With the growing importance of digital tools in the evolving education landscape, Far Eastern University (FEU) recognizes the need to adapt to innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in the academic setting.
To fully utilize its benefits without compromising academic standards, the university updated its Academic Integrity policies with a set of guidelines on the responsible and ethical use of AI for its faculty and students. The guidelines aim to implement policies regarding transparency and limitations of use and place utmost importance on maintaining FEU’s principle of student-centered pedagogy and learning.
“AI has been here for a long time, and FEU welcomes its use as an educational tool. However, it should not serve as a replacement for actual students’ performance. That’s why we needed to come up with a policy highlighting academic integrity, and we also conduct workshops to guide students on the proper use of AI tools,” said Maria Teresa Trinidad P. Tinio, FEU senior vice president for Academic Affairs.
As part of its commitment to upholding academic standards, FEU recently held its annual Academic Integrity Day where students and faculty engaged in a discourse about integrity across different industries and innovations.
Educational tool
According to the 2024 Work Trend Index conducted by Microsoft Philippines and LinkedIn, 86% of knowledge workers in the Philippines use AI tools. This signals a growing industry demand for graduates equipped with necessary AI skills and, therefore, calls for its integration in the higher education learning process.
Under FEU’s new directives, the use of AI as an educational tool is encouraged in so far as it promotes “persuasive communication, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, creative problem solving, professionalism, and responsible digital citizenship” among students.
This is in line with FEU’s continuing vision to produce quality graduates who are responsive to the ever-evolving industry trends.
FEU also ensures that its faculty members receive training and workshops that increase their familiarity and competence with AI technologies. This equips them to incorporate AI capabilities in designing pedagogical activities and materials and empowers them to effectively guide students in using the tools as well.
Transparency and limitations
While fully acknowledging the opportunities that AI presents to advance quality education, FEU warns against the indiscriminate use of the technology and raises awareness of its limitations.
Among its limitations is its tendency for “hallucination,” which involves creating false citations, making incorrect calculations, and providing incorrect data, all of which are potentially harmful to students who become overly reliant on the technology.
“The teachers also have to be wise, and they need to know their students’ capabilities, including their writing styles, among others. When they assess their students, they have to ensure that the use of AI is still aligned with the students’ learning outcomes,” explained Tinio.
FEU’s guidelines require students to be transparent of the AI tools used in their outputs and assessments. Continued non-compliance may potentially lead to being flagged for academic dishonesty.
In addition, the FEU Center for Learning Enhancement and Research Services conducts academic integrity workshops for students who might need guidance and education when it comes to the responsible use of AI in university.
The 2024 Volvo XC60 and V90 Cross Country have been named Best Luxury Compact Crossover SUV and Best Luxury Station Wagon, respectively, in the Good Housekeeping 2024 Best New Family Cars Awards.
The Volvo XC60 features an expressive, athletic take on modern Volvo design. With clear Scandinavian influence and refined detailing, the exterior has a sculptural quality and features a subtle, timeless design. The interior is a masterful composition of well-resolved architecture, beautiful materials, and the very latest technology – all perfectly blended. Available with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, all-wheel drive, and a range of personalization options, the XC60 appeals to a wide variety of drivers.
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a five-door, five-seat large luxury all-road wagon. Exterior design cues underscore the car’s Cross Country nature, while large wheels, an increased ride height, and a chassis optimized for comfort and control in all weather and road conditions further add to the car’s unique position within the Volvo portfolio. The interior of the V90 Cross Country radiates Scandinavian design at its very best, with clean lines, exquisite detailing, and natural materials. Options include a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system and a handcrafted gear shifter in genuine Swedish crystal made exclusively for Volvo Cars by Orrefors.
Both vehicles come equipped with an infotainment system jointly developed with Google, featuring Google built-in and services. Intuitive and convenient, this next-generation infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalization and unparalleled connectivity.
See Good Housekeeping’s full list of ‘The Best New Family Cars of 2024’ here.
Motorcycles offer an exciting ride, but freedom demands responsibility and safety. This year, through the GRAND TEST RIDE, LIFESTYLE ON WHEELS, MOTOTOWNE, and BRIDGETOWNE DESTINATION ESTATES bridge the gap with the #SafeRideXperience! Get an expert assessment and a controlled riding environment, to ensure #OneLessKamote on the road. Gear up for a safe and thrilling adventure!
The GRAND TEST RIDE is a planned culmination activity rooted in motoring economic response, journey, and safety. It started as a featured content and a pocket activity in 2021 when the pandemic shut down the economy. Motorcycles became the economic movers majorly putting the riders to #BounceBackThroughMobility. As most motorcycle owners capitalized on their rides as a main source of income, their bikes also became their forefront companion for leisure travel, capitalizing on motorcycle tourism, #SafeRideJourney. But safety riding is imitable, thus partnering with riding schools and institutions to create a pocket activity making a collaborative effort to make a #SafeRideXperience possible. With much effort from different partner riding schools in making a safe environment for motorists, much attention was given to #PracticeWhatWeTeach becoming the goal of every safety school advocate. This is the moment we’ve been building towards: The GRAND TEST RIDE!
Initiative to bridge the gap between excitement and safety prioritizing your well-being. Here’s what you can expect:
Gear Up Smarts
Before you hit the track, our awesome team from Ride Academy and MotorClyde Training Center will be there along with safety experts from the motorcycle brands’ riding academy and safety department. They will assess you on the right gear to wear, how to ride safely, and how to navigate the streets like a pro.
Stress-Free Spin
Highlight the relaxed environment. Take a stress-free spin on our specially designed course – onroad, offroad, or both. Feel the power and handling of different motorcycles in a safe zone.
Trained Instructors by Your Side
Throughout the test ride, experienced instructors will be present to provide guidance and ensure your comfort and safety.
Bridging the gap between knowledge and experience, the GRAND TEST RIDE goes beyond basic safety. It’s your chance to rationally choose the bike that is perfect for you. In addition, this is your chance to have an insight into adding restrictions for your current license and driver’s license application for new ones while testing your preferred bikes.
Experience the Latest Models
Get behind the wheel (or handlebars!) of the newest motorcycles from top manufacturers. Feel the power, handling, and technological advancements firsthand, with the presence of partner driving and riding schools.
DRE-DUCATI RIDING ACADEMY – MMDA MOTORCYCLE RIDING ACADEMY – MOTOCAMP -MOTORCLYDE TRAINING CENTER – PRECISION DRIVING SCHOOL – RIDE ACADEMI – SUZUKI SAFETY RIDING AUTHORITY – YAMAHA RIDING ACADEMY – ZERO TO PODIUM RIDING SCHOOL
Find Your Motorcycle Match
It’s your chance to test-ride a bunch of awesome bikes and find the one that’s perfect for YOU. Whether you crave a powerful cruiser or a nimble commuter, we’ve got something for every riding style and need.
The controlled environment may be safe but added safety gear, apparel, and after-market products are best when you are outside on the road. Have a chance to choose different brands that are within your budget and have expert guidance purchasing them.
Aside from the regular raffle and freebies throughout the event, our fabulous brand partners will pick their bikes of the day from the visitors to recognize their efforts of maintaining and loving their bikes. This will be the launching of the “Bike Of The Night” which will happen regularly during the MotoTowne Tambike Night. Sounds Cool!
Tambike Night and Club Meet-Up
Towards the evening, a Grand Tambike will sprout to cool down, grab your food bites & drinks (available day and night!), and talk about your chosen bikes. This will also highlight the MotoTowne Tambike that is regularly done at the Bridgetowne Destination Estate.
FOOD: CHENG’S GRILL – JU.ICE – KRAFT COFFEE – THAT’S MY SIOMAI – CLUB: AEROX CLUB PHILIPPINES – CHARITY RIDERS FOR 1 PHILIPPINES – CUPAD – ROYALE MOTO CLUB – VESPA CLUB OF PARANAQUE –
The GRAND Test Ride is an immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience focusing on your decision-making on which bike you should buy. It’s a chance to learn valuable safety lessons, explore the latest advancements in motorcycle technology, and discover the joy of riding responsibly.
Join the GRAND TEST RIDE and bridge your path to a safe and unforgettable riding experience! Dates: June 29-30, 2024.
Lenovo’s Legion series has come a long way since its release a few years back. Thanks to its price, performance, and aesthetics, it has solidified its place among gamers. Aside from the Legion line, Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3 series was a hit in the budget gaming laptop range, gaining fans along the way. For 2024, Lenovo is shaking up the gaming scene by releasing the Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9I), a new device that combines the Legion’s gaming prowess with the IdeaPad Gaming’s value for money.
Design: 4.5/5
The Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9I) is the brand’s newest budget gaming laptop. Our review unit came with a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, which goes up to 300nits of brightness and has a fast 144Hz refresh rate.
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is essentially the successor of the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3-series. But unlike the Ideapad Gaming, the LOQ has a more gaming aesthetic similar to the Lenovo Legion when opened.
When the laptop is closed, it has a more toned-down look, letting you bring it to meetings with no one batting an eye.
As earlier stated, when you open the laptop, you’ll be greeted by the full-sized keyboard. According to Lenovo, it has a nice 1.5mm key travel (more about this later). Unlike the Legion line, the LOQ 15 only has a white-LED backlight — I’m sorry RGB lovers.
In terms of ports, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is generous. At the rear, it has power input, two USB-A ports, a full-size HDMI, and an RJ45 ethernet port. Meanwhile, on the right side, you’ll find a USB-A port, a USB-C port that supports PD 140W and DP 1.4, the headphone/mic combo 3.5mm port, and the electronic webcam shutter.
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is a bit hefty, coming in at a whopping 2.38kg. The heft comes from its build. While the body may be mostly plastic, Lenovo points out that the laptop meets MIL-STD-810H standards. This means it has undergone military-grade testing and is durable enough against drops and spills.
Hardware: 4/5
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is powered by an Intel Core i5-12450HX processor paired with an Intel Arc A530M dedicated GPU. Our unit also had 8GB of DDR5 memory and 500GB of SSD.
In benchmarks, the Lenovo LOQ 15 performed well. It scored 2126 (single core) and 7323 (multi-core) on Geekbench. 1583 (single core) and 9570 (multi-core) for Cinebench R23. While the Intel CPU and GPU combined for 5490 for 3D Mark’s Time Spy v1.2.
In terms of gaming performance, the Lenovo LOQ is a good 1080p gaming machine. For lighter games like Dota 2, it was able to run at the highest settings with 40 to 90+fps, depending on the scenario. In Valorant, it was able to reach 130 to 140+fps.
For heavier games like CyberPunk 2044, utilizing the Intel Xe Super Sampling default settings, I achieved an astonishing 30-45fps in-game with minimal activities. Unfortunately, I was unable to fully test out the device on CyberPunk 2044 because, for some reason, the in-game benchmark was unable to run.
In terms of battery, our Lenovo LOQ has a 60Wh battery and comes with a 170W power brick.
User Experience: 4/5
The display is good at best. Colors are not as vivid as something you’ll find with a more expensive Legion laptop. But for the price, it’s good enough. You can enjoy watching movies and streams on the device.
The speakers are surprisingly great. Loud enough to fill a mid-size room. There’s minimal distortion at max volume, though the bass is a bit lacking. That said, the speakers are pretty good for the price
One of the things that I love about the Lenovo LOQ 15 is the keyboard. Lenovo has equipped the LOQ 15 with a full-sized keyboard complete with the numpad. The best thing about the keyboard is the 1.5mm key travel. It feels similar to a mechanical keyboard with its satisfying response. Thanks to its amazing keyboard, I flushed out quite a number of stories during my time with the laptop.
The battery lasted me just under three hours from 100 to 15% and that’s just with regular work use with the display at 50% brightness. The Lenovo vantage widget also does not help when you see the value of the battery rapidly going down as you work, though thankfully, you can turn it off. Fortunately, charging is relatively quick, getting you back up in under an hour.
Value: 4.5/5
At PHP48,993.55, the Lenovo LOQ 15-IAX9I continues the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming legacy as a bang-for-the-buck gaming laptop. The powerful Intel Core i5 processor and the Intel Arc Graphic were a power duo that, while not breaking any records, is more than for most tasks you throw at it. That said, you still have some drawbacks like the battery life and the heft, which are compromises you need to consider.
Who is the Lenovo LOQ 15 made for? In my opinion, it’s most appropriate for students who want a decent performance device that can help them with school work and play games on the side. It’s also good enough for those looking to start their content creation journey.
Processor: Intel Core i5-12450HX, 8C (4P + 4E) / 12T, P-core up to 4.4GHz, E-core up to 3.1GHz, 12MB
Graphics: Intel Arc A530M 4GB GDDR6
Memory: 8GB DDR5
Storage: 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD
Battery: 60Wh, with included 170W charger
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.1
I/O: 1x USB-C (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), with PD 140W and DisplayPort 1.4, 3x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), 1x HDMI® 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Power connector
Dimensions: 359.86 x 258.7 x 21.9-23.9 mm,
Weight: 2.38 kg
What’s Hot:
Great value
Powerful Processor
Slick look
What’s Not:
Battery life is not great
Hefty to carry around
Bottomline:
A pleasantly surprising budget gaming machine.
Reviewed by Gabriel John Pe Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE June 2024 Issue
Did you know that paying with Maya is incredibly easy? With Maya, the #1 Digital Bank App, running out of ways to pay is almost impossible, as you can literally pay anywhere!
You can use Maya to pay anywhere, wherever and whenever — scan any QRPh at your favorite local store, tap your Maya card when you shop abroad, or check out through Maya in your favorite online shops.
Whether it’s online or in-store, you can easily use Maya anywhere, everywhere! Here are the different ways you can easily pay with Maya:
Pay Any QRPh: With Maya, you can scan to pay at over 600,000 merchants nationwide. Just look for the QRPh logo and you’re all set. Whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or shopping at your favorite store, paying has never been this effortless.
Pay Anywhere in the World with Maya Card: Traveling abroad? No worries! Your Maya Card is accepted in over 200 countries. From shopping sprees in Europe to dining experiences in Japan, Maya ensures your transactions are smooth and secure wherever you go.
Pay Online at the Biggest Platforms: Online shopping is a breeze with Maya. Easily checkout from top e-commerce apps like Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, Grab, and more. Your favorite brands and services are just a tap away, and Maya guarantees a seamless online payment experience.
Every time you use Maya for your transactions, you get to boost your interest up to 14% on Maya Savings. If your wallet needs a refill, you can easily fund it or scan to pay anywhere or check out online with the help of revolving funds of up to PHP30,000 via Maya Easy Credit. This simply shows that Maya truly offers the convenience of a wallet you want and the safety of a bank you need with its all-in-one banking features.
Even Hollywood stars Liza Soberano and Dolly De Leon humorously exaggerate how “hard” it is to pay with Maya in their latest ad.
Spoiler: it’s not hard at all! Whether you’re using QR, card, or mobile number, Maya makes payments ridiculously easy.
With Maya, the days of struggling with payments are over. Embrace the convenience and simplicity that comes with the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines. Why make things hard when Maya makes it easy? Register for a Maya account now and see for yourself how easy it is to pay anywhere.
I remember when I bought the POCO phone F1 in 2018. It was POCO’s first entry into the Philippine smartphone market, and I was absolutely blown away by the fact that I could get flagship-level power at a sub-PHP20,000 price point. I drove that phone to the dust, and it now rests with a bloated battery in my cabinet after over five years of daily abuse. I was recently able to take its great-great-great grandchild, the POCO F6, out for a spin, and I daresay the brand has kept up with its philosophy of making flagship killers at affordable price points. Read on for the review.
Design: 4/5
The POCO F6 boasts a true sleeper build that belies its powerful innards. It is minimalist on the design front, appearing as a plain slab of a stereotypical smartphone. The review unit we received came in Titanium (Black and Green options are also available), with just a stealthy POCO nameplate and 50MP OIS marker on the upper right corner to give it an identity. It has two functional camera modules stacked on top of each other, the upper one being the 50MP main shooter and the lower one being an 8MP ultra-wide lens. A sizable circular LED flash module sits to the camera’s right.
Up front is the likewise unassuming 6.67-inch display with a punchhole selfie camera and a built-in fingerprint scanner. A tour of the edges reveals a bare left edge; the power and volume buttons on the right edge; the SIM tray, microphone pinhole, USB-C port, and first speaker along the bottom edge; and a second speaker, second microphone pinhole, and IR blaster at the top.
But what it lacks in an eye-catching exterior, it more than makes up for with a top-tier spec sheet.
Hardware: 5/5
Let’s start with the headliner first: the processor. The POCO F6 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a bonafide flagship killer released just this first quarter of 2024.
This new 4nm octa-core chipset has three Cortex-A520 cores humming at a max of 2.0GHz; four Cortex-A720 cores boosting up to 2.8GHz; and a workhorse Cortex-X4 core ripping at 3.0GHz. It also has a top-tier Adreno 735 graphics processor and is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM for multitasking, and 256GB or 512GB of storage. With this new chipset and the aforementioned clock speeds and storage capacities in tow, the POCO F6 can provide reliable daily performance even after a few years. In fact, as of writing, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is in the top 10 current mobile chipsets according to various technical review sites.
Interfacing with the phone is done through a 6.67-inch CrystalRes 1.5K Flow AMOLED DotDisplay with up to 120Hz refresh rate and 2160Hz touch sampling rate for a very responsive experience. This display assembly has up to 2,400 nits of peak brightness for visibility under bright conditions; 100% DCI-P3 coverage for color vibrance and accuracy; and 1920Hz PWM dimming with TÜV Rheinland’s low blue light, circadian-friendly, and flicker-free certifications for less eye strain. Moreover, it is overlaid with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and is certified IP64 dust and water-resistant to protect its otherwise all-plastic build. You’ll probably use a case on the POCO F6 (it comes with one out of the box), so this last bit won’t be too bothersome.
For the cameras, it has a functional duo of a main 50MP shooter with an aperture of f/1.59 on a 1/1.95-inch PDAF and OIS-enabled sensor; and a secondary 8MP ultra-wide camera with a 1/4.0-inch sensor. These are supported by a huge circular white LED flash and a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera.
The battery is a fairly standard 5000mAh pack juiced with the included 90W USB-C POCO HyperCharger.
Lastly, the POCO F6 is equipped with dual stereo speakers—one at the top and one at the bottom—for a loud, immersive, and balanced aural experience.
User Experience: 5/5
On paper, the POCO F6 is an undisputed powerhouse. Spending over a week with the POCO F6 as a daily driver, I can attest that it’s very deserving of the moniker “flagship killer.”
Frontloading the real-world performance of the powerhouse processor, I was not surprised that the POCO F6 just rakes in the digits in the benchmarks we tested it on. However, what was surprising is that it actually broke one of the standard tests we always run and scored more than the software is able to display.
As for the tests it did not break, the POCO F6 scored 3,019 in 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme 4K UHD test which most other phones struggle to run; 15,042 on PCMark Work 3.0; 1,882 on Geekbench 6 CPU single-core; 4,730 on Geekbench 6 CPU multi-core; 8,773 on Geekbench 6 GPU OpenCL; and 927.05 MB/s and 765.22 MB/s on sequential reads and sequential writes on the Cross Platform Disk Test. It definitely runs ahead of its peers in terms of sheer computing power.
In fact, the POCO F6’s power was enough to render a “Maxed Out!” rating on the standard 3D Mark Wildlife non-4K UHD test, with the benchmark stating that the POCO F6 was “too powerful for this test.” That usually only happens with the best of the best flagships from mainstream brands and goes to show just what the Poco F6 is capable of.
For actual gaming, the POCO F6 steamrolled the rendering of many high-end games. Genshin Impact—arguably one of the most demanding Android games—with every setting maxed out and 60fps mode saw smooth gameplay even during skybox views. Diablo Immortal, another punishing title, saw the same high performance out of the POCO F6 even with everything maxed out, image resolution at high, and 60fps mode turned on. NBA 2K Mobile with maxed out graphics settings was also no problem to run. Of course, lighter multiplayer games, MOBAs, and first-person shooters are likewise child’s play for the POCO F6. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile, and Pokémon Unite all ran like butter even with tons of particle effects happening on screen simultaneously. The fluid and vibrant display, along with the booming dual speakers, complemented the chipset nicely, making for an immersive all-around gaming experience.
Shots from the main camera of the Poco F6.Shots from the ultra-wide camera of the Poco F6.
The cameras are also decent. The POCO F6 is able to perform well across most lighting scenarios, and can even pull in a surprising amount of light, color, and details even in high dynamic range environments. The secondary ultra-wide camera does become quite light-starved in the dark, although that is to be expected from the spec sheet. I did find that during such challenging scenarios, the camera preview can be misleadingly dark. However, fret not as the HDR and post-processing will churn out perfectly acceptable shots.
As for the battery life, this is where the POCO F6 stutters. It is still lengthy—lasting 13 hours and 42 minutes using the PCMark Work 3.0 battery life test with 50% brightness and volume turned all the way up—but is quite middle of the pack at this price point. Luckily, the bundled 90W POCO HyperCharge is able to fuel the POCO F6 from zero to 100% in less than 50 minutes. What is impressive is that 50% battery life is achievable in just 15 minutes of the POCO F6 being tethered to the wall.
Value: 5/5
Coming in at just PHP21,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant and PHP24,999 for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant, the POCO F6 offers so much value to those looking for the most bang for their buck. If you want the most powerful phone with decent cameras and good enough battery life for a day out but don’t want to spend a fortune, then look no further than the POCO F6.
The POCO F6 is available for purchase through Lazada and Shopee. If you want to get it’s even more revved up brother, the POCO F6 Pro, you can also do so via these Lazada and Shopee links.
Specifications
Display: 6.67-inch, 2712 x 1220px 1.5K AMOLED DotDisplay with 120Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz touch sampling rate, 100% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, 1920Hz PWM dimming, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
OS: Xiaomi HyperOS (Android 14)
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB
Camera: 50MP f/1.59 with a 1/1.95-inch sensor, PDAF, and OIS (main rear); 8MP with a 1/4.0-inch sensor ultra-wide (secondary rear); 20MP f/2.2 (front)
Connectivity: 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, OTG, USB 2.0 Type-C, dual nano-SIM
Battery: 5000mAh, 90W POCO HyperCharge
Others: In-display Fingerprint Scanner, AI Face Unlock, IP64 dust and water resistance
Dimensions: 160.5 x 74.5 x 8mm
Weight: 179g
Colors: Black, Green, Titanium
What’s Hot:
Benchmark-breaking performance
Gorgeous display
Immersive dual speakers
What’s Not:
Cameras and battery life are only decent
All-plastic build
Bottomline:
The POCO F6 is a definite flagship killer that won’t kill your budget.
Words and Photos by Chris Noel Hidalgo Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE July 2024 Issue
Acer is ready with its “Acer U: Charged to Lead” Back-to-School promo to help make things easier and better for students and parents who are gearing up for the school year ahead. Acer’s laptops are suited for various uses, from intensive study sessions to remote work setups. Their long battery life makes them ideal for learning and work.
Back-to-school season can bring its own set of new challenges for students and parents. Between taking tests, fitting in, buying school supplies and uniforms, and choosing the right gadgets to use, it can be a pretty stressful time.
The Acer U: Charged to Lead campaign also supports the goal of students and their parents of obtaining an education that is not only about absorbing information but also about transforming knowledge into actionable insight and leadership in action. In an educational environment such as this, Acer believes that students will be prepared for real-world competition.
The Acer U Back-to-School promo features partnerships with athletic lifestyle brand Under Armour and Acer Ambassadors SB19 and G22. From June 14, 2024, to August 18, 2024, you can save up to PHP10,000 and get an Under Armour voucher worth up to PHP14,000 for every purchase of a participating Acer product. The purchased product must be registered for warranty at warranty.acer.com.ph to claim the voucher.
“Acer laptops are partners in learning that feature cutting-edge technology. They adapt to your learning style and pace for a personalized educational experience. We are happy to help make learning more interactive and collaborative for students,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines managing director.
“For the Acer U: Charged to Lead Back-to-School promotion, Acer Philippines is very proud to have our brand ambassadors SB19 and G22 on board. We are also honored to partner with Under Armour, whose ‘Charged’ running shoes embody the spirit of this campaign as they represent the resilience and vigor necessary for the academic race,” said Princess Laosantos, Acer Philippines senior marketing manager.
For more information about Acer U: Charged to Lead Back-to-School promo and announcements for exciting activities from SB19 and G22, follow Acer Philippines on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram or visit www.acer.com.
The vivo Y100 is an ideal choice for students with its 80W fast charging, color-changing, and other features that provide reliable performance. Starting at just PHP10,999 with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB option, it offers excellent value for money.
Students are always on the go juggling classes, assignments, and social activities. With the school year 2024-2025 on the way, students need a reliable smartphone to keep up with their busy schedules.
A busy lifestyle is better with a smartphone that matches a multitasker’s preference when it comes to performance and aesthetics.
Power up quickly with 80W Fast Charge
Students are constantly on the move as they attend classes, study at their own pace, or catch up with their friends in between their tasks. One of the most compelling reasons to choose the vivo Y100 is its impressive 80W fast charging capability.
For students, the ability of their smartphones to recharge faster is a game-changer. The Y100 charges from 0 to 80 percent in just half an hour, giving them more time to focus on their academic responsibilities.
The less waiting time to power up the device allows students to stay connected and productive all throughout their day at school.
Photochromic design that matches students’ aesthetics
Aside from performance, the vivo Y100 does not disappoint with its Breeze Green colorway due to its unique photochromic effect design.
The vivo Y100’s back panel transforms from a light green shade to a deeper green in just a few seconds when exposed to direct sunlight or UV light.
Students who value both functionality and aesthetics will love the vivo Y100. The unique color and design allow them to express their personality and style effortlessly.
Effortless multitasking with 120Hz refresh rate and vivid visuals with 1200nits AMOLED display
The vivo Y100 features a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid performance whether students are scrolling through social media, switching between applications, or playing games.
Students frequently juggle diverse tasks. The vivo Y100 offers an exceptional multitasking experience, allowing them to manage their school workload efficiently.
Meanwhile, the vivo Y100’s 1200nits AMOLED display offers bright and vibrant visuals. The high brightness level is still easily viewable under sunlight, perfect for students who often stay outdoors. This feature also improves their viewing experience when watching lectures and video materials.
Get ready to revamp your university experience with vivo Y100. Get it now at vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide or online via Shopee,TikTok, andLazada. Check vivo’s website to discover more about vivo Y100.
Zed, a credit-led neobank, announced that it has received its Certificate of Authority to Operate as a standalone credit card issuer from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Zed co-founder and CEO
“Our BSP license makes us the first Philippine neobank to offer credit cards as a standalone issuer,” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham. “This independence and our foundation as a technology company means we can rapidly and continuously improve our product, unconstrained by legacy systems.”
After operating in a BSP-sanctioned pilot for the last 6 months, the Zed Card is officially rolling out to the public on an invite-only basis, starting with its waitlist. Zed has seen overwhelming demand for its no-interest, no-fees Mastercard Titanium Credit Card, garnering close to 40,000 sign-ups since launching its waitlist in March this year.
Those who have signed up for the waitlist will receive invitations to apply for a Zed card over the coming months. “We’re overwhelmed by the excitement for Zed and the number of signups we’ve received. Given the significant demand, it will take some time for us to open up spots for all 40,000 individuals on the waitlist. Rest assured, we’re already sending out invitations and will get to everyone that’s signed up. Our priority is onboarding new users at a pace where we can ensure a stellar experience for every Zed customer, so hang tight!” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Zed co-founder and CEO.
Founded by Silicon Valley engineers Danielle Cojuangco Abraham and Steve Abraham, Zed is reimagining the credit card from the ground up, leveraging technology to empower the next generation of Filipino professionals with the most powerful credit card. It is the only credit card in the Philippines with:
No fees. Zed has no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or any other fees, so customers pay for their purchases, nothing more.
No revolving interest. Customers get up to 31 days of credit with 0 interest without fear of revolving their balance and incurring interest charges.
Beyond its unique business model that does not rely on interest revenue, Zed introduces a revolutionary approach to credit limits:
Smart credit limits: Zed determines credit limits by analyzing a user’s current and potential income among other other data. This approach empowers young professionals with limited credit history to build credit responsibly and avoid limitations based solely on traditional credit scores.
“We’ve seen really strong engagement among our early cardholders, with transaction volume growing 100% month over month and 48% of cardholders transacting daily,” said Zed cofounder, Steve Abraham. “We’re obsessed with delivering an exceptional customer experience, and our early usage reaffirms our view that the next generation is hungry for a completely different credit card experience that cuts out expensive fees, supports responsible spending and provides seamless control over your account.”
Zed has raised USD6-Million in Seed funding from Paypal Founder and early Facebook investor Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures, and founders and operators from Nubank, Mercury, Cred, and Square.
Be one of the first to get a Zed Card. Learn more and join the waitlist atzed.co.
Suzuki Raider Big Ride Visayas takes a heartfelt detour as the brand, along with its passionate Raider riders, brought the spirit of SHARE (Suzuki Helps, Aids & Rebuilds) to Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana. Just before the Suzuki Raider Big Ride Visayas, volunteer riders of the region extended a helping hand to families impacted by the recent Mt. Kanlaon eruption. This is a testament to the Suzuki community’s dedication to riding with a heart, both on and off the road.
The Charity Ride commenced in Bacolod City, where 1100 relief goods were packed with trucks filled with water gallons for the beneficiaries. The Suzuki Raider Big Ride convoy ran 61kms to La Castellana with a quick stop at the town’s covered court in front of the Municipal Hall for the Free Service Campaign open to all Suzuki owners. Recognizing the transportation challenges faced by the community due to ashfall, Suzuki offered free check-ups, change oil and oil, Fi cleaning, and ECM upgrades (for Burgman Street and Avenis models). The service campaign ran for two days (June 22-23) and was able to check no less than 50 units from the locals of the municipality.
The Suzuki Raider Big Ride Visayas then proceeded to Brgy. Sag-ang’s Pacita Elementary School, where residents gathered for the distribution of goods. Clean water being a primary concern due to contamination from the ashfall, Suzuki prioritized giving out gallons of which during the event. While the situation in the affected areas has shown signs of improvement, the lingering smell and dust from the ashfall remain a concern for residents with the constant threat of an eruption as alert level 2 is still on.
Teaming up with the local municipality of La Castellana led by Mayor Rhummyla “Mai-mai” Mangilimutan, DSWD officers and Brgy. Sag-ang officials, the Suzuki Raider Big Ride Visayas brought smiles to the faces of the affected families. Mayor Mai-mai expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much, Suzuki Philippines, for choosing La Castellana for your charity activity. Together, let’s continue to move forward!” This collaboration ensured the aid reached those who needed it most, solidifying the impact of Suzuki’s generosity.
SHARE embodies Suzuki’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves, especially during times of need. It’s a way for the brand to express its gratitude for the Filipinos’ unwavering support and a chance to pay it forward by helping rebuild lives. Through SHARE, Suzuki goes beyond simply selling motorcycles — it becomes a partner, much like its motorcycles — in progress, helping Filipinos to ride any hurdles and emerge stronger, even reigning supreme.
McKinley Kyle Paz of the Yamaha PH racing team is still looking for a repeat of his Round 1 success, which saw him at the podium in Thailand. After back-to-back finishes inside the top 10, he entered round 3 with momentum on his side. However, unfamiliarity with the racetrack would be the number one obstacle for the former UB150 Champion. This would be the first time that the tournament will be held in the Mobility Resort Motegi after previously being in Sportsland Sugo International Circuit. “The Wonderboy” is also seeking to banish the memory of his performance in 2019, where he suffered a DNF in Race 1 and placed 13th in Race 2 at the Suzuka Circuit.
For Gian Carlo Mauricio, who was race champion in the recent China leg, it was a different challenge altogether. His teammate and fellow Filipino April King Mascardo suffered an injury in practice which would keep him out indefinitely for the season. This will be the first time in three seasons that either rider will be without the other. Mascardo as the older of the two, “RocketBoy” served as an inspiration and anchor to the younger Mauricio who has become formidable on the track this season in the ARRC. This challenge will be part of the continuing growth of “The Flash” who will be tested even further in the races to come.
On Raceday, the difficulties in the land of the rising sun continued for “The Wonderboy” who finished 11th in Race 1 and suffered a DNF in race 2. Almost mirroring his last performance when he competed in the UB150 category years ago.
If there was a silver lining for the Yamaha Tekhne Racing Team Asia, it would be their continued hold of 1st place in the team standings for the SS600 category. They will definitely make sure to defend their position in the next round where Paz looks to return to form.
For Mauricio, who placed 11th in qualifying, improved one spot and finished race one in 10th position. Although in race two he lost a few places due to a crash late in the race and settled for 13th place.
The team currently sits at 5th in the team standings of the UB150 category and will look to improve their position when they race in Indonesia.
Round 4 of the ARRC continues at the PERTAMINA MANDALIKA INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, INDONESIA on July 26-28.
NLEX Corporation — in collaboration with the Philippine National Police Region 3 and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) — initiated Barangay Security Watch, a skills enhancement training that aims to capacitate barangay police and officials with knowledge and skills in maintaining peace and order in their area of responsibility.
“The Barangay Security Watch is NLEX’s latest initiative under our Mission Road Safety program. This aims to address juvenile delinquency and maintain peace and order in areas traversed by our expressway. Through this program, we also aim to reduce expressway and other community-related concerns that affect the safety of both our motorists and the residents in our host communities,” said NLEX Corporation’s president and general manager, J. Luigi L. Bautista.
The program includes an assembly of leaders and officials, skills enhancement workshop for the barangay police, and production of road safety campaign materials for the barangays.
Forty LGU representatives and barangay leaders from Mabalacat, Floridablanca, Dinalupihan, and Hermosa attended the Barangay Security Watch assembly at PNP Region 3 Camp Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga. Road safety matters, including possible causes of stoning incidents, were discussed, and action plans to mitigate their occurrence were drafted with the help of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council (JJWC).
“We appreciate NLEX’s commitment to help their host communities maintain peace and order. Most of all, they are serious in addressing juvenile delinquency, something that is evident in their various programs. They have shown concern for people, especially the youth, by implementing programs aimed at improving their well-being,” said JJWC officer-in-charge for Policy Research and Development Division, Esmeralda H. Distor.
Also as part of the Barangay Security Watch initiative, 80 barangay police also underwent training on the legal implications related to stoning and other torts, self-defense, arresting and handcuffing techniques, citizen’s arrest and warrantless arrest, handling of children at risk (CAR), and children in conflict with the law (CICL), barangay intelligence network, and proper filing of blotter.
PRO3 Chief of Regional Community Affairs and Development Division, PCOL MARITES A. SALVADORA, commended the Barangay Security Watch participants for their eagerness to learn and enhance security in their respective communities. “It’s a good thing that we have free training for our community leaders and policy enforcers. Through this effort by NLEX and the dedication of the participants, we are positive that we will avoid security and community-related concerns soon,” she said.
On the other hand, SK chairman Baron Castro of Brgy. San Ramon, Floridablanca, Pampanga, also expressed his gratitude towards the program and shared his most valuable learning. “Salamat sa pagpapaunawa sa amin ng kahalagahan ng Anti-stoning Ordinance at sa mga posibleng implikasyon nito kung sakaling hindi maisakatuparan. Sisikapin namin na wala ng magiging ganitong insidente sa aming barangay at makakaasa po kayo sa aming patuloy na pakikipagtulungan sa NLEX-SCTEX upang mas mapabuti ang kalagayan ng aming komunidad.”
NLEX consistently commits to promoting road safety awareness through its Mission Road Safety Program. Aside from Barangay Security Watch, seminars for transport organizations are being conducted through its Usapang Driver program, and Kaligtasan Sa Daan (KalSaDa) sessions are being held in NLEX-SCTEX-NLEX Connector host communities for road safety awareness. Additionally, the NLEX Road Traffic Safety Hub and Park in Mabalacat, Pampanga, and the newly released ‘Ang Bida ng Kalsada’ picture book further strengthen the company’s road safety advocacy campaign.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
To celebrate creativity and fandom for the benefit of the community, Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue launches “Building the Galaxy,” a LEGO Star Wars fan experience, happening from June 19-30, 2024. In partnership with Pinoy Lego User Group (PINOYLUG), 501st Legion, Fight Saber Philippines, and Rebel Legion Philippine Base, this event commemorates the 25th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars for the benefit of Make A Wish Foundation Philippines.
“Filipinos have an innate sense of care and compassion for one another, making it easy for our community to unite in support of a common cause or shared interest,” says Raymond Del Rosario, president of Fisher Mall Group of Companies. “It is this deep understanding and collective spirit that inspired our team at Fisher Mall to conceptualize ‘Building the Galaxy.’ We made a concerted effort to partner with groups that share this common bond, ensuring that our celebration of LEGO Star Wars not only brings joy to fans but also supports the noble mission of Make-A-Wish Philippines.”
Stunning LEGO Star Wars collocation from PINOYLUG and several private owners are on display for “Building the Galaxy,” with a promise to transport visitors into the heart of the Star Wars universe. Attendees have the chance to explore detailed LEGO Star Wars models, from iconic starships to intricate dioramas, each piece a testament to the builders’ creativity and craftsmanship.
501st Legion Philippines, Rebel Legion Philippine Base, and Fight Saber Philippines, all known for their screen-accurate costumes and dynamic lightsaber performances, bring a vibrant and authentic Star Wars atmosphere to Fisher Mall. The lightsaber choreography tutorial and demonstration offer hands-on experience in the art of lightsaber combat.
The Toy Kingdom Selling Area features exclusive LEGO Star Wars merchandise, providing fans with the opportunity to purchase unique sets and collectibles. This space is a treasure trove for LEGO enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike, perfect for adding special items to personal collections or finding the ideal gift. Don’t forget to make a donation to Make A Wish Philippines Foundation throughout the day.
“‘Building the Galaxy’ is a celebration that blends the magic of Star Wars, the creativity of LEGO, and the joy of giving back,” concludes Del Rosario. “We invite families and fans to join us at Fisher Mall for this unforgettable event, where they can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of LEGO Star Wars while supporting a cause that brings hope and happiness to children in need.”
BPI proudly presents a groundbreaking innovation with the unveiling of BPI Salary On-Demand, reshaping traditional notions of payday accessibility. Launched in July 2023, this service has since been adopted by several companies, whose employees are currently enjoying this valuable perk. In a bold move towards financial liberation, employees no longer need to rely on their scheduled payday to access their hard-earned income whenever the need arises.
“BPI Salary On-Demand heralds a new era where every day becomes an opportunity for both employers and employees to exercise greater control over their financial well-being, transforming the landscape of personal finance. This easy, fast, and affordable product allows BPI Salary On-Demand users to experience ANY DAY IS A PAYDAY.” says Jose Raul E. Jereza, BPI’s head of Agency Banking.
The simplified process of BPI Salary On-Demand guarantees a smooth transition and easy onboarding that prioritizes the employers’ and employees’ ease and efficiency. The solution works together with the current payroll system to sustain efficient processes. Moreover, employers are not subject to extra financial constraints when using BPI Salary On-Demand because there are no hidden fees.
Any day is a payday with BPI Salary On-Demand, now employees will have the flexibility to tap into their earnings as needed. During unexpected expenses, BPI Salary On-Demand gives employees access to a portion of their earned salary ahead of time, offering them instant financial help. All they need to do is to download the PayWage app, and register, and in less than 5 minutes the funds will be placed into the employee’s BPI payroll account.
BPI Salary On-Demand is exclusive to companies who are BPI Payroll Clients. You may inquire with your Human Resource Department if your company has signed up for this facility. If your company is interested, they may connect with their branch of account or their corporate Relationship Manager for further assistance.
VR and AR have not only opened up new artistic canvases for artists but have also empowered those whose visions were once constrained by the limitations of the physical world.
In recent years, Virtual Reality (VR) has transformed how we interact with and appreciate various forms of media. VR has become a pivotal tool in education, leveraging its immersive nature and cost-effectiveness to train professionals in diverse fields.
Less widely recognized, VR has also carved a niche in the art world. The technology’s ability to create immersive experiences has captivated artists, who view it as a boundless canvas. VR’s power to bring the world to our fingertips has made classical art accessible to a broader audience.
Meanwhile, Augmented Reality (AR) has revolutionized our experience of the world around us. Beyond its educational applications, AR has found a prominent place in gaming due to its unique ability to blend the real and virtual. This distinctive fusion has also attracted artists to experiment with AR as a medium for artistic expression.
A bold new canvas
VR and AR art encompass a wide spectrum of possibilities. Many consider VR art akin to traditional art forms—drawings or paintings existing in a three-dimensional VR space. Others view VR art as a fusion of different mediums, resulting in entirely new artistic creations.
AR art, on the other hand, is often seen as a complement to existing works. As a platform that merges the real and virtual, AR has frequently served as a catalyst for artistic pieces. Through a simple phone scan, a physical artwork can transform virtually, existing in two realities simultaneously.
Artists have embraced these new mediums to express their creativity. VR artists have blended drawing and animation to craft vast, immersive pieces that place the viewer in the heart of the action. The technology has also empowered emerging artists to push the boundaries of VR and explore art beyond the confines of three-dimensional space.
AR art, meanwhile, offers the ability to transcend the real and virtual, resulting in something entirely novel. With a wave of a hand or a device scan, artists can alter the nature of their creations. What was once solid can become ethereal, and the ethereal can become tangible.
Forging the Metaverse
VR and AR art surged into the spotlight a few years ago, coinciding with the rise of blockchain technology, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the concept of the metaverse. While AR and VR art predated these developments, blockchain technology significantly altered the landscape.
Blockchain technology transcended the digital realm and rapidly found its way into the art world. Artists can leverage the secure network of a blockchain to verify the authenticity of art purchased in the real world by attaching blockchain tokens to the artwork. These tokens, due to the decentralized nature of the blockchain, can track the ownership history of the artwork.
The cryptocurrency boom in the late 2010s also impacted the art world, with new crypto billionaires investing their wealth in real-world assets, including shares in or outright ownership of classical art pieces. Traditional art auctions began accepting cryptocurrency payments, and some even established exclusive blockchains for art transactions. London’s Christie’s auction house, for instance, partnered with Artory to record and secure data about artworks and collectibles on the blockchain.
Beyond real-world art, blockchain tokens led to the emergence of digital art trading. Like traditional art, digital artworks were assigned unique tokens. These tokens, each with its own cryptographic code, became known as non-fungible tokens, or NFTs.
As NFTs gained popularity, artists found new avenues for minting and selling their art on the blockchain. VR and AR artists were among them, their works becoming increasingly sought-after due to the concept of the “metaverse” and Web 3.0, a decentralized internet that envisioned leveraging VR and AR technologies.
While the metaverse remains a distant dream, VR and AR art continue to flourish. Although not as robust as they once were, NFTs continue to reshape the art world and the way art is created and traded.
Bringing the Classics to the World
VR and AR have transformed how we experience art. VR spaces have hosted virtual galleries showcasing classical art pieces, bringing the museum experience closer to home. Curators and art historians utilize these platforms to provide deeper insights into the art and the artists, enhancing viewers’ understanding of the techniques, history, and stories behind the artworks.
Museums and galleries have also harnessed AR and VR to create entirely new immersive experiences based on classic works. The Musée d’Orsay in Paris, for example, has organized exhibits using VR headsets to offer visitors immersive journeys into the art of Van Gogh, Monet, and other masters.
Beyond physical museums, VR and AR are being explored for art and cultural preservation. In 2022, UNESCO and Interpol announced plans to create a virtual museum dedicated to stolen art and cultural objects. The museum aims to raise awareness of the illicit art trade and potentially facilitate the recovery of stolen pieces. Renders for the virtual museum were unveiled in 2023, and it is expected to launch in 2025, featuring stolen works from Interpol’s list.
In Ukraine, VR technology has been used to create the Museum of Stolen Art, an online space documenting art lost or stolen during the ongoing conflict. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural toll of war and the importance of digital platforms for preserving a nation’s heritage.
VR and AR have not only opened up new artistic canvases for artists but have also empowered those whose visions were once constrained by the limitations of the physical world. These mediums are not merely tools for artistic expression but are extensions of our culture, testaments to humanity’s ever-evolving technology, and reflections of our enduring desire to express ourselves in new and innovative ways.
Words by Gabriel Pe Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE June 2024 Issue
