Speed July-August 2021 by speedmagph

TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE

JULY-AUGUST 2021

Re-educating the system

5 youtube channels for online learning inspo

Meet Gen Zer astronomer

GAMING ROYALTY ALODIA GOSIENGFIAO FOR

realme 8

Marielle Eduardo

A I D O L A H T I W Y I T I N F N I G N I R U T C AP JULY-AUGUST 2021

ISSN 1655-9827

ISSUE.197

CONTENTS

07-08.21

Cover Girl We talk tech with celebrity cosplayer and gaming royalty Alodia Gosiengfiao and how she has managed to break through barriers in the business.

People@Speed

hotspot

Meet Gen Zer Marielle Eduardo, who’s now living her dream of being an astronomer.

EVERY MONTH 6 Outbox 8 Contributors/ Staff box 76 Billboard 81 Mobile Buyer's Guide 88 Before You Go

Cover Story

After a year of online schooling, how are we coping so far? What lessons have we learned? We take a look at the challenges that this remote learning setup poses, and the opportunities and solutions we can think of to make it work.

TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE

JULY-AUGUST 2021

Re-educating the system

Dodge is building the world’s first electric muscle car. Meanwhile, Volvo has unveiled a new concept EV that previews the future design direction of the company’s EV lineup.

What’s there to binge-watch this month? Here’s a list of streaming movies and series to keep you entertained at home.

Motoring

JULY-AUGUST 2021

Press Play

for online learning inspo

Meet Gen Zer astronomer

GAMING ROYALTY ALODIA GOSIENGFIAO FOR

realme 8

Marielle Eduardo

TY W ITH ALODIA CAPTURIN G INFINI ISSN 1655-9827

JULY-AUGUST 2021

5 youtube channels

Alodia Gosiengfiao for realme 8 Image courtesy of realme Philippines

ISSUE.197

trending

Tech Frontiers

A super ship that could save the planet, a BMW-powered flying car, and the world’s first 10K 3D planetarium

Click Here TikTok is more than just dancing and lip-syncing. Check out 7 educational TikTok accounts that will enlighten and entertain you at the same time.

Games Marvel Future Revolution and other new titles you should pick up this month

CONTENTS proving ground

columns

71 manual

Technosphere Does too much automation diminish the driving experience?

How To

Purge your slow Mac, register to vote using the Comelec mobile app, and Netflix hacks that will elevate your binge-watching

07-08.21

All About the UX Messaging app etiquette you should follow to avoid blunders, misunderstanding, and conflict

Arsenal

Tested

Ask the Editor

Game on

Check out Huawei’s first tablet powered by Harmony OS, Leica’s first foray into mobile phones, Chevrolet’s new subcompact crossover, and more

Hot products we tested this issue: POCO X3 Pro, JBL Live 660NC, Subaru Evoltis, Microsoft Surface Headphones 2, and more

We answer any tech curiosity, trouble, or query you have in mind.

Our resident gamer has turned to board games to give her eyes a rest from the seemingly unending use of screens. Check out her recos.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

OUTBOX

CLASSES ARE NOW STREAMING

fter this past academic year, educators, parents, and students are hesitant to start another 10 months of grueling online or distance learning.

Can’t blame them (well, count me in). We were involuntarily thrown into this unfamiliar learning model at the onset of the pandemic—and we were most definitely not prepared. Not the schools and teachers, who had to learn how to teach using their available technologies; not the students, who had to adjust to a non-interactive school setup and had to make new friends and catch up with old ones from behind a screen; and not the parents who had to step up to support their children in their learning activities. (I speak for myself, but I’m sure other parents can relate.) And then there was the lack of equipment, spotty internet connection, erroneous learning modules, teachers who are inexperienced in online instruction, and mental health concerns. These were just some of the problems we had to deal with. So yes, on many levels, we flunked our big online learning exam. But does that mean we should the threat of a more virulent scrap it altogether and push for face-to-face classes, even with COVID-19 Delta variant? Is an academic freeze a better option? We may have barely passed our first test, but I believe we should consider it a painful but important learning opportunity. Just like what our parents and teachers tell us when we fail our exams or do badly in school, we need to keep trying until we do better. This alternative learning solution could continue even after the pandemic, and improving this learning model will prove beneficial when the next crisis arrives. Hopefully, our experience in the past school year has taught us what does and doesn’t work in this remote learning setup—and that the government, with the help of generous private entities, can make it right for millions of students this time around. 6

JULY-AUGUST 2021

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF katrina@speedmagazine.ph

MEET THE GEEKS EDITORIAL

editorial@speedmagazine.ph EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Rivere-Diga | katrina@speedmagazine.ph CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Andy Leuterio, Gadjo Sevilla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anjon Galauran, Ayie Licsi, Jovi Figueroa, Justine Punzalan, Pat Calica, Trixie Reyna-Benedicto

DESIGN

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MAY-JUNE 2021

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Onward, always forward

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PUBLISHER Airo Media International, Inc.

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MAY-JUNE 2021

CEO/PRESIDENT Marcos A. Sosmeña | nmsosmena@speedmagazine.ph

Tech innovations that help us in today’s—and the future’s—challenges

KATHRYN BERNARDO

for the realme 8 Series

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MAGAZINE

Speed is published monthly by Airo Media International, Inc. Address all correspondence to 123 Gen. Ordoñez St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City 1810. Our telephone numbers are (02) 8374-6771 to 73.

All rights reserved. Speed is a registered trademark of Airo Media International, Inc. (AMII). Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AMII and its officers and management. While every care is taken to ensure that the content of Speed is accurate, the publisher and printer assume no responsibility for any effect from errors or omissions arising therefrom. Likewise, the advertisers in this magazine are separate and independent from AMII. AMII does not in any way warrant or guarantee the accuracy or genuineness of the contents provided by the advertisers and AMII shall not be responsible for any false information or misdeclaration provided therein.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

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Earth 300

THE SUPER SHIP TO SAVE THE PLANET W O R D S PAT C A L I C A

What does it take to solve Earth’s greatest challenges? Design firm Iddes Yachts’ answer: the world’s brightest minds exchanging ideas on a gigantic, nuclear-powered sea vessel with state-of-the-art design and features. This vision will be possible with the Earth 300, a 300-meter research superyacht that aims to be the “Olympic Torch” of global science. This epic voyager can carry 160 scientists, 20 expertsin-residence, 20 students, and 40 VIP guests from academia and private enterprises with the

goal of addressing the most pressing issues of our time. Aboard the science exploration vessel, experts and key stakeholders will try to find solutions to the greatest threats to humanity such as carbon emissions, pollution, water and food security, ecosystem degradation, and global health resilience. The ship of the future features radical naval architecture, including a 13-storey Science Sphere and a cantilevered observation deck.

Inside, it houses no less than 22 fully equipped laboratories with capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, machine learning, and real-time data processing. To ensure that it will not harm the planet during the expedition, the Earth 300 will come powered by a marine version of the Molten Salt Reactor, a new-generation of atomic energy that is 100% emissionfree. This ensures that the voyage is completely sustainable and carbon-free all throughout. Iddes Yachts expects Earth 300 to launch in 2025.

TRENDING JULY-AUGUST 2021

TECH FRONTIERS

BMW-POWERED FLYING CAR COMPLETES INTERCITY FLIGHT

The Jetsons must be proud! A flying car designed and created by Slovakian tech company Klein Vision has completed its first intercity flight after almost 40 hours of test flights.

The dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle, called the AirCar, ascended from the international airport in Nitra and made its 142nd successful landing in Bratislava at 6:05 a.m. on June 28. The distance between the two airports is about 965 kilometers, and Klein Vision said that the AirCar was able to complete the trip in 35 minutes, flying at an altitude of 2,500 meters at a wind speed of 100 knots. After landing, the AirCar folded its wings and transformed into a sports car with a click of a button. It was later driven in downtown Bratislava by its pilot and Klein Vision cofounder Stefan Klein.

According to Motor Authority, Klein has been attempting to develop flying cars since 1989. He was previously linked with fellow Slovakian company Aeromobil, which is working on a similar flying car for launch in 2023. Klein left Aeromobil in 2017 to form his own company together with close friend Anton Zajac. The version of AirCar used for the test is an early prototype that uses a 160hp BMW engine and runs on regular fuel. Apart from its foldable wings, the flying car is equipped with two seats, a rear-mounted propeller, and a ballistic parachute. Vision said that a more advanced pre-production model is already underway and will be used to achieve road and flight certification. It will be equipped with a 300hp engine and variable pitch propeller that will enable it to cruise at 300kph and cover 1,000 miles in flight mode.

WORLD’S FIRST 10K 3D PLANETARIUM IS OUT OF THIS WORLD Not too many people are given the chance or the money to fly into space, but a trip to the La Coupole Planetarium in France can give you an experience that’s similarly out of this world. The high-tech educational site was built by Sony and digital planetarium systems maker RSA Cosmos to be the world’s first true 10K 3D planetarium. It is housed in La Coupole Centre D’histoire, which was built between 1943 to 1944 as a German bunker used to launch V2 rockets directed against London and Southern England during World War II. It was captured by the Allies in September 1944 and later taken over by the Americans, who used the huge complex for the Apollo program that resulted in the first successful moon landings. The historical site was redesigned by RSA Cosmos with a 15-meter domed digital viewing screen equipped with 12 state-of-the-art Sony 4K VPL-GTZ380 projectors. Each of the projectors has a 10,000 lumens laser light source and

JULY-AUGUST 2021

runs on the latest version of RSA Cosmos’ astronomical software, SkyExplorer 2021. The result is a 360-degree environment and a 12,000 lumens display that offers incredibly detailed and lifelike 3D views of outer space at 10K resolution. La Coupole plays three shows exploring the solar system, the night sky, and the moon landings set to give audience an immersive experience not found elsewhere on Earth. Expect to feel like a real astronaut in this virtual outer space because the seats are also installed with control panels that let you choose scenarios and take control of the camera movement of the on-screen simulation.

CLICK HERE!

#LearnOnTikTok 7 educational TikTok accounts to follow W O R D S PAT C A L I C A

With over one billion users around the world, TikTok has now gone beyond being a simple social media and video hosting channel. Today, the platform is also used to promote products and services, provide entertainment, and start trends. But that’s not all. TikTok has also become home to a wide range of educational content in the form of easy-to-digest videos and fun tutorials. Here are some of the most enlightening and interesting accounts to follow if you want to #LearnOnTikTok:

@teamlyqa

@techbuildermontage

@arshielife

Lyqa Maravilla is a licensed psychologist, online educator, motivational speaker, and author. But she likes to call herself an EduCreator—an amalgamation of “educator” and “creator”—who creates free educational videos on TikTok and other social media platforms. Most of her content focuses on Math, Science, and English topics that are usually covered in aptitude exams like the Civil Service Exam, licensure exams, and college entrance tests.

Filipino inventor and electrical engineer Angelo Casimiro uses TikTok and other social media channels to feature his cool innovations and designs, inspiring many of his followers to be creative and try building contraptions at home by themselves. During the pandemic, the educational tech content creator posted a video how-to on creating the cheapest DIY automatic alcohol dispenser. He used coffee jars, discarded phone cables, plastic tubes, along with a pump, a transistor, and low-cost sensors. Prior to his TikTok tutorials, Casimiro made buzz online and around the world for creating a working life-sized Star Wars BB8 Droid and a Googleawarded in-sole power generator.

A BS Pharmacy and PharmaD graduate, Arshie Larga shares easy-to-follow lessons about medicine and healthcare on TikTok. He uses the platform to answer frequently asked questions and to share his comments on the most talked about issues in the field. He also corrects common misconceptions regarding medicine, self-medication, and home remedies. Arshie also posts tips on how to spot fake over-the-counter medicines and the possible health risks of taking certain substances. What’s really good about his videos is that they explain the most technical concepts in layman’s terms, so anyone can understand them easily.

Team Lyqa

JULY-AUGUST 2021

Angelo Casimiro

Arshie Larga

#LEARNONTIKTOK

@billnye

@guinnessworldrecords

“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t”— and you probably don’t know that everyone’s favorite Science Guy Bill Nye is on TikTok! Nye has been busy on the platform talking about science and other mind-tickling knowledge. Donning his usual shirt and bow tie look (sometimes a lab coat, a chef’s coat, a regular coat, or a vest makes an appearance), he gives mini science lessons and demos from the comforts of his home to the Gen Z set. His topics cover fun experiments on entropy, making pizza, spreading awareness about COVID-19, and everything in between.

The global authority on record-breaking achievements brings the most, the best, and everything -est on the TikTok platform. Through seconds-long videos, Guinness World Records brings its archive to a whole generation of viewers. There are the seemingly trivial records such as the longest hanging bubble chain ever made, the farthest ear sling-shot, and most underpants pulled in one minute. But there are also those that stimulate the mind and kindle the viewer's curiosity, such as the deepest swimming pool for diving in Dubai, the fastest speed achieved by a vehicle indoors, and the first retractable plasma-based lightsaber.

@minuteearth

@nilered

From YouTube to TikTok, MinuteEarth expands its reach to cater a whole new set of audiences in cyberspace. This page shares amazing facts about the planet and its inhabitants through fun and beautiful animations with soothing voice narration. Their videos cover science, history, and everything Earth-related. Each story in MinuteEarth’s feed is short but packed with information, and is made to appeal to adults and kids alike. Just by watching a video a day on this TikTok page, you become a little more knowledgeable about the world we live in.

Nile Red captures the natural beauty of chemistry through simple but eye-catching TikTok videos. You think you can never be interested in chemistry? Think again because one look at Red’s content and you’ll find yourself swiping up for another video and additional knowledge in the subject. There’s just something satisfying watching the deeporange smoke flow from a beaker filled with Bromine solution or seeing the blackest paint in action and applied on a bright red tomato. Unknowingly, you already pick up bits and pieces of information as you watch and listen to Red.

Bill Nye

MinuteEarth

Guinness World Records

Nile Red

JULY-AUGUST 2021

GAMES

Marvel Future Revolution offers a diverse universe of cinematic gameplay WORD S J U ST IN E P U N Z AL A N

Marvel fans are bound for another thumbtwisting, breathtaking adventure, as the studio has unveiled its first-ever open-world RPG, Marvel Future Revolution. Developed in collaboration with game publisher Netmarble Corp., the game will feature Marvel’s A-list superheroes in an original storyline and triple-A 3D graphics, which draw out the gripping cinematic action that’s distinctly Marvel.

Spider-Man, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Star-Lord, and Storm. In a virtual press conference for the game last June, Danny Koo, director of Product Development at Marvel Games said that the game is built with a wide array of body parts, costumes, and combat gear that will allow you to create one-of-a-kind versions of your favorite superheroes.

Written by Marvel writer Marc Sumerak, Future Revolution begins with the “Convergence” phenomenon where numerous Earths in the multiverse merge to form an entirely new “Primary Earth” filled with unique regions such as the high-tech New Stark City, the dangerous Hydra Empire, the wild and rugged Sakaar, among others.

“We are able to allow players to mix and match parts of the costumes as they wish,” Koo said. “First off, you can customize the body, your hands, your legs, and hairstyle. We can complement them with a fantastic combat system. Being an open-world action game, you are able to fulfill your superhero fantasy.” Koo added that these custom combinations, when totaled, can amount to “over 400 million per hero.”

The game will be starred by the newly formed Omega Flight superhero team, which includes Captain America, Captain Marvel, Iron Man,

Gameplay will pit Omega Flight against a variety of popular Marvel supervillains, including Thanos, Loki, Yellowjacket,

and M.O.D.O.K. to save worlds in danger because of the Convergence. You can also flex your superhero skills in various PvP (Player versus Player) modes— from 1 vs 1 matches up to 10 vs 10 matches of high-level players. As players progress, multiplayer content will unlock different modes, including Blitz, Special Operations, Raids, and more. While Marvel Future Revolution may seem like a challenging game with all the intricacies, Netmarble’s executive producer Joe Lee assures newbie gamers it’s not a catch-22. “We didn’t want this game to be for elite players only. We want this game to be a welcoming experience to the broader audience. If it has Marvel in it, that means we have to deal with fans all around the world whether you’re a gamer or not. That’s why we brought in things such as fair mode, which has Special Operations,” Lee said during the press con. What’s more, new content will be added throughout the game’s life, ensuring there is always something different to achieve in-game. Marvel Future Revolution will be available for iOS and Android devices as a free-to-play game in the second half of this year. Global pre-registration is now open via the App Store and Google Play.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

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GAMES

Pick up new titles this month WORD S J OV I FIG U EROA

Rainy season? No problem! Stay warm and comfortable inside the house with the company of these amazing new games, sequels, and remasters that will launch on your favorite consoles in July and August.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Nintendo Switch JULY 16

Switch players won’t have to wait any longer to get more Link content. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a remaster of the 2011 game that launched on the Wii, this time featuring improved controls using the JoyCon. In this game, you’ll be treated to an origin story of Link’s iconic sword, with more puzzles to solve and places to explore.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

F1 2021

Death’s Door

JULY 16

JULY 20

Smack dab between the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship Austrian Grand Prix and the British Grand Prix is the 14th title in the F1 video game series by Codemasters. This is also the first F1 title to be published by Electronic Arts in a long while, and with how well they’ve handled FIFA, we’ve got no complaints here. While we’re excited for the co-op mode, the new story mode called Braking Point—with its dining table negotiations, paddock disagreements, and driver press conferences—is also something to look forward to.

In this new game from Acid Nerve and Devolver Digital, you will play the role of a death reaper through a beautiful Tim Burtoninspired world. From the trailers, we’re getting some Transistor and Hades vibes in terms of gameplay and art—but a bit more manageable with more approachable rules. Given the cred of Acid Nerve with Titan Souls, this game is definitely something to watch for.

PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

PICK UP NEW TITLES THIS MONTH

Neo: The World Ends With You

Nier Reincarnation

JULY 27

JULY 28

Fans of the original The World Ends With You released in 2007 have been waiting for more than a decade for this one—and from the first gameplays and videos we’ve seen, we’re definitely excited to pick up from where we last left off. An RPG developed by Square Enix and h.a.n.d., Neo will feature a new cast of characters playing the Reapers' Game in Shibuya and fighting for their survival. Unlike its 2D prequel, Neo will feature fully 3D graphics with a Kingdom Hearts and Persona kind of feel. With 100+ hours of promised gameplay from the creators, it looks like the wait is gonna be worth it.

Five months after Nier Reincarnation was launched in Japan, the rest of the world will finally have access to this mobile RPG that takes place in the universe of Nier. In this game, the player will become The Girl of Light, who is guided through an ephemeral-like being called Mama. While many characters will be available at the start, it will have a gacha mechanic to obtain other characters. It features an RPG combat gameplay and an auto-play option.

Switch, PS4, PC

iOS, Android

PC, PS4, Switch

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Psychonauts 2

AUGUST 24

AUGUST 25

PC, PS4, PS5

Ever wonder what it feels like to play a Pixar-level animation game? Well, that’s Kena. The game was received amazingly well at PlayStation's Future of Gaming event last year and at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. As you take on the role of Kena, a young spirit guide with magical abilities, you will be able to upgrade your staff with battle abilities and collect customizable hats for your spirit companions known as Rot. Although it was supposedly announced as a timed exclusive for the PS4 and PS5, the game was delayed from its original Q1 2020 release and will now be available simultaneously on the PC.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles JULY 27

The Ace Attorney series has been a years-long favorite for many players for many reasons. The mashed-up courtroom drama is both gripping and hilarious, with anime sensibilities very well woven into the game’s core. For those who have been wanting to jump into the series for the longest time but don’t quite know where to start, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles just might be the perfect entry point. Set at the start of the Meiji period, the game might lack a few familiar faces but will play exactly like its predecessors—charming, quirky, and over-the-top.

PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

The original Psychonauts is one of the older games of its time that still plays well until now. As a masterpiece, it was tough to follow— but Double Fine will try their best to do it again after not quite hitting it with Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin. Written by the same guys who came up with the crazy story of the first one, Psychonauts 2 will pick up after the conclusion of Rhombus of Ruin and will follow Raz as he tries to stop the mole from bringing back the murderous psychic villain, Maligula, back from the dead.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

ARSENAL

Type away all day on the Smart Magnetic Keyboard (P7,999), which doubles as a case and stand.

Premium tablet Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6

JULY-AUGUST 2021

HUAWEI MATEPAD PRO 12.6

The second-gen M-Pencil (P5,999) is a great addition for creatives as it allows them to draw and edit photos much more easily.

For many of us, our smart devices—laptops, phones, and tablets—take on a dual role: they are our tools for productivity and work, and entertainment devices for when we need to take a breather. Enter the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6, the company’s largest tablet to date and the first slate to be powered by Harmony OS. The MatePad Pro 12.6 has a 12.6-inch OLED FullView display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 90 percent screen-to-body ratio. That massive screen becomes more immersive with the narrow bezels, high contrast ratio of a million-to-one, full 100% DCI-P3 coverage, color accuracy rating of ∆E < 0.5, and TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display 2.0 certification. Complementing the display is an eightspeaker sound system, which consists of large-amplitude tweeters and woofers. The tablet is also equipped with four microphones that pick up sound from up to five meters so you come across crystal clear in calls. Plus, the active noise cancellation removes unnecessary background noises during conference calls and recording. The MatePad Pro 12.6 also features a triple camera system at the back—a 13-megapixel primary shooter, an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera, and a 3D depth-sensing lens. In front, tucked inside one of the thin bezels is an 8-megapixel cam for better quality video calls.

Under the hood, the MatePad Pro 12.6 is equipped with a Kirin 9000E chipset with 5G connectivity paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage to make multitasking—and even gaming—a breeze. Keeping the lights on is a 10,050mAh battery that supports 40W wired charging, 27W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. With HarmonyOS 2, the MatePad Pro 12.6 can work with Huawei PCs and Huawei MateView for multi-screen collaboration. Mirror mode allows the tablet to project its display on

MateBook and MateView simultaneously, while the Extend mode allows cross-device file dragging and transferring, providing a more efficient and collaborative multi-device experience. Meanwhile, the Collaborate mode enables true cross-platform interactions, allowing you to transfer text, images, and documents between connected devices with a simple drag and drop. The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 is available in Matte Grey and Olive Green and retails for P55,999. JULY-AUGUST 2021

ARSENAL

TECH LOOK

COOL ON THE ROAD

Need to get from point A to B fast? With public transportation even more challenging during these times, you might be better off getting on your bike or electric scooter.

Don’t get caught unprepared for a sudden downpour. Carry around your stuff inside the (1) Kenneth Cole Packable Raincoat with Backpack (P3,750). When it rains, simply unfold the raincoat so you can stay dry. The backpack, still attached to the raincoat, remains fully functional.

Stay on top of your to-do list with the (3) Samsung Galaxy A02 (P4,990), featuring a huge 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity-V display and an equally big 5,000mAh battery with 7.75W fast charging technology. It’s also equipped with a dual rear camera, a 5MP front camera, 3GB RAM, and an expandable 32GB storage.

To make your commute more comfortable, put on a pair of (2) UNIQLO x THEORY Ultra Light Relaxed Pants (P1,990) made with stretchy, lightweight, and quick-drying fabric. It’s got zippered pockets to keep your small items secure, while its slim, straight cut is perfect for cyclists.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

Meanwhile, the (4) JBL Tune 115 TWS (P4,699) offers freedom from wires, so you can move around and do a lot of activities without limitation. It also has up to 21 hours of battery life, allowing you to listen to music and enjoy fun conversations via calls all day.

ARSENAL

TECH LOOK

TICK TOCK, IT’S FIT O’CLOCK! Just because your days are a blur of work, household chores, errands, and time with family doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fit fitness into your sked.

Wear a sports bra but make it fasyon. The (1) Lotus Activewear Savannah Ruffle Bra (P845) features a scoop neckline and ruffle shoulder detail to make your workouts more stylish.

A jump rope workout can be a fun way to get in your cardio when you have to stay at home. Check out the (3) Cardio Speed Jump Rope (P350), also from Lotus Activewear, which features comfortable memory foam handles and three-meter PVC coated braided steel cables. Change into comfortable workout clothes like the (2) Nike Pro Dri-FIT graphic leggings (P4,295) with a high-waisted design that helps keep you feeling securely supported as you move through your workout. Plus green points, too, as this product is made from at least 75% recycled polyester fibers.

Track your heart rate, progress, and more with the (4) Garmin Venu 2S (P22,995), a GPS smartwatch packed with a range of 24/7 health monitoring features, including heart rate, Pulse Ox3, hydration, and menstrual cycle.

Blast some pumpin’ tracks from the (5) realme Pocket Bluetooth Speaker (P990) to keep you motivated. Despite its small size, this IPX5 water-resistant speaker packs a 600mAh battery, which can last up to six hours of playback.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

ARSENAL

TECH LOOK

PERMISSION TO LOUNGE

After a tiring work week, you definitely deserve to relax and escape from the world and unwind.

Play games to your heart’s content all day with the (3) Infinix Hot 10S (P6,990 for the 6GB + 128GB), which packs a powerful MediaTek Helio G85 processor, a 6.82’-inch Full HD display with 90Hz refresh rate, and monster 6000mAh battery.

Stay warm and cozy while lounging at home in this (1) Levi’s X Pokémon Unisex Crewneck Sweatshirt (P3,799.50) crafted from ultra-soft fleece. This piece is part of the collection in celebration of Pokémon’s 25th anniversary.

Need to go out to run errands? Strap on the versatile (2) adidas festival bag (P1,300), which you can wear across your body or around your waist. This stylish bag flaunts brand pride in three different languages.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

Win battles with the help of the (4) Flydigi Wasp Finger Sleeve 5 (P299), which uses ultra-fine silver fiber for better conduction and better sweat absorption.

Put on a pair of (5) UNIQLO Men’s Cotton Relaxed Jogger Pants (P990) made of cotton stretch fabric updated with a micro-peach finish for a softer feel. While it’s great for wearing at home, the jogger style and sleek cut also make it perfect for going out and about.

ARSENAL

MOBILE DEVICES

SERIOUSLY POWERFUL

Leica Leitz 1

Not content with just lending its name to other smartphone camera systems, Leica has unveiled its own handset sporting the iconic red logo. Priced at ¥187,920 (or around $1,700), the Leica Leitz 1 is essentially a rebadged version of the (Japan-only) Sharp Aquos R6. This means it has the same 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor for its f/1.9 main camera and a 12.6-megapixel selfie camera. Oh, and there’s a magnetic circular Leica-branded lens cap, too, so you can protect that precious camera. Other features include a 6.6-inch IGZO OLED display with a varaible 240Hz refresh rate, a “3D ultrasonic” fingerprint sensor under the display, and IP68 waterproofing. The Leitz 1 is powered by a Snapdragon 888 and comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Alas, the Leitz 1 is exclusive to Softbank in Japan (at least as we go to press).

GOOD SPECS FOR LESS

TECNO Camon 17

Looking for a reasonably priced device with a compelling set of specs? Take a look at TECNO Mobile’s Camon 17 series. The Camon 17 Pro is powered by a Helio G95 processor and features a 6.8-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, as well as a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. It also comes with a 64MP ultra-quad camera at the rear and a 48MP selfie camera. It’s available in two configurations—8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB—at only P9,990 and P10,990, respectively. Meanwhile, the lower-specced Camon 17P runs on a Helio G85 processor paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. It comes with a 16MP front shooter. You get the same screen real estate, battery capacity (but with 18W fast charging instead of 25W), and rear camera module as the Camon 17 Pro. And the price? An easy-on-the-pocket P8,490.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

MOBILE DEVICES

SAVAGE GAMING

Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 Performance-hungry gamers, this may just be the phone you’re looking for. The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 features ATA 2.0 (Advanced Technology Architecture), which is designed to provide cooling and sustained performance by placing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset in the center of the smartphone’s design. Meanwhile, its 5500mAh battery is split between two cells and placed in two separate sides. Said battery supports 90-watt fast charging over two USB-C ports. To ensure that everything remains cool even in the heat of the game, Lenovo also equipped this device with dual cooling fans. Meanwhile, gamers can customize the eight virtual keys—4x shoulder ultrasonic, 2x rear capacitance, and 2x display force-touch—to suit their play styles. The Legion Phone Duel 2 boasts a 6.92-inch AMOLED screen with 144Hz refresh and 720Hz touch-sampling rates, as well as Corning Gorilla Glass 5. For a more immersive audio-visual experience, choose either the dual front-facing speakers with Dolby Atmos premium sound, or low-latency BLE audio to use with TWS headphones. The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 is available in 12GB + 256GB (P39,995) and 16GB + 512GB (P49,995) configurations. JULY-AUGUST 2021

ARSENAL

AUDIO

CHEAPER THAN AIRPODS

Beats Studio Buds

If you find the AirPods or AirPods Pro price too high, then maybe you should check out these P8,190 Beats Studio Buds. Unlike Beats’ first TWS, the Powerbeats Pro, the Studio Buds have a more compact design— no ear hooks or even stems. Available in red, black, and white, the Studio Buds are equipped with 8.2mm drivers and feature active noise-canceling technology and USB-C charging for its own charging case. It also has IPX4 water and sweat resistance and offers one-touch pairing to both Apple and Android devices.

SONIC TRIUMPH

Sony WF-1000XM4 Sony’s latest TWS earbuds in the critically acclaimed 1000X series is a sonic triumph. Called the Sony WF-1000XM4, these earbuds are powered by a more capable Sony V1 chip, which improves the active cancellation of high frequencies and achieves 40% lower noise levels overall compared to the QN1e chip found in the WF-1000XM3. The buds also come with dual noise sensor microphones: two noise sensing microphones per ear, one feed-forward, and one feed-back. With this feature, ambient noise is heard and analyzed, resulting in highly accurate noise cancellation. The WF-1000XM4 supports Hi-Res audio over the LDAC codec, which carries up to three times the amount of data compared to typical Bluetooth audio. These $279.99 buds are equipped with specially designed 6mm drivers and a high compliance diaphragm, and come with IPX4 water resistance, Speak-to-Chat feature, and Quick Attention mode.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

ARSENAL

AUDIO

AFFORDABLE AUDIO POWER

Google Pixel Buds A-Series Priced at $99, the Pixel Buds A-Series aims to bring premium features at an impressive value. It comes with custom-designed 12mm dynamic speaker drivers and battery life that’s rated at five hours (24 hours counting recharges in the case). While the Pixel Buds A-Series looks nearly identical to the regular Pixel Buds, Google has tweaked the design and included a new ‘stabilizer arc’ on the inside of each earbuds. The buds feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, sweat and water-resistance, and capacitive touch sensors.

FOR WFH AND ON-THE-GO PEEPS

JBL Live Pro+ TWS and Live Free NC+ TWS

JBL Live Pro+ TWS

Now that meetings, classes, events, and a lot of social gatherings have already migrated to the virtual space, you need to invest in a good pair of earphones— preferably wireless ones so you don’t have to be tethered to your desk. The JBL Live Pro+ TWS (P9,199) earbuds and JBL Live Free NC+ TWS (P8,599) in-ear headphones deliver JBL Signature Sound with 28 and 21 hours playtime, respectively. Aiding users’ comfort and effortless movement, both designs feature intuitive touch and voice assistant control. For those on-the-go, the Live Free NC+ TWS is also sweatproof/waterproof so it won’t let you down no matter your activity or the weather.

JBL Live Free NC+ TWS 30

JULY-AUGUST 2021

CARS

AGGRESSIVE VALUE PROPOSITION

Chevrolet Tracker

There’s a new subcompact crossover in town—and it’s wearing a bowtie. The all-new Chevrolet Tracker has a very youthful styling with many sharp, angular lines, a hexagonal front radiator grille, and squared-off LED daytime running lights, which double as turn signals. Two variants are available: the Tracker LS (P1,142,888) and the Tracker LT Redline Edition (P1,242,888). The aptly named Tracker Redline Edition features strong black and red accents on the front grille, which is enhanced by a distinct horizontal red trim and a black Chevy bowtie emblem. This design element continues on the car’s black heated side mirrors with a bright L-shaped red trim, as well as its 17-inch black alloy rims with eye-catching red accents. Also exclusive to the Redline Edition is a large, sliding panoramic sunroof that allows drivers and passengers to enjoy natural light and/or fresh air with the flick of a switch. Standard across the range is the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with an 8-inch screen, integrated Apple CarPlay, and four speakers. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity, four USB ports, and one SD card reader slot. The LT Redline adds a push-button start/stop and automatic climate control. The all-new Chevrolet Tracker is powered by a new generation 1.0-liter 3-cylinder DOHC Ecotec Turbo mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 116hp at 5,800rpm and a maximum 175Nm of torque at 1,500-4,200rpm. For safety and convenience, Chevrolet equipped the Tracker with a range of active and passive safety technologies including rollover mitigation, cornering brake control, traction control system, panic brake assist, and reverse camera with a wide 130-degree viewing angle. As an introductory offer, both variants can be had at P30,000 off until September 30, 2021.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

ARSENAL

CARS

AN ICON REIMAGINED

Land Rover Defender 90 It may be shorter and have two fewer doors than its big brother, but the Land Rover Defender 90 definitely has all the longer Defender 110’s go-anywhere capability. Under the hood of this truncated version of the iconic British mountain goat is a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel capable of 237hp at 4,000rpm and 430Nm of torque between 1,400-3,750rpm. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels. Complementing the vehicle’s 226mm of ground clearance and 850mm wading depth is a new Wade Sensing System that helps drivers out during river crossings. There’s also ClearSight Ground View, which shows the area usually hidden by the bonnet, directly ahead of the front wheels, on the central 10-inch touchscreen display. The Defender 90, can be had in four distinct accessory packs: Urban (P5,690,000), Country (P5,740,000), Adventure (P5,820,000), and Explorer (P5,990,000).

JULY-AUGUST 2021

BIKES

OLD SCHOOL COOL

2021 BMW R NineT BMW Motorrad’s R NineT has been turning heads since its debut in 2013. With its timeless look and modern tech, the roadster has become the base bike of choice for many customizers. For 2021, all variants of the R NineT—Classic, Pure, Urban G/S, and Scrambler— get a slew of updates, including the technical and visual fine-tuning of the 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine to meet the Euro 5 emissions standard. Said engine is capable of 109hp at 7,250rpm and 115Nm at 6,000rpm. BMW Motorrad also added newly designed cylinder heads and throttle valve parts. Standard across the range is BMW’s ABS Pro with Dynamic Brake Control system, which helps increase braking safety in emergency situations. There’s also a new shock absorber with travel-dependent damping for even more balanced and comfortable handling, as well as hand wheel for convenient suspension adjustment. Rain and Road riding modes also come standard. The 2021 R NineT variants come with updated LED lighting, daytime running lights, a park light, and a USB charging socket. The starting price for the BMW R nineT Pure is P995,000, while the Scrambler is P1,095,000. Pony up P50,000 more for the ‘Spezial’ paint jobs. The R NineT Classic in Black Storm Metallic goes for P1,275,000, but if you want it in Night Black/Aluminum Spezial, Aluminum Matte Spezial, or Cosmic Blue Metallic/White Spezial, then you’ll have to pay an additional P70,000. Meanwhile, if you want to look really smashing on the road, there’s the limited edition Urban GS 40 Years Edition, which goes for P1,275,000.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

ARSENAL

BIKES

THE LEGEND, REBORN

2022 Suzuki Hayabusa The OG “Ultimate Sportbike” is back, and just like its namesake, it’s superfast, reaching a max speed of 300kph. Taking its name from the Japanese for peregrine falcon—the fastest animal on Earth—the Suzuki Hayabusa was first introduced in 1999. It delivered a whole new level of speed, power, and performance, which it carried over to the second-generation model in 2008. Now, the third-gen 2022 Hayabusa inherits the DNA of its predecessors while leveraging the latest technological innovations. The reborn ‘Busa is powered by the familiar 1,340cc inline-4 cylinder engine, but has been refined to deliver power (187.7hp at 9,700rpm) and torque (150Nm at 7,000rpm) more smoothly in the low to mid-range. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The ‘Busa also has a suite of electronics that aim to improve the performance, comfort, and safety of the sportbike: a revised intake system that includes the Suzuki Ram-Air Direct (SRAD), new exhaust system, new ride-by-wire system for improved throttle response, a lighter subframe, and the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS). The Hayabusa’s instrument cluster features two large dials—analog tach and speedometer—flanking a new TFT LCD panel. The 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa is available in Glass Sparkle Black, Pearl White, and Matte Sword Silver for P1,088,000.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

p.40 ALL ABOUT THAT BASS

JBL LIVE 660NC p.36

p.44

TECNO MOBILE POVA 2

NOKIA 1.4

p.37

SUBARU EVOLTIS TOURING EYESIGHT

POCO X3 PRO

p. 38

TCL 20 PRO 5G

p.45

p.41

ONEWHEEEL PINT

p.42

MICROSOFT SURFACE HEADPHONES 2

p.43

INFINIX HOT 10 PLAY G35

PROVING GROUND

JULY-AUGUST 2021

TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2317 THE NUMBERS OS HiOS (Android 11) DISPLAY 6.9-inch FHD (1080 x 2460) CPU MediaTek Helio G85 MEMORY 6GB STORAGE 128GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA 48MP + 2MP + 2MP + AI rear, 8MP front CONNECTIVITY 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS PRICE P7,990

BUDGET GAMING BEAST

TECNO Mobile POVA 2 WOR DS KAT R IN A R IV E R E- D IGA

TECNO Mobile has added yet another item to its roster of wallet-friendly smartphones. This time, it’s the gaming-focused POVA 2, which introduces several upgrades over the original POVA including a faster chipset and a sizable battery. There’s a single front-firing speaker (also the ear speaker) located above the punch-hole camera. It’s pretty loud with minimal distortion at maximum volume level. However, don’t expect it to have a full sound and bass.

The screen of the POVA 2 is bigger than its predecessor’s at 6.9 inches with 1080p resolution and a 180Hz touch-sampling rate. There’s no mention of glass protection, but I appreciate that a plastic screen protector is already installed out of the box. The display is sharp and vibrant, which makes it great for watching videos, viewing photos, playing games, or simply browsing your social media feeds. However, the brightness level struggles a little outdoors.

You won’t have any issues playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at high settings—no lag and frame drops here. When playing graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9, however, it’s best to lower the settings and frame rates. The chipset-RAM combo, as expected, also works great for multitasking and productivity use.

The phone runs HiOS based on Android 11, which is smooth and fast and has few bloatware. It also arrives with Game Space 2.0, which comes handy for those who want to keep the on-screen shortcuts accessible when playing games.

Low-light shots are passable but as expected, they’re grainy. To remedy this, use the night mode for better exposure and truer colors. Oversharpening is an issue, but that’s quite understandable given the price of this device. The rear panel is made out of plastic with a nice matte textured finish and a cool-looking racing stripe running across the whole length of the back. The material and texture seem like they’re not prone to smudges and hairline scratches, which is great.

The huge 7,000mAh battery is perfect for those who love to play a lot of games or who like binge-watching on their devices. It takes a little less than three hours to juice up the phone from 0% to full using the 18W fast charger. That’s quite long, but remember that we’re talking about a 7,000mAh cell here.

Photos taken in daylight are generally bright and detailed. Macro shots also come out nice, especially when shooting in good lighting conditions. Portrait mode, however, is a hitor-miss. Background separation and edge detection don’t work well sometimes.

The phone is huge, slim, and a bit on the heavy side, which is understandable given its size and battery. It’s comfortable to hold, but you’ll most definitely need two hands to use this—or utilize the one-hand mode.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS 173.32 x 78.78 x 9.62mm

JULY-AUGUST 2021

The TECNO Mobile POVA 2 is an attractive budget phone with a massive display, huge battery, capable main shooter, and reasonably fast processor. Whether you want to bag multiple wins in your MLBB battles or you simply want a big phone—in size and battery capacity—without shelling out a lot of cash, then this phone might just be what you’re looking for.

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2318 THE NUMBERS OS MIUI 12 for POCO (Android 11) DISPLAY 6.67-inch FHD+, 120Hz CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 MEMORY 6/8GB STORAGE 128/256GB builtin, microSD card CAMERA 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 20MP front CONNECTIVITY 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS PRICE P12,990 (6+128GB); P15,990 (8+256GB)

POWERFUL, BUT CAMERA PERFORMANCE IS SUBPAR

POCO X3 Pro WO RD S AYIE L IC S I

An upgraded version of 2020’s POCO X3 NFC, the POCO X3 Pro is packed with features that don’t fall short of performance. It’s made for multitaskers and gamers who don’t want to shell out big bucks on their day-to-day smartphone.

Out of the box, this phone runs on Android 11. The MIUI 12 skin looks sleek and you have a wide array of themes to choose from to make the phone your own. However, the phone comes with a lot of bloatware, which can consume a lot of space in its 128GB or 256GB internal storage.

The quad rear camera setup (48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP), while impressive on paper, is quite disappointing IRL. Photos lack vibrance and remain dark in low light. When I was using the ultrawide and the selfie shooters, I noticed that the image looks a bit pale, like there’s a filter on. Photos are only decent for casual social media posting.

At the right side of the phone sits the volume rocker and power button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner.

The POCO X3 Pro has a massive 6.67inch display and a punch-hole for the 20MP selfie camera. The display produces crisp, detailed images when the content you’re watching is HD. And when you turn up the refresh rate to 120Hz, you’ll be able to scroll through the menu or social media feeds without lags. It does eat up battery, but at least you can dial it down to 60Hz to save power.

Packing a Snapdragon 860 processor, the X3 Pro can handle all your favorite games. I played Genshin Impact and the phone didn’t fail me. However, when I played Sky: Children of the Light at higher graphics, I encountered a few lags.

This device is a big brick and is on the heavier side, with a weight of 215 grams. Its plastic rear has a dual matte and glossy finish, as well as a large POCO logo printed at the bottom. The phone’s design has a gaming vibe to it. Its big 5,160mAh battery means you can play your favorite games non-stop for hours. It can stream hourslong content on YouTube and still have battery to spare. Charging is a breeze, too. The phone can go from 20 percent to full in a little over an hour with the 33W fast charger.

At the bottom of the phone, you have the speaker grille, USB-C port, and the 3.5mm jack. The audio of the POCO X3 Pro is pretty good. It sounds as whole and loud as my iPhone 12 mini’s speakers.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4mm; 215g

With a starting price of P12,990, the POCO X3 Pro is a real bang-for-your-buck gaming and entertainment phone. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing triple-A mobile titles, the POCO X3 Pro will keep you glued to the screen all day.

8 JULY-AUGUST 2021

TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2319 THE NUMBERS OS TCL UI (Android 11) DISPLAY 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G MEMORY 6GB STORAGE 256GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA 48MP + 16MP + 5MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front CONNECTIVITY 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ ac, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GPS PRICE $499

WELL-ROUNDED MIDRANGE

TCL 20 Pro 5G WORD S GADJO CAR D E N AS S E V IL L A

An outlier in the midrange Android smartphone game, the TCL 20 Pro 5G approximates the camera capabilities and display technology you can expect from flagship devices costing twice as much.

The IR blaster is a convenient feature that I found myself using all over the house, not just for TVs and cable boxes, but also for appliances like Dyson fans and even AC units. Not only does the IR blaster work with a gamut of devices, but it is also super easy to set up and use.

The TCL 20 Pro 5G has a screen that stands out as a contender for best display for the price, while adding various features that are particular to TCL screens but in a pocketable device.

The edge screen is a mixed bag for me. While it does feel and look premium, and you have the option of sliding apps in and out, it’s also possible to inadvertently touch the active corners, which can take you out of the app that you are using.

I’m a fan of TCL’s understated UI. While some may find it safe and somewhat dated, I find it super intuitive. I also don’t get put off by their native apps.

Other niceties? How about an underdisplay fingerprint sensor? A one button Optimize function that speeds up performance. A Smart Key for assigning a physical button to any app or function. 5G capability in a midrange smartphone is unexpected and delightful.

Embedded in the phone’s chassis are a primary 48MP camera, an ultrawide 16MP camera, a 5MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. All-in-all, you can go from ultra-wide to hyper macro in a snap. Camera performance is decent, and I particularly enjoyed the 10x zoom capabilities.

The slate grey review unit we had looks and feels quite premium. The biggest bonus is the quad-camera setup with no discernible bulge. TCL is pointing the way to seamless camera placement—minus the bumps—something neither Apple nor Samsung are even trying to do at this point.

The speaker’s poor audio quality can be solved by plugging in headphones (because you can on this phone!), or pair it with your Bluetooth headset.

If I had to fault this midrange flagship, it would be for poor audio quality. Not only does it not have stereo sound, but the audio is also often thin and sometimes distorted— which is a shame since the phone has such an impeccable display in terms of color, brightness, and detail. Watching Netflix’s The Nevers was super-immersive visually, but the audio made it impossible to enjoy the experience fully.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 164.2 x 73 x 8.77-9.07mm; 190g

JULY-AUGUST 2021

The TCL 20 Pro 5G is a well-rounded device that won’t disappoint photographers or content consumers. It raises the bar for premium midrange smartphones and is the most well-rounded device of 2021.

8.5

TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2320 THE NUMBERS DRIVER 40mm dynamic driver FREQUENCY RESPONSE 16Hz – 20kHz CONNECTIVITY Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, 3.5mm BATTERY up to 40 hours (ANC on), up to 50 hours (ANC off) PRICE P10,999

CANCEL CULTURED

JBL Live 660NC WOR D S KAT R IN A R IV E R E- DIGA

There are a number of active noise-canceling over-ear headphones in the market, but many—if not most— of them cost a pretty penny. The JBL Live 660NC is a relatively affordable pair that features active noise cancellation (ANC) and JBL’s signature sound. Is it equipped to challenge its more expensive rivals? JBL claims that the Live 660NC’s battery life can last up to 40 hours with ANC on. As of writing, I’ve been using the headphones for about two hours daily over the past 16 days and I still have 27 percent left. Charging over USB Type-C also takes under two hours.

The JBL Live 660NC has a simple over-ear design. The large ear cups are made of plastic that seem durable. Both the ear cups and headband are well-padded.

These JBLs have decent noise cancellation. ANC effectively minimizes the sound of common distractions at home, such as clanking kitchen tools, engine rumbles from cars and tricycles outside, my son’s iPad, ambient chatter, and the humming sound of the electric fan two feet away from me.

Touching the JBL logo on the left ear cup for two seconds is an alternative way to activate Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

The right earcup houses the physical buttons for power, Bluetooth, and ANC, as well as a multifunction button for volume/ playback/digital assistant. They’re quite a bit confusing to use at first, but with regular use you’ll get used to them.

The JBL Live 660NC is comfortable to wear for around two hours max. After that, however, you’ll feel the headphones clamp on your head, so it’s wise to remove them once in a while.

Out of the box, these cans have a warm and slightly bass-heavy sound profile. It’s balanced enough for various audio content—such as rock, jazz, and blues— and for watching streaming videos. But if you’re finding it hard to understand movie dialogue because of the bass, you can tweak the sound using the JBL Headphones app.

The Live 660NC is bulky, but the ear cups can swivel inwards to make the headphones a little easier to store and carry around. Note, though, that the included canvas drawstring pouch can only protect the cans from light scratches and dust—but not from physical damage such as being crushed inside your bag or against falls.

SPEED SAYS

WEIGHT 265g

JULY-AUGUST 2021

The JBL Live 660NC is a decent and affordable pair of headphones with good noise-canceling capabilities. While sound quality is a bit on the bass-heavy side, one can easily tweak the settings via the companion app. The extra long battery life is a plus.

GEEK METER

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2321 THE NUMBERS RANGE 10 to 13km TOP SPEED 26kph PRICE $950 *The unit reviewed here was released in the U.S. market.

FUN MACHINE FROM THE FUTURE?

Onewheel Pint

WO RD S GADJO CAR D E N AS S E VI LLA

My first impression of Onewheel electric skateboards/ hoverboards was complete and utter fear. These are personal mobility devices that look like skateboards but require you to balance on one wheel and then go as fast as 26kph. My initial fear turned into curiosity. Could this be the hoverboard that was promised in Back to the Future? Curiosity turned into obsession. I researched and learned everything I could about this device and finally caved and got one. The ingenuity of a Onewheel is that it does most of the balancing for you. Once you get on and activate the sensors, you can go any direction by simply leaning with your hips or shoulders. The powerful electric engine can handle most roads and even take you uphill. Depending on the rider’s weight and the terrain, the Onewheel Pint can go anywhere between 10 to 13 kilometers on a single charge. A companion mobile app can track rides, show you your speed and stats, as well as help select various ride modes. It took me three days to feel comfortable riding the Onewheel

Pint and around a week to be more proficient with it.

and not go fast, but even then, accidents can happen.

Safety with any skateboard-like device is a concern and the Onewheel is no different. I already scraped my knees and managed to fall off a couple of times. I always wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, plus padded shorts for good measure. Onewheels can nosedive when you’re going too fast or when the battery is depleted, which can send you plummeting at incredible speeds. I’ve seen enough images of broken collarbones to be super cautious

Despite this, the utter and complete freedom one feels while carving pavement o n a Onewheel is beyond compare. Once locked-in and in the zone, the Pint becomes an extension of your body. The ease of control is almost telepathic as you simply look where you want to go and the Pint simply goes there. Another advantage of Onewheels versus other electric mobility vehicles is that they can run on asphalt, grass, and sand, making them more versatile.

SPEED SAYS The Onewheel Pint is an ideal last-mile solution for commuters who ride a train to work and home and who may need a smaller device that can get them places. LENGTH & WEIGHT 685.8mm, 11.6kg

GEEK METER

8 JULY-AUGUST 2021

TESTED

GREAT FOR WORK-FROM-HOME

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2322

WOR D S GADJO CAR D E N AS S E V IL L A

THE NUMBERS

Microsoft builds its headsets through the lens of productivity, meaning that it sees its devices as office tools for meetings and video conferences rather than as consumer electronics for consuming music. In this context, the Surface Headphones 2, do stand out with 18-hour battery life and a comfortable and surprisingly lightweight design.

THE NUMBERS DRIVER 40mm Free Edge driver FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20-20kHz CONNECTIVITY USB-C, 3.5mm audio connector BATTERY up to 18.5 hours (music), up to 15 hours (voice calling) PRICE $249.99 *The unit reviewed here was released in the U.S. market.

You have dual dials that can toggle volume, as well as 13 levels of noise cancellation. You can also touch the surface of each headphone to pause or play audio, and there’s a handy mute button on the right earcup.

The Surface Headphones 2 are supposed to work on multiple devices and transfer seamlessly from one to the other, but that was not the case in my experience. Pairing was often frustrating, requiring me to reset the headphones in order to pair. To complicate things even further, Microsoft requires you to use an app to connect to mobile devices, which can take longer than a simple Bluetooth connection. The app does offer various equalizer settings, which helps in improving the audio quality. In terms of materials, the Surface Headphones 2 is basic plastic and rubber. There are no metal parts, and, surprisingly, no Alcantara leather anywhere. The look and feel is more midrange than premium.

Pairing is done through the power button. It can be frustrating since that power button is also the reset button, so it is easy to accidentally do something you didn’t intend to do.

Audio quality is disappointing, especially for music or watching movies. My older set of Bose headphones had more detail and clarity even if they didn’t feature noise cancellation.

I used the headphones for work meetings, to watch shows on my laptop, and to listen to music. Noise cancellation is excellent and does a great job of helping you dial down ambient noise. The Surface Headphones 2 are a bit big, but if you consider the promised 18 hours of music playback, there’s likely a large battery (or two) in this device. Despite its size, the headphones are relatively lightweight. I like that you can wear them for hours on end and they don’t feel too hot or uncomfortable.

SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 204 x 195 x 48mm; 290.3g

JULY-AUGUST 2021

While Microsoft has some interesting ideas about what headphones should be, it all boils down to sound quality. Sadly, the Surface Headphones 2 aren’t going to win any prizes for that. At least they’re great for work-from-home life as they work fine for voice calls, listening to podcasts, and blocking out the outside world.

GEEK METER

6.5

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2323 THE NUMBERS OS XOS based on Android 10 DISPLAY 6.82-inch LCD display, 1,640 x 720 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate CPU Octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 MEMORY 4GB STORAGE 64GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA dual 13MP + AI cameras rear, 8MP front CONNECTIVITY 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac/a/b/ g/n Bluetooth 5.0, GPS PRICE P4,990

BOOSTED TO PERFORM

Infinix Hot 10 Play G35

WO RD S JUST IN E PUN ZAL AN

When Infinix upgraded the Hot 10 Play with a faster chipset and bigger storage capacity, the Hong-Kong based company was no doubt aiming for one thing: above-par performance. First launched last January, the entry-level smartphone now sports a more powerful MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core chip—a step up from the Helio G25 of the earlier model—and a bigger memory and storage. The 8MP front camera with LED flash takes realistic shots on AI mode, but shooting with the app’s beauty and bokeh effects can flush out the color of your skin immensely.

Audio output from the front speaker is clear but kills the bass a bit. The volume level is low as well. Plug in your earphones instead to get the best gaming and streaming experience.

The front boasts a huge 6.82-inch display framed with bezels that are thicker than most devices now. It’s tall at 172mm, but it’s not too heavy and is easy to grip with its slightly curved edges.

The XOS 7.0 UI based on Android 10 has a clean interface featuring apps to boost your phone’s performance, such as a cleaner that would free up the phone’s space and another one to track your battery usage.

The Hot 10 Play feels fast for a budget smartphone. It can run multiple apps simultaneously with zero lags. You may experience a few delays while playing games, but these are minimized with the device’s HyperEngine Game Technology that optimizes the device’s CPU and internal storage while you’re playing.

The phone’s rear dual 13MP cameras are backed with AI technology that detects your subject and tweaks the cameras’ settings. While they don’t correctly identify your subject all the time, they still capture feed-worthy images that are bright, sharp, and rich in color under natural light—and sometimes even in dimly lit spaces.

The phone’s massive 6,000mAh battery is equipped with Power Marathon that can get your phone going for up to three days with moderate use. It uses a rather measly 10W charging, which juices up the phone by 20 percent with an hour of charging. Filling it up to 100% takes about three hours.

The Hot 10 Play can also shoot 1080p videos at 30fps. Similar to still images, the clips are sharp and bright with clear audio. A minor flaw is its lack of image stabilization and for that, I recommend using a tripod. The Infinix Hot 10 Play is sleek and slim with a textured pipeline design at the back. With our Obsidian Black review unit, fingerprint smudges are hardly visible from afar. Still, it’s best to use the plastic case that comes with the unit. With its HD+ resolution and 263ppi pixel density, images come out sharp and bright with accurate colors. And despite having just the basic 60Hz refresh rate, scrolling through apps still feels smooth and videos play without lag. With brightness at 440 nits max, images on the screen are clear enough even under sunlight.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS 171.82 x 77.96 x 8.90 mm

The upgraded Infinix Hot 10 Play is one competitive player in the budget phone segment. It has a vibrant display and a good camera for its price. Its fast user interface with minimal to zero lags likewise keeps this device ahead of the game.

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TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2324 THE NUMBERS OS Android 10 Go Edition DISPLAY 6.51-inch HD+ CPU Snapdragon 215 quad-core MEMORY 2GB STORAGE 32GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA 8MP + 2MP rear, 5MP front CONNECTIVITY 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS PRICE P4,990

GOOD PICK FOR CASUAL USERS

Nokia 1.4 WO R D S PAT CAL ICA

The iPad Air was always the odd duck in Apple’s iPad lineup. Until now, it’s only standout feature was that it was thinner and prettier than the regular iPad while being slightly faster. That’s just no longer the case. I got the iPad Air (2020) and combined it with the Apple Magic Keyboard, which adds a trackpad and converts the Air into a subnotebook. I added the Apple Pencil 2 for good measure, to maximize the potential of a full-multitouch device for a lot less than if I had used even the cheapest iPad Pro. The 8MP main camera produces passable images and videos that can be used for documentation and communication. However, even under good lighting conditions, the resulting pictures look a bit noisy and lack details. Colors are vibrant for the most part. The 2MP macro lens works decently, but this is something you can just stop using at all.

The battery power is a mixed bag. It can last for up to a day with normal usage, which includes a little social media browsing and video-watching. However, charging is a bit slow, taking more than three hours to fully charge—longer if you are using the phone while juicing up.

The placement of the circular and protruded camera module, the round fingerprint sensor, and the Nokia logo at the centerline at the back is refreshing.

Nothing much to expect from the loudspeaker located at the back of the Nokia 1.4. It’s a little weak in terms of volume but produces decent sound. Good thing there’s a 3.5mm jack, which is available at the top edge of the phone. However, the bundled earphones leave a lot to be desired.

The display’s colors are decent—not too vibrant but not pale—and the details are just right. The bezels around the screen are not too thick to become a distraction when viewing content.

Selfies turn out fine generally, with good colors but lacking in detail.

Out of the box, the Nokia 1.4 runs on the Android 10 Go, which allows the phone to run applications and tasks smoothly even with the small RAM and less powerful processor. It can run multiple apps at the same time but don’t expect super snappy responses. Still, it feels quite responsive and fluid for the most part. Playing power-intensive or graphics-heavy games can cause the phone to lag.

The Nokia 1.4 is serving more-than-decent looks for its price, especially the Fjord variant that gives off an elegant mix of metallic blue and purple hues.

The phone feels sturdy, even with its plastic chassis. It has some heft but it’s not too heavy, and fits just right on the hand thanks to the slim body. The textured rear cover also helps with grip.

SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 166.4 x 76.7 x 8.7 mm, 178g

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The Nokia 1.4 is not without flaws. But it is a good option for a budget phone with its large display, fast and secure OS, elegant design, and other user-friendly features. It fits casual users who want their device capable of doing essential tasks smoothly and easily.

GEEK METER

7.5

TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2325 THE NUMBERS E NGI N E 2.4L directinjection 4-cylinder turbocharged Boxer engine TR A NS MISSIO N Lineartronic CVT, symmetrical AWD P OWE R 256hp @ 5,600rpm TO R QU E 375Nm @ 2,0004,800rpm BR A KES Ventilated disc front and rear S U S PE N SIO N MacPherson struts front; double wishbone rear TI R E S IZ E 245/50 R20 SA FE T Y EyeSight Driver Assist technology, EyeSight Assist Monitor, airbags (front, front side, curtain, knee), blind-spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, brake assist, brake override PR I C E P3,480,000

BIG, BRAWNY SUBIE

Subaru Evoltis 2.4 Touring EyeSight WO R D S KAT R IN A R IV E R E- D IGA

Before the Subaru Evoltis made its way to our shores, you could only fit five people in a Subie. But with the biggest vehicle in the carmaker’s 76-year-history, you can fit seven people in its spacious cabin—and rest assured they won’t feel cramped. The rear features LED taillights and a thick-ish chrome bar. There’s also a tailgate-mounted spoiler that lends a sporty feel. Despite its size, the Evoltis is actually fun to drive as it corners well. Its steering is also very responsive; switching lanes at speed is a piece of cake for this big SUV.

Powering the Evoltis is a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline Boxer engine with a power rating of 256hp and 375Nm of torque. You’ll definitely feel all that power when you step on the accelerator. Alas, the tradeoff to that performance is fuel efficiency. I averaged 7.8kpL in city driving—and that’s with only moderate traffic.

This seven-seater can absorb road imperfections within reason, but it’s best to avoid large potholes and bumps as these will definitely be felt in the cabin.

This is a big and brawny vehicle. There’s a massive hexagonal grille up front flanked by large upswept headlights. Meanwhile, the 20-inch wheels give it more presence.

INTERIOR

The eight-inch infotainment display is bright and the UX is easy to navigate. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a godsend for both driver and passengers. Your driving playlist will absolutely sound great because there’s a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon system that produces crisp, clear sound.

The front seats are comfortable and provide ample support. Middle passengers not only get leatherlined captain’s chairs but also access to climate control, USB chargers, and a 120V outlet.

1 3

cabin looks and feels premium thanks to soft1 The touch materials and leather inserts. There are a lot of buttons and controls, which are welcome but can get a bit overwhelming.

Subaru likes to harp on the 19 cupholders of the Evoltis. And there really are 19 of them (we counted). While that may seem too much, I imagine it will be useful for when the whole family goes on a road trip.

The award-winning EyeSight driver-assist system works great—as expected. The pre-collision alert is especially useful in Metro Manila’s crazy traffic; it automatically applies the car’s brakes when it senses a potential crash, thereby saving you lots of headache.

SPEED SAYS

D IM E N SIO N S 4,998 x 1,930 x 1,819mm

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Don’t let its size fool you: the Subaru Evoltis is a fun-to-drive SUV that has all the tech to make the ride and drive a pleasant experience. Two caveats: it’s quite the gas guzzler and it’s pricier than its main rivals.

GEEK METER

TECHNOSPHERE

GADJO CARDENAS SEVILLA

Newer vehicles are more like smartphones than cars. Everything is touch-based, and there are even gesture- or voice-controlled functions. Plus, everything is hyperconnected! Seeing these new dashboards light up with every conceivable knick-knack and gadget can be overwhelming and it’s so easy to get distracted by all the bright and pretty lights. Smart cars and electric vehicles (EVs) are more technology products now than mechanical forms of transportation. They run on software and batteries. They have bugs and need firmware updates. Not just any mechanic can fix them, either. If you need repairs, these cars need to be taken to specific dealers. There’s certainly no way you can fix or work on them at home.

DUMB CAR DILEMMA We're seeing more

automation and connected features in newer cars today even if they are not necessarily electric or autonomous vehicles. I’m talking about touchscreens, smart car controls, and automated driving functionality. Now while these features bring convenience and improved safety at an added cost, I’m still very skeptical about having increasingly automated vehicles. 48

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Call me old school, I guess. I prefer to drive a stick shift—yes even in traffic. I love analog buttons and dials on the dashboard instead of high-def displays, and I like being able to work on my car by repairing and upgrading parts as needed. Dumb cars are predictable. The parts that break down or need replacement are easy to maintain and understand.

Newer cars are designed to be autonomous; they can drive themselves. That’s great in theory, but there’s more to that equation than a smart car on the road. There are other cars, cyclists, pedestrians, running children, street vendors, and hundreds of other potential hazards that no form of autonomous driving can conceivably prepare for. Having all this technology, while convenient, can distract some people from driving safely. It also makes it harder to fix things when they go wrong. Replacing a side view mirror isn’t simple. The thing now has sensors, heating elements for defoggers, puddle lights, and electric controls. What happens if your digital display goes dark, or as in some recent Teslas in China, your cruise control automatically engages and makes you suddenly accelerate forward? I’m certainly not against progress or high-tech cars. But I feel that too much automation can diminish the driving experience and take away a lot of the fun one can have safely behind the wheel. Just sayin’.

ALL ABOUT THE UX

MESSAGING APP ETIQUETTE

PLUS THE LITTLE FEATURES YOU DIDN’T KNOW COULD HURT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Until it's safe

to meet people and gather in groups again, much of our communication will remain online. People likely spend more time on messaging apps now more than ever, as these replace the far less safe face-to-face conversations. But just because it’s digital doesn’t mean we can just let etiquette slide. Defined as “the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular group,” rules of etiquette still apply to interaction on messaging apps to avoid blunders, misunderstandings, and conflict. As messaging apps beef up their features to accommodate our increase in dependence on them, we must ponder the new ways we use these apps and how they affect our relationships. Here are some dos and don’ts on messaging apps and their latest features in the new normal:

1. Think before you send. Thinking (hard!) before sending a message will save you the headaches, heartaches, and hassles you never knew could descend upon you if you don’t think messages through. This especially goes for angry or insulting messages, as well as sharing confidential or false information. Choose words carefully, read how it sounds, and ask yourself how you’d feel if you’re the one receiving it. Check your message for typos or any part that might be misunderstood. 2. Compose a direct and complete message—instead of firing short messages in quick succession as they pop into your head (also called “text bombing”), which not only spams the recipient, but can also be

distracting, irritating, and harder to understand. Furthermore, don’t just say “Hi!” then wait for the other person to ask why you are messaging—or pretend to still be typing so the three dots appear when you’re really just waiting for a reply. It’s a waste of people’s time and attention.

3. Never assume you’re “safe” when you unsend messages. Facebook Messenger, Viber, and even Instagram Direct allow users to unsend messages—especially useful for those who do not observe #1. But there’s a catch: There’s no guarantee recipients haven’t already read your message via pop-up notifications. So if it’s offensive, recipients can still report the conversation or be affected in other ways. Or if you’re offering them something, then you think by unsending the supposedly “unseen” message you’re able to take it back, the person who already saw the message in her pop-up might wonder why you retracted the offer.

4. Don’t skip pleasantries and remember to be kind. Whether you’re messaging someone you’re in constant communication with or someone you haven’t spoken to in years, always start with a greeting and check on them with a “How are you?” before the rest of your message—especially if you’re asking for favors. And whatever the response (or lack thereof), keep in mind that everyone is going through something you know nothing about, so try to avoid taking things personally. At the end of the exchange, don’t forget to say goodbye and/or thanks. 5. Mind the time. Don’t send messages in the middle of the night or wee hours of

the morning—unless you’re already communicating with the person before or during that time so you’re sure that person is still or has already woken up. Be extra wary in chat groups, since you have no idea which recipients might be disturbed in their sleep by the message alert because their phones aren’t on silent. Also be considerate of people’s work hours and mealtimes.

6. Reply to messages, as much as possible and as soon as you can (unless they’re the “Hi”s mentioned in #2 and other exemptions below). Not responding, especially after you’ve “seen-zoned” the person, is rude, not to mention frustrating for people when no one responds to their comment or question. A simple “Thanks for your message!” or “I’m sorry I don’t know” would suffice. At least ‘like’ or ‘heart’ their messages to acknowledge that you have received them. If the message requires a lengthy reply you cannot give at the moment, try to set expectations about when the person will receive your reply. Avoid opening messages until you’re ready to respond (ideally within a few hours). There are ways to avoid “seen-zoning” a person if you really don’t want to respond. Most messaging apps now let you mute, ignore, delete, block (prevent any future correspondence), or archive a message without alerting the sender it’s been “seen.” These are especially applicable to chain messages, random forwarded messages, messages from potential creeps or scammers, and messages from people persistently selling you something after you already turned them down.

TRIXIE REYNA-BENEDICTO

7. Don’t spam. Spamming oneon-one or group chats can be in the form of “text bombs,” lengthy exchanges with one or only a few people in a chat group about something the rest cannot relate to, chain messages, and fake information. If you need to have a longer conversation with only one or a few in a larger chat group, start a one-on-one chat, smaller chat group, or video call. 8. Keep private things private. Don’t share private information about someone with the rest of the group. If you don’t know everyone in a chat group, be cautious about what information you share and don’t give out personal or confidential details like addresses, birthdates, names of family members, or bank and credit card details that are not safe to share anyway. 9. Mute, don’t leave chat groups. Not only is it awkward and rude to some, you may be unaware that leaving chat groups will cause drama—and even if that’s your intention, it’s still imprudent. It’s better to turn off notifications or mute “too busy” groups. If you still choose to leave, consider letting people know politely—or at least the one who added you. Exemptions to this rule are chat groups created for chain mails, event invites (that you won’t attend or have passed), surveys, or selling. 10. Don’t start with a video call if you’re not on “video-calling level” yet or have not agreed on a video call. Whether you want to do a video call with one person or an entire group, don't assume everyone is video callready anytime. First ask, “Is this a good time for a video call?” and take it from their response. If not everyone in the group agreed to the call, avoid using the group call feature and instead create a new group (or Room on Facebook)for those joining the call so you don’t disturb other members with the ringing. Follow me on IG (@trixiereyna), FB (trixiereynadotcom), and my blog (trixiereyna.com).

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GAME ON

REDISCOVERING THE FUN OF BOARD GAMES

JOVI FIGUEROA

my social media feed, I turned to board games to give my eyes a rest from the seemingly unending use of screens. I began to discover competitive card games whose rules you can comprehend in under ten minutes, and you can start playing and enjoying in just thirty. And then I started getting into the more ruleheavy ones, where you’d have to sit down and play a couple of sessions to really understand how everything works. Then finally, I picked up those big legacy boxes, where you’d have to saddle down for more than fifty hours to finish the whole story—just like how you would video games, but this time with the company of your family or loved ones (sadly, not friends yet, because of social distancing). Video games have become such an escape for many in this pandemic, and it’s no surprise that everyone is buying a Switch, upgrading their laptops to run games, and whaling for mobile games. But with the workfrom-home situation, the study-from-hope setup, and social media as our only means of communicating with our loved ones, it’s honestly a surprise we’re not all succumbing to eye and screen fatigue. So if you’re looking for new ways to have fun and spend time with the people in your household, why not pick up more unique board games? If you’re not sure where to start, you can pick up easier games first like Catan, Pandemic, or Azul. Usually, these are games that are easy enough so kids and older people in the household would be able to join.

What comes to

mind when you hear the word “board game”? In my elementary and high school days, board games were always associated with our chilly school library, where my friends and clubmates hung out to play competitive scrabble and chess.

board games were playing tabletop RPGs. They had these Dungeons and Dragons weekly groups and role-playing circles, and I never really got around to playing because it seemed too much work to study and understand.

In college, board games were party games that’s either easy enough to play while drunk or cheeky enough to get everyone drunk. Think Secret Hitler, Cards Against Humanity, and Monopoly Deal.

More recently, because of the pandemic, I found myself getting into board games again—this time, a bit different from my idea of board games in the past. I’m talking about heavy board games, Euro board games, those fantasy and horror adventure games that came with boxes as big as a console box. And wow, I’m so glad I did!

When I graduated and became a part of the workforce, adults I knew who were still into

Saturated with YouTube videos, Netflix shows, K-dramas, and string of bad news on

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For fans of the horror universe woven by H.P. Lovecraft, check out Eldritch Horror, where you work together as investigators to stop the end of the world caused by Cthulhu. For fans of sim games, pick up Agricola: Family Edition, where you play as a farmer building your farm and raising a family. For video game fans, there are also great board games and card games to amplify your favorite franchises like The Witcher Adventure Game, Assassin’s Creed Arena, or Portal Board Game. And if you’re ready to roll your sleeves and oil your gears, so to speak, check out the dungeon crawler board game Gloomhaven, which will easily take you 100 hours to complete. Happy playing!

In March 2020, schools all over the Philippines closed down their operations as part of strict nationwide quarantine measures in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. And in March of this year, vaccines have begun their deployment across the country in the hopes of ushering in a safer year despite the continued mutation of the airborne virus. This doesn’t change the fact that school-age youth are one of the most vulnerable groups to infection, leading to the closure of most, if not all schools across several territories. In fact, schools, universities, and other places of study were among the first to shut down to protect their clientele.

Re-educating the system Distance learning

WO R DS CA R M E L A M A R A A N F E R N A N D O

As we enter the second year of the pandemic with cautiously renewed optimism—especially in the face of mutation-driven lockdowns—a good number of institutions have already reopened and settled into an adjusted process to ensure that students continue to receive the education they need. Despite ongoing safety protocols, however, there is no guarantee that we will return to the status quo as we remember it. So how are we coping so far, and where can we go from here?

HOTSPOT JULY-AUGUST 2021

COVER STORY

The parenting trap Other significant challenges presented by the new educational system are the logistical and social adjustments demanded by online learning from home. Since family members are relegated to sharing the same workspace, personal boundaries are tested, particularly in households where foot traffic is high, as it is with large and extended families.

CHALLENGES Unprecedented conditions such as a worldwide pandemic present seemingly insurmountable challenges that greatly disrupt our established way of life. But these also allow us room for opportunity in observing trends and responding with new processes and systems that drive us to make the most of current technology. Urgent and abrupt disruption of operations in the educational sector demanded quick changes from several institutions; some of these had to shut down operations indefinitely, leaving local students and enrollees up in the air. This was just a temporary setback, though, as it allowed government and local school administrations to re-evaluate and redirect their course. Local government measures Despite the lockdown restrictions, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was able to impose measures for meeting educational requirements by quickly adjusting its curriculum to accommodate distance and blended learning. Department of Education (DepEd)-accredited homeschooling options (some with SPED programs) have also been opened to parents and caregivers, given the sudden shortage of available channels and school staff during quarantine. 52

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These new systems demanded that the school year be pushed to a later date to make way for reorganization and governance of the traditional school system, curriculum development, training, and providing workable conditions for both teachers and students. Financial constraints Aside from the initial administrative funding concerns, one of the biggest and most widespread challenges across the country is accessibility, both for schools and learners mostly in the middle-tolower demographic. Not everyone could afford the right digital devices for online classes especially at short notice; there was a spike in mobile gadget sales leading to a temporary shortage; and, homeschooling modules and training came at relatively steep prices for average-income households. Fortunately, some of these concerns have been addressed by government initiatives to roll out free or low-cost digital tools for instructors to implement in classroom training, and more flexible price points for parents who wished to take the homeschooling route. Many companies have also taken it upon themselves to come up with projects and campaigns that will help this shift to online learning.

From the parent’s perspective, a learningfrom-home setup is advantageous where monitoring students’ activities is concerned, as well as aligning objectives with teachers. They’re also easier to reach any time the child needs immediate advice, assistance, or support with schoolwork. And, it’s a good way for family bonding, especially with primary students. “I get to spend more time with our daughter,” shares Dannette C. Fernando, a mother of an incoming Grade 1 student. “We talk about what she learned in school, work on her assignments and review for her exams, things that we weren’t able to do before. I get to see how she learns and we can also track her progress together.” On the downside, conflicts arise because the arrangement sets the stage for unwarranted helicopter parenting. This may also entail additional workload and less personal time on top of housekeeping and work responsibilities, if said parent is working from home and the child needs constant supervision. If parents are still mandated to report to an external workplace, leaving a child at home to study online poses several safety risks especially if the latter is unsupervised. Conversely, teachers have voiced out concerns about some parents who have been treating school as a substitute babysitting service especially in the pre-COVID years.

RE-EDUCATING THE SYSTEM

Learners, interrupted For students, the social shift comes not just from their family dynamic, but also with the sense of isolation from not being around their peers the way they used to before the pandemic hit. This has been observed to heavily affect students’ disposition, particularly those in the later elementary, junior, and senior high years, when social bonds and a sense of identity are undergoing major developments. According to Adam Dumaguin, an incoming sophomore Digital Film student at Mapúa University, one of the most challenging parts of online education is “probably failing to meet childhood expectations of what college would look like.”

“I dreamt of being in civilian clothes riding a cab with a hot Starbucks cup on the way to school, far from quarantine, pandemic, and online classes,” he shares. “Another challenge is keeping myself teachable and open to learning since online classes require the will to learn.” Adam adds that he feels like he’s missing out on many opportunities “such as building friendly relationships, growing my contacts, and doing my career, filmmaking, with a group rather than alone.” Another common refrain among students from varying levels is that speaking to their classmates and teachers through a screen for several hours a day, five days a week, makes them feel like they’re living inside a box. It used to be that communicating with one another on social media sites outside of—and sometimes, during—school hours was their escape from the daily grind; now, going offline is their escape. For younger children in the pre-K to preparatory stages, their formative learning stages would primarily involve tabletop and screen time activities. The biggest concern raised by parents centers around the delay of much-needed social growth, the effects of which are more evident in single-child families and small family units with limited social interaction. After a year of online schooling, Dannette says one of the challenges she encountered when school shifted to online was establishing a routine. “Our daughter got used to waking up at a particular time, getting dressed, and riding daddy’s car to go to school.” There has also been a steep rise in social and mental health concerns in students brought on by the sense of isolation from quarantine, combined with the uncertainty of living in a disease-ridden world, plus the strain of heavy workload from school. Several enrolled learners may have found solace in being able to stay in touch with their peers and teachers via social networking platforms, but this still pales to the constant physical human presence and interaction that they used to enjoy. “Our daughter is a sociable person and it was very difficult for her not to be able to interact with her classmates in the same way. She has told me so many times that she misses playing and talking with her classmates,” Dannette shares. JULY-AUGUST 2021

COVER STORY

OPPORTUNITIES AND SOLUTIONS The aforementioned challenges may have momentarily thrown a monkey wrench into our otherwise established yearly school cycle, but it only took a few months for institutions to regroup and come up with smarter educational strategies. Some of the solutions implemented shortly after last year’s lockdown that have carried over to this academic year include: Homeschooling A good number of schools from primary level to Grade 10 have been accredited for providing parents with homeschooling modules at flexible price points. Some of these modules are customizable according to the child’s learning style, the parent’s communication strengths, and the parent’s schedule. These are ideal for families who wish to maintain a more tight-knit dynamic and families with SPED learners. Apple Casupanan started homeschooling their three children last year. ”Even before the pandemic, we have already been praying about shifting from traditional school to homeschooling. The change of heart started when I was seeing how the kids were feeling stressed about the tasks given by their teachers. I had to pray and re-state what we wanted to prioritize as a family. From there, we were reminded that we wanted to give more effort on building their character, on comprehension skills and critical thinking in a healthier environment,” she shares. Despite the challenges of homeschooling, Apple says that their shift to homeschooling was one of the best decisions they’ve made as a family. “We definitely had more time to bond. The communication among each other significantly improved and the kids moved beyond just memorizing terms and concepts into understanding them by heart. Education became more interesting and we have found more time for play, too.” Blended learning Blended learning is a system that combines face-to-face classes with an online class schedule. This ensures that students maintain a healthy and more engaged social life with their classmates, peers, and teachers while continuing to abide by public safety protocols. 54

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While this is one of the more flexible arrangements being eyed by DepEd once pandemic restrictions are lifted, it’s currently on hold due to the ongoing proliferation of new and still-unaddressed COVID-19 variants.

For institutions that require applicants to take a test, this would be monitored via a video chat platform on one or two devices to prevent instances of cheating. Exam or not, however, the entire enrollment and payment process can be conducted online from start to finish.

Distance learning In the last week of June 2021, DepEd released an advisory stating that private and non-DepEd public schools may resume classes for AY 2021-2022. These classes must be strictly held remotely with no face-toface interaction, and extend all the way to graduation rites, which must be held online.

Mental health support Following DepEd’s initiative from last year, a number of universities continue to actively provide mental health and psychosocial support services to students, teachers and other personnel. Most of these initiatives can be easily accessed via a dedicated online platform, and plenty of the professionals are trained to connect more effectively with the younger generations instead of using the traditional authoritarian approach.

Waived application exams and online enrollment Some schools have waived their entrance examinations in favor of a first come-first served online application process. Instead of a test that lasts several hours long, the screening involves the online submission of previous grades (for transferees and college applicants) and other documentation.

While not all institutions have their own facility for therapy and counseling services, they are also taking steps to connect staff and the student body with mental healthcare professionals, hold regular related discussions, and facilitate supportive modules and activities to help everyone cope with the rigors of the prolonged lockdown and pandemic.

RE-EDUCATING THE SYSTEM

MOVING FORWARD A crucial lesson that COVID-19 proved is the resilience and perseverance of human innovation when it comes to adapting to unwelcome and drastic changes and uncertainties. One of the most critical methods for enabling this is to maintain strong communication channels that allow for investing in long-term and sustainable capacity development and change management skills. In the educational sphere, we are fortunate to be within reach of organizations that design and implement technological innovations at a rapid pace. Not only have they served as platforms for high-level restructuring of the process on national and global levels, but also as reasonably priced or even free avenues for maintaining and developing social and coping skills that otherwise would have been hampered by a crisis that largely isolates people. Another positive outcome from changing the educational landscape is the heightened development of digital and tech-related understanding and skills for school administrators, instructors, staff, students, and parents. In the face of conditions meant to separate people, the need for these abilities are bringing us together instead. Also, schools, as well as students and their parents, are finding and devising more diverse and creative ways of managing mental, emotional, and physical stresses brought on by the need to balance school, home, social, and personal responsibilities. The key is to give all participants a constant safe space to communicate their thoughts and concerns in the best way they can. This is especially crucial at a time when one needs to feel connected with their trusted peers and cannot easily remove themselves physically from their stressors. Overall, the concerns and experiences cited by educators, parents, and learners alike shouldn’t be forgotten if and when conditions return to a semblance of normalcy. Rather, these should be treated as inspiration and leverage for the continued development of the educational system—which is now closely tied in personal care and development— in conjunction with a tech-forward learning process. JULY-AUGUST 2021

COVER STORY

5 YouTube channels to subscribe to for online learning inspo WO RDS CA R MEL A MA R A A N FER NA NDO

For several years now, YouTube has been the go-to platform for free video education and inspiration. Here we have five channels that we recommend for informational, helpful, and feel-good content that will help you get through the rigors of distance learning, whether you’re a teacher, parent, or a student.

BAYANIHAN E-SKWELA @ovpbayanihaneskwela This is a video series that aims to help walk teachers, parents, and students through the ins and outs of online classes. Using a simple and friendly, yet straightforward approach, this channel includes content on providing psychosocial support, self-care for instructors, teachable moments for parents, and helping students with disabilities adjust to the quarantine-friendly learning system. Delivered in Tagalog, Bayanihan e-Skwela is geared toward the broad demographic, particularly public school instructors. It effectively covers topics that aren’t often discussed in training modules, mainly those centered on how to address fears and concerns about shifting to online teaching and learning. 56

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ALYANNA ROSS @alyannaross This charming student vlog features the titular creator Alyanna and her daily routine at home as she gets through her online classes at Ateneo. Much of her content focuses on her creative outlets, selfcare splurges, journaling, and classroom challenges (Midterms! Hell Week! Finals!). If you wish to reminisce on what college life was like, just scroll down further into her old videos. But, she also includes several videos on her productivity hacks and strategies to help her get through her studies— recommended apps and extensions included—which is what earns her a spot on our must-watch list. 21ST CENTURY TEACHER @21stCenturyTeacher Made for parents and teachers alike, 21st Century Teacher is a channel that’s packed with bite-sized lessons, tips, and techniques that can help make teaching easier and more enjoyable for both educators and learners. It advocates naked teaching, which is the principle of using any available resources as tools for instruction. This system was developed for remote and developing communities where standard classroom materials and even school venues are scarce. The channel also features short animated storytelling

sessions, instructional content for DIY projects, and actual classroom lessons that children can sit through, providing them with additional information to supplement hands-on guidance from busy parents. MAR FORTUNO @marfortuno If you want to jumpstart your study habits, Mar Fortuno’s channel can help. Don’t be fooled by the Korean lifestyle aesthetic; Mar incorporates her productivity techniques into her content so watching her feels like you have a virtual study buddy. A pre-med student at UP Diliman, Mar shares snippets of her adventures with her friends and a few of her travel adventures. But most of her videos feature her academic life and activities, particularly her study habits, organization tips, and online classes. Underneath the preppy vibe in her channel, you can

easily see that she takes her schooling very seriously. PHILIPPINE BUSINESS FOR EDUCATION - SCHOLAR SPEAKS VLOGS @PBEd What this channel may lack in current video and subscriber count it makes up for in substance. Philippine Business for Education (PBE) features highlights in the local education industry where educational reform is concerned. And, for educators, it has released a new video series called Scholar Speaks Vlogs. PBEd’s Scholar Speaks Vlogs tackle subjects that are often of significant concern to teachers, such as how they can take care of their mental health and creative ideas on effective teaching in the new normal. This series is just relatively new, so expect to see more out-ofthe-box tips and solutions for instructors soon.

MOTORING

DODGE MUSCLES ITS WAY TO EV TERRITORY WOR D S J UST I NE PUNZALAN

teaser of what the car’s front and rear could look like.

merican muscle car specialist Dodge is building “the world’s first electric muscle car” that it will launch in 2024, parent company Stellantis announced during its recent EV Summit.

The teaser video shows the Fratzog logo—which Dodge used in the 1960s and ‘70s—on the car’s front grille and upswept rear end.

Nope, the company isn’t going completely electric just yet. You’ll most likely still see new Chargers, Challengers, and Durangos.

According to Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, the move is geared toward the company’s aim of boosting the tiresquealing horsepower and performance of its vehicles. “If a charger can make a Charger faster, then we’re all for it,” the CEO said.

So why is it building a new electric muscle car? “Performance made us do it,” Dodge said. The Dodge EV muscle car—or eMuscle —promises to deliver more power and performance than any of the brand’s current supercharged V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive muscle sedans and SUVs.

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It will be powered by an all-new electric vehicle platform consisting of at least two 330kW electric motors to create all-wheel drive. It will also be potentially capable of a zero to 100kph sprint in two seconds. Details are scarce as of writing, but the Detroit-based automaker has shown a

“Our engineers are reaching a practical limit of what we can squeeze from internal combustion innovation,” he added. “They know we know that electric motors can give us more. And if we know of a technology that can give our customers an advantage.”

VOLVO CONCEPT RECHARGE

VOLVO CONCEPT RECHARGE A ‘manifesto’ for the future EV platform. The lack of an internal combustion engine means more space for the driver and passengers. As showcased in the Concept Recharge, the battery pack is placed under the flat floor, allowing the designers to extend the wheelbase and the wheel size of the car, reposition the seats, optimize the roof profile, and lower the hood of the car. This approach also creates efficiency gains in aerodynamics, which translates to longer range.

utomobile electrification is more than simply a shift in powertrains. For Volvo— who’s committed to becoming an EV-only auto manufacturer by 2030—there must also be a new paradigm in car design.

Currently, Volvo’s electric vehicles share a platform with their internalcombustion cousins. These require a balance in proportions and space to be able to accommodate both an internal combustion engine and a battery pack.

And so the new Concept Recharge was born.

But the next generation of Volvo’s EVs will be based on a dedicated

The Concept Recharge also debuts a new design language. While it’s still recognizable as a Volvo, the styling is more simple and streamlined. For example, the traditional grille has been replaced with a flat “shield-like” design broken up by the Volvo logo. There’s also an updated version of the Thor’s Hammer headlights, which unfurls at night to reveal the main headlight units.

a set of wings that extend at higher cruising speeds to further improve overall aerodynamics. There’s also a roof scoop-like pod that houses the LiDAR sensors—developed in collaboration with Luminar— to enable autonomous driving. “With the Concept Recharge we continue the rich roots of Volvo’s design DNA in a modern and fresh way as we move into our all-electric future,” said Robin Page, head of design. “It represents everything we believe customers expect from a pure electric Volvo and we’re excited to take this philosophy into our next generation of cars.”

At the rear you’ll find ultra-thin, L-shaped rear lamps that connect to the brand’s design heritage. However, they’re reimagined with

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PRESS PLAY

WHAT’S STREAMING THIS MONTH?

Vivo August 6 | Netflix

Naomi Osaka July 13 | Netflix This documentary offers an intimate look inside the life of one of the most gifted and complex athletes of her generation. This three-part documentary, directed by Garrett Bradley, follows tennis superstar Naomi Osaka’s pivotal years—from the U.S. Open in August 2019 and on tour, as she plays in each of the Grand Slams, and as she prepares for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It also gives viewers a peek at Osaka’s adaptation to the life of a celebrity, and the struggles she’s faced while living in the public eye.

A story about gathering your courage, finding family in unlikely friends, and the belief that music can open you to new worlds, Vivo is an upcoming animated musical from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation. It features all-new songs from Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, and actor Lin-Manuel Lin-Manuel. The film follows a one-of-kind kinkajou named Vivo (a rainforest “honey bear” voiced by Miranda), who embarks on a mission to deliver a special message from his owner, Andrés, to Andrés’ beloved old partner, Marta (voiced by Latin pop legend Gloria Estefan) , who lives a world apart. To get to Marta and fulfill his owner’s wishes, Vivo will need the help of Gabi (Ynairaly Simo), an energetic tween who bounces to the beat of her own offbeat drum. Vivo also features the voices of Zoe Saldaña as Gabi’s mother, Rosa; Michael Rooker as a villainous Everglades python, Lutador; Brian Tyree Henry and Nicole Byer as a pair of starcrossed spoonbills; and Katie Lowes, Olivia Trujillo, and Lidya Jewett as a trio of wellmeaning but overzealous scout troops.

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We the People July 4 | Netflix How do you teach kids about civics and government? Perhaps short animated videos with catchy songs will make them sit up and listen. We the People is a 10-episode series featuring 5-minute animated music videos featuring the biggest names in music. Created by Doc McStuffins creator Chris Nee, and executive produced by Kenya Barris and Barack and Michelle Obama, We the People focuses on a different civic lesson per episode—from voting to immigration to taxes. The videos are set to original songs by renowned artists such as H.E.R., Janelle Monae, Brandi Carlile, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, Kyle, Andra Day, and poet Amanda Gorman.

WHAT’S STREAMING THIS MONTH?

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop July 22 | Netflix

The Chair August 27 | Netflix

Cat People July 7 | Netflix

This internationally licensed Netflix Original anime movie follows the story of Cherry and Smile. Cherry is a Japanese high schooler who is terrible at communicating with others and hides behind his headphones and his hobby of writing haiku. Smile is a popular YouTuber, but hides her smile behind a mask.

This comedy series follows Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim (played by two-time Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh) as she navigates her new role as the Chair of the English department at prestigious Pembroke University. There, she’s faced with a unique set of challenges, as the first woman of color to chair the department.

Featuring fantastic felines, including Maverick the surfing cat and Moshow the cat rapper, Cat People is a documentary series that explores the bonds and fascinating relationship people around the world have with cats through the lens of some of the most remarkable and surprising “cat people” in the world.

When Cherry and Smile meet one summer, their friendship blossoms into something more, and they learn to overcome their respective social hurdles.

Actress Amanda Peet serves as The Chair‘s writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Joining Peet as EP are Oh, Game of Thrones‘ David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Bernie Caulfield, and Daniel Gray Longino.

Sweet Girl August 20 | Netflix

Beckett August 27 | Netflix

Jason Momoa makes his Netflix Original movie debut in the upcoming action-thriller Sweet Girl directed by Brian Andrew Mendoza in his directorial debut. It tells the story of Cooper (Momoa) who, devastated by the loss of his wife, vows to bring those responsible to justice while protecting the only family he has left—his daughter Rachel (Isabela Merced).

John David Washington stars as the titular American tourist whose trip to Greece takes a dark turn when the car carrying him and his girlfriend April (Alicia Vikander) crashes. Forced to run for his life and desperate to clear his name, Beckett falls into a deep, dangerous web of conspiracy as tensions escalate, political unrest mounts and the authorities close in.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

5 tips to level up your content creation game with the realme 8

ocial media apps such as Instagram and TikTok make it easy for anyone to publish content for friends and followers. However, creating consistently beautiful images and videos takes more than just simply shooting and snapping whatever one sees. There’s no need to worry, though, because it’s not impossible to pull off with the realme 8 and its powerful photography features Here are a few tips to help you in creating great content using the realme 8: Look for stunning locations to capture Half the battle is the place where you’re shooting. If you can find a good, visually stunning location for your content, then it won’t be hard to make it eye-catching and beautiful. The realme 8’s main 64MP wide-angle lens can capture these stunning locations with crispness and clarity. Take as many photos and videos as you can No matter what you’re shooting, whether it’s a photo or video, take a lot of it so that you can have as many options as you need. Sometimes the best one will be

hour in the afternoon or the blue hour before sunrise and after sunset, can help you create more beautiful shots and videos. The realme 8’s cameras can expertly handle these various lighting scenarios.

the one you take after the first. You can keep shooting to your heart’s content thanks to the realme 8’s impressive battery life courtesy of its massive 5,000mAh battery.

to get different perspectives. The realme 8’s rear quad-camera setup has different lenses, such as an ultra wide lens and a macro lens, to make those out-of-thebox perspectives look good.

Try different perspectives Don’t just hold up your phone’s camera in front of something! Try different angles

Try shooting at different times of the day Shooting at more “dramatic” times of the day, like the golden

Play around with various creative modes While you can point and shoot with the realme 8’s camera, the built-in camera app also has different portrait modes so you can try to produce even more creative shots. The special portrait modes include AI Color, Dynamic Bokeh, Neon Portrait, and AI Portrait, which you should play around with. There’s no photography need the realme 8 can’t handle— it’s a great partner for mobile content creation as it packs a lot of great features at a solid price. Capture infinity and start creating your best content yet for the world to see. Available in Cyber Black and Cyber Silver, the realme 8 is priced at P13,990 via realme’s official flagship store in Lazada and Shopee and in over 500 realme stores and over 4,000 partner dealers nationwide.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH realme

DARE TO BE A CHAMP real value champ realme C11 2021 now only P4,590 s the nation marks a historic milestone with its first multiple medal finish in the Olympics since 1932—Hidilyn Diaz completing the near century-long quest for the Philippines’ first gold— realme, the country’s number 1 smartphone brand for Q1 2021, gives Filipinos another reason to celebrate with a winning offer for its real value champ: the realme C11 2021. Launched earlier this year, the realme C11 2021 is a well-rounded contender in the entry-level category. It’s packed with a massive 5000mAh battery with ultra saving mode so you can do more heavy lifting when it comes to your tech needs. It’s also equipped with a 6.5-inch display to give you a larger field of view for browsing or watching.

In terms of camera features, this budget device has an 8MP primary AI camera with a large f/2.0 aperture to ensure that you have clearer and brighter photos. In addition, the realme C11 2021 has a 32GB built-in storage and three card slots to accommodate two SIM cards and one SD card (up to 256GB). The realme C11 2021 is available in two colors: Iron Grey and Lake Blue. Starting this month, you too can #DareToBeAChampion as the realme C11 2021 (2GB+32GB) will be available for only P4,590 (P400 OFF SRP) via realme’s official flagship store in Shopee (shopee.ph/realmeofficialstore) and Lazada (lazada.com.ph/shop/ realme). It is also available in more than 500 realme stores and over 4,000 partner dealers nationwide.

COVER GIRL

a i d o l A/ GAMING ROYALTY

o a i f g n e i s Go CAPTURING INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

INTERVIEW BY THE Speed Editorial team PHOTOS COURTESY OF realme Philippines

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GAMING ROYALTY

Long before gaming and esports became mainstream, the name “Alodia” was already a household name. Having been in the gaming and cosplay industry since her teenage years, coupled with her unwavering passion and dedication, she has managed to cement her place in the community.

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COVER GIRL

Nothing is impossible, never give up, be different, be genuine.”

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GAMING ROYALTY

It’s no wonder why realme, the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for Q1 2021, has teamed up with the cosplay icon, entrepreneur, and gaming royalty. Who better to empower the local gaming community to capture infinite possibilities than the Alodia Gosiengfiao, right?

How does the realme Watch 2 series help you with meeting your fitness goals? The realme Watch 2 series helps me track my heart rate and blood oxygen levels especially when I do cardio. And also it tracks my sleep, so I know if I have gotten enough rest to tackle on the next day.

Congratulations on being part of the realme Squad since 2020! The realme TechLife devices aim to make every young Filipino live more conveniently and efficiently daily. How does technology help you in your fast-paced lifestyle? Technology definitely makes me do and accomplish more stuff in the same amount of time. What I like about realme is that it eases the process with its whole ecosystem and aids me in fulfilling daily tasks with less energy so I can do more.

Which among the features of the smartwatch do you love the most? I love that it has a longer battery life so I can use it longer per charge!

Which among the features of realme 8 do you love the most? For me, the realme 8’s processor and speed are very valuable because when I play games, there are no FPS drops and lag when loading. What games do you usually play on the realme 8? My favorite at the moment would be Wild Rift and Ragnarok M: Eternal Love! All these years, you’ve managed to maintain your physique. How do you stay fit? As much as I can, I try to exercise daily. Also I try to eat healthy meals such as salads. I try to incorporate this into my routine.

How about music—what part does it play in your life? Music is everything to me. It sets my mood for the day. I have a different playlist when I’m working, from when I’m working out, to gaming and to cosplay! You’ve been in the gaming industry for years. Can you tell us how different things are then and now? I am just happy and proud to see how this industry has grown over the years. Before, it was looked down upon especially that the notion was there was no future if you play games all day. But now, things have changed. It can be a full-time career and it has changed so many lives for the better! That’s so true. Now, one of the harsh realities of being a girl gamer is being stereotyped as someone who’s only playing to impress guys. Did you ever experience that? Impress guys—that was never my intention. I was one of them! Just kidding! I play because

I enjoy it and to be honest, if you focus on the game and not make it about your gender being a handicap (or to get favors/items), it would help a lot to not be affected by it. This is probably also one reason why I chose my IGN (in-game name) as Black Mage because it is quite ambiguous. People thought I was a guy when I used to play in net cafes and in my first few online games. For me, passion, skills, and values trump all. Very well said and we couldn’t agree with you more. What do you think are the things that you did that made you become one of the household names in the industry? It was truly my passion. I will never get tired of this and anything related to this industry. Also, I’m genuinely happy when someone becomes successful if they have the right intention and heart for this community and industry. That’s why I aim to help newbies who believe in this. Speaking of helping newbies, can you tell us about Tier One Entertainment, your e sports and gaming talent agency? It is very nostalgic to think about it. When we started around 2017, there were only seven people in the company. Now, we have about 100 people on the backend and 800+ talents. There were so many struggles at the start. “What are these kids doing?” “Gaming? Are they serious?” But again, we found many allies who shared the same vision and passion, so we were able to work together to support the community and industry we are in. It’s grown so much! And we heard you’re also planning to expand its local operations to other Asian countries. Yes, if all goes well, definitely we hope to expand to more countries further. I can’t disclose much, but all I can say is that we will never stop because this is something we truly love. That’s exciting! We’re cheering you on! What’s your advice to all aspiring and newbie gaming streamers today? At first it may be daunting, but with enough research and guidance, you will be able to take that first step. Nothing is impossible, never give up, be different, be genuine. Don’t be user-friendly (this will bite you in the back). Rather, think of how you can contribute more than what you can gain. And when given the chance to be up there, be a blessing and light to others so that we can continue to make this community a better place to be part of.

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PEOPLE@SPEED

Gen Zer Astronomer MARIELLE EDUARDO I NT E RV I EW BY J UST I NE PUNZA L A N

While recent studies show that Filipino students are falling behind other countries in math and science, one young Filipina is stepping up to prove that her countrymen are anything but. Her name is Marielle Eduardo, a 24-yearold Taiwan-based Pinay now living her dream of being an astronomer. The eldest child of two mechanical engineering graduates, Marielle is the first in her family to take up a career in science. She considers the journey challenging, but because of her strong knack for outer space, it was not rocket science. Her lifelong love for the cosmos, Marielle said, was developed from watching the ’90s science show Sineskwela. “It started when I watched a Sineskwela episode where they discussed the Solar System. I got hooked on it instantly,” she revealed in an email interview with Speed. “At first, I wanted to be an astronaut. Hindi naman kasi sikat ang ‘astronomer’ na profession, so wala akong idea about it before. But then later on I found out that you can actually study and do astronomy without actually being in outer space,” she continued. “My dream job is to be in the mission control center calculating how much time we have before an asteroid hits us or before the end of the world— just like in movies!” “My parents took [up] mechanical engineering in college, so enjoying numbers just came naturally to me. Then growing up, I enjoyed science. So it’s like both my enjoyment solving problems and passion in science/experiments [that] led me to pursue physics,” she added. 68

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MARIELLE EDUARDO

Marielle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of the Philippines Baguio in 2018. She pursued a master’s degree in astronomy at the National Central University (NCU) in Zhongli District, Taiwan, prior to working as a research assistant in the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics. “In anything you pursue, you really have to put yourself into it and work hard. Astronomy is indeed a difficult path because it requires strong physics and coding knowledge, but I really enjoyed learning and going to class!” she recalled. Apart from her passion for science, being surrounded by fellow Filipino whizzes has made Marielle’s schooling in Taiwan a pleasant and valuable experience. “There were roughly 20 Filipino students pursuing graduate studies in NCU during my time—ten of which were in the physics and astronomy department, which are both located in the same building. We usually hung out together on campus and celebrated the holidays together with Filipino food so I rarely got homesick,” Marielle said.

“Besides, my family and I talk almost every day… Before the pandemic, I also [went] home every end of semester. Even my mom said, ‘Para ka lang ulit nag-aaral sa Baguio!’” she added. “To be honest, the only thing that I miss is Jollibee!” Reaching for the stars for a deep purpose Contrary to popular belief, working as an astronomer today doesn’t require one to spend hours gazing at the stars or the planets—all thanks to the world’s everevolving technology. “As long as I have the internet and my laptop with me, I’m good to go,” Marielle remarked. She expounded, “Although my field is observational astronomy, we don’t actually do the real observations. Believe it or not, almost all telescope observations now are done remotely. We leave the actual operations to telescope operators, although in some cases you can join during the actual observations.” One instance was when the young astronomer and her classmates spent two nights at the NCU Lulin observatory, located at the top of the Lulin mountain, for their observational astronomy class. Marielle continued, “As for my work now,

I use archived data, meaning the data gathered over the past years. I create a series of codes to be able to process those data and extract information.” But as in all things that require scientific knowledge and special technical skills, Marielle’s job has its own struggles. “It’s really challenging especially when you are dealing with huge datasets,” she told Speed. “I don’t consider myself to be good at coding. In fact, I just try to learn from my daily tasks and also with the help of Google.” At the end of the day, Marielle said, “satisfaction comes from making the codes work.” Apart from having a fulfilling end in mind, Marielle is driven by the endless support she gets from her parents. “I am lucky to have parents who support my decisions in life and my dream of becoming a scientist or astronomer. Although they barely understand what I do, I know my mom and dad are always proud of me!” she beamed. More than that, Marielle always works hard in the hope of becoming an inspiration to young Filipinos, whose untapped potential can create game-changing breakthroughs in science. “I always tell myself that I owe my UP education to the people of the Philippines. The Philippines is undeniably lagging behind the astronomy program, so what inspired me to keep going are the kids who need the inspiration to pursue science or astronomy,” Marielle said. “I didn’t have a model figure pursuing this field, and I know how important [it is] to have someone to look up to. I want to be that person for aspiring astronomers in our country.” JULY-AUGUST 2021

TECH TIPS N

eed to take down notes for your class or jot down ideas for your project? Make things easier with Google Docs’ voice typing tool. Open Google Docs, go to Tools > Voice Typing. Click on the icon of a microphone that pops up on the left side of the screen and talk away!

MANUAL

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HOW TO

Select the desired type of application and tap “Proceed.”

Then, fill out all the blank fields with your personal information.

WO RD S J USTI N E PU NZA L A N

he continuing pandemic, the dispute in the West Philippine Sea, and economic resurgence are just some of the pressing issues the country’s next president is bound to face in 2022. Needless to say, the responsibility is a catch-22. But it will eventually become surmountable if every Filipino would cast a good vote in the 2022 presidential elections. That’s why the Commission on Elections is urging more Filipinos to register to vote using its new Android app that simplifies the voter registration process. 72

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The Mobile Registration Form App is downloadable via bit.ly/MobileFormApp and can also be shared offline from one Android smartphone to another through SHAREit or any other file-sharing application. Once installed, the app can be accessed even without internet connectivity. According to Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, this will prevent hacking incidents since the app is not connected to the ‘net. As easy as 1-2-3 To register, open the Mobile Registration Form App and tap “Get Started.”

When you’re done filling out everything, you will be asked to confirm your personal information by ticking the checkbox. Tap “Generate QR Code” and “Save” to save it in your phone gallery. According to Comelec, those who register must save the QR code on their smartphone. At the local Comelec office, have your QR Code scanned and your biometrics taken.

HOW TO

IS YOUR MAC SLOWING DOWN? Do the purge

as the colorful spinning wheel of death made an apparition on your Mac screen? Do apps hang or take forever to load? You might need to do a purge to free up some precious storage. You see, as your Mac’s storage nears its max capacity, the machine will start to run more slowly.

Reboot Rebooting your Mac can purge storage space. Click on the Apple logo at the top left of the menu bar and choose Restart. Rebooting your machine will automatically remove many of the temporary files that have accumulated through regular use.

Don’t wait until your Mac crashes on you. There are easy— and free—ways to declutter your computer natively (read: no need for third-party apps).

Remove cache Storage space is affected by cache. Cached files are temporary files that your computer downloads and stores so it can access these often-used content quickly. However, the amount of space used by cache can grow significantly over time.

Check your storage. How much free storage do you have left? To check this, click on the Apple logo at the top left on the menu bar, then choose About This Mac. Tap the Storage tab and you’ll see an overview of how your Mac’s computer is being used by apps, photos, audio, etc. Take note of this so you’ll have a general idea of which files are eating up your disk space. Optimize. Under the Storage tab, click Manage. You’ll see four storage management options—Store in iCloud, Optimize Storage, Empty

Trash Automatically, and Reduce Clutter—that you can use to help free up space on your Mac. Store in iCloud. iCloud offers 5GB of storage space for free. If you need more, you can pay a few dollars a month. When you check the boxes for ‘Desktop and Documents’ and ‘Photos,’ all these folders and files will be automatically stored on iCloud instead of locally. You can also opt to store messages and attachments in iCloud. When you select any or all of these options, only recently opened files are kept on your Mac. Optimize Storage. When activated, your Mac will

automatically remove Apple TV movies and TV shows that you’ve already watched. Only your most recent email attachments will get stored locally. Empty Trash Automatically. Sometimes, you might forget that your Trash is already full of deleted files. This still eats up space. When you enable this option, all items that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days will be automatically deleted. Reduce Clutter. With this option, you can quickly find and review the largest files and apps on your computer, then manually delete them.

To remove system cache on your Mac, open Finder. From the Go menu, select Go to Folder. A box will pop up. Type in ~/Library/Caches/ and then click Go. Your system or library caches will appear. Choose which ones to delete. Before you clear your system or user cache, however, it’s a good idea to have an updated backup of all your files. JULY-AUGUST 2021

HOW TO

5 NETFLIX HACKS TO ELEVATE YOUR BINGE-WATCHING EXPERIENCE T

hink you’ve mastered your way around Netflix after countless hours of binge-watching? Think again. Check out these five Netflix hacks that can dramatically change your viewing experience: Add IMDb ratings and other features using browser extensions If you like checking review scores online before deciding to watch a movie, check out extensions for your browser of choice. Chrome users, for example, can choose the IMDb Ratings for Netflix (Code Collective) or Trim: IMDB Ratings on Netflix (goodmoviesaps) extensions, which integrate IMDb Ratings into Netflix. Do note that Chrome extensions will only work for browser-based viewing.

Customize your subtitles Are those subtitles too small or are they difficult to read against the bright background of the K-drama you’re watching? You can adjust the default Netflix subtitles and change the size, font, and color based on your preferences and what fits the title you’re viewing. From a web browser, go to your Netflix Account page. From Profile & Parental Controls, select a profile. Select Change for Subtitle appearance. Save changes. Open the Netflix app on your device. If you’re using a TV, open the Netflix app on your TV and select Settings > Get Help, then Reload for the changes to take effect.

Search by genre/language/ cast Looking for shows by specific genre or language? Or maybe you want to binge-watch TV series by a certain actor? Go to the Details/More Info section of any show and click on any of the genre or actor’s names. You will be redirected to a page with all the shows and/or films under that genre or have that specific actor. In this example below, clicking on “Canadian” will show you other Canadian TV series like Anne with an E and Real Detective. Become an early adopter of new features Netflix is always looking for new ways to improve the service by experimenting with new features and carrying out extensive testing. If you want to be one

JULY-AUGUST 2021

of the first to try out those features, go to the upper-right menu, select Account, and then toggle on the Test Participation. By opting in, you’ll be allowed to participate in tests to help improve the Netflix experience for others, as well as be the first to see potential new changes before they roll out to the public. Request movies or shows Have a favorite movie or TV series that’s not available on Netflix? Go ahead and request! All you have to do is log into your account and go to the Help Center. Once there, click on the link for Request TV Shows or Movies. You can input up to three titles at a time that you’d like to see added.

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Give your vacuum cleaner some TLC

Declutter your inbox Hi, there! What exactly does archiving email do? What’s the difference between deleting and archiving? Can I unarchive mail that I’ve archived? Thanks! RICA H. Hi, Rica. Archiving email is filing away email for future reference. It’s what you should do to clean up or organize your email inbox without having to actually delete messages. Archiving is the best solution for emails that you want out of the inbox but for which there’s a good chance you might need them later. Unlike deleting email, which sends mail to your Trash folder and will be permanently deleted after a certain time, archiving an email only removes it from your Inbox. It will remain in the “archives” indefinitely, but the action can be undone at any time. You can easily search for it, plus, if someone responds to an email that was archived, it will reappear in your Inbox.

Dear Speed, I have one of those cordless stick vacuum cleaners. It’s great and all, but it just recently dawned on me that while it’s been a big help for cleaning my tiny studio, I haven’t actually cleaned the machine itself ever since I bought it a year ago. How does one clean a stick vacuum cleaner anyway? And how often should I do it? CLUELESS CALOY Be clueless no more, Caloy! Stick vacuums usually have the following parts that need to be cleaned: dust cup/bin, brushroll, filter, and hose/stick tube. Before you start cleaning your vacuum, however, check with the manufacturer’s instructions so that you don’t damage anything. Now that you’ve read the manual, start with the dust cup or bin— make sure to empty it. If it’s washable, wash it in warm soapy water, rinse well, and leave to dry completely. If it’s not washable, just make sure to wipe it clean with a dry cloth. Next up is the filter. If it’s washable (it usually is) run it under the tap for a few minutes to wash away the dirt. Leave it to dry completely. As for the brushroll, you can use a stick or a pair of scissors to remove hair and other debris that are wrapped tightly around the brush. If the manufacturer allows it, you can also clean the brush with warm soapy water. Do this for the other attachments/ accessories as well. Lastly, give the hose/tube a shake to remove any blockage in the tube. Wipe down the exterior with a slightly damp cloth.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

BILLBOARD

GLOBE DEPLOYS KONEKTAYO WIFI IN OVER 100 NHA RESETTLEMENT SITES To address the need for connectivity, Globe entered into a partnership with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to deploy KonekTayo WiFi in over 100 NHA resettlement sites nationwide. Within the year, the KonekTayo Wifi will benefit about 40,000 housing beneficiaries.

Petron stations launch exclusive motorcycle lanes

KonekTayo WiFi is a fast and secure community WiFi service that provides households with an affordable internet connection without the need for a modem, a postpaid subscription, or mobile data. Instead, residents can simply connect to the service and choose from various prepaid data packs that suit their budget.

Understanding the unique needs of the growing number of two-wheeled motorists, Petron Corporation is designating an exclusive motorcycle lane at select Petron service stations.

KonekTayo WiFi is available in the following NHA communities: Disiplina Village I- Ugong; Disiplina Village II- Bignay, Valenzuela; Paradise Heights and Vitas LRB in Tondo, Manila; Malabon Homes in Malabon; Lanit River Plains in Iloilo; Greendale Residences, Guadalupe Heights, St. Francis Village, and North Hill Arbours in Tacloban, Leyte; and Paraiso Heights in Sagay, Negros Occidental.

Geely Fairview to open in December 2021 Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the official local distributor of Geely in the country, is adding Geely Fairview to its roster of dealerships this year. Geely Fairview, which is expected to open its doors to the public by December 2021, will be under the management of SGAP’s dealer partner Valley Drive Motor Ltd. Inc. SGAP President & CEO Yosuke Nishi, together with Valley Drive Motors Ltd. Inc. President & CEO Harold Co and other officials broke ground to begin 76

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The exclusive motorcycle lane, which also accommodates tricycles, ensures the safety of customers by segregating smaller vehicles from 4-wheel and other large vehicles while providing convenience through faster transactions. This also avoids “line-cutting”— a common source of misunderstanding and arguments among customers. Implementation started last April 15 at 135 Petron stations in various parts of the country.

the construction of the said dealership. Geely Fairview is a 1,600sqm dealership that can display six to eight cars inside

the showroom and can accommodate six cars in the service area. It is located at Block 148 Lot 25, Mindanao Ave. Extension, Greater Lagro, Fairview, Quezon City.

The exclusive motorcycle lane program will continue to roll out to other Petron stations in Luzon and Vismin in the coming months, to offer the millions of Filipino motorcycle riders safer, faster, and more convenient service.

PLDT Home subscribers get one month free access to Viu Premium PLDT Home and OTT video streaming service Viu have collaborated to offer topclass Korean entertainment to viewers in the Philippines.

TOYOTA BRINGS ON-DEMAND MOBILITY WITH SWAT To help address the demand for safe and reliable mobility of the workforce, Toyota Motor Philippines has collaborated with smart mobility company SWAT Mobility to introduce the On-Demand Shuttle (ODS) system. The system aims to provide safe, comfortable, and reliable shuttle services to companies for their employees’ daily commute to and from work. Through a mobile booking application called SWATBiz, the system automates route preparation and streamlines the employees’ seat booking process, eliminating manual arrangement of shuttle destination points. The app also helps operators monitor the shuttle vehicles through its real-time tracking system, which optimizes asset management at the same time. To learn more about the ODS system, you may contact Toyota at OnDemand.Helpdesk@ toyota.com.ph.

PLDT Home is treating its subscribers to one-month free access of the Viu Premium service, which allows you to catch the best K-dramas with zero ads, enjoy unlimited downloads, and get first access to the newest shows. Viu Premium also allows subscribers to watch on their TV through the Viu TV app or via casting. On top of this, subscribers can enjoy a discounted subscription fee of just P80 per month. Subscribers can avail of this exclusive offer through pldthome.com/viu or by subscribing directly through the Viu app or website then choose PLDT as the mode of payment. Viu Premium subscribers can watch Viu on three mobile devices/tablet and one PC at the same time. If you’re watching from the TV app, you will not be able to stream simultaneously from any devices.

Bigger relocated Honda Cars Fairview dealership to open in 2022 Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony at the new location of Honda Cars Fairview (HCFR). Reopened last December 2020 under the business group of Gatewayfairview Motors Corporation, HCFR is currently located along Don Mariano Marcos Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. It provides sales and after-sales services such as preventive maintenance and general repairs. Set to officially open by the second quarter of 2022, the new site will have a total lot size of 3,660 square meters, and will be strategically located in Mindanao Avenue corner Regalado St., Fairview, Quezon City, along the main highway and nearby

commercial areas. The new HCFR will offer Honda’s latest product line-up and complete vehicle service facilities for general repair, preventive maintenance, and body-and-paint. “We would like to congratulate Honda Cars Fairview on the groundbreaking of their

new location. Their relocation to this upcoming new dealership site will surely cater to the needs of customers residing in Fairview, Novaliches, and other neighboring areas,” said Masahiko Nakamura, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. President.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

BILLBOARD

Converge FiberX Xpress Pass now available on Shopee

MERCEDES-BENZ CEBU BRINGS SERVICE CARAVAN TO VISMIN CUSTOMERS Mercedes-Benz owners in select areas in Visayas and Mindanao who need to get their vehicles checked—listen up! Mercedes-Benz is coming to you. Global Star Motors Corporation, the official dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Cebu City, is embarking on its biggest Service Caravan this year in select locations in Visayas and Mindanao. This is an exclusive opportunity for all Mercedes-Benz owners in Dumaguete, Bacolod, Iloilo, Bohol, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, General Santos, Dipolog, Zamboanga, Tacloban, and Ormoc cities to have their cars examined by professionally trained service advisors and technicians. Here’s the schedule: Dumaguete / Bacolod / Iloilo - July 22 to 27; Tacloban / Ormoc - August 28 to 29; Bohol - September 10 to 11; Cagayan de Oro / Davao / General Santos - November 8 to 17 To book, contact the Customer Relations Department at 0917-7030620 or through their Service Manager at 0917-3226201.

There’s a way to get your Converge fiber internet connection installed faster: Xpress Pass. All you have to do is go to the official Converge store on Shopee, pick the Xpress Pass for the internet plan you’re applying for, add to cart, and check out. The Xpress Pass gives applicants guaranteed perks such as priority handling of a Converge Representative and installation schedule within 3-5 days. Note that before you purchase the Xpress Pass, you need to check if your area is serviceable. You may talk to any Converge representatives through the Shopee app so they can check if their pure fiber internet service is available in your area. The Converge Xpress Pass costs P99 and is available for various internet plans, including FiberX Residential and FiberX Time of Day Plan.

WeTV partners with XTREME Appliances to give consumers premium Asian content WeTV has launched its partnership with XTREME Appliances, making the latter the first TV-Audio appliance brand to tie up with the video streaming company. These two brands will work together in promoting Asian content such as Korean dramas, anime, Boys Love stories, and local films and TV shows to the Filipino market. Customers who purchase an XTREME Android TV in any XTREME Appliances concept stores and online platforms will receive a FREE WeTV one month VIP subscription. Current XTREME Android TV users will get a subscription code as well. To redeem the free subscription, customers just need to send a photo of the downloaded WeTV app on your XTREME Android TV to XTREME Appliances’

JULY-AUGUST 2021

social media pages or send a message through the XTREME website. While many great titles on WeTV are available for streaming even without a VIP

subscription, there are also premium titles that require a VIP subscription in order to view advance or current episodes. The WeTV app can be downloaded for free via Google Play or the App Store.

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BUYER’S GUIDE

Cherry Mobile Flare Y5

Cherry Mobile Aqua S9 Max

P2,999

• Android 10 Go Edition • 1.4GHz Quad-Core SC9832E • 8MP rear, 5MP front • 5.45” IPS TrueView • 16GB built-in, microSD; 2GB RAM • LTE • dual SIM

P9,999 • Android 10 • octa-core Mediatek Helio G90T • 6.53” FHD+ 2430 x 1080 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 32MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Huawei Y7a

Cherry Mobile Flare Y20

• EMUI 10.5 (Android 10) • octa-core Kirin 710A • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.67” 2400 x 1080 • 128GB built-in, microSD ; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• Android 10 • 1.6GHz octa-core SC9863A • 8MP + 2MP rear, 5MP front • 6” IPS TrueView • 16GB built-in, microSD; 2GB RAM • LTE • dual SIM

P3,299

P8,999

Infinix Hot 10 Play G35

P4,990

NEW!

• Android 10 • MediaTek Helio G35 • 6.82” HD+ • 13MP + AI lens; 8MP front • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Lenovo K12 Note

The upgraded Infinix Hot 10 Play is one competitive player in the budget phone segment. Its fast user interface with minimal to zero lags keep this device ahead of the game.

Nokia 1.4 P4,990

• Android 10/11 (Go Edition) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 • 8MP + 2MP rear; 5MP front • 6.51” HD+ • 32GB built-in, microSD; 2GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

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Nokia 3.4

P7,990 • Android 10 • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 • 6.39” 720 x 1560 IPS • 13MP + 5MP + 2MP rear; 2MP front • 64GB built-in; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P6,995 • Android 10 • 6.5” HD+ 720 x 1600 • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Nokia 5.4 P9,990

• Android 11 (Android One) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 • 48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 6.39”” HD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Lenovo K12 Pro P9,990

• Android 10 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 • 64MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 6.8” HD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

OPPO A54

P9,499

• ColorOS 7.2 (Android 10) • MediaTek Heliop P35 • 13MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 6.51 HD+, 60Hz • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

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realme C25

realme C25s

realme Narzo 30A

Samsung Galaxy A11

Samsung Galaxy A21s

• realme UI 2.0 (Android 11) • 6.5” 1600 x 720 LCD • octa-core MediaTek Helio G70 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• realme UI 2.0 (Android 11) • 6.5” 1600 x 720 LCD • octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• realme UI (Android 10) • 6.5” HD+ LCD • octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 • 13MP dual rear; 8MP front • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• OneUI 2.0 (Android 10) • 1.8GHz octa-core • 13MP + 2MP + 5MP rear, 8MP front • 6.4” 720 x 1560 • 32GB built-in, microSD, 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• OneUI 2.0 (Android 10) • 2.0GHz octa-core • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 13MP front • 6.5” 720 x 1600 • 64GB built-in, microSD, 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P7,490

P6,490

P7,490

P11,990

NEW!

Samsung Galaxy M11

TECNO Mobile POVA 2

• OneUI 2.0 (Android 10 • 1.8GHZ octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 • 13MP + 2MP + 5MP rear, 8MP front • 6.4” 720 x 1560 • 32GB built-in, microSD; 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• HIOS 7.6 (Android) • octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP + AI cam rear, 8MP front • 6.9”” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P7,490

P7,990

TECNO Mobile Spark 6 Air

TECNO Mobile Spark 6 Go

• HIOS 6.2 (Android 10) • octa-core MediaTek Helio A25 • triple 13MP rear, 8MP front • 6.95” HD+ • 32GB built-in, microSD; 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• HIOS 6.2 (Android 10) • octa-core MediaTek Helio A25 • dual 13MP rear, 8MP front • 6.52” HD+ • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P4,690

P4,999

NEW!

vivo Y20i P7,499

• Funtouch 10.5 (Android 10) • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 • 13MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.51” 720 x 1600 IPS • 64GB built-in, microSD; 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Xiaomi Poco M3

P6,990 • MIUI 12 (Android 10) • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.53” 1080 x 2340 IPS • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G

P8,990 (4GB + 64GB) P11,990 (6GB + 128GB)

• MIUI 12 (Android 11) • octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.5” FHD+ 90Hz refresh rate • 64/128GB built-in, microSD; 4/6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

vivo Y12s P6,499

• Funtouch OS 11 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio P35 • 13MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.51” HD+ • 32GB built-in, microSD; 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 P8,490 (4GB+64GB) P9,990 (6GB+128GB)

• MIUI 12 (Android 11) • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 13MP front • 6.43” FHD+ Super AMOLED • 64/128GB built-in, microSD; 4/6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G P9,990 (4GB+128GB) P11,490 (8GB+128GB)

• MIUI 12 (Android 11) • octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 13MP front • 6.5” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4/8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

JULY-AUGUST 2021

BUYER’S GUIDE

Apple iPad 8th-gen

Huawei Y8p

• iPadOS 14 • A12 Bionic chip • 8MP rear, 1.2MP front • 10.2” (2160 x 1620) Retina • 32GB built-in

• EMUI 10.1 (Android 10) • 2.2GHz octa-core Kirin 710F • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.3” FHD+ • 128GB, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE

P18,990 (Wi-Fi, 32GB)

Huawei nova 7i

Huawei nova 7 SE 5G

• EMUI 10.0.1 (Android 10) • Kirin 810 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.4” FHD+ • 128GB, microSD; 8 GB RAM • 4G LTE

• EMUI 10.1 (Android 10) • Huawei Kirin 985 octa-core • 64MP + 8MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.53” FHD+ • 256GB built-in, 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

P11,999

P12,999

P17,999

Huawei Y9s

Nokia 7.2

Nokia 8.1

OPPO A74 5G

• EMUI 9.1 (Android 9 Pie) • Octa-core Kirin 710F • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.59” FHD+ 1080 x 2340 • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• Android 9 Pie • Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 • 48MP + 8MP + 5MP rear, 20MP front • 6.3” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• Android 9 Pie • 2.2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 • 12MP + 13MP rear, 20MP front • 6.18” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G VoLTE • dual SIM

• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G • 48MP+8MP+2MP+2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.5” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

P11,990

P15,990

P12,990

P15,999

OPPO Reno5 4G P18,999

OPPO A9 2020

OPPO A92

• Android 9 Pie with ColorOs 6.0.1 • 2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon • 48MP+8MP+2MP+2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.5” 720 x 1600 • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • LTE • Dual SIM

• Android 10 with ColorOS 7.1 • 2.0GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.5”” 1080 x 2400 • 128GB built-in, microSD, 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P13,990

JULY-AUGUST 2021

P15,990

• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 44MP front • 6.43” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

The OPPO Reno5 4G has everything that its pricier brother offers— except for the 5G capability and higher-specced processor.

UNDER P20,000

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POCO X3 NFC

P10,990 (64GB) P12,990 (128GB)

• MIUI 12 for POCO (Android 10) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G octa-core • 64MP + 13MP + 2MP + 2MP rear. 20MP front • 6.67” FHD+ • 64/128GB, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

POCO X3 Pro

P12,990 (6+128GB) P15,990 (8+256GB)

• MIUI 12 for POCO (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear 20MP front • 6.67” FHD+ • 128/256GB, microSD; 6/8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

• One UI 3.0 (Android 11) • octa-core • 6.5”” HD+ • 48MP + 8MP + 5MP + 5MP • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

• One UI 2.5 (Android 10) • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 • 6.6” 720 x 1600 Super AMOLED • 48MP + 8MP + 5MP + 5MP rear; 20MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE, 5G • dual SIM

P15,990

P19,990

realme 8

realme 8 5G

realme 8 Pro

• realme UI 2 (Android 11) • Dimensity 700 5G octa-core • 6.5” 1080x 2400 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 128GB built-in; 4/8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

• realme UI 2 (Android 11) • Snapdragon 720G octa-core • 6.4” 1080x 2400 Super AMOLED • 108MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Samsung Galaxy M31

Samsung Galaxy M51

TCL 10 5G

• One UI 2.0 (Android 10) • 2.3GHz octa-core Samsung Exynos 9611 • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP rear; 32MP front • 6.4” FHD+ 2340 x 1080 • 128GB built-in, microSD ; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• Android 10 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G • 64MP + 12MP + 12MP + 5MP rear, 32MP front • 6.7” Full HD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• TCL UI 3.0 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.53” Full HD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

P13,990

• realme UI 2 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G95 octa-core • 6.43” 1080x 2400 Super AMOLED • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P13,990

P10,990 (4+128GB) P11,990 (8+128GB)

P19,990

P16,990

P17,990

NEW!

vivo S1 Pro

P13,999 • Android 9 Pie with Funtouch OS 9.2 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.38” 1080 x 2340 • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

vivo V20

vivo V20 SE

• Funtouch OS 11 (Android 10) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 44MP front • 6.44” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• Funtouch OS 11 (Android 10) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear; 32MP front • 6.44” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB built-in, microSD ; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P19,999

P13,999

Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S

• MIUI 11 (Android 10) • 2.2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 6.47” FHD+ 2340 x 1080 • 64/128GB built-in, ; 6/8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • octa-core MediaTek Helio G95 • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 13MP front • 6.43” FHD+ AMOLED Dot Display • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P14,990 (6GB+64GB) P16,990 (8GB+128GB)

P11,990

JULY-AUGUST 2021

BUYER’S GUIDE

Apple iPad 8th-gen

32GB: P26,990 (Wi-Fi + cellular) 128GB: P24,990 (Wi-Fi); P32,990 (Wi-Fi + cellular)

• iPadOS 14 • A12 Bionic chip • 8MP rear, 1.2MP front • 10.2” (2160 x 1620) Retina • 32/128GB built-in

Apple iPhone 12 mini

Apple iPhone 12 Pro

• iOS 14 • Hexa-core Apple A14 Bionic • 6.1” 1170 x 2532 Super Retina XDR OLED • 12MP + 12MP rear; 12MP front • 64/128/256GB built-in, 4GB RAM • 4G LTE, 5G

• iOS 14 • Hexa-core Apple A14 Bionic • 5.4” 1080 x 2340 Super Retina XDR OLED • 12MP + 12MP rear; 12MP front • 64/128/256GB built-in, 4GB RAM • 5G LTE

• iOS 14 • Hexa-core Apple A14 Bionic • 6.1” 1170 x 2532 Super Retina XDR OLED • 12MP + 12MP +12MP rear; 12MP front • 128/256/512GB built-in; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE, 5G

From P49,990

From P43,990

Huawei Mate 40 Pro

Huawei P40 Pro+

motorola razr 5G

• EMUI 11 (Android 10) • Octa-core Kirin 9000 5G • 6.67” 1344 x 2772 OLED • 50MP + 12MP + 20MP rear; 13MP + TOF 3D • 256/512GB built-in, Nano Memory; 8GB RAM • 5G LTE • single/hybrid dual SIM

• 2.8GHz octa-core Kirin 990 5G • EMUI 10.1 (Android 10) • 50MP + 40MP + 8MP + 8MP + ToF rear, 32MP + depth front • 6.58” 1200 x 2640 • 512GB built-in, NM card; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE, 5G

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G • Android 10 • 48MP rear, 20MP front • 6.2” foldable main display, 2.7” external • 256GB built-in, microSD card; 8GBRAM • 4G LTE, 5G

P55,999

P69,990

realme X3 SuperZoom

realme X50 Pro 5G

• realme UI (Android 10) • 2.96GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ • 64MP + 8MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP + 8MP front • 6.6” 1080x 2400 • 256GB built-in, 12GB RAM • 4G LTE

• realme UI 2 (Android 10) • Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon SM8250 • 6.44” 1080 x 2400 Super AMOLED • 64MP + 12MP + 8MP + 2MP rear; 32MP + 8MP front • 128/256GB built-in; 6/8/12GB RAM • 5G LTE • dual SIM

P24,990

Apple iPhone 12

JULY-AUGUST 2021

P25,990

P72,990

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G P23,990

• Android 11 • octa-core • 64MP +12MP + 5MP + 5MP rear, 32MP front • 6.5” FHD+ sAMOLED • 256GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

From P62,990

OnePlus Nord

P21,990 (128GB + 8GB) P25,990 (256GB +12GB)

• Oxygen OS 10.5 (Android 10) • 2.4GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G • 48MP+ 8MP + 5MP + 2MP rear, 32MP + 8MP front • 6.44” FHD+ • 128/256GB built-in; 8/12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

Samsung Galaxy A72 P23,990

• Android 11 • octa-core • 64MP +12MP + 5MP + 8MP rear, 32MP front • 6.7” FHD+ sAMOLED • 256GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max From P69,990

• iOS 14 • Hexa-core Apple A14 Bionic • 6.7” 1284 x 2778 Super Retina XDR OLED • 12MP + 12MP +12MP rear; 12MP front • 128/256/512GB built-in; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE, 5G

OPPO Reno5 5G P23,999

• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.43” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 P109,990

• OneUI (Android 10) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 + • 12MP + 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP cover camera, 10MP front camer • 7.6” QXGA+ Infinity Flex Display, 6.2” HD+ Super AMOLED display • 256GB built-in; 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

P20,000 AND ABOVE

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

P53,990

• Android 10 • Exynos 990 • 64MP + 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP front • 6.7” FHD+ • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G P44,990 (128GB) P47,990 (256GB)

P67,990 (8GB + 256GB) P72,990 (12GB + 256GB 5G) • Android 10 • Exynos 990 • 108MP + 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP front • 6.9” WQHD+ • 25GGB built-in, microSD; 8/12GB RAM • 5G/4G LTE • dual SIM

• OneUI 3.1 (Android 11) • Exynos 2100 • 12MP+12MP+64MP rear, 10MP front • 6.2”” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED • 128/256GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

vivo V21 5G

P23,999

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G P66,990 (128GB) P69,990 (256GB)

• OneUI 3.1 (Android 11) • Exynos 2100 • 108MP+12MP+10MP+10MP rear, 40MP front • 6.8”” QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED • 128/256 GB built-in, microSD; 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G/LTE • dual SIM

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite P26,990

• 2.3GHz quad-core + 1.7GHz quad-core • OneUI 2 (Android 10) • 8MP rear, 5MP front • 10.4” 1200 x 2000 • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GBRAM • 4G LTE

Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G P57,990

• OneUI 3.1 (Android 11) • Exynos 2100 • 12MP+12MP+64MP rear, 10MP front • 6.7”” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED • 256GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

NEW!

• Funtouch OS 11.1 • MediaTek Dimensity 800U • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 44MP front • 6.44”” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB built-in; 8GB + 3GB extended RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

It’s an impressive midrange smartphone with almost flagship features and a solid choice for those looking to upgrade to a 5G-ready phone without breaking the bank.

vivo X50

vivo X50 Pro

vivo X60 5G

Xiaomi Mi 11

• Funtouch OS 10.5 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 • 48MP + 13MP + 8MP + 5MP rear, 32MP front • 6.56” FHD+ • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• Funtouch OS 10.5 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G • 48MP + 13MP + 8MP + 8MP rear, 32MP front • 6.56” FHD+ • 256GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

• Funtouch OS 11.1 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 • 48MP + 13MP + 13MP rear, 32MP front • 6.56” FHD+ AMOLED • 256GB built-in; 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

• MIUI 12 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 • 108MP + 13MP + 5MP rear, 20MP front • 6.81” WQHD • 256GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

P25,999

P39,999

P34,999

P36,990

JULY-AUGUST 2021

BEFORE YOU GO

TOKYO 2020 IN NUMBERS 1964

11,000

The first Olympic Games in Tokyo took place in October 1964.

Karate, sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing are the four new sports added to the 2020 Olympics.

JULY-AUGUST 2021

Number of athletes from 205 countries who will compete in 33 sports

5,000

Number of medals made of recycled electronics. Ahead of the Games, people in Japan were asked to donate their disused electronics. The collection drive spanned two years and resulted in approximately 78,985 tons of old devices collected by local municipalities.

1912

Japan’s first participation in the Olympics was the 1912 Summer Games in Stockholm, Sweden.