2022v23n3 - Holiday Magic

ASUS ZENBOOK PRO 14 DUO OLED

THIS PREMIUM and powerful yet compact dual-screen laptop features a next-generation ScreenPad Plus secondary touchscreen, combined with the brand-new Active Aerodynamic System Ultra (AAS Ultra) auto-tilting design that improves cooling and ergonomics. This Intel Evo-certified machine packs a flagship 12th Gen Intel Core i7 H-Series processor and creator-grade NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, powering a studio-grade world-leading 2.8K OLED HDR 14.5inch 16:10 touchscreen main display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.

Work and create with visual precision with the Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED’s world-leading 14.5-inch 2.8K 120 Hz OLED NanoEdge touchscreen. With its expansive 16:10 aspect ratio for an immersive visual workspace. The main touchscreen is PANTONE Validated to ensure accurate color grading and printed outputs. It’s also VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified to render ultra-realistic detail in even the darkest scenes. Its cinemagrade DCI-P3 color gamut delivers

ultra-vivid colors. The ultra-high 120 Hz refresh rate and 0.2 ms response time can make all the difference with a smoother-than-ever experience, whether scrolling through a document, online browsing; or for entertainment purposes such as video streaming. Complemented by Dolby Vision and Atmos technologies, every creative is bound to have the best cinema audio and visual experience.

To keep the user’s eyes comfortable and safe during extended content creation sessions, it’s also TÜV Rheinland certified for low blue-light emissions.

Multitask like a pro with the nextgeneration ScreenPad Plus with AAS Ultra in Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED. The 12.7-inch, full-width secondary touchscreen supports the latest highprecision styluses, such as ASUS Pen 2.0, included in the box. This nifty secondary display allows efficient and more comfortable workflow for nittygritty operations, such as image touchups, digital calligraphy, animation, and graphic design. It also allows

PHP159,995

Laptop

more seamless productivity-related tasks such as notetaking during virtual meetings or taking down creative ideas during brainstorming sessions. The multiuse AAS Ultra also raises the rear of ScreenPad Plus and tilts it by 12 degrees when the laptop is opened, creating a seamless and optimized viewing angle for easy cross-screen operation.

The ASUS ScreenPad Plus is now made even better with the new ScreenXpert 3 software to make creative workflows more efficient and seamless. With this upgrade, the built-in apps, such as App Switcher and App Navigator, can now be used with external displays, such as the ASUS Zenscreen and ASUS ProArt. ScreenXpert 3 also has a Control Panel feature that allows control of various Adobe application tools. Giving a more precise and intuitive creation and editing experience, users can manipulate brush size, saturation, opacity, and the like with Dial, Button, Slider, and Scroll controls. Control Panel is fully customizable and works with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro, and

After Effects — and more compatible apps on the way.

The Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is Intel Evo-certified to meet the demands of all-around creative entrepreneurs and on-the-go professionals. It comes with the flagship 12th Gen Intel Core i712700H Processor, tested to handle intensive creative workloads and designed for real-world multitasking. With fourteen cores and a Turbo Boost speed of up to 5.0 GHz, this laptop delivers speedy performance to meet even the tightest deadlines. This powerful CPU perfectly matches the studio-grade NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics, an essential component for graphics-intensive tasks. Users can blitz through the most demanding visual tasks, such as 3D rendering and video editing, with less waiting time. Supported with the NVIDIA Studio drivers, users can maximize all creative apps usage and compatibility.

Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is also packed with 16GB of RAM and an ultrafast 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. This

ensures no memory and storage bottlenecks could slow the user’s creative process. Plus, its high capacity 76Wh battery can run up to 9.5 hours for those long working hours.

For a more cohesive create-andwork ecosystem, the Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is equipped with full I/O ports for every need. The dual 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports support fast charging and 4K external displays, and there’s also a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port and a high-speed HDMI 2.1 port. The latest highperformance SD Express 7.0 card readers ensures ultrafast file transfers, and the audio combo jack makes communications easy.

Its exclusive ASUS IceCool Plus cooling system uses two quiet IceBlades fans with up to 97 3D-curved blades that cool the two 8 mm heat pipes from the CPU and GPU. Complemented by the 38% more hot air vented to the exterior of the new AAS Ultra mechanism, the device promises that the CPU and GPU can run at up to an 85W combined TDP sans the throttling.

HONOR 70 5G

DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL videography innovations, the HONOR 70 introduces the industry’s first Solo Cut Mode for vlogging, offering a ground-breaking solution that enables users to produce portrait vlogs that spotlight a specific person in a group video using Person Autofocus Tracking Technology.

With Dual Video Streaming, multiple videos can be produced simultaneously, including an individual video with a solo view of the subject being spotlighted alongside the main group video with a full view, perfect for content creators who want to choose the hero of their story. With Seamless Focus Switch, users can change the focus of the video to spotlight a different subject at the tap of a finger, enabling users to freely and conveniently create vlogs in various formats.

Delivering a best-in-class photography experience, the HONOR 70 comes with an outstanding Dual Main Camera featuring industry-leading Computational Photography powered by AI and HONOR’s proprietary imaging solution, HONOR Image Engine, delivering stunning, high-definition images and footage in a unique and consistent style.

The Dual Main Camera features a 54MP IMX800 Super Sensing Main Camera with f/1.9 aperture. It debuts the world’s first flagship 1/1.49-inch IMX800 Sensor, improving image performance and enabling users to capture more light for brighter and more detailed pictures. Equipped with a 50MP Ultra-Wide & Macro Camera with f/2.2 aperture, users can capture wider angles or close-ups with exceptional image quality. The front 32MP Super Clear Selfie Camera allows users to capture gorgeous selfies.

The HONOR 70 has been designed with a symmetrical Super Dual-Curved Screen, just 7.91mm thin and weighing 178g, effortlessly

fitting into small handbags and pockets. Fusing fashion and technology, advanced coating technologies produce a striking visual interpretation of light radiating over diamonds, making it the perfect fashion statement.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G Plus 5G 6nm SoC, the HONOR 70 delivers enhanced performance. It can handle intensive, heavy-duty tasks, bringing smooth graphics and real-time responses.

Supported by pioneering technology innovations, GPU Turbo X and OS Turbo X ensure superior communication, gaming, and more. Its Anti-aging Engine intelligently cleans up system junk files to provide more storage space.

Its screen supports 1.07 billion colors, 100% DCI-P3, and HDR 10+, bringing vivid colors in sharp and crisp detail. It is also equipped with industry-leading Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Dimming technology of 1920Hz, providing ambient lighting for a comfortable viewing experience. A dynamic refresh rate of 120Hz and a 300Hz touch sampling rate brings increased efficiency and a faster touch response speed when gaming or scrolling through social media.

The HONOR 70 is equipped with an ultra-large 4800mAh battery with 66W Wired SuperCharge technology to deliver a full day of uninterrupted use. Using the included charger, the phone can be charged from 3% to 60% in just 20 minutes.

It is the first smartphone in the HONOR N Series to boast the latest HONOR Magic UI 6.1 based on Android 12, offering a range of enhanced, customized features to provide greater convenience and productivity for users.

It is available in Midnight Black and Crystal Silver.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

PHP26,990

Smartphone

HONOR X6

COMPLETING ITS ENTRY level

X-series lineup, the HONOR X6 is equipped with an expandable storage up to 1TB , a 5000mAh battery, and a 50MP main camera fit for budgetconscious tech savvy.

The 50MP main camera of HONOR X6 has a depth lens to capture main subjects accurately with smooth background blur. It also has a lens is for macro photography, perfect for zoom shots, and observing the miniature world in subtle detail.

The high capacity 5000mAh battery provides plenty of power to last all day, designed to avoid power anxiety for on-the-go people and travelers. It can run for up to 17 hours of online video playback or 31 hours of online music playback. With 128GB max storage, users can download their favorite content at any time, without ever having to delete their photos and videos.

It is offered in two color options: Titanium Silver and Midnight Black.

Smartphone PHP7,490

XIAOMI 12T SERIES

XIAOMI RECENTLY unveiled its latest flagship smartphone series globally— Xiaomi 12T Series. Equipped with cutting-edge technology features, both the 12T Pro and 12T feature Xiaomi’s latest imaging system.

The Xiaomi 12T Series flagships feature pro-grade cameras that offer users an exceptional smartphone photography experience. Featuring a pro-grade 200MP imaging system backed by ground-breaking hardware and Xiaomi’s advanced AI algorithms, the Xiaomi 12T Pro delivers superb imagery with high clarity, strong night photography, and quick focusing. These, together with various other optimizations, allow the capturing of fine details even in low-light conditions or when shooting fast-moving subjects without losing focus.

The camera also features in-sensor 2x zoom that can utilize the capabilities of the large 1/1.22” sensor size to take ideal portraits. With Xiaomi ProCut and Ultra burst, Xiaomi 12T Pro helps you intelligently crop and create professional-looking content. To unlock moviemaking creativity, Xiaomi 12T Pro supports 8K video in full resolution.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12T implements a triple camera array: a 108MP pro-grade primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. Powerful low-light capabilities deliver crisp and bright pictures even in challenging situations.

Xiaomi 12T Pro is equipped with the best Snapdragon processor with a leading 4nm TSMC manufacturing process,

PHP21,999

Smartphone

significantly enhancing CPU and GPU performance and reducing power consumption. Equipped with a heat dissipation system comprised of a larger vapor chamber and higher thermal material coverage, the Xiaomi 12T Pro provides a smooth user experience and excellent power efficiency without overheating.

Xiaomi 12T is powered by MediaTek’s leading chipset — MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Ultra, built on the 5nm TSMC manufacturing process. The chip is fully upgraded with an allnew GPU structure, increasing performance and power efficiency, as well as clock, cache, and storage speeds, leading to a much faster user experience. Whether capturing incredible photos and videos, watching movies, or scrolling social media, Xiaomi 12T delivers peak performance across all your favorite moments.

Xiaomi 12T Series offers incredible battery life plus exceptionally fast charging. Both phones have a large 5,000mAh battery and feature 120W HyperCharge. Both can be charged to 100% in as quickly as 19 minutes and ready for up to 13.5 hours of screenon time. Additionally, with Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge, the devices learn users’ day-to-day charging routines to optimize long-term battery health. Supported by Xiaomi’s long-lasting battery and supercharging, users can confidently go anywhere, do anything, and never miss a moment.

A mega viewing experience is given with Xiaomi 12T Series’ 6.67” CrystalRes AMOLED display. With 1220p resolution and over 68 billion colors, both are perfectly designed to balance clarity, colorful details, and power efficiency. The display is also enhanced by smart features such as AdaptiveSync, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content viewed. Meanwhile, for all users who interact with their phones for prolonged periods. Finally, Adaptive Reading mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted to improve eye comfort.

Accented with an iconic premium design element, the curve frosted back of the Xiaomi 12T Series ensures reduced fingerprints on the back panel, along with compact in-hand feel. It is offered in three colors: Black, Silver, and Blue.

XIAOMI SMART BAND 7 PRO

THE XIAOMI

SMART BAND 7 Pro has everything you need to #StepUpYourStyle while meeting all your needs in a premium fitness tracker. It continuously monitors your heart rate, sleep, blood-oxygen, and has various exercise modes. In addition, it also supports smart notifications, music and camera controls, the find my phone feature, and even support for voice commands.

Featuring a 1.64-inch AMOLED high-resolution display, advanced UI designs, and over 150 built-in watch faces, everything is just too magnificent to miss. It also has over 110 sports modes covering both outdoor and indoor sports, water-resistant (up to 5ATM), built-in GPS, plus up to 12-day battery life.

THIS ALL-IN-ONE TABLET is perfect for gamers, movie-enthusiasts, and tech-savvy individuals who are looking for a top-notch, budgetfriendly tablet.

It is available in two models: one with 4GB of RAM, and another with 6GB of RAM. Both feature 128GB of internal memory, a fast processor, long battery capacity, quad speakers, and stunning HD display, among other things.

The Redmi Pad’s 10.61-inch screen provides a smooth viewing experience with a 90Hz refresh rate. This allows users to browse, scroll, and play games in a highly responsive way. They can also just sit back and enjoy their favorite Netflix series without eye strain as the device is both SGS low visual fatigue certified and TÜV Rheinland accredited for its ability to reduce glare under low lighting conditions.

Dolby Atmos-supported quad speakers and stereo speakers offer users an immersive experience. Whether you’re on a call or sharing entertainment with loved ones, the Redmi Pad gives the best sound possible. During in-group video chats, the use of FocusFrame technology

allows the tablet to automatically switch to a wider view when it detects multiple people, thus making sure no one gets left out.

The 8MP 105-degree ultra-wide front camera is designed for taking stunning selfies and groupies together with friends.

The MediaTek Helio G99 powers Redmi Pad’s versatility and smooth experience. Built on a highly efficient 6nm process, this advanced chipset ensures smooth functionality with every app and everyday task.

Long battery life is important for people using their tablet for work, entertainment, or studying. For this reason, Redmi Pad offers up to 8,000mAh of power, with 18W fast charging, plus it comes with a 22.5W in-box charger.

Lightweight, thin and powerful, the Redmi Pad measures only 7.05mm thin and weighs just 445g — perfect to take with you wherever you go to enjoy everything and anything you do. It has a great in-hand feel courtesy of its high-quality metal unibody design. It is available in Graphite Gray, Moonlight Silver, and Mint Green.

REDMI PAD

REDMI BUDS 4

Wireless Earbuds PHP2,499

THE REDMI BUDS 4 WIRELESS EARBUDS sports an original design, a comfortable fit, clear calls, and dual transparency mode which makes for effortless communication even with your earbuds on, keeping you connected to your surroundings while you #FocusOnTheBeat.

It has an impressive active noise cancellation of up to 35dB hybrid. This means, whether you’re outdoors, on

the bus or metro, the Redmi Buds 4 blocks noise so that you can make highquality phone calls, or enjoy your Zoom meetings, without missing a single word, or just fixate on your playlist.

Its 10mm dynamic driver 0.006mm ultra-thin diaphragm makes listening to your favorite songs a pleasant experience, making the voice sound crisper, the lower frequencies fuller, and the treble brighter.

When switching between Music Mode and Chat Mode, just do a long-press to enter dual transparency mode, then say hi to friends even with your earbuds on.

It also boasts of having a long battery life. Enjoy up to 6 hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours when paired with a charging case. Fast charge is also supported — get up to 1 hour of music playback from just 5 minutes of charging.

REDMI BUDS 4 PRO

The Redmi Buds 4 Pro features 12nm flagship chips which bring about strong performance and lower power consumption. It is known for its Hi-Fi sound quality, immersive sound, and AI-adaptive noise cancellation tech that blocks up to 99.3% of external noise — allowing you to fully enjoy #TheSoundYouWant.

In addition, the product is certified by Hi-Res Audio Wireless and supports LDAC audio codec at transmission speeds of up to 990kbps. It also features a dual dynamic driver system consisting of a 10mm aluminum alloy diaphragm and a 6mm titanium diaphragm for treble frequencies. Together, they combine to deliver

crystal-clear treble and rich bass in a wide range of genres.

For a truly immersive experience when watching videos, Xiaomi uses a proprietary HRTF sound algorithm, simulating real-life sound to deliver a truly immersive experience.

As for battery life, you can listen to your favorite playlists non-stop for up to 9 hours a single charge, and up to 36 hours when used with the charging case. In case you’re in a hurry and forgot to recharge, a quick 5-minute charge gives you up to 2 hours of auditory enjoyment.

Wireless Earbuds PHP3,999

Nokia C31

PHP8,490

A DEVICE THAT’S BEAUTIFUL to look at and tough under the surface, the Nokia C31 meets industry-leading durability standards required by HMD Global, so users know it can handle life’s most hectic moments, courtesy of IP52 protection and durable build quality.

An incredible three-day battery coupled with AI-powered battery-saving technology ensures the Nokia C31 is a trusted partner to do and go wherever one wants. Super Battery Saver mode lets users choose where energy savings should be made, so they can still access the key features needed when they’re running on low battery.

The Nokia C31’s triple rear and selfie cameras powered by Camera by Google deliver incredible images day or night — including beautifully blurred portrait shots on the selfie camera and powerful night imagery. Fans will never be surprised by the ‘storage full’ notification as the phone tells users exactly how much storage is left.

The improved 6.7” HD display brings users’ experiences to life in brilliant definition, whether when streaming their favorite show, answering emails on the sofa, or taking a trip down memory lane looking through photos. It also comes with the GoPro Quik App pre-installed so users can shoot, edit and share their creativity from anywhere.

The device’s security is convenient with its fingerprint sensor and face unlock that works even with a protective mask on for quick yet secure access. Signature HMD Global security promises are included as standard so that fans can get two years of quarterly security updates.

Taking full advantage of Android 12, the Nokia C31 lets users enjoy the newest innovations from Google.

Dynamic color personalities, the look and feel of the phone based on its wallpaper, and conversation widgets put the people users care about front and center on the home screen. With fewer preloads, this software means one can maximize their data plan and storage.

The Nokia C31 comes in 4GB+128GB memory and storage configurations in Charcoal and Mint colors.

Smartphone

Nokia X30 5G

THE MOST ECO-FRIENDLY Nokia smartphone yet, the Nokia X30 5G sports a new planet-friendly design made of robust and recycled materials but with zero compromise on performance, including the best-ever PureView photography.

Designed in Finland with less plastic and fewer chemicals, the Nokia X30 5G is built from a 100 percent recycled aluminum frame and 65 percent recycled plastic back.

Its big pixel 50MP PureView camera uses AI and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to capture content in even greater detail. The Nokia X30 5G features an all-new, intuitive dropdown menu giving users faster access to the most used camera settings. Capture Fusion brings the power of the main camera to the ultrawide-angle shots for more details in the center of the picture. Meanwhile, Night Mode 2.0 — with Dark Vision, Tripod Mode, and Night Selfie — gives sharper and more vibrant shots even after sundown.

Nokia X30 5G’s camera is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass with DX+, permitting 98 percent of all light through the lens to deliver industry-leading optical performance and scratch resistance.

Sporting the best display on a Nokia phone yet, Nokia X30 5G with its 6.43” 90Hz PureDisplay delivers a smoother, more responsive experience. The AMOLED PureDisplay technology

means more brightness and vibrant colors to make streaming, scrolling, browsing, and holding the device a joy.

Power up faster than ever with 33W fast charging and enjoy its signature twoday battery life remaining healthy even after years of charging. Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 to optimize the potential of 5G, Nokia X30 5G is ready for long-term use.

The Nokia X30 5G comes with three standard OS upgrades so users can enjoy new features beyond Android 12.

Equipped to securely store the most private and personal information, the device has up to three years of monthly security updates guaranteed for the user’s peace of mind.

For businesses, the Nokia X30 5G is verified by Google Android Enterprise Recommended.

It comes in Cloudy Blue color, with 8GB + 256GB memory and storage configuration.

THE ZERO ULTRA boasts an industry-first 180W Thunder Charge, which can take the phone from 0 to 100% battery power in only 12 minutes. That means you spend less time plugged to the wall and more time doing the things you love and exploring your different passions.

On top of the Thunder Charge, the ZERO ULTRA is also a premium package. It’s 5G-ready thanks to the all-around 6nm Dimensity 920 5G processor, letting you enjoy the online world seamlessly. It has an impressive 200MP ultra-resolution primary rear camera, the most powerful in its price range, that can snap crisp and stunning photos and videos for all the content you want to share with the world. Its 3D Curved 120Hz AMOLED Waterfall display is also dazzling and vibrant, while its textured glass and Star-Trail design is something you’ll definitely want to show off.

INFINIX ZERO ULTRA

Smartphone

PHP21,999

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A LAPTOP THIS COMING HOLIDAY SEASON

he holiday season is coming up and there’s no better way to find some new tech gear than this season. Brands and shops are offering huge discounts, so there’s no better time than to look for your perfect work-and-play companion.

But with so many brands and so many specs to choose from, it can be daunting to find a new laptop in this scenario. Don’t worry we’re here to help you decipher the dreaded tech jargon and find you your perfect laptop this season.

Find your need

First things first, when trying to find the perfect laptop, you first need to know what you really need in a laptop. Know whether you want an on-the-go machine with long-lasting battery life. A jack-of-all trait that can handle heavy work and game while you’re at it. An elegant thin-and-light that you can bring into the conference room. A sleek but powerful graphic editing machine, or an eye-catchy gaming behemoth with those gorgeous RGB.

Finding what you need makes it easier to narrow down the tech specs you’ll need to watch out for when looking for your next partner.

Know what to look for

Once you know what you need, you’ll need to know what to look for in the complicated technical specifications.

First off is the processor, regardless of what laptop you’re looking for, you’ll want to invest in a laptop with a good processor. You should consider getting one with at least an Intel Core i3 11th Gen or newer processor. For team red, you should find one that has at least a Ryzen 3 5000-series or newer processor.

A newer processor means more computing power and energy efficiency. There’s also a sense of future-proofing as newer chips mean longer usability

with more program support. When it comes to memory 8GB of DDR4 RAM may be enough for a light workload. But for those who need more multitasking or graphic rendering power, you might want to get 16GB or higher. If you can find a laptop with DDR5 even better as it is faster than the current standard DDR4. Also, check if the memory is soldered-on or replaceable. Replaceable memory means more room for future-proofing.

For storage, it depends solely on what you’re going to do. Most laptops these days come with at least 512GB of internal storage. That being said, look for a laptop that has SSD storage. Solid-state State Drives are now a must-have for newer laptop as it boosts performance with its blazing read and write speed. We also suggest asking

what the laptop’s storage is, NVMe M.2 SSD are great because its compact and powerful, but 2.5-inch SATA can do the job as well but a tad bit slower.

The last thing to consider is the included discrete graphics. Here you need to be sure what you need from a laptop. If you need a thin-andlight and energy-efficient laptop, we would dissuade you from getting a laptop with an onboard GPU as it adds weight, heat, and eats a ton of power. If you need a laptop for graphic-intensive work, then go for a laptop with a decent GPU, an RTX 3060 can give you enough power. For gamers who want to run the latest and greatest titles all in glorious ultrasetting then a laptop with an RTX 3070 and even an RTX 3080 should be on your sights. The downside is that these laptops then to be the bulkiest or if not, has the shortest battery lifespan on the market.

Meet MSI’s vast lineup of laptop

Now that you know what you need to look for, it’s time to choose which laptop is right for you. Luckily, MSI has your back with their multiple line of laptops you’ll be sure to find one

For the budget-conscious yet power user, the MSI Modern 14 or Modern 15 is right for you. MSI’s budget friendly Modernseries was made for someone who wants portability, power, and looks. It has up to an 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, Up to an Intel Iris Xe Graphics, up to 16GB of DDR4 3200 MHz of DDR4 RAM, and an ultra-portable body. But even as an “entry-level” laptop it has all the power you’ll need for your office work, Netflix binge sessions, and even some very light gaming.

For those who want a little more gaming power, there’s the MSI GF63 Thin or the MSI Katana GF66. These two laptops are mid-range laptops that offer bang-for-the-buck power and performance. These laptops have up to a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti for the GF63-Thin or up to an NVIDIA RTX 3070 in the Katana GF66.

These mid-range laptops can handle all the gaming needs you have. Plus the added bonus of 144Hz refresh rate displays means you can have a bit of competitive advantage in esports titles. For graphics work, you might want to forego the Modern 14/15 and look at laptops in this lineup or range instead because of the huge performance jump this has over entry-

Now if money is not an issue then you’ll definitely want to consider the MSI Vector GP66/76. The Vector GP66/76 is MSI’s crème de la crème, their most powerful gaming laptop. It has up to a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, and up to an NVIDIA RTX 3080. It also has an option of having a 4K 120Hz display or FHD 360 Hz display. Basically, it has all the highest-end specs you’ll want for a gaming-dedicated laptop.

For the business side of things if money is no issue, then the MSI Prestige 14 is the perfect companion for you. It also has up to a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, up to an NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics. It’s portable coming in at just 1.2kg and 15.9mm thin. Plus you’re extra protected with its myriad of security features such as a fingerprint unlock, IR Camera, and Find with Tile software.

Laptop hunting shouldn’t be hard for everyone this coming holiday season. Once you know what you’re looking for and what you need you’re sure to find the right one for you. Happy hunting everyone!

MSI Philippines is also having it’s Joyful Christmas promo from November 15 to December 31, 2022. You can check out the details and mechanics here: https://msi.gm/3tmLOoY

DELIVERING QUALITY FROM THE INSIDE OUT

igarettes have been on the market for as long as we can remember and you’ve probably read a ton of articles on why you should quit smoking cigarettes, citing reasons not just the harmful effects on our bodies but also the risks posed by secondhand and thirdhand smoke, even on nonsmokers. Of course, there’s also the lingering bad smell and taste of cigarette smoke.

It’s a struggle to quit cigarettes, and what most articles don’t tell you is the impact of abruptly quitting your nicotine intake. Fortunately, there are alternatives to smoking, including transitioning through vaping, which is a better substitute.

There are various types of vapes to choose from – mods, pens, and disposables – plus a large selection of flavors. One concern, however, is what components and ingredients go into those e-liquids.

RELX, the Philippines’ leading vape brand, offers a better alternative. You might assume that it’s just the same components that cigarettes have, but what you are about to find out will surprise you. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes RELX stand out.

THE RELX POD PRO AND WHAT’S INSIDE IT

The RELX Pod Pro has a 12 leakresistance maze technology built inside its pods to stop leakage even in flight. An ergonomic mouthpiece prevents a smoker’s line from developing around the mouth. Most significantly, its pods go through multiple levels of testing and quality control by its team of experts to ensure the best quality for users.

So what makes the RELX and RELX Pod Pro the best in the vape industry?

1. Food grade. The flavoring and the ingredients PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) used in RELX’s e-liquid are commonly used in cakes, bread, and food.

2. Tested to US and EU standards. The RELX e-liquid is tested against US drinking water and EU vegetable standards, passing these with flying colors.

3. Durability. RELX provides reliable products that are built to last. Their devices — Infinity, Essential, and Artisan — are durable and sustainable. Each product is designed with Super SmoothTM Technology, designed by world-class engineers. Moreover, the products undergo up to 200 quality checks. The same quality control applies to the e-liquid and pods

4. Sustainability. Unlike disposables and other vape mods that need parts replacement, RELX devices have a USB-C port that can last for up to 13 years with a normal plugging and unplugging of 5,000 times.

7. Trusted brand. Everywhere you look, there’s someone holding an Infinity or an Artisan in their hand or an Essential dangling from their neck. RELX is a brand that you can trust, and you can spot a RELX device from a mile away.

I used to be a heavy smoker until I decided I needed to change my lifestyle. When I discovered RELX, I immediately bought a Classic. I now use Infinity and I’ve had the same unit for over a year. What I adore about RELX is that one pod lasts 2-3 days, allowing me to save some money. I don’t have to worry about its battery dying since it can also go for 2-3 days, depending on my usage.

Since I stopped smoking cigarettes and switched to vaping, I’ve noticed

is now much easier as I don’t need to catch my breath. I don’t need to take a drag every minute, and the chest pains are gone.

So, out with the old and in with the new! If you’re searching for a trustworthy and quality vape brand, choose RELX and make the switch. Take it from me and the millions of RELX users across the globe.

5. Flavor choices. With 18 flavored pods, you have a wide selection of flavors to try that don’t leave a bad taste or lingering smell.

6. Authenticity. RELX provides useful services on its website such as a store locator that helps you find Official RELX Stores and Authorized Resellers in your area. In any case, if a store isn’t available near you, you can order directly from their official website or on their Flagship Lazada or Shopee stores. You can also verify your pods’ authenticity by scanning the pod’s QR Code or typing in the serial code of the device.

ACER ASPIRE VERO INTEL EVO

Last year, we tried Acer’s first “green” laptop, the Acer Aspire Vero. It was a great first attempt at making a laptop that’s environmentally friendly yet does not compromise in the performance department. A year later we now have its 2022 update, the Acer Aspire Vero Intel Evo edition, a worthy successor to Acer’s green laptop.

GREEN LAPTOP

DESIGN

Like the previous Aspire Vero, the new Intel Evo version is from of PostConsumer Recycled (PCR) Plastic. According to Acer, the body is made up of 30% PCR while the keypad is made up of 50% PCR Plastic. Like last year, even the box and packaging the laptop came in can be recycled or composed.

The new version of the Vero also sees a new smaller, 14-inch model. It’s much lighter and more portable than the 15.6-inch model. That said, if you need a bigger screen it still is available.

Our review unit was still the Cobblestone Gray color. There’s no difference in this department from last year. It’s gray with small yellow bits throughout. There are also the same laser-engraved Acer and Acer Aspire logo’s throughout the body of the laptop, of course, the Intel Evo branding was also laser engraved.

Opening the device you’ll be greeted by the 14-inch Full HD (1920 x1080) display. It’s much brighter than last year but is still locked to a 60Hz refresh rate. The 14-inch model also had much smaller bezels than last year’s model.

Beneath the display is the full-sized keyboard, like last year typing feels good. Below that still is the OceanGlass touchpad, which Acer says was made from Ocean bound plastic trash. On the touchpad is also the fingerprint reader which allows you to unlock the laptop via Windows Hello.

On the left of the device are the DC power input, the ThunderBolt 4 USB-C port, a full-sized HDMI port, USB 3.2 Type-A port, a 3.5mm mic and audio combo port, and two LED notification lights. On the right is the Kensington Lock, and a USB 2.0 Type-A port.

HARDWARE

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The Acer Aspire Vero Intel Evo is of course powered by an Intel processor. Our review unit had the Intel Core i7-1255U, a 12th Gen processor with 10 cores (2 performance cores, and 8 efficiency cores). Paired with the processor is the Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Additionally, our review unit had 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 1TB of PCIe SSD storage.

Benchmark looks good for the Intel Core i7 processor. PCMark 10 has it at 6365 points for productivity, while GeekBench 5 has it at 1588 for Single Core and 8014 for multi-core performance. For graphics, 3DMark Nightraid had 17,110 points.

Basically, this laptop was made for office productivity and light photo and video editing. You can also go for some light gaming. I tried running Valorant on it and managed 90 to 120 fps on high settings.

USER EXPERIENCE

I enjoyed the Acer Aspire Vero Intel Vero. From the typing experience to the portability, this model felt more natural to lounge around. It’s less bulky and lighter making it a perfect partner whenever I was on the go.

What makes this even more special was its battery life. During my time with it, I

found myself never rushing to an outlet. The rare time I did find it almost empty, I simply changed the power usage in the VeroSense software and I was good till I got home. If you do need to recharge, the USB-C charging is a lifesaver and a space saver. If you have a 67W fast charger for your phone and you’re all set.

Another thing that I noticed was how the PCR plastic body handled heat. During

benchmarks, I was amazed how the material didn’t get warm, unlike laptops with metal bodies.

Acer has equipped the Vero with productivity tools such as the Acer TNR webcam which uses AI to improve your webcam quality. There’s also the Acer PurifiedVoice which utilizes AI to reduce background noise on your mic for better call quality. It’s also Wi-Fi 6E ready for that more stable internet connection.

There are still some drawbacks with the Vero. The display, while did improve, is still not the best looking. The speakers also improved but were still not on par with the best out there. That said, the original Vero had to cut costs somewhere and I would assume the same is still true.

I also found the VeroSense app to be lacking. While you can adjust the power usage you’ll need to use their built-in presets. I wish that Acer could add a bit more to the app, such as fan speed control, CPU and GPU power draw monitors, and many other good stuff, though maybe nitpicking now.

Acer Aspire Vero Intel Evo

As of writing, Acer hasn’t revealed to us the price of the Acer Aspire Vero Intel Evo. Last year’s model was PHP 41,999 and if this laptop falls anywhere near that price it’s definitely a great bargain. Despite being a “green” laptop, it succeeds in being so much more and that is being a pretty great laptop by itself.

Processor: Intel Core i7-1255U

Display: 14-inch FHD display with Acer BluelightShield

Graphics: Intel Iris Xe

OS: Windows 11 Home

RAM: up 16GB LPDDR4 SO-DIMM Memory Storage: up to 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, Thunderbolt 4

Ports: 1x ThunderBolt 4, 1x DC In, 1x USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 1, 1x 3.5 au dio jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Kensington Lock, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A.

Battery: 48Whr

Features: Acer TNR Solution, Acer PurifiedVoice with AI Noise Reduction, Acer VeroSense, Acer TrueHarmony, Fingerprint Reader for Windows Hello Dimensions: 328.67 x 223.57 x 17.9mm

Weight: 1.5kg

AGV TOURMODULAR

Whether you’re an ATGATT kind of rider, or a sandals and shorts squid, you should be wearing a helmet when you get on a motorcycle. There is absolutely no shortage of lids in the market today, which is as much a blessing as it is a curse. Given all the brands, certifications, and even fakes out there, it’s imperative you get this decision right. Today, we have the Tourmodular by AGV, and as the name suggests, it’s modular.

REVIEWED BY REN ALCANTARA

MOTORCYCLE HELMET

DESIGN

For all its features, the Tourmodular is quite a sensible, plain-looking helmet. Available in Black, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Blue, and White, as well as black with a splash of hi-viz yellow, it really isn’t a lid that screams for attention. There aren’t any wild, macho graphics here. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is entirely up to the buyer.

In typical AGV style, there’s a lot going on with the Tourmodular. For ventilation, There are exhaust vents below a hump to ensure negative pressure. There’s a top vent that can be opened to help the airflow along, and through to the rear, and two chinbar vents that can be opened individually. The locking face shield opens with a large, glove-friendly button at front dead center, and the clear, pinlock-ready visor has a convenient crackedopen position to deliver airflow and fog control without compromising safety.

HARDWARE

Being a top-tier helmet, the Tourmodular does bring a lot to the table. The headliner feature is the latest ECE2206 certification that takes into consideration new safety information that better ensures rider safety. In the case of 2206, this includes keeping the rider safe from rotational forces during a crash. All helmets sold in Europe from 2024 have to conform to this standard, but taking new research into consideration is always a good thing. There are also differing densities to the EPS layer, again optimized for impact protection.

The helmet comes in three shell sizes, making fitment easy for different head shapes, without looking comically out of proportion for the outliers. The shell is composed of layers of carbon, aramid fiber, and fiberglass to ensure strength, rigidity, and slide resistance. This Combination also keeps the weight down to a surprising 1.62 Kg for the smallest shell size, which is surprisingly light for a modular lid.

If the name hasn’t clued you in already, it is, in fact, a modular helmet, and a wellexecuted one at that. Firstly, the lock to move the chin bar out of the way, is very

easily accessible, even with gloves. Lifting the chin up gives a very positive pop into the detent, so you know it’s secure. Pushing it further pops it into another detent, and a small latch near the hinge can then be actuated to lock the chinbar in place, allowing you to ride safely with it in the jet helmet configuration—the Tourmodular is P/J homologated, so it’s safe to do so.

The visor can easily be removed for cleaning or replacement, and has a provision for the included pinlock. If it gets sunny out, you can drop the tinted sun visor with a large slide on the left side of the helmet’s brim.

This AGV helmet is also extremely quiet for a modular. The chin curtain, excellent seals, and vent construction keeps noise to a minimum, although because of ECE regulations that require outside sounds to get through, it’s not going to be totally quiet.

The liner has three fabrics to ensure comfort during warm rides. Cool and breathable, with a memory foam layer, and great absorption properties come together to make a lid that’s excellent even when the temperatures rise. It’s also eyewearfriendly, which is a great boon if like me, you have prescription lenses.

To keep the profile down, AGV also offers compatibility with built-in comms (Made by Cardo) that tucks into recesses into the bottom and rear of the helmet, if that’s your kind of thing.

USER EXPERIENCE

Helmets should primarily be judged by their accreditation. I have to admit though, that the AGV just does things a little better. The hinge moves smoother, the latches and locks actuate positively, and everything is just that little bit more premium. This translates into a helmet that just feels better than a lot of the competition. You feel it in the liner, in the way things move and lock, and the little extras that make the whole thing more refined.

Little things like the easy-access visor lock that lets you open the lid just a crack, and keep it that way is a spectacularly good touch that I didn’t know I needed, but now don’t want to be without.

I tend to only buy modular helmets, partly because I have an unusually large head, but mostly because I am lazy. The P/J homologation is great, but what really sets it apart from other modulars is the

weight—low for its type, and the sound isolation. The seams are tight, the gasket around the visor and where the chin bar meets the rest of the shell, and the included chin curtain all contribute to a lid that’s fantastically quiet. The comm system I have attached has absolutely no trouble being heard, even at lower volumes. It still lets enough of the street sounds in to let you be aware of your surroundings.

Rain performance is similarly excellent. The same seals that keep the noise out do a spectacular job keeping water out, and the airflow brought about by the vents, and the locking micro-opening visor keep fog totally manageable.

There’s not much I don’t like about the Tourmodular. I do wish that there was a little bit more range in looking side to side. The shape of the brim tends to get in the way, catching on my shoulder when I try to glance behind me. There’s also a lack of interesting graphics, and lacking any interesting designs, I opted for a plain gray, with some hi-viz yellow—if I

can’t be stylish, I might as well go hi-viz. There is also a slew of available cheek pads that will tailor the fit according to your needs, but the website wasn’t particularly helpful in determining which does what, though I appreciate the customizability.

VALUE

Let’s address the elephant in the room. There are modular helmets out there that are a third of the price, with similar (though admittedly less comprehensive) safety homologation marks. The question that the AGV Tourmodular has to answer is if it is in fact thrice the helmet. The answer I will give is a hesitant “yes.” It is however, much better put together, is built to a higher safety standard, and overall feels much more premium than the competition. I would be very glad to pay the premium for the comfort alone, as it’s always a hard thing to dial in with modulars in my experience. If you’re on the fence, I implore you to give it a fit. I’m quite sure most people will agree.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 1.6kg

Shell sizes: 3

Head sizes: XS-XXL

Safety: ECE 22-06, P/J Homologated

WHAT'S HOT

 It’s made to the latest ECE 2206 safety standard

 Superb fit and finish

 Additional options

 Plain color schemes

 Shape gets in the way of shoulder checks

 Price

WHAT'S NOT BOTTOMLINE

There’s a good reason it’s probably the best modular helmet you can get at the moment.

ONEPLUS 10T 5G

Convenience, style, performance, and speed — these are the criteria that, as users, we look for in a smartphone. OnePlus delivers all four in one powerful device, the 10T 5G. With its evolutionary speed, the OnePlus 10T 5G surpasses expectations.

REVIEWED BY FRANCESKA AGUILA

HARDWARE

The OnePlus 10T 5G runs on OxygenOS based on Android 12 and is powered by a flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 that delivers x4 speed and the most advanced platform that Qualcomm offers. It also features a 6.7” 120Hz Fluid Display with 10-bit color for accurate colors and top-tier brightness, plus 120Hz adaptive frame rate. Our test unit has 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. Its battery is 4800mAh with a 150W SUPERVOOC fast charger. Its triple rear camera consists of an 50MP wide with an IMX766 sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro. The front camera is 16MP wide and includes HDR.

DESIGN

Our review unit came in a stunning Jade Green color. Its front and back are made of glass and are supported by a plastic frame. Despite its glass material, the smartphone is durable. The package includes a red USB-C cable, a 125W SUPERVOOC charger, two hard protective cases, a pin ejector, and a user manual.

The power button is on the right side; the volume rocker is on the left; the USB-C charging port and sim card tray are both located at the bottom; the fingerprint scanner is in-display; the rear and front cameras are at their usual placements.

USER EXPERIENCE

When the test unit arrived, I felt like a child unwrapping her gift on Christmas day, as the box that the phone came in was as large as a shoebox. When I took out the phone, I was in awe to see the OnePlus 10T 5G. It was a gorgeous smartphone made of glass, luxurious to the touch, and far one of my favorite designs. In addition, as I tested whether its performance lived up to the hype, I was pleased that it did not disappoint.

First, camera performance and quality are remarkable. The IMX766 sensor enhances stability when capturing photos and videos, and although the colors were slightly off, the results are crisp and sharp.

Second, the OnePlus 10T 5G uses a Fluid AMOLED display, so videos are buttery smooth, colors are vivid with true black, and the screen is bright. You also have the option to change your screen’s color display on its Screen Color mode, including a video color enhancer and a bright HDR video.

You won’t have any issues playing mobile games with the 10T 5G. Just like watching videos, gaming

graphics are as smooth and seamless. I didn’t experience overheating or crashing, and the games did not lag.

Another plus point for media consumption on this smartphone are its dual speakers that produce crisp and clear sounds.

Its performance is unquestionable. With the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the OnePlus 10T 5G is without doubt a fast smartphone. Launching and switching between applications can be done in a snap.

Last but not the least, its 4800mAh battery can last you the whole day, depending on your usage. Its charging capability is also very impressive, as you can get your phone from 0% to 100% in just 20 minutes with the 150W SUPERVOOC charger.

Chipset: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 OS: OxygenOS based on Andoird 12 Storage: 16GB RAM, 256GB internal storage

Display: 6.7” Fluid AMOLED Display Refresh Rate: 120Hz (adaptive) Dimensions: 163 x 75.4 x 8.8 mm Front/Back: Glass front and back Battery: 4800mAh, USB-C 150W SUPERVOCC Charger

Camera: Triple (Main) 50MP wide with IMX766 sesnor, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro / Front 16MP wide

Fingerprint: In-display / Oprical Colors: Moonstone Black, Jade Green

Package Includes: USB-C cable and 150W SUPERVOOC charger, user manual, two protective hard cases, pin ejector

REVIEWED BY GRABRIEL PE

REALME 10

SMARTPHONE

realme has always set a high bar for bang-for-the-buck smartphones. Now, the new realme 10 offers a performance-packed, value-for-money smartphone for Pinoy tech enthusiasts this coming holiday season.

DESIGN

The realme 10 comes in two color designs, Clash White and Rush Black. Ours came in the Clash White variant, and, boy, does it look good.

The Clash White is more of a combination of three colors, orange yellow, blue, and a bit of violet in the middle — it resembles a rainbow with the color seamlessly shifting to another.

The realme 10’s display is a 6.4-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2400) super AMOLED. It has a 90Hz refresh rate and a 180Hz touch sampling. It’s also great to know that the display is Corning Gorilla Glass 5 giving you peace of mind in case you dropped it. While most phones are adopting the 120Hz refresh rate, 90Hz is still good enough.

The realme 10 looks similar to the earlier realme 9 smartphone. The only difference is the camera setup on the 10, which sports only a rear dual-camera setup instead of the 9’s triple. Like the realme 9, the realme 10’s selfie camera is located at the upper left corner of the display to enable a more immersive gaming experience.

On the phone’s left is the sim-card tray and microSD slot (expandable up to 1TB). On the right are the volume keys, and the power button that doubles as the fingerprint reader. At the top of the smartphone is just the microphone hole. At the bottom are the 3.5mm headphone jack, the USB-C charging port, another

mic hole, and the single downward-firing speaker.

The phone is ultra-slim, coming in at just 7.95mm thin. Surprisingly, its squarish body isn’t difficult to hold, thanks to a much thinner design coming in at just 73.3mm wide.

HARDWARE

Inside the realme 10 is a MediaTek Helio G99 processor. While many would scoff at a MediaTek processor, the Helio G99 is an upgrade from the realme 9’s Snapdragon 680. The processor is mated to a Mali-G57 MC2. Our review unit also had 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

As mentioned earlier, the storage is upgradeable up to 1TB via a MicroSD card. The RAM can also increase up to 5GB via realme’s Dynamic RAM Expansion, which uses a bit of the internal storage.

There’s no 5G connectivity, so bear that in mind if you’re considering this phone.

It scored 395851 in Antutu V9.5, 565 in Geekbench single core, and 1748 in multi-core. In the real world, the processor was great for multitasking and gaming. It can run esports titles like League of Legends: Wild Rift at the highest settings without dropping frames. The processor is also powerful enough to run heavy titles like Genshin Impact with no problem.

The realme 10 has a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel Color AI camera and a secondary 2-megapixel Black and White lens for better portraits. Despite the smaller megapixel count compared to the realme 9’s shooter, the realme 10 produces equal, sometimes better, and sharper images. The selfie camera is a 16-megapixel shooter, which looks good, especially in the natural mode.

In terms of video, the realme 10 can only shoot up to 1080p with 60fps. I think this is a letdown considering how many devices now support 4K 30 fps and how good the camera was. Another thing you need to know is that the dual camera lacks an ultra-wide angle lens, but I honestly don’t think that’s an issue with how wide the main camera is.

As for the battery, the realme 10 has a 5000mAh battery that support’s the brand’s 33W SuperVOOC charging. According to realme, it can charge the device from 0% to 50% in just under 30-minutes. While I have yet to test that claim, I did find the optimized night charging to be the highlight of the battery. Optimized night charging allows you to plug the device in at night and it will slow-charge, only fully charging the device just before you wake up.

The realme 10 runs on realme’s realme UI 3.0 on Android 12. It has been a while since I last reviewed a realme device and I was disappointed by the number of bloatware now included. Thankfully these can be uninstalled, but that process will take some time.

That said, the phone is an excellent media-consumption machine. The super AMOLED display makes for some enjoyable Netflix-binge sessions. What is even more impressive is the speaker. Despite being a single downward-firing speaker, it is able to produce loud and good-quality audio, enough to fill a small room.

For gaming, I was able to play Wild Rift consistently without the phone dropping frames or getting hot. When I played Genshin Impact, the phone did get warm but never to the point of concern.

Battery life was great too, it lasted me a whole day of somewhat moderate use. It was able to last me a whole day without any need for a power bank. I also noticed that despite a two-hour anime binge on Netlfix, the phone only consumed around 5 to 10% battery, so you can expect it to last a whole day of binge-watching during the weekends.

8GB + 256GB variant, the realme 10 is a compelling buy. The extra discounts on the upcoming 11.11 sale make this phone extra worth it if you’re in the market for a new smartphone.

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2400) Super AMOLED display with 90 Hz refresh rate and 180 Hz touch sampling

Processor: MediaTek Helio G99

GPU: Mali-G57 MC2

OS: realme UI 3.0 over Android 12

RAM: 8GB (up to 13 GB via Dynamic RAM Expansion)

International Storage: 128GB or 256 GB (expandable up to 1 TB via MicroSD)

Camera: Front: 16-megapixel; Rear: 50-megapixel Color AI + 2-megapixel Black and White Lens

Battery: 5000 mAh (with 33W SuperVOOC charge)

Connectivity: Dual Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3

Dimension: 159.9 x 73.3 x 7.95mm

Weight: 178g

Colors: Clash White, Rush Black

Coming at PHP12,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and PHP14,999 for the

Cover story

‘TIS THE SEASON

SEASON OF GIVING,

Words by Franceska Aguila

As we’re gradually recovering from the pandemic, in-person activities and gatherings have started to come back. However some people are still hesitant to attend face-to-face events. Given no choice but to adapt, we’ve incorporated hybrid living into our daily routines, from classes to work to hangouts. Just like technology, gift-giving has shifted to digital, and here, we’re sharing some ideas on how we can celebrate this season of giving and sharing, virtually.

MODERN-DAY GIFTING

The pandemic changed almost everything we know about our lives and for a solid 2 years, we revolved around hybrid working and schooling, social media, and online shopping. This impacted how we interact with our friends and family, especially with those who are only reachable virtually.

Online shopping and other online transactions became a huge thing during the pandemic. People were buying items without having to leave the comforts of home, and being able to receive them same-day or in a short period of time was among its perks.

We’ve learned to do the same for gift-giving — shop online and have the gift delivered to the recipient’s address.

CONCERT TICKETS

For friends and family members who are into live music, concert tickets are among the most memorable gifts you can buy because, on top of the tickets, you’re also gifting them an experience they’ll always treasure. You can send them e-tickets from Ticketmelon, with the concert tickets going directly to the recipient’s e-mail address or by accessinging Ticketmelon’s website or mobile application.

CHRISTMAS 2022

GAME GIFT CARDS

For friends, siblings, or cousins who are into gaming, you can always get gift cards from Steam. What’s good about gifting through this platform is that you can send it from overseas.

E- GIFT CERTIFICATES

If you’re undecided about what to get your friends and loved ones, you can always send them a gift certificate, such as those available from Sodexo, accepted in multiple merchant partners ranging from clothing and apparel shops to supermarkets and specialty stores.

For mobile gamers, you can send them in-game currency from Codashop and they can avail of the latest battle pass or purchase a legendary skin.

2022 GIFT IDEAS

HANDwRITTEN lETTERS + GIFTS

Some say that handwritten letters are outdated, but for sentimental people who want to give something sweet to their loved ones, Liham Studio will write that letter for you, and include flowers and chocolates. You can have them package your gift along with a letter, and they will deliver it to your loved ones.

SEASONAl GIFT SETS

Seasonal gift sets are great for your friends and family. With exclusive and seasonal offers from brands, there’s a variety to choose from, ranging from books to candles to essential oils to beauty products.

E-CASH

Still no idea what to give? Cash is always an easy option. With multiple online wallets accessible to everyone, you can transfer money to your loved ones via GCash, Maya, GrabPay, and even PayPal.

HAPPY HOLIDAY! lEvERAGING GATHERINGS IN THE

NEw NORMAl

Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

As the world slowly opens up and adapts to the new normal, hybrid gatherings are becoming the trend. Similar to hybrid learning, guests can choose between two options—being physically present in the venue or remotely connected through gadgets and tools. This brings everyone closer together while providing flexibility and convenience.

wHY CHOOSE TO GO HYbRID?

There are several factors why hybrid events are preferred by most people, especially in the corporate setting. According to an article by Forbes, going hybrid allows companies to enjoy the perks of in-person and virtual events. It reduces the overall cost, provides an alternative solution for unstable travel and health restrictions, attracts more attendees, and upscales social gatherings by being more engaging to both types of audiences. This also applies to more intimate occasions such as reunions, Christmas and birthday parties, and weddings.

HOLIDAY!

HOw TO START?

To execute a successful hybrid event, you must know which platforms to use, which tools to operate, and who your audience is. This helps determine the channels where you stream the event and the software to access it. Knowing the attendees is also important to set the theme and other essential details of your planned event.

TOOlS AND SOFTwARE THAT M AKE HYbRID EvENTS S pECIAl

Streaming is the heart of every hybrid gathering. A stable Internet connection and equipment are a must to make the most out of it. Full high-definition web and DSLR cameras, beginner-friendly audio mixers, mobile lapel microphones, green screens, and portable lighting are good investments for DIY live streams. Live streaming is ideal for Christmas gatherings and casual gettogethers since interactions are real-time. On the other hand, businesses usually pre-record their product launches and award ceremonies for seamless post-production.

Because of online learning, a plethora of live-streaming software and applications are made available through a paid subscription or for free public consumption. For formal events, there are Microsft Teams and Zoom,

which you can use for broadcasting live holiday parties, corporate events, press conferences, and gatherings. Its premium subscription allows more audience and encrypted live conferences that are more secure.

Should you want to catch up with your loved ones, you should access Discord. Apart from lesser data bandwidth and free download for its mobile and desktop versions, it is good for live movie streaming, audio calls, and online gaming. The only caveat is that video streaming in voice channels is limited to 50 users.

An all-in-one software eliminates the hassle of live production and postproduction of online special events. Vimeo Studio 6, a subscription live streaming service, doesn’t miss all the moments. It color-corrects videos, mixes sound on the fly, and provides a multi-camera setup for users that’s very convenient for live stream events. You can then host live videos directly from Vimeo and customize the room access for security. Streamlabs, on the other hand, is for beginners who value a user-friendly interface. It is more customizable, offers multistream to more social media platforms, and claims to stream with little to no delay. Most importantly, it is free!

When partnered with live streaming software, interactive tools such as Kahoot, AhaSlides, Brightful, and Slido offers a more exciting hybrid party icebreaker. These game-based learning tools have unique animations that attract more feedback for a topic or question from your online and face-to-face audience.

During the pandemic, the spotlight was also on online multiplayer mobile and video games for smaller groups. The former is more popular due to its accessibility, while bigger groups prefer the latter. Like the quiz apps previously mentioned, multiplayer games motivate camaraderie to accomplish missions and tasks for the audience. It allows them to take the shoes of the in-game characters and connects people even if they are apart. All you need is a stable wi-fi connection and a laptop with decent specifications for casual gaming or a mobile smartphone with at least 256GB of memory for larger storage capacity. Notable multiplayer PC games are The Jackbox Party Pack franchise, Dead by Daylight, Don’t Start franchise, and Prop and Seek.

HYbRID EvENTS IN A NuTSHEll

The new normal pushed us beyond our boundaries, making people wiser and tech more innovative through the years. This only shows that globally, society continues to adapt and improve to meet complex needs. However, one must consider the schedule and timezone before mounting a hybrid event. It is also essential to recognize the presence of breakout sessions for the remote audience, the right environment of venue, sensitivity to communication approach for virtual and in-person guests, the type of content to produce for a particular platform, and the kind of program flow that works best for the target market. When not realized, these factors can either make or break the hybrid gathering you are planning.

WHERE TO FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

The holidays are upon us, and that means a whole lot of merry gatherings!

This year is also doubly special as most pandemic restrictions have finally been lifted. So to make your Christmas gathering even more special, here are some destinations you can go to and what you need to prepare for.

Make it a Christmas on the beach

The holiday season has always presented itself as a cool holiday, with images of ice and snow. However, for us in the Pacific, this vision is largely a myth with the weather just being slightly cooler but still tropical.

Still, you can make your holiday season extra special by spending it at the beach! With most of the country’s beaches back in full swing, why not take the whole clan with you and spend an extra memorable holiday at sea? If you’re in Luzon why not visit La Union’s famous San Juan beach and catch some waves with your kin? If you want to fly, why not visit Siquijor and have a relaxing stay at this mystical island?

Most of the country is already open to local tourists. This means you don’t need to get tested prior to entry nor have any apps on standby. However, protocols still differ per area, so you might be asked to present travel/health documents. Make sure to check local guidelines at your destination. Also, always carry your vaccination cards (or a digital copy) as you’ll never know when you might need them.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Spend Christmas in the wilderness

If the beach is not your cup of tea, why not head toward the mountains? Camping in the country’s mountains may be the next big thing for your clan. It’s a great bonding experience with young and old all pitching in their part to start camp.

There’s also the serenity and quiet of the wilderness that help you reconnect to each other and to mother nature. Plus the lack of cell sites and quick power access means tech won’t be a hindrance to your bonding experience.

Should you prefer the modern world conveniences, there are also “glamping” sites all over. Glamorous camping or “glamping” is camping in luxury mode. Campsites function akin to resorts that come with many fun amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, hot and cold showers, wi-fi, and electricity, among others.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Like the beach, going camping in different provinces would entail following their local protocol and guidelines so make sure to keep updated before going. You’ll also want to know what the campsites offer, or you might end up sleeping on just the ground. Being outside, you’ll also need to consider the weather, the wildlife (more of the creepy crawly side), and the terrain to get to the campsite. Also prepare loads of sunscreen, water, food, and first aid.

Photo by Jonathan Forage on Unsplash

Travel abroad

Travel restrictions have also been lifted in most other countries, and airlines are using this opportunity to recuperate losses by offering huge discounts on both domestic and international flights. So why not take this opportunity to spend your Christmas with loved ones abroad?

While we are known as the most festive Christmas country, experiencing other traditions in other countries will help kids and adults alike be more open-minded to other cultures. Most of the world does celebrate Christmas, but their ways are certainly different from ours. For example, Japan celebrates it more as a special day rather than a holiday. Consider flying to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and the rest of Southeast Asia, as these are the destinations with the most discounted fares from airlines.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Not all countries have the same COVID protocols so you need to diligently research their guidelines when entering the country. You’ll need to know the travel requirements like visas for the countries you’re visiting. Beyond that, you’ll also need to be vaccinated with at least one booster shot in order to re-enter the Philippines. You’ll need to fill out the One Health Pass prior to your flight back so best be prepared.

The old reliable staycation

If going out is too much, you can always rely on the good ‘ole staycation within the metro. Holidays are also promo season for most of the local hotels within the city offering decent rates. There’s no better way to relieve stress than to have a relaxing stay at a hotel. A fun tip is to try and book early for larger discounts.

You can also opt to stay in a hotel near the city’s myriad shopping malls so you can enjoy a bit of shopping without the dreaded holiday rush. Plus staying near the mall would let you enjoy the lights or fireworks shows from a vantage point. Not one for shopping? How about dining at the different Christmas feasts offered this time of year? Also, try bringing some board or card games and spend some quality time with the kids.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Staycations may be the most worryfree option on the list. As the metro eases restrictions, you’ll probably only need your vaccine certificate when staying in a hotel. You can book your stay, and relax when you get there. You can check out the fun onsite activities offered, such as Christmas displays, buffets, and even fireworks shows.

Everything is opening up for the Christmas season, and we finally have options about where we can celebrate. Still, with all the excitement and hustle and bustle, we need to remember what the holidays are about… family. Cherish the holiday season together with your loved ones.

Happy holidays everyone!

ELECTRIC MOBILITY AT HOME

The world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, was showcased at the 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit held last October 20-21, 2022, at the SMX Convention Center in Metro Manila.

Since its introduction, over 260,000 units of the Outlander PHEV have been sold across Europe, North America, Japan, and Australia. With its all-electric operation for everyday use and mainly motor-powered hybrid operation for longer journeys, this model aims to promote greener energy alternative and self-sustainability for better care of our environment.

The Outlander PHEV is the result of Mitsubishi’s long-time development of electrification technology, 4WD expertise, and Super All-Wheel Control or S-AWC technology. It offers energy efficiency and

a smooth driving experience by utilizing a twin-motor 4WD system and a unique PHEV architecture.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) also featured the Dendo Drive House (DDH), a smarthome system featuring the Vehicleto-Home energy ecosystem. With the Outlander PHEV, a bi-directional charger, solar panels, and an electric storage facility

designed for home use, installing this system at home allows charging of the EV or PHEV using solar generated power. Not only does this technology help save on electricity costs, but it also acts as a back-up power generator during power interruptions or other emergencies.

In addition to charging the Outlander PHEV, the DDH Vehicle-To-Home (V2H) energy ecosystem can also supply electricity back to the home. For daily use, this lessens dependency on the grid for operating appliances. During black-outs, it can also serve as a back-up generator.

In the Philippines, being one of the world’s most disaster prone countries, both the DDH technology and the Outlander PHEV’s external power feeding function can directly support calamity-affected communities.

Learn more about the brand and its pioneering work in vehicle electrification by visiting the website. Also like and follow @MitsubishiMotorsPH on Facebook and Instagram.

"In the Philippines, being one of the world’s most disaster prone countries, both the DDH technology and the Outlander PHEV’s external power feeding function can directly support calamity-affected communities."

Filipino families usually take advantage of the holiday season to scout and look for an upgrade to their family vehicle. On top of their checklist are safety features, modern design, and now, fuel efficiency — three characteristics that the Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu mu-X offer. With their 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and luxurious styling, these models are often on the shortlist of the best family vehicles to buy.

Now, with the continued increase in fuel prices, Isuzu models are outranking their rivals in fuel efficiency, as proven in a recent Isuzu One Full Tank Challenge. In this test, Isuzu Philippines fielded two of its best-selling variants, the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x2 LS-A AT and the Isuzu mu-X 3.0L 4x2 LS-A AT on a 5-day journey to push the limits of their fuel efficiency using just one full tank.

Two teams drove from Isuzu Subic going up north to Isabela, then Cagayan, accompanied by official verifiers from the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). Braving the torrential rains

of Typhoon Florita, the drive was made even more challenging as the strong winds subjected the vehicles to more drag. Still, both vehicles gamely traversed the route, smoothly driving through roadblocks and debris.

Driving south, the vehicles made their way through the twisty roads of Nueva Vizcaya before heading to Alabang in Metro Manila, exuding more confidence as they drove normally through major roads and expressways.

On the remaining fuel, the vehicles drove the final stretch down to Bicol, logging an impressive 1,564kms for the Isuzu D-MAX or equivalent to 20.58km/L on just one full tank. With its bigger 80L fuel tank capacity, the Isuzu mu-X went even farther at 1,675kms or the equivalent of 20.94km/L.

The impressive results are attainable by anyone through proper driving habits, assisted by Isuzu’s highly advanced 4JJ3-TCX engine that optimizes engine performance with fuel efficiency. Isuzu’s intelligent 6-speed automatic

transmission with sequential shift also offers the driver more control over gear changes.

“More than highlighting Isuzu’s superiority when it comes to diesel engine technology, we would like to provide a solution to our customers, especially in the face of increasing fuel prices. Excellent fuel economy is just one of the many Isuzu advantages they can enjoy while driving these models,” said IPC vice president for sales Yasuhiko Oyama.

Considering the fuel savings that the Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu mu-X can offer customers nationwide, these models are perfect for families who like to enjoy trips on weekends to unwind and relax in the province. Moreover, with their modern design and convenience features, both models offer functionalities that ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride for every member of the family.

To know more about Isuzu Philippines news and products, visit www.isuzuphil. com.

IPC president Noboru Murakami (left) and IPC VP–sales Yasuhiko Oyama (right) flag off the Isuzu D-MAX and mu-X One Full Tank Challenge.

In response to the rising demand for reliable and flexible mobility options, leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announced that it is further expanding the possibilities for its customers by strengthening its used vehicle program.

Now called T-Sure: Toyota Quality Pre-owned Cars, the program offers an alternative to consumers who are looking for worry-free car purchase options without compromising quality, value, safety, and excellent service.

TMP senior vice president for marketing Masatoshi Toiya explained, “The ‘T’ stands for Toyota and ‘Sure’ denotes trustworthiness. This new brand name sends a strong message that customers can have peace of mind in transacting with a T-Sure dealer, whether he is trading in an old vehicle or buying a pre-owned car.”

After 10 years of running its used vehicle program, TMP saw it fit to further drive growth by improving the operational efficiency of the Toyota dealer network and addressing the concerns that used car customers are encountering.

Being well-integrated into the Toyota business, the T-Sure Program has a well-established and seamless systematic operation for assessment, refurbishment, pricing, certification, and warranty to ensure the vehicle condition of every unit.

Toyota has expanded the number of T-Sure dealer outlets nationwide that can offer trade-in deals and sell preowned cars.

T-Sure improved its product offerings, with three types of products at varied price points to better fit customers’ needs and budget:

• Toyota Certified Elite, T-Sure’s premium product with a 1-year warranty on the engine and transmission, which can be claimed at any Toyota outlet nationwide.

• Toyota Value Plus, with a 3-month warranty on the engine and transmission, which can be claimed at the selling dealer only.

• Toyota Value Lite, without warranty but went through the same stringent standard process of vehicle check to ensure its quality when driven out of the dealer.

Customers are also assured of fair pricing because TMP uses a T-Sure Used Car app with a built-in pricing tool showing real-time price ranges of various models, depending on the quality level and local market pricing. To help customers with their budget, affordable financing schemes can be availed through TFSPH, which offers a much-improved affordable package for all T-Sure vehicles, now with longer payment terms and expanded

coverage for up to 9-year-old vehicles. In addition, competitive packages from Toyota Insure and After Sales Service, tailor-fit to the needs of pre-owned car customers, may be availed on top of the purchased T-Sure unit.

The T-Sure Program is anchored on Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability, and reliability, as well as its philosophy to strengthen customer satisfaction and retention. Likewise, aligned with Toyota’s Global Vision of Creating Mobility for All, the T-Sure Program is part of Toyota’s value chain that aims to provide another means for people to acquire a Toyota – that of acquiring a pre-owned car without sacrificing quality.

For the benefit of customers, the T-Sure program provides access to a one-stop-shop for Toyota’s products

and services (for New Car, Used Car, After Sales Service), giving them the ease of transacting with authorized Toyota dealers, and experience the same transparent and excellent customer service.

Aside from offering Toyota Quality pre-owned cars, dealers also source vehicles from current Toyota customers who wish to upgrade by trading in or selling their vehicle. Customers may now visit any Toyota outlet nationwide to do so. The customer’s vehicle for selling or trade in will be assessed by highly skilled and accredited assessors, and the results shared for transparency to guarantee that the Toyota owner gets the fair value of their vehicle.

For more information, inquire at the nearest T-Sure Dealer or visit toyota. com.ph/t-sure.

Likewise, aligned with Toyota’s Global Vision of Creating Mobility for All, the T-Sure Program is part of Toyota’s value chain that aims to provide another means for people to acquire a Toyota – that of acquiring a pre-owned car without sacrificing quality.

PETRON SUPPORTS TOUR DE CEBU AND THE HIGHWAY RUN

PETRON BLAZE 100 EURO 6, recognized as the best gasoline in the Philippines, was back as the official fuel of this year’s Tour De Cebu, the only historic car rally in the country, which ran from September 29 to October 3, across 1,000-kilometer of beautiful roads and highways through scenic spots in the Visayas islands.

Open to vintage sports cars manufactured in 1972 and older, the Tour De Cebu has captured the imagination of many classic car enthusiasts and fans. It is simultaneously a touristic rally and

rolling museum featuring classic or period-correct cars with high historical value, prestige, and provenance.

Some of the entries participating in Tour De Cebu 2022 included the following high-value cars:

• 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet

• 1961 Jaguar XKE

• 1963 Corvette

• 1965 Porsche 912

• 1966 Shelby Mustang

• 1966 Toyota Sports 800

• 1968 Mercedes Benz 280 SL

• 1968 Porsche Targa

• 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV

• 1969 BMW 2002

• 1970 Lancia Fulvia Zagato

• 1971 Lotus Europa

• 1972 Datsun 240Z

• 1972 Porsche 914

• 1868 Alfa Romeo Giulia

• Kougar Jaguar

• Michel Speedster

• Michel Spyder

With some 40 historic cars rallying from Cebu to Bohol and back in the 3-day 1,000-kilometer motoring event, the organizers — Performance and Classics Enthusiasts (PACE) of Cebu with support from the Manila Sports

Car Club (MSCC) once again chose Petron as its official fuel provider.

Petron also helped big bikers commemorate 15 years of access to the expressways with the 2022 Highway Run held last September 24, 2022.

Initiated by the Mad Dog Motorcycle Club, the event celebrates the successful advocacy to open up Philippine toll roads to large displacement motorcycles with engines 400cc and over. The Toll Regulatory Board under the Department of Transportation granted the petition last September 28, 2007.

For this year’s special commemoration, participating motorcycle clubs received tokens at Petron San Pedro SLEX and at Petron Pura Tarlac along the TarlacPangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). Over 500 riders dropped by the designated Petron stations.

According to Mad Dog’s president, Dustin Andaya, “The two-wheel

community appreciates the special focus of Petron, particularly in the products and services that are customized for our needs. For example, bikers can enjoy the exclusive motorcycle lane at Petron stations that makes fueling up safe and hassle-free. Also, they have developed products formulated for motorcycles. And, of course, the convenience stores, food establishments, and clean facilities at Petron stations are good stopovers during our rides. Plus, with Blaze 100,

we really enjoy our rides more because it brings out the best from our bikes”.

PETRON BLAZE 100 EURO 6 is the only 100-octane gasoline in the country. It is the first premium plus gasoline that meets the Philippine and European fuel quality standards and is certified to be Euro 6-compliant.

Due to its pure formulation and very high octane, PETRON BLAZE 100 EURO 6 ensures that all vehicles are protected while optimizing their performance with the following advantages and benefits:

1. Improved fuel efficiency

2. Powerful engine performance and acceleration

3. Guaranteed cleaner engines on just one full tank

4. Improved combustion with its unique fuel and additive formulation

5. Significantly reduced harmful emissions

6. Reduced maintenance costs (e.g., longer catalyst life for emission system)

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, with Petron fuels and lubricants designed to meet the motoring needs of everyone. As a Filipino-owned corporation, it is highly sensitive and responsive to the economic challenges facing our countrymen, offering innovative solutions to help improve and uplift lives.

TRADE+

AC Motors, one of the Philippines’ largest multibrand mobility groups, houses global automotive brands Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Kia, and Maxus. It is a portfolio company of AC Industrials (ACI), Ayala Corporation’s holding and investment firm for industrial technology, manufacturing, and vehicle distribution and retail interests.

With its launch of Trade+, AC Motors becomes the first dealer group in the Philippines to offer a fast and convenient used car online selling and trade-in program that streamlines the entire process. Promising a turnaround time of just five days —from inspection, to auction, and payment — customers can trade in vehicles from any brand.

Used cars have traditionally been the primary choice of budget-conscious buyers, but with the recent economic downturn in the wake of the pandemic, many buyers still aspire to own a new car that comes complete with the latest technology and features, and most importantly, peace of mind.

AC Motors takes the hassle out of trading in your pre-loved vehicle so you can drive home with a brand-new car

Trade-in programs are now gaining popularity and market acceptance. What has been missing, however, is a platform and system to benefit both clients selling their vehicles and companies willing to use the transaction as equity for a brand-new car. Existing trade-in programs take an inordinate amount of time — up to three months — before a transaction is completed.

This delays the new-car purchase with the possibility that the customer would lose interest in the product and brand altogether. There is also the risk of losing equitable market value for the trade-in unit, opening up opportunities for undesirable parties to take advantage of the car owner. Instead of the dealer successfully turning over a brand new model to a happy customer, such delays spoil a mutually beneficial opportunity and instead result in an irreversible negative customer experience.

Enter the game-changing Trade+, which covers the used car customers with AC Motors’ 30 years of industry experience, over 50 vehicle models to choose from, flexible finance and insurance options, and an in-house team of evaluation experts who take pride in exceptional customer experience and satisfaction.

How does it work?

Trade+ takes the hassle out of trading in vehicles and ensures the brand-new car gets into its owner’s garage in the quickest time possible.

the proceeds going to finance a new car.

The best part is that customers can trade in their old vehicles — no matter the brand — and drive home with a brand-new vehicle from AC Motors. Customers are assured of a quick, efficient, and safe process.

After getting their brand-new car, customers can also enjoy the benefits of proper after-sales services such as expert maintenance, industry-leading warranties, and unparalleled customer support with AC Motors.

So, why trade with AC Motors Trade+? The program offers the best vehicle value pricing, speedy appraisal by valuation experts, and the convenience of an integrated service that suits customer needs.

The customer even has the option to just sell the used vehicle and not tradein.

Visit http://acmotors.com.ph/ for more information on how you can trade-in your pre-loved vehicle and drive home with a brand new car.

1. Customer signs an auction form and schedules a car inspection. The process begins with the customer signing up for the program and submitting their used vehicle information for proper inspection.

2. Full vehicle inspection in 48 hours; unit is then listed for auction. The details obtained during the inspection are uploaded into the Trade+ system where interested parties can negotiate for a fair price. Prices are determined by cuttingedge technology that scours multiple online sources ensuring the proper market price.

3. Payment received in 5 days. When the used car owner accepts the price offer, the deal is finalized with

OIL CHANGE

changes

Your car needs basic care to perform well all the time and last longer in service. As a responsible and caring vehicle owner, you must always aim to keep it in the best condition to ensure safety while on the road.

Keeping the car lubricated is one of the vital requirements for its maintenance. Thus, changing engine oil must be at the top of the list when maintaining the vehicle’s well-being. A good, clean, and effective oil product is necessary to ensure reliable car performance.

The oil-change procedure is very crucial and must be properly and strictly scheduled. It is, without any doubt, the most significant routine for car maintenance. You must know when to change your car’s engine oil to avoid incurring possible issues that may compromise the health of your engine and all other parts under the hood.

It will also be advantageous to consider an oil-change service as an opportunity for a routine vehicle check. The quick and hassle-free service must be done at regular intervals — every three to

six months, or every time you reach a mileage specified in your car’s manual, or as prescribed by an expert automechanic.

Whether you are driving a brandnew or aging car, oil changes must be performed as often as needed or required. Here are the top reasons you must not skip or delay the routine but necessary oil change.

Keep the engine clean Dirt and other unlikely particles can inevitably accumulate in the engine

Why your vehicle needs regular and timely oil

over time. In a tropical country like the Philippines, dry and dusty roads tend to bring even more unwanted particles under the hood and ultimately into the engine. Thus, sludge can be produced. This is why a regular engine oil change is helpful. Complement that with filter replacement to ensure dirt particles are kept out before they bring about possible damage.

Prolong engine life Oil to your engine is what blood is to the human body. Proper lubrication protects the engine and most of its significant parts from inevitable wear and tear. However, after some time, the oil becomes dirty. This is why it needs to be replaced routinely. Again, when the engine is kept clean, its lifespan is prolonged. You can count more years with your reliable buddy.

Maintain good gas mileage

A clean engine can be a factor in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. As mentioned, dirt accumulates in the engine over time. When that happens, the engine also incurs friction, a common detriment to ideal engine performance. Thus, by regularly changing engine oil

and filters, the engine is kept clean, friction is reduced, and the car runs more efficiently, paving the way for ideal gas mileage.

Reduce vehicle emissions

Your car must pass the emissions test required every time you renew its registration. If the car engine oil is changed regularly, hydrocarbon buildup can be significantly lowered, leading to cleaner exhaust emissions. Thus, you also help lower air pollution.

Optimize engine performance.

Engine oil naturally breaks down over time, losing viscosity and reducing lubrication of the engine’s cylindrical walls. After some time, sludge can accumulate and block oil flow into other engine areas that require lubrication. Oil also helps lessen heat across engine parts. With the presence of sludge, those parts remain hotter for a longer time, affecting not just engine performance but also its efficiency.

“Changing engine oil regularly and on time is truly a must if you want to avoid unnecessary damage to your car’s systems and costly additional

“It is also important to choose the best lubricating and oil products for your car’s engine. Products from Germany’s RAVENOL are among the best and most trusted across the globe. You can never go wrong with a brand that has over 75 years of history,” he adds.

RAVENOL is a brand synonymous with high performance and a top choice in the motorsports sector. It offers vehicle lubricating products, including motor oil, gear oil, brake fluid, radiator antifreeze, hydraulic oil, and other car care products.

repairs and expenses,” says Benjamin Bangayan Jr, president of BSB Junrose, a local distributor of RAVENOL vehicle lubrication products.

COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE

Despite the government’s increased efforts to prevent money laundering, the Philippines still remains on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list. Citing technical compliance deficiencies with its anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation of financing programs, the FATF also shared that it needs to improve overall financial intelligence.

In the second installment of a webinar series called Compliant Conversations, Tookitaki AML experts and legal pundits talked about how fintech companies can comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) in the Philippines. As digitization continues to escalate in the financial sector, the webinar shed light on the potential impact of collective intelligence on the industry.

“From years of experience, the most effective and efficient way to detect money laundering is to compare customer transactions and study irregularities in established patterns,” shared Enrique V. Dela Cruz, Jr., senior partner and compliance attorney at DivinaLaw. “If these transactions were actually consolidated into a shared database that can be accessed by financial institutions, it could actually equip the public and private sector to monitor fraudulent transactions better.”

While consolidating and comparing customer transactions could be beneficial to tackling financial crime in the country, this could also be a challenge as most financial institutions do not have complete customer and depositor records. In fact, there are still local banks that are manually monitoring transactions and are still in the process of digitizing records as pushed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and AMLC.

This is the advantage that fintech companies have over traditional financial institutions. With technology already integrated with its business model, fintech companies can seamlessly adapt new innovations encouraged by the government, beginning with automated transaction monitoring.

Akshara Karanjekar, an AML expert at Tookitaki, noted: “An effective automated transaction monitoring system should enable fintech companies to detect and assess whether a customer’s transaction poses suspicion considering their respective backgrounds and profiles. It should also facilitate holistic reviews

of customer transactions over a short period in order to monitor and identify any unusual or suspicious streams.”

However, as newer forms of payment arise, fintech companies also need to understand that fraudulent transactions are getting harder to detect. While automated transaction monitoring is integral to improving financial intelligence, being able to compare these transactions against a database of fraudulent activities is crucial to actually spotting money laundering.

“With fraudulent activities increasingly driven by the pickup of digitisation, more companies are looking for emerging AML solutions that are agile and scalable,” shared Abhishek Chatterjee, founder & CEO of Tookitaki. “Fintech companies have the agility to lead the use of digitally transformed AML compliance programs that will promote financial intelligence in the country.”

Tookitaki pioneered The AML Ecosystem, a firstof-its-kind community-driven initiative that helps remove the information vacuum created by siloed AML operations. The Ecosystem consists of the Typology Repository and a network of experts. The Typology Repository collates the pooled intelligence of a community of AML experts from across the globe. Tookitaki recently made the AML Ecosystem public, which is a strong testament to using technology for the greater good fueled by innovation. Underpinning it is a valued partnership program that is mutually beneficial for all stakeholders engaged in reducing the laundering of illicit proceeds of crime.

Money laundering can’t be fought in silos. In order to effectively tackle crime, there should be a collaborative effort within the industry. The AML Ecosystem enables financial institutions, risk advisers, legal firms, consultancies, and AML experts to share their domain knowledge related to financial crime for the benefit of society,” added Chatterjee

AWARD-WINNING DIGITAL REMITTANCE PLATFORM GIVES BUSINESSES ACCESS TO A GLOBAL NETWORK OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Remittances and digital transactions continue to grow this year, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) — signifying an opportunity for more streamlined financial processes and service providers.

According to the central bank, remittances from overseas Filipinos reached USD3.24 billion from January to July 2022, a 2.3% increase from last year.

The BSP also noted that, for the same period, the combined value of transactions under PESONet and InstaPay were over PHP5.37 trillion, a 43% growth from 2021. While these could be attributed to the increase in the number of financial and remittance services, these also caused more problems specifically for businesses, including the hassle of connecting with multiple networks and providers, as well as the inefficient and painstaking process to complete the integration.

Equipped with almost 25 years of expertise in the remittance industry, a well-established network through partnerships and over 3,500 physical locations across the country, PERA HUB is introducing its latest innovation as a solution: the Digital Remittance Platform or DRP.

PERA HUB DRP is the first aggregated, single Application Programming Interface (API) platform in Southeast Asia that allows different businesses to integrate and connect to a network of retail and over-the-counter partners, major Philippine banks, remittance companies, digital wallets, and even emerging fintech. The platform, regulated by the BSP, is powered by a modern and secure API developer portal that enables access to PERA HUB’s network of financial services easily with an Open API standard.

“When talking about APIs and dealing with partners who are Banks, EMIs, or other financial service providers, it is crucial that we always ensure the security of transactions,” said Bryan Makasiar, PERA HUB senior assistant vice president for digital business. “As a company, we were able to establish that capability plus accessibility and convenience through our infrastructure and people, to get the nod from the BSP.”

The DRP is best suited for financial services companies looking to increase their distribution channels quickly through PERA HUB’s physical network and digital community partners, as well as companies with digital communities aiming to provide reliable and scalable financial services.

This innovation is a recent recipient of the Asian Business Review’s Asian Technology Excellence Awards. For its technological revolution and digital transformation, PERA HUB DRP was given the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for Fintech–Remittance.

PERA HUB president and CEO Ian Ocampo described the award as a stepping stone towards further innovation and explained the rationale behind the company’s establishment of the DRP.

“PERA HUB started in 1998 as a traditional brick and mortar remittance company and grew our network through partnerships with physical locations to expand our branch network. However, we recognized that we need to give our customers options on how they receive their money from their loved ones overseas and receiving it digitally is key to remain relevant in this business,” Ocampo said.

“PERA HUB saw the opportunity to leverage on our well-established partnerships to create a new platform that would enable businesses to connect to a network of remittance and other financial partners in one go. It opens an opportunity for them to easily integrate and expand their network to new customers by only connecting to one platform,” he added.

After over two decades, PERA HUB continues to improve its services for Filipinos, delivering exceptional convenience and choice while making money matters convenient. Aside from Western Union, PERA HUB DRP has also been fully integrated into other remittance providers such as Remitly, Uniteller, Japan Remit, Instant Cash, and Sendah Remit. It will be utilized as well in digital banking apps and fintech solutions like UnionBank, DiskarTech, and AllEasy.

For more details, visit perahubdrp.com and like Pera Hub on Facebook for updates.

Bryan Makasiar and Ian Ocampo of PERA HUB with the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for Fintech–Remittance

by Chris Noel Hidalgo

Igot my very first smartphone in 2010: a Samsung GT-i5500 (look it up, kids) running Android 2.1. I’ve since gone through heaven knows how many smartphones, each running Google’s open-source operating system.

As a budget-conscious young adult, the value for money offered by Android smartphones was hard to beat. As a power user, I appreciated Android’s customizability; I often switched out from official software to all kinds of custom bootloaders and ROMs.

Words

But with great flexibility comes great risk, including software-hardware incompatibility, app crashes, and general instability.

I broke the cycle and bought an iPhone 13 Mini a few weeks ago, mostly because I wanted to try something new, partly because I’ve seen friends with years-old iPhones still content with their devices.

While there was definitely a learning curve, I daresay I won’t go back to using an Android as my daily driver. If you’re coming from Android and are thinking of splurging on the latest iPhone 14 series or taking advantage of the lowered prices of the older models like I did, here are some of the reasons I found that make switching teams worth it.

iPhones get OS updates for much longer

As I’ve said above, one of the reasons why I switched to Team Apple (I switched from Windows to macOS over a year ago) was because of the longevity of their products. I’ve seen friends rock MacBooks from circa 2016 with still reliable battery life and performance. I’ve also seen them completely content with their 3-4 year old iPhones, only opting to upgrade once their devices’ battery health completely tanks.

This is because Apple historically has a good track record of supporting its older devices. Even the iPhone 8, released in 2017, got the latest iOS 16 update released just this September 2022. You’d be hard-pressed to find a similarly-aged flagship Android which got official manufacturer support for the 2021 Android 12 update. Even Google’s own Pixel 2, released in late 2017, only got major official updates until the 2020 Android 11.

If you care about keeping a phone for years, then you can’t go wrong with an iPhone. But what’s long-term OS support if the user experience is subpar, right?

With Android, I often had to root, flash ROMs, and download extra apps and widgets to get the everyday functionality I wanted out of my phone. However, this — combined with the fact that phone manufacturers like customizing Android with their own flavors — means the final product looks and feels like a mishmash of forced-together puzzle pieces instead of one cohesive experience. That much customization also lends itself to inconsistent performance, sudden lag spikes, and total OS crashes.

In contrast, iOS was a joy to use after the initial adjustment period. It was surprising that I did not have to do my usual “tweak every little thing to squeeze every last drop of performance out of the phone” routine. The interface feels smooth and flawless from the get-go, with fewer stutters and hiccups versus my factory-reset 3-year-old Android flagship.

Additionally, it feels that apps available across both operating systems are more optimized for iOS in terms of looks. On Android, apps feel like they exist in their own worlds as they look very different from each other and the OS itself. On the other hand, most iOS apps have a unified look that makes it feel like each was designed specifically for the iPhone. This continuity in design language further reflects the iPhone’s premium appeal.

The continuity even extends to the useability of and between Apple devices.

Continuity features are a boon for productivity

Windows and Linux desktop operating systems are amazing. Android is amazing. What’s not amazing is trying to be seamlessly productive between the two platforms. If I had to transfer a photo from my Android to my PC or vice versa, I had to either: (a) use a cable and deal with the Android Debug Bridge that sometimes just chooses to stop working; (b) use a flash drive that’s compatible with both smartphone and desktop; (c) use the painfully slow Bluetooth; (d) email it to myself; or (e) upload to a file sharing service.

With my iPhone and MacBook, all I have to do is turn on Airdrop and I can easily and quickly share my files and photos between devices. No more dealing with pesky accessories or third-party applications. Moreover, I can easily share these with my other friends on iOS without having to use adfilled apps such as ShareIt.

Other Continuity features that I’ve found to be useful include Universal Clipboard, which allows me to copy-paste text, images, photos, and videos between devices; Continuity Camera, which allows me to scan documents straight into my MacBook’s Finder window; and Continuity Markup, which allows me to markup documents on my phone and have the changes be reflected live on my MacBook display. As someone juggling various side hustles, these features have been invaluable in ensuring my work efficiency no matter where I am, not to mention that they are just plain cool.

An equally premium exterior wraps up this premium holistic user experience.

It’s smoother and more cohesive than Android

I’ve been talking about the iPhone experience mainly from the software side, but the phone’s physical characteristics and features are equally important. Its anodized aluminum body and glass-covered back are very nice to the touch, so much so that using a case feels like a disservice to its build. It also comes with a nice heft that communicates “premium.” The first time I had the iPhone in my hand, I thought, “So, this is what I’ve been missing.” All that online praise about Apple’s craftsmanship is right on the money.

Another physical aspect I appreciated was the physical ring/silent switcher, as it provided a more certain way of ensuring my phone was silent during meetings versus having to hold down the volume button. Magsafe is also an enticing feature as it allows wireless fast charging, as well as magnetized slim wallets that latch onto the back of my iPhone. Though I’ve yet to invest in it, I’m looking forward to having a one-piece everyday carry in the future.

Although I’ve been talking about iPhones like they are the end-all and be-all of smartphones, there are still a couple of things that I feel can be improved.

For example, Apple is still using its proprietary Lightning Connector, which means my tangle of USB-C cables at home and in my car is useless. While even Apple’s newest MacBooks, most other smartphone manufacturers, and even other tech segments have transitioned into using USB-C, it is infuriating that the iPhone has not joined this bandwagon. However, with the European Union’s regulatory ruling for all sold smartphones to follow a standard charging port by the third quarter of 2024, USB-C iPhones should be coming in the near future.

Information on switching from Android to iOS should also be made more explicit. When my wife switched over to an iPhone months before I did, we did not know that there was a simple and official method of doing so and that it could only be done with a factory-reset device. If you’re going to get an iPhone this Yuletide season, make sure to download the “Move to iOS” app on your Android, and don’t make the same mistake we did to avoid wasting hours of downloading apps and tweaking app folders and phone settings to your liking.

There are definitely many more features that I have not discussed in this article, including the superb camera and camera app, Live Photos, Apple Notes, and texting from my MacBook, to name a few. The actual user experience will definitely vary. But if you are someone who wants a premium phone that’s no frills and no fuss, the iPhone could be what you’re looking for.

As beautiful outside as it is on the inside

Don’t get me wrong — it’s not perfect

Gaming

Is change really good? That’s a question that many people ask not only about life in general but also ask about gaming. Some people may embrace it, and others may reject it. We have seen many Blizzard Entertainment franchises change for better or for worse. Gamers may have questioned Blizzard’s direction in recent years for various reasons. Still, it seems like Overwatch 2 could answer that all-important question about change, and after playing the game for as many hours as I did, I came away with more questions than answers.

DEVELOPER PLATFORM(S) Blizzard Entertainment PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

The most significant change you will Overwatch 2 is that it’s now 5v5 instead of 6v6, completely changing the game’s dynamic. All the heroes Overwatch return, along with several new heroes, such as the tank hero Junker Queen, the DPS hero Sojourn, and the support hero Kiriko. Other heroes have been reworked completely. One of my biggest disappointments is Mei no longer being able to freeze people with anything other than her ultimate ability. Being able to get 30-40 freezes a game was a boon for my teammates and a great annoyance to my opponents, which is why I have poured in over 360 hours into playing her. Bastion has become more mobile (for better or worse), Doomfist is now a tank, and Orisa is now more viable on Attack. One thing is for sure: you won’t spend most of your time trying to destroy barriers and shields. For veterans of the game, that means relearning some of the heroes you know and love, while those new to the franchise will have a fresh start.

One of the best additions to Overwatch is the new game modes. One of the new PvP modes is “Push,” which requires teams to push a robot/payload to the opponent’s side of the map, which can be very entertaining as it is a sort of tug-of-war between both teams. Blizzard has also re-designed the art style of the heroes, and you can even ping areas of the map to show your teammates where enemies are, which can be vital to turning the tide of battle in your favor.

The leveling system is replaced by the Battle Pass system, where one gets various rewards, much like the Battle Pass in the Call of Duty franchise. You can also purchase battle pass levels in Overwatch 2 and various cosmetic items. Personally, the thrill of chasing the latest skins has always been something I have enjoyed, although the new Battle Pass system has me divided on whether I should just grind out the levels or get out my wallet to purchase levels. In addition, you can play with your friends on consoles, although any competitive modes will be separated into console and PC tracks.

What players are really looking forward to is the new player vs. environment (PvE) mode or story mode. You can join your friends in taking on various battles and customizing your heroes. Although this story mode is not available at the time of this writing, it is estimated to be added to the game in early 2023. Blizzard has estimated that over 100 PvE missions will be available with new maps and already-existing maps, along with dynamic effects such as day and night and weather conditions. These missions were available during seasonal events in Overwatch, but it seeks to become a more permanent part of the game. While I am more in favor of playing against other people, I am looking forward to PvE as well.

So back to the original question: is change really good? For Blizzard, it should be embraced. The pending acquisition by Microsoft shows that they might get back to creating great games again without the controversies that have plagued them in the last couple of years. Perhaps Overwatch 2 step in the right direction for the company as a whole.

Employment GENDER EQUITY AT WORK

LINKEDIN HOLDS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH FILIPINA BUSINESS LEADERS

During times of crisis and disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and threats of a global economic slowdown, promoting workplace diversity may take a backseat. However, a recent roundtable between Feon Ang, managing director, Asia Pacific (APAC) at LinkedIn, and Filipina leaders and professionals highlighted that it is even more of a necessity.

“It’s a win-win situation — improving workplace diversity and gender parity throughout all levels of organizations, especially in leadership positions, not only levels the playing field for women but also works best for business outcomes,” said Ang, who met with women business leaders to exchange insights and ideas on bridging the gender gap in the Philippines and how LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional platform, can serve as a resource to do so.

Feon Ang, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, at LinkedIn (fifth from left), was in the Philippines recently to connect with Filipina business leaders and professionals to share insights on promoting workplace diversity and gender parity. Shown with Feon are (left to right) Adelene Wong, SEA Communications Lead at LinkedIn; Doris Poh, Head of Asia, Learning & Employee Engagement at LinkedIn; Rowena Zamora, GCash Chief Strategy Officer; Darlyn Ty-Nilo, President and Managing Director of Viviamo, Inc.; Bhavana Chauhan, Country Manager, Philippines, LinkedIn Talent Solutions; Mariel Tablan, Associate Director and Head of Academy at AIA Philippines; Mae Cuison, podcast producer; Kassy Braganza, public speaker, and coach, and Mary Grace Gervacio, Head of Total Rewards for Asia Pacific and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead for the Philippines, Johnson and Johnson.

“When businesses have people with varied strengths, backgrounds, and viewpoints, they are better able to cultivate the creativity, innovation, and resilience they need to survive and thrive,” she added. Recent McKinsey research also found that companies with diverse executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability.

In particular, the roundtable attendees noted that women business leaders often bring to the table qualities such as empathy, determination, and the ability to appreciate multiple perspectives, which can help organizations better weather such unprecedented times.

ADDRESSING THE GENDER GAP IN ORGANIZATIONS

LinkedIn data published in the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap Report found that the Philippines is ahead of its neighbors in the APAC in having the most significant increase in women in leadership roles. In 2015, only 1 in 3 (34%) hires into leadership positions in the Philippines were women; this jumped to 43% in 2022. The Philippines ranks 4th worldwide in women’s representation in leadership positions. Of the APAC countries studied, the country also has the highest representation of women in leadership at 41%.

However, there is more work to be done. In the Philippines, women are not advancing into leadership roles as frequently as men, who are 26% more likely to be promoted.

In today’s shifting business landscape, Ang highlighted how leaders could bridge the gender gap by embracing a skills-first approach to hiring to ensure that female candidates with the right skills are equally considered for an open role. LinkedIn data revealed that employers who adopt a skills-first

approach to hiring are 60% more likely to find a successful hire than those who don’t. It also helps with retention, as businesses that help employees develop new skills and grow in the company can retain employees for an average of 5.4 years, a significant increase from the average span of 2.9 years.

“It is critical to put together gender-neutral hiring panels and training for hiring managers and team leaders on removing biases and fair hiring practices that encourage flexibility,” Ang said. According to LinkedIn, over half of the women appreciate having flexibility at work because it would allow them to balance their careers and personal lives.

Rowena Zamora, Gcash chief strategy officer, agreed that flexibility is an enabler of gender equity. “I am privileged that my past and present organizations allowed me flexibility in work arrangements so I can be fulfilled not just at the workplace but also outside of it. I’ve realized that leadership is not about being overtly aggressive, it is also about graceful use of authority and being unapologetic about who you are.”

HOW WOMEN CAN UPLIFT ONE ANOTHER AT WORK

While the roundtable discussed the steps organizations need to take to promote gender equity, the attendees also came together with ideas on what women need to do to advance and advocate for other women. They highlighted the importance of adopting a growth mindset and finding good mentors.

Kassy Braganza, a public speaker and coach, believes in learning new skills and finding role models. “I work with women who lost jobs during the pandemic and introduced to them how they can best leverage LinkedIn to get back on their feet. Because they invested in themselves and learned new skills, they are now earning better,” she said.

Podcast owner Mae Cuison agreed on the value of mentors and encouraged all to reach out to people they admire to unlock learning opportunities. “Whenever I produce podcasts, I feel like I’m getting a VIP ticket to people’s minds and worlds, and I become empowered myself.

Surround yourself with inspiring people you can grow with and learn from,” she said.

To that end, Mariel Tablan , an associate director and head of academy at AIA Philippines, encouraged embracing a growth mindset. “It’s about creating awareness about the opportunities available to women, empowering them to start something, explore, and thrive, despite uncertainties.”

Darlyn Ty-Nilo , president and managing director of Viviamo Inc., said this growth journey could inspire others. “Seeing is believing. How will other women know what’s possible if you don’t share? In the Philippines, especially in barangays struggling in poverty, some young girls can only see themselves in low-paying jobs, no matter how brilliant and promising they are. By amplifying your story on LinkedIn, you encourage them to dream, cultivate selfefficacy, and inspire their passion for growth and overcoming challenges.”

LinkedIn is committed to helping women and every member of the global workforce connect to economic opportunities. “We need to work together to ensure that each member of the global workforce has equitable access to economic opportunities for a fairer and more inclusive society,” Ang said.

Motion by Onfido

The next-generation facial biometric technology improves verification speed by 12X

Onfido, the leading global digital identity verification and authentication provider, has unveiled Motion, a next generation biometric liveness solution to enhance its Real Identity Platform, launched in May. Motion delivers seamless, secure, and inclusive customer verification and is iBeta Level 2 certified. With a simple head-turn capture, businesses can automate customer onboarding, assess more customers, more quickly and efficiently while significantly reducing their fraud exposure.

Identity fraud has risen 43% yearover-year with sophisticated fraud increasing 57% as criminals employed smarter tactics, utilizing realistic 2D/3D masks and deploying display attacks (for example, showing a picture of person on a screen) to try to spoof verification systems. And with 9 out of 10 consumers comfortable accessing digital services, the opportunities for

fraudsters are increasing. Not only must companies now provide more accurate fraud measures when verifying new and existing customers, but they must also ensure they can establish trust with potential customers in under 10 minutes or risk losing them. Luckily, consumers are increasingly embracing biometrics, with 77% reporting that biometrics are more convenient than legacy verification methods.

Motion is built on Onfido’s awardwinning AI technology, Atlas, ensuring users benefit from AI that is fast, accurate, and fair, with next generation fraud detection performance on a global level. Using Motion, user bias is reduced across all ethnicities, thanks to Onfido’s advanced machine learning models. These models have been trained to identify hundreds of thousands of fraud samples and analyze different elements of an identity document and facial biometric to stop fraud and reduce bias.

Using Motion, user bias is reduced across all ethnicities, thanks to Onfido’s advanced machine learning models. These models have been trained to identify hundreds of thousands of fraud samples and analyze different elements of an identity document and facial biometric to stop fraud and reduce bias.

The Onfido Real Identity Platform is designed to secure trust between organizations and their customers throughout the customer lifecycle. It automatically verifies a customer’s identity using a smart combination of award-winning document and biometric verification, trusted data sources, and passive fraud signals. With the addition of Motion, 95% users can now be onboarded in 10 seconds or less, with false rejection rates and false acceptance rates of less than 0.1%.

Onfido customer usage of biometrics has increased 160% year-over year as more companies want to safeguard their businesses, while providing the best user experience possible. The market-leading compliance platform Amiqus used to digitally onboard staff welcomed Motion:

“The Amiqus platform is certified to the highest standard by the UK Government and DBS digital identity schemes. Hundreds of regulated businesses and public sector organizations operating at scale rely on us to deliver accessible, robust, and seamless staff onboarding and preemployment screening,” said Callum Murray, CEO and Founder of Amiqus. “Motion by Onfido is a fantastic addition to this capability and arrives at a time when employers are acutely aware of the need to meet digital right-to-work requirements.”

The micro-mobility and scooter platform, Check, is one of the first Onfido customers to use Motion:

“Using Onfido Motion, it’s very clear to our customers what is being asked of them when being verified,” said Rick Van’t Hof, Check product owner. “It enables them to set up an account in seconds and be on their way on one of our mopeds, while enabling us to keep operating costs low and run efficiently as an agile and high-growth business.”

“In today’s fast-paced digital world, providing the best user experience is everything. Consumers demand to be able to access products and services in seconds whilst also knowing they are secure,” said Alex Valle, Onfido chief product officer. “Motion helps achieve this, with a biometric liveness solution that provides simple, fair and secure access to online services from banking and gaming to crypto, rental cars and scooters.”

Configuring Motion is easy with Onfido Smart Capture SDK, enabling it to fit seamlessly into an organization’s customer workflow. Thanks to intelligence drawn from leveraging deep, diverse datasets built from over a decade of verifying global identities, Motion is one of the most accurate and fair liveness solutions available.

HACKING GOOGLE

A docuseries on how Google’s security teams work

Google is taking people behind the scenes to show the world how its security teams keep people safe every day in a new six-part docuseries, HACKING GOOGLE, now available on YouTube.

From intercepting government-based cyber-attacks or taking on the job of hacking Google to strengthen its defenses, the series profiles some of the many teams that do this work behind closed doors.

HACKING GOOGLE begins with Operation Aurora which tells the story of how Google dealt with the biggest nation-state attack against their corporate infrastructure in 2010. This attack resulted in the theft of intellectual property which affected at least 20 other companies.

“In the aftermath of Aurora, we began a complete overhaul of our security team, strategy and technical capabilities. Billions of dollars of new investment, thousands of the world’s top security experts, new paradigms, new hardware and new highly specialized teams were gathered, all with one purpose: to ensure

that users stay safe in the face of any and all future attacks. Thirteen years later, we’re proud to say that Google keeps more people safe online than anyone else in the world,” said Heather Adkins, vice president of security engineering at Google.

The series comes after the completion of the H4CK1NG G00GL3 Challenge where thousands of hackers, hobbyists, and students from more than a hundred countries worked together to solve security puzzles in order to unlock each of the six episodes.

With billions of people using Google to find reliable resources, find out how Google carries the responsibility of making sure that every personal information is kept private, safe, and secure.

Microsoft Ignite 2022

At this year’s Microsoft Ignite — a showcase of the best of what’s next for Microsoft and its partners — Microsoft unveiled over 100 products and updates that are designed to help customers, partners and developers get the full value of Microsoft’s technologies.

“The past few years have been a period of dramatic change, with disruptions to society, the global economy, technology, and the work environment. In today’s uncertain economic environment, companies are looking to change the way they work to get better results with more flexibility, and are turning to their technology providers to help them succeed,” said Peter Maquera, Microsoft Philippines chief executive officer. “At every layer of the tech stack — whether it’s infrastructure, data, hybrid work, developer tools or security — the Microsoft Cloud is the most complete and trusted cloud in the industry,

offering solutions to help organizations be more secure, and to help their workers complete their tasks more easily and effectively.”

INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WORKS FOR EVERY CUSTOMER

The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform was introduced earlier this year to unify Microsoft’s database, analytics and data governance offerings so customers don’t have to.

The enterprise-grade, highly scalable, serverless distributed database Azure Cosmos DB already helps missioncritical applications, increasing geographic availability, scalability and distribution. Now, Microsoft is adding distributed database support for PostgreSQL, a popular open-source database engine. This means PostgreSQL developers can take advantage of the speed, scale and performance of

Azure Cosmos DB, and open-source developers can access both structured and unstructured data in one familiar database service.

Additionally, the newly-announced Visual Studio images for Microsoft Dev Box — a service in preview that provides developers with cloud-based, ready-tocode workstations — helps developers save time and focus on coding what matters.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF AI

Microsoft has also announced that Azure OpenAI Service will offer inviteonly access to DALL∙E 2, a model that allows users to generate custom images using text or images. The addition of the DALL∙E 2 model expands the breadth-of-use cases Azure OpenAI Service customers can employ with the security, compliance, and responsible AI guardrails that Azure provides.

DALL∙E 2 powers another newly introduced product: Microsoft Designer. a personal design generator powered by AI. By just typing in a few words, Designer immediately generates templates and creates custom-made images. The program eliminates the need to spend extra time creating a new design or searching through thousands of pre-made templates. In just a few words and clicks, users are able to bring their ideas to life.

The introduction of Microsoft Syntex integrates offerings from across the Microsoft Cloud, from Microsoft 365 and Azure to Power Platform and Microsoft Purview. With people at its center, Syntex automatically reads, tags and indexes high volumes of content and connects it where it’s needed in context — in search, in applications and as reusable knowledge.

HELPING ORGANIZATIONS THRIVE IN THE NEW WORLD OF WORK

Moving into the new work environment, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Places, a new workplace app that optimizes the use of physical space. According to the recent Work Trend Index, more than 80% of employees go into the office for each other. Places provides insights into when colleagues are coming into the office or what meetings are best suited for in-person.

Microsoft also introduced a new Teams Premium add-on: intelligent recap — a virtual assistant that uses AI to assign tasks from meetings, automatically generate chapters from the meeting and share personalized insights from the recording, enabling users to discover information that matters most to them.

As Microsoft continues to invest in distinct experiences that make the workday easier, it introduced Microsoft Edge Workspaces — a shared set of browser tabs where groups can view the same websites and latest working files in one place. As the team works together, tabs are updated in real time so everyone stays on the same page.

With more sellers on the road and in digital meetings, Microsoft is making conversation intelligenc e free for Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise and the newly released Viva Sales. Conversation intelligence gives sellers the power of insights while helping them be more productive by using analytics and data science to help sellers cut down time spent on administrative work and spend more time with their customers.

PROTECTING EVERYTHING, EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE

As businesses adapt and transform through the adoption of cloud, mobile and edge platforms, security becomes an increasingly critical priority for every organization. Microsoft offers a natively integrated security solution that closes gaps quickly and safely. Moreover, Microsoft is the only cloud provider that extends its solutions to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The new Defender for DevOps was announced, which helps organizations secure applications as they are being built, giving developers the assurance that they can get ahead of security vulnerabilities and deliver a more secure solution.

Another new offering is the Power Platform Managed Environments, which enables organizations to introduce low code broadly to spur innovation with the knowledge that IT admins maintain

governance and security capabilities over low-code implementations, allowing teams to create at scale without security concerns.

Microsoft is helping organizations build the identity system of the future, a connective network that enables people, organizations, apps and even smart devices to make real-time access decisions. With Microsoft Entra, organizations are offered identity and access management solutions designed to securely work across multiple cloud platforms. Microsoft Entra Identity Governance helps organizations ensure the right people have the right access to the right resources at the right time.

Learn more about Microsoft and its announcement at Ignite here

"Microsoft is helping organizations build the identity system of the future, a connective network that enables people, organizations, apps and even smart devices to make real-time access decisions."

SYNOLOGY recently revealed upcoming solutions that help businesses achieve more, become more resilient, and better resolve IT challenges through the power and flexibility of hybrid cloud architectures and an expanding ecosystem of tightly integrated solutions.

Significant innovations across all products, spanning data management, data protection, and IT infrastructure security, set an even higher bar for reliability, security, and scalability.

Data management

An even more secure foundation DSM 7.2, expected in early 2023, will introduce full-volume encryption, offering greater peace of mind while boosting storage performance by 48% over shared folder-based encryption. DSM 7.2 will also introduce “write once, read many” (WORM) folders. These tamper-proof folders prevent modification or deletion of data during a set period of time. And just like new immutable backups in Hyper Backup, which bar any changes after creation, they help protect data against ransomware and cyberthreats.

Share and collaborate with ease Updates to Synology’s private cloud solution, Synology Drive, help keep files safer during sharing between teams with watermarks and download policies. Remote wipe capabilities help minimize security risks by removing synced folders from stolen Windows and macOS clients. Automatic login with AD credentials following mass deployment, as well as the provisioning of backup and syncing tasks, make mass deployment simpler.

Sharing data over SMB will be safer and more efficient in DSM 7.2. Cross-protocol file locking between SMB file shares and Synology Drive ensures that in-use files are not edited or overwritten. And SMB multichannel transfer support makes use of all network connections available between servers and clients to greatly boost SMB file transfer performance.

Next-generation storage servers Also launching in 2023 are new scaleout systems designed for file and object storage. Scale-out clusters will

be considerably faster than Synology’s current largest solutions, with near linear scaling of performance and capabilities as more units are added.

The first generation of scale-out systems will support clusters of up to 60 servers for more than 12 PB of effective storage, over 60 GB/s sequential write performance, and more than 80,000 concurrent connections. The clusters will offer upwards of 99.99% availability and support Synology’s Hyper Backup and Active Backup data protection suites.

Data protection

Worldwide backup management

A new management platform for Active Backup and C2 Backup aims to enable seamless management, deployment, and monitoring of backup tasks across an organization’s IT infrastructure, regardless of location or scale. The new platform brings together Synology onpremises and cloud-based solutions, providing IT admins and MSPs with the most efficient tools to protect and ensure timely recovery of any device or service.

Video surveillance

AI-powered cameras

Launching in early 2023, Synology 500 Series IP cameras will offer superior performance, security, and integration, with all camera settings managed directly from Surveillance Station. Edge AI capabilities, such as guarding intrusion detection zones, free up recording server resources to allow larger AI-powered deployments, while dedicated processing

speeds up people and vehicle searches anywhere in the video frame.

Coming in two form factors, Synology 500 Series cameras feature 5 MP sensors for wide-angle 16:9, 3K (2880x1620) recording at 30 FPS. The cameras support PoE and are weatherproof (IP67), enabling flexible placement indoors or outdoors. Synology 500-series cameras are US NDAA/TAA

compliant and are designed for security, introducing similar security innovations and hardening methods found on Synology enterprise products.

Hybrid-cloud services

Automated breach and misuse detection

Active Insight is evolving to automatically prevent user activities

in breach of data protection rules. The new data loss prevention feature monitors user activities such as logins, file access, sharing task creation, while comparing checksums of files that are uploaded or shared. When thresholds or rules are triggered, the system can either send alerts or take actions, such as disconnecting clients suspected of being infected by ransomware.

Securing devices and credentials

The Synology C2 Identity platform continues to grow, with a heavy emphasis on blending good security practices with convenience. In 2023, C2 Identity will receive several improvements to enable passwordless logins to both online and local services and devices.

Integration with Windows Hello and Apple’s Face ID/Touch ID facilitates easy authentication on endpoints managed by C2 Identity.

And combined with an upcoming C2 Identity user portal, employees using managed endpoints can be automatically signed in to web services supporting SAML, with the option to enable 2FA for more sensitive services such as a company’s ERP or CRM systems.

Networking

A new Wi-Fi 6 router with advanced networking features Building on the SRM 1.3 platform, the

new WRX560 brings the same high-end network management features from the RT6600ax into a more affordable price point. With powerful internal dual-band radios and a 2.5GbE LAN/WAN port, WRX560 can easily be added as a mesh node to any RT6600ax router or utilized as a standalone solution for homes and offices.

For more details, feel free to check out Synology 2023 event here.

PH AS DATA SCIENCE CAPITAL

FEU Tech aims to turn the Philippines into the data science capital of the Asia-Pacific

In a world increasingly rife with available data, arguably no field has gained more popularity in the last few years than data science. Businesses want data scientists because they turn confusing numbers and data into concrete, actionable insights essential for business strategy. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts data science will see more growth than any other field between now and 2029. The utilitarian nature of data science makes it easy to guess that the field’s growth will be a worldwide phenomenon.

The rise of the data science field is why FEU Tech, the tech-focused campus run by the Far Eastern University Group of Schools, aims to turn the Philippines into the data science capital of the AsiaPacific.

Shaping students to lead tomorrow

The Asia-Pacific is one of the fastestgrowing markets for data science. One survey performed by global marketing intelligence firm IDC found that 3 in 4 enterprises in the Asia-Pacific in 2021 choose to keep investments in

big data analytics (BDA) solutions or even expand, despite the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s worth noting the top ten industries responsible for big investments in data: banking and securities, communications, healthcare, manufacturing, government, insurance, retail, transportation, energy, and education round out the list. All of these industries anticipate a need to analyze data to craft new business solutions in the future.

The Philippines is no exception to the data science boom. In fact, the problem is that although there is demand for data analysts throughout the country the supply may not be enough. According to a paper released by the Philippine Institute for Developing Studies not enough graduates from local schools have the skills needed for data science and analytics.

FEU Tech looks to solve the country’s data scientist shortage by offering a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree with a

specialization in Data Science. Not only will the program teach students to create complex software and programming, but the focus on data science will make sure students have a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, and domain expertise. Graduates of the program should be able to understand and glean insights from any data set, turning them into data-driven decision-makers.

“It isn’t just that we want to help our students find work after they graduate,” explained senior director for computer studies Rossana T. Adao. “We want our graduates to drive high-value work, to have careers where they’ll play a key role in shaping the world of tomorrow. There’s no better way to accomplish that than to prepare them for a career in data science.”

COMPETING ON THE WORLD STAGE

One of the school’s main priorities is to make sure graduates can compete on a global stage.

"Overall, FEU Tech hopes to kickstart a movement encouraging young Filipinos to explore opportunities in data science."

Recently, the FEU Tech campus was recognized in the latest rankings of the WURI (World’s Universities with Real Impact) Top Global Innovative Universities for 2022. The rankings compared global universities by measuring a university’s contributions to society and innovative approaches to education.

FEU Tech ranked alongside universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard and placed in four major categories: #19 in Progress during the Fourth Industrial Revolution #30 in Entrepreneurial Spirit #37 in Crisis Management #44 in Student Mobility and Openness.

FEU Tech’s WURI rankings are a testament to the institution’s capacity to craft relevant degree programs that prepare students for the world of tomorrow. The rankings also take into account FEU Tech’s other programs like BS Information Technology with a specialization in Innovation and Business and BS Information Technology with a specialization in Business Analytics.

“Our position in the WURI rankings is crucial in helping our data science graduates be the best in the AsiaPacific,” said FEU Tech senior executive director Dr. Benson Tan. “With a bit of hard work and

perseverance, we can turn the Philippines into the data science capital of the region.”

To that end, FEU Tech commits itself to ensuring that its students will be ready to take on roles as data scientists. By supporting students taking undergraduate programs like Computer Science and Information Technology, the institution guarantees its future graduates will help fulfill future demand for data scientists.

Overall, FEU Tech hopes to kickstart a movement encouraging young Filipinos to explore opportunities in data science. While there is still a lot of work to do to ensure that the supply of data scientists in the country meets the demand, FEU Tech’s initiatives take the nation a step closer there every day.

“We believe that Filipinos can accomplish amazing things given the proper support and initiative,” concluded Dr. Tan. “I’m excited to see the world where Filipino data scientists are leading the way into the future.”

Why Schools Should Shift to Digital

e-Learning content frees up

teachers’ time so they can focus on coaching students

The Philippine government crafted the Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030 to improve the overall education system in the country. Alongside the program is the goal to collectively improve learning materials and processes to align the Philippines’ education landscape to international standards.

To achieve significant improvements in the education system, new tools to transform teaching and learning processes must be made. This is why digital technologies such as e-Learning are essential in today’s learning recovery and acceleration.

With COVID-19, many students and teachers had to immediately adapt to e-Learning primarily to enable continuity of schooling. Many did not have time to learn and validate how to best integrate it into the whole teaching-learning process. While some digital content were available at that time, the essential curriculumaligned ones were lacking.

As the country seeks to enhance the education system, what happens now when students go back to face-to-face classes? Can e-Learning be leveraged to help improve the teaching and

learning process in line with the national education agenda?

WHY E-LEARNING IS A BETTER CHOICE FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND SCHOOLS

Students can learn at their own pace

It has long been established that students learn differently and at different paces. Yet, in today’s classrooms with one teacher for 30 students, every student is given the same lesson, the same quiz, and the same activities, all at the same time.

On the other hand, in an e-Learning classroom, individualized learning that is suited to each student’s learning ability and pace is possible. Students can easily advance when a lesson is fully understood, or go back over material they haven’t mastered. A specialized e-Learning tool can also prompt the teacher on who needs to be coached or tutored.

With the benefits of individualized learning, every child will discover the joy and wonder of learning through their own unique experience.

Teachers can focus on other important teaching activities that cannot be replaced by technology

As part of their class preparation, teachers usually spend a lot of time making instructional materials, assessments, and visual aids. However, with ready-to-use curriculum-aligned lessons and assessments from trustworthy e-Learning content providers, teachers can focus more on lesson planning and less on lesson making.

Teachers will be able to make the best use of classroom hours in engaging

with the students and keeping track of their learning progress to keep them motivated. This allows teachers to be both effective and efficient, without being overburdened.

Schools in remote areas can have access to the same teaching and learning resources as their urban counterparts

Contrary to common belief, e-Learning is not limited to areas with internet connectivity. E-learning can happen online or offline.

For example, Frontlearners has a patented TeachAid device containing thousands of curriculum-aligned e-Learning content and special learning management tools that work with or without the internet. So schools in cities, as well as schools in far-flung areas, can have equal access to the same quality learning materials.

The right e-Learning solutions partner like Frontlearners Inc. operationalizes the accessibility of curriculum-aligned teaching and learning materials, and enables teachers to effectively and efficiently motivate, monitor, and coach their students day-to-day. At the same time, it offers an inclusive, sustainable, and affordable solution for schools to deliver quality education.

“We know that all Filipino students, regardless of where they live and study, will be given stronger learning opportunities when supported by e-Learning solutions. The past two years have proven to be quite a challenge for many schools, private or public. Learning recovery and acceleration calls for structural changes in the teaching and learning process. We at Frontlearners believe in the wonders that e-Learning can bring about in schools and in the ways the children of the future are molded and taught to become competent and at par with students across the world,” Frontlearners CEO Elaine De Velez emphasized.

Amidst the many challenges in the country’s educational system, highquality learning materials are accessible and adaptable through e-Learning solutions. To reduce the barriers and to further amplify and empower schools, going digital is the way to go.

School-in-a-Bag

PLDT Inc.’s social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) facilitated Huawei Technologies Philippines and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) MIMAROPA’s donation of a School-in-a-Bag (SIAB) to the Department of Education (DepEd) in Palawan. This initiative helps boost DepEd’s campaign to utilize technology for education in far-flung communities in the country.

Supporting DepEd Palawan’s Boosting Access Literacy Service through Alternative Learning System (BALSA) Project, Huawei, DICT, and PSF turned over a School-in-a-Bag that will benefit teachers and students in the learning centers of the division.

“We remain committed towards public service by addressing the digital divide and educational needs of the unserved and underserved areas, particularly for the community of Rabor, Palawan, and adjacent areas. With the support of Huawei Philippines and PLDT-Smart Foundation, the School-in-a-Bag can help us deliver accessible ICT services to even the remotest communities and bring inclusive community development to the countryside,” said DICT Regional Director for Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA) Cheryl Ortega.

The School-in-a-Bag is a portable digital classroom that brings learning to last-mile schools and supports the Department of Education’s efforts in improving education. As the flagship education program of PLDT and Smart, each School-in-a-Bag contains a laptop for the teacher, tablets preloaded with #LearnSmart apps making use of the students’ mother tongue and other learning content that can be accessed even while offline including USAID’s All Children Reading eResource, and a Smart LTE pocket WiFi kit that teachers can use to download additional educational materials.

“Our group’s core value of malasakit has inspired us to reach out to various sectors in communities, especially the underserved, the underprivileged and the vulnerable. We are glad to partner with like-minded organizations like Huawei, as well as the DICT, who help us ensure that no learner is left behind,” said Esther O. Santos, PSF president.

In 2021, Huawei sponsored 13 SIABs which were deployed to areas hit by super typhoon Odette. Huawei also donated an additional 20 SIAB packages for 2022 in celebration of Huawei’s 20th year of business in the Philippines.

“Part of our mission at Huawei is to help the Filipinos get quality digital education by providing world class devices to teachers and students through innovative solutions like SIAB. We are grateful to the DICT, DepEd, and PSF for being our partners in building a digital society in the Philippines,” said Daniel Guo, Huawei Philippines COO.

SIAB is an integral part of PLDT and Smart’s broader commitment to help the country achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Inclusive Quality Education.

HOLISTIC

CARE

[L-R] Present at the signing were AC Health and Healthway Cancer Care Hospital chief finance officer Ruby P. Chiong, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital chief operating officer Jenara Rosanna F. Ong, AC Health president Paolo F. Borromeo, Siemens Healthineers president and managing director Juan Miguel P. Tan, Siemens Healthineers Philippines finance director Rosella Paula M. Villafuerte, Siemens Healthineers head of enterprise services for Southeast Asia Chris Poray, and Siemens Healthineers vice president & head of diagnostic imaging Oliver Armnester Perez.

Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) sealed a long-term strategic Value Partnership with Siemens Healthineers. As part of this partnership, Siemens Healthineers will provide its broad oncology-focused innovative medical imaging, radiation therapy, and digital healthcare solutions with clinical and technical expertise across the cancer care continuum and operational efficiency services. The 100bed facility will be the country’s first dedicated specialty cancer hospital and is set to open in mid2023 at Ayala Land’s Arca South development in Taguig City, Philippines.

This new “Value Partnership” adds to the 8-year partnership agreement signed in 2020 between AC Health and the Multi-Disciplinary Oncology division of Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company. This partnership enabled Varian to provide remote and on-site clinical care support with medical physics, treatment planning, and decision support as part of the integrated cancer program ambitioned by AC Health, with services across the entire continuum of care from screening, prevention, and care delivery to survivorship.

The healthcare arm of the Ayala Group, AC Health is currently developing HCCC as a holistic cancer facility aimed at overcoming barriers in cancer care in the Philippines. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO), cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in the country, with 92,000 deaths recorded and over 150,000 new cases in 2020. By establishing a specialized center, it will offer a comprehensive range of cancer services, from screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, to monitoring and follow-up.

In 2019, the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 11215, also known as the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), to strengthen cancer control in the country, increase cancer survivorship, and reduce the burden on families and cancer patients. The passing of NICCA paved the way for the private sector to establish cancer specialty facilities in support of the program.

As HCCH develops the first specialty cancer care facility, Siemens Healthineers will support

them with the integration of the most suitable diagnostic and therapy systems focused on comprehensive cancer care, from medical imaging to image-guided surgery and intervention, as well as radiation therapy.

This partnership with AC Health is a long-term Value Partnership. Such partnership models with Siemens Healthineers enable healthcare providers to expand clinical capabilities, drive services growth, advance innovation, and optimize business processes. It spans the entire Siemens Healthineers portfolio to generate added value above and beyond the equipment itself. Value Partnerships are designed to fit the customer’s needs entirely. Through the combination with Varian, Siemens Healthineers adds even more capabilities to its already existing portfolio focused on Oncology Solutions.

Siemens Healthineers has formed “Value Partnerships” with many healthcare providers worldwide. The latest examples include Health Management International in Malaysia, Stroke International Services in Vietnam, Hamilton Health Sciences in Canada, the University of Missouri System in the USA, Dallah Health Company in Saudi Arabia, and Braunschweig Municipal Hospital in Germany.

[Left to right] At the topping off ceremony of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital with Healthway Cancer Care Hospital chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Conrado Lorenzo III, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital medical director Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital chief operating officer Jenara Ong, AC Health president & CEO Paolo Borromeo, Varian vice president for Strategic Initiatives Multidisciplinary Oncology Amy Hay, Siemens Healthineers president & managing director Juan Miguel Tan, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital chief finance officer Ruby Chiong.

MYOWNWIFI

Need your own WiFi so you won’t have to share your internet connection with everyone else at home? MyOwnWifi, PLDT Home’s newest offer, is a first-of-itskind add-on service that allows existing Fiber customers to have a secondary internet connection with the same speeds as their Fiber base plan.

MyOwnWifi allows solo heavy bandwidth users to get the maximum speed of their modem without worrying about hogging the connection for the rest of the family members at home. What’s more,

MyOwnWifi gives you the same speeds at half the price of your base plan.

“We give our customers tailor-fitted products to enable them to live extraordinarily better at home. MyOwnWifi is one of our many innovations that answer the need of our customers for a dedicated, consistent, and fast connection so that they can excel at work, achieve more in school, and enjoy better digital experiences at home,” says Evert Chris Miranda, PLDT Home vice president and head of digital services.

A Secondary Fiber Connection at 50% off

MyOwnWifi allows solo heavy bandwidth users to get the maximum speed of their modem without worrying about hogging the connection for the rest of the family members at home. What’s more, MyOwnWifi gives you the same speeds at half the price of your base plan.

Fiber Plans MSF* (1st line) (2nd line) Dedicated Speed for each line

Plan 1299 50% Off 25 Mbps

Plan 1699 50% Off 100 Mbps Plan 2099 50% Off 200 Mbps

Plan 2699 50% Off 400 Mbps

Fiber Plus Plans MSF* (1st line) (2nd line) Dedicated Speed for each line

Plan 1899 50% Off 100 Mbps

Plan 2399 50% Off 200 Mbps Plan 2999 50% Off 400 Mbps

“We give our customers tailor-fitted products to enable them to live extraordinarily better at home. MyOwnWifi is one of our many innovations that answer the need of our customers for a dedicated, consistent, and fast connection so that they can excel at work, achieve more in school, and enjoy better digital experiences at home,” says Evert Chris Miranda, PLDT Home vice president and head of digital services.

DIY and hassle-free connection

The best part of MyOwnWifi is that there’s no installation required. Upon successful subscription, subscribers can connect the MyOwnWifi device to LAN Port 2 of their existing modem, and instantly get the additional same speeds as their current subscription.

It’s as simple as plug, play, and enjoy their MyOwnWifi connection.

The add-on will also be charged on top of their current subscription bill, providing a seamless and hassle-free payment service as they need not worry about multiple bills and separate billing cycles.

MyOwnWifi is the latest innovation from PLDT Home, which remains the fastest internet service provider in the Philippines for five consecutive years, according to the global benchmarking company Ookla®.

HOME INSURANCE ONLINE

MAPFRE Insurance, one of the country’s leading non-life insurance companies, has recently made Home Insurance easily and readily available to Filipinos with the launch of Property Online (property.mapfreinsurance.com.ph/propertyonline).

Property Online is a website that provides the convenience of getting comprehensive protection for every Filipino home with just a few types and clicks. Interested homeowners can get a quotation within 24 hours after submitting the necessary information online.

MAPFRE offers three different home insurance plans: Fire, Earth, and Water:

• The Fire plan is ideal for those looking for basic coverage. It covers the house against loss and damage caused by fire and lightning.

• The Earth plan amps up the basic coverage to include added protection against loss and damage from earthquakes. It also provides more benefits like allowances, as well as emergency and assistance services.

• The Water plan offers the most comprehensive coverage of the three. It has added protection against loss and damage from more perils like typhoons, floods, and even robbery. The Water plan also has numerous additional benefits including personal accident and personal liability coverages, on top of emergency and assistance services.

For further convenience, premiums for home insurance and other insurance products can be paid online or via mobile banking apps. All you have to do is take note of your Payment Reference Number. Next, log in on your bank or digital wallet app. Then in the Pay Bills or similar section of the app, select MAPFRE Insurance as the biller. Input the Payment Reference Number and the amount then proceed with the transaction. All major banks in the Philippines support this feature.

MAPFRE is a global insurance company with a worldwide presence. It is the benchmark insurer in the Spanish market and the largest Spanish multinational insurance group in the world. The company is among the main multinational insurers in Latin America and is one of the Top 5 largest Non-Life European insurers by premium volume.

INSURANCE

PHP30B FOR BEAUTY R&D

Dyson commits massive investment to fuel new beauty innovations, reports on Global Hair Study

Dyson recently announced that it is allocating half a-billion British Pounds (the equivalent of over 30 billion Philippine Pesos) to expand and accelerate its research and technology development across its beauty portfolio, with plans to launch 20 new beauty products in the next four years. Alongside this investment, Dyson also released the results of its most comprehensive hair research study, deepening understanding of hair types, styling behaviors, and perceptions of hair types and hair health around the world.

Dyson has consistently invested in pioneering technology. Six years ago, it revolutionized hair care with the launch of the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer — a machine that uses fast, controlled airflow and intelligent heat control to dry hair quickly while keeping hair strong and healthy. Since then, Dyson has developed a range of styling tools engineered to provide superior styles for all hair types, limiting exposure to extreme heat damage. The performance of Dyson styling tools stems from a decade of research — from the hair’s structure to airflow dynamics — while understanding the effect of thermal, mechanical, and chemical damage.

RESEARCH

SITS AT DYSON’S CORE

Across Dyson’s four Technology Campuses, 6,000 engineers and scientists have access to hundreds of laboratories. These spaces allow for rigorous testing of new ideas and technologies 24 hours a day. For Dyson to truly understand how all hair types behave and continue to identify better, healthier ways to style, the team develops test rigs and employs state-of-the-art equipment. Machinery such as scanning electron microscopes, thermal cameras, and airflow laser smoke machines help engineers better understand the impact of hair damage, global hair types, and the effects of high-speed airflow.

Developing technology for all hair types remains a crucial focus for the research and development teams. For too long, there has been both a misunderstanding and misrepresentation across styling tools to truly cater to different hair types while preserving hair from heat damage. This investment will create new lab spaces to sharpen Dyson’s understanding of global hair types and damage while supporting the continued diversification of Dyson’s beauty technology.

FROM CORTEX TO CUTICLE, ROOT TO TIP – DYSON’S 2022 GLOBAL HAIR STUDY

Understanding owners remains a central part of the Dyson design process, underpinned by hair science and research. This research and understanding informs its engineering decisions and empowers engineers to build machines that offer better styles backed by science, delivering healthy, stylish hair every day, no matter the hair type. Dyson’s obsession with hair has led to the creation of one of the most extensive global hair studies. This research investigates hair health, perceptions, habits, and attitudes toward hair styling across 23 markets and 23,000 people — enabling Dyson engineers to gain a deeper understanding of real-world styling frustrations.

Here are some key findings:

HAIR PERCEPTIONS & HAIR HEALTH MISCONCEPTIONS:

• 7 in 10 respondents say their hair is damaged, with dandruff, hair loss, and greying hair as top concerns. However, these are not damage concerns. 67% of all respondents also agree their hair is healthy despite being damaged.

• Respondents seem to understand what ‘healthy’ hair looks and feels like, describing it as shiny (36%), smooth (29%), and linking it to a healthy scalp (26%).

“Dandruff, hair loss, and greying hair are not forms of damage, but scalp and hair growth concerns. Hair damage refers to the breakdown of the hair cuticle and cortex, which can lead to your hair looking frizzy, dull, or snapping off. The best way to achieve healthy hair is through prevention and minimizing exposure to causes of damage. This includes extreme heat, which makes hair weaker and more susceptible to breakage and split ends,” notes Rob Smith, Dyson senior principal hair scientist.

HABITS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS STYLING:

• Be cautious of over-washing: Dyson global hair study reveals that 8 in 10 people wash their hair every day or once every two days.

• Consumers brush off post-pandemic styling blues: Dyson reveals while 6 in 10 consumers shifted at-home styling habits, at least 20% have returned to their prepandemic routines, and this continues to grow.

• 6 in 10 globally changed their hair habits due to the pandemic, styling hair less (17%), and using less hair products (9%).

• However, there’s continued diligence in basic hair maintenance and styling. Hair-holding spray, moisturizing products, shine enhancers, and standard conditioners are used 3-4 times a week.

“How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type, level of activity, and environment. Overwashing can be very damaging, stripping the scalp of natural oils while leaving hair dry. Generally, the greasier your hair or scalp is, the more often you can consider washing your hair. Straight hair may feel limp more easily due to oil build-up, while waves, curls and coils absorb oil and require less washing. Be gentle to your scalp, and use shampoos suited for your hair type. Be mindful to consider the pollution levels in your environment and wash off pollution from hair too, as a combination of pollution and ultraviolet elements can cause increased levels of hair damage,“ advises Smith.

DYSON’S LATEST HAIR CARE TECHNOLOGY

DYSON SUPERSONICTM HAIR DRYER

Engineered for different hair types, the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is powerful and fast. The tool uses a fast but focused airflow, is engineered for balance in the hand, is quieter than others, and intelligently controls the temperature to help protect hair from extreme heat damage.

Unlike traditional hair dryers, the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer measures air temperature over 40 times a second to regulate temperature output. Featuring Dyson’s intelligent heat control technology, it prevents extreme heat damage to help protect hair’s shine.

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer Vinca Blue & Rosé gift set is priced at PHP27,500.

HAIR SCIENCE STATISTICS

DYSON AIRWRAPTM MULTI-STYLER

Dyson recently unveiled its best-performing and most-efficient Airwrap yet – the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler. Dyson engineers challenged their own design to miniaturize and multiply the Coanda effect, pioneering a fully customizable styling tool to deliver a range of styles for different hair types without extreme heat.

Next-generation styling barrels featuring a rotating cool tip, make achieving curls and waves faster and easier — with heat damage, to help maintain hair strength. Blending the results formerly achieved with two barrels into one attachment, now users can style the full head, creating clockwise and anti-clockwise curls and waves, without the need to switch attachment mid-style. Re-engineered brush attachments deliver precision shaping with enhanced Coanda performance alongside an all-new dual-purpose Coanda smoothing dryer. Combining two attachments in one, the Coanda smoothing dryer hides flyaways in a single pass, with no extreme heat, and transforms into a powerful dryer with the flick of a switch. A wide-tooth comb attachment, engineered for curly and coily hair, helps to add shape, volume, and length as it dries. Dyson’s comb teeth are designed with soft curved tips to glide through the hair, with no sharp edges to catch, pull, or cause damage.

The Dyson Airwrap multi-stylerTM Vinca Blue & Rosé gift set is priced at PHP34,900.

• Each hair strand has its own nerve, blood supply, and muscle.

• A strand of hair can also support up to 2kg of weight.

• Hair is dead when it leaves the scalp; it cannot heal once damaged.

• Extreme heat changes the shape of keratin strands within hair. At over 150°C, the α-keratin slowly converts to β-keratin which, over time, makes hair weaker and less elastic.

• You grow around 11km of hair on the head each year. The average human head has 80,000 –150,000 strands of hair. Hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the body, behind bone marrow.

• Shiny hair is healthy hair. Healthy strands reflect more light, while the pores within damaged hair scatter light everywhere, decreasing shine.

• Asian hair is coarser than Western hair. Coarse hair holds styles better because each strand of hair is thicker. However, it may prone to frizz, and hence is harder to style.

Dyson products are available from Dyson Demo Stores at Greenbelt 5, SM Aura Premier, The Podium, and SM Mall of Asia

THE PERFECT MILK CHOCOLATE

Over a million cravings were analyzed by AI to create a future-proofed milk chocolate to please all

Did you know that the milk chocolate of everyone’s dreams does exist? Over a million milk chocolate lovers’ most delicious desires were curated with the power of artificial intelligence to create chocolate to please all. To fulfill people’s needs and respond to growing health challenges the milk chocolate of the future was created with a unique milk powder solution. “The Bar” is a milk chocolate landscape that combines all the changing preferences of people’s cravings while having 30% less sugar.

Milk being the core ingredient of chocolate, Finnish dairy and food company Valio harnessed artificial intelligence to showcase the taste of the future. A new milk chocolate piece titled “The Bar” is designed by humans, but its recipe is based on AI analysis of milk chocolate lovers’ thoughts, cravings, and tastes around the world. Valio created the futuristic concept together with local chocolate artists of Kultasuklaa company, meaning that Valio itself has not switched to chocolate manufacturing. The Bar is a proof of concept of what the dairy

company’s milk powder solution can do and how the future of milk chocolate could look like.

“The needs and preferences of global milk chocolate fans are changing. Growing awareness of health challenges affects the confectionery industry with governments around the world already starting to regulate sugar use and consumption. With our Valio Bettersweet™ solution the taste remains the same even though the amount of sugar is reduced,” says Valio senior vice president Timo Pajari.

Pioneering in the dairy industry requires constant learning on how technology can be utilized in the product development of dairy ingredients. Last spring, the company analyzed with artificial intelligence over 1.5 million public milk chocolate-related social media discussions around the world and surveyed hundreds of people about their preferences regarding chocolate. The AI analysis was produced by the Finnish company Aiwo Digital in cooperation with Valio’s consumer insight team.

“We wanted to unravel the most delicious and hidden desires of milk chocolate fans. By connecting the capabilities of AI, human craftsmanship, and design with our milk powder know-how we were able to create the chocolate of the future. Observing and curating conversations on social media enabled us to draw conclusions of authentic consumer preferences,” says Pajari.

Five different layers for different use cases

The results showed silent signals and emerging milk chocolate trends with two main conclusions. First, there is no single favorite chocolate taste, filling, or size as consumers want to enjoy different kinds of milk chocolate in different situations. Second, people want to indulge in milk chocolate with good conscience. The taste and sweetness are very important, but at the same time, consumers want milk chocolate to be healthier and natural with less sugar.

The recipe for a healthier dream chocolate was based on AI’s findings: five different chocolates with less sugar. Each chocolate has a different taste and texture designed to fit a different use case: impulse, craving,

delight, hunger, and relaxation. From bite to bite, new sensations get discovered and gradually build upon each other. The topographic design of the bar designed by professional designers allows the layers to be easily separated for enjoyment at the suitable time.

“The Bar’s chocolate flavors form a new kind of alternative to the traditional chocolate box, where different chocolate flavors are combined together instead of separated. Each layer of milk chocolate is made for different situations in life. In addition to plain milk chocolate flavor, the other layers are enhanced with nuts and cookie crumbs,” Pajari says.

Future milk chocolate

with no change in taste

by using the proteins in milk reducing the need for added sugar. Utilizing the solution chocolate manufacturers can fully dispense with artificial sweeteners. The 30% sugar reduction is just the beginning, as Valio already has solutions under development that can eliminate the amount of added sugar completely.

has 30% less sugar

“We see that future milk chocolate will have less sugar and only natural ingredients, without compromising the familiar taste. The Bar concept showcases how our Bettersweet™ milk powder solution does exactly that, but also how we can utilize AI to create even better products to cater to the changing needs and desires of customers. Wherever the chocolate landscapes of the future will develop, with Valio Bettersweet™ it’s always made better,” Pajari says.

To answer the growing need for healthier and natural milk chocolate, The Bar’s milk chocolate has 30% less sugar than regular. It is also lactose-free. This is achieved without changing the sweet taste or texture of the milk chocolate by using Valio Bettersweet™ solution in the recipe.

Valio Bettersweet™ is a milk powder solution that enables natural sugar reduction in any milk chocolate product

“The Bar’s chocolate flavors form a new kind of alternative to the traditional chocolate box, where different chocolate flavors are combined together instead of separated. Each layer of milk chocolate is made for different situations in life. In addition to plain milk chocolate flavor, the other layers are enhanced with nuts and cookie crumbs.”

Philippine Coffees Earn Global Awards

Laguna’s Liberica and Benguet’s Arabica win at the Global Coffee Championship in Korea

Two of the country’s coffees took on some of the best coffees in the globe and captured Silver and Bronze at the Global Coffee Championship held recently in Kintrex, Korea.

Michael Harris Conlin, 2019

Philippine National Barista Champion, represented the country in the competitions. “It is an honor to represent the country and have the opportunity to highlight Philippine coffee on the world stage. I love coffee competitions. I enjoy the pressure and pushing my skills to the limit; this is one of the best ways to bring the best out of myself and grow as a coffee professional,” said Conlin.

Out of over 30 competitors per category, the Liberica from Sta. Maria, Laguna, won the Silver award in Signature Coffee Award: Latte. Meanwhile, the Arabica from Balili, Benguet won the Bronze award in the Signature Coffee Award: Brewer. The coffee competition was judged by 12 world-class coffee experts in a blind round of judging with the Judges not knowing who the Barista was.

“When the opportunity came up to join a brewing and latte competition that is judged purely on sensory and blind with the Judges not knowing who the Barista was, I felt it was the best way to see how

Philippine Arabica and Latte would fare against some of the best baristas and coffees from around the world,” added Conlin.

Most barista competitions put focus on the Barista. It’s rare that the barista takes the back seat, and the coffee gets a chance to take the main stage to compete in a global coffee competition.

Conlin’s Henry & Sons team worked closely with coffee farmers from the Juan Santiago Agriculture Cooperative (JSACOOP), an OTOPreneur from Santa Maria, Laguna, and the Dado family of Agnep @benguetarabica farm in processing and introducing the country’s Laguna Liberica and Benguet Arabica to the world.

For more information, visit www. henryandsons and www.thevault.ph

BEKO SENDS LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS, SHARES UPCOMING PLANS FOR 2023

The year 2022 has been a big one for Beko in the Philippines as the European appliance brand marked many milestones, most notable of which is the launch of pro mom, actress, cook, and content creator Judy Ann Santos, its first ambassador in the country as she embodies the brand’s drive and purpose to inspire people to live healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

For the holidays, Beko Sends Love This Christmas, a special offer that celebrates Filipinos’ love and enthusiasm for the season. “Beko is very happy to celebrate Christmas with Filipinos and help make their appliance wish lists come true. Our appliances are gifts that keep on giving because the technologies they have will make people’s lives easier and healthier,” said Gürhan Günal, Beko Pilipinas Corporation country manager, during the launch of the campaign.

Up for grabs are big cash discounts with free items and raffle prizes such as fuel cards and exciting family vacation trip packages.

Beko also announced upcoming products for 2023. For one, there are freezers with MinFrost Technology, which means reduced ice build-up. Frozen food will be preserved better using less energy, so you’ll have to defrost less frequently.

There will be new Beko split type air conditioner units with HomeWhiz mobile connectivity, Double Gold Guard to help prevent corrosion for extended product life, Bio Filter to reduce unpleasant odors and effectively filter small dust particles, GoClean self-cleaning to maintain cooling performance, and Zone Follow so you feel the actual temperature where you are.

Next year, Beko will also launch new larger capacity refrigerators with HarvestFresh technology that mimics 24-hour sunlight to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.

Filipinos can enjoy more time with their family and feel at ease with laundry and cleaning as Beko will also be introducing new washing machines

and vacuum cleaners, as well as new coffee makers and espresso machines. There will also be innovative cooking hobs and freestanding cookers.

Beko, a brand present in over 140 countries, 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 products inspire a healthy lifestyle, from nutrient-saving kitchen appliances, to refrigerators that preserve food better for longer.

(L-R) Gurhan Gunal - Country Manager, Beko Philippines and Dyeun Zapanta - Marketing Head, Beko Philippines

PHILIPS PARTNERS WITH SHINAGAWA

PH TO PROVIDE ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SOLUTIONS, INCLUDING COUNTRY’S

FIRST HELIUM-FREE MRI

TECHNOLOGY

Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology has entered an agreement with Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corporation to provide multimodalities of imaging technologies from Philips at the start of the first quarter of 2023. Through this partnership, Philips will provide advanced precision diagnostics solutions to be installed for Shinagawa’s new Diagnostic and Preventive Care center. The integrated solutions include the Philips Ultrasound System 3300, the Philips MR 5300 and IntelliSpace Portal (ISP) solution. The Philips MR 5300 will be the first helium-free MRI Technology installed in the Philippines.

Backed by Philips’ extensive experience and expertise in ultrasound, the Philips 3300 Ultrasound System is an imaging platform packed with an awardwinning design set to enhance patient and staff experience. It is a highly versatile machine that enables clinics and hospitals to perform a variety of adult and pediatric exams – from general, obstetrics and gynecology, to cardiovascular. The machine’s ergonomic design enables healthcare professionals to view images with ease, without compromising the patient’s comfort.

The helium-free Philips MR 5300 is built around the breakthrough BlueSeal magnet and integrates AI technologies to automate clinical and operational tasks. As the industry’s first MR system to enable heliumfree operations, it reduces the chance of potentially lengthy and costly disruptions, and virtually eliminating dependency on a commodity with an unpredictable supply. The fully-

sealed system does not require a vent pipe, significantly reducing the siting challenges presented by conventional magnets and lowering construction costs. With heliumfree MRI operations, Philips delivers environment-friendly, sustainable, and more predictive maintenance. The machine creates exceptional quality diagnostic imaging and an automated patient-centric workflow that allow less than 1 minute patient set-up for exams.

The Philips MRI 5300 utilizes Philips’ IntelliSpace Portal, an intelligent, automated and connected Advanced Visualization solution. With first-timeright, intelligent and quantitative clinical insights, it is designed to support image diagnostic confidence and advanced analysis needs. It also reduces reporting time through optimized workflows and results automation.

The Philips solutions to be installed at Shinagawa Diagnostic and

Preventive Care Center are focused on providing the latest innovations that will ensure precise diagnosis and optimized workflow, allowing specialists and clinicians to allot less time towards navigating software and to devote more time to solving diagnostics challenges that improve patients’ lives.

Masako Uemori, president of Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corporation said, “We aim to be the top Japanese-standard medical facility in the country, by providing the most technologically advanced and innovative eye care and medical procedures. Therefore, we envision to expand our business in advanced and specialized imaging diagnostics. Our partnership with Philips is an opportunity for us to address the ever-evolving needs of patients and promote a preventive approach to healthcare, through the introduction of the Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center in 2023.”

Team Philips and Team Shinagawa led by Seneriza Castro, Director, Head of Sales, Philips Philippines and Masako Uemori, President and CEO, Shinagawa

CANVA ACHIEVES 100M MONTHLY ACTIVE USERS FOLLOWING LAUNCH OF VISUAL WORKSUITE

Canva, the global visual communications platform, recently announced that more than 100 million people in 190 countries are using its platform every month. The surge in growth follows the recent launch of Canva’s Visual Worksuite, with the platform gaining more than 15 million additional monthly active users as teams, schools, and workplaces embrace the ability to communicate visually, on any device, from anywhere in the world.

“We’re incredibly proud to mark this milestone moment on our mission to empower the whole world to design,” said Canva cofounder and CEO Melanie Perkins. “Visual communication is now more important than ever. Our continued growth demonstrates the huge demand for a collaborative, simple and all-inone platform that empowers all kinds

of teams, in all kinds of workplaces, to unlock their creativity and achieve their goals without complexity.”

Canva’s sustained growth is testament to the company quickly becoming the visual communication platform of choice in every kind of team and workplace. The ease of use, collaborative nature, and breadth of Canva’s product suite has seen increased adoption across the globe, with workplace usage soaring across a wide variety of professions and industries. This demand is evidenced by the more than 10,000 current jobs on LinkedIn listing Canva as a desired skill by companies including American Express, Amazon, TikTok, LEGO, and Google.

“Canva has been an invaluable tool for our business, transforming how our creative and social teams work

with one another by making it easier for staff to create new designs in a way that maintains brand consistency,” says Marissa Kraines, vice president of social and content marketing at Salesforce. “It’s also enabled our team to scale best practices when it comes to visual communications across the company, ensuring that we can create compelling content across all of our social and owned channels.”

Communication is increasingly visual and the world of work has never been more global, making simple design skills and seamless collaboration more critical than ever before. As the demand for visual communication in the workplace rises, Canva continues to be dedicated to building a full suite of visual communication products that power the modern workforce for the future of work, across every industry.

GLOBE BUSINESS LAUNCHES NEW GFIBER BIZ PLUS

With the world evolving into a more digital-first environment, businesses have to step up their connectivity game because of the higher demand for video conferences, online collaborations, and the need to increase online presence — all to consistently cater to the needs of their customers and different stakeholders.

“As businesses pursue growth in today’s hyperconnected world, it is imperative that they have a robust internet connection that they can depend on,” says Angie Po, product marketing head, Globe Business MSME Group. “That’s why Globe Business continues to improve our business-grade broadband plans that can keep up with the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs, to help them achieve more business breakthroughs para sa tuloytuloy na success.”

The latest made-for-business broadband plan of Globe Business is the new GFiber Biz Plus.

With GFiber Biz Plus, businesses can enjoy robust connectivity without the high cost. All plans are now fully “symmetric” across speeds of 35Mbps upto 1Gbps. This means users can enjoy equal upload and download speeds, allowing them to accomplish their online tasks much faster, experience seamless streaming, enjoy higher video quality for online conferences, and upload on the cloud with minimal interruption. Plus, they can now enjoy 4x the speed from 50 Mbps to 200Mbps for Plan 2499!

GFiber Biz Plus Plans also come with additional tools important for businesses. For Plans 2499 and up, Globe Business extends help to business owners by giving them the option to choose among these additional

support based on their needs: a free one-year license of Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 to improve business productivity; (2) units of WiFi Mesh for a more enhanced WiFi coverage; P5,000 subsidy that can be used for in-house wiring or on barangay permit. All plans also include unlimited calls to all mobile and landline networks for 24 months, making calls to customers and suppliers worry free about extra charges.

“GFiber Biz Plus is the best valuepacked connectivity solution for MSMEs that want to be better equipped to respond to the needs of their customers and stakeholders during this time of heightened digital adoption, ” says Po.

Get the GFiber Biz Plus now. Drop by any Globe store, call the hotline at 121, visit the website at https://glbe.co/ gfiberbizplans, or get in touch with your dedicated account manager to avail.

HISENSE TV SECURES GLOBAL NO. 2 RANKING, SPONSORS FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022

With consumers enjoying worldclass TV viewing experience with the advanced VIDAA operating system (OS) on its televisions, Hisense TV has secured the global No. 2 spot in terms of volume share of shipment in the second quarter (Q2) of 2022.

According to a recent data released by market research agency Omdia, Hisense TV’s volume share of shipment accounted for 12.1%, ranking second worldwide in terms of volume share of shipment in Q2 2022. In terms of worldwide volume share and worldwide revenue share, Hisense TV is among the market leaders, and continues to stay ahead in these categories.

Hisense is a global brand with VIDAA Operating System (OS) designed for a lean-back user experience for the

consumer. The VIDAA OS offers intuitive user interface design with instant response and fast booting time. The VIDAA Smart TV Remote App that can be downloaded on a smart phone becomes the extension of the TV, functioning as an extra remote control, for ultimate convenience and connectivity. The app is easily downloadable through the mobile app store.

VIDAA is reliable and user friendly. It offers universal content. With a premium Hisense Smart TV, Filipinos enjoy excellent TV viewing experience. They get cinematic quality when watching movies at home, feel the adrenaline rush while watching sporting events, and players can fully immerse themselves in the gaming world.

As part of celebrating its global success, Hisense entered into a partnership with FIFA as an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, taking place from November 21 to December 18. The collaboration, which began in 2017 prior to the FIFA World Cup in Russia, provides Hisense with an occasion to present specially created, video-ondemand programming to its customers using past FIFA World Cup content, delivered through its integrated VIDAA smart TV platform.

“This will be a great opportunity for us to not only put sports fans at the heart of the game, but to show the rest of the world what the best viewing experience looks like. At Hisense, we are committed to shaping our future through continuous innovation,” said Hisense senior marketing manager Lara Marie Lua.

With its continuous technological innovation, Hisense has evolved from a small factory selling radios to a market leader. Its large-screen TVs have gotten a foothold on the premium big-screen market.

“Hisense’s technological journey began 53 years ago when it started as a small factory selling radios in China. Because of its strong belief in innovation, it keeps a close eye on changing market conditions and focuses on producing electronics, including smart TVs, refrigerators, air conditioning systems, among other products. Since 2004, Hisense has been China’s market leader in flat panel TVs and maintains a continuous growth in the global TV market,” said Lua.

Hisense products are available in 54 countries around the world, including the Philippines.

PRU LIFE UK WINS TWO STEVIE AWARDS FOR ITS #WEDOESG INITIATIVES

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK was named the Silver Stevie® awardee in two categories —Communications or PR Campaign of the Year for Corporate Responsibility, and Achievement in Thought Leadership — in the 19th Annual International Business Awards® (IBA). Awardees were honored during a gala banquet at the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel, on October 15 in London, UK. It was the first live IBA awards ceremony since 2019.

Cha-Ching financial literacy program for children

Cha-Ching is an award-winning program developed by Prudence Foundation and implemented by Pru Life UK in the Philippines, which aims to educate the Filipino youth on the core money management concepts of Earn, Save, Spend and Donate. As the Cha-Ching programme celebrates 10 years of outreach effort, the program has already reached over 870,000 children via the Cha-Ching curriculum to promote financial literacy.

“We are delighted to receive this recognition for Cha-Ching, our children’s financial education program. By providing children with these crucial life skills, knowledge and values around money and money management, they can navigate a more financially secure and successful future. We are so pleased to be driving this agenda in the Philippines and globally, and look forward to expanding our impact to reach as many more children as possible,” said Prudence Foundation executive director Marc Fancy.

How will climate change affect the health of Filipinos in the next decade? Another initiative focusing on financial security is this independentlycommissioned 2021 pioneering study that explores the potential health impact and financial risks of climate change. The acclaimed study underscores the role of insurance companies in protecting Filipinos, especially the underserved and unserved communities.

“We are honored to be recognized by The International Business Awards for our work in raising awareness on the impact of climate change on financial security, as well as in bringing financial literacy and protection to life amid these trying times. Together with our partners, we are committed to helping more Filipinos achieve financial security and make financial education more accessible, helping more Filipino families get the most out of life,” Pru Life UK chief legal & government relations officer Atty. Em Vallente said.

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide — public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small — are eligible to submit nominations. The 2022 IBAs received more than 3,700 nominations from organizations in 67 nations and territories.

Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 300 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process in June and July 2022.

(From left) Pru Life UK Chief Legal & Government Relations Officer Atty. Em Vallente, Prudence Foundation Regional Programme Manager Pia Warburton, Prudence Foundation Executive Director Marc Fancy, and Pru Life UK VP for Community Investment and Advocacy Gizelle Camua receiving Pru Life UK’s Silver Stevie awards.

AMERICAN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Words by Jose Alvarez

With over 75 years of basketball history under the NBA’s belt, one might ask: why is the league as popular as it is today around the world? One has to rewind the clock to the 1960s when upstart leagues were challenging the very existence of the NBA. Enter the American Basketball Association (ABA), which was considered one of the most successful rival professional basketball leagues at the time. The ABA has had far more of an impact than today’s NBA fans might know, despite only existing from 1967 to 1976.

One ABA team owner said that the intent of forming the ABA was not to directly compete with the NBA, but to force a merger with the NBA. Investors in the ABA were attracted by lower startup costs in smaller markets, slight tweaks in rules, and ultimately, a more attractive version of basketball that the NBA was lacking at the time. The marketing campaign for the ABA also changed how professional sports approached their marketing efforts. The league used a red, white, and blue ball, which drew more attention on TV than the traditional orange ball. The ABA also had a three-point line

and slam dunk contest. ABA franchises used strange promotions and marketing tactics that piqued the interest of basketball fans. This forced the NBA to react to these innovative new ways to play (and market) the (at the time) nearly 80-year-old sport of basketball.

At some point, all of these ABA innovations would make it (in some shape or form) into the NBA. The Slam Dunk Contest made its way to the NBA for the 1976-1977 season, but did not return until 1984, and has been a staple of the NBA All-Star Weekend ever

since (with a brief hiatus in 1998 and 1999). The three-point line made it to the NBA in time for the 1979-1980 NBA season. The red, white, and blue ball was kept as the “money” ball for the NBA’s Three-Point Contest in 1986, also as a part of the NBA All-Star Game festivities.

The ABA sought to attract star players with promises of higher salaries. Some notable early stars of the ABA also went on to play in the NBA. College star Spencer Haywood, in particular, left college early to play for the ABA’s Denver Rockets, citing family hardship as his reason for going professional. At the time, NBA rules required potential draftees to play all four years in college, which made the ABA more attractive to talented players who sought to play professionally sooner. The ABA was an upstart league, and playing in smaller markets (and in some cases, competing in NBAdominated markets) showed it. Very few teams were financially successful, and attendance was low. The Houston Mavericks reportedly drew only 89 fans against the New York Nets during the final game of the 1968-1969 season.

Some legendary players who got their start in the ABA include Julius “Dr. J” Erving, George “The Iceman” Gervin, Moses Malone, and David Thompson. Thompson is especially important since Michael Jordan considered him his idol, and Thompson inducted Jordan into the Hall of Fame in 2009. Other names familiar to basketball fans, such as legendary NBA coaches Larry Brown and Hubie Brown (no relation), also received their start in the ABA.

One NBA star, Rick Barry, even went from the NBA’s San Francisco Warriors to the ABA’s Oakland Oaks in 1968 in a robust deal valued at USD500,000 (~USD4.26 million today) over three years and even 15% ownership of the Oaks. He later returned to the NBA, re-signing with the Golden State Warriors in 1972.

Another ABA star, Ron Boone, once held the record for most consecutive games played in NBA/ABA combined history. Maurice Lucas, who played with the Kentucky Colonels and Spirits of St.

Louis, won an NBA championship with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977.

The ABA also went after the NBA’s referees in its early days. One particular target was Hall of Fame referee Earl Strom, one of the most prominent referees in NBA history. He became known as “The Pied Piper” for his flamboyant style of controlling basketball games throughout his 29 years in the NBA and three years in the ABA. While these referees eventually returned to the NBA, the allure of a rival league and a bigger paycheck made the

David Thompson also fell out of the NBA due to injuries and drug use.

Another NBA legend, Hall of Fame center Bill Walton, thought of Thompson so highly that he described him as “Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and LeBron James rolled into one.” How good would he actually have been had he stayed injury-free and drug-free?

Another ABA star, John Brisker, was notorious for on-court fights, leading players to nickname him “the heavyweight champion of the ABA.” He suddenly disappeared in 1978 after traveling to Uganda, prompting speculation about his whereabouts to this very day.

When the ABA came to an end in 1976, four teams made it to the NBA: the San Antonio Spurs, the New York (now Brooklyn) Nets, the Indiana Pacers, and the Denver Nuggets. Each team has prospered in its own right in the NBA.

The San Antonio Spurs became the most successful former ABA franchise, winning five NBA championships.

The Denver Nuggets pioneered the fast-paced offense we see in today’s game.

ABA tempting to anyone associated with basketball.

The ABA was not without its share of controversy. Today, NBA fans might remember Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving’s refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine. While some ABA players continued to be successful in the NBA as well, many ABA stars had failed to adjust to the NBA.

For example, Spirits of St. Louis star Marvin “Bad News” Barnes was often at the center of negative news reports due to his interactions with the justice system and drug use.

The owners of the Spirits of St. Louis, Ozzie and Daniel Silna, scored a major business victory by accumulating hundreds of millions of dollars despite the franchise folding in 1976. As part of a series of deals with the former ABA franchises that went to the NBA and the NBA themselves, they were entitled to a share of TV revenue and other payments that continue to this very day, even pocketing USD500 million in 2014 as a lump sum payment from the NBA.

The ABA’s aggressive marketing and recruitment approach forced the NBA to adopt many of its innovations that we see today. If you’re wondering whom to thank for basketball’s fusion with entertainment and innovation, the ABA is the place to see the beginnings of such changes. The upstart league forced changes in an institution that was previously reticent to do so and sparked the global reach of basketball that we witness today.