Get ready to witness a marketing revolution! Emin3Nce, a student-led marketing production from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, is poised to shake things up with its upcoming production. This ambitious project, created by a team that’s been sharpening its marketing blades for the past four years, promises to challenge marketing stigmas and redefine what’s possible. United by a shared passion for marketing and a burning desire to push boundaries, they’ve spent the past four years honing their skills through different experiences and achievements solidifying their collaborative spirit. Their ultimate goal is a thought-provoking experience that shatters traditional marketing stereotypes.
The Emin3Nce production isn’t just showcasing their talents; they’re inspiring a new generation of marketing students to think outside the box. Their collaborative spirit, strategic defiance, and unwavering commitment to breaking boundaries will undoubtedly serve as a beacon for future marketing leaders. The official launch date for the emin3Nce seminar entitled “Marketing Ka Lang?” Breaking Boundaries and Stigma of Marketing, on July 4, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at PUP Claro M. Recto Hall.
This seminar will showcase diverse representation and marketing campaigns that resonate with a wider audience. Marketers and attendees will learn about how marketing isn’t just about selling. It’s about building trust and relationships and by understanding how marketing works, everyone can better present themselves and their ideas to others. They will get to learn from various experiences and that they can take as an inspiration to move towards a more inclusive and representative future.
The Emin3Nce seminar is an experience. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from industry leaders, and discover innovative approaches to marketing. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your marketing journey, emin3Nce promises to equip you with the tools and knowledge to become a change in this ever-evolving field. Get ready to network with fellow attendees, and showcase your creativity as you join the different pre-event games. The first pre-event game is entitled Asoka Challenge: A Marketer’s way! This game will enable the participants to transform into someone they dream to be, showcasing how marketing added value to their lives in achieving their dreams. The second one is Share your “Marketing ka lang?” story. This game aims to raise awareness about how common the stigma is in marketing which should be debunked by celebrating different stories with insightful lessons and inspiring contributions. These games will not just give us joy but it will also be a fun experience while learning valuable marketing lessons.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join emin3Nce and be a part of the marketing movement that’s rewriting the rules! Keep an eye out on emin3Nce official website and social media channels for updates and don’t miss your chance to witness the magic emin3Nce has to offer.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly inevitable force in creative art. Some artists are embracing art with AI as a collaborator, using it to evolve their artistic process. As technology advances, these artists are finding new ways to incorporate AI into their work, resulting in more innovative and unique expressions.
For example, Sougwen Chung, an internationally renowned artist and former MIT Media Lab researcher, collaborates with AI-driven machines to create art. Her work delves into the boundaries of human-machine collaboration. During her TED Talk, Chung shared how her robots seamlessly integrate with her artistic process.
Chung’s project series, Drawing Operations, features her collaboration with a robotic invention named “Drawing Operation Unit Generation” (D.O.U.G_1-2-3). This machine is designed to mimic her gestures in real-time. However, as a new creation, its results initially diverged from Chung’s movements. This discrepancy, however, led to an unexpected artistic discovery. D.O.U.G. further develops and operates using a visual algorithm trained on scanned images of her previous works. This technique, called “optical flow,” allows the robot to learn and process movement by tracking how objects move across a series of images. Chung understands that for D.O.U.G to function effectively, it needs to observe and learn to blend with her movements.
Her later robotic models, D.O.U.G. 4 and 5, are considerably more advanced. They integrate data from EEG (electroencephalogram) readings and alpha brain waves to better understand and mimic Chung’s movements. This fosters a more seamless and intuitive interaction between artist and machine, further enhancing the creative process. Her sixth robotic D.O.U.G. model named Genesis, is a collection of shapes created through a custom-made Bespoke VR process. The movement data it records from her are used to generate innovative spatial information. Each artwork Chung creates with D.O.U.G. exemplifies her belief that AI systems can inspire creativity through learning. As she argues, the meaning lies not just in the data itself, but in the human interpretation it evokes.
Refik Anadol is another innovative media artist who utilizes AI in his work. Anadol explores the potential of post-digital architecture through immersive environments in his projects and exhibitions. Some notable examples include Machine Hallucinations: Sphere, Museum of Modern Art – Unsupervised, J’Adore – AI Data Sculpture, and the recent Large Nature Model
Anadol employs open-source software to manage large datasets and utilizes a machine learning model called a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). This model can create realistic images by learning from existing data sets. Anadol views AI as a “collective memory” that gathers and preserves human knowledge and experiences. This creates a dynamic and accessible source of information for learning, decision-making, and innovation. Much of his work showcases how AI can enhance creativity, making the artistic process more intuitive and interactive. Through his generative computer art, Refik Anadol demonstrates that data is not just raw information; it’s a resource that AI can leverage to expand human imagination.
Art with AI: Companion or Creator?
It’s important to distinguish between AI-generated art and AI as a collaborative tool in artistic creation. AI-generated art involves the AI creating the artwork independently, which raises questions about artistic authorship. For instance, the OpenArt AI website allows users to input concepts or ideas, and the AI generates artwork based on that input. In contrast, using AI as a companion in art creation refers to employing AI tools and assistants to support the artistic process, as exemplified by Sougwen Chung’s D.O.U.G. projects and Refik Anadol’s GEN AI model.
The Future of Art with AI
These artists are pushing the boundaries of AI, using it to discover new connections between technology and art. Their work not only enhances creativity but also challenges traditional artistic definitions. As AI continues to evolve, its role in the art world will undoubtedly continue to grow, fostering innovative approaches and redefining the human-machine interaction in art. Whether by collaborating with robots, visualizing data, or uncovering hidden technological potential, artists like Sougwen Chung and Refik Anadol are helping us understand and grapple with the growing influence of AI, which is transforming how art is created, experienced, and valued.
Words by Alyssa Silva Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE June 2024 Issue.
As the new school year approaches, it’s time to restock your everyday essentials to help you stay motivated and achieve your academic goals. Whether you find yourself busy studying and working on your assignments every day or at home reviewing notes for your next exam, having a device like the OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro will make your return to school a more pleasant experience.
Get in the zone with immersive sound quality
If you need to listen intently to an audio recording of a class lecture or watch an instructional video for an assignment, the OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro will help you get in the groove to complete that task with flying colors. Engineered with a 12.4mm driver unit, the largest in its category, the OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro lets you study in harmony as it provides superior bass quality for fuller, more immersive playback. Its vibrating diaphragm delivers clear, confident audio across all genres.
Focus on your tasks with clarity
Have you experienced any distractions during an online class or a virtual call with your groupmates for your next project? The OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro will ease that worry away and help you to stay connected and focused without any interruptions. The dual microphones and AI Clear Call Algorithm work together to minimize background noise, ensuring crystal clear conversations even in noisy environments. In addition, the wind noise reduction feature makes outdoor calls a breeze, so whether you are studying at home or in a cafe, everything will be smooth.
Fuse Fashion with Functionality
The OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro is functional and fashionable at the same time, making it a perfect accessory to help you pop out on campus with your OOTDs. Its stylish design and subtle yet standout Granite White and Graphite Black colorways allow you to pair it with any outfit, whether it’s your school uniform or any outfit that reflects what you feel at the moment. These earbuds feature a sleek two-tone texture and a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Weighing in at just 4.3 grams per earbud, it fits comfortably in your ears without causing discomfort all day.
All prepped up for another year of learning and growth at school? Then grab your reliable study buddy with the OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro!
Understanding how mico, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are drivers for economic growth, regional insurtech Igloo together with Growsari, a leading B2B MSME enabler that powers Philippines sari-sari stores, introduced the Personal + Business Protection Plan that provides financial assistance to these neighborhood convenience stores in case of unwanted incidents arising from natural calamities such as floods due to heavy rain.
From small mom-and-pop shops around the corner, sari-sari stores, and small businesses started by young entrepreneurs, the importance and impact of these MSMEs cannot be overstated. These businesses account for 99.5% of the total number of companies in the country and employ 62.8% of the workforce.
However, the same segment is often exposed to a wide range of risks, from theft, illnesses, or natural disasters. Compared to larger businesses, they struggle to manage these risks more due to limited resources.
“Igloo and Growsari share the same goal of protecting MSMEs like sari-sari stores by offering innovative insurance solutions that will help them mitigate risks while ensuring they can continue to thrive and contribute to the growth of their communities,” said Roberto Vea, commercial lead at Igloo Philippines. “As we celebrate International MSME Day on June 27, we not only reaffirm our commitment to continue providing them with the tools and protection they need but champion how these businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering community resilience.”
The Personal + Business Protection Plan provides up to PHP150,000 in financial coverage for accidents and up to PHP35,000 of cash assistance to help them protect their property or inventory in cases of flood and fire in more than 200,000 sari-sari stores in the country.
Beyond this, Igloo and Growsari are empowering these sari-sari stores to eventually extend the same protection plan to their customers and community–giving them ease of access to insurance products that can protect them and their loved ones. This is part of Igloo’s mission to provide affordable and accessible insurance for all.
“We’re not stopping there as we plan to expand the partnership to help cover their customers or sukis against unforeseen events. The goal is to provide the most comprehensive protection product for these businesses, covering not just their assets but also their human capital,” Vea added.
The Personal + Business Protection Plan is one of the latest MSME products Igloo has created with its partners. Last year, it introduced NegosyoCare with GCash and Malayan — an insurance product specifically designed to protect MSMEs that provides coverage for accidents and other unwanted situations through the GInsure Marketplace.
These products further Igloo’s mission to provide underserved segments with comprehensive and affordable protection products across the region.
The 2024 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair (NFF) is not just a feast for the senses; it’s a celebration of the heart and soul of Filipino food entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture. This year’s NFF will take place from July 3 to 7 at Megatrade Halls 1-3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) in cooperation with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, the NFF will showcase a diverse range of products and initiatives that support local MSMEs and sustainable practices.
Empowering MSMEs from Farm to Fork
The National Food Fair has always been a staunch supporter of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This year, the fair is proud to host over 200 MSMEs from all corners of the Philippines, each with their own unique story and a passion for sharing their culinary traditions. From Philippine wines and coffees, fresh and processed foods, to regional delicacies, the food fair will offer a true taste of the archipelago’s rich culinary heritage.
Supporting Agricultural Enterprises and Rural Development
In a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship, the National Food Fair will highlight the remarkable achievements of initiatives that demonstrate the potential for inclusive growth in the agricultural sector, particularly in the coconut industry.
Shining a spotlight on the thriving Coconut-Based MSME Cluster highlights the versatility and economic potential of this beloved Filipino crop. From coconut oil and vinegar to innovative coconut-based snacks and desserts, these MSMEs are proving that the humble coconut can be transformed into a wide range of high-value products that can be globally competitive.
Investing in the Future of Filipino Food
“The NFF is not just about celebrating Filipino cuisine; it’s about empowering our local communities and ensuring a sustainable future for our food industry,” says DTI-MSME Development Group Undersecretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque. “By supporting MSMEs and promoting sustainable practices, we are investing in the future of our country.”
Nourishing Both Body and Mind
Whether you’re a passionate foodie, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who cares about the future of Filipino food, the 2024 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair is an event not to be missed. It provides a platform for MSMEs to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers and partners.
To inspire and educate food entrepreneurs and home cooks, a daily program of cooking demonstrations, business talks, and workshops has been lined up from July 4-7. Participation is free, both in person and via livestream on the National Food Fair’s social media channels.
Join the DTI-BMDPO Events
Aspiring entrepreneurs can join future DTI-BMDPO fairs through their local DTI Office. They may also reach out to the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions & OTOP by sending an email to Director Marievic Bonoan at [email protected]. Stay updated by following them on Facebook (@BDTP), Twitter (@DTI_BDTP), Instagram (@dti.bdtp), YouTube (@DTI.BDTP), and TikTok (@dti.bdtp).
The Canvas Student mobile application can now be accessed offline. This new feature facilitates seamless, automatic, easy-to-use learning, allowing students to access a variety of pre-selected content on the go regardless of their data plan or internet connection.
Through the Canvas Student mobile app, the new offline access feature allows educational institutions to empower their students to access content and understand vital course information outside the classroom, fostering a more equitable experience for all learners.
Enabling mobile offline access makes Canvas more accessible for those with limited cellular or computer availability. Users can download content on their devices and access it anytime, anywhere, regardless of service availability.
“The LMS is the single most important tool a student uses outside the classroom to learn and engage with course content,” said Shiren Vijiasingam, Chief Product Officer at Instructure. “Providing offline access to course content offers learners more flexibility in how and where they choose to learn, supporting Instructure’s mission to make education more accessible and equitable.”
The Canvas Student mobile app’s offline feature empowers students to manage their learning content autonomously, selecting specific courses and materials for offline review. While real-time communication is not possible when using the offline mode, the new automatic sync capabilities capture offline changes, allowing students to sync course content upon reconnecting to the internet.
Additionally, the new feature provides an in-app navigation experience that is more interactive than displaying the content as a static HTML. It also allows multiple users to download content on the same device, facilitating access to educational materials on shared devices. The availability of this feature can be customized at the institution level, allowing for a tailored user experience.
The latest versions of the Canvas Student mobile app for iOS and Android are now available and introduce enhanced support for course content synchronization for offline viewing.
Instructure Holdings, Inc. is the leading learning technology ecosystem and maker of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). For more information about Canvas’s mobile app updates and features, visit the Instructure website.
Leading global tech company vivo proudly announces the launch of the vivo Y28, the newest addition to its popular entry-level Y Series. With a starting price of PHP7,999, the vivo Y28 has outstanding features that set it apart from its competitors.
Here are vivo Y28’s top features:
Dynamic Light, exclusive to vivo Y28
Never miss important calls, messages, or photo opportunities with the vivo-exclusive Dynamic Light feature. In addition to notifications and the camera’s countdown timer, the vivo Y28 also syncs with music, making it perfect for parties and concerts.
All-day fun with 6000mAh big battery and 44W fast charging
The vivo Y28 is equipped with a robust 6000mAh battery, the largest in its price category, ensuring long-lasting performance and all-day fun. Enjoy over 24 hours of YouTube viewing or more than 39 hours of Facebook browsing on a single charge.
Despite its substantial battery capacity, the vivo Y28 maintains a slim and light profile, measuring just 7.99cm in thickness and weighing 199g.
The battery’s durability is exceptional. It retains over 80% of its capacity even after four years of use. For those on the go, the 44W fast charging capability allows the vivo Y28 to recharge up to 50% in just 35 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.
Protected against dust and water with IP64 rating
The vivo Y28 is designed to withstand the elements, with its IP64 rating protecting against rain, water splashes, and dust. This makes it an ideal companion for outdoor activities like camping and hiking and for working in mildly challenging environments.
Vibrant display with 1000nits peak brightness and smooth navigation with 90Hz refresh rate
Experience stunning visuals on the 6.68-inch HD+ display, featuring a 90Hz refresh rate and up to 1000nits peak brightness. Whether watching videos or scrolling through social media, enjoy smooth and clear visuals all the time.
Available in two colorways – Gleaming Orange, reminiscent of a warm sunrise, and Agate Green, embodying the luxury of agate gemstones – the Y28 is as fashionable as it is functional. It is available now at a starting price of PHP7,999. It comes with 8GB of RAM, 8GB of extended RAM, and up to 256GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB).
Visit any vivo physical store nationwide or online through the vivo website, Shopee, and Lazada to buy this remarkable entry-level smartphone.
Innovation for games and devices go hand in hand. In order to get the best immersive gaming experience, one will need a high-performing device and the latest upgrades. Keeping this in mind, Lenovo unveils the next generation of Legion and Lenovo LOQ devices that can effortlessly handle the heavy demands of AAA games while managing overheating issues to achieve a seamless gameplay.
“Our mission is to provide Smarter Technology For All and we achieve this by bringing together the best features and innovations to bring our users the best in performance, design, and functionality. The latest generation of Lenovo devices is a testament to that commitment as the devices embody the perfect blend of power, precision, and style that every gamer dreams of,” shared Mike Ngan, general manager of Lenovo Philippines.
The newly released gaming device line-up sets the standard for using AI-innovation to achieve peak power efficiency. The new devices in both Legion and Lenovo LOQ are equipped with the newly developed Lenovo LA AI Core Chips that provide a fully user-customizable AI-assisted performance boost to enable higher FPS and an overall, top-tier experience. In addition, gamers can also expect a brand-new thermal design solution built to keep up with long hours of gaming.
Lenovo, in partnership with Intel, redefined thermal design with the Legion Coldfront Hyper thermal solution to help manage airflow within gaming laptops. Exclusive to the Lenovo Legion 7i and Lenovo Legion 5i, this new system optimizes heat management by transforming the airflow within the chassis and channeling the hot air from the chips through a central hyperbaric chamber. Gamers can also expect significantly cooler temperatures as the bottom D-cover isolates the expelled hot air from the cold air drawn in by dual fans allowing for higher frame rates during game sessions.
The Lenovo LOQ, Lenovo’s entry-level gaming line, also received an upgrade perfect for newbie gamers who wish to be at par with the world’s best gamers. In these devices is Lenovo’s hyperchamber thermal technology that can draw out up to an additional 25W of power in Extreme Mode while maintaining skin temperatures up to 2°C cooler. Fan noise is also reduced by up to 2dB as compared to the last generation, keeping processors cool to perform at their maximum.
“Lenovo’s latest Legion and LOQ lineups exemplify the brand’s commitment to continuous innovation. With these recent improvements to the devices’ internal and external hardware, complimented further by AI-assisted performance boosts and core chips, this generation of devices is the perfect representation of Lenovo’s vision to deliver Smarter Technology, and AI for all,” said Clifford Chong, AP Gaming Category Manager, Lenovo Asia Pacific.
Be the leader of the pack with the Lenovo Legion Gen 9 lineup
With a work-by-day and game-by-night lifestyle, today’s gamers are on the lookout for a device that can handle the heaviest AAA games and rigorous multitasking. The Lenovo Legion Gen 9 series, made up of the Lenovo Legion 9i, Lenovo Legion 7i, Lenovo Legion 5i, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i offers gamers the best of both worlds.
This lineup boasts of fully-powered 14th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ graphics for unbeatable processing power. Each device also comes with a 16-inch PureSight display which are per-unit color calibrated, up to 64GB of memory, and up to 2TB of Gen4 PCIe storage on select devices. Power ranges from an integrated 80wh for the Lenovo Legion 5i and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i, and a 99.99Whr battery for the Lenovo Legion 9i, Lenovo Legion 7i, and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i.
Gamers can also expect a TrueStrike keyboard 4-zone RGB backlit on the Lenovo Legion 5i, and the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion 9i, Lenovo Legion 7i, and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i sports a per-key RGB backlit (with lighting lens) version. Pricing for these devices start at PHP 144,995.
Dominate at any game with the Lenovo LOQ Gen 9 devices
More often than not, a gamer’s performance depends on how well a device can greatly perform. For the beginner gamers who wish to be at the top of their game from the get-go, Lenovo LOQ’s Gen 9 laptops featuring the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 and Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9 packs a serious punch by being equipped with up to an 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor and up to a NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 graphics card.
In addition to this, gamers can expect even more with the Lenovo LOQ Gen 9 devices as it includes the Lenovo LA1 AI chip powered by the Lenovo AI Engine+ through Lenovo Vantage to dynamically tune the laptop’s power, fan curves, and other necessary settings to maximize performance according to the specific task at hand. The lineup also features a 15.6-inch display, up to 32GB of memory, and up to 2TB of Gen4 PCIe storage. Pricing for the Lenovo LOQ devices starts at PHP 51,995.
All the Lenovo Legion and Lenovo LOQ Gen 9 devices come with exemplary after-sales support to ensure seamless work and play. Get up to three years of Legion Ultimate Support for Lenovo Legion devices and up to two years of Premium Care for Lenovo LOQ devices. This includes 24/7 chat support, on-site support right at your doorstep, and stress-free troubleshooting from experts. The Lenovo Legion devices also include three years of Accidental Damage Protection which entails in-person assistance and comprehensive diagnostic tests on-site.
Don’t miss out on experiencing Lenovo’s newest thermal design and AI-powered innovation. To learn more about the latest Gen 9 offerings, check out [link]. To purchase your own Gen 9 device, head to Lenovo Experience Stores and authorized resellers nationwide. For more information, follow Lenovo Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.
Google has compiled the top 10 destinations that travelers in the Philippines are heading to based on Google Flights. These destinations saw the highest query volume for the months of June to August 2024:
Top 10 destinations on Google Flight Searches
Manila
Caticlan
Tokyo
Cebu
Hong Kong
Bangkok
Singapore
Taipei
Seoul
Del Carmen
The Philippines hottest travel activity trends:
Forget cookie-cutter vacations, this year Pinoy travelers are rewriting the rulebook on holiday adventures. Google Search trends reveal a fascinating evolution in how Filipino travelers are exploring the world, with a focus on experiences that nourish the soul, indulge the senses, and leave a lasting legacy.
Here’s what’s making waves in 2024:
1. Immersive Cultural Experiences:
Travelers are looking to build deeper connections with the destinations they visit, by seeking opportunities for more enriching cultural exchanges. Exploration of local cuisines is an emerging trend. Local food tours are popular in Asia-Pacific with 7 out of the top 10 countries coming from the region, with the Philippines not far behind.
2. Nature-based travel and sustainability:
Interest in tree planting and travel is booming globally — with the Philippines amongst the top 10 most-interested countries — which shows a desire to give back as part of peoples’ stays.
3. AI upgrading travel:
Travelers are turning to AI to help plan their trips and get help while they’re on-the-go. AI searches related to travel are also at a near all-time high globally and the same is true in the Philippines.
The shift toward more diverse tourism in the Philippines is likely fueled by factors like rising costs, a post-pandemic desire for authentic connection, and a growing awareness of sustainability. It will be fascinating to see how these trends evolve, but it’s great to see Filipinos exploring new ways of traveling.
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!
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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.
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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
