Innovative digital-only bank CIMB Bank Philippines and Visa, a global leader in payments technology, have signed a strategic partnership to work together towards their common goal of making financial solutions easier to access and more innovative for all Filipinos.
This collaboration is a powerful convergence of CIMB Bank PH’s groundbreaking digital-first offerings and Visa’s global network of merchants and world-class technology. The mutually beneficial alliance reinforces CIMB Bank Philippines’ debit products growth through its virtual and physical cards while giving Visa exposure to a new set of customers via CIMB’s following, as well as those of its other partners. Visa will also be providing CIMB customers with exclusive discounts and other privileges when the Bank’s customers use their Virtual Debit Card with select Visa merchants.
“At CIMB Bank PH, we have always been committed to pioneering digital banking solutions and driving financial inclusion. Working together with Visa enables us to take this commitment to the next level by offering our customers enhanced payment solutions that are secure and convenient, to help allay the Filipinos’ hesitancy over digital banking, while also contributing to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap, which targets to make 50% of total retail transaction volumes digital,” said Vijay Manoharan, CEO of CIMB Bank Philippines. CIMB Bank currently has close to 500,000 virtual and physical card customers.
Jeff Navarro, Visa country manager for the Philippines and Guam, likewise expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This milestone marks an important step towards our shared vision of providing accessible and innovative financial solutions to consumers, thereby boosting financial inclusion for Filipinos everywhere. By leveraging Visa’s global network and expertise and CIMB Bank PH’s digital leadership, we are set to create an unparalleled customer experience that caters to the evolving needs of the modern customer.”
CIMB Bank PH brings its extensive customer base of over 7 million users and its leadership in embedded banking to the partnership. Its commitment to empowering partner products on its platform also aligns perfectly with Visa’s vision of uplifting everyone, everywhere, by being the best way to pay and be paid.
CIMB Bank PH and Visa are poised to boost the payment landscape in the Philippines and contribute to the financial inclusion goals of the country. Customers can expect an even more seamless and secure payment experience with their CIMB Visa Debit Card while also leveraging on the many other features of the CIMB Bank PH app.
Globe Rewards is more than just points and vouchers. It’s a heartfelt embrace from Globe to its vast user community, a massive THANK YOU to everyone who chooses Globe.
As your mobile leader, Globe shows immense appreciation to its loyal customers with its innovative Rewards Program. After all, in the world of Globe, every user is a star who deserves a little extra sparkle!
Here are the ways you’ll feel the love from Globe:
Use more, get more rewards!
Every interaction with Globe, from a simple reload and monthly Postpaid usage, to broadband plans and Prepaid WiFi, is a ticket to a whirlwind of points. It’s Globe’s way of ensuring that your every moment with the brand translates into a treasure trove of delightful surprises.
Unlock a universe of Perks with the GlobeOne app!
The GlobeOne app is a passport to a realm brimming with rewards. Check out a vast array of offerings, from indispensable life essentials, delectable food options, shopping extravaganzas, health and wellness perks, to the adrenaline rush of gaming and entertainment.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! With countless ways to utilize those hard-earned points, every day turns into a celebration. Whether it’s snagging a coveted reward, grabbing those limited-time flash deals, or simply using points to indulge in over 100 partner stores nationwide, you have easy access to endless possibilities.
A heart that gives
But Globe’s vision extends beyond just rewards and treats. It’s about making a tangible difference. Globe Rewards opens up a pathway to philanthropy, allowing you to help your favorite charities by donating your points. It’s a gentle reminder that while enjoying these benefits, there’s also an opportunity to touch lives and create ripples of positive change.
Globe’s Rewards Program is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to its customers. Learn more about Rewards by visiting the GlobeOne page.
Whoscall, one of the leading call identification and spam-blocking apps, identifies unknown numbers, blocks spam calls, and scans suspicious URLs from messages to provide comprehensive mobile protection. Armed with a range of innovative AI features and an internationally acclaimed reputation, Whoscall has finally arrived in the country to enhance our nation’s mobile security.
Picture this scenario: You’re about to start your day. Your phone rings and displays an unknown number. You hesitate to answer, unsure whether it’s an important call from a relative or a colleague, or just another telemarketing call or scammer attempting to take advantage of you. What could have been a peaceful morning is now filled with anxiety.
Sounds familiar? This is the situation faced by many Filipinos nowadays. Some of our countrymen have faced even more distressing experiences. Livelihoods and life savings have been lost due to the growing prevalence of scams. What’s worse? Scammers continue to discover new methods to deceive people.
On August 22, 2023, in New World Hotel, Makati City, Whoscall successfully launched an event spreading its advocacy towards a Scam Free Pilipinas. It was participated by a panel of cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and notable personalities with firsthand scam experiences, including the award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila, the “Geeky Tech Dad” Gian Vetorbo, and youth leader Aileen Montalbo. The event shed light on the alarming rise of fraudulent calls and messages in the Philippines. It also tackled the measures we should now collectively take to address this pressing issue.
Gian Viterbo, a top tech influencer in the country, shared, “Maraming kababayan nating OFW ang nawalan ng ipon dahil naloko ng scammers. Huwag nating hayaang mangyari ito sa iba pa.” Aileen Montalbo, former Batangas councilor and now the President of the Girls Scout Council in Batangas and an Ayala Youth Leader and influencer/blogger, also expressed, “These scam texts and calls are not just inconveniences. They affect our lives and our everyday security. Let’s push for ways to make our nation stronger against scams.”
The event host, Gelli Victor, chimed into the conversation, sharing that she, too, has encountered phishing attacks. “I’ve had too many of those scammers and spammers ever since the pandemic contact tracing. I still received them after I registered my SIM, even more on Whatsapp,” said the newscaster and fitness professional.
Undersecretary Alexander K. Ramos from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and Colonel Joey Fontiveros, Deputy Regiment Commander Army Signal Regiment of the Philippine Army, both shared that scamming methods nowadays are becoming more advanced. This emphasizes the need for a resource like Whoscall that operates with modern intelligence and how the app’s entrance to the country is timely and relevant.
With Whoscall, users can regain control and confidence over their phone communications. The app’s anti-fraud features let users make informed decisions about whether to answer or ignore calls and messages. Furthermore, individuals on the app can report suspicious numbers, empowering them to participate in this broad movement against fraudulent activities.
Gogolook, the visionary force behind Whoscall, shared what inspired them to launch the app in the country. “As fraud became more apparent during and after the pandemic, we saw how Filipinos have suffered losses from scams, much like in other countries where we have launched Whoscall, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. This reality ignited our drive to create a comprehensive life protection platform accessible to every Filipino across the nation,” said Manwoo Joo, chief operating officer of Gogolook.
Powered by world-leading AI and data-driven technology, Whoscall boasts the largest database in East Asia and Southeast Asia of over 2.6 billion entries to detect unknown callers, spam and scam calls and texts, and potentially harmful URLs. Its excellence was recognized with the Best App award on the App Store in 2015, and the Best App and Best Innovation awards on Google Play in 2013 and 2016. Backed by its achievements, Whoscall has established partnerships with international law enforcement agencies, such as the Thailand Police Cyber Taskforce, Hong Kong Police Force, and Malaysian Royal Police, as well as government bodies and private sectors.
In his closing remark, Gabriel Barrios, country marketing head for the Philippines said, “Whoscall has been available and is the leading caller ID and scam detection app in other Asian countries like Thailand and Taiwan, accumulating 100 million downloads worldwide. It has been rolling out in other Asian countries, as well, and we’re happy to finally provide this protective service to all Filipinos. We highly encourage everyone to install it on their phones and join the community to protect themselves and their loved ones from potential risks, fraud, and scams. It’s about time we all step up and unite for a Scam-Free Pilipinas!”
Whoscall is now available on Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Download it through the link below or scan the QR Code.
Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, held its first-ever Philippines Gas Power Seminar in Manila. The seminar served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and upskilling for the industry, highlighting the company’s latest advancements within the region and its industry-leading gas turbine technologies and services that can help address the energy needs of the Philippines.
The seminar was attended by Hon. Monalisa C. Dimalanta, chairperson and CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), as well as local energy industry leaders, customers, and partners.
During the seminar, participants in the country were given an exclusive virtual live tour of Takasago Hydrogen Park, the world’s first center for validation of hydrogen-related technologies situated in Hyogo, Japan. The immersive tour provided participants with firsthand insights into the intricacies of the hydrogen value chain, from production to storage and power generation.
The event also featured presentations and speeches from Mitsubishi Power executives, covering updates on the business, gas turbine performance enhancements, decarbonization technologies such as hydrogen co-firing capabilities, and comprehensive after-sales services supporting the delivery of more stable and sustainable electricity across the country.
In her keynote address, ERC Commissioner Monalisa C. Dimalanta notes: “ERC is committed to facilitating a stable energy transition in the Philippines that harnesses clean alternative energy solutions. Through working together with prominent industry players and innovative solutions providers, such as Mitsubishi Power, we remain steadfast in our active pursuit of a range of energy solutions to provide more sustainable, dependable, and cost-effective energy for the nation.”
Kazuki Ishikura, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific, said in his opening address: “As a leading global provider of power generation solutions for over 40 years in the Philippines, Mitsubishi Power has been instrumental in the development of multiple power plants across the country. The heart of our operations in the Philippines lies in our dedicated and skilled workforce of over 1,000 individuals. Mitsubishi Power team is committed to meeting the dynamic energy demands of Filipino communities through our most efficient and reliable gas turbines and pave the way towards a more sustainable energy future for the country.”
For over four decades, Mitsubishi Power has been a key energy solutions provider in the Philippines, supplying boilers, gas turbines and steam turbines to local power providers. Its high-performance large-capacity M501G gas turbines have been powering the Ilijan Combined Cycle Power Plant in Calabarzon since 2002. The Philippines is also home to a Remote Monitoring Centre (RMC), which provides state-of-the-art round-the-clock remote monitoring for power plant operation and maintenance.
Mitsubishi Power is a recognized sole power system OEM with comprehensive manufacturing and engineering capabilities in the Philippines. Mitsubishi Power leverages its proximity to customers to provide a diverse range of products and services to meet the evolving requirements and needs of power plants with a quick response time. We aim to be a trusted partner for total plant solutions, sharing the aspirations of local power plant owners and developers in building a cleaner energy future for the Philippines.
For more information and the latest updates on the 2023 Gas Power Seminar in Philippines, follow Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific’s LinkedIn page.
The United Print Multimedia Group (UPMG) Philippines held its General Membership Meeting on August 30, 2023, at the Escolta Function Room of the Lucky Chinatown Hotel. As the attendees gathered, anticipation filled the air for an enlightening session that promised to delve into the dynamic interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and the ever-evolving media landscape.
Tapping Global Wisdom: UPMG’s Engagement at the 74th World News Media Congress
Opening the event, UPMG President Barbie L. Atienza extended a warm welcome and set the tone for the day’s discussions. The focus of the meeting was highlighted – to learn from UPMG members who had recently participated in the esteemed 74th World News Media Congress last June 28-30 in Taipei, Taiwan. Atienza emphasized the value of cross-cultural knowledge sharing and its pivotal role in shaping UPMG’s ongoing trajectory.
AI in the Newsroom: Balancing Apprehensions and Opportunities
Sherly O. Baula, UPMG treasurer and credit and collection manager of Chinese Commercial News, took center stage to shed light on the Pros and Cons of AI integration in newsrooms. Baula’s insights addressed the common concerns surrounding AI while uncovering its potential benefits.
The division was clear. On one hand, the apprehension of job displacement and compromising authenticity loomed large. However, Baula deftly highlighted AI’s potential to streamline newsroom processes and innovate content creation. She showcased tangible applications that AI has already introduced, from AI-generated listicles to engaging animated videos. A notable example was the debut of an AI-generated news anchor named “Fedha” on a Kuwaiti news channel.
Navigating Global AI Regulations: Policy, Ethics, and Transparency
Baula’s discussion on AI integration regulations offered insightful perspectives. Delving into the intricate global landscape, she unpacked policies and rules that govern AI in newsrooms worldwide. Central aspects such as transparency, ethics, data quality, verification methods, staff expertise, and collaborations between data scientists and journalists took the spotlight.
One key concern was restoring public trust, particularly given AI’s potential to disseminate misinformation through tools like deepfakes. Baula proposed a robust framework for newsrooms, including AI usage guidelines, transparent labeling of AI-generated content, human oversight, and rigorous fact-checking by seasoned news editors.
AI in Media: An Imperfect Alliance of Opportunity and Challenge
Baula’s conclusion highlighted the dual nature of AI. It embodies both threats and opportunities. Her insights underscored that AI remains an evolving technology, necessitating the integration of the human touch to balance creative and ethical dimensions of news production.
Redesigning Business Models in the Age of AI: Jay Sarmiento’s Insights
The event further welcomed Jay Sarmiento, vice-president of UPMG, and sales & marketing director of Philstar Media Group. Sarmiento shared wisdom on a range of business models that news outlets can leverage amidst the AI revolution. She underscored the potential for AI to enhance operations, rather than supplant traditional journalism.
With decentralization of the web gaining momentum, Sarmiento emphasized the need to refine business models. She urged news organizations to embrace AI’s transformative potential and chart strategies beyond established Big Tech. Sarmiento believed this approach could yield untapped intellectual property revenue streams.
Exploring Diverse Business Horizons: Niche, Innovation, and Revenue
Sarmiento introduced a spectrum of 15 business models that news companies could consider. Ranging from paid content provision to data mining and affiliate marketing, these options spanned a wide scope. Her message was clear: News companies should capitalize on their unique strengths to select three models that align with their core competencies, thereby creating fresh revenue streams.
An Interactive Exchange of Learning and Unity
Beyond the main sessions, the event evolved into a vibrant platform for interaction. Attendees posed queries, exchanged insights, and embraced collective learning. The dynamic atmosphere was amplified by an engaging quiz and a raffle draw, fostering engagement and camaraderie.
A Finale of Wisdom and Gratitude
As the event concluded, Angel V. Guerrero, UPMG Board Secretary and Publisher of Adobo Magazine, expressed gratitude and encapsulated the essence of the meeting—a shared journey of exploration, learning, and empowerment.
In an evolving media landscape shaped by AI and innovation, UPMG Philippines’ General Meeting stood as a testament to the industry’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Attendees left the Escolta Function Room armed with deeper insights into the dynamic forces shaping their field, poised to stride forward with renewed vigor.
Is innovation good or bad? The intent of innovation is to improve on a previous idea and make it more efficient or even better than that idea. However, it depends on who you ask. Sometimes innovation can spark success. Sometimes it can utterly fail. It can also teach valuable lessons on what to do next time. Failure is often the motivation to try again — if, at first, you don’t succeed, right? In terms of video game consoles in the 1990s, there were plenty of commercial and critical failures. The Virtual Boy happened to be one of the few blemishes on Nintendo’s otherwise excellent track record.
The story of the Virtual Boy goes back to 1985. Nintendo was not yet a household name in North America. A company called Reflection Technology Inc. (RTI) produced a stereoscopic head-tracking prototype called the Private Eye. The company demonstrated the technology to major toy companies such as Mattel and Hasbro. Ironically, Sega turned this down because of its single-color display and the potential for motion sickness. While Sega took astronomical leaps into the unknown when it came to innovation, Nintendo also had its reputation for doing so. However, the products centered more around the user experience rather than trying to be too far ahead of their time.
Nintendo was enthusiastic about this new technology. The late Gunpei Yokoi, who invented the Game & Watch and Game Boy, saw this as something competitors would find difficult to emulate. He nicknamed the project “VR32” and saw it as a way to encourage more creativity in games. They then signed an exclusive agreement with RTI to license the technology for the display. In the early 1990s, Research & Development 3 was working on the Nintendo 64, so the other two R&D units could free up their time to develop the Virtual Boy. Development began in 1990, and Nintendo even built a dedicated manufacturing plant in China for the Virtual Boy.
The Virtual Boy was most well known for its red and black graphics. Having actually played the Virtual Boy, I have never really understood their choice of red and black. Still, after researching this article, the reasoning was simple: red LEDs were the cheapest, and not having a backlit screen made the user experience more immersive. Nintendo had to also remove the head tracking feature for both health and legal reasons, giving it the design of goggles on a stand — not the best design choice for what was supposed to be a futuristic console. But this was the 1990s, and trying to develop something we would take for granted today was a pretty Herculean task.
The Virtual Boy made appearances at major video game and electronic conventions such as E3 and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Nintendo projected sales of 3 million hardware units and as many as 14 million games sold by March 1996. Was this arrogance, or was virtual reality finally here to stay? One telling sign that this would be a commercial failure was the lack of involvement from Shigeru Miyamoto, according to author David Sheff in the 1999 edition of his book Game Over. Yokoi’s reluctance to release the Virtual Boy in its current form was another factor, yet Nintendo pushed it to market in 1995 so that even more resources would be freed up for the Nintendo 64.
Nintendo released the Virtual Boy in the summer of 1995 at USD179.95 (about USD330 in 2021). It toed the line of not being as powerful as a console, but more powerful than the Game Boy. Some critics had called it a more evolved version of the View-Master. Nintendo reported sales figures of only 770,000 and claimed to have spent USD$25 million on marketing. However, there were reports of dizziness, nausea, and headaches when using the Virtual Boy, with some contemporary articles suggesting that prolonged use could even cause permanent brain damage.
Nintendo also heavily focused on the technology of the Virtual Boy rather than the games. Only 19 games were released in Japan and 14 in North America. The console performed so poorly that the plug was pulled on this particular project in 1996, less than a year after its release. This may have been good for Nintendo, as the company released the Nintendo 64 later that year, which sold nearly 33 million units. This might have blunted the negative PR from the Virtual Boy.
Sheff placed the failure of the Virtual Boy squarely on Gunpei Yokoi, who left the company shortly after Nintendo discontinued the Virtual Boy. As a result, RTI went out of business by 1997. Yokoi, unfortunately, passed away in a car accident in October 1997. Yet there was some hope for Nintendo to return to VR, even though the prospects were bleak. In 2010, then-Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime even said he was unfamiliar with the Virtual Boy when asked if any of the Virtual Boy games would come to the Nintendo 3DS’s Virtual Console.
Some hobbyists had taken to bringing emulated Virtual Boy games to the Samsung Gear VR in 2016 and the Oculus Rift in 2018. Former president of Nintendo Tatsumi Kimishima also said in 2016 and 2017 that there might be the possibility of a VR peripheral for the Nintendo Switch. Still, as of 2022, this has not yet become a reality. The Virtual Boy only lives on as an example of a commercial failure and innovation that we can all learn from.
Words by Jose Alvarez Also published in Gadgets Magazine January 2023 Issue
Great news for HONOR fans from the South! The 10th HONOR Experience Store just opened in SM Mall of Asia on August 26, 2023 located at 2/F Cyberzone, North Wing.
From left to right: HONOR Stars Bruce Roeland, Jeff Moses, Liezel Lopez,
Berlein CEO Leo Bernardino with HONOR Vice President Stephen Cheng,
Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, and PR Manager Pao Oga
“We are extremely happy to be opening our 10th HONOR Experience Store in the Philippines and we hope our HONOR fans are as excited as we are. They are an integral part of this success and we are doing everything to give back to them,” said HONOR Philippines vice president Stephen Cheng.
This jampacked event was officiated by HONOR Philippines vice president Stephen Cheng, brand marketing manager Joepy Libo-on, PR manager Pao Oga with HONOR stars Liezel Lopez, Jeff Moses, Bruce Roeland and Berlein ceo Leo Bernardino.
Just in time for the First Day Sale of HONOR 90 5G, fans flocked to line up to get a hand of the newest powerful HONOR smartphone. It was also highlighted in a Flicker Challenge which proved its less flicker claim that meant revolutionary protection for the users’ eyes.
It’s Time to Shine at 9.9
HONOR is gearing up for its biggest online sale to date! Get up to 50% off selected HONOR devices and FREE shipping nationwide on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop from September 2 to 13, 2023. HONOR flagship devices HONOR 90 5G, HONOR Magic5 Pro, and HONOR X9a 5G will be on sale!
For more updates and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands recently rolled out its first-in-the-industry feature on the new BPI app. Aptly called Track and Plan, this tool utilizes AI to track and analyze your financial activities on the BPI app, share insights on your spending habits, and even offer suggestions for smarter financial investments—so you can plan for your future. The BPI app’s pioneering Track and Plan feature empowers people to manage their money wisely. It’s like having a personal finance manager right at your fingertips!
You may have already seen it when you logged on to your BPI app. It’s the animated scrolling cards at the top of the screen. Based on your latest transactions, Track and Plan will generate insights around your cashflow and float up snippets to notify you of, say, similar withdrawals made back-to-back.
You can get the full insight with more details when you click on the notification and easily get in touch with BPI if you need to.
Another insight could be about unexpected changes in deposits from a familiar payor made to your account.
When your balance is consistently high that it sufficiently covers your average monthly expenses, Track and Plan will suggest ways you can invest and grow your extra funds.
Track and Plan can also monitor trends in your spending and alert you in case your bill was higher than your average—so you can be more mindful of your budget.
This AI-powered tool generates unique insights that only you can view, and you can rest assured about the privacy of your financial transactions. It is the first of its kind in the industry. By design, Track and Plan will continue to give you new insights based on your app usage.
“I have been covering the financial industry for decades and I have never seen a banking app that acts like a financial advisor with powerful access to tools that allow anyone to move from knowledge to action,” says veteran journalist and ‘Financial Beshie ng Bayan’ Salve Duplito. “Let’s face it, most of us get offended when someone tells us we are spending too much, but with Track and Plan, it’s like you telling you! So our emotional human experience gets a big jolt of logic — and that could be transformational in bringing our country’s savings rate higher.”
“We at BPI are excited to unveil Track and Plan, our AI-powered personal finance management tool on the new BPI app,” says Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Consumer Marketing and Platforms Head at BPI. “We are leveraging technology to simplify money management to empower Filipinos to do more and make their lives better every day. This feature essentially scales BPI’s seasoned and personalized financial advice to millions of Filipinos and is the next step forward in BPI’s evolution. Our customers can look forward to more in-depth insights and actionable advice as we continue to develop this feature.”
As AI learns from patterns or features in data, insights from Track and Plan gets better the more you use it. BPI will also be expanding its capabilities in the coming months so users will eventually have the option to turn on automatic monthly investments, schedule their most frequent transactions, and best of all, stay on top of their spending and earnings with a built-in budget tracker. All these will be available exclusively on the new BPI app.
Time to “move app,” don’t you think?
To start getting AI-powered insights, download the new BPI app if you haven’t yet—or update to the latest version. Download it here or scan the QR code below.
Sunsetting of the old BPI app is targeted for September 30, 2023. Download the new app and activate your devices by then!
vivo returns as Official Smartphone of the NBA in the Philippines
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and vivo have announced a multi-year marketing partnership that sees vivo return as the Official Smartphone of the NBA in the Philippines.
The agreement builds on a previous marketing partnership in the Philippines that saw vivo serve as an official partner of the Jr. NBA – the league’s global youth basketball program for boys and girls – and NBA 3X Philippines, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament featuring men’s and women’s teams, interactive fan activities and authentic NBA entertainment.
Through the collaboration, vivo will be the Presenting Partner in the Philippines of NBA All-Star Voting – a platform that gives fans the opportunity to vote for the NBA All-Star Game starters via the NBA App and NBA.com – and return as an official partner of NBA 3X Philippines presented by Mountain Dew, which will take place later this year.
In addition, vivo will launch promotions that will provide fans in the Philippines with the chance to win authentic NBA prizes. The NBA and vivo will also co-develop content for the NBA’s localized Facebook and TikTok pages in the Philippines.
“We’re thrilled to welcome vivo back to our growing roster of marketing partners in the Philippines and align with a brand that shares our commitment to innovation,” said NBA Philippines Senior Director of Global Marketing Partnerships Mae Dichupa. “Our collaboration with vivo represents an excellent opportunity to elevate the NBA experience across digital, retail and events, and showcase vivo’s smartphones as a convenient and ideal device for fans to immerse themselves in the excitement of the NBA.”
“Our passion for innovation extends beyond the confines of technology, and we recognize that sports provide an ideal platform to bring communities together and inspire positive change in the way we live our lives,” said vivo Philippines management. “This guiding principle reinforces our efforts to collaborate with sports organizations such as the NBA that enable us to foster a deeper connection between our brand and the world of sports.”
Fans in the Philippines can shop for official NBA merchandise at the NBA Stores at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia and at NBAStore.com.ph. For all the latest NBA news and updates, fans in the Philippines can visit www.nba.com, download the NBA App, and follow the NBA on Facebook, X, and TikTok.
Never let an earbud fool you with its size. Albeit tiny, they are mighty and nothing can be truer for Soundcore’s STRONGEST Noise Canceling Earbuds: The Liberty 4 NC. Designed for those who live on-the-go and on full blast, they are everything you would want and more. Superior noise canceling and a superb sound quality that revolves around you, your ears, and your environment, immersing you in a soundscape you’ve never heard before.
The Liberty 4 NC: Lesser Noise, Better Listening.
Less noise
Hailed by PCMag as the “best wireless noise cancelation,” Liberty 4 NC is Soundcore’s strongest noise-canceling earphones. They reduce noise up to 98.5% for lesser noise and better listening. But don’t just take our word for it; these numbers are certified by the SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company.
Equipped with the leading active noise canceling system, the Adaptive ANC 2.0 actively performs in real-time to detect and create a noise canceling curve tailored to your ear canal and the environment in real-time. You can also control the ambient sound with 5 levels of noise canceling and 2 transparency modes. You can even select from preset modes for when you’re traveling on a plane, train, bus, or taxi.
Better listening
Aside from muting the noise, the Liberty 4 NC also does an amazing job at amplifying what you actually want to hear. We’re talking deep bass drops and crisp high notes so you can truly immerse yourself into the sound or the conversation if you’re tuned in to a podcast.
Expect nothing less than crisp and clear audio with its 11mm custom driver and the ACAA 3.0 Coaxial Acoustic System. The Liberty 4 NC also has a Hi-Res Wireless Certification and LDAC quality transmission. But don’t get lost in these tech terms, simply, this means that the Liberty 4 NC can transmit 3x more data than regular Bluetooth for superior listening quality.
The HearID 2.0 is all about the sweet spot, the ideal sound profile to suit your ears. Aside from mixing and adjusting the EQ to your liking, you can also choose from 22 presets to match your listening mood. And since it is all about giving your ears a customized experience, each box comes with 5 size-varying pairs (XS to L) of comfy ear tips to suit your preference.
And should someone call you while you’re listening to your new favorite playlist, the Liberty 4 NC has 6 mics and is designed with an AI Algorithm that amplifies your voice and reduces background noise. So you don’t have to repeat yourself incessantly during your next online meeting.
And more!
These true wireless earbuds can move with you and your busy lifestyle. With a 10-hour playtime and an additional 50 hours with the charging case, the Liberty 4 NC is the ideal companion for those short errand runs or long-haul flights. That’s almost 1,000 songs in just one full charge! It also charges in a jiffy, with 10 minutes of charging equating to 4 hours of playtime. Whether you’re clumsy or when it’s raining in Manila, these earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance, so you can carry on listening whatever the weather!
Shop the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC from Anker stores nationwide, on their website, or on their official Lazada store or Shopee Store.
To make up for lost time and relationships that fizzled out. To see each other beyond a tiny screen and make the most of everything. This season, U Elements is here to help bridge the connection that was lost.
U Elements is an up and coming brand that has been providing the market with multi-functional and multi-purpose bags for almost a decade now. Their bags are designed locally and produced internationally with a carefully curated set of features.
U Elements’ new collections are here to help connect everyone, one bag at a time.
First up is the Equipt Campus Collection. With 4 silhouettes under its wing, this collection is made for easy, effortless catching up with family, friends, and all relationships in between. May it be for quick catch-ups or an out-of-town getaway, you’ll find an Equipt Campus Bag to suit your needs!
Equipt Campus Backpack: With its 21L storage capacity, this backpack is here to cater to your daily needs. Fit and organize your essentials in its spacious main compartment equipped with various organizational pockets. Made with water-resistant material and with a separate laptop compartment for a 15″ even up to 17″ laptop , you can surely bring your valuables easily and safely from the ever-changing weather.
Equipt Campus Sling Bag: Bring all your essentials with ease, even your 10” tablet! This sling bag boasts of a spacious main compartment, a dedicated tablet bay , as well as multiple organizational pockets! It also features SafelightTM, our signature road safety reflective panel!
Equipt Campus Crossbody Bag: Perfect for both left and right hand wearers, this Crossbody Bag has all of our best features and more! Aside from being made with water-repellent material, it also has a number of pockets that will keep your things organized while being on-the-go!
Equipt Campus Hip Pack: If packing light is your thing, this hip pack may just be your new best friend! With its 3L capacity, you can fit all the essentials you need for a quick getaway with your family or friends! It also has U Elements signature feature, the SafelightTM road safety reflective panel, as well as organizational pockets and garters to keep your things safe and in place!
Their next collection is for those who like to travel and connect with the great outdoors and immerse themselves in other cultures. The Urban Defender Collection is for everyone who’d like to keep their valuables safe wherever they may be!
Urban Defender Backpack: With a whopping 26L storage size, this backpack is the perfect bag to bring when you want to go on a trip and connect with your friends, or even yourself! Its spacious main compartment can fit all your essentials and has different compartments and pockets to keep your things organized, including a separate compartment for a 15.6” laptop. But what makes this bag the perfect travel buddy is its anti-theft features such as the QuikLock self-locking/releasing zippers and StrapGuard slash-proof straps that will keep your things safe!
Urban Defender Crossbody Bag: With anti-theft features such as the ZipGuard zipper security latch and BuckleGuard dual-release buckle lock, this crossbody bag is the ultimate versatile bag perfect for both right and left hand wearers! Aside from its anti-theft features, it also has SafeLight, U Elements’ signature road safety reflective panel! It also has 2 zippered pockets on the front panel aside from its main compartment– providing more space for your stuff.
Urban Defender Sling Bag: Don’t let its compact look fool you– this sling bag boasts of a 9L storage capacity which is more than enough for your essentials. This bag provides all-around safety as it is made with water-repellent materials and has anti-theft features like the QuikLock self-locking/releasing zippers and an RFID-blocking compartment on the back panel.
Urban Defender Mini Sling Bag: Small but mighty– that’s the mini version of the Urban Defender Sling Bag! Made with the same water-repellent materials and anti-theft features, and organizational properties, this is gonna be your newest go-to bag anytime, anywhere!
These two collections and more are available at U Elements. Visit them at Urbanize stores nationwide and SM Department Stores.
You may also purchase your U Elements fix at www.urbanize.com.ph, Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora! For more information, make sure to follow and like U Elements’ social media pages:
It’s been a while since I’ve used a phone below PHP10,000, so my expectations for the vivo Y27 were modest. Still, over the course of my time with it, the phone surprisingly grew on me. It’s not perfect by any means, but it does well in most of the things that count toward being a good daily driver, such as gaming, battery life, and multitasking. Read on for my detailed thoughts on this new budget mid-range device from vivo.
Design: 4/5
Our vivo Y27 review unit came in Burgundy Black which looks dark and muted at first, but shimmers in a pretty burgundy when hit by light. It comes in a scratch-resistant matte finish.
Taking a tour of the vivo Y27, the back is populated with an etched vivo logo on the bottom left with the camera module sitting on the upper left. Specifically, the phone has two huge camera assemblies—the 50MP main camera being the topmost and the 2MP depth camera sitting below it—flanked by a lone flash module on the right. Around the edges, you’ll find the left side bare, while the right houses the volume rocker and fingerprint-enabled power button. At the top edge is an ejectable tray that takes up to two nano SIM cards plus a dedicated microSD slot. Lastly, the bottom contains a 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone pinhole, USB Type-C port, and speaker grille.
The phone’s face has a 6.64-inch display occupying 85.4% of the screen with a teardrop notch for the 8MP front camera. If you look really closely, you can just barely make out the call ear speaker grille along the top side.
The aesthetics of the phone are solid. I just wish that the gold rings surrounding the camera modules came in a more muted tone (perhaps in Burgundy Black as well) to make the backside look cleaner.
Hardware: 4/5
The vivo Y27 comes equipped with an octa-core MediaTek MT6769 Helio G85 clocked at 2.0GHz on the two faster cores and 1.8GHz on the rest, with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU dedicated to running graphics. While the three-year-old SoC is definitely nearing the end of its welcome, it should still perform decently in most everyday tasks. It is backed by 6GB of dedicated RAM and 6GB of extended RAM which uses part of the phone’s 128GB internal storage to serve as an additional buffer for running more apps. Should you need all the storage you want, you’ll be glad to know that the phone is microSD expandable up to 1TB.
The display is a 6.64-inch 2388 x 1080px IPS Full HD panel with up to 600nits of brightness. The cameras at the rear are spec’d at 50MP f/1.8 for the main and 2MP f/2.4 for the depth, along with an 8MP f/2.0 selfie shooter at the front. Powering the phone is a 5000mAh battery pack chargeable by the included 44W fast charger. To help with costs, the vivo Y27’s body is made out of 2.5D plastic. Still, it feels solid in hand with no flexing anywhere and is even rated IP54 dust and water-resistant.
Overall, it’s pretty standardly kitted for this segment, but the 44W fast charging capability and IP54 rating makes the vivo Y27 stand out.
User Experience: 4/5
Given the vivo Y27’s price point and spec sheet, I did not expect the phone to blow me away with its performance. Given this, I was pleasantly surprised with how it fared in everyday use, gaming, and battery life.
As a daily driver, the vivo Y27 was able to do all I needed it to do. App load times were decent. Switching between apps was quite smooth as well, and there was virtually no app reloading when switching between popular social media apps. Viewing multimedia on the vivo Y27 was also enjoyable thanks to its large screen and decently loud speakers.
For performance benchmarks, the phone scored 6,742 in the PCMark Work 3.0 Performance test; 727 in the 3DMark Wild Life test with an average frame rate of 4.35; and 403 and 1,186 single and multi-core scores, respectively, for the Geekbench 6 CPU Benchmark. These scores translate to a decent gaming experience.
Asphalt 9 ran smoothly on the highest graphic settings even with tons of particle effects happening on screen. For MOBAs, both Mobile Legends and Pokémon Unite ran smoothly even on high graphic preset settings. Call of Duty Mobile was limited to medium graphics and High frame rate settings as the maximum selectable, but gameplay was generally smooth across both Multiplayer and Battle Royale modes. However, if you’re the type who desires the finest precision control over your reticle, then be warned that hiccups here and there are inevitable. Dropping to lower graphic settings resulted in a smoother experience, though. Diablo Immortal is playable at Very High graphics quality preset with image sharpening turned on, even with mobs of monsters around. However, the vivo Y27 only supports image accuracy up to Medium and frame rate up to 30—higher settings are inaccessible. Lowering graphics settings and reducing eye candy led to a more consistently smooth performance in the world of Sanctuary.
The vivo Y27 features the Ultra Game Mode and Multi-Turbo 5.5 sidebar, which boosts performance by minimizing non-gaming-related loads and dedicating resources to the game on screen. Select games are also supported by the phone’s Frame-rate Priority setting, which renders images at a lower resolution to improve performance. Using this for Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal, I found the gameplay to be much smoother, although graphics were not as crisp versus this setting off.
In terms of battery life, the vivo Y27 lasted well over 13 hours in the PCMark Work 3.0 Battery Life test, where the phone went from 100% to 20% battery with airplane mode on, screen at 50% brightness, and volume at full blast. In real-world use, I was consistently able to go a full day with data and Wi-Fi hotspot always on, and intermittent social media use, gaming, browsing, and taking photos. When I did need to charge it, the vivo Y27 took around just one hour to go from 0 to 100% using the bundled 44W Fast Charge power brick and Type-C cable.
Given its price point, the vivo Y27’s imaging capabilities are to be expected. When in brightly lit environments, photos are good enough for social media use. However, like most of its peers, it is challenged by less-than-ideal scenarios, such as dim lighting, high contrast, or wide dynamic range situations. Good thing that the vivo Y27 comes with a Super Night Mode shooting option which allows it to pull in more light for better-looking images, as long as you can hold the phone still for a few seconds. The video outputs are also quite okay, though the resolution only goes up to 1080p at 30fps for both front and rear shooters.
Value: 4/5
Overall, the vivo Y27 is a good phone with a competitive price tag of PHP8,999. It performs well for everyday use and even has some gaming chops to spare. The screen is huge and bright, making it great for consuming multimedia. The 44W fast charging capability is one of the fastest in this segment, and it’s even rated IP54 dust and water-resistant. It only really underwhelms with its shooters, but for everything else, it’s properly decent. If your budget maxes out at PHP 9,000 and you want to squeeze every last bit of value out of it, then definitely consider the vivo Y27.
Specifications:
Display: 6.64-inch 2388 x 1080 px Full HD IPS display
Processor: MediaTek MT6769 Helio G85 with Mali-G52 MC2 GPU
Given how reliant consumers from all demographics are on technology, it’s no longer a mere option for small business owners in the Philippines to digitalize their operations; it’s simply a must. As the past few years have proven, technology is the way forward toward sustainable business growth.
It will be in your business’s best interest to integrate a variety of digital technologies into your arsenal to transcend your current limitations, connect with a broader customer base, and optimize your internal processes. The right tools will allow you to achieve a faster, leaner, and more efficient management style for your small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME) or startup, priming you for greater success in the near future.
Here are some of the modern tools and solutions that you should consider using to save you valuable time and streamline your venture’s operations:
1) Point of Sale Systems
Modern point of sale (POS) systems such as the Philippines’ Maya POS Terminal are game-changers for wholesalers and retailers alike. These tools are designed to allow businesses to accept payments and track sales in a flash.
In the digital age, it’s essential for small enterprises to be able to process digital payments on top of cash. If you’re keen on expanding the payment options your business can accept, you can use the Maya Terminal, which is more than just a simple credit card machine. This portable POS device, which doubles as a debit and credit card terminal, can receive digital payments like bank transfers and QR code payments. It can also process transactions in real time and issue quick receipts.
Meanwhile, Maya Business’s lighter offering, the Maya Terminal Lite, is a pocketable smartphone-sized POS device that can be used on the go, making it a perfect solution for pop-up stores, food trucks, and establishments that accept cash on delivery (COD). The capabilities of such tools allow small ventures to offer personalized customer experiences and maintain accurate records, all while reducing the time it takes for a business to complete transactions with its customers.
2) E-Commerce Platforms
E-commerce platforms are solutions that enable businesses to set up online shops and centrally manage their website, marketing, sales, and other aspects of their operations. Using such a platform gives your venture the opportunity to immediately expand beyond its physical location.
A dedicated website for your business accomplishes many things simultaneously, such as enhancing your brand’s visibility, offering convenient shopping experiences to your customers, and opening up new revenue streams in as little time as possible. For instance, a website gives you the means to showcase your products to many people. Connect the website to a payment gateway, and you’ll also earn the capability to process transactions at your customers’ convenience. This makes it possible for you to quickly reach out to and connect with buyers from other areas of the country—a move that will surely hasten the growth of your SME or startup.
3) Digital Marketing Tools
For small businesses to truly thrive in the digital age, they’ll need to formulate marketing strategies that resonate with a widely digital audience. To that end, you can use digital marketing tools, such as social media and email marketing platforms, to speed up the creation and implementation of your marketing strategies.
These tools will empower you to reach customers through various channels and boost brand awareness in a short period of time. If you have a limited-time promotion, for instance, you can create digital posters and distribute them immediately to your business’s online community. In no time, your followers will be informed of your establishment’s latest discounts and promos—and they can make good on such deals as soon as they see them.
4) Project Management Software
Overseeing a business takes a lot of time, so streamlining oversight of key processes can empower even small businesses to maximize their resources. You can make it much easier and faster to manage individual business projects, like seasonal campaigns, using project management software. Solutions like these are designed to facilitate task delegation, collaboration, and progress tracking for projects in an instant.
You can use a project management program to track the trajectory of a particular business project and how long it’s taken to meet important milestones. If you’re working with a team, the same tool can also be used to enhance communication and coordination. Used wisely, a project management solution can help ensure that projects are completed on time and that the business’s precious resources are utilized as efficiently as possible.
5) Accounting and Financial Software
Maintaining financial health is a priority for every small business or startup, but if you rely predominantly on manual methods, this task can take up a lot of your time. You can cut down the time it takes to get ahold of your venture’s financial situation by using accounting software. Most modern tools can simplify or even automate bookkeeping, invoicing, and expense tracking.
With accurate financial insights at your fingertips, you can make informed business decisions without dilly-dallying. You’ll also be able to manage your cash flow and ensure compliance with tax regulations with minimal time and effort, thus saving you money on penalties and other costs attributed to business inefficiency.
6) Customer Relationship Management Software
It often takes time to build strong customer relationships, but this task is essential to the survival and sustainability of many small businesses in the Philippines. To strengthen your customers’ connection to your business in as little time as possible, it’s good to offer them personalized purchasing experiences.
This is possible through the use of a dedicated customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Such a solution can centralize your customer data, interactions, and sales leads. Having a better understanding of your customers’ preferences and behavior will allow you to tailor your offerings, provide them with better support, and cultivate loyalty among both new and returning ones.
7) Cybersecurity and Data Protection Solutions
Even small businesses in the Philippines need to safeguard their sensitive information against the wiles of hackers, phishers, fraudsters, and other malicious entities online. Solutions like antivirus software, data encryption, and regular data backups can offer an additional layer of protection to your business against cyber threats and data breaches.
It’s also a good idea to use a payment solution like Maya’s payment terminal, which adheres to international security standards. By ensuring data integrity, you can facilitate quick and uninterrupted transactions with a “business as usual” kind of attitude—which, in turn, will steadily build trust among your customers and partners.
As you can see from the examples listed above, several tech tools and solutions can empower your business to save time and navigate complex operational challenges. Leverage these to manage your time and tasks more efficiently, and unlock your venture’s full potential in a competitive business environment where all the little things matter.
Aimed at making crypto buying and selling more accessible to Filipinos, Moneybees, leading over-the-counter cryptocurrency exchange platform, has reinforced efforts with its long-standing partnership with Tivoli Money Exchange through its recently opened branch at One Ayala.
Located at the cornerof Ayala Avenue and EDSA in Makati, the new intermodal transportation hub is now home to Tivoli’s latest store. Tivoli One Ayala houses Moneybees’ competitive crypto services to cater to digital currency users of all backgrounds within the vicinity.
“Expanding our services to the new branch of Tivoli at One Ayala attempts to meet the increasing demand for convenient and reliable crypto exchange services in the country. Moneybees remains dedicated to offering transparent rates and expert support for a seamless and rewarding crypto trading experience as customer satisfaction and safety are at the core of our operations,” said Jay Villarante, chairman and ceo of Moneybees Forex Corporation.
The biggest branch to date is poised to serve many customers while committing to swift crypto exchanges with shorter waiting times. Founded in 1983, Tivoli has been trustworthy in buying, selling, and exchanging currencies and covering high- and low-value transactions over the counter.
“As cryptocurrencies gain acceptance in the market, offering Moneybees cryptocurrency exchange services allows us to thrive in this digital age, they serve as a bridge between our target market and the world of cryptocurrencies and accelerate the digital revolution,” said Eirene Tinitigan, president of Tivoli Money Exchange.
“Our customers can expect a seamless integration of traditional currency trading and cryptocurrency investments. They will gain access to an extensive range of fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat trading pairs, ensuring enhanced liquidity and convenience,” Tinitigan added.
Since 2021, Moneybees, a duly registered Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Anti Money Laundering Council, has established a dynamic presence in Metro Manila through strategically located Tivoli branches in major commercial buildings such as in Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, Glorietta 2 in Makati, and Okada Manila in Parañaque. Bringing crypto services near leisure and shopping centers reaches both experienced and inexperienced traders and enthusiasts.
(Left to Right) Tivoli Money Exchange outlets in Trinoma, Glorietta 2, and Okada Manila
All four Tivoli branches offer a range of cryptocurrencies for trading, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), and other major cryptocurrencies.
“The establishment of an OTC crypto exchange outlet plays a pivotal role in pushing cryptocurrencies into the mainstream by instilling trust, accommodating a broader base of customers, providing essential services, and strengthening the industry’s credibility,” Villarante stated.
“With the ever-growing interest in cryptocurrencies, Moneybees invites both our current and new clients to visit Tivoli’s new branch in One Ayala Mall and explore the wide range of crypto services we have to offer. Together, we are embracing the future of finance, making digital assets more accessible,” he added.
Featuring international espionage, super-powered spies, and deadly assassins, Korean drama and tentpole series Moving has quickly captured the world’s attention, becoming the most-watched Korean original on Disney+ globally and Hulu in the U.S. based on hours streamed after 7 days.
In its first week since launch on August 9, the hit new series also became the most watched series on Disney+ across APAC, including Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia (such as the Philippines), Hong Kong and Taiwan (based on hours watched), and the biggest premiere on
Disney+ in Korea to date, based on hours streamed in the first week since launch. Moving launched globally on Disney+ in 65 markets and countries and Hulu in the U.S.
“The global consumer response towards the first 11 episodes of Moving has exceeded our expectations,” said Carol Choi, executive vice president of Original Content Strategy, The Walt Disney Company APAC. “From the U.S. to all across APAC, it is fast becoming a breakout hit with its captivating storyline, world-class cast and incredible post-production effects — all coming together to deliver exceptional storytelling.”
Starring some of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry, including Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo, and Zo Insung in his long-awaited return to a drama series, Moving tells the story of a group of South Korean spies working to protect their super-powered children from harm and exploitation at the hands of malicious government agencies. Initially recruited because of their extraordinary abilities, including flight, instant healing, and enhanced senses, the spies disappeared without a trace after being tasked with carrying out increasingly dubious missions. Now with their children exhibiting similar abilities and a dangerous assassin rapidly picking off super-powered individuals, the parents must leave their peaceful lives behind to become the “monsters” they once were.
Hailed as “proving the power of quality K-content” by KBS Media, dubbed “a gripping new K-drama action series” by Newsweek, “a superhero story with an emotional core” by Forbes, and a “completely different and new hero story” by Max Movie, the Moving is slated to close with a three-part series finale slated for September 20.
Moving joins a rapidly expanding library of Korean content now available on Disney+, including the Blue Dragon Series Award-winning Big Bet, starring legendary actor Choi Minsik as a serial entrepreneur who repeatedly breaks the law to help bolster his burgeoning casino business; The Zone: Survival Mission; Soundtrack #1, and much more. Stream the episodes of Moving, exclusively on Disney+
