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Words by Gabriel Pe
EDUCATION IN THE ERA OF AI
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have taken over the tech world. When Open AI’s Chat-GPT opened public access in late 2022, it transformed the tech world for better and worse.
AI has become a key feature for many new devices. Phones are leveraging AI power in photography and other features; special AIpowered laptops are being launched. Other AI-centric devices have started to hit the market this year.
Since entering mainstream consciousness, generative AI has been divisive. The biggest battlefield for AI adoption has been education. While both sides agree that AI can have a place, to what extent is a subject of debate.
How AI is changing education for the better
AI has significantly altered how we interact with our devices, from camera processing and screen adjustment to battery and power management. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are increasingly used in translation apps, code checks, and transcription, among other applications.
In particular, Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLM) have seen a surge in education use as students utilize them for research and assignments. Some generative AI can produce
graphics or create designs explicitly catering to their use case. LLMs, meanwhile, provide users with information or other text-based needs. Both have niche use cases and work hand-inhand to expedite tasks or work.
AI-based tools for lesson planning and material creation are also making teachers’ and educators’ work easier. AI tools are also being used to check exams, homework, and student papers. Other AI tools help teachers with administrative tasks such as organization and management.
Another practical AI innovation is AI assessment. Educators can utilize AI to help assess students’ output. AI can predict how students will fare in certain situations or examinations based on their performance. Using this data, teachers can fine-tune their lessons to take extra time on specific topics or give certain students additional time and guidance for a lesson they’re struggling with.
Finally, AI-based learning tools such as educational games or tutoring help students absorb the topic more easily. AI-based learning can fit every student as it learns what works and does not work the more it is used. It would provide students with the necessary tools to keep them engaged and ensure they can keep up with the lessons or topics. AI-based tutoring also helps them catch up with their lessons at their own pace.
The challenges of AI in education
AI has its pros and cons. One of the more obvious cons comes in the form of cheating and misinformation. Teachers and educators have expressed concerns about how AI, particularly generative AI, is being used to cheat.
Students have been caught using LLMs to cheat on homework, exams, and papers. Language model AI has made it easy to create long-form papers and essays with outstanding results. For educators, particularly in basic education, this is a red flag.
Assignments and work for young children are crafted to help their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Relying on AI to do their work could affect the development of children’s critical thinking skills. Additionally, it could lead to over-dependence on technology and underdevelopment of other crucial skills.
Another major con of AI in education is its fallibility. AI is still a fallible technology; it’s still developing, and in the case of most LLMs, they’re constantly improving and gathering data. So, it’s no surprise that AIs can provide misinformation despite the large data set they are trained on.
AIs are limited to what they are trained on. If the information provided during their training is wrong, then the AI will repeat that wrong information when asked. As AI learns and develops, the data may be overwritten with newer information, but until then, it’s important to double-check the work.
Finally, educators have posited that complete reliance on AI to teach might lead to isolation. AI-based learning means that students would learn on their own. There would be no human interaction, causing students to be isolated from their peers. Fortunately,
this con is still a remote possibility while the world tries to find a balance in fully adopting AI.
Finding balance
AI is here to stay, and like every new technology, we try to find a way to incorporate it and fully adapt it to form part of our systems. Utilizing AI in education is the same, as schools and universities try to find the necessary balance to fully incorporate AI in their teaching systems.
In the Philippines, universities have recently released guidelines for using AI at work. The country’s state university, the University of the Philippines, through its Open University system and its Los Banos campus, released guidelines for how teachers and students can use AI for teaching and learning.
Utilizing AI in education and research is here to stay. While some cons still need work, there are also significant benefits, such as using AI to enhance the learning experience or to simplify tedious tasks.
The university has given teachers permission to set their own standards on how students may utilize AI for their classes. They’ve also permitted educators to determine to what extent they should use AI grading systems to assess their students’ work.
Meanwhile, for students, the university has required students to declare if they have used AI for their output. Of course, they are reminded to check for plagiarism when they utilize AI. Finally, the guidelines want students to avoid using AI for harmful and illegal purposes.
Another university, Far Eastern University, has also provided its students with guidelines on how to use generative AI for their school work, including recommended AI programs. The university warns that failure to adhere to the guidelines may lead to sanctions.
Beyond universities, the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has also created guidance on how nations can develop regulations and guidelines to ensure that Generative AI becomes a tool that benefits all rather than risk academic and technological disparity.
At the very heart of the UNESCO guidance is a human-centered approach. This means that AI and its subsequent regulations must follow the same human rights principles and protect human dignity. Generative AI still has many ethical concerns, such as copyright, deep fakes, and marginalization through biased data sets.
A human-centered approach entails that nations take cognizance of the pitfalls of current Generative AI and create regulations that would protect individuals’ rights against them. This includes adopting stricter data protection laws to prevent companies from illegally collecting and processing data for AI training. The recommendation also seeks to revisit copyright laws and incorporate protections against the unauthorized use of intellectual properties as training data. Finally, the guidance wants nations to build a capacity for the proper use of AI in education and research.
Utilizing AI in education and research is here to stay. While some cons still need work, there are also significant benefits, such as using AI to enhance the learning experience or to simplify tedious tasks. AI in education is still in its infancy, and as the technology develops, we should ensure that it is used to enhance and not to harm.
The daily grind can have an unexpected downside. It limits the opportunities to explore new skills and career paths. But what if you crave something different, such as pursuing hobbies or interests outside your field of expertise? Micro-credentials can bridge this gap. Designed for flexibility and accessibility, micro-credentials allow anyone to gain new skills without committing to a full degree program. They address the ever-changing job market by offering targeted training in specific areas. In simpler terms, they’re knowledge boosters that let anyone learn new things efficiently.
Words by Alyssa Silva
The benefits of micro-credentials are multi-fold. They help the learners to acquire new skills, improve their resumes, and even transition to new careers. Plus, they play a significant role in the gig economy by equipping them with the specialized skills needed for freelance and contractual jobs. As the gig economy expands, the ability to quickly gain and demonstrate expertise becomes increasingly important. For instance, online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Grow with Google, and LinkedIn Learning offer micro-credential programs in areas such as digital marketing, data analytics, project management, and many more, enabling learners to stay current with industry trends and demands.
Sidharth Oberoi, the vice president for international strategy at Instructure, stated, “Taking a myriad of skill-based certifications helps make individuals more employable, more certifiable, and more productive members of the workforce…” These certifications not only provide concrete evidence of one’s expertise but
also demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. By bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to their roles, they can contribute to the overall growth and competitiveness of their organizations.
A study by the Philippine Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) revealed that around 83% of the 4 million Filipino freelancers in the Philippines leverage free online courses to upskill themselves. This trend is driven by the twin forces of a rapidly changing job market and the accessibility of online learning. Free online courses offer an effective solution that allows freelancers to improve their job prospects and boost their earning potential. Plus, freelancing platforms expose them to a wider range of projects, demanding constant adaptation and skill enhancement. But this doesn’t happen only in the Philippines; freelancers globally are embracing similar strategies to thrive in the dynamic gig economy.
Also, the pandemic fueled the popularity of micro-credentials globally. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, traditional education and training programs faced significant challenges, resulting in a transition to online learning to continue their education and professional development. This shift highlighted the importance and effectiveness of micro-credentials in providing targeted, flexible, and accessible learning opportunities. It also underscored the need for workers to adapt quickly to new challenges and changing market demands. It allows the freelancers to showcase their expertise in specific areas — a crucial advantage in the gig economy, where diverse and up-to-date skill sets are highly valued. With more companies using digital tools, they are starting to see the value of these micro-credentials as little badges of expertise.
Micro-credentials are poised to be a game-changer, making learning more flexible and affordable for everyone. As industries shift and new skills are in high demand, micro-credentials will become a key to keeping your career on track. Imagine stacking these certifications to build your unique skillset tailored to land that dream job or stay ahead of the curve. Plus, with colleges and businesses jumping on board, micro-credentials will be seamlessly integrated with traditional education, giving you more control over your learning path. So, whether to master the latest tech or brush up on specific skills, micro-credentials empower learners to personalize their educational pathways and thrive in the
Unlock weekly back-to-school prizes and secure extra budget with Maya
As the back-to-school season approaches, the financial stress can be overwhelming with expenses for new school supplies, school fees, and more. Budgets are often stretched thin, and anxiety levels can get high. Good thing, Maya, the #1 Digital Bank App in the Philippines, is here to help you breeze through this season with awesome rewards and financial flexibility.
Here’s how you can ace your back-to-school funds with Maya:
Get up to P30,000 funds via Maya Easy Credit for your school needs!
Need a budget for your school expenses? Maya Easy Credit gives you up to PHP30,000 in seconds—no paperwork needed. Use it to pay tuition fees via Bills Pay after transferring the funds to your wallet. You can even pay directly in-store or online when you shop for books and uniforms at SM, Robinsons, Shopee or Lazada, stock up on packed meals and snacks for school from the supermarket, or even grab a new phone or laptop for your studies. It’s a quick and easy way to boost your finances and make backto-school shopping a breeze!
Score cash prizes and back-to-school gadgets every week!
Every PHP250 you spend using Maya earns you raffle entries for a chance to be one of the 20 weekly winners of PHP10,000 and Honor gadgets from July 1 to August 31, 2024. Pay for school supplies, shoes, backpacks, and more via QRPh at over 600,000 stores, check out online through Pay with Maya, or use the globally accepted Maya Card. Plus, stay connected with load and data from the app for all your homework and enrollment needs. Each transaction brings you closer to a win, making every purchase a step toward exciting rewards. The more you use Maya to spend, save, invest, and borrow, the higher your chances of winning!
Boost your Maya savings for every back-toschool spend!
With Maya Savings, you can grow your money while you spend it on your school expenses. Boost your savings with up to 15% p.a. interest, credited daily whenever you use Maya for your transactions. Your savings grow faster, helping you handle school expenses more smoothly.
Gear up for the back-to-school season and seize the chance to earn rewards and save more! Maya makes every transaction exciting, turning your everyday purchases into chances to win big. Combine this with Maya Easy Credit and high-interest savings, and you can now manage your back-toschool like a pro!
Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to PHP500,000 per depositor. Stay in the loop with Maya’s exciting offers by visiting maya.ph and mayabank.ph. For the latest updates and exclusive content, follow Maya on social media: @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
Must-have vivo phones for SY2024
As the school year 2024-2025 approaches, students are gearing up for another exciting year of learning, socializing, and achieving their goals.
A reliable smartphone is essential to navigate academic challenges and stay connected with friends and family. Leading smartphone brand vivo offers a range of models tailored to meet students’ diverse needs and budgets. Explore this school year’s four must-have vivo phones: the vivo V30 Series, Y100, Y18, and Y03.
vivo V30 Series for memory-keepers
The vivo V30 Series is designed for those prioritizing camera quality and overall performance. This series is packed with advanced features and technology, making it perfect for students who love capturing every moment in stunning detail.
The vivo V30 Pro, co-engineered with ZEISS, boasts a triple 50MP rear camera setup. Meanwhile, the vivo V30 has dual 50MP rear cameras, while the vivo V30e has a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera.
The entire vivo V30 Series also has an Aura Light 3.0, which is like a built-in mini ring light that helps you capture studio-quality portraits.
A top-notch camera is essential for students who enjoy photography, creating content for social media, or documenting their school life. Whether capturing memories at school events, working on creative projects, or taking selfies with friends, the vivo V30 Series ensures you always get the best shot.
vivo Y100 for fun yet hard-working students
The vivo Y100 stands out with its impressive fast-charging capability, making it an excellent choice for hard-working students who need a phone to keep up with their busy schedules.
It features an 80W fast charge technology, allowing the battery to go from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes. This ensures minimal downtime and maximum productivity.
The vivo Y100 is also for fashionista students. Enhance your personality and stand out in the crowd with vivo Y100’s photochromic effect. When the phone hits the sun, it changes color in just seconds!
In a hectic school environment, having a phone that charges quickly but does not compromise style is a game-changer. Students can charge their phones between classes or during short breaks, ensuring they are always connected and ready for any task, be it academic, social, or entertainment-related.
vivo Y18 for budget-conscious memory-keepers
The vivo Y18 offers an excellent balance between affordability and camera quality, making it an attractive option for students on a budget.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the vivo Y18 does not compromise on camera performance as it has a 50MP multi-style portrait night camera.
For students who need a good camera phone without spending too much, the vivo Y18 is the perfect solution. It offers great value for money, allowing students to efficiently capture memorable moments and complete photography-related school projects.
vivo Y03 for thrifty students
The vivo Y03 is an excellent choice for students who need a reliable smartphone on a tight budget. It offers impressive performance without compromising on essential features.
The Y03 is powered by an octa-core Helio G85 processor and sufficient RAM of up to 8GB, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks.
For students who cannot spend much but still need a dependable phone for academic and personal use, the vivo Y03 is a perfect choice. It ensures good performance for running academic apps, staying connected with peers, and enjoying entertainment during breaks.
Choosing the right smartphone is crucial as you prepare for the school year 2024-2025. Whether you prioritize camera quality, fast charging, or affordability, vivo offers a model that fits your needs.
The vivo V30 Series, Y100, Y18, and Y03 each provide unique features that cater to different student requirements, ensuring you stay connected and productive throughout the school year.
Explore these vivo models further to find the perfect fit for your needs. Visit the vivo website to learn more about each model. Get hands-on experience at vivo concept stores or kiosks to make an informed decision and ensure you are ready for an exciting and successful school year ahead.
LENOVO LEGION GEN 9
Starts at PHP144,995
Gaming Laptop
WITH A WORK-BY-DAY and game-by-night lifestyle, today’s gamers are on the lookout for a device that can handle the heaviest AAA games and rigorous multitasking. Offering gamers the best of both worlds, the Lenovo Legion Gen 9 series consists of:
• Lenovo Legion 9i
• Lenovo Legion 7i
• Lenovo Legion 5i
• Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
• Lenovo Legion Pro 5i
The newly released gaming device line-up sets the standard for using AI-innovation to achieve peak power efficiency. These are equipped with the newly developed Lenovo LA AI Core Chips that provide a fully user-customizable AI-assisted performance boost to enable higher FPS and an overall, top-tier experience.
In partnership with Intel, Lenovo redefined thermal design with the Legion Coldfront Hyper thermal solution to help manage airflow within gaming laptops. Exclusive to the Lenovo Legion 7i and Lenovo Legion 5i, this new system optimizes heat management by transforming the airflow within the chassis and channeling the hot air from the chips through a central hyperbaric chamber. Gamers can also expect significantly cooler temperatures as the bottom D-cover isolates the expelled hot air from the cold air drawn in by dual fans allowing for higher frame rates during game sessions.
This lineup features fully-powered 14th Gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics for unbeatable processing power. Each device also comes with a 16-inch PureSight display that is per-unit color calibrated, up to 64GB of memory, and up to 2TB of Gen4 PCIe storage on select devices. Power ranges from an integrated 80W for the Lenovo Legion 5i and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i, and a 99.99W battery for the Lenovo Legion 9i, Lenovo Legion 7i, and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i.
Gamers can also expect a TrueStrike keyboard 4-zone RGB backlit on the Lenovo Legion 5i, and the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion 9i, Lenovo Legion 7i, and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i sport a per-key RGB backlit (with lighting lens) version.
(L–R) Clifford Chong, AP Gaming Category Manager, Lenovo Asia Pacific, Charlotte Koa Consumer Segment Lead, Trippy Padilla, Consumer Marketing Manager, Mario Carmona, AP Gaming Marketing Lead
HUAWEI MATEPAD SE 11”
THE HUAWEI MATEPAD SE 11” is a user-friendly, durable, and elegant tablet designed for immersive home entertainment. Weighing only 475g and measuring 6.9mm thick, it is easy to handle for all family members. Available in Nebula Grey, the tablet features an integrated metal body made of 5-series aluminum alloys.
As the first cellular tablet with a double-slit design, the HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” uses Huawei’s patented Metaslot antenna technology. The WiFi version boasts a sleek, slit-free design with the Cavity Slot Magnetic (CSM) antenna 2.0, which is resistant to metal interference and ensures smooth signal transmission. Built to be 45.2% harder than its predecessor, the tablet has passed over 60 durability tests, making it stylish and robust.
The HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” features an 11-inch FHD+ screen with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and 400 nits of brightness for an immersive, eyefriendly viewing experience with automatic brightness adjustment for various lighting conditions. It
has four speakers that deliver up to 80 decibels of rich sound, and it is optimized by the Huawei Histen 9.0 audio system. The 7700 mAh battery supports up to 21 days of usage and 22.5W fast-charging, fully charging in 140 minutes. This model supports the HUAWEI M-Pen Lite for realistic note-taking, sketching, and more.
The HUAWEI MatePad SE 11 “offers a comprehensive app ecosystem that includes productivity tools such as Multi-Screen Collaboration, Service Widgets, App Multiplier, and Multi-Window. These features make conferencing, studying, and shopping effortless, enhancing the tablet’s appeal for users looking for a versatile device.
The HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” is designed to cater to every member of the household. It includes the BabyBus education ecosystem with 260 educational features for children and parental controls via the “Kids Corner” feature. For elderly users, eBook Mode and Font Magnification offer easier reading. This versatility makes it a perfect choice for families with diverse needs.
Tablet
ACER ASPIRE C24 | C27
THE NEW ACER ASPIRE C24 (C24-195ES) and Acer Aspire C27 (C27-195ES) are powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155U with Intel AI Boost and Intel Graphics builtin, with support for up to 32GB dual channel DDR5 memory and up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe SSD to produce impressive overall performance and experiences.
To further complement the usability of the all-in-one AI computers, productivity features such as Copilot, the everyday AI companion, leverage the power of AI to boost productivity and unlock creativity, while the Intel Unison software lets multiple devices and operating systems come together into an integrated experience focused on a single screen. Their 1440p QHD 5.0-megapixel webcams (with privacy shutter) support Windows Studio effects and Acer PurifiedVoice with AI noise reduction technology to suppress unwanted background noises when conducting online meetings and discussions. Users will also be pleased with ultra-fast and stable connectivity when streaming and surfing thanks to Wi-Fi 7[4] connectivity, along with Bluetooth® LE audio which allows for multistream transmission of enhanced, wireless sound quality through more audio devices.
Acer Aspire C All-in-one PCs come in 23.8- and 27-inch FHD IPS resolution displays with narrow bezels and impressive screen-to-body ratios,
up to 95.7% for the 27-inch model, and featuring Acer Bluelight Shield technology that lets users lower the level of blue light on screen for more comfortable viewing.
Designed for versatility, the slim, and minimalist Aspire C series delivers exceptional flexibility and maneuverability with a tiltable screen (-5 to 25°) and swivel (up to 30°
Left/Right) on a height-adjustable ergonomic stand that can go up to 120mm, plus an optional VESA mount kit for more setup options. It is bundled with the elegant Acer Elite 19 wireless keyboard and mouse set that could fit into any space or workstation, and a generous number of ports for multiple device connections and fast data transferring: four USB Type-A ports, a Type-C port, and HDMI.
All-in-One PC
POCO M6
FEATURING A SLEEK AND STYLISH glass back design, the POCO M6 packs a host of enhanced capabilities that defy expectations within its price range.
Young tech enthusiasts will be impressed with a professional grade 108MP main camera that packs a 1/1.67-inch sensor. It supports 3x lossless zoom and uses the latest 9-in-1 pixel binning to ensure ultraclear photos in different light conditions. Adding a dual LED ring flashlight means that nighttime photography is better than ever, with night mode and portrait photos that are exceptionally clear and vivid.
The POCO M6 also delivers dazzling HDR photos that capture a wide range of tones to make photos bright and realistically vivid. An upgraded 13MP front camera delivers clearer, more detailed selfie shots. In low light conditions, its soft-light ring enhances shots with natural, balanced lighting. To further empower users who crave the ability to create and have fun, it offers an array of fun and unique filters.
Featuring a large 6.79-inch FHD+ (2460 x 1080) LCD display, the POCO M6 delivers content with vibrant color depth and impressively crisp, clear imagery. By incorporating dynamic AdaptiveSync technology, it intelligently adjusts the display refresh rate to give users a responsive, fluid gaming experience while also reducing the display refresh rate during video playback and everyday tasks to conserve battery life. A fast 180Hz touch sampling rate helps give users the edge in fast-paced games, offering improved
responsiveness during gameplay and a smooth user experience.
Regarding eyecare, the POCO M6 features fast DC dimming that reduces visual fatigue. TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Lightcertified, Flicker Freecertified, and Circadian Friendly-certification ensure a comfortable, healthy viewing experience.
Powered by the advanced MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset, it delivers a robustly fluid user experience that defies expectations. The Helio G91 Ultra chipset includes an octa-core CPU with two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores backed by six powerefficient Cortex A55 cores. Its Arm Mali-G52 MC2 graphics processor ensures an exceptional gaming experience.
The POCO M6 features a sleek glass back panel design that offers a unique elegance similar to a flagship-grade device. It is impressively slim at just 8.3mm, offering a lightweight yet premium feel in the hand.
It packs a high-capacity 5,030mAh battery with 33W fast charging. Low-battery anxiety is eliminated with the ability to reach a full charge in just 70 minutes. It also incorporates a 3.5mm headphone jack for simple, hasslefree audio connectivity, a conveniently located side-mounted fingerprint reader for quick and secure access, and flash notifications for incoming calls and alarms to stay connected and informed.
The POCO M6 is available for sale exclusively on the official Shopee store in three colors: Black, Purple, and Silver.
Smartphone
OPPO RENO11 SERIES 5G
MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY has completely evolved over time. What started to be just a “nice to have” feature on phones is now one of the main features we consider when buying our mobile devices.
The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G has an Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System that combines a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 32MP tele-portrait camera. This powerful duo ensures that every shot is crisp, clear, and vibrant, even at night.
Night photography presents unique challenges, from dim lighting to motion blur. Still, the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is engineered to tackle these hurdles headon, ensuring every shot stands out even in the darkest conditions.
The 50MP primary camera features a Sony LYT600 sensor and a fast f/1.8 aperture lens, significantly improving light intake and reducing noise. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures that your night shots remain steady and blurfree, making it possible to capture clear images without the need for a tripod.
Powered by the Sony IMX709 sensor, the 32MP tele-portrait camera excels in lowlight conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant portraits at night. Its RGBW pixel arrangement increases photosensitivity by 60% and reduces noise by 35%,
ensuring your night portraits are as crisp and colorful as possible.
Aside from its powerful camera system, the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is also packed with advanced features that allow you to effortlessly capture professionalgrade night images.
This technology optimizes every aspect of your photo, from facial recognition to skin tone protection, ensuring your night shots look natural and flattering. Whether you’re capturing cityscapes or intimate portraits, the Ultra-Clear Portrait Expert makes every shot a masterpiece.
With adjustable aperture settings ranging from f/1.4 to f/16, the Pro-Grade Portrait Mode allows you to control the depth
of field and bokeh effect. This feature is perfect for creating stunning night portraits with a professional touch, highlighting your subject against beautifully blurred backgrounds.
The advanced in-sensor zoom technology lets you capture clear and detailed shots at up to 5x zoom. This makes it ideal for capturing distant subjects at night without compromising image quality, ensuring that every detail is preserved.
The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is designed to exceed the expectations of smartphone photography enthusiasts. Its elegant design, inspired by nature, and powerful camera capabilities make it the perfect companion for capturing the beauty of the night.
PHP24,999 – Reno11 5G
PHP31,999 – Reno11 Pro 5G
Smartphone
HONDA EU32i S
AMONG HONDA’S impressive lineup of generators, the Honda EU32i S inverter generator stands out as a beacon of efficiency, reliability, and innovation.
At the heart of the Honda EU32i S is its fuel-injected (FI) engine technology, setting it apart from traditional carbureted generators. This innovation not only enhances performance but also significantly improves fuel efficiency.
One standout feature is its Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to monitor and control the generator remotely through the My Generator app. This intuitive app, available for iOS and Android devices, provides real-time data on fuel levels, output power, and operational status, empowering users with unparalleled control and convenience.
Equipped with an Eco-Throttle system, the generator automatically adjusts its engine speed based on the load, maximizing fuel efficiency while minimizing noise levels.
The EU32i S operates at remarkably low sound levels, producing only 91dB at rated power, comparable to the sound of a rotary lawnmower. Its lightweight design, weighing just 26.5 kg, further enhances its portability and ease of use, making it ideal for various applications, from camping trips to construction sites.
In addition to its residential applications, the Honda EU32i S plays a vital role in supporting various industries across the Philippines. From powering essential equipment in remote construction sites to providing backup power for events and festivals, this versatile generator is a trusted companion for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Honda EU32i S inverter generator is now available at authorized Honda Power Product marine dealerships in the Philippines.
POCO F6
I remember when I bought the POCO phone F1 in 2018. It was POCO’s first entry into the Philippine smartphone market and I was absolutely blown away by the fact that I could get flagship-level power at a sub PHP20,000 price point. I drove that phone to the dust and it now rests with a bloated battery in my cabinet after over five years of daily abuse. I was recently able to take its great-great-great grandchild, the POCO F6, out for a spin and I daresay the brand has kept up with its philosophy of making flagship killers at affordable price points. Read on for the review.
REVIEWED AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS NOEL HIDALGO
DESIGN
The POCO F6 boasts a true sleeper build that belies its powerful innards. It is minimalist on the design front, appearing as a plain slab of a stereotypical smartphone. The review unit we received came in Titanium (Black and Green options are also available), with just a stealthy POCO nameplate and 50MP OIS marker on the upper right corner to give it identity. It has two functional camera modules stacked on top of each other, the upper one being the 50MP main shooter and the lower one being an 8MP ultrawide lens. A sizable circular LED flash module sits to the cameras’ right.
Up front is the likewise unassuming 6.67-inch display with a punchhole selfie camera and a built-in fingerprint scanner. A tour of the edges reveals a bare left edge; the power and volume buttons on the right edge; the SIM tray, microphone pinhole, USB-C port, and first speaker along the bottom edge; and a second speaker, second microphone pinhole, and IR blaster at the top.
But what it lacks in an eye-catching exterior, it more than makes up for with a top tier spec sheet.
HARDWARE
Let’s start with the headliner first: the processor. The POCO F6 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a bonafide flagship killer released just this first quarter of 2024.
This new 4nm octa-core chipset has three Cortex-A520 cores humming at a max of 2.0GHz; four Cortex-A720 cores boosting up to 2.8GHz; and a workhorse Cortex-X4 core ripping at 3.0GHz. It also has a toptier Adreno 735 graphics processor and is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM for multitasking, and 256GB or 512GB of storage. With this new chipset and the aforementioned clock speeds and storage capacities in tow, the POCO F6 can provide reliable daily performance even after a few years. In fact, as of writing, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is in the top 10 current mobile chipsets according to various technical review sites.
Interfacing with the phone is done through a 6.67-inch CrystalRes 1.5K Flow AMOLED DotDisplay with up to 120Hz refresh rate and 2160Hz touch sampling rate for a very responsive experience. This display assembly has up to 2,400 nits of peak brightness for visibility under bright conditions; 100% DCI-P3 coverage for color vibrance and accuracy; and 1920Hz PWM dimming with TÜV Rheinland’s low blue light, circadian-friendly, and flicker-free certifications for less eye strain. Moreover, it is overlaid with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and is certified IP64 dust and water-resistant to protect its otherwise all-plastic build. You’ll probably use a case on the POCO F6 (it comes with one out of the box), so this last bit won’t be too bothersome.
For the cameras, it has a functional duo of a main 50MP shooter with an aperture of f/1.59 on a 1/1.95-inch PDAF and OIS-enabled sensor; and a secondary 8MP ultra-wide camera with a 1/4.0-inch sensor. These are supported by a huge circular white LED flash and a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera.
The battery is a fairly standard 5000mAh pack juiced with the included 90W USB-C POCO HyperCharger.
Lastly, the POCO F6 is equipped with dual stereo speakers—one at the top and one at the bottom—for a loud, immersive, and balanced aural experience.
USER EXPERIENCE
On paper, the POCO F6 is an undisputed powerhouse. Spending over a week with the POCO F6 as a daily driver, I can attest that it’s very deserving of the moniker “flagship killer.”
Frontloading the real-world performance of the powerhouse processor, I was not surprised that the POCO F6 just rakes in the digits in the benchmarks we tested it on. However, what was surprising is that it actually broke one of the standard tests we always run and scored more than the software is able to display.
As for the tests it did not break, the POCO F6 scored 3,019 in 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme 4K UHD test which most other phones struggle to run; 15,042 on PCMark Work 3.0; 1,882 on Geekbench 6 CPU single-core; 4,730 on Geekbench 6 CPU multi-core; 8,773 on Geekbench 6 GPU OpenCL; and 927.05 MB/s and 765.22 MB/s on sequential reads and sequential writes on the Cross Platform Disk Test. It definitely runs ahead of its peers in terms of sheer computing power.
In fact, the POCO F6’s power was enough to render a “Maxed Out!” rating on the standard 3D Mark Wildlife non-4K UHD test, with the benchmark stating that the
POCO F6 was “too powerful for this test.” That usually only happens with the best of the best flagships from mainstream brands and goes to show just what the Poco F6 is capable of.
For actual gaming, the POCO F6 steamrolled the rendering of many highend games. Genshin Impact—arguably one of the most demanding Android games—with every setting maxed out and 60fps mode saw smooth gameplay even during skybox views. Diablo Immortal, another punishing title, saw the same high performance out of the POCO F6 even with everything maxed out, image resolution at high, and 60fps mode turned on. NBA 2K Mobile with maxed out graphics settings was also no problem to run. Of course, lighter multiplayer games, MOBAs, and first person shooters are likewise child’s play for the POCO F6. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile, and Pokémon Unite all ran like butter even with tons of particle effects happening on screen simultaneously. The fluid and vibrant display, along with the booming dual speakers complemented the chipset nicely, making for an immersive all around gaming experience.
The cameras are also decent. The POCO F6 is able to perform well across most lighting scenarios, and can even pull in a surprising amount of light, color, and details even in high dynamic range environments. The secondary ultrawide camera does become quite lightstarved in the dark, although that is to be
expected from the spec sheet. I did find that during such challenging scenarios, the camera preview can be misleadingly dark. However, fret not as the HDR and post-processing will churn out perfectly acceptable shots.
As for the battery life, this is where the POCO F6 stutters. It is still lengthy— lasting 13 hours and 42 minutes using the PCMark Work 3.0 battery life test with 50% brightness and volume turned all the way up—but is quite middle of the pack at this price point. Luckily, the bundled 90W POCO HyperCharge is able to fuel the POCO F6 from zero to 100% in less than 50 minutes. What is impressive is that 50% battery life is achievable in just 15-minutes of the POCO F6 being tethered to the wall.
VALUE
Coming in at just PHP 21,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, and PHP 24,999 for the 12GB RAM and the 512GB storage variant, the POCO F6 brings so much value to those looking for the most bang for their buck. If you want the most powerful phone with decent cameras and good-enough battery life for a day out but don’t want to spend a fortune, then look no further than the POCO F6.
The POCO F6 is available for purchase through Lazada and Shopee. If you want to get its even more rev’ed up brother, the POCO F6 Pro, you can also do so via these Lazada and Shopee links.
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.67-inch, 2712 x 1220px
1.5K AMOLED DotDisplay with 120Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz touch sampling rate, 100% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, 1920Hz PWM dimming, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus● Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon
8s Gen 3
OS: Xiaomi HyperOS (Android 14)
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB
Camera: 50MP f/1.59 with a 1/1.95inch sensor, PDAF, and OIS (main rear); 8MP with a 1/4.0-inch sensor ultra-wide (secondary rear); 20MP f/2.2 (front)
Connectivity: 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, OTG, USB 2.0 Type-C, dual nano-SIM
Battery: 5000mAh, 90W POCO
HyperCharge
Others: In-display Fingerprint
Scanner, AI Face Unlock, IP64 dust and water resistance
Dimensions: 160.5 x 74.5 x 8mm
Weight: 179g
Colors: Black, Green, Titanium
WHAT'S HOT
Benchmark-breaking performance
Gorgeous display
Immersive dual speakers
Cameras and battery life are only decent
All-plastic build
WHAT'S NOT BOTTOMLINE
The POCO F6 is a definite flagship killer that won’t kill your budget.
Shot from the main camera of the Poco F6
Shot from the ultra-wide camera of the Poco F6
DJI RS COMBO4
When it comes to gimbals, there’s no better name than DJI. Beyond their great drones, DJI is a master in gimbals and stabilizers. The DJI RS-series has often led the industry when it comes to performance, features, and innovation. As the brand’s newest flagship gimbal, how does the DJI RS 4-series stack up? We find out with the DJI RS 4.
GABRIEL JOHN PE
GIMBAL/STABILIZER
DESIGN
The DJI RS 4 series comes in two variants, the DJI RS 4 and the DJI RS 4 Pro. The RS 4 Pro is the flagship gimbal, with some key professional features not found in the base RS 4. However, essentially, the base RS 4 has the same core as the pro variant, the only difference being the size and maximum payload capacity.
The DJI RS 4 retains the signature DJI RS look and feel. It’s mostly black but has red accents around the gimbal, similar to the old RS 2 and the more recent RS 3. Buildwise, you can’t go wrong with the DJI RS
series: it’s sturdy and premium, yet at the same time, it’s lightweight and compact. It carries over the aluminum build from the older RS-series gimbals, hence the lightweight and sturdy build.
Additionally, parts of the gimbal are coated with Teflon, making movement much smoother.
Looking at the DJI RS 4, you’ll be greeted with a 1.8-inch touchscreen OLED display. Beneath the display is the joy stick (more on this later), the record button, and a programmable button (M button). On the right, the base is the gimbal mode and the power button. On the front is the trigger, and the front dial. And on the left, is the
joystick mode, the Ronin Series Accessory (RSA) port. The battery indicator is also found on the left side of the gimbal.
When assembled, the rig (with grip and grip extend/tripod) weighs just over 1.450 kg. For comparison, a MacBook Air weighs 1.2 kg, just 200 g lighter. When I add my camera (a Sony ZV-E10) with a lens, the total weight goes to just over 2 kg.
Additionally, the DJI RS 4 comes with a carrying case that fits all of the included accessories. The DJI RS 4 Combo comes with the DJI Focus Pro Motor, an accessory that controls the camera lens’s zoom or focus rings.
Joystick Mode Switch Zoom/ Gimbal Control
Teflon-Coated Axis Arms Smoother Balancing
HARDWARE
The DJI RS 4 has a maximum payload of 3kg. It can carry most mirrorless and even some higher-end DSLRs with larger lenses. You can also check out the DJI website for the complete list of compatible cameras with the DJI RS 4.
At the heart of the DJI RS 4 are massive improvements from the DJI RS 3. First and foremost is a slightly longer arm than the RS 3 which allows for more accessories to fit on the camera without any balancing issues. Another great improvement is on the horizon plate, which makes shifting to vertical shooting a breeze. It’s toolless; just release the panel and attach it vertically, and you’re good to go. There’s also a new RSA port, a great addition if you have Ronin accessories like the DJI Ronin Image Transmitter.
Making a return to the RS 4 series is DJI’s automated axis lock feature. This is honestly a game-changer for most content creators who struggle with packing up. When you’re done shooting just power off and the whole gimbal snaps neatly back into place.
But undoubtedly the biggest update is the Joystick controls. The DJI RS 4 now
supports joystick control for zooming. You can still use the front dial for zooming, but having the joystick mode adds a bit more versatility.
Apart from the hardware updates, there are also software improvements, particularly in terms of stabilization. The DJI RS 4 features DJI’s latest 4th Gen RS Stabilization Algorithm, which improves on vertical shooting.
The gimbal itself has a maximum rotation speed of 360 degrees/s for
the Pan, Tilt, and Roll axes, while the motors’ mechanical range is 360 degrees continuous rotation for the Pan Axis, -95 to 240 degrees for the Roll Axis, and -112 to 214 degrees for the Tilt Axis.
Finally, in terms of battery, the included battery grip has a 3000mAh capacity. DJI has rated the battery for 12 hours of max runtime. Charging took us around 4 hours, but that’s utilizing a non-PD charger. According to DJI, you can expect 2.5 hours of charging with an 18W PD charger.
USER EXPERIENCE
The DJI RS 4 is the first “commercial/pro” gimbal I’ve tested, so I was understandably a bit worried when I first started using it.
The DJI RS 4 can be a bit daunting for first-time users. When you open the carrying case, you’ll be greeted with various parts. You’ll also need to download the DJI Ronin app to start using the gimbal.
Fortunately, the DJI Ronin does have everything you need to start setting up and using the DJI RS 4. You’ll find tutorial videos on the app itself on how to assemble the RS 4. After that, there’s also
a tutorial on how to balance the gimbal. Once you’ve done everything, there are also tips on how to elevate your shooting skills.
There are also a lot of other features you can do within the DJI Ronin App. There’s balancing, remote controls (including a virtual joystick), personalized profiles, and, if you have a DJI Ronin Image Transmitter, access to RavenEye to turn your phone into a camera monitor.
Even for a first-time user, the DJI RS 4 was easy to handle. The gimbal’s weight made it manageable, and once fully set up, controls are fairly intuitive. There is still a small learning curve to perfect operating the gimbal, like knowing when to adjust carefully or to fully learn the camera’s features. That said, once you get the hang of the gimbal, it feels satisfying.
What also surprised me was the autolock feature. Once enabled, the DJI RS 4
automatically folds itself when turned off or put to sleep. Once you turn on the RS 4, the gimbal automatically returns to your balanced setup, allowing you to continue shooting.
The DJI RS 4 also supports Bluetooth connection to your camera. The setup is simple: just open your camera’s Bluetooth and the RS 4’s Bluetooth, and you’re good to go. Connecting to Bluetooth allows you to control your camera directly on the gimbal. This eliminates fumbling around the camera’s shutter or record button that could mess up crucial moments.
SPECIFICATIONS
Tested Payload: 3kg
Maximum Controlled Rotation
Speed: Pan 360°/s | Tilt 360°/s | Roll 360°/s
Mechanical Range: Pan Axis 360° continuous rotation | Roll Axis -95° to +240° | Tilt Axis -112° to +214°
Dimensions: Folded –245×255×75mm (L×W×H, excluding camera, grip, and the Extended Grip/ Tripod) | Unfolded – 370×191×189mm (L×W×H, height includes grip and excludes the Extended Grip/Tripod)
Connections: Bluetooth 5.1, Charging Port (USB-C), Ronin Series Accessories (RSA)/NATO Ports, 1/4″20 Mounting Hole, Cold Shoe, Video Transmission Port (USB-C), RSS Camera Control Port (USB-C), Focus Motor Port (USB-C)
Battery: LiPo 2S 3000mAh
WHAT'S HOT
Well-built
At just PHP25,490, the DJI RS 4 is a great companion for content creators, whether long-term or just starting out. It’s easy to use and set up, and its lightweight body makes it a really fun companion for filmmakers and amateurs alike.
Coated parts
Light weight
WHAT'S NOT BOTTOMLINE VALUE
DJI Ronin requirement
A great gimbal regardless of what kind of shooter you are.
HONOR 200 PRO
The HONOR 100 Pro was not officially launched in the Philippines back during its 2023 premier. Its successor, the HONOR 200 Pro seemed to be likewise skipping our shores, but the brand announced a pleasant surprise last June. Yes, it will have a local release and by the time you’re reading this review, HONOR’s new top-dog should already be available online and in your nearest HONOR retailer. Was it worth the wait, though? Find out below.
REV IE WED AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS NOEL HIDALGO
DESIGN
The HONOR 200 Pro review unit we got came in its Ocean Cyan palette. This specific colorway came with a back panel combination of textured matte and plain glossy in an almost yin-yang fashion, making for a unique take on an otherwise familiar design. Silver HONOR branding marks are present by the bottom left, while silver regulatory marks are on the bottom right. Should you be leaning more towards the minimalist end, a Black color option is also available.
While I am usually not a fan of bulging shooters, the HONOR 200 Pro’s huge camera island looks very premium and just by the look, you can tell that it means business. Its camera and flash modules are arranged in a diamond pattern, with the ultra-wide at the top, telephoto on the middleleft, main portrait on the bottom, and white LED flash on the middle-right.
The 6.78-inch display at the front houses a unique pill-shaped cutout which houses the HONOR 200 Pro’s selfie and front-facing depth cameras. The top edge has an IR blaster, a microphone pinhole, and a speaker; the left is bare; the right has the volume rockers and power button; and the bottom has the SIM tray, another microphone pinhole, the USB Type-C port, and a second speaker.
Overall, the HONOR 200 Pro’s design accurately conveys its status as the company’s current best smartphone.
HARDWARE
This high-end phone sports handsome innards that—while are not the absolute peak of their respective parts list—bring an experience that approximates flagship reliability at a more accessible price point.
Headlining the spec sheet is its triple rear camera setup with a portrait mode created in collaboration with Studio Harcourt, a Parisian art photography studio known for its lineage as a black-and-white portraiture to the stars and the elite. The main rear portrait shooter is a 50MP one with an f/1.9 aperture and a sizeable 1/1.3-
inch H9000 sensor. The telephoto rear shooter is likewise 50MP, this time with an f/2.4 aperture, a customized Sony IMX856 sensor, and 2.5x optical zoom. There is also a combination 12MP f/2.2 wide-macro shooter at the back with a 112˚ field of view and 2.5cm focus distance. Both 50MP cameras at the back feature phase detection auto focus and optical image stabilization (OIS). Meanwhile, the front lenses housed in the pill-shaped cutout consist of a 2MP f/2.4 depth shooter and a 50MP f/2.1 selfie shooter.
Driving the processing is the pseudoflagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 released earlier this year. This powerful eight-core, 4nm chipset is currently in the top 10 mobile chipsets around according to technical review sites, ensuring the HONOR 200 Pro will last for many years before showing its age. This Snapdragon chip is led by a lone Cortex-X4 core ripping at 3.0GHz; four Cortex-A720 cores boosting to 2.8GHz; and three Cortex-A520 cores reaching 2.0GHz. An Adreno 735 GPU handles graphics duties, with 12GB of RAM present for multitasking and 512GB of storage.
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display sports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth animations; 4,000 nits peak brightness for visibility even under direct light; and TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Display and Full Care Display Certifications for your eye health. For audio, the HONOR 200 Pro has dual stereo speakers, one each at the top and bottom edges.
Lastly, there is a 5200mAh battery under the hood, chargeable with the bundled 100W HONOR SuperCharge 6 power brick and USB-C Cable. A slower but still speedy 66W HONOR Wireless SuperCharge feature is also available if you prefer tangle-free refueling.
USER EXPERIENCE
Seeing as the HONOR 200 Pro is being marketed as “The Portrait Master,” it is only fitting to start the User Experience portion by talking about its camera prowess. Both the main and telephoto shooters take great photos in most lighting conditions. In bright scenarios, overall details are sharp, colors are pleasantly saturated without looking over-processed, and dynamic range is broad enough to retain enough details even in the darkest portions of an otherwise well-lit scene. A Night Mode is present to alleviate any
pains when shooting in dim conditions, generating still-pleasing photos with minimal noise—just make sure your hands are steady for the duration of the capture to further help along the OIS.
The ultra-wide camera is likewise good, with sharpness (as is usually the case) The aforementioned Studio Harcourt collaboration takes the form of three color profiles emulating the famed studio’s looks. The first is its signature black and white called Harcourt Classic, the second is Harcourt Colour which leans more towards a sepia-vintage look, and the third is Harcourt Vibrant which features standard colors. All modes featured decent subject detection and natural-looking background and foreground blur, with outputs being as detailed and as artistic as you’d expect them to be.
For performance, the HONOR 200 Pro notched the following scores in our standard suite of benchmarks: 3,014 in
Sample photo from the main camera
Sample photo from telephoto camera
the super demanding 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme 4K UHD test; 15,194 on PCMark Work 3.0; 1,568 on Geekbench 6 CPU single-core; 4,518 on Geekbench 6 CPU multi-core, 8,615 on Geekbench 6 GPU OpenCL; and 1.32 GB/s and 541.65 MB/s on sequential reads and sequential writes on the Cross Platform Disk Test. Just to show how powerful the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset is, the HONOR 200 Pro also notched a “Maxed Out!” rating on the standard 3D Mark Wildlife non-4K UHD test, with the app saying that it was “too powerful for this test.”
For gaming, the HONOR 200 Pro easily handled the high-end games thrown at it. The graphics-intensive Genshin Impact, even with every setting maxed out and 60fps mode turned on, saw buttery performance even in scenarios with long draw distances. The likewise punishing Diablo Immortal also saw the same rendering prowess despite every setting maxed out, high image resolution, and 60fps mode being active. NBA 2K Mobile and Asphalt 9 were likewise easy to run. Lighter titles such as MOBAs and first person shooters are also no problem, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile, and Pokémon Unite all beyond playable.
The large display with HDR support and dual speakers also lend to a great gaming experience, as well as immersive multimedia binging sessions.
VALUE
Coming in at PHP29,999, you may ask if the HONOR 200 Pro is worth the price of admission. I’d say the HONOR 200 Pro is well worth the money. Not only are you getting the blazing Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, you’re also looking at a welltuned and eye-friendly display, as well as amazing cameras. In fact, renowned technical photography benchmark site DxOMark placed the HONOR 200 Pro within the Top 5 best mobile cameras in its price segment. If you care about getting everything near-top-tier but don’t want to spend upwards of 40 big ones, then the HONOR 200 Pro is for you.
Looking for something a bit more affordable? The HONOR 200 (non-Pro)
is also available at PHP24,999. As a bonus, pre-orders of the AI Portrait Master HONOR 200 from July 17 to 26, 2024 get a FREE JBL Soundgear Frames worth PHP9,499!
The HONOR 200 series is available at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, as well as online via Shopee, Lazada, and the TikTok Shop
WHAT'S HOT
Amazing cameras with Studio Harcourt’s signature color tuning.
Pseudo-flagship level Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor
Fast wired and wireless charging
Dual speakers
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.78-inch, 2700 x 1224 px, FHD+ Quad Curved AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate, 4000 nits peak brightness, 1.07-billion colors, DCI-P3 wide color gamut, HDR10 support, 3840Hz PWM dimming, TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Display Certification, and TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display Certification Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
OS: MagicOS 8.0 (Android 14)
RAM: 12GB RAM
Storage: 512GB
Camera: 50MP f/1.9 with a 1/1.3inch H9000 ultra large sensor, PDAF, and OIS (main portrait rear); 50MP f/2.4 with Sony IMX856 sensor, PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom, and up to 50x digital zoom (telephoto rear); 12 MP f/2.2 with 112˚ field of view and 2.5cm ultra-short focus distance (ultra-wide and macro rear); 50MP f/2.1 (main front); 2MP f/2.4, (depth front)
Others: In-display Optical Fingerprint Scanner, Face Unlock
Dimensions: 163.3 x 75.2 x 8.2 mm
Weight: 199g
Colors: Ocean Cyan, Black
Unspecified IP-rating
Can be slippery without a case WHAT'S NOT
BOTTOMLINE
HONOR’s new top dog ticks everything you’ll need in a highend phone.
MERCEDES-BENZ EQE SUV SUSTAINABLE LUXURY
IC Star Automotive Inc., the official and sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Philippines, has launched the much-awaited all-electric vehicle—the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Combining cutting-edge technology with the automaker’s signature craftsmanship and design, the EQE SUV represents a bold step towards sustainable mobility.
Elegant exterior design
The all-new EQE SUV’s sleek, aerodynamic lines are not merely for aesthetics; they play a crucial role in enhancing the vehicle’s efficiency and performance. Every curve and contour is meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. The 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy sporty wheels further command attention and underscore the vehicle’s dynamic presence on the road.
One of the standout features of the EQE SUV is its seamless door handles and the black panel grille adorned with a series of three-dimensional star patterns. Innovation shines brightly with the EQE SUV’s advanced lighting technologies. The Digital Light with ULTRA RANGE high beam, complemented by the striking lighting strike band, is a signature hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz EQ series. At the rear, the LED tail lights, designed in the shape of a curved illuminated 3D helix, combined with a continuous light band, create a mesmerizing visual effect.
MOBILITY
Supreme luxury and comfort
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be enveloped in a sanctuary of sophistication, designed to provide an exceptional driving experience. The interior of the EQE SUV is remarkably spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for both driver and passengers.
Equipped with a Burmester® 3D surround sound system, featuring 15 speakers and a total system output of 710 watts, the auditory experience is nothing short of spectacular. The Active Ambient Lighting allows you to personalize the light strips to match your mood, enhancing the overall ambiance while driving.
The EQE SUV stands out as one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, offering generous legroom and comfort for all passengers. When the rear seats are folded down, the vehicle provides a versatile load capacity of 580 liters up to 1675 liters.
For those who crave a sporty vibe, the AMG line interior is a standout feature. Mercedes-Benz multicontour seats offer adjustable support, massage functions, and climate control to enhance comfort and driving experience. Adding to the luxurious experience, the EQE SUV comes with the signature MercedesBenz fragrance system, allowing you to choose a scent that matches your personal preference and mood, ensuring that every drive is a sensory delight.
Revolutionary MBUX Hyperscreen
The all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is an immersive experience that redefines the essence of luxury driving. At its core is the groundbreaking MBUX Hyperscreen — a 56-inch span of hightech glass — a masterpiece of interior design that seamlessly integrates three displays beneath a sleek, curved glass surface. This intelligent system, powered by advanced AI, learns your preferences and habits to provide tailored suggestions, transforming every drive into a highly personalized journey.
Designed with the driver in mind, the MBUX Hyperscreen acts as the car’s central intelligence, efficiently
networking with all systems to optimize both performance and enjoyment. Its innovative “Zero Layer” feature prioritizes essential information, minimizing distractions and ensuring that the most important data is always within easy reach. The cutting-edge connectivity and interactivity of the Hyperscreen puts everything you need at your fingertips, from navigation to entertainment, enhancing the driving experience in ways previously unimaginable.
Unparalleled safety and innovation
The all-new EQE SUV is loaded with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety
features designed to protect you and your loved ones. With modern, intelligently networked sensor systems, the Driver Assistance Package offers a high degree of stress relief, ensuring you arrive at your destination relaxed and safe.
Transforming your windscreen into a digital cockpit, the EQE SUV features an advanced Head-Up Display (HUD). This system allows you to keep your eyes on the road while accessing crucial driving information, enhancing both safety and convenience.
Numerous assistive technologies provide situational support, collision warnings, and intervention when necessary. The EQE SUV’s Cruise
Control with SPEEDTRONIC maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The Parking Package and its 360-degree camera make parking effortless. The camera offers a bird’ s-eye view of your surroundings, simplifying parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Impressive performance and charging
The all-new EQE SUV offers an electric range of 536km up to 628km (based on WLTP) that can drive from Manila to Baguio and back to Manila on a single charge, making it perfect for long journeys. Performance-wise, it delivers 292-horsepower and 565Nm torque, helping you reach city speeds rapidly. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of up to 96-kilowatt hours and can be charged with the onboard DC 170kw fast charging system.
Pricing and availability
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is offered at an introductory retail price of PHP 7,190,000. Visit your closest MercedesBenz dealership for more information.
KIA SONET
KIA PH’S ENTRY SUV DONS MODERN AND ADVANCED STYLING COUPLED WITH BEST-IN-CLASS FEATURES
The Kia Sonet’s name is derived from the combination of the words “Social” and “Network.” This fusion establishes Kia’s entry SUV as a truly stylish and connected offering from the brand.
Powered by a fuel-efficient yet potent 1.5-liter Dual Port Fuel Injected gasoline engine, which allows for a maximum power of 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque, the Kia Sonet delivers class-leading power and performance. Combined with either the Kia Intelligent Variable Transmission or a 6-speed Manual Transmission, the new powertrain makes the Kia Sonet ideal for the adventurous young millennial.
Exterior Design Shines with Bold Dimensions
The Kia Sonet commands attention with its robust and stylish exterior. Its dimensions —4,110mm in length, 1,790mm in width, and 1,642mm in height — provide a strong road presence while maintaining a compact profile ideal for all roads.
The latest rendition of the signature Kia Tiger-nose grille gives the Kia Sonet a masculine appeal on the road. Its wide front end ensures a strong SUV stance that appeals to a wide range of car buyers.
All variants feature 16-inch wheels, with the 1.5 LX MT showcasing styled steel wheels with covers and the higher-tier variants sporting sleek two-tone alloy wheels. With its class-leading 205mm ground clearance, the Kia Sonet tackles urban obstacles with ease.
The entry SUV’s design includes key elements such as the Star Map Signature LED multi-reflector headlamps and daytime running lights on the 1.5 SX AT and 1.5 EX AT. At the same time, the other variants feature halogen multireflectors. The 1.5 SX AT also boasts premium exterior features such as an electric sunroof, roof rails, rear spoiler, and new tailgate LED strip connecting the left and right rear LED taillights, underscoring its premium appeal.
Interior Offers Refined Comfort and Versatility
The Sonet’s interior perfectly balances comfort and practicality. The 1.5 SX AT variant offers luxurious leather seats, while the other trims have premium cloth upholstery.
For added convenience, the 1.5 SX AT and 1.5 EX AT feature driver and front passenger seatback pockets and 60:40 folding second-row seats, providing ample cargo space. All variants accommodate five passengers comfortably, ensuring that both driver and passengers enjoy a pleasant ride, with practical details such as driver and passenger sun visors with vanity mirrors and a standard room lamp.
Packed with Advanced Tech Features
Those who expect their next vehicle to be packed with features will not be disappointed.
The 1.5 SX AT has a sophisticated 10.25-inch TFT LCD multi-function digital instrument cluster, while the 1.5 LX MT, 1.5 LX AT, and 1.5 EX AT all feature a 4.2-inch TFT LCD in the driver’s display.
Meanwhile, the 1.5 SX showcases an advanced 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The LX and EX trims sport an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Additionally, every Sonet has six speakers, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, voice recognition, and multiple USB ports, including USB-C, for modern device compatibility, making every journey connected and enjoyable.
Convenience Features Enhance Everyday Driving
Convenience was also definitely top of mind during the Sonet’s design. The topof-the-line variant 1.5 SX AT offers wireless charging, allowing for easy device charging on the go, while all variants feature power windows and central door locks.
The 1.5 SX AT variant also includes a Driver Side Auto Up/Down window with safety features. Remote keyless entry is also standard across all models, with the 1.5 SX AT and 1.5 EX AT offering Remote Engine Start, Smart Entry, and a push start button for added ease. Each variant also includes a full-size spare tire, ensuring you’re prepared for any adventure.
Powerful Engine Delivers Robust Performance
Under the hood, the Kia Sonet is powered by a 1.5L In-Line 4-Cylinder Dual Port Fuel Injected Smartstream gasoline engine, which delivers a class-leading 115PS at 6,300rpm and a maximum torque of 144Nm at 4,500rpm.
This fuel-efficient engine, paired with either the Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) or 6-speed Manual Transmission, ensures smooth and responsive performance, making it ideal for city driving and out-of-metro trips. The Sonet’s efficient powertrain offers a perfect blend of power and fuel efficiency, catering to drivers who demand both performance and economy.
Drive Wise Safety Features Ensure Peace of Mind
The Sonet’s comprehensive suite of safety features will help ease worries. The 1.5 SX incorporates Kia Drive Wise advanced driving assistance safety measures such as Lane Following Assist (LFA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Downhill Brake Control
(DBC), and High Beam Assist (HBA), plus the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
All the variants possess driver and front passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and an immobilizer. Additionally, all variants have rear parking sensors and a rear-camera display, ensuring maximum visibility and safety during parking maneuvers.
Pricing and Colors
Designed to impress with its stylish design and innovative features, the Kia Sonet is available in all Kia showrooms nationwide, with the base variant 1.5 LX MT starting at PHP758,000; the 1.5 LX AT at PHP868,000; the 1.5 EX AT at PHP978,000; and the top-of-the-line 1.5 SX AT variant priced at PHP1,138,000
The 1.5 LX MT, 1.5 LX AT, and 1.5 EX AT are available in Vivid Red, Snow White Pearl, and Imperial Blue, while the 1.5 SX AT comes in either Vivid Red or Snow White Pearl, both with a black roof. The new Pewter Olive is available exclusively to the top-of-the-line 1.5 SX AT variant.
Test drive the Sonet today and discover why it is set to redefine the entry-SUV segment in the Philippines. For more information, you may also visit https:// www.kia.com/ph/main.html.
NEW HONDA CITY HATCHBACK
NOW WITH HONDA SENSING
The new Honda City Hatchback, now equipped with the advanced Honda SENSING, not only showcases updates to its interior and exterior but also stands out with its unique safety features.
The City Hatchback’s familiar versatile sportiness has been improved with an updated RS body kit, including a new bumper and front grille. It also comes fitted with 16-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels, with radial, unrestrained spokes to support its sporty image with its large diameter.
With the introduction of Honda SENSING, the New City Hatchback ensures not just safety but also an enjoyable ride. This driver-assist system, a testament to Honda’s commitment to a collision-free society
by 2050, enhances safety on the roads for all users.
The Honda SENSING features supported on the New City Hatchback are:
1. Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
2. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
3. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
4. Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
5. Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW)
6. Auto High Beam (AHB)
The New City Hatchback now offers enhanced safety and convenience with the addition of a Walk Away Auto Door Lock and six (6) airbags. Technological updates include a 4.2” TFT Meter and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making your driving experience more enjoyable and connected.
The car’s interior now features RS full leather seats. It also comes in a new Sonic Gray Pearl color, which is not available for any other Honda car sold in the Philippines. Other colors include Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic.
The new Honda City Hatchback is offered only in the RS variant and retails at PHP1,189,000.
To learn more about Honda SENSING and other Honda technologies, visit https://www.hondaphil.com/technology.
2024 ISUZU D-MAX
SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN THE PICKUP SEGMENT
Isuzu Philippine Corporation (IPC) recently introduced the new 2024 Isuzu D-MAX, a pickup truck designed to revolutionize the market with its unparalleled combination of power, durability, and cutting-edge features.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its debut in 2003, the Isuzu D-MAX has been synonymous with reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency. The 2024 model continues this tradition while incorporating technological and safety advancements. “Over the years, we have continuously introduced numerous advancements to the D-MAX, all the while ensuring that it remains true to its core values while evolving to meet the needs and desires of our customers. This latest evolution is the product of listening to the feedback of our customers and dealers, integrating their insights into the design and functionality of this new model,” said IPC President Tetsuya Fujita.
Poised to become the “Game Changer” in the pickup segment, the new 2024 Isuzu D-MAX is a testament to excellence and innovation, highlighting its 5-point advantage that addresses the needs and wants of modern pickup buyers.
Dynamic Exterior Design
The new Isuzu D-MAX is designed to be strong and aggressive, boasting a new sporty and futuristic exterior. It features a new 3-Dimension Front Grille with a gun-metal and black chrome finish, accentuated by its new LED headlamps with redesigned Daytime Running Lights. Completing the front fascia is a newly redesigned Fog Lamps with Air Curtain, which enhances aesthetics and reduces air drag, improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The look is further complemented by its new Cargo Sail bed accessory, 18-inch All-Terrain Alloy Wheels with a Matte Dark Gray Metallic finish, and at the back, a new Triple-wing LED rear combination lamp completing its overall look.
Luxurious Interior & Comfort
Inside, the new D-MAX offers a new digital pattern “Miura” design interior that exudes a clean and solid structure, generating emotional harmony inside
its cabin. The new Isuzu D-MAX also has many comfort and convenience features, like its new Wireless Charger, second-row aircon vents, a new 7-inch Digital MID with a more dynamic design providing more information about the vehicle, and a new infotainment system available in 10.1inch and 9-inch variations, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity for the more tech-savvy buyers.
Cutting-Edge Safety
Safety is paramount in the New Isuzu D-MAX, which is equipped with Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS). This system features a new Gen4 SMART DUO Cam with an enhanced field of view both horizontally and vertically, improving its ADAS accidentavoidance capabilities. Additionally, the new D-MAX now comes with a 360-degree Around View Monitor, a new Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB), and a first-in-class built-in Digital
Video Recorder for all-around safety and peace of mind.
Exceptional Performance
Taking the already exceptional performance of the D-MAX to the next level, the new D-MAX now comes with a new Differential Lock system and new Rough Terrain Mode, as IPC aims to recapture the hardcore 4x4 enthusiasts, making the vehicle capable of tackling challenging terrains across the country.
Unmatched Power and Durability
At the heart of the new Isuzu D-MAX is our reliable 4JJ3-TCX Blue Power engine. Delivering 190PS of maximum power and 450N-m maximum torque, the new Isuzu D-MAX is like a beast and ready to tackle any adventure. Coupled with its durable chassis and suspension system, as well as exceptional under-chassis body protection, we are assured of the vehicle’s long-term performance and reliability.
New Variants to Suit Every Need
The new 2024 Isuzu D-MAX is offered in several variants. Sought after by customers, the D-MAX 4x2 LS-E AT is a new entry in the 4x2 segment. Two variants are available for the D-MAX LS-A: the regular LS-A variant with a 9-inch infotainment system and the LS-A Plus variant with a 10-inch infotainment system, 360-degree
Around View Monitor, and Digital Video Recorder.
Pricing and Color Availability
The new 2024 Isuzu D-MAX comes in its banner Namibu Orange color and the new Biarritz Blue color available only on its high-end LS-E variant. Other body colors include Onyx Black, Islay Gray, Satin Pearl White, and Splash White.
1,400,000.00
Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground & Nationwide Mall Tour
To showcase the new D-Max’s exceptional capabilities, a specially designed test course, the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground will allow the public to experience the thrill of seven challenging stations. These include the Rough Terrain Roller, Articulated Ramps, Side Camber, Road Grinder,
Chicane, Forward Collision Wall, and the crowd-favorite Hydraulic Ramp. These stations are meticulously crafted to demonstrate the D-MAX’s prowess in handling off-road conditions while emphasizing its toptier safety features.
The nationwide mall tour kicked off at SM Mall of Asia from June 20-23. Other stops include SM Cebu Seaside from
July 5-7 and SM Lanang Davao from July 26-28. This unique opportunity allows potential buyers to experience the vehicle’s excellent performance and 5-star safety ratings.
To learn more about the new 2024 Isuzu D-MAX, its new features, latest news, and promotions, visit www.isuzuphil. com or follow Isuzu Philippines on Facebook.
Amid the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, Dongfeng Motors (DFM) Philippines has released a revitalized lineup featuring fully electric and hybrid vehicles that promise enhanced convenience and savings for drivers and reduced carbon emissions offered at promo rates with
down payments starting from PHP 88,000.
“The future is electric, and the future is here. At DFM, we are proud to be ardent advocates of electrification to create a cleaner, more efficient, and more comfortable experience for Filipinos on the road,” shared Atty.
Albert Arcilla, managing director of the DFM management team under Legado Motors Inc. (LMI).
Nammi
The DFM Nammi is a fully-electric hatchback ideal for daily driving. At only PHP1,238,000, the Nammi is a
stylish package with a 430km range, a 30-minute fast-charging feature, and high-tech interfaces.
Nanobox
Already beloved by many owners, the DFM Nanobox is a fully-electric vehicle priced at only PHP888,000. With an estimated range of 330km, the EV features a stylish and compact design perfect for city driving.
Forthing Friday
For a spacious option, the Forthing Friday is an electric SUV with variants with estimated ranges of 430km and 630km, priced at PHP1,980,000 and PHP2,580,000, respectively. The Friday boasts a modern sporty look, spacious seating, and advanced technology.
Aeolus Huge
With a PHP1,880,000 price tag, the Aeolus Huge is a full-sized hybrid crossover. The Huge packs a 1.5L gasoline engine with an electric motor to assure savings on the road with the flexibility of the hybrid engine.
Interested buyers may view and test-drive the models at showrooms in Pasig, Alabang, Cavite, Marcos Highway, Pampanga, and Tarlac, and visit the website at dfm-ph.com for more information.
HOW TO GET A RIDE DURING PEAK HOURS
MAXIM E-HAILING SHARES TIPS ON HOW TO OUTSMART RUSH HOUR WOES
E-hailing users know that it can be hard to get a ride at certain hours, especially during peak hours in some big cities. Due to high demand, the time of waiting for rides may increase, while order prices may also spike because of the traffic jams. Maxim specialists share a few tips on how to outsmart rush hour and secure a ride at an affordable price.
In addition, the Maxim team explains the ordering process during busy
times. Peak hours usually occur during weekdays, twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. One recommendation is to plan your trips wisely, with tips and tricks.
The first step is to plan the journey of the day a little bit earlier, before the busy time. Traffic jams usually occur from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, so it’s better to be prepared 15–20 minutes before the peak hours. This method can also ease the morning tension some people
experience when facing heavy traffic; starting the day early can help avoid a lot of negativity. Orders are reasonably priced and easy to access, and waiting time for a ride is shorter.
The same situation occurs in the evening; traffic becomes heavier at 5:00 PM. Passengers have two options: they can choose to place their orders 20 minutes before the start of rush hour or when busy times end, which is usually around 7:00 PM.
Most of the passengers who need a ride during busy hours are office workers. They usually place orders in the morning and in the evening. Some of them are willing to pay more to get their ride faster, but others on a tight budget have to wait long hours to get a better price.
“It’s a good idea to book a ride 15–20 minutes early because this can benefit both parties,” says a partner-driver of Maxim E-hailing.
Scheduling an e-hailing ride is one key to getting the ride on time. Maxim provides its users with the opportunity to schedule their rides in the app by specifying all the necessary information: the pick-up and destination addresses and the time. Once the order is made, users get the driver information, and they can discuss the details of the ride. Generally, this method is used by travelers who need a ride to the airport to catch their flight.
Carpooling with colleagues is the most common trick Maxim passengers use to save money and time. The company allows its passengers to include up to three drop-off addresses in one ride, which is popular among users who live in the same neighborhood and come from the same location.
“I use the carpooling method to send my children to school on a busy day.
The driver comes to pick up my three children, who go to different schools. This helps me save time and money, and I can focus on my work,” says a user of Maxim E-hailing.
Maxim E-hailing launched in the Philippines in 2020, with Cebu being its first city of operation. Now its services are available to residents and guests of 17 more Philippine cities.
“Most of the passengers who need a ride during busy hours are office workers. They usually place orders in the morning and in the evening. Some of them are willing to pay more to get their ride faster, but others on a tight budget have to wait long hours to get a better price.”
RECORDBREAKING REV
YAMAHA MOTOR PHILIPPINES
ACHIEVED MULTIPLE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS ™ TITLES!
Adecade ago, Yamaha Motor Philippines launched its new brand slogan: Revs Your Heart which encompasses the brand’s passion for innovation, providing exceptional value, and mission to enrich customer’s lives. Anchoring to the slogan, to rev everyone’s hearts and provide extraordinary activity, the year 2014 also marks the history of Yamaha Motor Philippines owning the three GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles; the largest parade of Yamaha motorcycles, most engines started Simultaneously, and most motorcycle horns Sounded Simultaneously.
As the market’s interest evolved through the years, Yamaha Motor Philippines kept its slogan by providing campaigns and events that elevate the riding community, one of which is giving consistent brand support through Yamaha Club activities. Now, the YClub continuously growing and has now gained over 35,000 riders in the Philippines. The growth in a decade signifies the brand’s influence on Filipinos. As the riding population grows, mixing old and new generations of motorcycle owners is a perfect formula to show the world how Yamaha continuously revs everyone’s hearts today.
With that, on July 13 at Pasay City, Yamaha Motor Philippines together with over 3,300 Yamaha Club members successfully reclaimed the two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles. Starting with the largest motorcycle parade formation, Yamaha invited 1,500 motorcycle riders parade in celebration of sustaining the ownership of 2014 record with 1,208 riders.
The second attempt goals to break the Most Engines Started Simultaneously. YMPH achieved to break the record with 3,300 participants from the current holder with only 3,184 multi-brand motorcycles. Doing a simultaneous start of engines emphasizes the ignition of riding passion – proving how Yamaha continuously creates every Filipino’s kando moment.
The third and last record represents the united roaring voice of the Yamaha community through the collective sounds of their machines. Beating the 3,177 riders, YMPH reclaimed the title with 3,300 participants.
This GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Official Attempt goes to show how strong the relationship between the brand and its community and how the REVS YOUR HEART slogan constantly defines the purpose of having a Yamaha – it is to feel KANDO and experience to be part of an evolving community of riders.
Stay updated by following the Yamaha socials: Website: https://www.yamaha-motor.com.ph/index.html
Yamaha Motor Philippines astonishes with its first Motorshow in almost a decade at Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center. The exhibit booth highlights the infinite possibilities that cultivate a premium and active lifestyle. Making the space more than just a booth. Each motorcycle has been carefully crafted to reflect the high standard of the Yamaha
brand that translates to each product and elevates how you ride everywhere.
Attendees had a premium experience with the SUPERSPORTS SERIES featuring the incomparable power of the YZF-R7, YZF-R1. The ON ROAD Motorcycles had the Brand’s signature speed in the Mio Aerox, Mio Aerox S, Sniper155, Sniper 155R, YZF-R15M,
and YZF-R3. The Yamaha MIO ignited passion for individuality with the Mio Fazzio, Mio Gear, Mio Gear S, and Mio Gravis. The MT SERIES unleashed the intensity of the dark side of Japan with the MT-15, MT-03, MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10SP. The MAX SERIES reset the rules with sophisticated performance of the NMAX, XMAX, TMAX, and TMAX TECHMAX. OFF-ROAD Motorcycles
engulfed with thrilling possibilities with the WR155, XTZ125, and WR450F. The WANDER ADVENTURE lineup allows a discovery of unforgettable adventures using the TRACER 9 GT, Ténéré 700, SUPER Ténéré ES. And the newest category of Yamaha, the MOPED SCRAMBLER, thrusted to freedom with the PG-1.
Yamaha continues to bring about a world of continuous motion and innovation. A class that is leading the global standard. Sophistication felt in every road. The 2024 Yamaha Motorshow is a showcase of commitment to provide premium experience with products that exude high performance and give ‘Kando’ when riding.
The foundation of the brand is built on its performance. Pushing innovations to excel beyond expectations to make sure each ride is always an unforgettable experience. That is the culture its built through excitement as it continues to highlight products fit for an active and sporty lifestyle.
Whether its breaking records or continuing to raise the standards with their activities, Yamaha will always make you feel the finest rev.
Gaming
DEVELOPER
PUBLISHER
Nihon Falcom NIS America PLATFORM PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch
Journeying through Zemuria has led us to meet The Bracer Guild of Liberl, Rean Schwarzer and the massive Class VII of Erebonia, and the Special Support Section of Crossbell. All their stories intertwined and concluded in Trails Into Reverie, and now, a new dawn begins in the Calvard Republic, an often-mentioned yet still unexplored area of Zemuria. Trails Through Daybreak has finally received an English translation, and a peace between Liberl, Erebonia, Crossbell, and the Calvard Republic has been formed for now—but what adventures await us in Calvard?
Words by Jose Alvarez
Trails Through Daybreak takes place in Calvard in 1208, and has you playing as Van Arkride, a Spriggan working at the Arkride Solutions Office. Falcom has described a Spriggan as a cross between a bounty hunter and a private detective. Van’s latest client is Agnes Claudel, a girl who attends Aramis High School in Edith, the capital city of Calvard, and they search for a specific type of orbment that not only she wants, but criminal elements of the underworld who want to use it for their own ends. On top of this, geopolitical intrigue including the threat of an economic recession and anti-immigrant sentiment prepare to bring the dark elements of society into the light.
Van Arkride Agnes Claudel
Gaming
An entire new set of characters joins the already-burgeoning Trails cast, as well as a few returning characters from previous Trails games. Van can choose to work with a variety of groups, while previous games focused on a more traditional “good guys vs. bad guys” sort of narrative which makes Trails Through Daybreak very flexible if you like to explore what happens when you align yourself with certain groups in the game. The cast is also a lot smaller than in previous games. The previous entry, Trails Into Reverie, had 50+ playable characters, reminding me way too much of Chrono Cross (an otherwise great game that is spoiled by the sheer number of playable characters). This allows the characters to develop better rather than being lost in the Zemurian sauce, and good character development can easily carry any JRPG into legendary status if done right.
The battle system has changed significantly from previous entries. You can now switch between turn-based and realtime combat, which makes this game a lot more fun, and future JRPGs should take note of this. You can also freely move around a certain area before taking a turn, which annoyed me quite a bit in previous entries. One example of this is Van’s Stun Slash, which allows you to interrupt enemy spells, but can also do more damage if you flank the enemy. This can allow you to position your characters well since moving no longer takes up a turn. Gems also work differently from previous games, as putting gems in certain lines (Weapon, Shield, Drive, and EX) can do things like add elemental attacks, protect against status effects, or recover HP. You can mix and match to suit your play style, and the customization options for the characters can be endless, yet certain combinations will be vital if you’re playing on higher difficulties.
Unique to Van are the Law, Gray, and Chaos stats, which allow you to make different choices during side quests similar to Persona’s social stats. This also goes against the grain of traditional JRPG tropes of beating the bad guys, allowing for more flexibility and gives you a Choose Your Own Adventure-esque experience. Depending on your Law, Gray, or Chaos stats, you can also help various factions in the game that can make battles easier (or harder) in certain chapters and even adds to replayability as certain characters will have unique character interactions with each other.
A new feature called Connections allows Van to casually hang out with his own party members, similar to Private Actions in Star Ocean: The Second Story R. This ties in beautifully with the already massive Trails worldbuilding and history, creating ties between the new cast and the old. Sadly, these new features also come at a price: the lack of minigames that could easily add hours onto a playthrough and reward rare and powerful items. Cooking, another fun aspect of previous Trails games, also has been reduced to a shell of its former self, as characters can no longer create superb or peculiar dishes, but rather just regular dishes. Fishing is also sadly absent. However, the great soundtrack is another home run for Falcom, and I expected no less from their amazing music team.
Trails Through Daybreak gives up some gameplay aspects and introduces rather new and radical gameplay elements in their place that JRPG developers should take notice of. While you’ll have to play the series in order (starting from Trails in the Sky) if you want to fully understand the story up to this point, it doesn’t hurt to start here either as only a few returning characters from both the Liberl and Erebonia arcs are present in this game. Trails has been one of my favorite recent JRPG series, and this one is another must play if you love JRPGs or even just deep stories and character development.
STRATEGIC HR SOLUTIONS FOR IT-BPM
Globe Business offers a comprehensive suite of HR solutions to power the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry
The Philippines’ IT-BPM industry has been expanding in recent years. It aims to grow its workforce to 2.5 million by 2028. This underscores the need for innovative HR strategies to acquire and retain quality talent.
With a firm commitment to be the trusted digitalization partner of businesses, Globe Business is ready to provide comprehensive support to IT-BPM companies. Globe’s enterprise arm aims to harness technology to optimize recruitment processes and enhance employee experience.
“We understand the critical role of HR in every organization. Our collaboration with IT-BPM companies ensures they have the right tools to recruit effectively, boost productivity, and foster a positive work environment,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business.
“As your trusted partner in digitalization, we are dedicated to helping your organization thrive and succeed by uplifting employee experiences that mirror customer satisfaction,” she added.
Utilizing the diverse capabilities of Globe’s portfolio companies, Globe Business presents a comprehensive suite of HR solutions explicitly curated for the unique needs of the IT-BPM industry. These offerings encompass:
Through Inquiro, HR teams can access a powerful combination of data analytics and digital marketing prowess. This platform enables quick, actionable insights and data-driven business decisions, allowing IT-BPM companies to find and engage with potential talent through datadriven and compelling digital campaigns.
Hiring and Onboarding
Make recruitment management more efficient and streamline applicant tracking and onboarding using customized applications through Yondu, a top-notch Information Technology (IT)-solutions provider.
Maximize automation to enhance communication with candidates through IVES. This web-based application helps create call flows for automated individual or bulk callouts for more efficient screening, response, and scheduling of applicants.
Power up communication allowance and salary disbursements through Load Up and GCash. Load Up is a platform to seed internet data and load credits to employees, while GCash is widely used to disburse payroll, incentives, and allowances.
With the Spark Rewards platform, employers can reward and incentivize employees by providing exclusive digital vouchers as part of their employee engagement programs. Training vouchers can drive talent development, upskilling, and reskilling in the workplace.
By providing access to tested technologies, Globe Business equips IT-BPM companies with essential resources to remain competitive locally and globally. These tools are crucial in fostering an efficient and engaged workforce, vital to the industry’s ongoing success.
To learn more about Globe Business’ HR Solutions, visit https://bit.ly/globeitbpm2024.
Employee Engagement
Recruitment
Interview Process
SALARY ON-DEMAND
BPI redefines paydays
BPI proudly presents a groundbreaking innovation with its BPI Salary On-Demand, reshaping traditional notions of payday accessibility. Launched in July 2023, this service has since been adopted by several companies whose employees are currently enjoying this valuable perk. In a bold move towards financial liberation, employees no longer need to rely on their scheduled payday to access their hard-earned income whenever the need arises.
“BPI Salary On-Demand heralds a new era where every day becomes an opportunity for both employers and employees to exercise greater control over their financial well-being, transforming the landscape of personal finance. This easy, fast, and affordable product allows BPI Salary On-Demand users to experience ANY DAY IS A PAYDAY,” says Jose Raul E. Jereza, BPI head of agency banking.
BPI Salary On-Demand’s simplified process guarantees a smooth transition and easy onboarding that puts the employers’ and employees’ ease and
efficiency first. The solution works together with the current payroll system sustaining efficient processes. Moreover, employers can rest assured that there are no extra financial constraints when using BPI Salary On-Demand, as there are no hidden fees.
Any day is a payday with BPI Salary On-Demand, now employees will have the flexibility to tap into their earnings as needed. During unexpected expenses, BPI Salary On-Demand gives employees access to a portion of their earned salary ahead of time, offering them instant financial help. All they need to do is to download the user-friendly PayWage app, register, and in less than 5 minutes the funds will be placed into the employee’s BPI payroll account.
BPI Salary On-Demand is exclusive to companies that are BPI Payroll Clients. You may inquire with your Human Resource Department if your company has signed up for this facility. Interested companies may connect with their branch of account or their corporate Relationship Manager for further assistance.
SALARY ON-DEMAND
BPI redefines paydays
BPI proudly presents a groundbreaking innovation with its BPI Salary On-Demand, reshaping traditional notions of payday accessibility. Launched in July 2023, this service has since been adopted by several companies whose employees are currently enjoying this valuable perk. In a bold move towards financial liberation, employees no longer need to rely on their scheduled payday to access their hard-earned income whenever the need arises.
“BPI Salary On-Demand heralds a new era where every day becomes an opportunity for both employers and employees to exercise greater control over their financial well-being, transforming the landscape of personal finance. This easy, fast, and affordable product allows BPI Salary On-Demand users to experience ANY DAY IS A PAYDAY,” says Jose Raul E. Jereza, BPI head of agency banking.
BPI Salary On-Demand’s simplified process guarantees a smooth transition and easy onboarding that puts the employers’ and employees’ ease and
efficiency first. The solution works together with the current payroll system sustaining efficient processes. Moreover, employers can rest assured that there are no extra financial constraints when using BPI Salary On-Demand, as there are no hidden fees.
Any day is a payday with BPI Salary On-Demand, now employees will have the flexibility to tap into their earnings as needed. During unexpected expenses, BPI Salary On-Demand gives employees access to a portion of their earned salary ahead of time, offering them instant financial help. All they need to do is to download the user-friendly PayWage app, register, and in less than 5 minutes the funds will be placed into the employee’s BPI payroll account.
BPI Salary On-Demand is exclusive to companies that are BPI Payroll Clients. You may inquire with your Human Resource Department if your company has signed up for this facility. Interested companies may connect with their branch of account or their corporate Relationship Manager for further assistance.
BAYAD ASENSO
Empowering MSMEs with Bills Payment and Loading Business
Paying bills is an inevitable part of life, and it always gives us a great sense of relief once we are able to settle them on time. This is why Bayad, the country’s pioneer brand in the outsourced bills payment collection service, has become even more proactive in its expansion efforts of bringing onestop-shop financial services closer to Filipinos.
Apart from providing customers’ assurance that their household utilities won’t get cut off, they can also settle their government contributions, cover for their insurance premiums, load for
tollway RFID services, load their prepaid and postpaid accounts, and even settle their loans in just one go.
Furthermore, all these services are not just offered at Bayad Centers, but are also offered via Bayad App (Bayad’s mobile application), via Bayad Online (Bayad’s website application), and via Bayad Partners (leading over-thecounter and digital payment channel providers).
With its continuous development as a multi-service fintech institution, Bayad launches Bayad Asenso, an easy-tooperate business payment solution that is
embedded within the Bayad App. Bayad Aseno aims to empower MSMEs into becoming Bayad Agents, essentially transforming their sari-sari stores, eateries, pet shops, water refilling stations, and other small business establishments into payment centers.
PLDT, Converge, Globe, SkyCable, Cignal, Home Credit, Manulife, Sun Life, SSS, Pag-IBIG, Smart, Easytrip and Autosweep RFID, Meralco, Maynilad, Manila Water, and other electric and water utility billers in regional areas such as Davao Light, Cotabato Light, Albay Power, CAGELCO, BATELEC, ISELCO,
ANTECO, LEYECO, PANELCO, VECO, Subic Enerzone, Bocaue Water District, Laguna Water, Legazpi Water, Balibago Waterworks, Subic Water, Tagum Water District, Carmona Water District, and many others are now already being processed by Bayad Agents.
As Bayad reaches out to the community level, the company does not only preserve the value of its bricks-and-mortar business but also equally promotes digital transformation to cater to the ever-changing needs of Filipinos from all walks of life.
Lawrence Y. Ferrer, Bayad president and CEO, shares “We believe in empowering every Filipino entrepreneur as we foster financial inclusion and help build economic resilience in the country.”
How to become an authorized Bayad Agent
To qualify as an authorized Bayad Agent, applicants must own a physical store, have a stable internet connection, and have an upgraded Bayad App account.
Bayad App is then downloadable via Google Play, App Store, and Huawei App Gallery.
Once the Bayad App account is already upgraded, applicants must tap the “Business” icon in the Bayad App dashboard, then tap “Asenso”, and proceed with the registration process.
Either Barangay Business Permit, DTI Business Registration, Mayor’s Permit, BIR Registration, SEC Registration, Amended Business Permit, or RSA License will be required as an attachment in the registration form.
For further queries on Bayad Agent registration and onboarding, you may send an email to qmgonzales@bayad. com or call (998) 965 2330. Bayad provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.
Income Opportunities
Bayad Asenso agents can earn an average of PHP5.50 for every bill payment transaction and PHP4 for every PHP100 worth of load transaction. This provides a viable, sustainable income stream, enhancing the profitability of small businesses.
Seamless Operations
To start processing payment transactions, a newly registered Bayad Agent has to have an initial wallet fund of at least PHP3,000. Bayad Agents can fund their wallet through digital money transfer platforms or via over-the-counter at Bayad Centers, BDO, Eastwest Bank, and RCBC.
21st Batch of Scholars Complete Isuzu TESDA Auto Mechanic Training
The Isuzu Heart and Smile Project (IHSP), an initiative of Isuzu Motors Limited Japan (IML), is filled with pride as it announces the graduation of Batch 21 from the Isuzu TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban. This batch, comprising 17 scholars, has not just completed their training but has also achieved the prestigious National Competency IV (NC IV) certification for Service Technicians, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Established in 2008, the IHSP has been a beacon of hope for underprivileged youth, offering a comprehensive twoyear training program from NC I to NC IV. What sets this program apart is its robust support system, which includes free boarding and lodging for all trainees during their stay, ensuring they can focus solely on their education and training.
In addition to the standard TESDA curriculum, Isuzu enhances the
educational experience with specialized classes on Isuzu diesel technology and other relevant topics. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped with both general and specialized skills needed in the automotive industry.
“We are very proud of the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project as it not only provides free education to Filipino youths but also transforms their lives by offering them more opportunities to
excel in this field,” said IPC president Tetsuya Fujita.
Graduates from the Isuzu TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center have the opportunity to further their expertise through the Isuzu Global Service Corporation (IGSC). Select graduates receive advanced training focused on light to heavy-duty truck servicing, reinforcing Isuzu’s commitment to excellence in aftersales support.
During his speech, IML director of the board and managing executive officer of the sales division Tetsuya Ikemoto reiterated the importance of the values of the school, which is to apply effectively what they have learned, contribute to the development of the company, and give back to the family and the society. He also wished that the graduates continue to promote and raise
the school’s reputation by achieving a good track record, surpassing their seniors.
With the addition of Batch 21, the school already has 403 graduates, fortifying Isuzu’s already strong aftersales network worldwide. Alongside the graduation ceremony, Isuzu also welcomed Batch 25, consisting of 18 new trainees. These incoming scholars will embark on their journey, aiming to complete their NC IV certification within the next two years.
Isuzu’s dedication to developing toptier service technicians enhances its brand reputation as the number one truck brand and ensures superior customer service. Graduates from the program have consistently demonstrated exceptional servicing skills, earning recognition locally and internationally.
To learn more about the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project and the Isuzu TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center, please visit www.isuzuphil.com.
Tetsuya Ikemoto, IML Director of the Board and Managing Executive Officer Sales Division,Isuzu Motors Ltd.
Offline Access to Learning
Instructure launches offline feature for Canvas Student app, furthering equitable access to learning
Instructure Holdings, Inc., the leading learning technology ecosystem and maker of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), has launched an offline access feature for its student mobile application. This feature facilitates seamless, automatic, easy-to-use learning, allowing students to access a variety of pre-selected content on the go regardless of their data plan or internet connection.
Through the Canvas Student mobile app, the new offline access feature allows educational institutions to empower their students to access content and understand vital course information outside the classroom, fostering a more equitable experience for all learners.
Enabling mobile offline access makes Canvas more accessible for those with limited cellular or computer availability. Users can download content on their devices and access it anytime, anywhere, regardless of service availability.
“The LMS is the single most important tool a student uses outside the classroom to learn and engage with course content,” said Shiren Vijiasingam, chief product officer at Instructure. “Providing offline access to course content offers learners more flexibility in how and where they choose to learn,
supporting Instructure’s mission to make education more accessible and equitable.”
The Canvas Student mobile app’s offline feature empowers students to manage their learning content autonomously, selecting specific courses and materials for offline review. While real-time communication is not possible when using the offline mode, the new automatic sync capabilities capture offline changes, allowing students to sync course content upon reconnecting to the internet.
Additionally, the new feature provides an in-app navigation experience that
is more interactive than displaying the content as a static HTML. It also allows multiple users to download content on the same device, facilitating access to educational materials on shared devices. The availability of this feature can be customized at the institution level, allowing for a tailored user experience.
The latest versions of the Canvas Student mobile app for iOS and Android are now available and introduce enhanced support for course content synchronization for offline viewing. For more information about Canvas’s mobile app updates and features, visit the Instructure website.
RESPONSIBLE USE OF AI IN EDUCATION
Far Eastern University releases guidelines for AI use
With the growing importance of digital tools in the evolving education landscape, Far Eastern University (FEU) recognizes the need to adapt to innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in the academic setting.
To fully utilize its benefits without compromising academic standards, the university updated its Academic Integrity policies with a set of guidelines on the responsible and
ethical use of AI for its faculty and students. The guidelines aim to implement policies regarding transparency and limitations of use and place utmost importance on maintaining FEU’s principle of student-centered pedagogy and learning.
“AI has been here for a long time, and FEU welcomes its use as an educational tool. However, it should not serve as a replacement for actual students’ performance. That’s why we needed
to come up with a policy highlighting academic integrity, and we also conduct workshops to guide students on the proper use of AI tools,” said Maria Teresa Trinidad P. Tinio, FEU senior vice president for academic affairs.
As part of its commitment to upholding academic standards, FEU recently held its annual Academic Integrity Day, where students and faculty engaged in a discourse about integrity across different industries and innovations.
Educational tool
According to the 2024 Work Trend Index conducted by Microsoft Philippines and LinkedIn, 86% of knowledge workers in the Philippines use AI tools. This signals a growing industry demand for graduates equipped with the necessary AI skills and, therefore, calls for its integration into the higher education learning process.
Under FEU’s new directives, the use of AI as an educational tool is encouraged in so far as it promotes “persuasive communication, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, creative problem solving, professionalism, and
responsible digital citizenship” among students.
This aligns with FEU’s continuing vision to produce quality graduates who are responsive to the ever-evolving industry trends.
FEU also ensures that its faculty members receive training and workshops that increase their familiarity and competence with AI technologies. This equips them to incorporate AI capabilities in designing pedagogical activities and materials and empowers them to effectively guide students in using the tools as well.
Transparency and limitations
While fully acknowledging the opportunities that AI presents to advance quality education, FEU warns against the indiscriminate use of the technology and raises awareness of its limitations.
Among its limitations is its tendency for “hallucination,” which involves creating false citations, making incorrect calculations, and providing incorrect data, all of which are potentially harmful to students who become overly reliant on the technology.
“The teachers also have to be wise, and they need to know their students’ capabilities, including their writing styles, among others. When they assess their students, they have to ensure that the use of AI is still aligned with the students’ learning outcomes,” explained Tinio.
FEU’s guidelines require students to be transparent about the AI tools used in their outputs and assessments. Continued non-compliance may potentially lead to being flagged for academic dishonesty.
In addition, the FEU Center for Learning Enhancement and Research Services conducts academic integrity workshops for students who might need guidance and education regarding the responsible use of AI in university.
FEU Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Teresa Trinidad P. Tinio
NO VISA? NO PROBLEM!
Agoda shares visa-free alternative destinations for Filipino travelers
Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled the top visa-free destinations frequented by Filipino travelers, highlighting the ease of travel within regions where visa requirements are waived. Based on recent booking data, the most popular destinations include Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur.
These five destinations stood out among the 69 visa-free countries that Filipinos have access to, as listed by the Henley Passport Index.
With direct flights available from several cities in the Philippines and shorter flight durations, traveling to these cities is relatively convenient for Filipinos. Additionally, a variety of price points for accommodations and flights cater to budget-conscious tourists,
making travel more economical. Familiarity with the destinations’ key attractions and activities, such as Hong Kong’s Disneyland, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Taipei’s Night Markets, and Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers, also contribute to their popularity, ensuring travelers have a “must-try” list even before they arrive.
Mike Hwang, country director for the Philippines at Agoda, shared, “Hong Kong and Singapore are favorites among Filipino travelers for their seamless accessibility and abundant attractions. Our aim is to continually provide reliable holiday offerings and endto-end travel booking services to a range of destinations to meet the diverse interests and desires of travelers, whether they’re seeking urban excitement or exploring new, visa-free destinations.”
For those keen to explore beyond the well-trodden paths, Agoda highlights five alternative and less-traveled visafree destinations known for their distinctive charm:
NANTOU, TAIWAN
Offering a respite from the bustling cityscape, Nantou in Taiwan is a natural wonderland. It’s home to the picturesque Sun Moon Lake, the architectural marvel Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge, and provides an opportunity to delve into the heart of Taiwanese tea culture, making it a serene alternative to Taipei’s urban buzz.
MALDIVES
A tropical haven of idyllic atolls and luxurious resorts, the Maldives is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering unmatched tranquility and natural beauty.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Night markets and opulent mosques define Brunei’s capital, with its name translating to “City of the Blessed One”. Bandar Seri Begawan, known to locals simply as Bandar or “The City”, balances being the center of the nation’s commerce while showcasing its rich heritage and cultural identity. This remarkable city presents a different dynamic from its regional counterparts and offers a great way to immerse in the unique Bruneian culture and history.
PENANG, MALAYSIA
Malaysia’s Penang beckons with its historical allure, famous street food, and unique art scene. A different experience from Kuala Lumpur’s modern glitz, it is a haven for culture enthusiasts and foodies alike.
KRABI, THAILAND
Those looking to swap the lively streets of Bangkok for white sandy beaches will find solace in Krabi, Thailand. This maritime paradise boasts pristine coastlines, crystalclear waters, and a more relaxed pace of life. With terrific flight connectivity to boot!
While the top destinations remain popular with Filipinos, exploring alternative locations presents opportunities for discovery and relaxation amid natural wonders and culturally rich environments.
EXPERIENCE BACOLOD CUISINE AND HOSPITALITY
Citadines Bacolod City is the next go-to destination in the ‘City of Smiles’
Citadines Bacolod City, Ascott Limited’s newest addition to its property roster, is the next go-to destination in the Visayas region. It offers modern and comfortable accommodations for both business and leisure travelers.
Standing tall in the heart of the city, this sleek urban oasis beckons guests with its contemporary design and unique island hospitality. Offering modern amenities, stylish interiors, and the distinct Negrense warmth, travelers can seamlessly transition from the bustling streets of Bacolod to
the serene comfort of their accommodations at Citadines Bacolod City.
The property offers an array of accommodation options tailored to meet the diverse needs of guests. From Studio Apartments to Two-Bedroom Deluxe Rooms, each space is thoughtfully designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience and ensures there’s accommodation suitable for any type of stay. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the inviting communal areas, which include a stylish lobby lounge, a wellequipped fitness center, and versatile event spaces.
Guests can also savor culinary delights at the property’s in-house restaurants, which include:
Tam-is, a charming corner on the ground floor, is named after the Hiligaynon term for sweet. Providing a quick grab-and-go option for food, like coffee and pastries, for guests who are always on the move, Tamis greatly lives by the ideal that ‘life is sweet’ and is a nod to the joys and richness of life’s experiences.
The Puerza Lobby Café completes the lobby’s artisanal bakery and café experience by offering finely crafted European-style boulangerie and French viennoiserie for a sit-down and relaxed experience throughout the day.
At Fuego Bar and Lounge, guests can enjoy a menu featuring a variety of steaks, antipasti boards, sides, and cocktails that draws inspiration from the flames of the majestic volcanoes that surround the Negros region.
The Namit all-day dining restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience through its various unique ala carte dishes inspired by local and Southeast Asian cuisine.
When it’s time to unwind by the pool, retreat to Adlao. From fresh fruit platters to savory appetizers, guests can savor a tempting selection of snacks, refreshing juices, and expertly crafted cocktails, all while enjoying the peaceful nature of the space.
“We are excited to offer guests a sneak peek into Citadines Bacolod City and provide them with a glimpse of the modern urban oasis and the different culinary offerings we have been working on,” said Jose Mari Medrano, Citadines Bacolod City’s executive chef.
Citadines Bacolod City’s signature program, City Hacks, and its staff, known as Citazens, offer guests an authentic local experience. With personalized recommendations and insider tips, Citazens help guests take full advantage of the city’s authentic local experience. These can include immersing in the city’s culture, cuisine, and hidden gems. Furthermore, for those looking to dive deeper into the food culture of Bacolod, the property’s Citazens are well-equipped to offer city hacks to help navigate the culinary scene with ease, guiding guests to the most authentic eateries and culinary hotspots.
For reservations, advanced bookings, and property updates, guests can visit Citadines’ official website and their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
REDISCOVER MANILA
Immerse in the city’s vibrant culture and catch a glimpse of nature through the NLEX Connector
It’s almost needless to say that Manila has a lot to offer, and with NLEX Connector in place, it has opened doors to unforgettable Manila experiences. Regardless, if you’re coming from the north or south of the metro, you can access some of the city’s most iconic and valued places for culture and nature appreciation.
DOSE OF HISTORY AND CULTURE AT THE MUSEUMS
Manila is one of the premier cities at the forefront of significant historical events that shaped our nation. To better understand and learn about this, you can visit the museums which house the most extensive collections of artifacts and artworks from the pre-colonial period up to this day.
A prominent landmark in Manila, the National Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit, as it showcases the evolution of Philippine art with 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions comprising 19th-century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters, sculptors, and printmakers.
There’s also the National Museum of Natural History at the former building of the Department of Tourism with neoclassical architecture. It has 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the Philippines’ rich biological and geological diversity.
Go deeper into the heart and soul of the Philippines when you also visit The National Museum of Anthropology. It is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts in Manila that offers a meaningful journey into the Philippines’ rich history and diverse ethnicities.
All these museums are within walking distance from each other as these attractions are situated in the same area. If you are starting with the National Museum of Fine Arts, take the NLEX Connector España Exit to Quiapo, Manila, then head towards Ermita and find its building along T.M. Kalaw Ave. For the National Museum of Natural History, head towards Agrifina Circle inside Rizal Park. At the same time, the National Museum of Anthropology is just located at P. Burgos Drive, also within Rizal Park.
Another museum to visit in España, Manila, is the UST Museum, established in 1867 and considered the oldest existing museum in the Philippines. It showcases precolonial artifacts, the Philippine Revolution era, and an ethnographic collection. It’s also rich in collections of flora and fauna specimens, including fossils, insects, and marine life.
There’s also something to discover at the official residence of the Philippine presidents. By heading towards the Malacañang Complex in San Miguel, Manila, via the NLEX Connector Magsaysay Ave Exit, you’ll find a cluster of heritage houses that shows a glimpse of how the past presidents lived their lives.
There’s Bahay Ugnayan, which is also a museum that highlights President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presidential journey. You will also see the French-inspired Goldberg Mansion and the Teus Mansion, a 19th-century historical residence now serving as the Presidential Museum.
MANILA URBAN OASIS
Dubbed as Manila’s Last Lung, the Arroceros Forest Park is a refreshing delight to see and experience at the heart of the metro. Guests can exercise, walk, admire the landscaped gardens, and breathe in fresh air with over 3,000 trees surrounding the area. The park is located at Antonio Villegas St., Manila (near the corner of Padre Burgos Ave. and Taft Ave.), accessible via the NLEX Connector España Exit.
Whether you’re up for unwinding at Arroceros Park or enthusiastic about learning more about the Philippines, Manila has many great places to explore. With the NLEX Connector streamlining your travel between these destinations, you can now truly get lost in these cultural treasures and natural beauty.
Weather fluctuations, sudden power outages, and extreme temperatures affect electricity usage, prompting households to balance comfort while managing energy costs.
Beko, one of the leading European appliance brands, offers efficient solutions to this challenge. Beko’s innovative line of refrigerators and air conditioners has a 5-star rating based on the energy label and energy-efficient rating by the Department of Energy. The star rating corresponds to the product’s energy efficiency, which ranges from one to five. The higher the number, the more efficient the appliance is.
Refrigerators
With ProSmart inverter technology, Beko refrigerators enable you to save on energy and costs without sacrificing performance.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
Comfort meets savings with
The RDSO308K30PPH is a 10.7 cu. ft. inverter top-mount freezer refrigerator that consumes only 24.6kWh/month. Based on the Department of Energy’s computation, the estimated energy consumption cost for this appliance is only PHP246/ month. This refrigerator has a reversible door that makes it convenient to access even in limited spaces, while the Prosmart Inverter technology allows it to quickly adapt to temperature fluctuations for faster yet energy-saving cooling.
Beko’s RDNT401E50VZGB has an estimated energy consumption cost of PHP300/month based on DOE’s computation. This 13.2 cu. ft. 2-door top freezer only consumes 30.0kWh/month and has powerful features such as EverFresh+ that minimizes condensation in the crisper, NeoFrost Dual Cooling that prevents frost buildup and the transfer of odors, and the innovative HarvestFresh technology that mimics the 24-hour sun cycle inside the crisper to preserve vitamins for longer.
Meanwhile, the GNO563E50HFKPH is an 18.8 cu. ft. side-by-side door refrigerator with an estimated cost of PHP438/month based on 43.8kWh/month energy consumption. In addition to the EverFresh+, HarvestFresh, and NeoFrost Dual Cooling, this model also has Quick Cool and Quick Freeze options powered by an energy-saving Prosmart Inverter technology.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
home appliances
Air Conditioners
Beko air conditioners have a 5-star rating, which is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing long-term savings for its customers. They also feature the innovative ProSmart Inverter technology, which allows the compressor speed to be adjusted according to your comfort needs, ensuring optimal efficiency.
Based on DOE’s computation, the BPVOW 090 has an estimated energy consumption cost of only PHP1,161/month. This 1HP window-type air conditioner has a 2.5kW cooling capacity, a Super Mode feature with less energy consumption, and a Sleep Mode to regulate temperature for cozier rest.
For even more powerful performance, the BPVOW 120 is a 1.5HP window-type inverter with a 3.34kW cooling capacity. This model has Jet Cool for rapid yet energy-saving cooling for sudden humid afternoons, giving an estimated cost of only PHP1,431/month based on 143.1kWh/month consumption from DOE’s computation.
Based on the Department of Energy’s computation, the estimated cost of BSEOG 090/BSEOG 091 is only PHP731.70/month. It is a 1HP split-type inverter air conditioner with a 2.6kW cooling capacity that consumes only 73.17kWh/month.
Meanwhile, the BSEOG 120/BSEOG 121 is a 1.5 HP, split-type air conditioner with a 3.5kW cooling capacity that consumes only 109.89kWh/month, giving an estimated total energy consumption cost of PHP1,098.90.
Lastly, BSEOG 180/ BSEOG 181 is a 2HP splittype air conditioner that provides quick and efficient cooling. With a 5.2kW cooling capacity, it consumes only 202.37 kWh/month, or an estimated energy consumption cost of PHP2,023.65/month.
There’s always a Beko air conditioner for any space or need. Heavy on performance but not on energy consumption, these air conditioners have costefficient features such as the Go Clean Function for low regular maintenance and improved air quality, and the Jet Cool feature for instant cooling.
Whether you are looking for a new appliance that will be as hardworking as you or want to make your home more energy-efficient, achieve a cool and collected Beko “State of Mind” with 5-star-rated appliances that power and cool the home.
For more information about Beko in the Philippines, visit beko.ph and follow @bekoph on Facebook and Instagram.
SUSTAINABLE SMART LIGHTING
Signify PH responds to rising demand for smart lighting solutions with WIZ Connected
Sustainable living is increasingly being incorporated into almost every part of the modern Filipino household. With the rapid evolution of lifestyles, Filipinos of all ages are becoming more conscious of their consumption, leading to more energy-efficient home designs.
Signify, the world leader in lighting, is responding to these needs by offering customizable smart lighting solutions to Filipino households through WiZ Connected Smart Lighting. Signify Philippines’ commercial leader for consumer channel Paolo Royol shares, “WiZ Connected is perfectly suited for those looking to upgrade their living spaces and begin designing their very own smart home.”
The growing demand for smart home technologies
With Filipinos continuing to spend more time at home with hybrid work set-ups, the ease of lighting controls and home automation is increasingly relevant. In fact, there has been a 71% increase in the demand for smart home control and connectivity devices since the pandemic.
WiZ Connected is an Internet of Things lighting-enabled provider focused on delivering easy-to-use, WiFi-based smart lighting. A connected light ecosystem means easy control of the lights in every room of one’s home. With WiZ Connected, lights can be controlled through external devices like a smartphone or smart assistant, set to operate on a schedule, or triggered by voice or motion control.
One can set up schedules on their WiZ Connected mobile app so that lights gradually brighten at the start of the day or dim towards the end of the night. One can also customize scenarios to use the 16 million colors offered by WiZ Connected. The lights can even be set to the circadian rhythm of one’s body to regulate better sleep amidst our hectic lifestyles.
Motion control is another exciting technological advancement that can modernize our homes. It allows lights to automatically turn on and off when one enters or leaves a room. Unlike traditional motion sensor-based lights,
SpaceSense™ detection is based on the Wi-Fi signals in our home and doesn’t require line of sight during installation.
Energy management at your fingertips
This ease-in-control also speaks to Filipinos’ desire to improve their homes’ energy efficiency. Recent energy woes in the country have led to households being more conservative with unnecessary consumption. Reports have also shown that Filipinos are showing increased interest in energy management.
Smart lighting systems like WiZ Connected help us manage our energy more easily. With the easy-to-use mobile app, one can monitor where energy consumption is highest in the house and be more considerate of how often and which lights are left on. In general, Signify’s range of lighting products is proven to be more energy efficient with its LED technology, which not only helps to save on costs but is also better for our eyes in comparison to conventional lighting.
Incorporating new ways of lighting a home
Another emerging trend is the use of portable lights in addition to overhead lighting to help set a more comfortable mood in one’s home.
WiZ Connected offers a range of products, from portable lamps that use easy touch panel control and can display a unique dual-zone light effect to LED strips that are easily attached around desks, counters, and walls for subtle customization. You can also set the right ambiance to transition from work to rest with tunable cool to warm white lights and adjustable brightness, and touch panel to adjust pre-set modes and dimming features according to your liking.
The WiZ Linear Bar lights allow us to enhance our space with vivid and subtle lighting effects via tunable lighting options. Not only that, the compact and slender size lighting easily fits in every nook & cranny, such as on bookshelves or even TV racks.
Smart lighting is an essential component of a smart home automation ecosystem. All WiZ Connected products work with existing smart home technology like Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomePods, and the WiZ Connected app was made easy to use so that anyone can set up their smart lights in under a minute. With the rapid acceleration of smart tech adoption in the country these past few years, Filipinos are more than ready to integrate smart technologies into their homes.
To learn more about WiZ Connected, visit www.wizconnected.com
5 WAYS TO ENHANCE WELLNESS DURING
As the weather turns wet and chilly, your family’s health and happiness are of utmost priority. From creating an inviting home environment to seeking ways to boost the family’s immunity, these tips will help you navigate the rainy season with ease.
2. Emphasize Quality Sleep
A good night’s rest is essential for good health. Set up a bedtime routine for the family and ensure everyone gets sufficient sleep, which is vital for a robust immune system. Make the most out of the weather and let the soothing sounds of nature aid you in encouraging the entire family to bond over rest and relaxation.
Quality sleep brings a healthier immune function, regulated mood levels, and better mental health. This gives your family a natural defense against seasonal illnesses and stress.
1. Create a Cozy Indoor Environment
There’s nothing better than being in a warm and inviting environment on a rainy day. Bring out some blankets and pillows and pair these with fun activities the whole family can enjoy at home. By creating a cozy ambiance, you’re sure to achieve a soothing atmosphere that promotes overall wellbeing and reduces stress.
Keeping your family’s space clean and clutter-free also helps reduce allergens and creates a healthier living environment. Keep in mind that a cozy indoor setting can transform rainy days into cherished moments of connection for a healthy and happy home.
3. Encourage Physical Activity
While outdoor activities are limited during this season, keeping the family active even inside the home is still essential. There are numerous indoor exercises and activities that the family can enjoy together, such as dancing to your favorite tunes, doing some light yoga, or engaging in indoor sports. Regular physical activity helps release endorphins, reduce stress, and boost spirits.
Moreover, having a healthy and active lifestyle promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and supports weight management. By making time for physical activities, families can stay active, energized, and connected even when rain keeps them indoors.
ENHANCE FAMILY DURING RAINY DAYS
4. Maintain a Nutritious Diet
Rainy weather usually leads to cravings for comfort foods Pinoys love. While it’s okay to give into cravings occasionally, balance these with healthy, nutrient-rich meals to support overall immune function.
Maintaining a nutritious diet is essential for boosting family wellness at this time of the year, as well as providing the much-needed nutrients to support immune function and overall health. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into meals helps strengthen the body’s defenses against the common cold or cough. Nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits packed with vitamin C and leafy greens, boost immunity during colder months.
Also, remember that staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keeps the body functioning optimally. By prioritizing nutritious eating habits, the entire family can stay healthy, energized, and wellnourished, ensuring they can fully enjoy indoor activities and stay healthy throughout the rainy season.
5. Boost Immunity with Supplements
Rainy days usually come with the occasional cold and flu, so strengthen your family’s immune system with high-quality supplements and multivitamins. Go for the ones that contain vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics to enhance overall health.
Supplements like LAC TriAction C1000 Timed-Release offer 3x of the benefits of regular vitamin C and ensure continuous immune support and antioxidant protection. At the same time, LAC ImmuGuard™ Junior with Probiotics helps maintain good resistance against common infections such as colds and flu.
By offering a wide range of products tailored to each family member’s unique needs, LAC ensures that the entire family can maintain optimal health and vitality at every life stage.
Implementing these essential strategies will keep your family safe and dry and foster a sense of togetherness and wellbeing during rainy days. By prioritizing immunity, creating cozy indoor spaces, encouraging physical activity, maintaining a nutritious diet, and taking immune-boosting supplements, you’re equipping your family with the tools to thrive through whatever season.
PROTECT YOUR FUR-BABIES
Igloo’s Pet Insure empowers dog parents to address their pet’s needs comprehensively, from emergencies to accidents
We’ve all been victims of the changing weather — where shifting from hot to cold leave us scrambling for comfort and protection and often challenges our immune system to keep up. It’s the allergies, flu, and colds that catch us off guard.
But did you know that the same weatherrelated temperature changes pose challenges for our pets, too? Just like us, they can suffer
from seasonal allergies, respiratory issues, and discomfort due to sudden shifts in temperature. It’s important to be mindful of their needs and take steps to ensure their well-being during these unpredictable weather patterns.
So, for pet parents who want to ensure their pet’s comfort and health in these conditions, here are some tips to keep in mind.
ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE CLIMATE-APPROPRIATE SHELTER
Just like us, your pet needs to have a comfortable place to rest that suits the weather–warm and cozy during cold spells, and cool and shaded during hot days. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that your pets are well-suited to thrive in tropical climates like the Philippines as some breeds like dogs such as pugs and chow-chows are more prone to respiratory issues and heat strokes.
KEEP THEM WELL-FED AND HYDRATED
Giving your pets a nutritious diet that supports their immune system can help them stay healthy and resilient against weather-related illnesses. And of course, never forget hydration. Keeping your pets well-hydrated during hot weather to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.
EXERCISE WISELY
A pet’s health is also closely tied to how much exercise they can do regularly. However, it’s important to adjust exercise routines based on the weather–avoid intense activities during extreme heat or cold. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for their paws.
STAY ON TOP OF THEIR GROOMING
Maintain regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition, which can help regulate their body temperature. Never shave your pet’s coat too short, especially in hot weather, as it can expose their skin to sunburn and other risks.
BE VIGILANT FOR SIGNS OF HEALTH PROBLEMS
Be vigilant for signs of allergies, such as excessive scratching or sneezing, and consult your vet if these symptoms appear. In the Philippines, where it’s usually either hot or hotter, even during the rainy season, it’s important to know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, or increased heart and respiratory rate.
CONSIDER INVESTING IN PET INSURANCE
With the weather and temperatures constantly changing, it’s essential to have financial protection in place for unexpected veterinary expenses.
Regional insurtech Igloo, understanding how important it is to keep your pets healthy and your finances secure, developed Pet Insure in partnership with Malayan Insurance and GCash. Pet Insure is a tailored non-life insurance product designed to safeguard the health of dogs, regardless of their breed. This product empowers dog parents to address their fur babies’ needs comprehensively, from emergencies to accidents.
It provides a three-in-one coverage package, including medical reimbursement for veterinary care up to a maximum of PHP100,000, owner’s liability coverage of up to PHP250,000, and a personal accident cover for dog owners worth PHP50,000. All of this is available for as low as PHP650 for a one-month coverage period through the GCash GInsure marketplace.
As responsible pet parents, it’s essential to keep on top of any changes in your pets’ health and behavior, especially with weather changes. Being a little bit more vigilant and being prepared for any emergency can make a significant difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and happy all year round.
Learn more about Pet Insure here.
ABOITIZ DATA INNOVATION EYES EXPANDING AI CAPABILITIES AND SUCCESS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Aboitiz Data Innovation (ADI) recently announced its target of expanding its capabilities in data science and artificial intelligence across Southeast Asia to foster innovation and growth across the region.
ADI highlighted that the challenges in deploying, developing, and delivering value from AI in the Philippines are the same as in neighboring markets in Southeast Asia. This provides an immense opportunity to bring ADI’s know-how and approaches to making AI work to other countries in the region.
“ADI aims to help companies tailor AI solutions to their specific goals. While it’s impressive when one company succeeds with AI, our objective is to enable more companies to strengthen entire industries. With ADI’s data science and AI expertise, we plan to expand this capability from the Philippines and Singapore to other Southeast Asian markets. By sharing our methods, ADI can help multiple organizations excel, transforming whole sectors across the region,” shared Dr. David R. Hardoon, ADI chief executive officer.
According to the US-ASEAN Business Council, AI could add USD1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, representing an 18% increase. Recognizing this potential, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) released a regional guide on artificial intelligence governance and ethics earlier this year, supporting its members as they increasingly embrace AI.
ADI has started forging partnerships across the region to build its footprint. ADI recently teamed up with Cloudera to empower Asia Pacific’s financial services and industrial sectors with
GenAI capabilities, followed by a partnership with Thailand’s REPCO NEX and AboitizPower to create the country’s first smart power plant, enhancing asset health and reducing downtime through AI-driven proactive maintenance. The DSAI startup is an official Amazon Web Services (AWS) partner for Select Tier Services and the Public Sector, boosting its ability to deliver AI-powered solutions.
To support its goal across the region, ADI is actively building a robust talent pool to drive innovation and foster an inclusive future. The company embraces advanced workforce flexibility, adaptability, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) measures to attract and retain talent.
Hailing from the Philippines’ Aboitiz techglomerate and headquartered in Singapore, ADI offers data science and AI products and capabilities tailored for the financial services, industrials, and public sectors in these two markets.
In the Philippines, ADI collaborates with Union Bank of the Philippines for AI solutions in credit scoring and risk management, fighting financial crimes. With AboitizPower, they integrate AI for power plant operations and maintenance. ADI collaborates with Victorias City for smart city road mapping and works with the Department of Budget and Management on utilizing analytics for data-driven decision-making.
Adding to their growing list of clients is a leading bank in Asia and Singapore pillar bank— United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB), covering data governance review.
ADI’s product lineup encompasses Alternative Scoring, Transaction Monitoring, Customer Intelligence, Demand Forecasting, and Landslide Risk Scoring. Additionally, its capabilities extend to generative AI, smart city advisory, and data management & architecture.
ZED SECURES BSP LICENSE, BEGINS ROLLING OUT INVITATIONS TO 40K WAITLIST
Zed, a credit-led neobank, announced that it has received its Certificate of Authority to Operate as a standalone credit card issuer from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
“Our BSP license makes us the first Philippine neobank to offer credit cards as a standalone issuer,” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, “This independence and our foundation as a technology company means we can rapidly and continuously improve our product, unconstrained by legacy systems.”
After operating in a BSP-sanctioned pilot for the last 6 months, the Zed Card is officially rolling out to the public on an invite-only basis, starting with its waitlist. Zed has seen overwhelming demand for its no interest, no fees Mastercard Titanium Credit Card, garnering close to 40,000 sign ups since launching its waitlist in March 2024.
Those who have signed up for the waitlist will receive invitations to apply for a Zed card over the coming months. “We’re overwhelmed by the excitement for Zed and the number of signups we’ve received. Given the significant demand, it will take some time for us to open up spots for all 40,000 individuals on the waitlist. Rest assured, we’re
already sending out invitations and will get to everyone that’s signed up. Our priority is onboarding new users at a pace where we can ensure a stellar experience for every Zed customer, so hang tight!” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Zed co-founder and CEO.
Founded by Silicon Valley engineers, Danielle Cojuangco Abraham and Steve Abraham, Zed is reimagining the credit card from the ground up, leveraging technology to empower the next generation of Filipino professionals with the most powerful credit card. It is the only credit card in the Philippines with:
• No fees. Zed has no annual fee, foreign transaction fees or any other fees, so customers simply pay for their purchases, nothing more.
• No revolving interest. Customers get up to 31 days of credit with 0 interest with no fear of revolving their balance and incurring interest charges.
Beyond its unique business model that does not rely on interest revenue, Zed introduces a revolutionary approach to credit limits:
• Smart credit limits: Zed determines credit limits by analyzing a user’s
current and potential income among other other data. This approach empowers young professionals with limited credit history to build credit responsibly and avoid limitations based solely on traditional credit scores.
“We’ve seen really strong engagement among our early cardholders, with transaction volume growing 100% month over month and 48% of cardholders transacting daily,” said Zed cofounder, Steve Abraham. “We’re obsessed with delivering an exceptional customer experience, and our early usage reaffirms our view that the next generation is hungry for a completely different credit card experience that cuts out expensive fees, supports responsible spending and provides seamless control over your account.”
Zed has raised USD6 Million in Seed funding from Paypal Founder and early Facebook investor, Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures, and founders and operators from Nubank, Mercury, Cred, and Square.
Be one of the first to get a Zed Card. Learn more and join the waitlist at zed.co.
PITX ACHIEVES MILESTONE OF 146 MILLION OVERALL FOOT TRAFFIC
The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), the first-ever land port in the country, announced that it has reached a remarkable milestone of 146 million overall foot traffic since starting operations in 2019. This significant achievement highlights the landport’s consistent growth, popularity, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to the commuting public.
PITX is on the cusp of surpassing the 150 million mark in overall footfalls, further solidifying its position as a dominant player in the industry. This milestone reflects the trust and loyalty of millions of visitors who have chosen PITX as their preferred transportation hub.
“We are thrilled to have reached 146 million overall foot traffic since we started operations,” said Jason Salvador, Corporate Affairs and Government Relations head of PITX.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, as well as the support of our valued customers. We are excited to continue on this trajectory and are confident that we will surpass 150 million overall foot traffic soon.”
PITX attributes its success to a combination of innovative offerings and strategic initiatives designed to enhance the visitor experience. The company has continually evolved to meet its customers’ changing needs and preferences, ensuring a memorable and satisfying experience with every visit.
In line with its commitment to expanding services and meeting the needs of its customers, PITX is excited to announce the upcoming launch of new routes. Starting June 13, Solid North is operating new routes to Dagupan and San Carlos, Pangasinan. On June 14, Victory Liner commenced
operations on a new route to Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. These new routes provide more convenient travel options for passengers, enhancing connectivity and accessibility to key destinations.
In addition to transportation services, PITX is experiencing significant success with its office tower operations. The headquarters of DENR MIMAROPA and DENR EMB CALABARZON now reside at PITX, bringing increased business activity and economic growth to the area. These prestigious tenants highlight PITX’s reputation as a prime location for business and government operations.
PITX remains focused on further enhancing its services and expanding its reach. Upcoming projects and initiatives are poised to attract even more visitors, ensuring sustained growth and continued success.
ALTILIUM GREEN ENERGY BECOMES EXCLUSIVE
PH
DISTRIBUTOR FOR ALBION TECHNOLOGIES' SMART BATTERY ENERGY
STORAGE SYSTEM
The Philippines is set to take another step towards a sustainable future with the announcement of local clean energy solutions provider, Altilium Green Energy Inc., as the exclusive distributor for UK-based Albion Technologies’ revolutionary Smart Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Smart BESS™ leverages advanced AI to optimize individual battery cells. Unlike conventional BESS solutions that operate at the lowest common denominator, the Smart BESS unlocks the full potential of each battery, extracting a remarkable 95% of capacity per cycle compared to the industry standard of 80%. This translates to several key advantages:
• Double the Daily Cycles: Experience twice the daily cycles for maximized efficiency and costeffectiveness.
• Smoother Power Flow: Ensure a seamless and consistent flow of power, perfectly suited for the dynamic demands of renewable energy integration.
• Extended Battery Life: With AI-powered protection against overcharging and undercharging, batteries boast a lifespan 2-3 times longer, minimizing environmental impact and replacement costs.
Smart BESS™ also boasts an impressive 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring uninterrupted power for both grid integration and remote communities. This combination of intelligent energy management and exceptional reliability has the potential to
significantly impact
“Albion Technologies is thrilled to be entering the Philippines market with Altilium Green Energy. Our Smart BESS™ continues to transform energy generation in the UK, and we believe it can achieve similar success in the Philippines. This partnership is a significant step towards a clean energy future for the Philippines, paving the way for microgrid advancements and empowering Filipinos with access to reliable and sustainable energy solutions,” says Robert Butcher, founder & CEO, Albion Technologies.
Beyond product distribution, the partnership between Altilium Green Energy and Albion Technologies strives to bring AI-powered green energy solutions to the Philippines, consequently ensuring access to
affordable and reliable energy for Filipinos.
“We’re particularly excited about the potential of Smart BESS™ to alleviate the worsening effects of global climate change, such as the recent heat wave crisis gripping the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia,” shares Jovy Ebuen Gill, founder & CEO, Altilium Green Energy.
“This technology can play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid during peak demand periods, ensuring a more reliable and efficient power supply to keep Filipinos cool and comfortable even during extreme weather events. By working together, Altilium and Albion Technologies are committed to providing Filipinos with the tools they need to build a more resilient and sustainable energy future,” she concludes.
the Philippines’ burgeoning renewable energy sector.
GRAB, MOVE IT CONDUCT NATIONWIDE ROAD SAFETY TRAINING
Thousands of Grab and MOVE IT driver-, rider-, and delivery-partners participated in the ‘Drive Safe: Takbong Swabe, Safe Palagi!’ road safety training program in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan De Oro. The training program focused on critical aspects of road safety, such as defensive driving, vehicle maintenance, and traffic rules and regulations.
A highlight of the ‘Drive Safe: Takbong Swabe, Safe Palagi!’ road safety training program is the official launch of two new safety features on the Grab and MOVE IT driver apps:
Fatigue Nudge: Understanding the potential hazards of fatigue to driver and passenger safety, Grab and MOVE IT is activating Fatigue Nudge, a smart driver fatigue management feature that monitors the driver-partners’ active online hours and ensures they take necessary breaks. The Feature reminds driver-partners to rest when they exceed the recommended online threshold.
Real-Time Overspeeding Alert: This new feature aims to enhance road safety by encouraging driver adherence to speed limits. Leveraging the accuracy and precision of GrabMaps, this Overspeeding Alert displays the vehicle’s speed in relation to the road’s speed limit and turns the speed meter red upon exceeding it – urging the driver to slow down.
Grab Philippines chief operating officer Ronald Roda shares, “Safety is a cornerstone of everything we do. To us, we view safety as a shared responsibility across all our stakeholders - be it passengers, regulators, drivers, and platforms. We are continuously innovating our safety and security measures, championing driver skills development, activating cutting-edge safety technology, and collaborating with
like-minded partners, to shape a future for ride-hailing that is safe, secure, and responsible. Our commitment extends beyond simply transporting individuals; it encompasses a steadfast dedication to ensuring every journey is synonymous with safety.”
Working
together
with Road Safety experts
Further enriching the workshops are the expertise and insights coming from Grab and MOVE IT’s leading partners in the campaign for road safety: CEMEX, the Philippine National Police, and various transportation authorities, such as the Metro Manila Development Authority.
CEMEX conducted a workshop educating drivers and riders about maintaining safe distances when driving near large vehicles like trucks and buses. The course focused on the identification of blind spots through a blind spot simulation with huge trucks – ultimately promoting the protection of vulnerable motorists like two-wheel riders.
Meanwhile, transport authorities in various cities conducted educational
refreshers on traffic rules and regulations, striving to elevate drivers’ and riders’ understanding of their responsibilities on the road. The goal is to ensure safety, efficiency, and fairness on roads and highways, creating a more informed and cautious driving community.
Deepening Partnership with the Philippine National Police
Grab and MOVE IT also enhanced their partnership with the Philippine National Police, reinforcing their commitment to safety and security across their ride-hailing platforms. Through this strengthened collaboration with law enforcement, both Grab and MOVE IT are setting new standards for ensuring a trustworthy and secure transportation environment for every user. An integral part of this initiative is the availability of an Emergency SOS Button within the platforms’ Safety Center, accessible to passengers during their rides. This feature provides users a direct line to the authorities’ hotlines, enabling swift access to emergency assistance when needed.
Grab Philippines head of operations CJ Lacsican along with representatives from MOVE IT joined Chief PNP Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil in the official signing of a memorandum of agreement between the ride-hailing platforms and the PNP
Ateacher I had once told me that learning doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom. There are many ways to learn new things—one can go back to a traditional college and take classes, go to the library and read books, play educational games, or surf the Internet and find a variety of ways to learn. The Internet has a large variety of platforms to gain knowledge and better one’s mind or oneself in general. But in the time between the dawn of PCs and today, there was a digital encyclopedia so large that you could spend hours and hours reading and learning about practically anything. This digital encyclopedia was Microsoft’s Encarta
Words by Jose Alvarez
Bringing lots of books online is a difficult task—my grandfather had a gigantic study full of books on many topics, but sadly, he passed away in 1994, the same year as the debut of the commercial Internet. However, the Microsoft Encarta project went back to 1985, when graphical user interfaces (GUI) were still in their infancy and storage space was limited to kilobytes and megabytes. Could anyone cram an entire encyclopedia in those spaces while providing a quality learning experience? At the time, some applications required numerous floppy disks for installation. WordPerfect, an early word processor, reportedly required 30-40 3.5” floppy disks, and other programs reportedly required way more. By today’s standards, this might have been considered onerous, but it was the best way to get data onto PCs before CD-ROMs and other storage methods became cheaper and more accessible.
Microsoft tried to partner with the world’s most well-known encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia Britannica, to make a CD-ROM version of their publication. However, since the idea was ahead of its time and Britannica thought it would cut into their print sales, Britannica rejected the offer. Microsoft struck a deal with a lesser-known encyclopedia, the Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, in 1989. Britannica forged ahead with Compton’s Multimedia Encyclopedia in the same year, while The New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia came out in 1992. Microsoft could not ignore these moves, so they made their own multimedia encyclopedia project, code-named “Gandalf,” and launched as Encarta in 1993.
Encarta was not cheap on its debut—it cost USD395 (USD858 in 2024), but the price quickly dropped to USD99. Funk & Wagnalls provided the text for the first edition. The other previously mentioned encyclopedias ceased print production after Encarta’s debut.
As someone who first encountered Encarta at my aunt’s house in the 1990s, I found it rather immersive. The standard edition had around 50,000 articles. The premium edition had around 62,000 articles, more interactive content, and an interactive atlas with around 1.8 million locations —perfect for aspiring scholars who wanted to supplement their learning with material beyond the
classroom. But only so much could fit on a CD (or 1-5 CDs or a DVD, as later versions of Encarta would be on multiple CDs or a DVD). By contrast, Wikipedia’s English version has over 6.9 million articles as of this writing.
Encarta also had a sidebar that displayed numerous essays, journals, and articles about a topic you were researching, and even had a program called Encarta Research Organizer (later Encarta Researcher) that gathered and organized research to help people write papers long before ChatGPT came on the scene. Later editions of Encarta would also include interactive tours of historical sites such as the Acropolis and even virtual flights that allowed users to fly over an artificial landscape area on the map. Other features included foreign language translation dictionaries and even a children’s version of Encarta, Encarta Kids, which allowed younger children to access this vast encyclopedia.
Versions after Encarta 2000 kept adding more and more features, including multiple weekly updates (as opposed to monthly ones). One of my favorite features, MindMaze, was a trivia game with users exploring a castle and answering trivia questions from the encyclopedia’s articles to progress in the game. A game called “Geography Quiz” also tested your knowledge of the world’s locations. There were also localized versions of Encarta in Spanish and other languages. After the Internet became more prevalent, Encarta integrated database technologies to generate multimedia content. In 2005, Encarta also allowed users to suggest changes to existing articles.
The move to the World Wide Web in 2000 also spelled Encarta’s demise. By 2006, Websters Multimedia took over maintenance of Encarta, and the final edition of Encarta was Encarta Premium 2009. Some attributed its demise to the aforementioned Wikipedia, which was free and user-generated, allowing for multiple perspectives on various topics and a knowledge base that easily dwarfed Encarta. While I learn a lot on the Internet today, I have to thank Encarta for being informative, fun, and immersive, turning what some people may consider boring into something vital to one’s education and learning.
