30% in other parts, such as the top and bottom cover and screen bezels. Toward the end of 2021, the company expanded its Vero portfolio across a variety of devices. The IDC said PC demand is expected to remain robust this year as uncertainty about future pandemic outbreaks means businesses, schools and consumers will want to be ready for another lockdown. Another factor that could drive growth is the digitization of business, growth in e-commerce will drive more spending from the private sector. Acer seeks to diversify its portfolio mix and expand new businesses, such as acerpure, Altos, HSN, and Acer Gaming. It will also improve value creation and enhance the consumer journey. Acer will also continue to set lofty goals to reduce its carbon emission and create more environmentally-friendly tech products. “Acer’s goal in 2022 is to optimally perform within core business competencies while we transform to prepare for areas of future growth,” said Ong-Lim. March 2022

Newsbytes

JUDY ANN SANTOS-AGONCILLO IS BEKO’S NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR Beko Philippines recently welcomed its new family member, who is none other than the actress, entrepreneur, celebrity cook, and true pro mom Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo. Judy Ann is the new face of global European brand Beko’s “live like a pro” campaign in the Philippines. This wife and mom to three kids said Beko makes it easy for people to live healthier lives, thanks to the advanced technologies in the brand’s appliances. As one of the most trusted and credible names in show business, with Beko, Judy Ann chooses a brand trusted in over 140 countries. “Whenever I’m offered an endorsement or ambassadorship, I study it carefully. It has to be a product or brand that I use or I will use. At naniniwala ako na Beko is a perfect fit for me, not only because March 2022

they have appliances like cookers, refrigerators, and ovens but also because their values as a brand in providing a healthier lifestyle to Filipino families align with mine,” said Judy Ann. “This is the first time we have chosen a brand ambassador in the country and we’re very excited to have Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo on board. We chose Judy Ann because, in all aspects, she lives like a true pro. She can personify the same values and aspirations we have for the company, and who does not only have an amazing rapport and impact on the lives of Filipinos but is also a hands-on and hardworking mother and wife to her family, who can surely represent our drive and purpose, to inspire living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle said Gürhan Günal, country manager of Beko Pilipinas Corporation.

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“Beko as the leading freestanding home appliances brand in Europe, make sure our global plan is focused on creating awareness on the importance and impact of healthy living and sustainability on our daily lives; thus we are committed to providing services and products that contribute to this for every family and individual,” said Arel Atakol, Beko APAC CEO. Beko has been focusing on healthy living for years, raising awareness and developing products that make healthy living possible and convenient to empower the new generations to live healthier. Beko produces products that inspire a healthy lifestyle, from nutrient-saving kitchen appliances to refrigerators that preserve food better for longer. Its products save both time and effort, allowing you to put that time into yourself and your family. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

REBISCO EYES INTERNATIONAL PODIUM FINISHES THROUGH COMMITTED SUPPORT OF PH VOLLEYBALL The beach volleyball men’s and women’s squads left for Brisbane while the men’s volleyball team were off to Qatar as part of their preparation for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in May. The women’s team is scheduled to train in Brazil in April. All national teams are training for two weeks in world-class environments in top-notch volleyball countries. The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and national team patron Rebisco arranged a fitting sendoff for the squads — 16 men in indoor volleyball plus six men and six women in beach volleyball — via a well-attended virtual press conference. “This foreign training is of paramount importance because it gives us a lot of exposure,” PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara told the media. “Foreign

said. “We love the sport with a passion. That is why we support it at all levels— from training coaches and referees in the grassroots, to giving young people a chance to get better at the game in high school competitions, to supporting collegiate teams and participating in the professional league.” training helps our national teams improve.” Noric Ng, business unit head of Rebisco, reiterated Rebisco’s commitment to supporting the PNVF’s national team program. He said he believes the teams will do well not only in the SEA Games in Vietnam in May but also in the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September. “Rebisco has been and will always be firmly committed to the sport and to the improvement of all our teams,” he

Supporting the national teams since 2017, Ng said Rebisco’s desire to help the national volleyball program is so that Filipino athletes can be competitive in international competitions. “It is a sacred duty,” Ng said. “We do it for national pride.” “Rebisco’s goal is to help the PNVF grow the sport and make volleyball an expression of the Filipino soul, locally and internationally. Our dream is that one day we can finish at the podium in a competition of nations,” Ng concluded.

COINS.PH ENABLES RONIN FOR MORE AFFORDABLE AXS AND SLP DEPOSITS Coins.ph has announced the integration of the Ronin network in the Philippines’ leading crypto and mobile wallet. Since its launch on February 28, 2022, users now experience lower fees and faster transactions by using Ronin to deposit AXS and SLP into their Coins wallet for iOS, Android, and even Web platforms. Ronin is an Ethereum sidechain, a separate blockchain that runs parallel to Ethereum for full compatibility. It was built by Sky Mavis, the creators of Axie Infinity, to help scale the game due to the challenges of Ethereum Layer 1. Sending assets through Ethereum has become too expensive and slow for managers and scholars to move assets. Coins.ph’s integration with the Ronin network allows users to deposit AXS and SLP to their Coins wallet for minimal fees and faster transaction times.

Since adding AXS and SLP last December 2021, including support for Ronin in the Coins platform has been a top priority to service the Axie community and ecosystem. Scholars and managers across the Philippines will now be able to convert their ingame winnings to PHP and cash out faster and at a lower cost. This update, along with many other improvements slated for this year, is part of Coins. ph’s continued efforts to build on the foundation of the Play-to-Earn movement. To begin receiving AXS and SLP through the Ronin Network, customers simply need to update their Coins.ph app to the latest version. The Coins. ph app is available in the Google Play Store and App Store. Customers must be ID and selfie verified in order to receive AXS and SLP through the Ronin network.

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The ability to send AXS and SLP through Ronin directly from the Coins wallet is also coming soon. Want to start buying and selling cryptocurrencies? Download the Coins.ph app now: https://bit.ly/ CoinsWalletApp. March 2022

Newsbytes

WECLEAN PHILIPPINES CONTINUES AGGRESSIVE EXPANSION, EYES 500 LAUNDRY BRANCHES BY 2025 After successfully securing additional funds from both local and foreign investors in 2021, fully integrated laundry service provider WeClean is ready to take on the challenge of expanding its laundromat business across the Philippines and nearby Southeast Asian countries. “The funding we secured last year has really fueled us to aggressively expand our operations to open and manage 500 laundromats not just in nearby provinces but across the whole of the Philippines in the next three years. It is a massive goal for us to be able to stay true to our plans and move forward with our plans for the year,” shares Ignacio Phelan, WeClean COO.

them with opportunities. “Sales were greatly affected but we were also able to buy competitors at very low costs. At the beginning of the pandemic, we closed some branches that were losing money and reallocated the machines to better-performing ones. However, last year showed us great promise as the demand for laundry businesses grew as it was an essential service most Filipinos need,” adds Phelan.

The company manages and operates 63 branches to date and plans to expand outside of Metro Manila with branches in nearby provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and even as far as Palawan. “We look at residential areas with a lot of traffic such as those within distance from high-rise condominiums or barangays where people cannot afford to have washing

The team behind WeClean claims that the COVID-19 pandemic, though a challenge, actually also presented March 2022

In its mission to expand, WeClean identified strategically located existing brick and mortar businesses whose owners were looking for a change. “The way we secure and close deals to purchase small players in the laundromat industry is by talking to strategically located businesses who want to change their core business or retire from running their operations,” says Alfonso Bigeriego Patiño, WeClean CEO.

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machines at home. These nearby provinces are key to our business growth plan. And in a few months after successfully opening in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Palawan, we are eyeing to open our first branches in other SEA countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia,” Patiño adds. While plans have not been set in stone yet, WeClean is optimistic that their growth plan will take them to places where the laundry business is in demand. The WeClean mobile app aims to make the customer experience better, more convenient, and accessible to more Filipinos in Metro Manila. The app is equipped with features such as the ability to book a pickup and delivery service as well as pre-book a laundry branch drop-off with certain customer specifications such as the type of clothing, type of fold, type of wash/dry, how much soap or fabric conditioner to be used, etc. “This platform will up the notch when it comes to listening to and providing our customers what they really need – time-saving accessible laundry services at the tip of their fingers. We want to offer direct communication at a time when laundry has really become part and parcel of everyday life,” muses Phelan. Available on the App Store and Google Play, the WeClean app will surely help more consumers find laundry services convenient even during their busiest days. “With our aim to bring our laundry shops closer to Filipinos, we are hoping that we will be able to help our customers realize the true benefit of trusting a reliable laundromat like ours. And as we launch our mobile app, we are eyeing to be able to have between 25,000 to 30,000 downloads in Metro Manila alone by year-end,” closes Phelan.

SOPHOS APPOINTS CHAD CLEEVELY AS ASIA-PACIFIC AND JAPAN CHANNEL SALES DIRECTOR Sophos, a global leader in next-generation cybersecurity, recently appointed Chad Cleevely as director of channel sales, Asia -acific and Japan (APJ). In this role, Cleevely will lead Sophos’ channel operations across the APJ region working with partners and customers to provide the cybersecurity solutions and services required to protect them from today’s fast-changing cyberattacks, including ransomware. Cleevely joins Sophos from Quest Software where he was APJ channel sales director. During his five-year tenure at Quest Software, Cleevely also spent time leading the regional sales team. Cleevely’s 25-year technology career comprises various sales and channel leadership roles with Dell Technologies, IBM, and Symantec. “The channel is a key priority for Sophos, and we are excited to welcome Chad to Sophos to lead this very important part of our business for APJ. Chad brings more than 20 years’ experience in the channel, gained through senior sales and managerial roles for some of the world’s leading technology organizations. Chad is a valuable addition to the Sophos channel community across the region and I look forward to working with him to deliver next-generation cybersecurity to the market,” said Gavin Struthers, senior vice president, APJ at Sophos. Commenting on his appointment, Cleevely said, “I am delighted to join Sophos APJ on its mission to deliver innovative and highly-effective cybersecurity solutions to IT professionals and the channel that serves them. The threat landscape continues to evolve at an alarming pace, and I am excited by the opportunity to work with Sophos’ partners across the entire region to help keep organizations safe from this ever-changing threat environment.”

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McAfee Antivirus Words by Jose Alvarez

n 2019, I wrote about the Morris Worm for Gadgets Magazine, which is considered as the first virus that spread from computer to computer. Today, these viruses can cause millions of dollars in damages. The Morris Worm is estimated to have cost USD23.7 million in damage in today’s money. Yet, this is a drop in the bucket compared to some of the most expensive computer viruses in history. The most expensive computer virus in history, the 2004 MyDoom virus, was estimated to have caused upwards of USD38 billion in damages, or a mindblowing USD56.5 billion in today’s money. But what about the defense mechanisms used to control these computer viruses and protect against them? One of the first antivirus software programs, McAfee Antivirus, is one of the most popular antivirus programs today, alongside Norton Antivirus and other antivirus programs. Yet the story of McAfee Antivirus goes far beyond antivirus protection. John McAfee himself would later make headlines for other reasons which I will go into later. John McAfee founded McAfee Antivirus in 1987 after two decades working at companies such as Xerox, Booz Allen, Lockheed, CSC, and even government agencies such as NASA. McAfee saw the potential of the Brain computer virus in April 2022

1986, a virus that replaced the boot sector of a floppy disk with the virus, and moved the real boot sector to another sector of the disk and marked the sector as bad. Originally, McAfee Antivirus was called VirusScan, and became the first antivirus software to come to market. McAfee’s intent was not to get large numbers of paying users, but rather raise awareness of the need to protect computers from viruses. His fear-based marketing tactics surrounding the amount of damage that a computer virus could do worked. By 1990, McAfee was making USD5 million a year from McAfee Antivirus. 1992 was a highlight year for McAfee and McAfee Antivirus. The company incorporated and made its first initial public offering (IPO). However, McAfee abruptly resigned as CEO in 1993, and sold his remaining stake in the company by 1994. McAfee Antivirus would then make a series of mergers and acquisitions, as well as create new products not only for the PC, but also for mobile devices and servers, giving it brand recognition across both consumer and enterprise users. Between 1998 and 2020, over two dozen companies were acquired by McAfee Corporation. McAfee Corporation was itself bought by Intel in 2010 for USD7.68 billion, but eventually became McAfee Corporation again in 2017.

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One question remains: whatever happened to John McAfee? While he left the company entirely in 1994, he never left the technology world, even investing in other companies that created cybersecurity solutions such as Zone Labs in 2000. The 2007-08 financial crisis saw McAfee take huge losses in his personal fortune, which declined to USD4 million from a previous high of USD100 million. McAfee also started living in Belize and traveled extensively abroad. In the 2010s, McAfee started making headlines for various reasons. In a twist of irony, he uploaded a YouTube video on how to uninstall McAfee Antivirus in 2013, and warned people not to use smartphones for privacy reasons, claiming people did not read privacy user agreements. He also ran into legal troubles abroad and at home, even being accused of murder in Belize in 2012. McAfee also ventured into politics. He ran for president of the United States in 2016 and 2020 on the Libertarian Party ticket. His 2020 presidential run was also unique in that he claimed to be on the run from American authorities due to tax evasion. He was eventually jailed in Spain and committed suicide in prison in June 2021, leaving behind a legacy of creating one of the most successful antivirus programs in the history of cybersecurity, yet walking away from it all and leading. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Volume XXII Issue VII

April 2022

MEET THE TEAM EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief MARIBELLE ALBA Editors-at-Large PRESY ALBA REN ALCANTARA Mobility Consultant ARNEL DORIA Junior Editor GABRIEL PE Writers/Contributors JOSE ALVAREZ CHRIS NOEL HIDALGO FRANCESKA AGUILA

You want more? We recommend you check out our other issues

CREATIVES Creative Consultant RAYMUND RAVANERA Creative Lead JERICO LUTRANIA Creative Staff CHINI YU SORIANO CARMELA BIRAO ADVERTISING Sales and Advertising Manager MARISA CONSUELO Account Executive CAROL AGABIN ADMINSTRATION President & CEO MARIBELLE ALBA Accounting Manager MARITESS MAULION HR & Administration Manager AMY CHRISTINE GIRAY Circulation Officer LORIE BERNARDO Administration Staff RAMIL ALMOJANO Legal Counsel ALBA LAW OFFICE

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