Speed September-October 2021 by speedmagph

TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G Huawei nova 8i Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 OPPO Reno6 Z 5G Nissan Terra Logitech G335

Acing education through esports Meet HU Storm bottom laner Maykel Gonzales

CAR TECH THAT’S WORTH THE HYPE Future-proof your ride

Heart Evangelista for XTREME Appliances The face of modern Filipino lifestyle

THE COUNTRY’S LEADING ONE-STOP SHOP APPLIANCE BRAND

SEPTEMBEROCTOBER 2021

ISSN 1655-9827

TESTED

ISSUE.198

09-10.21

Cover Girl Her name may be synonymous with beauty and elegance, but Heart EvangelistaEscudero says she’s never had it perfect. Get to know more about the actress, fashion icon, and new XTREME Appliances ambassador in this interview.

People@Speed Get to know this U.S.-based entrepreneur who has decided to take on cancer, and a hardcore gamer who earned a scholarship in Pennsylvania through gaming.

hotspot

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

Cover Story Some don’t want to pay for cool tech in cars because they’re afraid of buyer’s remorse. But make no mistake: really cool car tech will future-proof your ride—and even save lives. Know which ones are worth the hype.

TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Motoring

Meet the powerful women of the 2021 Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup Autocross Challenge.

Hit the play button on these new movies, documentaries, and series streaming this month.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Press Play

Acing education through esports Meet HU Storm bottom laner Maykel Gonzales

CAR TECH THAT’S WORTH THE HYPE Future-proof your ride

Heart Evangelista for XTREME Appliances The face of modern Filipino lifestyle

THE COUNTRY’S LEADING ONE-STOP SHOP APPLIANCE BRAND

SEPTEMBEROCTOBER 2021

ISSN 1655-9827

TESTED

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G Huawei nova 8i Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 OPPO Reno6 Z 5G Nissan Terra Logitech G335

Heart Evangelista-Escudero for XTREME Appliances Image courtesy of XTREME Appliances

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trending

proving ground

columns

Tech Frontiers Tesla is planning to launch a humanoid robot that will eliminate dangerous and repetitive tasks. A solar powered catamaran is helping clean up anila ay in 2 22 through plastic recovery and recycling.

manual

Click Here

Technosphere Samsung is still making a big bet on foldables. Here’s what Speed tech guru ad o Sevilla has to say.

Team up with the Dark Knight and fight crimes together, bring back s radio vibes with Spotify, and binge watch past seasons of Pokemon on your Switch.

How To Learn about scams involving fake deliveries, as well as common mistakes that beginner riders commit and how to avoid them

Games Cloud Song: Saga of Skywalkers takes you to the skies.

All About the UX on’t let the subtitles dissuade you Columnist Trixie eyna enedicto shares some binge worth foreign language series that you should check out on etflix.

Arsenal

Tested

Ask the Editor

Game on

A smartwatch that can measure your body composition, a couple of fresh foldable phones, and a laptop that comes with its own deck are ust some of the cool tech toys you’ll find in the next few pages.

Hot products we tested this issue Lenovo Legion Phone uel 2, Samsung alaxy lip 5 , issan Terra, and more.

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

esident gamer ovi igueroa talks about Stardew Valley and the importance of supporting indie games and local devs.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TECH EVERYWHERE

DAS, BSM, IPAS, ACC, LDW, RCTA—do you know what these acronyms mean? And if so, do you know how they work? The alphabet soup of car safety and tech gets more confusing every day, with manufacturers racing to add more of these features to their vehicles. Layers of assists have been—and are being—created primarily to backstop inattentive drivers distracted by their smartphones. But I bet many of us have no idea what all the technology in our cars actually do. How does LDW (lane departure warning) differ from LKA (lane keeping assist) and LCA (lane centering assist)? What is AEB (automatic emergency braking) and can it detect pedestrians and cyclists on the road? Car technology—love it or hate it, we’re drowning in it. But are we just building technology to fix a problem that can be solved by fixing the drivers instead A lot of these assists are lifesaving: a car that can automatically apply the brakes and save you from a painful crash, a car that steers you back in the lane when you doze off, and so on. You just can’t knock the good intentions. Alas, some tech are still in their painful teething stages or have not been refined yet. 6

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

And in some cases, they could distract us at the wheel instead of helping us focus on the road. On page 51, we explore five car tech that are worth the hype and how they can futureproof your ride and keep you safe. On a related note, we also reviewed the new Nissan Terra (page 47) and delved into the intelligent and convenient features of this tech-laden SUV. But this issue isn’t just all about car technology. We also lined up stories about cool products (hello, smartwatch that can measure your body composition!), shiny new wheels, apps you should download, and streaming videos you should watch. We also put the spotlight on female race car drivers who are breaking barriers, an entrepreneur who’s fighting to end cancer through his startup, and a gamer who’s earned a US scholarship by playing games. And of course there’s actress, fashion icon, and XTREME Appliances ambassador Heart Evangelista-Escudero on the cover. Get to know more about her on page 62. Happy Speed reading!

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF katrina@speedmagazine.ph

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

CRE ATIVE CONSULTANTS John Paul Dizon Carmela Balitaan FINAL ARTIST Arnaldo G. Santos

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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 u lisher is rohi ited he ie s and o inions e ressed in this u lication are solel those o the authors and do not necessaril re ect the o cial olic or osition o and its o cers and management hile e er care is ta en to ensure that the content o 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.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

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Tesla Bot

SAY BYE TO BORING WORK WORDS JUSTINE PUNZALAN

Tesla is planning to develop a humanoid robot engineered with “all of the same tools we use in [Tesla’s] cars,” CEO Elon Musk announced during the brand’s AI Day in August. The prototype, aptly named Tesla ot, ill stand , eigh 2 l s, and e a ricated using light eight materials us said it ill o erate the same uilt into the rand s sel dri ing ehicles ts head, or one, ill e itted ith a set o auto ilot cameras used esla s ehicles to sense the en ironment, as ell as a screen to dis la in ormation t ill also run on esla s neural net lanning he esla ot, according to us , is made to na igate through a orld uilt or humans and ould e a le to eliminate dangerous, re etiti e and oring tas s, including going outside to get some groceries n addition, the ot ould e a le to carr u to l s and deadli t u to 0 l s

hile the esla ot can mo e at s eeds o u to m h, us remar ed that it is intended to e riendl and that eo le can oth outrun and o er o er it e added that the com an ill li el launch a rotot e next year.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TECH FRONTIERS

SOLAR-RUN VESSEL WILL HELP CLEAN UP OCEANS

In 2022, the Philippines will be getting a helping hand in cleaning up Manila Bay. According to global building solutions provider Holcim Group, the Circular Explorer, a solar-powered catamaran began its journey in the Baltic Sea in July, focusing on education and science programs. In 2022, it will be deployed in Manila Bay to continue those programs while also beginning plastic recovery and recycling. The vessel, developed by One Earth One Ocean, can recover four tons of plastic waste daily from bodies of water, which will then be recycled into new applications from new products to alternative energy. The Circular Explorer is part of the Holcim Group’s stronger focus on sustainability and innovation, which includes the

launch of the world’s first green cement made with 20% recycled demolition and construction wastes. The Circular Explorer will be operated by environmental organization One Earth One Ocean and supported by Holcim Philippines. To further strengthen this initiative, the company signed a partnership with the Marine Environment and Resource Foundation, Inc. (MERF) at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) last July 29 to develop innovative solutions against plastic pollution and advancing research in this field. MERF and Holcim also agreed to develop capacity building materials to communicate the effect of marine plastic pollution and opportunities to change behavior.

TUNABLE TUNA While robots that can swim underwater are nothing new, few—if any—could glide through water with the grace and speed of a real life fish. Apparently, the secret is in the tail. Researchers from the University of Virginia say they have come up with a tuna-like robot that can tense up or relax its tail joint, allowing it to reach high speed while conserving energy. According to Dan Quinn and his colleague Qiang Zhong, they combined fluid dynamics and biomechanics to tune the stiffness of the tail. This innovation could one day help improve swimming robots that can carry out more complex missions.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

CLICK HERE!

Fight crime with the Dark Knight DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition

Kids—and kids at heart—can now team up with the Dark Knight and experience the world of Batman. Designed for kids ages 6-12, DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition is a free mobile app that features exclusive Batman content, new digital comic book, mini games, A filters, and atman technology based learning experience. The app features a first of its kind augmented reality technology to engage kids and immerse them in the world of the iconic C superhero who uses crime fighting tech to help him foil the evil deeds of the Joker, Mr. Freeze, The Riddler, and other DC super villains. At launch, DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition features AR missions, where users become a member of Batman’s new Knightwatch team and immerse themselves in original Batman crime fighting missions. The amazing AR provides a realistic 3D experience that draws upon engineering and design concepts to make Batman’s Bat-Tech come to life.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

There are also mini games, including a Batman-themed mobile driving game where players test their skills at driving the atmobile. atarang Practice lets players face off against the clock and find out how many targets they can knock down, while the rapnel Launcher game requires players to run and jump to overcome obstacles. The app also comes with A face filters, sticker packs, and Batman Bat-Tech video content, which will surely delight its target market. ew missions, games, filters, sticker packs, and video content will be added and updated on a regular basis to keep the app experience fresh and fun. Additionally, launching exclusively on the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app is a digital comic series, Batman – Knightwatch. Additional digital comics will be added to the app on a regular basis. C atman at Tech dition, playable on both tablets and smartphones, is available for download on the Apple App Store and oogle Play Store.

CLICK HERE!

FM radio vibes on Spotify

Those who lived through the ’90s share a fond nostalgia for FM radio. Remember how you used to sprint to your family’s stereo to record your favorite song when the plays it Or how you fixed your schedule so you can catch your pop idol’s guesting in a station?

Makinig Ka Muna with Jim & Saab, a unique show format where musicians and couple Jim and Saab read out letters from young Filipinos, spotlighting songs that ease the soul; and Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Podcast, a deep dive of some of OPM legends Itchyworm’s favorite tracks in the last 25 years.

Spotify is bringing back those pure wholesome vibes with its Music + Talk, a feature that puts together locally made music tracks and spoken word commentary in one harmonious listening experience. Music + Talk—available to both Spotify Premium and free listeners—lets you go deeper into the music via conversations and commentary from leading creators and musicians. It provides a seamless discovery opportunity, allowing you to like, save, and see more information about a track without having to leave the episode page or search for it manually.

Through Spotify’s all-in-one podcast platform called Anchor, anyone can create a Music + Talk show that seamlessly mixes spoken word content and music with access to Spotify’s library of over 70 million tracks.

The new feature gives you access to shows, including Soundtrip with Jugs & Teddy, hosted by It’s Showtime duo and musicians Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz;

You can search for Music + Talk on Spotify to access the hub of global and local Music + Talk shows. Simply choose from a list of categories from the Music + Talk Hub, such as Editor’s Picks (recommended by Spotify’s editors) and Made for You (shows selected by Spotify’s algorithm based on a user’s listening profile).

The app, now available on the Switch, features a slew of classic episodes, including the entirety of the first two seasons, as well as the ongoing Pokémon Journeys series. It also contains some movies and specials, such as Pokémon Origins and Twilight Wings.

Catch ‘em all on the Switch 14

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Nintendo Switch users—kids and adults alike—can now binge-watch past seasons of the Pokémon anime series right from the palm of their hands. Pokémon TV was first launched as a section on the brand’s o cial website in 2 1 , then as an app on Android and iOS in 2 1 .

Trainers can pick up tips from Pokémon Trading Card Game and video game competitions, while kids can stream singalong songs from the app’s Junior category. Pokémon TV is free to download from the Nintendo eShop, with content to be refreshed periodically. Signing up for an account is not required, as you can either log in as a guest or link a Pokemon Trainer Club account to start browsing the app.

GAMES

Taking you to the skies Cloud Song: Saga of Skywalkers

There are four types of pets you can own and use in battle fire, wind, earth, and fairy. Fire types help attack the enemy with magic power, wind types attack the enemy through physical strength, earth types protect you from enemy attacks, and fairy types give you support. You can upgrade your pet so they will evolve and become stronger. You can utilize nine pets simultaneously and be the unbeatable Skywalker. This action RPG has a variety of player vs. player (PvP) and player vs. environment (PvE) challenges, as well as social features including the Guild System, Marriage System, and minigames with NPCs.

Are you ready for a new gaming experience in a fantasy world up, up, and away? Multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) Cloud Song: Saga of Skywalkers from VNG Corporation will take you there with its vibrant, colorful open-world concept and adorable chibi-styled characters. The game lets you explore the vast and beautiful world of the game as one of five different classes. If you like attacking from a distance, be an Archer or Mage.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Those who like to advance in the front row, on the other hand, can play as a Swordsman or Rogue. Meanwhile, if you’re the type who likes to help friends, then you might want to take on the role of an Oracle, who can give buffs and heal. Each class has its own unique abilities and types of attacks and will branch out into two more advanced classes as you progress into the game. Cloud Song also has a pet system that allows you to choose a companion that will accompany you in your adventures.

The Marriage System allows two players who love each other to get married. The requirement is for your intimacy points to reach 500. This can be achieved by partying and doing adventures together in dungeons or giving gifts. If you meet the requirement, you can buy a wedding ring at the Black Market and get married in front of NPC Angela. Don't forget to invite your friends to make your wedding merrier, memorable, and rewards filled. Cloud Song: Saga of Skywalkers is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.

GAMES

Ready, get set, play! Gamers can burn more than 400 calories in two hours of play

It’s high time to take video gaming seriously for your physical well-being. A study conducted by game platform Stakester has shown that two hours of gameplay can burn as much as 420 calories in men and up to 472 for women. That’s equivalent to performing a whopping 1,000 sit-ups. CEO and founder Tom Fairey said the idea that people experience increased heart rate and stress during gameplay is no-brainer. However, the numbers that came out from their study are astonishing. The test was conducted among 50 volunteer gamers tasked to wear smart devices that tracked their heart

rate and energy consumption while playing FIFA and Call of Duty: Warzone for two hours. “We all know that competition increases our heart rate and most of us have experienced the ‘gaming sweat’ that happens when you’re searching for a lastminute goal in FIFA or in a tight spot in Warzone. It’s no surprise that this burns calories,” said Fairey. “But we were surprised to see just how many [are] burned during a 2-hour session. It certainly beats doing 1,000 sit-ups!” Results also showed that in just an hour of gameplay, the male gamers burned an

average of 210 calories, while the women lost an average of 236. This isn’t the first time that playing video games proved to be a (much) healthier hobby than most people thought. In 2020, a team from Queensland University of Technology surveyed 1,400 gamers from 65 countries to investigate the BMI (Body Mass Index) status of a global sample of esports players. The study revealed that players are 21 percent more likely to have a healthier body weight than the average person. Not only that, esport gamers are less likely to have smoking and drinking habits and are significantly more active than the general public.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

ARSENAL

A-wristed development Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4

For its latest smartwatch, Samsung plays nice with Google—resulting in a bigger app catalog and improved usability. The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic run Wear OS 3, which is a joint-development project between Samsung and Google. They also feature Samsung’s One UI Watch user interface. More than the shift from Tizen to Wear OS, however, the Galaxy Watch4 series boasts Samsung’s most advanced suite of health and wellness features yet. The smartwatch is equipped with BioActive Sensor, which uses a single chip to run three other health sensors: Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. It allows you to monitor your blood pressure, detect an irregular heartbeat, measure your blood oxygen (SpO2) levels. Meanwhile, an all-new body composition measurement tool captures 2,400 data points in just 15 seconds and can give you a comprehensive set of measurements such as skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water, and body fat percentage. All you have to do is place the tips of your middle and ring fingers onto the side uttons These smartwatches also come packed with wellness features to track your daily activities and help you stay motivated. Aside from a wide range of guided workouts, you can also enjoy Group Challenges with your friends and family with Samsung Health, and keep track of your sleep patterns via Sleep Scores and blood oxygen level. The Galaxy Watch4 series is powered by a 5nm processor that’s 20% faster, has 50% more RAM, and has a GPU 10 times faster than the previous generation. Battery life is up to 40 hours, and 30 minutes of charging already provides up to 10 hours of battery. The Galaxy Watch4 retails at P12,990 for the 40mm model and P14,990 for the 44mm model. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch4 Classic retails for P17,990 for the 42mm variant and P19,990 for the 46mm variant.

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ARSENAL

TECH LOOK

BE WELL, LIVE WELL

Wellness is more than just physical health. It’s a full integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. And now more than ever, we should all strive to achieve wellness.

Start with the physical: prepare yourself a healthy meal at home instead of relying on fast food. You can even enjoy your favorite fried food the healthier way by cooking them in this (1) Electrolux 5L Air Fryer (P11,995). No need for oil!

Go outside and get some Vitamin E while still staying protected. Mask up with the 2 uri are eara le ir urifier with VoiceON (P9,799) that’s equipped ith a ull automatic an air o control s stem and t o filters t also has VoiceON tech that boosts the sound of your voice so that others can hear you better through the mask.

While you’re at it, go out for a jog or run. Put on this simple and versatile (3) UNIQLO Dry Crew Neck T-Shirt (P290), which features a quick drying technology that makes it dry quickly even after sweating.

Don’t forget your (4) Fitbit Charge 5 (P11,990), a health and fitness trac er with an EDA sensor, which measures your body’s response to stress through tiny changes in the sweat glands on our fingers It also comes with a built-in GPS, 20 exercise modes, automatic exercise recognition, and an estimate of your V02 max.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

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TECH LOOK

ZOOM-READY

Got online meetings left and right? Say goodbye to your PJs and put on something decent but still comfortable.

Wear (1) Cotton On The One Organic Rib Crew Short Sleeve Tee (P799) with a slim fit and round nec line ts com orta le and so t to the s in since its made rom organic cotton lend he solid color ma es it modern and st lish enough or a ideo con ith our colleagues

oot u our (2) Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i , , a thin and light inch resolution la to o ered the th gen ntel ore i chi and t has a 20 camera on its slim e el and comes ith a mechanical ri ac co er

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

a e sure ou don t loo ast on cam n est in a decent ring light such as the o eamo inglight 2 ith and od 2, 0 ou can s itch et een three color tem eratures de ending on our mood t s e en designed to or seamlessl ith e isting su orts and mounts, should ou alread ha e one l ing around

retti our or des ith a mart e il ater roo mouse ad , or the 00 00mm made o leather t s also stain resistant, so don t orr i ou accidentall s ill co ee or tea on it

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TECH LOOK

MULTITASKING MASTER

Your smartphone is your lifeline to the world. It doesn’t just deliver your messages and make calls; it also tells you your schedule, keeps you updated on what’s happening around the world, and even entertains you via games, videos, and music. That’s why choosing a phone that handles all of these with aplomb is vital to your daily effectiveness.

Check out the (1) POCO X3 GT 8GB + 256GB (P17,990), a powerful midrange with a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 SoC, a large 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, triple-rear cameras, and a battery life that doesn’t let up. This phone will no doubt be able to handle almost everything you throw at it.

Need to head out to shoot new content for your vlog? Put on this (2) Money Heist x Pull&Bear T-Shirt (P1,295) featuring a photographic print of the series’ characters in a contrasting color.

Pair it with (3) UNIQLO Slim Fit Jeans (Damaged) (P1,490) that has vintage denim looks with natural fading and distressed effects.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Don’t leave home without your (4) Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ ($399) TWS earbuds so you can immerse yourself in pure sound while you’re out and about. It features adaptive active noise cancellation technology that uses a dedicated ANC DSP chip and six microphones to automatically adjust noise cancellation levels.

ARSENAL

MOBILE DEVICES

IGNITE INSPIRATION

TECNO Mobile Spark 7 and 7 Pro TECNO Mobile Spark 7 series is big where it counts— screen, battery, and memory. The Spark 7 Pro, in particular, has a 6.6-inch HD+ 90Hz screen with an unobtrusive 8MP frontfacing camera (with dual front flash at that ) on the upper left corner of the display. The Spark 7 Pro also comes with a huge 5,000mAh battery that TECNO Mobile claims can last up to 14 days on standby, up to 18 hours of voice calling, 16 hours of web browsing, 22 hours of music playback when using earphones, 20 hours of video playback, or 1 hours of o ine gaming. This Helio 8 powered phone also gets a 48 P 2 P AI cam at the back, plus a quad rear flash to make sure even night shots come out clear. Other camera features include Smile Shot, Super Night Shot, timelapse, and video bokeh. The Spark 7 Pro is available in two variants eanwhile, the T C O

obile Spark 7 (

FILL ‘ER UP FAST

Xiaomi Mi 100W wireless charger The time it takes to charge your phone just dropped from hours to mere minutes. Xiaomi’s Mi 100W MDY-13-EL can charge your phone either horizontally or vertically using the same 120W charger and 6A USB cable as the 80W model launched earlier this year. What makes the 100W charger different is, of course, its larger charging power and the added calibration protection layer on top of the 80W’s over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature, electrostatic protection, and foreign object detection technology. The Mi 100W wireless charging stand can juice up the Mi MIX 4’s 4,500mAh battery to 100 percent within 28 minutes. It began retailing in China at C 5 (approximately P , ) last August, but there’s no word yet on its availability in other regions.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

(P ,

) and 4

128

(P ,5

O ) which comes with a .52 inch screen, , mAh battery, and 16MP dual rear camera—is available for only P4,990.

MOBILE DEVICES

FRESH FOLDING PHONES

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Samsung has unwrapped the next chapter in foldable innovation with the new Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. For those who need the ultimate device for productivity and immersive entertainment, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is a true multitasking powerhouse with next-level performance, an undisrupted 7.6-inch Infinity lex isplay, and the first-ever en support on a Galaxy foldable device. For those who want style that comes with function, there’s the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G with its sleek and pocketable design, enhanced camera features, and a larger Cover Screen built for quick use on the go. or the first time ever on a Galaxy foldable smartphone, both foldables are equipped with I water resistance. They are also built with Samsung’s new Armor Aluminum—the strongest aluminum ever used on a Galaxy smartphone—along with the toughest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus to protect against scratches and accidental drops. In addition, both devices include a new protective film made of stretchable T and optimi ed display panel layers resulting in a main screen that’s percent more durable than previous devices. The Galaxy old G and Galaxy lip G were also put through a strenuous folding test, verified by ureau eritas, to withstand folding , times. lus, they’re equipped with the latest nm and 5G band compatibility for the best experience inside and out. The Galaxy

old G retails at 7,99 for the 6G variant and 9 ,99 for the 1 G variant. On the other hand, the Galaxy lip G is available at ,99 for the 1 G variant and 6,99 for the 6G flavor.

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

ARSENAL

LAPTOPS

COMES WITH ITS OWN DJ DECK

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition Aside from being a world-renowned DJ, Alan Walker is also an acclaimed artist who has dabbled in the world of gaming, producing tracks for PUBG Mobile and Death Stranding. Which is why collaborating with ASUS ROG makes perfect sense. The ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition blends best-in-class portability with the potent performance of an 8-core, 16-thread AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU. You also get 16GB of RAM, a terabyte of storage, and a 14-inch WQHD display with 120Hz refresh rate. This gaming laptop features unique color accents, like the Spectre Blue shade of the AniMe Matrix LED array. The nameplate sports a similar tone, along with Walker’s signature beside the ROG logo. Two fabric belts add more spunk to ROG’s signature cyberpunk flair, with one belt using reflective text that blends seamlessly with the matrix LEDs. Even the box is a creative accessory all its own. Connect the box to the G14 with a USB Type-C cable and it turns into the ROG Remix sampler, with conductive pads on the surface that allow users to trigger 18 of Walker’s own sound effects. Meanwhile, the glass touchpad is shaded with a customized pattern inspired by a music equalizer, alongside keycaps matching Alan Walker’s signature colors, plus A and W keys with the producer’s logo printed on top. The ROG Zephyrus G14 AW SE is available for a cool P109,995.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

B&W Production Printer

B&W Production Printer Pro 8300s

Expand Your Possibilities

Expand Your Possibilities • Prints up to 1,000,000 pages per month with up to 96 ppm. • Broad media handling from 52-350 gsm with maximum size up to 13” x 19.2”. • Exceptional image quality with VCSEL Laser resolutions up to 2400 × 4800 dpi. • Designed for continuous production even when replenishing toner or paper. pape • The low cost and space-saving ﬁnisher has a small footprint of 657mm length and measure 1798mm in total with mainframe.

ARSENAL

AUDIO

NOTHING’S GOT SOMETHING

Nothing ear (1)

Nothing, the startup company that OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei founded, finally has something: the ear (1) true wireless earbuds. The $99 buds feature active noise cancellation, touch controls, a wireless charging case, and a unique eyecatching see-through design. It’s equipped with 11.6mm dynamic graphene drivers that are housed in a 0.34cc chamber. The buds support Bluetooth 5.2, along with SBC and AAC codecs and Google Fast Pair. They’re also workout-friendly, thanks to their IPx4 rating. The ear (1) works on both Android and iOS devices with its companion app. According to Nothing, the buds can last for up to four hours on a single charge with ANC on and up to 5.7 hours with ANC off. The included charging case lets you use the earbuds for up to 34 hours.

UP YOUR TELECONFERENCING GAME

Logitech Zone True Wireless

Logitech wants to be part of your remote meetings and work-from-home telecons, and they have just the TWS earbuds for you. According to the company, the Logitech Zone True Wireless earbuds are the first to be certified by Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. What’s more, they not only support Bluetooth 5.0, but Logitech’s wireless USB receiver as well. The IP68-certified wireless buds come with active noise cancellation and a noise canceling mic, as well as support for quick charging and Qi wireless charging. Available in two colors—graphite and rose—the Zone True Wireless is priced at $299.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

CARS

ADVENTUROUS WAGON

Subaru Outback

All-wheel drive specialist Subaru has restyled its award-winning crossover inside and out. The all-new Subaru Outback is now built on the Subaru Global Platform. Powering the sixth-generation model is an all-new 2.5-liter direct injection boxer engine capable of 185hp and 245Nm. As expected, it comes with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the brand’s signature EyeSight technology. The EyeSight 4.0 includes an improved pre-collision braking function, autonomous emergency steering to help avoid accidents, a lane-centering function on the adaptive cruise control feature, and a lane-departure prevention function on the lane-departure warning feature. There’s also a new Driver Monitoring System (DMS) that uses an infrared camera and facial recognition technology to monitor the driver’s eyes and alerts the driver should he or she be looking away from the road when driving. Other safety features include eight airbags, steering-responsive headlights, adaptive driving beam, and blind-spot detection. nside, the ut ac is fitted ith ne a a leather seats, a ne inch in otainment s stem ith le ar la and ndroid uto, and a att arman ardon remium audio s stem ith s ea ers, a su oo er, and an channel am lifier The Outback 2.5i-T EyeSight retails for P2,380,000 and is available in seven colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, Crimson Red Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, and Storm Grey Metallic.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

ARSENAL

CARS

PREMIUM PEOPLE CARRIER

Volkswagen Multivan Kombi The iconic people carrier has returned to the Philippines, but this time around it’s offered in its premium, top-of-the-line form. The Volkswagen Multivan Kombi packs a 2.0-liter turbo common rail diesel injection engine (148hp and 340Nm) that’s mated to a 7-speed direct shift gearbox with Tiptronic function and coasting feature. The Kombi is equipped with LED headlights and taillights, LED daytime running lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a power tailgate for stowing luggage more easily, as well as electric dual sliding doors for easier entry and exit of occupants. Inside, the van features full-grain Nappa leather seats, dual swiveling captain’s seats, a multi-function table, and a three-zone climate control system. There’s also an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster with active info display, front and rear USB Type-C charging ports, and three 12V sockets. When it comes to safety, the Kombi is equipped with six airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability, hill start assist, anti-slip regulation, crosswind assist, cruise control, and park distance control with a reverse camera. The 2021 Multivan Kombi is priced at P3,595,000 for the monocolor version and P3,640,000 for the bi-color version.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

CARS

RACETRACK FLAIR FOR THE ROAD

MINI John Cooper Works GP Inspired Edition One of the most exclusive MINIs available is here. How exclusive, ou as nl fi e units are made a aila le in the hili ines he ohn oo er or s ns ired dition is a s ecial model, uh, ins ired the third gen ohn oo er or s en their engine is the same a 2 0 liter t in tur o engine 2 h , 20 m mated to an s eed te tronic transmission he

ns ired dition comes in one color acing re metallic ith contrast elting il er metallic or its roo here are lac ed out com onents li e the hood scoo , door handles, uel lid, and headlight surrounds t rides on inch light eight orged heels ith hu ca s earing the logo

ohn oo er or s s orts seats are ra ed in inamica leather com ination, hile the steering heel is co ered in al na a leather ith red stitching and a st lish rinted metal center mar ing or the 2 o cloc osition he metal shi t addles on the steering heel ha e rinted logo in metal heres also a 2 s ea er arman ardon sound s stem, a con enient heads u dis la to hel ou ee our e es on the road, and a ariet o sa et and con enience ac ages including ini s ri ing ssistant and ar ing ssistant he rice

cool

0,000

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

ARSENAL

CARS

LOADED WITH TECH AND TOYS

Nissan Terra

While it’s merely a facelift of the model launched three years ago, the changes in the new Nissan Terra’s exterior are pretty substantial. The redesigned front fascia now gets a large V-motion grille and new quad LED headlights with integrated C-shaped LED daytime running lights. At the back, there’s a pair of redesigned LED taillights, a new chrome trim on the tailgate, an u dated s oiler design, and a ne shar fin antenna he ne midsi e sits on 18-inch alloy wheels. The Terra’s dashboard is clad in leather and houses a 7-inch multi-info display and an 8- or 9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The two models also get an inch i do n rear monitor and ireless charging, hile the top-spec VL 4x4 boasts of an 8-speaker Bose sound system. The new Nissan Terra retains the 2.5-liter YD25 DDTi turbodiesel engine from the previous model. It’s capable of 187hp and 450Nm, and is mated to either a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed automatic with manual mode. he seater also no ac s more issan ntelligent o ilit eatures than the previous model. It now comes with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent mergenc ra ing, and ear ross ra c lert hese eatures com ine into the 0 a et hield, a 0 degree sa et s stem hich hel s rotect oth the dri er and passengers from potential risks approaching the vehicle. rice starts at

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

or the 2 ariant and goes all the a u to 2, for the top-of-the-line VL 4x4 AT.

,000

p.38 FAB FLIP PHONE

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP 3 5G p.36

LOGITECH G335

p.37

LENOVO LEGION PHONE DUEL 2

p. 40

TECNO MOBILE CAMON 17P

p.41

p.44

MOTO G50 5G | TCL 20S

p.46

SAMSUNG 65” NEO QLED 4K QN90A

p.47

NISSAN TERRA VL 4X4 AT

HUAWEI NOVA 8I

p.42

OPPO RENO6 Z 5G

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

THE NUMBERS DRIVER 40mm driver FREQUENCY RESPONSE (HEADPHONE) 20 Hz - 20 KHz MIC PICKUP PATTERN cardioid (unidirectional) MIC FREQUENCY RESPONSE 100 Hz - 10 KHz CONNECTIVITY 3.5mm WEIGHT 240g PRICE P3,399

HOURS OF FUN, COMFORT, AND PLAY

Logitech G335 WOR DS JOV I F IG UE R OA

The Logitech G335 is a pair of comfortable gaming headset made for gamers of all ages and all tastes. Whether you’re grinding to farm for Primogems, craft your own Minecraft world, or shoot down some foes, you’ll be doing it all in comfort and style with these cans. While the headphones are made for smaller to medium-sized heads, there’s still room to wiggle in with the adjustable suspension headband. It’s mind-blowing how Logitech manages to create such a lean machine without sacrificing quality and durability, because the headphones still have a nice weight on the hands, with the matte and shiny finishes complementing the striking colors of the ear pads and elastics.

At just 240 grams, the G335 is comfortable to wear for hours on end. Coupled with the soft memory foam ear pads and sports mesh material, no hot and humid weather can stop you from playing whenever, wherever.

The G335 delivers excellently in terms of audio input and output. While the G733 still outshines it when it comes to audio quality taking into consideration you’re paying much much more for that premium version the directional audio quality of the 5 shines in multiplayer or competitive games. Plug it in for a round of Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile and you’ll be impressed by how well you’ll track your opponents from audio alone.

One of the things I love about Logitech’s headsets are their amazing colorways and reversible, washable elastic headband. It’s easy enough to flip for when you’re in the mood for a different colorway, and it’s compatible with the other elastic headbands if you ever want to switch it out.

The G335 comes with a Y splitter in the box, giving you the option to plug the headphones and the microphone separately on your PC.

Multiplayer is now the king of online games and the G335 microphone is your secret weapon to make new friends. The mic is iscord certified, so you’ll have crystal clear communication when you’re calling out enemies or just chatting with your teammates. It comes with a flip to mute function so no more fumbling for the mute key when you need to AFK.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS Retailing at P3,399, the Logitech G335 is a lightweight powerhouse that delivers audio and aesthetics at a very competitive price point. DIMENSIONS 173.32 x 78.78 x 9.62mm

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

9.5

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2327 THE NUMBERS OS Legion OS 12.5 (Android 11) DISPLAY 6.92-inch AMOLED with 144Hz CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 GPU Adreno 660 MEMORY 12/16GB STORAGE 256/512GB built-in CAMERA 64MP + 16MP rear, 4MP front CONNECTIVITY 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, 2x USB-C PRICE P39,999

THE GAMING PHONE TO BEAT?

Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 WO RD S AYIE L IC S I

Mobile gaming gets seriously savage with the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2. Like its predecessor, this phone is designed for horizontal use because that’s the typical orientation for most games. This time, though, the phone’s aesthetics scream “gamer” more than before. Mobile gaming gets seriously savage with the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2. Like its predecessor, this phone is designed for horizontal use because that’s the typical orientation for most games. This time, though, the phone’s aesthetics scream “gamer” more than before. In front, the Legion Phone Duel 2 sports a massive 6.92-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate for smoother graphics in and out of games.

This phone is able to breeze through triple-A games thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 888 processor with 12GB of RAM. It runs on Android 11 with Legion OS baked on top. So far, we haven’t encountered any hitches performancewise and the Legion OS skin gives a coolerlooking UI. Also, it automatically sets apps in dark mode.

The Legion Realm app elevates the gaming experience. By swiping from the top of the screen, you get a mini control center showing WiFi status and other customizable settings.

The Legion Phone Duel 2 is also unconventional battery-wise. It has two S ports and two separate batteries which in total has a 5,500mAh capacity. Used casually, like for social media and binge-watching videos, the handset can last over a day. It can last for several hours when you’re gaming.

There’s an RGB-illuminated logo and twin turbo-fan at the back of the phone, giving it handheld console vibes. Also on the rear are two capacitive touchpoints for additional gaming controls.

There are no notches on this phone; instead the front camera is hidden in a popup mechanism on the right side of the device. Its placement is pretty brilliant. Since the phone is designed for landscape use, gamers can easily video chat or stream all while they’re playing on the phone.

This phone is quite hefty and users with small hands might find it di cult to reach far parts of the screen. It’s still pretty sleek overall with its cool design.

Complementing the rich viewing experience are the two front firing olby Atmos speakers that produce incredibly rich sound. The speakers are found on the top and bottom part of the screen that way your palms won’t cover them while you’re playing.

The middle part, where the RGB and fan are, gets hot when you’re playing, but the other parts of the phone stay cool to the touch.

The camera array is composed of 64- and 16-megapixel cameras and an L flash.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS Those who are serious about mobile gaming looking for the best platform money can buy should definitely put the Lenovo Legion hone Duel on their shortlist.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 176 x 78.5 x 9.9 mm, 259g

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

FAB FLIP PHONE

THE NUMBERS

WORD S KAT R IN A R IV E R E- DIGA

2328 OS Android 11 (One UI 3.1) DISPLAY 6.7-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex main display, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate; 1.9-inch 260 x 512 Super AMOLED external display CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 MEMORY 8GB STORAGE 128/256GB built-in CAMERA 12MP main with OIS and dual pixel AF + 12MP ultrawide; 10MP front CONNECTIVITY 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS PRICE P52,990 (8+128GB) P56,990 (8+256GB)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G I’ve owned only one flip phone in my life a Samsung series back in 2 5, if memory serves me right. It was a tiny silver clamshell with equally small main and external displays, a 1. P camera, and a removable battery. It could send S and connect to the net via P S. ut it served me well, and I actually miss flinging it open with the flick of the wrist. So when Samsung announced the first lip in 2 2 , I was giddy at least until I learned about the prohibitive P7 price. ut now that the alaxy lip 5 is here, with its more reasonable tag price and improved features and build, it looks like I’ve found the foldable that I may actually want to buy. One thing I especially like about the lip is how I can fold it halfway in an L shape, place it on a flat surface, and shoot photos and videos without needing to look for something to prop it on.

The cameras on the lip 5 aren’t the best from Samsung. That’s not to say they’re bad. In fact, you get sharp and punchy looking photos, especially under well lit conditions. oing some night photography etter use the night mode to improve your photos’ details and brightness.

The selfie camera is quite a hit and miss depending on the lighting conditions. or the most part, though, snaps are sharp and have vibrant colors.

ou can multitask on this phone without any hitch thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 888 8 A combo. o note that the storage is non expandable, but for many users, 128 or 25 is more than enough for their needs. I can’t say the same for the , mAh battery. specially on a busy day, you’ll need to charge your phone before going to bed.

uild quality seems good. It’s made from a durable armor aluminum, Corning orilla lass Victus, plus it even has IP 8 rating.

The cover screen is not ust a gimmick. Aside from showing you notifications, the display also has widgets that allow you to control your music, set your alarms, and so much more. It can even serve as a camera viewfinder so you can take selfies using the main camera when the phone is closed. As expected from Samsung, the main display is vibrant and bright. There’s a soft crease across the middle, which I found to be a bit bothersome. It’s negligible when you’re on dark mode or are watching videos with dark scenes, but when the screen is white or when light reflects off it, the crease becomes obvious. Other than that, it doesn’t affect the overall experience of using the main display. The large main display has a 12 Hz adaptive refresh rate, which makes it feel buttery smooth when scrolling, swiping, or browsing the eb.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 166 x 72.2 x 6.9mm (unfolded), 183g

Small, stylish, and powerful, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is a compelling device for those who are bored of big slab phones. That is, if you can live with the soft crease on the screen and the short battery life.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2329 THE NUMBERS OS HiOS 7.6 (Android 11) DISPLAY 6.8-inch FHD+ 2460 x 1080 CPU Octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 MEMORY 6GB STORAGE 128GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA 64MP + 2MP + 2MP + AI cameras rear, 16MP front CONNECTIVITY 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS PRICE P8,490

A LOT OF PHONE FOR THE MONEY

TECNO Mobile CAMON 17P WOR D S AN DY L E UT E R IO

To be honest, I’d never heard of TECNO Mobile before—until Cap, sorry, Chris Evans started endorsing them. The Hong Kongbased mobile phone company is focused on building feature-packed smartphones for Southeast Asia and African markets where price and value-for-money are king. To that end, the CAMON 17P comes with the things Filipinos who are always glued to their phones will love: an impressive camera suite, good chipset, and big battery life. The cameras consist of a 64MP ultra clear quad camera and a 1 P selfie camera. It has a 6.8-inch FHD+ display, a Helio G85 processor with 128GB + 6GB memory, and an impressive 5000mAh battery with 18W flash charge. The CAMON 17P feels substantial in your hand without feeling overly large in the pants pocket. The bright, huge display is clean all around with a trio of buttons on the right side for power and volume control. The resolution gives it decent clarity. Being a longtime iOS user, I was initially reluctant to give the CAMON 17P a whirl since I found Android so tedious to set up; thankfully, everything worked well and without a hitch. Flicking through apps was a non-issue as the phone had more than enough juice to play games and take photos and videos without missing a beat. The cameras have an extensive list of options including shooting in film mode, 15-second shorts, an AR mode, slow motion, panorama, ltra High efinition, beauty, and AI cam. The main lens shoots at up to 64MP, while the macro camera shoots in 2MP with a maximum aperture of f/2.4. There’s another 2MP lens with up to f/2.4 for capturing bokeh shots. The CA O 17P also has a quad L flash for low-light photography, although the images it takes at night have a bluish tone

and are not really something to save in your album. Video is shot in 1080p@30fps, which is okay for basic videos. For the most part, the camera produces sharp images as long as you’re not too close to the subject or if it’s not moving quickly. Even with AI Cam mode, the camera software tends to soften images rather than sharpen them for postprocessing. On the other hand, the selfie

shooter is impressive, as it captures details that lower-spec selfie cams ust can’t match. With a 5000mAh battery, this phone has excellent endurance. With the battery at 95% charge on a Wednesday, I used it to take backup photos for a photoshoot, randomly used it for social media for several days, and it still has 54% battery life on a Monday. Bonus features include a side-mounted fingerprint reader, radio, and a 3.5mm jack.

SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS 169 x 77 x 8.8mm

At P8,490, the TECNO Mobile CAMON 17P is a lot of phone for the money. Frequent camera users and budding vloggers and TikTokers will find it’s uite a handy tool to have around. Even though it’s priced at the affordable end of the smartphone spectrum, it’s built uite well, doesn’t look or feel cheap, and has the horsepower and hardware to keep up with today’s social media savvy user.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

GEEK METER

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2330 THE NUMBERS OS Android 11 (EMUI 11) DISPLAY 6.67-inch Full HD+ LCD CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 MEMORY 8GB STORAGE 128GB built-in CAMERA 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front CONNECTIVITY 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ ac,, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS PRICE ,999

GETS THE JOB DONE

Huawei nova 8i WO RD S KAT R IN A R IV E R E- DIGA

Huawei’s nova series is known for its style and value for money. Does the nova 8i live up to these? Find out in this review.

The rear camera system delivers best results in daylight. It struggles a bit in low light, with photos appearing a bit noisy. If shooting in poor lighting conditions, it’s best to use the night mode, but make sure your sub ect can stay still for a few seconds.

One of the more impressive features of the nova 8i is its support for wired charging and the fact that Huawei actually included both the cable and brick needed for that. I was able to fully charge the 4, mAh battery from zero after a little less than 45 minutes.

The nova 8i can shoot 1 8 p clips at 30fps, and for the most part, the resulting videos are good. There’s no optical image stabilization here, so if you don’t have steady hands, your footage will suffer.

The mid-tier Snapdragon 2 is paired with 8GB of A , which makes for a pretty capable phone. It’s not a device you’ll use for graphics intensive games, but for everyday tasks such as browsing, checking mails, and video streaming, you won’t find the nova 8i lacking.

The Huawei nova 8i has a smooth, reflective shell that looks upscale and feels solid in the hand. Alas, said finish picks up fingerprints easily, so if you like your phone looking pristine, you’ll have to get a case or use the silicone one included in the box.

The screen has a pill shaped cutout on the upper left corner for the 1 P selfie shooter. The screen is reasonably bright and vivid, and offers a 4.7 screen to body ratio hence the edgeless display moniker that Huawei gave it.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 160.12 x 74.1 x 7.64mm; 169g

The nova 8i is an attractive midrange phone with a good display and average overall performance. hile it doesn’t have a defining uality that makes it stand out, this phone gets the ob done where it counts.

7.5

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TESTED

CHARMING VLOGGING COMPANION

2331

OPPO Reno6 Z 5G

THE NUMBERS

OPPO is once again making a strong case for head-turning, revved-up smartphones, with the Reno6 Z 5G.

PRODUCT TEST NO.

OS ColorOS 11.3 (Android 11) DISPLAY 6.4-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080) AMOLED CPU MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G MEMORY 8GB STORAGE 128GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front CONNECTIVITY 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS PRICE P19,990

WOR D S JUST IN E PUN ZAL AN

On the upper left corner is the thin camera bump that houses three shooters—64MP main + 8MP wide 2 P macro and an L flash. Photos come out sharp and vibrant in auto mode. xtra H mode creates photos that are extra sharp with a bit higher exposure.

The 32MP front-facing camera comes with beautification tools that remove skin imperfections while preserving your natural features. And it works just the same even if you’re taking selfies indoors with sparse lighting. Both the Reno6 Z 5G’s rear and front cameras capture clips with clear resolution and audio. The rear supports up to 4K @ 30fps, while the front can shoot up to 1080p @ 30fps. Apart from Portrait eautification Video, vloggers will find the ual view Video mode helpful when they want to record videos from the front and rear cameras simultaneously.

Images tend to turn out grainy, and lack vibrance when you’re shooting using the night mode. For that, we recommend sticking to the auto mode; it will give you better results.

The phone is sleek but still feels sturdy. You don’t have to worry about tainting the Reno6 Z 5G’s pretty cover, too. It has a glossy finish mixed with some grainy matte feel, which makes it almost free of fingerprint smudges as you use the device throughout the day.

The OPPO Reno6 Z 5G’s design is clearly one of the device’s best bits, as seen on the Aurora variant we reviewed. It gives off sweet summer-like vibes, as it casts out blue, green, pink, orange, and yellow pastels in different angles and under different lighting conditions.

The Reno6 Z 5G produces clear and crisp sound with its single firing speaker at the bottom. It may not have the loudest output, but it is still immersive.

The Reno6 Z 5G has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display that delivers sharp images, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. Although it has the standard Hz refresh rate, you can still browse through the phone and view multimedia content without flicker.

Playing games on the Reno6 Z 5G is likewise smooth and satisfying. e experienced zero to minimal lags while playing Need for Speed: No Limits and Subway Surfers with other apps running in the background. Gaming is further boosted with the device’s Game Space app, which lets you toggle between different modes of play and lets you shut notifications completely while playing.

The phone comes with a beefy 4,310mAh battery. ith the VOOC flash charger, you can fully charge the device in just an hour, with the battery lasting for two days of moderate gaming, social media browsing, and etflix streaming.

SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 160.20 x 73.38 x 7.97mm, 173g

The OPPO Reno6 Z 5G is an attractive and dependable device for users who enjoy expressing themselves through compelling content. The device’s ability to run multiple apps and games without lags is an added advantage. Priced at P19,990, the Reno6 Z 5G is an ideal vlogging companion out to give you the best bang for your buck.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

GEEK METER

TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2332

2333

THE NUMBERS

OS Android 11 DISPLAY 6.67-inch FHD+ Dotch display CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 MEMORY 4GB STORAGE Up to 128GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front CONNECTIVITY 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 166.2 x 76.9 x 9.1 mm, 199g PRICE $249.99 *The unit reviewed here was released in the U.S. market.

OS Android 11 DISPLAY 6.5-inch HD+ IPS, 90Hz CPU MediaTek Dimensity 700 MEMORY 4GB STORAGE 128GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA 48MP + 5MP + 2MP rear, 13MP front CONNECTIVITY 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 167 x 76.4 x 9.26mm, 206g PRICE P10,495

SOLID MIDRANGE

TCL 20 S

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

The midrange TCL 20 S has a lot to offer in terms of hardware and software. Its body is a slick and shiny slab of plastic that looks and feels like glass. It has a bright 6.67-inch display with a curved crisp resolution. The proprietary NXTVISION keeps colors bright and offers stunning contrast. A single hole-punch on the display hides the 1 P selfie camera. On the rear, we get a four-camera array embedded into the backplate (meaning no camera bump!). Camera performance is just okay and photos tend to come out slightly oversaturated or processed. It is a decent daytime camera but falls flat once ambient light dims. The included macro camera is not great, but the rest of the lenses and modes will yield usable images. The standout feature for me was the 5, mAh battery, which can power the TCL 2 S for over two days on a single charge. Coupled with quick charging capability, the long battery life makes this a workhorse.

Motorola moto G50 5G WOR D S K AT R I NA R I VER E- D I GA

The Motorola moto G50 5G is one of the cheapest devices you can get if you want to jump on the 5 bandwagon. On paper, it seems fine a large screen with Hz refresh rate, trio of main cameras, and a imensity 7 chip. On hand, however, not much stands out about this phone. or one, the design looks dated. The bezels are noticeable, and the chin is quite thick. At the back, the plastic panel feels, well, plasticky. Sure, the phone feels solid and well built, but otorola could have added a bit more flair. The power button doubles as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor there’s also face recognition for biometrics. Both are fast and accurate. Color reproduction on the 6.5-inch display is good. hile the screen isn’t high res, it’s enough for most tasks, including watching videos and scrolling through your social media feed. However, I find the display brightness lacking using the phone outdoors can be a bit of a struggle even when screen brightness is at the highest setting. The rear cameras are able to produce photos that are good enough for posting online. It’s pretty inconsistent, though some shots come out vibrant, while some look bland.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 is reasonably fast and never felt like it was struggling even when playing more demanding games like Asphalt 9: Legends. Call quality is outstanding and clear with good volume even using the speakerphone.

The 1 P selfie cam churns out good photos as long as you shoot in well-lit conditions. However, there seems to be a software issue as it takes around 2-3 seconds to snap a photo after pressing the shutter button. Maybe a firmware update can solve this e hope.

The TCL 20S features a USB-C charging point, dual speakers that are reasonably loud, a convenience key that can be mapped to specific apps, and a power button with a fingerprint sensor.

The moto G50 has a great battery life. The 5, mAh cell can last you more than a day with moderate usage. Alas, charging speed tops out at 15 , which means it will take a while to fully charge it.

SPEED SAYS The TCL 20S is a good midrange Android phone with excellent battery life and a decent feature set. Its only drawback is that it is only guaranteed to receive one major Android update.

GET 5G ON THE CHEAP

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

GEEK METER

SPEED SAYS The moto G50 5G won’t wow you with its looks and cameras, but if you’re after a capable, longlasting handset with a huge display and a decent processor, then you can’t go wrong with this one.

GEEK METER

7.5

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TESTED

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2334 THE NUMBERS DI S P L AY 65” 3,840 x 2,160 QLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate P I CT U R E E NGI N E Neo Quantum Processor OS Tizen AU DI O 4.2.2ch, Dolby Digital Plus, Object Tracking Sound, Q-Symphony OT H E RS HDR 10+, 100% color volume with Quantum Dot. Auto Game Mode, Game Motion Plus, Bixby C O NNECT IV IT Y Bluetooth 5.2, 4 HDMI, 2 USB PRICE P161,999

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

Samsung 65” Neo QLED 4K QN90A WO R D S KAT R IN A R IV E R E- D IGA

One of the main selling points of Samsung’s Neo QLED TV is its use of the brand’s new Quantum Matrix Technology that controls Quantum Mini LED tech. The MiniLED backlight improves brightness and viewing angles, as well as reduces blooming. Additionally, Samsung says that its new Neo Quantum Processor enables the TV to produce crisper pictures and better detail in both bright and dark scenes compared to previous generation TVs. But enough mumbo jumbo. The important question is: do all those tech do what they’re supposed to do? The smaller LEDs allow the TV to have more precise control over contrast. The result is a bright and beautiful display that gets close to the black level quality of OLED TVs.

To test how bright the panel is, I watched in a room flooded with sunlight. The A passes with flying colors. The picture still looks punchy and clear, and the viewing angles are impressive. ven its anti reflection abilities are good. This is a good fit for homes with floor to ceiling glass walls or rooms that let in more outside light.

This is a huge and heavy TV, so setting it up is a two-person job. Its profile is remarkably thin and sleek, and the bezels are almost invisible. Turned on, this television looks like framed art, so it will look great mounted on your living room wall. If you don’t want to bore holes, however, you can use the sturdy-looking center-mounted stand included in the box.

The built-in 60W speakers and Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Plus technology make for immersive listening. OTS tries to make up for the lack of built in olby Atmos by filling up a room with realistic sound. If you’re not satisfied with that, however, you can get a soundbar like the Samsung HW-Q900A with Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and Q-Symphony for an even better audio-visual experience.

The QN90A boasts four HDMI ports to hook up external devices, but only one of those supports HDMI 2.1 for advanced gaming features. This means you can’t use your Xbox Series X or PS5 simultaneously with your eARC-capable soundbar.

SPEED SAYS

DI ME NSIO N S & W E IG H T 1446.3 x 829.3 x 26.9 mm; 24.4kg (without stand)

The Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90A delivers flagship TV performance in a big, beautiful package. If you watch in a bright room where there’s plenty of ambient light, you should definitely consider this TV.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

GEEK METER

PRODUCT TEST NO.

2335 THE NUMBERS EN G IN E 2.5L inline 4-cylinder, DOHC with Variable Turbocharger and intercooler T R A N SM ISSIO N 7-speed AT with manual mode P OW E R 187hp @ 3,600rpm TO R Q U E 450Nm @ 2,000rpm B R A K ES Ventilated disc front, disc rear SUSP E N SIO N Independent double wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer bar front; multi-link with coil spring and stabilizer bar T IR E SIZ E 255/60 R18 SA F E T Y Intelligent around view monitor, rear view mirror, forward collision warning, and emergency braking; lane departure warning; intelligent driver alertness; blind spot warning; rear cross traffic alert; hill start assist and descent control; P R ICE P2,339,000

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

Nissan Terra VL 4x4 AT WO R D S D E X T E R R . M AT IL L A

The Nissan Terra seats seven and even if you fit all members of your family in it, they would still feel comfortable. To keep them entertained, an 11-inch flip down monitor with H I input is readily available for the VL variant. They will also have access to Type-A and Type-C USB charging ports in all rows. Those driving solo, on the other hand, will find there’s more than enough room for their gear and stuff as the second and third rows fold flat. As a driver, comfort means a lot to me, so I appreciate that I can adjust the driver’s seat in 10 different ways (including lumbar support). irst, a disclaimer This is my first introduction to the world of the Nissan Terra—or even the brand for that matter. All I knew of the automobile manufacturer and its cars was that the air conditioning is one of the best in the industry. As expected, that’s what I got with the new Nissan Terra. Pardon me for starting with this review by mentioning this feature, but one need only drive during tra c in the metro to know how good air conditioning can vastly improve the driving experience. The Terra is equipped with a 9-inch advanced touchscreen display audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is a convenient feature as you’ll be able to mirror your device on a bigger screen and use apps—such as Google Maps and Waze—without touching your phone.

you a 360-degree view of your immediate surroundings, which is especially useful when you’re parked in a dimly lit area and you need to see what’s around you. Meanwhile, when you’re driving, the Nissan Intelligent Mobility will come to your aid. Safety features include intelligent forward collision warning with intelligent emergency brake, blind spot warning, and moving object detection. Every time an object comes too close to the Nissan Terra, it gives off a warning beep and the dashboard indicates exactly on which side it is.

From the outside, the Nissan Terra looks imposing. It’s quite the looker, too, with its bold front end, muscular lines, and 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels. While I wasn’t able to check the actual numbers, I was surprised at how much was left in the tank even after taking the Terra for a long drive outside Manila (no, not in Baguio with a friend). riving on the open road is great as you can feel the engine’s power. The ride is also plush.

Another handy feature is the wireless charging pad located just above the gear shifter. This takes away any worries of leaving your phone charger behind (as long as your phone supports wireless charging, of course). Speaking of not being worried, pressing the camera button on the dashboard gives

GEEK METER

SPEED SAYS If you’re a no-nonsense type of driver looking for a handsome, practical, and feature-heavy SUV, then you can’t go wrong with this sexy beast. D IM E N SIO N S & WEIG HT 4,900 x 1,865 x 1,865mm; 2,720kg

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TECHNOSPHERE

GADJO CARDENAS SEVILLA

The Z Flip3 5G is an easier sell. It’s Samsung’s fashion-forward phone. It is still a flagship, albeit one that is more affordable and compact. Samsung’s thrown a ton of accessories and customizations into the mix as well. The Z Flip 3 5G will appeal to that segment of the market that likes to mix and match their gadgets with their clothes. It has no competitor. The Z Fold3 5G has no competitor either. The Microsoft Surface Duo has a processor that’s now five years old, and its lack of a usable camera as well as poor user experience all around make it a non-starter in this one-Fold race. Samsung’s dogged determination, which was on full display when they powered through the exploding ote 7 fiasco years ago, could ust help them succeed in bringing foldables to the mainstream. Or it could fail miserably and set them back considerably.

A NEW FOLD AND A FLIP Samsung seems

determined to push forward with foldables. It has released the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, the third respective generations of their folding smartphone flagships. These devices address some of the issues that made earlier versions notorious flops. The new old and lip are more durable, are built to be water-resistant, and have stronger construction and more robust materials. Samsung has also made moves, mostly through partners like Microsoft and

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

As I write this, Xiaomi has surpassed Samsung as the number one global smartphone maker. Xiaomi’s on an upswing, it is carving out market share in emerging markets by offering budget and mid-range phones that cost 40 percent less than Samsung’s devices. Xiaomi doesn’t even sell a ton of flagship devices yet. Imagine what happens when they step into that segment of the market.

Google, that make Android less of a burden to use on foldable devices. For the Z Fold3 in particular, there are now various ways to optimize apps for dual-screen consumption—again, functionality that was sorely missing in earlier versions.

Samsung is hastily pumping out folding phones because they are premium flagship devices. While they do offer a new form factor and interesting new experiences, they are incredibly expensive and offer users very little upside beyond the initial coolness factor. Samsung and Apple are obsessed with dominating the premium segment of the market, but they’ve both started to plateau and are seeing very little growth.

Samsung seems ready to cannibalize sales of their popular alaxy S line of flagship devices with these new foldables. They have even sacrificed the venerable ote in the altar of old by obliterating that flagship device from the lineup. They did keep the SPen, which is now being partnered with the Z Fold3, ostensibly as the choice of CEO’s and captains of industry who want a digital Moleskine notebook and pen to go with it.

Foldables aren’t even a new form factor anymore. They’ve been around for going on five years now and aside from the initial flurry of devices from Huawei and L , Samsung’s the only one beating the foldable drum. I doubt the Fold and Flip can move the needle dramatically for Samsung. If any company has the ability to make a big bet on a new form factor, Samsung is it—but they’re betting against time and time is running out.

ALL ABOUT THE UX

TRIXIE REYNA-BENEDICTO

BINGE-WORTHY FOREIGN LANGUAGE SERIES—THAT AREN’T KOREAN—ON NETFLIX At the beginning of the pandemic in 2 2 , etflix logged a record 15.8 million new subscribers as people around the world were forced to stay home, reports Reuters. As a result, a lot of non-English-language TV shows and films, led by etflix’s ever growing catalog of South Korean series, reached global screens and made us realize there’s a whole world of quality storytelling and entertainment out there. hile almost everyone and their mother are watching one K-drama after another, alas, K-dramas aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. So if you can’t decide what to binge watch next or you just want a palate cleanser from all the Hollywood, British, or orean series you’ve been streaming, might I suggest these non nglish gems on etflix. A huge plus to watching these foreign language series It’s the closest thing to traveling to other countries and learning different cultures that we can do safely at home right now. There’s also the potential to learn a new language or at least a few new words. Another bonus finding new celebrity crushes. on’t let the subtitles dissuade you they’re more engaging than listening to the dubbed versions. And if you’re already used to reading the TV while watching K-dramas, then following these international shows season after season would be a breeze.

Money Heist (Spain) If you’re not yet a fan of this Spanish heist thriller, now is a

good time to catch up. The fifth season drops on September 3, which in fact inspired me to write this piece. ou may think you’ve seen enough heists after Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels, but you’ll be blown away by this series’ heart pounding and brilliant story. Also called Casa de Papel, it’s one of those shows you ust can’t stop watching from the edge of your seat— no matter how stressful the plot gets, how annoying some characters become, and how confusing it is morally (Why am I rooting for the thieves, not the police and hostages?). Its popularity has reached worldwide phenomenon levels, hitting the Top 10 in 92 countries in 2 2 . A etflix documentary, Money Heist: The Phenomenon, attempts to explain how and why this ragtag group of thieves in red umpsuits and Salvador ali masks became so well loved.

Lupin (France) Looking for another heist series to binge ou’ll en oy rance’s action-packed entry, whose main character, Assane Diop (Omar Sy, Inferno), is inspired by the adventures of gentleman thief Arsene Lupin, the main character in a collection of stories by rench writer aurice Leblanc. Assane carries out a series of intricate heists to avenge his late father, who was framed by a wealthy family. While it draws comparisons to Ocean’s Eleven and C’s Sherlock series, you’ll still appreciate each fast-paced episode, especially with its surprising (to me at least) and clever use of subtle humor

coupled with a catchy soundtrack. Two parts with five episodes each are currently available to stream on etflix, with a third part confirmed.

Dark (Germany) The title and promotional image seemed ominous, but Rotten Tomatoes, which gave it a 5 rating, convinced my husband and I to check out this erman sci fi thriller. We were hooked from the first episode. It starts out as a search for a missing child that later evolves into a mind bending mystery that interconnects four families and their secrets, spanning three generations, and time travel to different years from 1888 to 2053. It seems like a lot to take in, and I must admit I constantly had to consult Wikipedia for the family tree to keep up with the characters and who’s related to whom, all while reading subtitles—yet it somehow always made me jump. Witnessing the haunting mystery unravel and puzzle pieces fall into place with each suspenseful episode kept us going through all three available seasons. It’s such an intelligent and interesting story, even if it’s consistently bleak and serious. Time travel and different dimensions aside, it’s no Stranger Things, so don’t expect cutesy kids and amusing situations in this one.

Who Killed Sara? (Mexico) The title and revenge plot involving a man framed for his sister’s murder caught our attention first. ut it wasn’t until after seeing the whodunnit on the Top 10 list and watching its interesting trailer that we finally watched the first episode

and finished the first season within days, a full week before the second season dropped. A willing suspension of disbelief will allow you to fully enjoy this otherwise compelling murder mystery, which sometimes defies logic and employs soapy melodrama devices exican telenovelas are famous for. Bordering on guilty pleasure, both thrilling seasons guarantee entertainment you wouldn’t regret indulging in. And there are loads of eye candy, if that’s what you’re after. We were initially surprised that there’s a second season, since it means the question that’s the title wouldn’t be answered in the first. But, spoilers aside, both season finales we’ve seen so far seemed to provide an answer until a third season has been confirmed.

The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties (France) hile looking for a new travel show to escape to, my husband and I chanced upon this reality series (originally titled L’Agence) set in Paris about a family-run real estate agency and the extraordinary luxury properties in rance and abroad that they help buy and sell for clients. The first season’s five episodes (with a second reportedly confirmed) let us travel to Paris, the rench countryside, and even Ibiza from our home. We started watching for the sights, but stayed for the breathtaking homes, the humor (grandma a o is the best ), and the heartwarming family closeness. ou’ll get helpful insights if you ever want to buy or sell real estate in Paris and urope. At the very least, it gives one an idea what to look for in a Paris rental. onus ilipino cameo spot fashion designer Charina Sarte, who happens to be the wife of one of the four Kretz sons.

ollow me on I (@trixiereyna), (trixiereynadotcom), and my blog (trixiereyna.com).

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

GAME ON

STARDEW VALLEY SUPREMACY

JOVI FIGUEROA

ou’ve got easy goals like naming your horse Sprout and more challenging ones like reaching the 1 th floor of the Skull Cavern. ith over 4 , in prize pool, that’s definitely one for the books hile indie games have started to creep into the esports world such as Smite, Slap City, and Magic The Gathering, those usually fit into the esports mold. They’re competitive, high octane games similar to the titles already dominating the esports arena such as Counter-Strike and Overwatch. ut who would’ve thought that a sim game like Stardew Valley would actually make a good esports game I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again it’s time we start paying attention to indie games. ot ust us, players, but the big bucks of the gaming world, too. If publishers ust put in more confidence in smaller developers who can churn out these amazing indie titles, we’d have more refreshing titles like Hades and Stardew Valley. The indie gaming industry is the disruption that the gaming industry needs now. aybe it’s time we send a wake up call to big companies like Activision lizzard, who think they can get away with sexual harassment and poor labor conditions because any game they come out with gets to be a bestseller. I personally am a big Overwatch and Call of Duty fan, but I’ve since stopped putting money into these games to do my part in standing with the hundreds of Activision lizzard workers who filed a suit against the company for damages and unpaid wages.

Stardew Valley

is definitely one of the most successful and most popular indie games to have come out in the last few years. hat started out as a fan made alternative to Harvest Moon (Back to Nature is definitely one of my ultimate favorite games of all time), the game eventually received financial support and a cult following, paving the way for its release in 2 1 . y 2 2 , the game has sold over 1 million copies. hile the last few years have been good for Stardew Valley, 2 21 is the year they are finally adding more to the delight of their growing fanbase. In ebruary 2 21, Stardew Valley released its very first board game, and in days, sold out like hotcakes. ecause of its success, game developer and publisher ConcernedApe promised that a second run will be available soon.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

ust imagine, in this time of peak technology, where almost anyone has access to video games thanks to the growth of mobile gaming and the rising accessibility to gaming PCs and laptops, people are still turning to board games for some fun. This is not ust the boardgame community making a comeback because of the screen fatigue brought by the pandemic. This is mainly the Stardew Valley charm that drew millions of people to the indie game and now, to its board game counterpart. In fact, we won’t be surprised if the success of the Stardew Valley board game sales was the spark that set into motion the biggest news to come in esports in a while the very first Stardew Valley Cup. y the time this column is out, we might have already witnessed the main event held on September 4, where pros and speedrunners competed to tackle the most interesting challenges to ever grace the esports world.

Strengthening the indie game industry can be that spark we need to set fire on these confident big players. It’s not ust enough that they’re making amazing games they should first start giving back to the people who are responsible for making their games amazing. Support indie games, support local devs. And of course, support Stardew Valley and play it now if you haven’t yet.

5 car tech that’s worth the hype Not only do they future-proof your ride, they could also save lives WOR DS CA R MEL A MA R A A N FER NA NDO

Automobile safety used to mean just seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and airbags. Today’s there’s a blizzard of technologies that can significantly reduce the likelihood of a collision, keep you in your lane, and even brake for you. We’d even wager that there are systems in your car that you may not be aware of.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

COVER STORY

Vehicles built over the past decade or so are stuffed with technologies—mostly safety features—that help enhance your driving experience. Alas, not all of them are worth the hype, or at least not now. In this article, we list down five car technologies—built-in or as an add-on—that you should use right now. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Connectivity in cars was the huge push in the last decade, and now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are rapidly becoming commonplace platforms for communication, music, and navigation inside new rides. Basically, what these in-vehicle smartphone interfaces do is project your iPhone or Android device’s display onto the vehicle’s infotainment screen. They let your interact with your phone via the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or voice control. If you rely on Waze or Google Maps when driving, or if Spotify is part of your daily drive, then you’ll find value from these tech. Even if you do not use said apps, you’ll still most likely find Apple CarPlay and Android Auto useful as they let you answer calls and messages hands-free.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Indeed, using voice commands to control your smartphone is far less distracting than holding one up in your hand while the other hand is on the wheel. Text-by-voice also dramatically reduces the need to focus on a screen. However, take note that even a short glance at a screen takes your eyes off the road, so proceed with caution. Overall, though, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are technologies that you should consider having in your vehicle. If your car doesn’t have one built in, you can add an aftermarket infotainment system that supports these. You won’t regret it once you realize the convenience it brings. Android Auto

Apple CarPlay

Android phone running Android 6.0 and up

iPhone 5 and newer

Google Maps, Waze

Apple Maps, Google Maps (iOS 13+). Waze (iOS 13+), plus other thirdparty navigation apps used in other countries

Voice control

Google Assistant

Siri

Music

Google Music, Spotify, YouTube Music

Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music

Calls and messages

Via Google Assistant

Via Siri

Phone compatibility

Navigation

5 CAR TECH THAT’S WORTH THE HYPE

360-degree camera Squeezing into or backing out of tricky parking spaces can be a struggle for drivers, even experienced ones. Low-speed parking impacts—scraping a wheel on a curb, backing into a short pole—can cause minor damages but can be majorly annoying. Thankfully, there’s such a thing as 360-degree camera systems that can turn you into a parking pro and help keep your car scratch- and dent-free. A 360-degree camera system is an extra set of eyes that shows you a real-time view of the surroundings of your car. Also referred to as a bird’s eye view camera, around view, or surround view camera, this system involves several cameras strategically placed around your vehicle, typically on each bumper and on either side of your car. By combining cameras on every side of the car with some clever tech, your car’s display can show you if there are things around you that you should avoid. It’s like having a drone hovering above your car! The good news is, there are aftermarket 360-degree camera kits that you can have installed.

Blind-spot monitoring Nearly all vehicles have at least one blind spot. These are areas on either side of your car that can’t be seen in the rearview or side mirrors, or through your windows. Unfortunately, no amount of adjusting the side mirrors can eliminate blind spots. To help drivers become more aware of objects in these blind spots, car companies offer vehicles with blind-spot monitoring (BSM), blind-spot detection, blind-spot information system, or blind-spot warning, among many other names. Blind spot systems use sensors to monitor the space you can’t see. They notify you with a visual or audible warning if another vehicle has appeared within your blind spot. When a vehicle cruises into your left or right blind spot, a light illuminates in the left or right side mirror. Blind-spot monitoring is a useful tool that can minimize your chances of merging into another vehicle—as long as you pay attention to the audible or visual warnings, of course. Like the above-mentioned features, there are after-market blind spot monitor systems available.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

COVER STORY

Lane departure warning Lane departure warning systems can help sleepy or distracted drivers (read: using your phone while driving) avoid major accidents. The tech works by alerting you that your car is about to veer out of lane when it detects lane markers. As this is a passive system, you’ll need to steer your car back on center. On the other hand, lane keeping assist is an active system wherein the car steers itself away from lane markers. The newest system is called lane centering assist, which uses automatic steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

the current lane. It works as long as the car senses that you have your hands on the steering wheel and curves on the road aren’t too sharp. Automatic emergency braking Collisions happen whether we like it or not—a momentary lapse in focus, a pedestrian who hesitated to cross the street but then abruptly changed his mind, or the car in front of you that decides to just suddenly stop. Often referred to as AEB, automatic emergency braking system uses sensors to detect obstacles in your vehicle’s path and your relative speed toward them. The system assesses whether a collision is likely

to happen and usually starts by warning you via an audible alarm. If you don’t step on the brake, your car will apply the brakes automatically. Basic AEB systems work at low speeds, but more sophisticated systems work across a wider speed range. It’s an important feature to help avoid costly or dangerous car crashes.

MOTORING

WOMEN AND A

Meet the powerful women of the 2021 Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup Autocross Challenge

ormula One, supercars, Indy Grand Prix, and even go-karting may be heavily male-dominated industries—from the driver’s seats to the pits—but over the course of recent history, women have actually played critical roles and made headlines in the world of motorsports. And that’s the beauty of car racing. Time and again, women racers and engineers have been breaking gender barriers and leaving gender stereotypes in the dust. Toyota’s Waku-Doki, a Japanese expression for “heart pumping, adrenaline racing,”

At the 2021 Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup Autocross Challenge,

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Bianca Yao

six out of the 12 participants of the segment are powerful women who were beyond ready to take on the challenges in the racetrack. Mind you, the Autocross is no easy feat. With its slalom course and sharp turns, it might be even more straights and bigger curves in the circuit. Bianca Yao, one of the country’s pioneering game streamers and content creators has admitted that it had always been her dream to join the Vios Cup since its inception. This is why being tapped to join the competition is a dream come true for her.

WOMEN AND WAKU-DOKI

Lexi Mendiola

Jacq Yu

No-nonsense actress and social media darling Lexi Mendiola quickly responded to the call of speed. Gaining popularity with her stylish looks and OOTDs with a balance of honesty, her well-received unaltered image of herself proved a point that true beauty is beyond what we all see. One of the three beauty queens joining the Autocross Challenge is Winwyn Marquez, candidate to the Binibining Pilipinas 2015, Miss World Philippines 2017, and the winner of the Reina Hispanoamericana in 2017. Winwyn is also a Marine reservist and is proud to have completed the program. Long-time model and on-screen personality Jacq Yu also took on the challenge in a heartbeat. Being a fan of the race itself, she has set herself in the mindset of the pro driver that never backs out. What part of the activity excited you the most? I got excited during the practice and of course the race itself. And when

Winwyn Marquez

I got inside the racing car, I think that’s the most thrilling thing that happened. And of course, I got to meet cool and awesome new people. That was fun! What was your greatest takeaway from this event? The greatest takeaway for me is [to] always enjoy the process of whatever it is you’re doing. Despite the pandemic, we get to still do things that are exciting and [we should] make the most of it. Always keep pushing past your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Miss World Philippines 2017 titleholder Laura Lehmann also joins the party. Laura has a strong sports background— from being a former member of the Philippine women’s national softball team to becoming a courtside reporter for collegiate basketball. What goes on your mind while practicing and during the actual competition? It’s a timed competition so there’s

Carla Lizardo

that hunger inside of you to drive the fastest and beat out your opponent! Haha! The competitiveness made me feel like I was playing varsity in high school again, so it was so nostalgic! As adults we don’t really get as many chances to engage in sporting activities anymore… so this was such a fun experience! How would you apply the principle of “pushing limits for the better” in your life? I guess just always reminding myself that it’s okay to go out of my comfort greatest things! Fear stops us from gaining a lot of good things. Another beauty from the catwalk is Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental 2010, Carla Lizardo, who also happens to be a game streamer, crushing ventured into hosting both for television and podcast, alongside fellow pageant queens. How does it feel joining the Vios Cup Autocross Challenge? All I felt was excitement leading

Laura Lehmann Challenge! I’ve been wanting to take part in the Vios Cup for quite a while now, so I was super happy to get the chance to experience it. Now I can say that I’ve really caught the racing bug! Do you wish you could’ve done this activity sooner in your life? Or would you still do this when you’re older? Yes, I wish I got to do it sooner! When I was a kid, my parents would take me to the track to watch a family friend race. I always found the sport so cool, but I never thought I would get the opportunity to be the one on the to keep doing this in the future!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

PRESS PLAY

HIT THE PLAY BUTTON ON THESE SHOWS

My Name October 15

etflix

My Name is about a revenge driven woman named oon i oo, who oins a crime ring and becomes an undercover police o cer in order to find her father’s killer. It’s directed by im in min, who has previously teamed up with etflix for Extracurricular that premiered last year. My Name’s teaser poster reveals a gripping copy that reads, o one can know. y enemy, my revenge. It is accompanied by the haunting image of Han So Hee, the likes of which viewers have never seen before. She is standing in a dark alleyway with deep scratches on her face and a gleaming dagger in her blood stained hand, looking as if she had ust survived fierce combat. So Hee previously captivated the hearts of fans with her portrayal of a mistress named eo a yung in The World of the Married and charming arts ma or oo a i in Nevertheless. Through My Name, So Hee will show a drastically different side of herself. irector im in min, with his keen instinct for suspense, weaves a rich and dramatic storyline with iwoo and the other fascinating characters played by Park Hee Soon and Ahn o Hyun. My Name promises to be a gratifying action noir film with a tightly woven plot and thrilling suspense.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

PRESS PLAY

Squid Game September 17

Schumacher September 5

etflix

The action thriller tells the story of 45 people invited to play in a mysterious competition called Squid ame for a cash prize of 45. billion (approximately P2 billion). The game’s title refers to orea’s version of tag, which kids play inside a squid shaped board drawn in the dirt. This, combined with the fact that the players’ are swamped with unpayable debt, makes oining the competition a no brainer for them. hat they do not know is that the tempting prize comes with deadly stakes. Once the game begins, the childlike game arena transforms into a chaotic scene filled with murder and mayhem. Since the game has already begun, the only way out is to win it. In order to bag the prize and in order to stay alive, the participants even resort to putting the lives of other participants on the line.

etflix

etflix’s documentary traces ichael Schumacher s path from the erpen gravel pit to global superstardom. The long awaited documentary does not only portray his incomparable career but also features rare interviews and never before seen archive material. In addition to his father and his brother alf, Schumacher’s wife Corinna and his two children ina and ick by now an 1 driver himself speak openly for the first time about the multi layered personality of the beloved car racing legend. Schumacher’s closest peers and competitors, including ean Todt, ernie cclestone, Sebastian Vettel, ika H kkinen, amon Hill, lavio riatore, avid Coulthard, illi eber, Luca di ontezemolo, iero errari, and his manager Sabine ehmtell will all tell the story of a passionate fighter who pushed the boundaries of his sport further.

Squid Game director Hwang ong hyuk introduces the series as one giant allegory that expresses the capitalist society of contemporary times and alludes to the diverse stories of the game participants and how they have been driven into a corner due to competition in modern society.

Maid October 1

etflix

This is a comedy drama inspired by the memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land. In this 1 part miniseries, argaret ualley plays Alex, a young mother who, after leaving an abusive relationship, finds herself without any resources, and no recourse to get them. She takes on a ob as a housekeeper to pull herself and her daughter out of homelessness.

Jirisan October 2

i iyi

Jirisan is an original i iyi series that follows the story of an experienced national park ranger (played by ianna un) and a rookie ranger (played by u i hoon) as they uncover secrets and rescue lost trekkers in the mysterious ount iri. irected by Lee ung bok (Descendants of The Sun) and written by im un hee (Signal, Kingdom), the action thriller also features stars Sung ong il, Oh ung se, and o in si.

Maya and the Three October 22 etflix aya, a warrior princess who is about to celebrate her 15th birthday and coronation, sets off to recruit three legendary fighters who she believes can help save the world of humankind and gods. Set in a mythical esoamerican inspired world, Maya and the Three features an all star ensemble including oe Saldana, ael arcia ernal, Aldred olina, ueen Laifah, and more.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Get a kitchen update without the sticker shock

ood is a key part of our day-to-day life, so it’s no wonder that the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s where you prepare meals for your loved ones, get together, and enjoy each other’s company. A functional design and a good set of kitchen appliances can

make a big difference in the quality of food you prepare. The good news is that you don’t have to spend big bucks to upgrade your kitchen. XTREME Appliances has released new kitchen appliances that are designed to be functional and aesthetic at the same time.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH XTREME Appliances

If you’re someone who’s still into the old-fashioned kitchen setup, look no further than the XTREME Home Double Burner Glass Gas Stove (P2,499). It has a 6mm tempered glass, cast iron pan support, and stainless steel burner cover that elevates its design from traditional gas stoves in the market. On top of that, the gas stove can save you up to 30% of gas consumption and it has automatic ignition for hassle-free cooking. Many Filipinos love fried food, and the 3.5L XTREME Home Deep Fryer (P1,895) is the right appliance for the job. It has a large oil capacity and anti-slip base, which makes it safe and hassle-free to use. Not to mention, it has a stainless steel housing and enamel coating oil tank, which is easy to clean and maintain.

One of our biggest dilemmas is the safe storage of food since we want to limit our grocery trips during this pandemic. Luckily, there’s the 7.0 cu. ft. XTREME Cool Double Door Inverter Refrigerator (P17,995), which keeps your food cool and fresh—in style. The best thing is it consumes less energy with its inverter compressor, saving you up to 60% on your electric consumption. If you’ve been looking for the best way to eat your favorite food in a healthier and hasslefree way, then the 6.5L XTREME Home Air Fryer (P3,895) takes the cake. This appliance packs a punch with its roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate features. With its bigger cooking capacity, you don’t have to worry when cooking for the entire family. Pinoys can now enjoy an upgraded baking experience with the 45L XTREME Home Electric Oven (P4,695). This features versatile heating options and four control knobs that will make anyone feel like a professional baker in no time.

Leave all those kitchen-solving problems in the dust while saving gas in the process with the help of the 50cm XTREME Home Gas Range (P12,995). It has three burners and one hot plate, plus a rotisserie. The matte enamel pan supports and the stainless steel exterior make the unit easy to clean.

COVER GIRL

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

BEYOND FASHION-FORWARD

t r a e H angelista Ev

Beyond fashion-forward WORDS Justine Punzalan PHOTOS COURTESY OF XTREME Appliances

Her name is synonymous with beauty, elegance, and the limelight. Heart—or Love Marie Ongpauco-Escudero in real life—started her career in showbiz at 13 as a commercial model and as the kikay character Missy in ABS-CBN’s youth-oriented show G-mik. SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

COVER GIRL

Since then, the actress has bagged several acting awards, attended the biggest fashion shows, and graced local and international magazines as a fashion icon, visual media artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. But despite slaying major #feedgoals with her Diors, Chanels, and Hermès on her 8.9 millionstrong Instagram account, Heart remains smart about her money. “Aside from wanting to live a really good lifestyle, we also want to be smart about our money,” Heart said. “We are all [working hard], we all have to pay our bills. I am just so for being smart about your purchases and really [making] sure that everything is quality.” This money-smart mindset, combined with her elegant fashion sense, has made Heart the ideal brand ambassador of local brand XTREME Appliances. Since its debut in 2016, XTREME Appliances and commercial appliances to the evolving demands of the market. This year, the company is elevating its game by introducing Heart as its ambassadress who truly embodies the modern Filipino lifestyle. “I am so excited with my endorsement with XTREME Appliances. It is such a good collaboration because, you know, I am in the places that I invest in,” the actress remarked during her endorsement shoot.

has always been mindful of where she puts her money. In an interview with Dr. Aivee Teo last February, Heart said that she had to take on 2007 telenovela Hiram na Mukha, just to make ends meet. “Grabe ‘yan, tinawagan ko manager ko prosthetics until 3 a.m. until the next day and the hole of my nose is on top,” Heart recalled. “And I had to do this because I had no money at that time. It was super torture,” she said. “That around so I had to start from scratch. Change lifestyle din ako.” There even came a time when she barely had anything in her ATM account. And because treated her to dinner. “Ate Resty treated me in a restaurant because I had no money… From all the comfort to nothing,” the actress recounted.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

BEYOND FASHION-FORWARD

And I feel I am more appreciative and grounded because of my hardships and the many mountains I had to cross to be where I am.” Heart has clearly come a long way since then. People now look up to her as one of the most

it comes to purchasing appliances for their

“If it will save you electricity or make my lahat ng tao nasa bahay lang ngayon kumportable lahat

a very long time.”

“[XTREME Appliances] are pasok sa

that comes her way. It is with the same

“The greatest lesson is for you to not to

outlook in life.

of the plan. You really have to feel that way

where I am.”

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

PEOPLE@SPEED

Integrating healthcare with tech for the greater good ALDO CARRASCOSO WOR DS J UST I NE PUNZA L A N

Technology and innovation have always come hand in hand. When fueled by a moral purpose, the bond yields results capable of changing industries and generations. InterVenn Biosciences CEO Aldo Carrascoso had his mind set on one thing when he and his team developed VOCAL: he wanted to provide fast and accessible treatment to cancer patients. VOCAL is a first-of-its-kind glycoproteomics-based ovarian cancer liquid biopsy diagnostic that helps physicians determine whether a tumor in a woman’s pelvic region is malignant or not. The Filipino entrepreneur and his cofounding partners, Dr. Carlito Lebrilla Ph.D and Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi Ph.D., generated the solution driven by the challenges faced by Carrascoso’s family in the past. “The work that we do at Intervenn is highly personal. I lost my mother and two close relatives to breast cancer many years ago,” Carrascoso said. “I was frustrated with the lack of choices in the so called standards-of-care, not to mention the lack of understanding of solutions outside that of the genomic realm, as my family does not have any of the known genomic markers.” Carrascoso’s InterVenn has been developing various solutions for cancer using the powerful combination of next-generation artificial intelligence and high-throughput glycoproteomic, glycolipodomic, and glycotranscriptomic analysis. He explained, “InterVenn focuses on a critical but often misunderstood area of glycoproteomics, also ignored over many decades due to its computational complexity. We’ve unlocked this significant biological realm using a next generation

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

platform that utilizes AI, machine learning and advanced molecular instrumentation to immensely enhance the early detection, diagnostic, treatment selection and monitoring processes for various cancers and even other diseases.” Technology is the hallmark of Carrascoso’s InterVenn venture. This comes as no coincidence since being innovative is in the CEO’s DNA.

Tech-focused roots The -year-old Carrascoso was born and raised in San Juan, Metro Manila. He was already engaged in coding as early as third grade. e made his first television set during fourth grade and his first radio the following year. Part of his experience taking up BS Psychology and other minors at the Ateneo De Manila University

ALDO CARRASCOSO

to ensure that every project is at par with the fundamental canons of healthcare. “ igh throughput glycoproteomics analysis is incredibly complex. We are in the process of scaling our clinical operations to ensure that we meet regulatory requirements and clinical grade standards,” Carrascoso told Speed. Another is the funding of InterVenn’s highly scientific programs. “Eventually through sheer grit, I got investments from the likes of Kleiner Perkins, oogle Ventures and most recently, Soft ank,” Carrascoso said.

Aldo with InterVenn team

involved conversations, which taught him that the key to a business’s success is its people—never the sales and its operations.

In that same year, Carrascoso built his San Francisco-based biotech company, InterVenn iosciences.

Years after graduating from the university in 2000, Carrascoso ew out of the country to fulfill his dream in Silicon Valley. In an email interview with Speed, the entrepreneur recalled how his journey to the global center of tech innovation began in a parking lot in Makati

“I wrote an essay back in 2004 that explicitly said I would start a company that would utilize ‘AI diagnosis and treatment technology…[for] disease management,’” he recalled to Speed. “That essay hangs on my wall in South San Francisco reminding me of how long it takes to make the future happen.”

Carrascoso said that it was in that area where he found himself “contemplating the result of my Graduate Management Admission Test and what it meant for my future. That’s when I visualized pitching to the top venture capital firms in Sand ill Road, Palo Alto.” “After that, I pursued an MBA in Entrepreneurship in Babson F.W. Olin School of usiness from 200 to 200 ,” he added. Heeding the call to revolutionize healthcare Carrasco’s higher purpose in business came to view after the entrepreneur ventured into several trades prior to building InterVenn. Shortly after completing his masters degree, Carrascoso founded his first start-up Verego a 2 matchmaking platform, which he exited a few years later. e then went on to build content marketing company Jukin Media.

“I had no idea how I was going to do it since I wasn’t a scientist per se. InterVenn is the realization of that mission,” Carrascoso said. Apart from VOCAL, the company is also developing several other tools that will help doctors in key decision making. This includes the DAWN test, which aids in properly matching cancer patients with the best immunotherapy based on their “glyco score.” Like any startup, InterVenn has its fair share of challenges. For one, the team has

The 201 million Series C financing that Soft ank provided InterVenn will be used to fund the development and commercialization of DAWN. e added, “I have taken what I have learned and have built teams in the Philippines with the intent of leveraging the country’s untapped talent potential.” Carrascoso has gone a long way. And this journey, which started all the way from a parking lot in Manila, is one he devotes himself to for the betterment of society. The Pinoy innovator hopes that five years from now, Glycoproteomics will become mainstream and InterVenn’s AW will be “part of the standards of care in various disease management scenarios globally.” As a true man for others, Carrascoso wishes that his team’s extensive e orts in developing healthcare solutions will grant one of his co-founders a Nobel Laureate “probably or hopefully for Chemistry or Biology.” All these, combined with his unyielding passion for others’ well-being, prove that Carrascoso is fated to make a di erence in the world and put his home country on the global map of medical breakthroughs.

Erwin and Aldo

is next venture, Veem, holds the distinction of being the first in the industry to use blockchain technology as an online payment rail in 2014. The company was awarded the Emerging App Partner of the Year for 2017 at the Xero Awards Americas.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

PEOPLE@SPEED

Acing education through esports MAYKEL GONZALES WOR DS J UST I NE PUNZA L A N

In this era where creating the perfect balance between gaming and studying is deemed impossible, one collegiate esports player is winning at proving otherwise. Meet Michael James Gonzales, a University of Santo Tomas Teletiger who was recently accepted into the Varsity Esports program for League of Legends (LoL) of the Harrisburg University of Science & Technology in Pennsylvania, United States. Michael James, or “Maykel” to his friends, will assume the role of bottom laner for the esports team while taking up a degree in Information Technology at the university.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Harrisburg has been granting fulltuition scholarships and housing stipends to 22 eligible esports players every year. In his email interview with Speed, Maykel recalled how he tried his luck and showcased his skills after hearing about it from one of his friends. “I learned about it from my friend who saw on Twitter that the school was looking for players and there were tryouts for it. I applied then got qualified to do tryouts. We were required to submit five videos of our games and then they’ll decide,” Maykel said.

MAYKEL GONZALES

Maykel has mastered the skill to the point that his parents easily gave him the nod on his gaming crusades. “Nakikita naman nila na naba-balance ko ‘yung pag-aaral ko at paglalaro kaya suportado sila sa akin,” he remarked.

He didn’t think he’d make the cut, and so when the results came, it made him happy “because it means that my skills are good enough since it was recognized.” With an experience of nine years in LoL, the 20-year-old has no doubt earned the skills of an ace in the field. Still, Maykel considers the past three years he has spent with UST Teletigers as the primary key to his international feat.

The esports enthusiast was in tenth grade when he met a former member of the UST Teletigers in-game. And it was at that moment he began aspiring to be part of the collegiate team. It eventually led him to apply for admission at the university as a senior high school and maneuver himself into his dream team.

“The Teletigers community has helped me throughout my esports career,” he said. “I would not get or be able to have this opportunity if they did not get me from the team.” The Electronics Engineering sophomore has competed in many collegiate-level tournaments in Southeast Asia through AcadArena. In 2020, he was hailed the organization’s National Campus Open (LoL) Tournament MVP. In that same year, he ushered the Teletigers to the quarterfinals of the International Esports Festival League of Legends, where they were beaten by South Korea’s Chunnam Techno University. All these, Maykel wouldn’t have achieved if not for his hard work and constant love for gaming, which started in elementary school.

“We’ve gone through a lot. There were ups and downs, but we’ve solved all of it as we went on,” Maykel said, looking back on his team’s escapades. “I started playing online games when I was six years old. My cousin introduced me to the game Dota,” he recounted to Speed. “I started playing League when I was in fifth grade (2012). Since my friend told me to try this game, I tried it and got hooked ever since.” Like many young gamers, balancing time between homework and online games was not easy for Maykel at the beginning. “I played a lot of games, probably eight hours a day,” he continued. “It did bother my studies, but as time went by, I eventually learned to manage my time between studying and playing.”

“The lesson that I could take from my previous team is valuing teamwork— everyone should trust each other and work together,” he continued. “Another is that through hard work, I believe that I can achieve anything when I practice a lot. Last would be discipline—I learn from my mistakes and develop consistency.” Asked for his advice to young gamers who would like to make a name for themselves in the industry, Maykel kept it simple: “Honestly, if hindi ka pa naglalaro sa big pro team, you should never quit studies kasi medyo malaki ‘yung risk. Just balance, enjoy, and work your hardest.”

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

TECH TIPS D

riving? Keep your speed limit in check when using Waze. On your Waze app, go to Settings > Speedometer. You can choose if you’d like to be notified when you’re driving at or above the speed limit.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

HOW TO

5 COMMON BEGINNER MOTORCYCLE RIDER MISTAKES —AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

o, you finally bought your first motorcycle and are raring to go on your first adventure with your two wheeled buddy. ut before you pop that clutch, take note of the following common mistakes that beginner riders make and how you can avoid them.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

5 COMMON BEGINNER MOTORCYCLE RIDER MISTAKES—AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

ISTAK

WHAT TO DO This isn’t a mistake you want to learn from. Keep in mind that dressing properly when riding isn’t some sort of punishment (“It’s too uncomfortable!” “It’s too tedious to dress up!” “D’yan lang naman ako pupunta, bakit kailangan pang mag-sapatos?”) Wearing the proper gear will protect you from the elements and in the event of a crash.

WHAT TO DO Don’t rush! Take time to master handling and maneuvering your ride. And when you’ve finally become good at it, stay that way. Really great riders know that showing off is a fool’s game.

ISTAK

FORGETTING FUEL RANGE Not all bikes come with a fuel gauge or low-fuel indicator light. While running out of gas is not really dangerous (unless it happens in the middle of nowhere), it is absolutely an inconvenience. WHAT TO DO Know your ride’s estimated fuel consumption and tank capacity.

ISTAK

NEGLECTING BASIC BIKE MAINTENANCE Many make the mistake of riding off without at least checking their tires and fluid levels, and inspecting the motorcycle chain. If you neglect basic motorcycle maintenance, expect regular expensive visits to your mechanic.

NOT WEARING THE PROPER GEAR Even if it’s a quick trip to the corner convenience store, you must always wear proper gear. That means wearing a motorcycleapproved helmet bearing at the very least an ICC sticker, and a pair of closed shoes. While there are no laws in the country requiring you to don a full motorcycle-approved riding gear, it’s a good idea to wear long pants, a ridingapproved jacket, and gloves so that you’re prepared in the event of a road mishap.

SHOWING OFF Many beginners rush to show off their new wheels. They ride without proper training, disregard rules, push their bikes to the limit, ask someone to ride on the back seat, or just goof around. Needless to say, this is very dangerous behavior.

ISTAK

WHAT TO DO There’s no other way about it but to know the tra c signs, learn tra c rules, and follow them. Make sure to also keep updated on new tra c road regulations in place.

DISOBEYING OR IGNORING TRAFFIC RULES Defective or no headlight/taillight, overloading, lane splitting (y’know, squeezing your motorcycle between two occupied lanes)—these are some of the most frequently violated riding rules in the country. The last one, however, is so common and tolerated here that the rule is virtually nonexistent. But just because you don’t get apprehended doesn’t mean you should disobey rules. Remember: they’re there to help keep you—and others—safe.

WHAT TO DO Make it a habit to check your ride regularly. This will not only make it safer for you to ride but will also extend the lifespan of your two-wheeled vehicle.

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HOW TO

AVOID SCAMS INVOLVING FAKE DELIVERIES AND WHATSAPP Now that we’re mostly staying at home and depending largely on online purchases— and therefore, deliveries— cybercriminals have been working double time. A study by cybersecurity company Kaspersky has revealed that over the past year, scammers have been taking advantage of disruption in deliveries (due to the pandemic) by convincing users to open phishing links. Cybercriminals have become more adept at localizing their spam mailings in the past quarter. Users experienced a surge in invoices asking for money for so-called customs duties to shipment costs. In these emails, victims are often taken to a fake website, where they are asked not only to share money, but also state their bank card details.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Cybercriminals have also launched websites that appear to offer people the chance to buy parcels that could not reach the intended recipients. Such websites were set up like a lottery. Users were not aware of the contents of the package. They bid based on the weight of the package. And if they “win,” the item will never arrive, even after paying the winning bid. Another new trick from fraudsters this past quarter involves various types of spam sent to WhatsApp. An example is one that asks users to take a survey about WhatsApp and send messages to several contacts to receive a prize. Another states that the users already won a large prize; all they need to do to collect it is pay a small fee. To avoid falling victim to these scams, Kaspersky experts recommend the following:

Check any links before clicking. Hover over it to preview the URL, and look for misspelling, unusual syntax, or any other irregularities. Even if a message or a letter came from one of your best friends, remember that their accounts could also have been hacked. Remain cautious in any situation. Even if a message seems friendly, treat links and attachments with caution.

It’s better not to follow links from emails at all. Instead, you can open a new tab or window and enter the URL of your bank or other destination manually. Install a trusted security solution and follow its recommendations. The secure solutions will solve the majority of problems automatically and alert you if necessary. It’s safe practice to check the sender’s address. Most spam comes from email addresses that don’t make sense or appear as gibberish— for example, amazondeals@ tX94002222aitx2.com or similar. By hovering over the sender’s name, which itself may be spelled oddly, you can see the full email address. If you’re not sure if an email address is legitimate or not, you can put it into a search engine to check. Consider what kind of information is being requested. Legitimate companies don’t contact you out of the blue via unsolicited emails to ask you for personal information, such as banking or credit card details, your Social Security number, and so on. Be wary if the message is creating a sense of urgency. Spammers often try to apply pressure by creating a sense of urgency. For example, the subject line may contain words like “urgent” or “immediate action required” to pressure you into acting.

ASK THE EDITOR

Hack attack!

Table talk For the longest time, I’ve been using our dining table at home as my work-from-home desk. Obviously, this isn’t an ideal setup. During mealtimes, I need to put my laptop somewhere else. So I’ve finally decided—after almost 15 months—to get a proper work desk. There isn’t much space in the living room, just maybe around 3 feet by 3 feet in the corner by the window. Got any tips? LEILA A. Hi, Leila. irst of all, congratulations on finding the true value of having a functional work desk! This can hopefully help you with your productivity and creativity. Since you mentioned that there isn’t much space for your corner o ce, you might want to check out ladder-type desks. They’re narrow and don’t take up too much space, but they’re still functional. If you can find one that has a pull-out drawer, that would be better so you can keep your desk organized and uncluttered. If budget permits, get an ergonomic work chair as well. It doesn’t have to be expensive. ou ust need to find one that’s right for your space. Decide if you want one with armrests and/or headrest. Consider the ergonomics and lumbar support as well, since you’ll be sitting on it for long periods. Hope that helps, Leila!

Hi, Speed. Can my smart TV be hacked? How do I know if it has been hacked and how do I prevent that from happening? DAN CASTRO Like any other internet-connected device, your smart TV can get hacked. Hackers can tamper with your TV by changing its settings. If your TV has a camera, they can use that to spy on you; same goes with the microphone. Even if you don’t have a webcam on your television, the company providing you with content could likely be tracking your browsing and watching history. Malware can also move from device to device through your router. ow the only surefire way to ensure you won’t get hacked is to disconnect your smart TV from the internet—which will essentially turn it into a “dumb” TV. You wouldn’t want that, would you? So follow these best practices instead: Be extremely keen when setting up your TV. Choose more restrictive options to limit your exposure. Update your smart TV’s OS. Only download trusted apps. Use strong passwords and encryption. Run antivirus software. Cover the camera (if you have one) and turn off the mic when not in use. Avoid plugging in just any USB device.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

BILLBOARD

AGRI STARTUP FARM BOX WINS GLOBE BUSINESS’ HACK-IT-ON COMPETITION Farm Box, a startup that enables any individual to invest in local farmers, won Globe Business’ Hack-it-On competition, Globe’s largest virtual hackathon. The start-up received P200,000 worth of prizes, including P100,000 in GCash, tickets to the PSIA Softcon 2 21, 5 discount on the PCS Infosec certification training, ovies vouchers, a lobe my usiness prepaid internet kit, and a gift box from lobe usiness. All the participants received e certificates of participation. Farm Box aims to support local farmers through its crowdfunding platform that allows anyone to purchase farm boxes that contain essentials that partner farmers need. The project was judged the most outstanding invention for its ease of use, market viability and social impact. The team, composed of ohn Lester endoza, ohn Christopher rancisco, An enette Lopez, and elix Veroy, proposed an innovative business plan around the incorporation of API (Application Programming Interface) technology in the business model to increase investor engagement and retention. Farmbox used Charging API to help expand its payment gateways, allowing more investors to invest in the platform. S S API was also integrated into the business to notify its investors and partner farmers for payout advisories and promos. Lastly, the application of Rewards API allows investors to receive load credits or promo codes when they repurchase farm boxes.

Toyota elevates customer experience with upgraded myToyota app

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

UnionBank continues its commitment to uplift the business of MSMEs all over the country with the launch of its UPAY all-in-one payment acceptance hub. UPAY, which is now live on the MSME Business Banking app, allows business owners to conveniently collect payments by simply sending a link that contains the amount that needs to be paid. They can also pay through various payment channels including Instapay and UB Online, as well as over the counter with partnered branches such as 7-11 and ECPay outlets.

Toyota otor Philippines (T P) has upgraded its myToyota mobile app to make owning and maintaining a vehicle more fun, safe, and convenient. With just a few taps on your mobile device, you can explore T P’s vehicle lineup, browse the latest car deals, book car appointments, buy vehicle upgrades and packages, and even get access to services like roadside assistance anytime, anywhere.

UnionBank’s UPAY makes payment collection easy for MSMEs

You can build and personalize your dream car through the vehicle configurator, and access the financing calculator to study the financing options. On top of these, the app’s chat feature allows you to directly communicate with a dealer.

You can also check the status of your vehicle’s insurance through the link to the e-policy. The myToyota app is available to download for free on the AppStore and Google Play.

This allows them to skip through the hassle of having to give their bank details, total amount, and manually typing the description of the order and sending it to customers through a messaging app.

SM Megamall unveils 12-meter Time Sculpture along EDSA SM Megamall has unveiled its towering Time Sculpture along EDSA. The 12-meter tall artwork was designed by FilipinoAmerican public artist Jefre Manuel Figueras, simply known as JEFRË.

GAC MOTOR LAUNCHES VIRTUAL SHOWROOM While it isn’t safe yet to go out to see cars in the metal, the next best thing to do is go online and browse through your preferred manufacturer’s website. Many automakers already have virtual showrooms, and GAC Motor isn’t one to be left out. Aside from their website, GAC now has a virtual showroom (showroom.gacmotorph.com) that will let you tour the facilities of its flagship dealership in Ortigas. You can browse GAC’s full vehicle lineup in the Showroom, and check out the Service Center and Parts Warehouse. You can also see the interior of each car. There are several touchpoints that give you information on the features of the vehicles. Meanwhile, the GAC Motor website (gacmotorph.com) features an information tab that will help you know AC otor better. ou can see the full specification of your desired AC vehicle by downloading a brochure from the website, requesting a quote, and finding an authorized GAC Motor dealer near their area. The website also contains a complete price list of all the variants of the vehicle lineup.

The Time Sculpture depicts a man looking at his watch, which JEFRË wants to be a reminder to people that time is valuable. ven when stuck in tra c especially on SA people should learn how to make use of their time productively. The sculpture, made with mirror stainless steel, has points across its body connected by polyhedrons that create complex three-dimensional planes. With the structure’s box head, JEFRË would like to convey the importance of urban architecture and the idea that people are the building blocks of the city. The giant sculpture is part of JEFRË’s aks Series, the artist’s first set of signature works named after the phonetic pronunciation of the word “box.” Its consists of archetypes representing people who give life and character to cities around the world.

Anti-piracy campaign targets design, engineering firms in SE Asia The Business Software Alliance (BSA), an advocate for the global software industry, is waging a war against unlicensed software in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. BSA is launching a campaign calling on engineering and design firms to commit to using only licensed software in the development of roads, bridges, ports, and communications infrastructure planned for the years ahead as governments seek strategies to boost national competitiveness. The campaign is a continuation of BSA’s Legalize and Protect initiative launched in 2019. The campaign has helped businesses across Southeast Asia to install licensed, cyber-secure software on nearly 1 million PCs.

Working with software company Autodesk, Inc., BSA plans to conduct outreach to 20,000 firms across the region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The BSA outreach will include free consultations and advisory services on conducting audits for private sector enterprises that seek counsel on the software licensing process.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

BILLBOARD

PayMaya powers more PH supermarkets, convenience stores with digital payments

CLEANFUEL BOOSTS PRESENCE IN RIZAL WITH TANAY STATION OPENING East Luzon’s well-known twisties and scenic spots will serve as the home for one of Cleanfuel’s latest addition to its retail network branch. Strategically located along F.T. Catapusan Road, in Plaza Aldea, Cleanfuel Tanay is the company’s fourth station in the Rizal area, adding to the stations in Antipolo and in Cainta to cover the major thoroughfares such as Sumulong and Marcos Highway. As with other Cleanfuel stations around the country, Cleanfuel Tanay brings premium amenities to its customers, including clean and spacious air-conditioned restrooms, air and water services, and leasing, on top of quality fuels. The new station is also equipped to provide cashless payments to its clients.

Geely Manila is now open for business The rapid dealership expansion of Geely in the Philippines continues. Geely Manila is now open to serve Manileños. SGAP President & CEO Yosuke Nishi welcomed this milestone for both SGAP and Yuchengco Group’s House of Investments. “Operating and keeping businesses afloat have become a struggle since the past year. We are grateful for our partners who continue to trust and invest in us amid this challenging time.” The 1,697sqm Geely Manila dealership has six service bays and a five-car showroom. The newly opened dealership is located at 1502 Paz Mendoza Guazon St., Paco, Manila and is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

Top supermarkets and convenience stores are ready to provide safer, more hygienic, and convenient digital payment transactions with PayMaya. Establishments such as Landers, All Day, Mercury Drug, and Rose Pharmacy are providing a seamless shopping experience to their customers on their websites and at physical stores as they utilize PayMaya's solutions to accept payments from PayMaya e-wallet users and other card and e-wallet account holders. Ministop, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons EasyMart, Shopwise, The Marketplace, and Southstar Drug are offering safe and convenient contactless payments at their physical store’s counters via PayMaya QR. Meanwhile, grocery chains like Super8, Waltermart, LCC Supermarket, Metro Gaisano, and Ever Supermarket, among others, are able to accept both card and QR payments using the PayMaya One device in their stores. Popular online stores, including Pick.A.Roo, GoRobinson’s, etro art, Pacific ay, Freshmart, and Deli Drop, among many others, are utilizing PayMaya’s online payment gateway on their websites. "Safer transactions are especially relevant right now amidst the evolving public health situation. With digital payments fast becoming the preference of consumers, our partner grocery and convenience stores are providing these services to their patrons with the help of PayMaya," said Shailesh aidwan, President at Pay aya.

ISUZU ISABELA REOPENS WITH BRAND’S NEW GLOBAL DESIGN STANDARD Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) and B.M. Domingo Motor Sales, Inc. (BMD) reopened last August Isuzu Isabela, the latest dealership that adopts the Isuzu Outlet Standard (IOS). The reinauguration was also held to commemorate BMD’s 44th anniversary as a franchise dealer of Isuzu trucks and vehicles. Over the years, BMD has earned the reputation as one of the brand’s most trusted partners and helped extensively expand its reach in the Cagayan Region and Central Luzon in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and Tarlac. Isuzu Isabela’s new IOS Showroom and Service Center has a total floor area of 2,854sqm. It also houses a mezzanine and a two-storey Parts Warehouse. One commercial vehicle (CV) and three light commercial vehicles (LCV) can be displayed, while the workshop can accommodate up to 12 LCV units. A separate 1,745sqm Truck Center could be found as an extension of the main lot, which has another showroom that can accommodate two CVs and additional service bays for four LCVs and four CVs.

Have fresh produce delivered to your doorstep with GrabSupermarket Fresh

GrabSupermarket Fresh brings to consumers a wide array of affordably priced fresh produce, sourced directly from reputable farmers and suppliers located across the country such as Pangasinan and Bukidnon. Partners include Teraoka Family Farm, Bukidnon Milk Company, Emerald Fresh, 28 Derby, Tender Bob’s, and

Those wanting to step into the world of big bike riding or planning to switch to big bikes, listen up! Honda Philippines will start offering free test rides for their big bikes starting in October. The test rides will be held exclusively at the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) in Parañaque. Honda will let customers test the Big Bike Adventure series, including the all-new X-ADV and the new Africa Twin. Those who want to avail of the test ride must first register at bit.ly/ HondaBigBikeTestRide. After filling out the forms, you will receive a confirmation via private message. The test ride activities for Honda Big Bike will start in October.

Need to stock up on farm-fresh produce and meat products? You can now order high-quality local goods and produce and have them delivered to your doorstep with GrabSupermarket Fresh. Launched on the back of its fast-growing everyday goods delivery service, GrabMart, GrabSupermarket Fresh is the super app’s third online supermarket in the region.

Honda to offer big bikes for test rides starting October

Don Bangus. It will also offer a compelling range of plant-based food products to meet the rising alternative protein trend in the Philippines. To ensure maximum freshness, GrabSupermarket Fresh does not store any fresh produce in its facility. Instead, Grab aggregates and sends all fresh produce orders for the day to partnering farmers and suppliers who will then arrange for the items to be delivered in bulk to Grab’s sorting and packing facility the next day.

For now, the schedules will be on weekends only and are subject to the community quarantine status in Metro Manila. Confirmed participants must comply with HSDC requirements, adhering to the safety protocols set by the IATF. SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

MOBILE PHONES + TA B L E T S

p.82

UNDER P10,000

p.84

UNDER P20,000

p.86

P20,000 AND ABOVE

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

BUYER’S GUIDE

Cherry Mobile Flare Y20 P3,299

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

Cherry Mobile Aqua S9 Max

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

Infinix Hot 10S

P7,499

P5,990 (4GB + 64GB) P6,990 (6GB + 128GB) • Android 11 • MediaTek Helio G85 • 6.82” HD+ 90Hz • 48MP + 2MP + AI lens; 8MP front • 64/128GB built-in, microSD; 4/6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Lenovo K12 Note

Lenovo K12 Pro

• 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

Infinix Hot 10 Play G35

P4,990

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

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.

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

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

NEW!

Nokia 1.4

Nokia 5.4

Nokia G10

OPPO A16

• 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

• 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

• Android 11 • MediaTek Helio G25 • 13MP + 2MP + 2MP; 8MP front • 6.5” HD+ • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G35 • 13MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.52” HD+, 60Hz refresh rate • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P4,990

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

P9,990

P6,990

P7,999

UNDER P10,000

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

Samsung Galaxy M11 P7,490

• 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

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

P7,490

TECNO Mobile Camon 17P

P6,490

TECNO Mobile POVA 2 P7,990

P8,490

• 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

Xiaomi Poco M3

Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G

• HIOS (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G85 • 64MP + 2MP + 2MP + AI cam rear, 16MP front • 6.8”” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

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

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

P7,490

P11,990

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

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

P4,999

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

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

BUYER’S GUIDE

NEW!

Apple iPad 8th-gen

Huawei nova 8

Huawei nova 8i

Huawei Y8p

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

• EMUI 12 • Huawei Kirin 820E • 64MP + 8MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.67”” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• EMUI 11 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 2.0GHz octa-core • 64MP + 8MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.67”” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• 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)

P19,999

P13,999

P12,999

NEW!

OPPO A74 5G

OPPO A92

OPPO Reno6 Z 5G

• 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

• 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

• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 800U • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear; 32MP front • 6.4”” 2400 x 1080, 60Hz refresh rate • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

P15,999

P15,990

P19,999

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)

realme 8

realme 8 5G

• 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

• 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

P13,990

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

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

• 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

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 X3 Pro will keep you glued to the screen all-day.

UNDER P20,000

realme 8 Pro

Samsung Galaxy A22

• 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

• One UI 3.1 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G80 • 6.4” HD+ • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 13MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

P16,990

P19,990

• 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

P11,990

Samsung Galaxy A22 5G

Samsung Galaxy A32

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

• One UI 3.0 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G • 6.46” FHD+ • 48MP + 5MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

P13,990

P12,990 (6+128GB) P13,990 (8+128GB)

• One UI 3.0 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G80 • 6.4” FHD+ • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP + 5MP rear, 20MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6/8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

• 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

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

TECNO Mobile Camon 17 Pro

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

P13,990

P19,990

vivo V20

vivo V20 SE

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite

• 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

• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP rear; 16MP front • 6.5”” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB built-in, microSD ; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P19,999

P13,999

P14,990

P17,990

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

P15,990

P10,990

• HIOS (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G95 • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 48MP front • 6.8”” FHD+ • 256GB built-in, microSD; 86GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM

P11,990

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 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

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

P72,990

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

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

NEW!

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

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

P25,990

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

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

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G P52,990 (128GB) P56,990 (256GB)

• Android 11 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 • 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP cover camera • 6.7”” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (main), 1.9”” Super AMOLED display (cover screen) • 128 / 256GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

P20,000 AND ABOVE

NEW!

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G P87,990 (256GB) P95,990 (512GB)

• Android 11 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 • 12MP + 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP cover camera, 4MP under-display camera • 7.6” QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display (main screen), 6.2” HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (cover screen) • 256 / 512GBGB built-in; 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM

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

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

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

• 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

P21,999

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

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

• 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

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

BEFORE YOU GO

E V I T O M O T S AU E N O T S E L I M H s 0 TEC 5 9 1 o t s 1930

1930 Car radio

The first car radio received broadcasts on the road.

1953 First air conditioning The Chrysler Imperial’s A/C had three settings: low, medium, and high.

1952 Airbags

1959 Seatbelts Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin has saved countless lives for his invention of the V-type threepoint safety belt.

John W. Hetrick built the original prototype of a device that he called “safety cushion assembly for automotive vehicles.” It was only in 1998, however, when the law required that all cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. have airbags on both sides of the front seat.

1958 Cruise control

The Chrysler Imperial became the first car with this tech, which made steady driving easier, especially on

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021

INTRA-MATIC AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH SWISS MADE

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