MemoApp is a fully automated, all-in-one management tool designed for teams and businesses of all sizes. It streamlines workflow processes by providing an efficient platform for creating, approving, signing, and tracking memos.
Recent years have seen rapid changes in the way people work, with remote and hybrid work arrangements widely adopted around the world. This has also reshaped the way documents are handled, with many processes going digital.
As a high-performing and agile company, Globe was quick to innovate, adopting a tool called MemoApp at the height of the pandemic for paperless approvals within and across departments. The user-friendly online tool has made internal reviews and clearances more efficient, becoming part of Globe’s ways of working even as employees are now back in the office.
Now, Globe’s corporate venture builder 917Ventures is bringing this digital tool beyond the company in response to the growing business demand for efficient digital document handling.
“MemoApp is truly a game-changer in the industry. Through its affordable document management solution, we are able to help businesses create, track, and sign documents easily in a secure online platform. It’s incredibly convenient, cost-efficient, and time-saving. No more hassles in missing documents and having piles of paperwork. With MemoApp, users can track and approve with one click,” said Carla Bianca Yap-Sy Su, 917Ventures entrepreneur-in-residence.
MemoApp’s latest feature is an electronic signature that revolutionizes the way businesses take care of paperwork. This feature allows enterprises to digitally sign and collect documents, simplifying the approval process and making document tracking faster. With a user-friendly interface and enhanced security measures, it ensures that e-signatures are as effective as traditional pen-on-paper signatures.
The platform is also an affordable alternative to other e-signature solutions. Subscription starts at only PHP499, significantly more affordable, and provides more value for its users than other document management tools.
MemoApp offers not just competitive pricing, but also a commitment to quality and user experience.
Not only does MemoApp allow users to access memos anytime, anywhere on any device, but it also secures every document with encryption, visible only to designated individuals in a workflow. It eliminates the need to switch between multiple applications, saving time and enhancing efficiency.
MemoApp’s launch signifies a significant step towards digital transformation, particularly for Filipino businesses. By simplifying the document process and improving workflows, it is poised to empower more Filipino businesses to boost their productivity and save time and money.
Led by Yap-Sy Su and venture builder Myles Salud, MemoApp was already successfully tested and adopted by the Globe Group, including Globe, KonsultaMD, GCash, Rush Technologies, BRAVE CONNECTIVE, INQUIRO, m360, and KROMA Entertainment.
Individuals and businesses looking to try the MemoApp can sign up at https://memoapp.ph/ to book a demo and avail of a free trial.
Here’s something not everyone knows — although August is the National Language Month, outside of the main regional tongues you commonly hear, the Philippines is actually home to over 180 native languages and dialects.
The country has a whole host of different languages because each native people manifest their culture and history through words. And so, there are words we always use, but in every language there are words we don’t always hear—and oftentimes, those that are uncommon end up being the most beautiful and poetic to the ear.
There are no better keepers of our languages than Filipino teachers, who regularly champion the magic of our country’s diverse languages. To celebrate August, the national Buwan ng Wika (month of language), below are their favorite Filipino words that you don’t always hear, along with their respective meanings and English translations.
Uswag
(Cebuano/Bisaya) To develop or improve.
Tyron Casumpang, a Humanities and Social Science strand coordinator at the Far Eastern University High School, gave “Uswag” as his first favorite word from the Cebuano/Bisaya language, one of the main tongues spoken in the Visayas. Its English meaning “develop” has no direct translation in Filipino—“pagpapaunlad” (progress) or “pagpapalago” (growing an enterprise) would be the nearest.
Alimuom
(Tagalog) Petrichor, a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.
For Tagalog, the main regional base of the national Filipino language, Casumpang provided “alimuom” as his second favorite Filipino word. This poetic term has a direct translation in English, the scientific word “petrichor” or in simpler terms, “vapor.”
Bulaos
(Bulakenyo) A narrow path or walkway leading to another place.
Dr. Marvin Reyes, part of the Department of Language and Literature faculty at San Beda University, described “bulaos” as a Bulakenyo word for a trail or small alley. Bulakenyo is actually a dialect of Tagalog and Filipino spoken in the Central Luzon province. According to Google Translate, it can also mean “roar” in main Filipino.
Pagbuburo
(Tagalog) Process of fermentation.
Nancy Mari Milate of the O.B. Montessori Center shared the Tagalog term “pagbuburo.” The process incorporates sugar or salt with water into the food and the absence of oxygen starts the chemical reaction. Filipinos will recognize the root word “buro,” which also refers to a local dish made by fermenting fish in red yeast rice.
Urong
(Tagalog) To wash the dishes.
Rodolfo Andres, another teacher from the O.B. Montessori Center, explained “urong” as washing the dishes, glassware, and utensils used in every meal, a second, largely unknown definition that greatly differs from the word’s common usage to mean a retreat. This definition is now only spoken by elder generations of Tagalog speakers to remind the children to clean up after eating.
These five words are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a whole trove of uncommon words among the different Filipino languages. For any other word you’re not familiar with, Google Translate can help—it’s pretty inclusive in how it covers not only Filipino, but also other languages in the country in Cebuano and Ilocano, and possibly more to come.
Bridge the gap between languages and learn unfamiliar words by checking out Google Translate here.
The problem with midrange phones is, most of the time, manufacturers have to sacrifice something—whether that be build quality, performance, imaging, battery life, RAM, storage space, or display—in order to take the price tag down. The HONOR 90 5G on paper seems to buck this trend, bringing with it a whole slew of design and hardware choices that make it hard to ignore. Is the HONOR 90 5G everything it’s hyped up to be? Let’s find out.
Design: 5/5
I found our HONOR 90 5G review unit in a Midnight Black finish to be quite a premium looker despite its minimalist aesthetics. The glossy back is protected by a glass-like material. If you prefer handling your phone bare, you will have to quickly wipe it every now and then to keep it looking fresh. Otherwise, HONOR included a transparent jelly case out of the box.
Still at the back, there’s a silver “HONOR” marking along the bottom left edge while the imaging modules sit stacked by the upper left. From the top, these are the depth sensor, the main camera, the wide camera, and the flash. A silver “AI Matrix” branding text sits by the bottom of the shooters. What I particularly like about the Midnight Black colorway is that the camera bumps and some obligatory regulatory texts by the bottom right edge disappear into the phone, making it look sleek and clean. In other colorways—Diamond Silver, Peacock Blue, Emerald Green—these are more prominent.
Flip the phone over, and you’ll be greeted by the almost edge-to-edge 6.7-inch 2664×1200 px AMOLED display with Always-On capability, 120Hz refresh rate, TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certification, 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness, in-display fingerprint scanner, and punch hole front camera. The screen is curved along the edges making the screen appear to float.
The volume rockers and power button sit along the right edge. The top edge has a microphone pinhole on the right. The bottom edge has the SIM tray for up to two nano SIMs, USB-C port, another microphone pinhole, and the speaker grille. The left edge is bare.
Overall, the HONOR 90 5G looks premium and feels great in the hand with its solid build.
Hardware: 4.5/5
Running the HONOR 90 5G is an octa-core 5G-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition processor, which clocks up to a higher 2.52 GHz versus the typical 2.4 GHz of non-Accelerated chipset variants. Released to the market in Q2 of 2022, this 4nm chip was designed for premium mid-range devices and is marketed as being 20 percent faster in graphics rendering than the previous generation Snapdragon 778. It is paired with an Adreno 644 GPU and very plentiful 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Seeing as the phone does not take microSD cards, the hefty storage option is more than welcome.
As mentioned previously, the screen of the HONOR 90 5G has a 120Hz refresh rate which should result in silky smooth scrolling performance. Color quality should also be great with its support for 1.07-billion colors, 100% DCI-P3 color space, and HDR10+ Certification.
While these already make for a great display, the cherry on top is the industry-leading 3,840Hz PWM screen dimming technology that earned it TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certification. What are the advantages of this flicker-free display, you ask? It means your eyes won’t be too fatigued when you’re glued to the screen for hours on end. This is especially important if your screen is at low brightness levels. Watch our video here and see the difference between our comparison phones—the lesser the black bars, the less strain is on your eyes.
In addition to the performance and display, HONOR is also banking on the HONOR 90 5G’s shooters for its marketing, and for good reason. The star of the show imaging-wise is the 200MP f/1.9 main camera. The megapixels mean nothing without a decent image sensor and luckily, the HONOR 90 5G offers a sizeable 1/1.4-inch sensor to let in plenty of light. Sure, it’s not the biggest sensor out there but at this price point, it’s hard to find something bigger. Better still, it’s supported by a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide and macro camera and 2MP f/2.4 depth camera to cover various use-case scenarios, from landscape to portrait mobile photography.
Lastly, the phone ships with a 66W fast charging brick out of the box which is claimed to be able to top up 20% of its sizeable 5000mAh battery pack in just five minutes. The phone is also capable of reverse charging your other devices on the go.
While everything seems great with the HONOR 90 5G, I did miss having a headphone jack which is my only gripe hardware-wise.
User Experience: 5/5
The HONOR 90 5G’s marketing heavily emphasized the display and its imaging performance, so we’ll start with these two.
The display is as good in real life as it is on paper. The large screen makes it a joy to binge-watch online videos, with colors coming out nicely crisp, bright, and vibrant even outdoors. The 120Hz refresh rate and powerful processor made the phone feel very responsive to touch inputs and scrolling around was silky smooth. In terms of the flicker-free display, I did notice that my eyes felt less strained when I doom-scrolled until the wee hours of the morning with the HONOR 90 5G versus my personal phone, although I don’t know if it’s just a placebo. Still, screen flicker will take its toll on our vision over time, and it’s nice to know that HONOR is taking steps to reduce long-term damage to our eyes.
The large sensor is able to let in enough light even in dimly lit environments.
The camera likewise performs as advertised. Thanks to the 1/1.4-inch sensor and f/1.9 aperture, the HONOR 90 5G is able to produce admirable photos across a wide variety of lighting scenarios. Outdoor and well-lit environments expectedly resulted in great-looking photos with bright and punchy colors. Autofocus speed was decent, and dynamic range was reasonably wide. In dimmer environments, the quality drops off a little and noise starts to creep in, but images are still more than good enough for curated Instagram feeds. The wide-angle camera also performs quite decently but is visibly grainy in low light and without the dynamic range of its bigger brother. Still, its macro outputs are quite good.
Due to the July rains, I wasn’t able to take too much videos, but what I can say is that captured footage also looks great and can go up to 4K resolution at 30fps. Video mode has a built-in noise reducer which works surprisingly well at eliminating ambient noise when vlogging.
The 200MP Hi-Res image is able to crop in further versus the normal image.
For the camera app, there is a bit of shutter lag between shots. While it’s not annoying, I find it interesting because it doesn’t seem to over-process photos if at all. Colors come out naturally which is great for those who prefer color-editing their photos manually. The camera also contains shortcuts to some noteworthy options, especially a digital 2x zoom and a Hi-Res mode. The latter takes full advantage of the 200MP camera and opens up very flexible cropping options for shots in exchange for file sizes that can be multiple times larger than normal. Good thing storage is at 512GB, eh?
Moving onto gaming and everyday use. The HONOR 90 5G is very snappy, which is to be expected with the processor. It scored 11,889 in the PCMark Work 3.0 Performance test and 3,083 in the 3DMark Wild Life test. Playing Call of Duty Mobile, NBA 2K, Mobile Legends, and Asphalt 9 all at the highest graphics preset yielded steady frame rates of 60fps. The phone also doesn’t heat up too uncomfortably, whether when gaming or video recording. I used it as a dash cam on a two-hour drive and it was just a tiny bit warm to the touch. On the topic of being comfortable in-hand, the curved edges make the phone easier to grip and it didn’t hurt the flesh between my thumb and index even during long periods of gaming and scrolling.
Finally, let’s talk about the battery. The HONOR 90 5G can easily last a whole day of heavy use as it clocked in at 10 hours 56 minutes in the PCMark Work 3.0 Battery Life test, which runs the phone non-stop from 100% to 20% juice. Charging in my experience wasn’t as quick as advertised but was still fast, taking 15 minutes to charge 30% of the battery and just under an hour to completely charge it to 100%. If you need to squeeze every last bit of battery out of the phone, you can manually lower the screen resolution and refresh rate down to 1998 x 900 px and 60Hz, respectively.
Value: 4.5/5
The particular variant of the HONOR 90 5G we reviewed retails at PHP 24,990. Arguments can be made that you can get a faster phone at a lower price which is true. However, it’s hard to find a phone which does so well across the board—build quality, performance, imaging, battery life, RAM, storage space, and display—like the HONOR 90 5G. It’s something that I would highly recommend if you want a premium experience at only an upper mid-range price tag.
Pre-order HONOR 90 5G from August 16-25, 2023, for only PHP24,990 and Get a FREE JBL Flip 6 worth PHP7,499 until supplies last! Link below:
Camera: 200MP f/1.9 with a 1/1.4-inch sensor (main rear); 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide and macro camera (secondary rear); 2MP f/2.4 depth camera (rear); 50MP f/2.4 (front)
Connectivity: 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C, dual nano-SIM
With the resumption of travel, international business, and major sports events in China, Mastercard announced that its cardholders can link their cards to WeChat Pay, or as it’s locally called, Weixin Pay, a mobile payment service within the Weixin app, as a new payments option that further improves the digital payment experience of international travelers when visiting the country.
Expanding on a partnership established in 2019 to offer enhanced digital payment solutions to both consumers and merchants, the latest development gives Mastercard full access to Weixin Pay’s merchant network in China and provides another safe and convenient way for international travelers to pay like a local when traveling around the Chinese Mainland.
The extended merchant network includes categories such as dining, transportation, shopping, accommodation, and more. International travelers with Mastercard cards can now utilize multiple payment methods through Weixin app, such as scanning QR codes, presenting payment codes, Mini Programs, and in-app payments, enriching their payment experience online and offline.
For merchants, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Weixin Pay-Mastercard tie-up gives them more opportunities to transact with international travelers who now have access to one of the most widely accepted payment methods in China, allowing them to get around easily, without hassle. According to the latest Mastercard data insights, consumer spending has shown resilience with a continued focus on experiences and travel. During the 2nd Quarter of 2023, cross-border travel was robust, reaching 154% of 2019 levels, up 6% from the previous quarter. Moreover, China’s improvement in inbound cross-border travel reached approximately 50% of the levels seen in 2019. As China anticipates major international sporting events, such as the Asian Games, the country embraces the prospect of welcoming more international travelers.
Lenovo back-to-school deals offer an impressive range of portable and efficient devices that are ideal for students who want to boost their productivity.
Students will soon be breaking open their books as classes come back in session. From making group presentations to writing up essays, Lenovo’s lineup of devices is ready to supercharge students’ productivity so they stay ahead in class.
From August 1 to September 30, 2023, buyers get to enjoy up to PHP11,990 worth of exciting freebies with the purchase of select IdeaPad, Yoga, and Legion devices.
Upon checkout for any participating device, they can choose between a Herschel Stowaway Jacket, perfect for the rainy season, or a Lenovo 530 Wireless Mouse that can be used with their new laptop
Explore a variety of devices from the Lenovo IdeaPad, Lenovo Yoga, and Lenovo Legion line-ups, that offer an excellent balance of work and entertainment. These devices come equipped with top-notch tools that make completing schoolwork a breeze and provide the same power for great entertainment and play.
Over the years, mobile data has truly become essential in the daily lives of Filipinos. Many rely on their phone’s mobile data connection for work, education, livelihood, and entertainment. In this era of countless apps and data-heavy activities, understanding your data consumption can empower you to save and maximize your usage.
Mobile leader Globe shares tips on how you can conserve your data so you can make the most of your browsing experience!
1. Choose the best data promo
Globe has the best data promos for your needs, regardless of your budget. If you are budget-conscious and want to make the best of your data for streaming, learning, earning and other activities, try Go50 with 5GB data for all sites and unlimited all-net texts for PHP50, valid for 3 days. If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, go for Super Xclusive Go+99 with up to 10GB for all sites, 8GB for your choice of apps, and unlimited all-net texts for P99, valid for up to 8 days. Both promos are available on the GlobeOne app.
2. Check how you use your mobile data
Data usage is largely behavioral. If you are a heavy streamer, whether it be videos, music, or games, your data consumption will inevitably be higher than a recreational or casual user. Make sure you keep yourself in check when browsing.
3. Be conscious of usage while video-streaming
High-resolution videos in applications may lead to more data consumed. The higher the quality of the video, the more data it would likely require. Make sure to adjust the video quality in apps like Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, Tiktok, and Zoom to conserve data. To get a sulit deal for streaming sites, you can register to Go+99 with GoWATCH to get 8GB for all sites, plus 8GB for video apps, and unlimited all-net texts, valid for 7 days.
4. Control app updates
Automatic app updates and other app activities may consume a significant amount of data. Turn on your phone’s Low Data Mode (Android) or Data Saver (iOS) to stop automatic app updates and other activities from using your mobile data.
5. Know your data limit
Keep in mind that it’s possible to exhaust all your data before the end of your promo period, depending on usage. Some customers might think that their data, such as 5GB under Go50 on GlobeOne, will last for 3 days, and are surprised when it gets fully consumed before the validity ends. You may keep track of your data usage using the GlobeOne app.
6. Know where to get help
If you have concerns about data, you may access the GlobeOne app and go to the Help section. GlobeOne is your digital life companion!
“Putting our customers first, we recognize the importance of every megabyte of data and more so, the value of the money they spend on it. We believe every byte matters! Actively listening to their browsing experiences forms a vital part of our service improvement. We hope that this information serves as a valuable tool for our customers, enabling them to make the most out of their data without any worries,” said Aileen Burgos, head of customer experience.
Stay connected, stay informed, and enjoy your browsing experience with Globe and TM! Visit https://www.globe.com.ph/ to know more.
Coda, the world’s largest provider of cross-border content monetization solutions, has tied up with Maya, the undisputed #1 Bank App in the Philippines, to boost savings for gamers when they top up on Codashop.
Through this initiative, gamers will be able to earn up to 10% interest rate p.a. on their Maya Savings by simply using Maya as their payment method when making purchases on Codashop.
“Coda’s collaboration with Maya is rooted in our deep commitment to communities across the Philippines. Coda advocates for a safer, smarter, and more responsible gaming ecosystem, and this includes spending and saving wisely. We’re proud to promote a culture of savings across Coda’s communities together with Maya, and we hope our customers will take full advantage of the savings that await them!” said Heidi – Mendita Garayblas, country director of Coda Payments in the Philippines.
“Using Maya for Codashop purchases not only offers ease and accessibility but also boosts the user’s Maya Savings. Together, we’re redefining the way our customers play and spend, empowering Filipinos with a world of possibilities,” added Justin Dayrit, Maya’s head of Consumer Solutions and Marketing.
Whatever game you play, Codashop has you covered. And it only takes a few seconds to complete a purchase. First, go to www.codashop.com. Then, select the game you want to buy credits for (Mobile Legends, Genshin Impact, Clash of Clans, League of Legends, VALORANT, etc.). Next, input the necessary details like gamer ID, server, etc., and choose the amount to top up. Then select Maya as the payment method. Lastly, input an email address for your receipt and click on Buy Now.
You will then be redirected to Maya’s payment portal. Follow the directions on screen and you should get your in-game credits instantly after payment. After you pay with Maya, you will get an update about the progress. Keep using Maya to pay for your Codashop purchases and everyday transactions, and you’ll achieve the 10% p.a. boost.
The promo runs until August 31, 2023. The base interest of 3.5% p.a. applies to the max deposit balance of PHP5 million. Boosted interest resets monthly and applies to a max deposit balance of PHP100,000. Spend PHP250 to get 5% interest rate p.a. Transact another PHP1,000 to get boosted to 6 interest p.a.. Accumulate PHP25,000in spendingto get 8% interest p.a. And spend PHP35,000 to achieve the 10% interest p.a. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-167053, Series of 2023.
Learn more about Maya Savings 10% p.a. offer here https://www.mayabank.ph/10percentboost/. Deposits are insured by PDIC up to PHP500,000 per depositor. Maya is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Watch out for more exciting promos from Codashop and Maya!
The Philippines’ leading and largest micro financial services provider, Cebuana Lhuillier, strengthened its partnership with beep™ card, a widely used reloadable smart card operated by AF Payments Inc.
Instead of queuing in long lines at MRT or LRT reloading counter stations, Filipinos can now reload their beep™ cards with an amount of up to PHP10,000 by just filling out a form at more than 3,000 Cebuana Lhuillier branches nationwide.
Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier expressed his excitement about this partnership. “With our wide network of branches all over the country, this strategic partnership will enable Filipinos to have easier and more accessible ways to reload their beep™ cards,” he said.“We always believe that by partnering with companies like AF Payments, Inc., we expand our services not just to pursue our mission of financial inclusion for all our kababayans, but also to provide support to our partners.”
“This partnership with beep is a testament to our company’s commitment to bring our Money Transfer business to the next level. Going beyond the usual remittance business, this new setup will bring convenience to our commuters and improve their commuting experience,” Cebuana Lhuillier first vice president and money transfer group head Erlinda Sumañga added.
“We are happy to enter a fruitful and promising partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier, a renowned and trusted brand for money transfer services. This momentous collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both our companies to empower Filipinos with seamless cashless payment solutions and enhanced access to digital technology. Together, we are committed to driving positive change in the way people commute and transact in the Philippines. By making loading more accessible and convenient, we aim to enhance the lines of millions of commuters and contribute to the nation’s digital transformation,” says JJ Moreno, CEO of AF Payments.
“AF Payments is driven by a vision to provide commuters with an experience that is seamless, pleasant, and productive. This partnership with Cebuana is a significant step towards achieving that goal. By offering loading services at Cebuana’s extensive network of 3,000 branches nationwide, our commuters all over the Philippines will now enjoy the ease and convenience of topping up their beep cards,” adds Sharon Fong, chief commercial officer of AF Payments.
Business-centric laptops are not among the top choices when shopping for a laptop. But I would argue that it should be. After all, they offer some of the best security at a level not found on most mainstream laptops—case in point, the HP ProBook 440 G9, HP’s affordable business-centric laptop.
Design: 4/5
The HP ProBook 440 G9 is a sleek and elegant laptop with a silver aluminum body.
It has a 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display that does not claim a fast refresh rate nor specialized color gamut calibration. Is this a bad thing? Honestly, I don’t believe so. For the target audience of the ProBook series, having faster frame rates and all the color gamut are just good-to-have features but not necessary. My only issue with the display is that I felt it needed a bit of vibrancy since it was a bit too dull for my taste.
The port selection is outstanding on the HP ProBook 440 G9. On the left, you’ll find a Kensington Lock, a full RJ45 Ethernet port, and a USB 3.2 Type-A port. On the right are two more USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 (Gen 2) Type-C Port, the audio jack, a full HDMI (2.1) port, and the power port. There is also another slot for the optional sim card tray.
Where the HP ProBook 440 G9 really shines is its portability. The laptop is just 1.38kg. For comparison, one of the lightest mainstream options, the Apple MacBook Air is just .08kg lighter. For thickness, the HP ProBook comes in at 19.9mm thin, not the thinnest but still quite portable.
Hardware: 4/5
At the heart of the HP ProBook 440 G9 is either an Intel Core i5–1235U or an Intel Core i7-1255U. Both variants are also paired with either an Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe graphics. Our review unit was the Core i7-1255U variant mated to Intel UHD graphics, with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of NVMe SSD as storage.
Benchmarks indicate that the HP ProBook 440 G9 is a fairly good device. The core i7-processor earned 1557 points for single-core performance at Cinebench R23 and 5157 points for multi-core. It scored 2043 for single-core performance in Geekbench 6 and 6147 for multi-core. Finally, it earned 4797 in PCMark 10 with 8943 for essentials. The integrated Intel UHD graphic is not meant for gaming, but still earned a decent 1179 total points in 3Dmark Time Spy, and 10359 for Night Raid. Overall I would say these metrics are more than sufficient for everyday office work.
The Intel Core i7-1255U is also power efficient processor, allowing the 52Wh battery to last for around 6 hours in my use case.
What really makes a business-centric laptop like the HP ProBook stand out from regular laptops is its slew of safety and security features. The laptop’s hardware security features include a TPM 2.0 security chip, HP DriveLock, fingerprint reader, and the camera privacy shutter.
HP also included loads of software security features in the included HP Wolf Security. These include malware blocking, safety browsing, and others.
User Experience: 4/5
The HP ProBook 440 G9 was loaned to us for use as an event streaming laptop. I was initially confused at the choice, as I was expecting a beefier device like a gaming laptop. Perhaps there was a miscommunication about our requirements? I was, therefore, very pleasantly surprised at how the HP ProBook handled streaming a whole week-long event.
Beyond streaming, the HP ProBook 440 G9 is a small and light laptop. As mentioned previously, it is a very portable 14-inch laptop weighing just 1.38kg and 19.9mm thin. The included 45Whr charger is also light and portable, which is great when you need it to keep juiced up.
The HP Wolf Security is also pretty aggressive, which I liked. Whenever I downloaded software online, a pop up would ask if I really wanted to install the downloaded files. I’m not sure if HP has pre-programmed some apps to be recognized, as I was able to initially install Chrome without any pop-ups, but Steam was flagged for some reason. That said, its better to have that double-checking software than unsuspectingly installing malware on your device.
Since the HP ProBook 440 G9 is a business laptop, don’t expect it to be the greatest for media consumption. As I previously said, I wanted the display to be a bit more vibrant. I also found that the speakers, even though they were front facing, were not as loud as expected. It’s good enough for small rooms or contained listening in your office booth, but that’s about it. Even so, the sound was nice without any signs of harshness even at the max level.
Value: 4/5
The HP ProBook 440 G9 starts at PHP63,000 for the Intel Core i5-1235U variant and PHP71,500 for our Intel Core i7-1255U model. This laptop is not meant for everyone. If you’re looking for a powerful editing device, take a look at HP’s Victus-series.
The HP ProBook 440 G9 is a laptop made for those who want peace of mind when it comes to safety and security. For individuals who want to protect their business and themselves. It’s made for the office worker who’s on the go and still makes security the number one priority.
I’ve reviewed three of ASUS’ new Vivobooks in the last year. I recommended every single one of them. The specs, performance, and pricing of the Vivobooks were just too good to miss out on, plus their portability and battery life made them a perfect daily driver. So how does it perform in the long run? Fortunately, our graphics artist has been using one for more than a month now so we thought what better way to see what the Asus Vivobook Pro 15 OLED can do in the long run?
Design: 4/5
Our artist’s unit comes in the cool silver color. For reference, our review unit came in the Quiet Blue color scheme which was more black than blue. The Cool Silver, on the other hand, is more akin to a matted metallic color.
As a refresher, the ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED has a 15.6-inch OLED display with a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also has a faster 120Hz refresh rate, which is excellent for those who want to game on the side. On top of the display is the FHD webcam with the physical cover/shutter for extra security.
Port selection consists of two USB-A ports and the laptop’s LED notification lights on the left; and on the right are the DC power, a USB Type-C with Power Delivery support, a microSD card reader, another -A port, a 3.5mm audio port, and the full-size HDMI port.
This laptop weighs around 1.8kg with an 18.2mm thickness.
Hardware: 4.5/5
Since the laptop is used as a main graphics machine, this is the AMD Ryzen 9-5900HX model with an NVIDIA RTX 3050. For storage, the laptop has 512GB of PCIe Gen 3 SSD. For memory, it also has 16GB of DDR4.
The ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED could handle everything thrown at it. The laptop handled Photoshop, Indesign, and Illustrator all running simultaneously with no hiccups at all. Gaming-wise, the laptop can handle most AAA games out right now, including Sims 4, which it handled flawlessly.
For battery, the ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED has a 63WHr battery, which can last for around 6 hours of use; on heavier use, this fell to around 4 hours.
User Experience: 4.5/5
I already said my piece about the ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED in an earlier review. It’s a great all-around device. I already mentioned how the OLED display makes this a great laptop for Netflix and Disney+ binge-watching.
After a month, it still is a great laptop for media consumption. During my initial time with it, I was not able to push it in terms of power and performance (except during benchmarks), but now I am happy to report that we were able to.
The ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED is a great device for graphic-intensive work. The OLED display is accurate. It is Pantone validated and 100% in the DCI-P3 color gamut. Additionally, the bigger 15.6-inch display makes it a joy to work and edit on.
What impressed me was the update on the cooling. The laptop did get noticeably warm but only during instances when multiple apps were running in the background. It also got a bit warm during instances when it was used simultaneously as it was charging. But overall it wasn’t too warm to the point of concern.
Finally, in terms of portability, it needed some getting used to. Coming from a 14-incher, the 1.8kg weight is a bit heftier. That said, if you’re not going to be running around with it every day, it’s a manageable weight. In fact, the laptop is loads lighter than a gaming laptop while offering better battery performance.
Value: 4/5
As the top-spec’ed variant, this unit will set you back PHP71,995. For that price, you’d still be hard-pressed to find a similarly spec’ed laptop that offers the same performance as the Vivobook. That said, I would reiterate a statement in the earlier review. The price of the Vivobook Pro 14 OLED is close to the Vivobook Pro 15 OLED, though surprisingly, the similarly spec’ed Vivobook Pro 14 OLED is currently a bit more expensive coming in at PHP74,995. Ultimately it will be your choice whether you want a bigger display or a more portable device.
After two whole years, Xiaomi has finally updated its tablet lineup. Originally launched in China back in April, the Xiaomi Pad 6 has officially arrived in the Philippines. The Xiaomi Pad 6 is the successor to the Xiaomi Pad 5, a great tablet considering its price and performance. The question now: Is the Xiaomi Pad 6 a worthy successor?
Design: 4/5
When I reviewed the Xiaomi Pad 5, I said that it feels premium. The Xiaomi Pad 6 continues that trend with its Aluminum alloy body. Our review unit came in the Mist Blue color, which leans towards a metallic shade thanks to the all-metal body. The Xiaomi Pad 6 also takes design cues from the Xiaomi 13-series smartphone — just look at that camera bump.
The Xiaomi Pad 6 has an 11-inch WQHD+ (2880 x 1800) IPS LCD display. The display also has a maximum 144Hz refresh rate which you can take full advantage of when gaming. Where the display shines, though, is its output support for Dolby Vision as well as 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
The whole tablet is portable, coming in at 490g light and 6.51mm thin. It’s slightly smaller and lighter compared to the Xiaomi Pad 5, though the difference is hardly noticeable.
When oriented to landscape mode, you will find the volume rocker on top as well as the mic holes. There’s also the well-blended-in magnet to hold and charge the Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus. On the sides are the quad speakers. The USB-C charging port is located on the right side. Finally, a massive change is the removal of the pins to connect the Xiaomi keyboard cover. The pins have been transferred to the back; as well as the 13-megapixel camera main camera. The front camera has also been moved, this time centered in landscape orientation, unlike the previous model that had it centered in portrait mode.
Hardware: 4/5
One thing that I noticed about the Xiaomi Pad 6 is its use of an older processor. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor. Our unit had 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. There’s also a memory extender feature that transforms extra storage space into RAM for the time being. Out of the box it was set to 3GB by default, but you can still bump that to 5GB, lower it to 2GB, or turn it off outright.
In terms of benchmarks, it earned 760035pts on Antutu V10; 765 single core and 2579 multi-core in GeekBench 6; 11789 for PCMark; and finally the Adreno graphics earned 2884 on 3Dmark Wild Life. Basically, the older Snapdragon 870 is not the fastest processor available, but it still has some kick for handling most tasks, even gaming.
Speaking of gaming, I tried Genshin Impact, and it handled it quite well, and was able to run on the highest setting at 60fps without any massive hiccups. There were still some sudden frame drops during heavy battling, but these did not last very long.
It has an 8840mAh battery, which lasted around two days of moderate use. I just typically used it for opening emails, a bit of browsing, and maybe a few minutes of games here and there. When it ran out, a 33W charger can juice up the device in just over an hour and a half.
In the camera department, the Xiaomi Pad 6 has a 13-megapixel main shooter at the back and an 8-megapixel selfie camera. Photos from the main camera came out great. The selfie camera is also decent; since the update of its location, taking conference calls is better as you’re now facing center and looking directly into the other speaker’s eyes.
Here are some sample shots from the rear camera:
Xiaomi also loaned us the second-generation Xiaomi Smart Pen stylus as well as the Xiaomi Pad 6 keyboard case and a Xiaomi Pad 6 cover case.
As someone who’s been using the Xiaomi Pad 5 with the Xiaomi Pen and keyboard cover, I can say that there are some slight improvements in the newer versions. The stylus is a bit slimmer and easier to hold than the older one, while the keyboard now feels a bit more solid with better typing feel.
User Experience: 4/5
During my time with the Xiaomi Pad 6, I found that it resembles my Xiaomi Pad 5, albeit with minor changes. These are the stylus, the camera placement, and the new keyboard case, and maybe even the bigger RAM to some extent.
As I mentioned during my first impressions article, I bought a Xiaomi Pad 5 and have been using it since it came out back in October 2022 (when the pre-orders arrived). I mainly use it for my post-grad studies using it for my readings and note-taking. Honestly, I found that it can rival the Apple iPad for most use-case scenarios.
In terms of media consumption, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is great. Like my Xiaomi Pad 5, it’s a joy to bring by the bedside for binge-watching some Netflix or Disney+ before going to bed. Although not an AMOLED display, it is still vibrant. The audio experience is great, too — thanks to the quad speakers and Dolby Atmos support.
A massive upgrade on the Xiaomi Pad 6 over its predecessor is the USB-C port update. The Xiaomi Pad 5 only had USB 2.0 ports, while the Xiaomi Pad 6 now has USB-C 3.2. This means you can connect a dongle and have a display output, handy for school or work presentations.
For the included accessories, the Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd Gen) feels great to use compared to the original. The slimmer body makes it a bit easier to hold than the first one. It still has 4096 pressure sensitivity points, but somehow it’s much more responsive than the first gen. The only weird part is that the Xiaomi Pad 6 only recognizes the newer generation and not the older pen, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 recognized the 2nd gen Xiaomi Smart Pen.
The new Xiaomi Keyboard case is also better than the previous generation. One issue I found in the older generation is that the tablet would something fail to recognize the keyboard, and you would need to reattach it to work. Here there’s no such issue since the pins are always connected at the back.
The only thing I think that’s preventing the Xiaomi Pad 6 from being a laptop replacement is the lack of a dedicated PC mode. The Xiaomi Pad 5 was able to run a PC Mode when it came out but was subsequently patched out (it was a third-party port). I was hoping that with the Xiaomi Pad 6, Xiaomi would have finally brought that back, but alas, no official PC mode yet.
Now, is the Xiaomi Pad 6 worth the upgrade from the Xiaomi Pad 5? Honestly, no. Both perform similarly, so if, like me you own earlier version, I would hold out for a bit longer.
Value: 4.5/5
The Xiaomi Pad 6 retails for PHP20,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and PHP21,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant. It’s a bit more expensive at launch than its predecessor, as the Xiaomi Pad 5 came out at PHP19,990 for its highest spec’ed 6GB + 256GB variant. Take note that the accessories (Xiaomi Smart Pen and Xiaomi Keyboard case) are sold separately. The Xiaomi Smart Pen sets you back PHP3,999 and the Xiaomi Pad 6 keyboard costs PHP3,499.
That said, if your looking for a tablet right now, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is still a definite recommendation, especially if you catch the early bird pricing from August 11 to 20 that lowers the price to PHP17,999 for the 128GB variant and PHP19,999 for the 256GB version. The Xiaomi Smart Pen and Xiaomi Pad 6 keyboard also have early bird prices of PHP2,799.30 and PHP 2,449.30, respectively. For anyone looking for an all-around Android tablet, look no further than the Xiaomi Pad 6.
The Xiaomi Pad 6 and its accessories are available in Xiaomi’s official Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok stores. It’s also available in official Xiaomi stores and resellers starting August 11.
What’s hot:
Great value
Great display and sounds
What’s not:
Missed opportunity with the lack of dedicated PC Mode.
Specs:
Display: 11-inch WQHD+ (2880 x 1800) IPS LCD display with 30Hz-144Hz refresh rate, 99% DCI-P3 coverage, supports Dolby Vision® and TÜV Rheinland certified Low Blue Light
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
Operating System: MIUI Pad 14
Memory & Storage: 8GB + 128GB (up to 256GB)
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 1, BLUETOOTH 5.2, Wi-Fi 6
Audio: Doly Atmos quad speakers, 2 microphones with dual-mic noise cancellation
Camera: 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
Dimensions (LxWxD): 254 x 165.2 x 6.5 mm
Weight: 490g
Battery: 8840mAh (typ) battery with 33W fast charging
PLDT Enterprise, the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading integrated telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines, partners with Infobip, a global cloud communications platform, to provide a robust and secure Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging service, aimed at elevating the customer experience for partners and Smart subscribers.
Since 2018, Infobip has been a trusted partner of PLDT Enterprise in the Philippines; delivering domestic and international A2P messaging services through PLDT’s wireless unit, Smart.
PLDT and Smart first vice president and head of enterprise and International Business Groups, Mitch Locsin, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the potential to enhance customer experiences across diverse industries.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Infobip, as it enables us to revolutionize the customer experience for businesses across diverse industries. By leveraging their expertise in CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service) field, we can empower businesses with reliable and seamless communication solutions,” says Locsin. “This partnership paves the way for an enhanced secure messaging solution, with improved customer engagement satisfaction, and ultimately, sustainable growth in today’s evolving digital landscape.”
Infobip’s extensive global experience and with their industry-leading best practices empower businesses to seamlessly engage customers through a variety of communication channels.
Their solutions span SMS messaging, Rich Communication Services (RCS), integration with over-the-top (OTT) apps, voice, and email services.
Infobip COO and co-founder, Roberto Kutic expressed his delight over the partnership saying, “This strengthens our commitment to providing secure and reliable A2P messaging services. With our advanced communications platform solutions, businesses can enhance their customer communications and streamline their processes.”
Matija Razem, Infobip VP of Business Development, also adds, “This partnership with PLDT Enterprise further solidifies our position as a leader in the A2P messaging space. We are excited to work together in enabling businesses to leverage our comprehensive suite of communication channels and build lasting relationships with their customers.”
The partnership between PLDT Enterprise and Infobip signifies their shared vision of delivering exceptional and secure customer experiences through cutting-edge technology and reliable communication solutions.
Prioritizing security, scalability, and operational efficiency, this collaboration empowers businesses to stay ahead in today’s dynamic digital landscape.
Albert Villa-Real, PLDT global president and CEO, and enterprise revenue group head at PLDT Enterprise, emphasized the significance of this partnership for businesses operating in the global landscape.
“We recognize the enormous demands faced by businesses in today’s global market. With Infobip’s international standards, we can ensure world-class quality servicing for our partners and subscribers’ customers,” Villa-Real closes.
Get ready to experience a game-changer in travel convenience with the CALAX Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, as this new subsection of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) will soon open, paving the way for quicker access to Silang and Tagaytay!
Nestled in a strategic location near Metro Manila, the province of Cavite stands as an ideal destination for an effortless road trip and a rejuvenating weekend getaway. Renowned for its picturesque tourist spots and Instagram-worthy destinations, Cavite boasts two notable gems – the breathtaking landscape in Tagaytay, and the rapidly growing array of coffee shops and farm-to-table restaurants of Silang town. Whether you seek scenic landscapes or immersive cultural experiences, Cavite holds the key to satisfying every discerning traveler’s wanderlust.
Explore the charm of Cavite and embrace the joys of seamless travel, as the soon-to-open CALAX Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange promises to redefine your Biyaheng South. Check out these spots that are located a few minutes away from the upcoming exit of CALAX!
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
1. Cafe Agapita
Situated in the heart of Silang, Cavite, this famous family-ran cafe in town is known for its rich-tasting coffee drinks, home-baked bread, pastries, and cakes. The cafe’s charming ambiance adds to the allure, as it resides in a rustic two-story house adorned with glass windows, warm wood accents, and lush greens, creating a welcoming and soothing atmosphere for all who step through its doors.
2. Salakot Cafe
Conveniently situated along Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, near the boundary of Tagaytay proper, this delightful cafe-slash-restaurant offers a unique and authentic dining experience in a charming Kubo-style setting. Embracing its traditional theme, the establishment boasts an impressive menu featuring a wide array of Filipino delicacies, from beloved classics like Kare-Kare, Bulalo, Lechon, and Crispy Pata to delectable delights like grilled squid and buttered shrimp, fulfilling every Filipino’s longing for familiar flavors.
WELLNESS AND STAYCATIONS
3. Ilog Maria Bee Farm
Ilog Maria Bee Farm is a relaxing place in Silang, Cavite, where guests can visit to explore various beauty products and oils. It is named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, believed to have brought many blessings and miracles to the farm. This bee farm is known for its natural and handmade beeswax products, which have nourishing and healing properties.
4. La VeryOl’s Mountain View Garden
Amidst Tagaytay’s renowned reputation for its perfect view of Taal volcano and picturesque mountain backdrop, La VeryOl Mountain View Garden, located in Brgy. San Francisco, Tagaytay, seizes this opportunity to offer a truly unique experience for tourists – a kawa bath with a view. This scenic location on the ridge provides an exceptional vantage point, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the lush, forested slopes while enjoying the relaxing kawa bath experience. And for those seeking more than just an hour of relaxation, the spa also offers the option of an overnight stay, ensuring a truly memorable and rejuvenating getaway.
SHOPPING CENTER
5. Acienda Designer Outlet
Located in Silang, Cavite, Acienda proudly boasts being the Philippines’ first true outlet mall. With a wide array of fashion brand units, visitors are sure to discover fantastic deals and steals. Branded and luxury goods are available at highly discounted rates, making it a must-visit stop after a Biyaheng South adventure or before heading back home. Additionally, it’s just a few minutes away from CALAX Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, offering convenient access for travelers returning to Metro Manila.
CALAX SILANG (AGUINALDO) INTERCHANGE
The upcoming exit of CALAX is now 91% completed and is targeted to be opened to motorists in September. Ongoing construction activities include the development of the toll plaza, concrete pouring for the main line and median barriers, as well as various finishing works. In the upcoming phases, the focus will be on the construction of toll facilities, including road lights, signages, and sound barriers. Additionally, preparations for the toll collection system are also underway. It is expected to cater to an additional 5,000 daily motorists, providing them with convenient access to these vibrant areas.
Looking ahead, CALAX will further expand to a total of 45 kilometers by 2024 and will feature eight interchanges: Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang East, Silang (Aguinaldo), Governor’s Drive, Open Canal, and Kawit Interchange. It will connect to the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) in Kawit. Currently, its operational segments stretch from Mamplasan Rotunda up to Silang East Interchange.
Looking for your next adventure destination? Look no further! Join us on Facebook (fb.com/biyahengsouth) and TikTok (@biyahengsouth) for a virtual exploration of the stunning beauty of Cavite.
Phishing is a term regularly heard in the news. It’s cybercriminals’ go-to infiltration technique, because it’s simple, and because it works.
Basically, phishing is a type of Internet fraud that seeks to acquire a user’s credentials by deception. It includes the theft of passwords, credit card numbers, bank account details, and other confidential information.
“Cybercriminals follow trends. They know the latest topics they can effectively piggyback on. It’s a social engineering technique that plays on our human minds; that’s why it’s difficult to resist clicking an unknown link, which may eventually turn out to be malicious,” says Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.
For instance, in 2022, key phishing topics monitored by Kaspersky experts related to compensation, bonuses, and even refunds.
Bonuses and compensation are hard to deny in times of crisis and instability, which is why “financial assistance” is frequently promised by con artists to swindle users out of their money.
“Promotional campaigns by major banks” were a popular bait in 2022. Visitors to a fraudulent web page were offered to receive a one-time payment or to take a service quality survey for a fee.
In Muslim countries, scammers promised to send charity packages, purportedly under a “Ramadan Relief” program that aimed at helping low-income families during the Ramadan fast. The fasting period typically sees higher prices for food and household products, whereas observers buy more than they normally do and may be faced with a shortage of money.
Growing utility rates and an increase in the price of natural resources have prompted several governments to start discussing compensations for the population. Payout notices could arrive by mail, email, or as a text message.
Cybercriminals attempted to take advantage of the situation by creating web pages that mimicked government websites, promising cash for covering utility payments or compensation for utility expenses. Visitors were occasionally asked to provide personal details under the pretext of checking that they were eligible, or simply to fill out a questionnaire.
In Singapore, scammers offered a refund of water supply costs, purportedly because of double billing. An energy or resource crisis was not used as a pretext in this particular case, but refunds were still offered in the name of the water supply authority.
“Our solutions blocked more than 43 million phishing attacks against our users in Southeast Asia last year. Clearly, phishing is a tool used frequently by cybercriminals. Because its nature requires a user’s participation – the mere clicking a link or opening of a file – it’s urgent for everyone to know how phishing really works so we can avoid falling prey to it,” adds Hia.
How a phishing campaign unfolds
In 2022, Kaspersky experts saw an increase in spear (or targeted) phishing attacks targeting businesses around the world. In addition to typical campaigns consisting of one stage, there were attacks in several stages. In the first email, scammers in the name of a potential client asked the victim to specify information about its products and services. After the victim responds to this email, the attackers start a phishing attack.
Stage 1: Attackers send an email in the name of a real trade organization requesting more information about the victim company’s products. The email text looks plausible and has no suspicious elements, such as phishing links or attachments. A sender’s email address from a free domain, like gmail.com, may raise doubts. The email on the screenshot below is sent from an address in this domain, and the company name in the From field is different to its name in the signature.
Example of the first email
It is worth noting that the use of free domains is not typical for spear phishing in the name of organizations because such domains are rarely used in business.
Most often, in targeted attacks, attackers either use spoofing of the legitimate domain of the organization they are pretending to be or register domains similar to the original one. In addition, Google and Microsoft are pretty quick in blocking email addresses spotted sending spam. This is the most likely reason why attackers used different addresses in the From header (where the email came from) and Reply-to header (where the reply will go when clicking “Reply” in your email client).
This means the victim responds to another address, which may be located in another free domain, such as outlook.com. The address in the Reply-to header is not used for spam, and correspondence with it is initiated by the victim, so it is less likely to be blocked quickly.
Stage 2: After victims respond to the first email, attackers send a new message, asking them to go to a file-sharing site and view a PDF file with a completed order, which can be found via the link.
An email with a link
Stage 3: By clicking the link, the user is taken to a fake site generated by a well-known phishing kit. It is a fairly simple tool that generates phishing pages to steal credentials from specific resources. Our solutions blocked fake WeTransfer and Dropbox pages created with this kit.
A fake WeTransfer page created using the same phish kit as the target campaign sites
In the phishing campaign described above, the phishing site mimics a Dropbox page with static file images and a download button. After clicking any element of the interface, the user is taken to a fake Dropbox login page that requests valid corporate credentials.
The campaign began in April 2022, with malicious activity peaking in May, and ended by June.
Kaspersky identified targets for this campaign around the world, including the following countries: Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Singapore, USA, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, Turkey, Serbia, Netherlands, Jordan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Portugal, and Malaysia.
Phishing trends in 2023
Times of crisis create the preconditions for crime to flourish, including online. Kaspersky experts predict scams promising compensation and payouts from government agencies, large corporations, and banks are likely to remain popular among cybercriminals next year.
The unpredictability of the currency market and the departure of individual companies from specific countries’ markets will likely affect the number of scams associated with online shopping. At the same time, the COVID-19 topic, popular with cybercriminals in 2020 and 2021, but already beginning to wane in 2022, will finally cease to be relevant and will be replaced by more pressing global issues.
In addition, Kaspersky also has seen an increase in targeted phishing attacks where scammers don’t immediately move on to the phishing attack itself, but only after several introductory emails where there is active correspondence with the victim. This trend is likely to continue. New tricks are also likely to emerge in the corporate sector in 2023, with attacks generating significant profits for attackers.
In celebration of its 26th Inaugural Anniversary, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) signed a partnership with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) on its new Bahay Alalay Temporary Accommodation Program. The signing was held last August 7, 2023, at the PCMC Compound in Quezon City.
The Bahay Alalay will serve as a decent shelter for watchers and recurring outpatient children needing periodic pediatric services. To be constructed within the PCMC compound, the facility will have complete reception, cafeteria, playroom, and sleeping quarters areas separate for male and female occupants. Once completed, IPC will provide PHP1 million worth of equipment and furniture to the 3-floor facility, making it more comfortable and safe for its occupants. IPC will also adopt the Bahay Alalay playroom to ensure that the children will have an area for fun and games during their stay.
Architect’s Perspective of PCMC’s Bahay Alalay Building
“Every day, PCMC receives hundreds of children from all over the country, and providing a proper shelter for recurring patients and their watchers is a much-needed facility in the hospital. Isuzu being the ‘Responsible Partner’ cares about the overall well-being and welfare of these children especially those coming from the provinces not having enough money to find a place here in the city,” said IPC president Fujita.
Leading the groundbreaking ceremony were PCMC executive director Dr. Sonia Gonzales and IPC president Tetsuya Fujita, as well as other PCMC deputy directors to commemorate the start of construction. Afterwards, both parties signified their partnership through a formal Deed of Donation signing ceremony. Dr. Gonzales and Fujita were joined by PCMC deputy executive director for hospital support services Dr. Cecilia Gan, and IPC asst. vice president for administration Imelda Bernas.
IPC and PCMC Executives during the groundbreaking ceremony
“We are very thankful to Isuzu Philippines for partnering with us in this project. The support will definitely have a big impact in providing a more decent facility for the parents and watchers of our patients,” said Dr. Gonzales.
According to IPC, this recent partnership is just one of the many CSR projects they lined-up until the end of the year. As the company moves towards its SDG commitment, IPC is looking at collaborating with different government institutions as well as non-government organizations to support their “Road to Progress” direction by improving company governance all then while helping the society and caring for the environment.
