Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH)kickstarts the first quarter of the year with an exclusive Hyundai Service Raffle promo, offering customers a chance to win a brand-new Hyundai CRETA. The raffle promo is open to both under-warranty and out-of-warranty customers who will avail of Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) and General Repair Services until April 30, 2025.
Hyundai owners with vehicles under warranty will need a receipt worth at least PHP2,000 on Parts and Services to qualify for one (1) raffle entry.
On the other hand, Hyundai customers with out-of-warranty Hyundai vehicles will be entitled to one (1) raffle entry and a PHP1,000 discount on their total bill.
To enter, customers will have to fill out an online raffle registration form at the dealership’s service reception counter. The lucky winner of a Hyundai CRETA GLS IVT will be announced on June 1, 2025.
“HMPH is thrilled to be launching its first After Sales promo of the year, giving our loyal customers a chance to win a Hyundai CRETA, while also ensuring the roadworthiness of their vehicles. We at Hyundai remain committed to providing exceptional After Sales service and worry-free ownership experience. This promo is also our way of giving back to our beloved customers for their continued support for the brand.” says HMPI managing director Cecil Capacete.
Mercusys has unveiled its latest Wi-Fi 7 lineup, promising to deliver enhanced connectivity solutions for every Filipino household. These new Wi-Fi 7 routers and mesh networks are designed to provide faster speeds, reduce interference, and elevate the entire internet experience in Filipino homes.
These Wi-Fi 7 devices are built to handle even the most demanding environments. With double the bandwidth, these new Mercusys offerings ensure better network reliability compared to previous mesh and router models.
Upgrade Your Indoor Network with Mercusys Wi-Fi 7
As the need to stay connected increases in every home, Mercusys Wi-Fi 7 offerings are ready to meet these growing demands. These products are designed to improve your indoor network for uninterrupted gaming, and buffer-free streaming. These also come equipped to support the rising number of smart devices with Wi-Fi 7 capabilities and high-bandwidth applications.
Mercusys’ newest Wi-Fi 7 lineup includes the TRI-BAND MR47BE router. It delivers blazing-fast speeds of up to 9.3 Gbps, ensuring non-stop 4K to 8K streaming, immersive gaming, and lightning-fast downloads. Equipped with 320MHz channels, 4K-QAM, and the 6GHz band, this router provides exceptional network performance. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) boosts throughput, reduces latency, and improves reliability. The device has four 2.5G ports to break the 1G bottleneck for peak device performance. With 6 omni-directional, high-gain antennas and Beamforming, users enjoy expanded indoor network coverage, stronger connections, and minimal interference. The router is also EasyMesh-compatible, allowing for a seamless mesh network across your home.
MERCUSYS MR27BE
Another new router offering is the MR27BE which offers fast dual-band speeds of up to 3.6Gbps, enabling smooth 4K to 8K streaming and rapid downloads. Powered by 160MHz channels, 4K-QAM, and MLO, provides improved network performance with increased throughput and reduced latency. Similar to the MR47BE, this router also has 2x 2.5G ports and 2x Gigabit LAN ports and EasyMesh support, ensuring peak network performance across all devices and seamless, whole-home coverage with 4 omni-directional antennas and Beamforming technology. Both routers are easily set-up and managed via the Mercusys app.
MERCUSYS TRI-BAND HALO H47BE
Say goodbye to dead spots in your household with Mercusys’ TRI-BAND Halo H47BE (2-pack) whole-home mesh system. It delivers speeds of up to 5,760Mbps on a 6Ghz band, 2,880 on a 5Ghz band, and 574Mbps on 2.4Ghz, ensuring an exceptional network performance for every corner of the house. With 320Mhz channels, 4K-QAM, and MLO, this mesh system provides reduced latency and improved reliability for modern applications while delivering seamless roaming for a smooth network experience without sudden signal drops. Featuring three 2.5G ports, the mesh supports whole-home, multi-gigabit coverage of spaces up to 6,000ft². This creates a unified network throughout the home. Similar to the routers, the Mercusys app simplifies network management for the mesh system, allowing users to easily set-up their Wi-Fi connection and monitor their kids’ screen time.
Experience Smarter, More Connected Living Today
Mercusys’ Wi-Fi 7 solutions offer a faster, more reliable internet connection that transforms the way you experience digital life at home. Mercusys offers a 3-year warranty on their latest Wi-Fi 7 devices, standing as a testament to the quality and reliability of the product lineup and keeping every member of the household connected without compromise. Built to deliver exceptional performance, Mercusys’ new devices provide non-stop entertainment, lag-free gaming, and a smoother remote work and learning experience.
Whether it’s powering multiple devices or handling high-bandwidth activities, Mercusys’ Wi-Fi 7 lineup ensures robust speeds and stable network connection with a long-lasting warranty.
Pricing and Availability
Get the most out of your indoor connection with the latest Wi-Fi 7 offerings from Mercusys, now available in the Philippines.
MR27BE DUAL-BAND router – PHP4,690
MR47BE TRI-BAND router – PHP11,990,
Halo H47BE TRI-BAND mesh system – PHP21,990.
Visit Mercusys’ website to learn more. Follow Mercusys’ Facebook page to stay updated on the latest releases.
As electricity costs rise and concerns about sustainability grow, global technology leader Epson is committed to helping businesses, schools, and households reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact. With cutting-edge, energy-efficient printing, projection, and scanning innovations, Epson provides cost-effective solutions that deliver exceptional performance while empowering more sustainable choices in everyday life.
“Energy efficiency is at the heart of our approach to innovation,” said Masako Kusama, president and director of Epson Philippines. “By providing solutions that minimize energy use, we help our customers make a positive impact on both their daily activities and the environment.”
Helping Lower Energy Costs with Heat-Free Printing
Traditional printing solutions consume high levels of energy due to the need for heat in the printing process. Epson’s Heat-Free Technology, featured in EcoTank and Business Inkjet printers, eliminates the need for heat during ink ejection, helping reduce power consumption and lowering electricity expenses. Unlike laser printers that require significant energy to fuse toner onto paper, Epson’s inkjet printers use up to 85% less energy, providing a more efficient and budget-friendly alternative.
By removing the need for heat, Epson’s printers not only reduce energy consumption but also extend product longevity, further driving cost savings for users. This innovation allows homes, offices, and businesses to save on operational costs, while also contributing to a reduction in overall environmental impact.
Energy-Efficient Projectors for Schools, Businesses, and Homes
Beyond printing, Epson’s laser projectors offer an energy-efficient alternative to traditional lamp-based models. Designed to consume less power while delivering brighter, high-resolution displays, these projectors are ideal for classrooms, offices, and even home entertainment. Schools can enhance interactive learning while conserving electricity use, businesses can create impactful presentations with lower operational costs, and households can enjoy immersive viewing experiences with less energy consumption.
Sustainable and Low-Power Scanning Solutions
Epson’s ReadyScan LED technology eliminates warm-up time and reduces energy consumption, making its scanners a practical choice for organizations and individuals looking to digitize documents efficiently.
In addition, Epson’s scanners provide high-quality scanning with minimal environmental impact. The power-saving feature of these devices ensures that users can maintain high performance while adhering to sustainability goals, creating a seamless balance between productivity and environmental responsibility.
The Social Security System (SSS) announced that it is working to improve services for pensioners, to reduce the interest rate on its salary/calamity loan programs, and to pursue self-employed coverage.
Better service for pensioners
“We are reviewing our guidelines on the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) Program to simplify requirements and other verification processes for the convenience of our pensioners,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. De Claro said.
De Claro has ordered the review to address the sentiments of Philippine-based retirement pensioners who are above 80 years old to ensure their continuous receipt of pension benefits. By the end of 2024, there are 157,493 such pensioners of SSS.
“Our review of the current guidelines include the analysis of age and geographical distribution of pensioners, authorizing additional means for ACOP compliance and using available SSS resources to facilitate compliance such as by conducting home visits to pensioners through our branch or office personnel,” De Claro also said.
Lower interest rate for salary and calamity loans
In the pipeline also for 2025 is the reduction of interest rate on the salary loan and calamity loan programs of SSS. Currently, the interest rate for such loan programs is at 10% per annum.
“Given the consistent, solid performance of SSS’ investment portfolio, it is now timely to revisit the interest rate of our salary and calamity loan programs toward reducing it to increase the cash proceeds from loan applications by qualified SSS members,” De Claro also said.
SSS’ annualized Return on Investment (ROI) from 2021 to 2024 ranged between 5.8% to 6.6%, performing well even through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pursue coverage of self-employed
“We will also pursue better collection compliance from other groups of workers, particularly self-employed professionals such as accountants, doctors and engineers by meeting with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to discuss opportunities for cooperation and ensure SSS coverage of such workers. Our goal is to make them continue paying SSS contributions while they are gainfully self-employed even if they have reached 120 contributions already,” De Claro also said.
“These plans and programs reiterate our message last month prioritizing service excellence first and foremost while ensuring financial discipline and sustainability through an empowered SSS workforce,” De Claro added.
SSS Management and the Social Security Commission (SSC) will be tackling these plans/programs and ensure implementation within 2025.
HONOR Philippines is proving that tech innovation goes beyond devices; it extends to how brands connect with consumers. Through a bold and data-driven approach to e-commerce, the leading global provider of smart devices has emerged as a standout performer on TikTok Shop, leveraging the platform’s full ecosystem to drive visibility, engagement, and sales.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, HONOR recorded a 1.7x performance increase compared to Q1 to Q3, securing its place among TikTok Shop’s Top 20 brands in the Phones & Tablets category and ranking #13 overall. The brand’s success is rooted in a strategic fusion of product innovation, content creation, and precision advertising, all guided by TikTok Shop’s ACE Indicator System, which focuses on Assortment, Content, and Empowerment to measure and optimize seller performance.
By implementing targeted product drops, viral content strategies, and high-impact ad placements, HONOR achieved a 174% growth in gross merchandise value (GMV) in Q4 2024 compared to the first three quarters of the year. These results highlight the brand’s ability to translate digital engagement into tangible sales, setting a new standard for tech retail in the fast-evolving social commerce landscape.
Driving Sales Through Strategic Product Launches
A key factor in HONOR’s success was its well-timed product launches and compelling offers tailored to TikTok Shop’s unique shopping experience. The introduction of the HONOR X7c during the 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale served as a major growth driver, amplifying brand visibility during a peak sales period.
In addition, HONOR strengthened its online presence by rolling out exclusive discounts, including 10% off for the HONOR X9b during regular sales and up to 30% off with TikTok Pay Later. TikTok Pay Later is a credit-based payment method available on TikTok Shop, offering customers a “shop now, pay later” experience. Eligible users can access credit limits of up to PHP50,000, repayable in up to 12 installments. This feature allows for flexible payment options, enhancing the shopping experience on TikTok. These incentives boosted sales and positioned HONOR as a top-performing brand within its category.
“We strategically time our product launches to coincide with major sales events, ensuring maximum consumer engagement and higher conversion rates,” said Stephen Cheng, vice president of HONOR Philippines. “By aligning our releases with peak shopping periods, we create heightened anticipation and provide customers with exclusive deals, making our offerings even more compelling. On the other hand, TikTok Shop provides the perfect platform for us to showcase our innovations, offering customers both quality and value in a seamless shopping experience,” Cheng added.
Optimizing product listings also played a crucial role in HONOR’s growth. By strategically highlighting each device’s unique selling points, the brand drove a 114% increase in Shop Tab GMV and a threefold increase in non-affiliate GMV, proving the effectiveness of its organic and affiliate-driven sales strategies.
Engaging Content Fuels Consumer Connection
HONOR Philippines has also leveraged the power of content-driven commerce, turning TikTok Shop into a hub for immersive shopping experiences. The brand conducted daily livestreams, averaging 12 hours per day, to directly engage with potential buyers and build real-time connections.
This commitment to live selling paid off significantly, leading to a 400% increase in Live GMV during the 12.12 Paskong Panalo sale compared to regular business days. Quarter-on-quarter, live selling revenue skyrocketed eightfold, demonstrating the growing consumer demand for interactive and engaging shopping experiences.
Beyond livestreams, HONOR also amplified its presence by participating in viral challenges and trending short-form content, further boosting customer interaction. One of its most successful sessions even recorded a gross profit margin (GPM) of 17.72, proving that highly engaging content translates directly into stronger sales.
Leveraging TikTok Shop’s Tools for Sustained Growth
Beyond content and product strategy, HONOR Philippines has fully embraced TikTok Shop’s advertising and campaign ecosystem to strengthen its digital commerce leadership. The brand actively joined weekly and monthly platform-wide campaigns, reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth.
HONOR also maximized TikTok Shop’s precision-targeted ad formats, including Product Showcase Ads (PSA), Video Shopping Ads (VSA), and Live Shopping Ads (LSA). This investment in digital advertising resulted in a 4.5x increase in return on ad spend (ROAS) and secured HONOR a spot among the top 11 brands in the Phones & Tablets category during the 12.12 sale.
Honor Philippines is taking TikTok Shop by storm, reaching more customers and driving massive growth! 🚀📱 Leading up to the 2.2 Campaign, they’re going LIVE non-stop to showcase their top products, exclusive deals, and exciting surprises. 🎉 📅 Live Schedule: January 27 – February 3 ⏰ Up to 24 HOURS of non-stop streaming! Don’t miss out! #TikTokShopSuccessStory#SellWithTikTokShop#GrowWithTikTokShop
“Our strategic approach to TikTok Shop’s ad solutions has been instrumental in reaching the right audiences and driving impactful results,” Cheng added. “By leveraging data insights and optimizing our campaigns, we’ve strengthened our visibility and customer connections, setting the stage for continuous growth.”
Setting the Standard for Digital Retail Excellence
As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, HONOR Philippines showcases how brands can successfully blend technology, content, and strategic marketing to thrive in the digital marketplace. Through well-timed product launches, immersive livestreams, and data-driven ad placements, the brand has positioned itself as a leader in the competitive smart device industry.
“HONOR Philippines has truly leveraged TikTok Shop to its full potential, using the platform’s unique tools to connect with local consumers in meaningful ways,” said Franco Aligaen, marketing lead at TikTok Shop Philippines. “Their success is a testament to how TikTok Shop empowers local brands, like HONOR, to compete on a global scale by combining innovation with a deep understanding of their audience, whether through live sessions, exclusive promotions, or creative content.”
Beyond its strong numbers, HONOR’s success underscores the transformative power of digital commerce. As the brand continues to refine its approach and expand its reach, it sets a compelling precedent for how businesses can thrive in the ever-evolving world of online retail.
Midea proudly redefines home appliance innovation with its revolutionary Midea U Window/Split Air Conditioner Series, the first of its kind in the country. This groundbreaking range combines the best of both worlds—offering the comfort and efficiency of split-type units with the simplicity of a window-type design.
The Midea U Window/Split Air Conditioner sets a new standard for modern cooling solutions, providing Filipinos with unmatched comfort, efficiency, and convenience tailored to urban lifestyles. As part of its commitment to continually enhancing the lives of its customers, Midea is dedicated to making home cooling more accessible, affordable, efficient, and convenient.
A new era in home comfort
With its unique U-shaped design, the Midea U unit offers the quiet operation and powerful cooling of a split-type AC, combined with the easy installation and compact form factor of a window-type unit. Equipped with Midea’s Inverter Quattro compressor, the unit delivers superior performance while ensuring significant energy savings.
The Midea U series is available in 1.0HP and 1.5HP capacities, catering to various room sizes and cooling needs.
Engineered for convenience and efficiency
The Midea U Window/Split Air Conditioner Series is not just about comfort, but also about convenience. The series is designed for easy installation, allowing homeowners to enjoy the benefits of a split-type AC without the need for expensive professional installation services. In addition, the units feature a 5-Star Energy Rating, making it among the most energy-efficient options on the market.
Perfect solutions for modern homes
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your cooling system or simply need a more efficient solution for your home, the Midea U Window/Split Air Conditioner Series provides a reliable and practical solution. These products are ideal for family areas and workspaces as they not only promise fast and reliable cooling but also include Wi-Fi Smart Control, giving users the ability to control their air conditioning settings from anywhere, ensuring they can stay cool and in control anytime.
By combining state-of-the-art technology with user-centric design, Midea ensures that every product meets the evolving needs of Filipino households, enhancing their comfort and quality of life.
For homes or spaces requiring more powerful cooling, homeowners may also check out Midea’s Wonder AC series, another Window/Split type variant available in 2.0HP and 2.5HP options. Both Midea U and Wonder AC feature Midea’s cutting-edge Full DC Inverter technology, ensuring top-tier performance while keeping electricity costs manageable.
To learn more about Midea’s Window/Split Air Conditioner Series, visit www.midea.com/ph, follow @mideaph on Instagram and on Tiktok @mideaphilippines, subscribe to Midea Philippines Official on YouTube, and like @MideaPhilippines on Facebook.
PLDT Inc. (PLDT), Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and value brand TNT fully supported the vibrant Visayas festival season. They ensured that both locals and tourists could enjoy and share memorable experiences of the Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Ati-atihan celebrations through enhanced network capabilities and on-ground activities.
“The Visayas festival season showcases the vibrant spirit of Filipinos. These festivals are integral to our culture, bringing communities together to celebrate our rich heritage. We at PLDT and Smart are proud to have been part of these celebrations through our network services and on-ground support across the Sinulog, Dinagyang and Ati-atihan Festivals,” said Debbie M. Hu, FVP and wireless network head at Smart.
For Sinulog 2025 in Cebu, PLDT and Smart implemented comprehensive optimization measures to ensure high-speed connectivity across all parade routes and major venues. The Group also set-up selling booths in key areas, offering festival-goers easy access to load, devices, and exclusive merchandising items. They also partnered with local restaurants to provide special promotions for subscribers.
For Dinagyang 2025 in Iloilo, PLDT and Smart’s presence along the parade route through specially designed booths catered to attendees’ load and connectivity needs. The group also provided fixed connectivity support for the live streaming of Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, allowing viewers worldwide to participate in the celebrations virtually. Network improvements were also completed to handle the expected surge in mobile data traffic during the festival weekend.
Meanwhile, TNT enhanced the Ati-atihan 2025 experience in Aklan by rolling out merchandising initiatives and selling activities during the festivities. Smart also beefed up its 5G network in the area to ensure that festival participants are able to enjoy uninterrupted connectivity throughout the celebrations.
The comprehensive support for these Visayas festivals aligns with the PLDT Group’s commitment to elevate customer experience across the country and contribute to the government’s nationwide digitalization initiatives.
To enhance Filipino festival experiences, PLDT and Smart provided network support so Filipinos can celebrate these festivals no matter where they are in the world.
Sun Life, the no. 1 life insurance company in the Philippines, recently announced a strategic tie-up with Fullerton Health Philippines of Fullerton Health Group, a leading integrated healthcare platform in Asia, to redefine financial and holistic wellness for Filipinos. This collaboration aims to provide Filipinos with a more comprehensive approach to their overall well-being by seamlessly integrating financial security with accessible healthcare solutions.
Through this tie-up, Sun Life and Fullerton Health Philippines will offer a wide range of comprehensive health and wellness solutions. This includes enhanced advisor and client offerings that combine financial planning and holistic wellness. The alliance will also promote disease awareness and prevention through interactive forums and wellness activities.
“By collaborating with Fullerton Health Philippines, we are taking a significant step towards our commitment to helping Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives,” said Al Quitangon, chief distribution officer of Sun Life Philippines. “With our expertise in financial planning and Fullerton Health Philippines’ top-notch healthcare services, we aim to empower individuals to not only secure their financial future, but also to prioritize their overall health and well-being.”
“Fullerton Health Philippines is delighted to partner with Sun Life,” said Carmelita De Leon, country general manager of Fullerton Health Philippines-RadLink Philippines. “Our partnership is a realization of our vision, reinforcing our strategy to provide accessible and affordable care for all. As we jointly promote preventive health and wellbeing through wellness education, we build healthier communities.”
Fullerton Health Philippines is a vital addition to Sun Life’s health ecosystem, which is dedicated to providing comprehensive and client-focused solutions. Together, the two organizations aim to transform the way healthcare and financial security are delivered.
Create lasting memories in the place you cherish most—your home. Beko, Europe’s number 1 home appliance brand, is here to help you make the perfect Valentine’s plan through meaningful, practical gifts that enhance everyday life.
As we celebrate the love month, the pressure to find the perfect gift can often feel overwhelming. However, there’s no need to break the bank just to express your feelings. After all, it’s the thought that counts!
Show your love in a cup
There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of coffee in the morning to express love. When it’s made by someone special, it means even more. Start your day with a delightful breakfast by pairing your coffee with a hearty meal. Experiment with different coffee blends and recipes for future breakfast dates!
Feel like a barista at home with the Beko espresso machine. The Beko CaffeExperto® Espresso Machine features an integrated milk frother, allowing you to create delicious cappuccinos and lattes right at home. Its user-friendly touchscreen interface lets you make coffee with just a tap, while the easy-to-clean design simplifies maintenance.
Acts of Service
Sometimes, it’s the simplest acts that have the biggest impact in showing how much you care, such as helping your loved ones with household tasks to create a more harmonious home. Lend a hand by volunteering to clean surfaces, wash the dishes, or do the laundry. Your loved ones will truly appreciate the effort!
Make laundry easier with Beko’s line of washers and dryers. These powerful appliances provide the gentle care your clothes need. One of Beko’s top washer-dryers has an Xpress Super Short 14-Minute Program that allows you to wash up to 2 kg of laundry in just 14 minutes. While 2 kg might not sound like a lot, it’s enough to wash around 20 T-shirts! That means more quality bonding time with your loved ones.
Cook Up Some Romance
Cooking is a way to someone’s heart, especially when it’s made with love. Instead of waiting in long reservation lines at a restaurant, consider having a simple yet intimate dinner date at home. Elevate the experience by setting up the table beautifully and creating a personalized menu that features your loved one’s favorite dishes.
Unleash your cooking prowess in the kitchen with Beko refrigerators featuring the innovative NutriFreeze technology. Imagine preparing for steak night or dishes with delicate fish—now you can keep your meats fresh, without deep freezing!
This unique feature freezes fresh foods like meat, shrimp, and fish at a precise temperature of -3°C, which helps to keep the natural texture and taste intact while slowing down bacterial growth. With NutriFreeze, you can reduce nutrient loss and extend the shelf life of your meats, making it easier to store food and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.
This Valentine’s season, show your loved ones how much they mean to you with Beko’s high-quality European appliances. Transform your home into a more love-filled space. Visit your nearest leading appliance store, or shop online at Beko Philippines’ official stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.
For more details, visit our official website at www.beko.com/ph-en and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @bekoph.
Looking for a reliable braking system that’ll enhance your vehicle’s performance and safety? Look no further! Brembo brake pads and discs are the perfect combination for both racers and everyday drivers alike.
Why Brembo Brake Pads and Discs Work “Better Together”
Brembo, a globally trusted brand, designs its products to function in perfect harmony. Together, Brembo brake pads and discs deliver outstanding braking performance, ensuring each stop is quick, smooth, and dependable. Here’s why this exceptional duo stands out:
1. Managed Friction for Enhanced Performance
When Brembo brake pads and discs are paired together, they maintain a consistent friction level during operation. This synergy leads to effective heat dissipation, reducing brake fade and enhancing overall braking performance in any situation—on the track, in the city, or on winding country roads.
2. Responsive Pedal Feel
The combination of Brembo brake pads and discs results in a smoother and more responsive braking experience. Drivers—whether seasoned racetrack veterans or newcomers—benefit from improved control and precise braking, ensuring safety during sharp maneuvers or sudden stops.
3. Safety in All Conditions
Brembo’s engineering ensures optimal performance across various driving conditions. These brake pads and discs are designed to withstand high temperatures while maintaining friction consistency and resisting thermal expansion. This means you can trust your Brembo braking system when you need it most.
4. Minimized Noise and Vibration
Say goodbye to annoying brake noise and vibrations! Brembo brake pads are specifically crafted to be compatible with their discs, resulting in quieter and smoother operation. Enjoy a serene driving experience, whether you’re cruising at low speeds or navigating highways.
“Brembo brake pads and discs are ‘better together’ and represent the pinnacle of braking technology,” says Ian Bangayan, president of BSB Junrose Corporation, Brembo’s official partner in the Philippines.
“It is our pride to offer these exceptional products in the country. Brembo is synonymous with innovation and quality, and Filipino car owners, racers, and enthusiasts deserve nothing but the best in braking technology. BSB Junrose is dedicated to bringing these high-performance products nationwide,” he adds.
Explore Brembo Products Today!
Visit any of BSB Junrose’s locations or authorized dealers across the Philippines to learn more about or experience Brembo brake pads and discs. For updates, check out BSB Junrose’s Page (https://www.facebook.com/BSBJunrose) or reach out via text/call at 0917 165 8111.
Make the most out of Love Month with nubia Philippines’ latest offering, the nubia V70 Max. Thanks to its powerful processor, long-lasting battery, and easy-to-use camera, the nubia V70 Max ensures that #MaxYourLife moments last throughout self-love days and long romantic nights.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a solo date or spending time with “The One,” now is the perfect time to live in the moment and create memories that last forever.
Thoughtfully Designed to Last Long
Time flies when a date turns into a cherished memory. That’s why nubia Philippines equipped the nubia V70 Max with a massive 6000mAh battery featuring AI Power Saving technology and a 22.5W fast-charging system. Boasting a four-year battery health, this device lasts an entire day without the need for frequent recharging.
The nubia V70 Max runs on MyOS 15 based on Android, powered by a Unisoc T606 Octa-Core 1.6GHz processor, making it ideal for multitasking. Whether you’re gaming, binge-watching, or scrolling through social media, the nubia V70 Max is built to keep up with your lifestyle.
A Pocket-Sized Cinema Experience
Speaking of cozy nights at home, the nubia V70 Max enhances entertainment with its 6.9-inch HD+ Display featuring Live Island 2.0. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 20.5:9 aspect ratio, and 1640×720 resolution, it delivers a cinematic experience in the palm of your hand.
For an immersive audio experience, the nubia V70 Max is equipped with DTS Processing technology, allowing users to enjoy high-volume, superior sound quality. Whether you’re playing your favorite love songs or watching a movie together, this device transforms into the ultimate stereo for date nights.
Perfect for Capturing Every Moment
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just love taking candid shots with your significant other, the nubia V70 Max has you covered. Its 50MP AI Triple Camera captures ultra-clear images with automatic high dynamic range (HDR) to enhance brightness and color accuracy.
With a generous 256GB ROM, users can take unlimited photos and videos without worrying about storage. Plus, the AI Magic Photos feature allows for seamless photo editing, background adjustments, and even removing unwanted objects with just a swipe of the Magic Eraser.
Where to Get Yours
The nubia V70 Max is available in Lake Green, Galactic Gray, and Coral Pink colour variants, and retails for PHP4,699. It can be purchased at nubia Philippines concept stores, kiosks, and online via nubia’s official Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok stores starting February 15, 2025.
For more details, visit nubia Philippines’ official website at https://www.nubia.com/en/ and follow Facebook (ZTE Corporation and ZTE Philippines, Inc.), Instagram, and TikTok for updates. Exclusive promotions will also be available on the TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada platforms during the launch date. #MaxYourLife with nubia V70 Max!
To help protect people from online scams, Google at Safer Internet Day announced a new feature for Android devices: Enhanced Play Protect.
Financial fraud and scams pose a significant and escalating threat in the Philippines. A key contributor to this problem is the downloading of sideloaded apps—apps obtained from unofficial online sources rather than the Google Play Store. Often disguised as seemingly harmless quick loan apps or instant reward games, these malicious apps frequently steal personal data or funds.
To combat this growing challenge, Google introduced a major advancement in mobile user protection: Enhanced Google Play Protect. This enhanced security feature offers real-time scanning to better safeguard people against the dangers of sideloaded apps. Designed to detect malicious apps employing sophisticated techniques, including AI-driven evasion methods, this feature has already demonstrated significant improvements in user safety in India, Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, and now, the Philippines.
As of February 10, 2025, Enhanced Play Protect has blocked over 3.2 million high-risk app install attempts in the Philippines, preventing potentially devastating financial losses. To illustrate the impact, that’s the equivalent of PHP3.2 million saved, assuming a single peso loss per blocked install.
“Online safety is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Google is reinforcing its commitment to user security with the launch of Enhanced Play Protect in the Philippines. This innovation automatically blocks the installation of potentially harmful apps from unofficial sources. We applaud Google’s efforts to protect Filipinos online. By working together, we can build a stronger foundation for internet safety in the country,”said Emilio Benito Aquino, chairperson and CEO of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The power of local partnerships to create a safer online space
In addition to Enhanced Play Protect, Google has also teamed up with various content creators to promote online safety. This year, it tapped EduCreator Coach Lyqa for a new YouTube video debunking various cybersecurity myths, while in previous years it had partnered with the likes of Ben&Ben to help spread the message of internet safety through a song.
Google is also expanding access to its #YOUTHink media literacy publication by releasing an Ilocano-language version. This inclusive initiative, designed to teach people how to fight misinformation, aims to reach more Filipinos across different regions. #YOUTHink is also currently available in Filipino, English, and Cebuano.
“Google is deeply committed to digital responsibility and internet safety,” says Jackie Wang, Google country director for Thailand and the Philippines. “This commitment drives us to develop innovative products like Enhanced Google Play Protect and collaborate closely with local NGOs, communities, and ecosystem partners. Together, we can build a safer and more secure online space for Filipinos.”
To learn more about how Google keeps you safer online, visit Safer with Google.
Leading measurement and analytics company Adjust has released its annual Mobile App Trends report for 2025, showing strong momentum following the app economy’s 2022 dip. Across APAC, e-commerce, in particular, is soaring, seeing app install growth of 26% YoY in 2024, despite flat growth in sessions. Meanwhile, the average session length in APAC decreased slightly from 1.39 to 1.38, indicating a positive trend where shoppers are finding products and completing purchases more efficiently.
Including expert tips from AppLovin, Adjust’s report explores key trends impacting the mobile app industry and the future of measurement – namely, the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is defining marketing operations and campaign performance measurement.
“In 2025, the mobile landscape will be defined by the extensive use of AI to create high-quality content, with AI-driven automation of production processes significantly enhancing consumer mobile applications through personalized user experiences,” said Andrey Kazakov, CEO of Adjust. “The trend of products built cross-platform will continue unabated, with mobile web playing a valuable role in growth strategies by enabling seamless transitions between mobile web and native apps.“
Privacy-first tech paying off as consumer trust climbs
While data privacy regulations remain a significant barrier globally, resistance to change is seen to be slowing down and adoption of privacy-first technologies is increasing. AI and machine learning-powered advanced analytics and real-time contextual insights are speeding up decision-making and supercharging efficiency.
Meanwhile, App Tracking Transparency (ATT) opt-in rates are continuing to climb steadily – from an average of 32% to 35% globally by Q1 2025 – suggesting increased user trust and seeing value in useful, personalized ads. Gaming apps maintained the highest opt-in rate at 39%, while e-commerce and shopping apps increased significantly from 28% to 35%.
Charting APAC’s app growth across key verticals
Key takeaways include:
Despite the downward trend throughout 2023, global app installs increased 11% YoY in 2024, with sessions growing 4% — signaling strong momentum for 2025.
Gaming is bouncing back, as hyper-casual games lead the charge. Globally, hyper-casual gaming dominated, contributing 27% of total installs, with puzzle and hybrid casual games accounting for 11% each. APAC led globally in gaming app session duration, increasing from 34.32 to 34.84 minutes in 2024. Gaming app installs rose by 4%, though sessions declined by 3%.
Banking and crypto apps experienced impressive growth in 2024, with APAC leading finance app installs at a 41% YoY increase. APAC users averaged 7.12 minutes per session, while global daily sessions dipped slightly from 1.54 to 1.52 minutes. Banking app installs rose 33% YoY worldwide, with sessions up 19%. Crypto app sessions jumped 45%, and payment app sessions grew 29%.
“As mobile usage continues to thrive across APAC, fueled by the growing adoption of AI, it is crucial for marketers to harness this momentum by refining their campaign strategies and delivering personalized user experiences,” said April Tayson, regional vice president for INSEAU at Adjust. “Our data highlights that markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, and India are spending significant time on different apps, offering businesses immense opportunities to drive growth and engagement in the years to come.”
The report also explores the rise of ultracasual games; AI-powered hyperpersonalization from ad creatives to gameplay; the expansion of advertising channels in e-commerce; and crypto’s resurgence. These dynamics highlight the critical need for marketers to create seamless, omnichannel experiences that meet users wherever they are.
For additional findings and best practices, download the full report here.
Go metal-clad with a G-SHOCK in an ever-popular color scheme of black and gold. Metal bezel ion-plated in gold and set against a black base is a stylish design choice. This fashion statement with a luxury feel and cool look takes you where you want to go.
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The GM-5600G-9 paired with the G-SHOCK Women counterpart GM-S5600GB-1, a smaller, more compact profile, is the perfect pairing watch for couples. Finished in gold ion plating, the metal bezel says elegant luxe all the way. Buttons and buckle, also ion-plated in gold, are set against a black for a contrast that makes the metal truly shine. The luxury of gold paired with the strength of black in a shimmery beauty that is uniquely you.
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Reasoning models are a new class of large language models (LLMs) designed to tackle highly complex tasks by employing chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning with the tradeoff of taking longer to respond. The DeepSeek R1 is a recently released frontier “reasoning” model that has been distilled into highly capable smaller models. Deploying these DeepSeek R1 distilled models on AMD Ryzen AI processors and Radeon graphics cards is incredibly easy and available now through LM Studio.
Demo showcasing DeepSeek R1 Qwen 1.5 Q4 K M model running on an AMD Ryzen HX 370 series processor in real time.
Reasoning models add a “thinking” stage before the final output – which you can see by expanding the “thinking” window before the model gives its final answer. Unlike conventional LLMs, which one-shot the response, CoT LLMs perform extensive reasoning before answering. The assumptions and self-reflection the LLM performs are visible to the user, and this improves the reasoning and analytical capability of the model – albeit at the cost of a significantly longer time-to-first-(final output)token.
A reasoning model may first spend thousands of tokens (and you can view this chain of thought!) to analyze the problem before giving a final response. This allows the model to be excellent at complex problem-solving tasks involving math and science and attack a complex problem from all angles before deciding on a response. Depending on your AMD hardware, each of these models will offer state-of-the-art reasoning capability on your AMD Ryzen AI processor or Radeon graphics cards.
How to run DeepSeek R1 Distilled “Reasoning” Models on AMD Ryzen AI and Radeon Graphics Cards
Follow these simple steps to get up and running with DeepSeek R1 distillations in just a few minutes (dependent upon download speed).
Step 3: Install LM Studio and skip the onboarding screen.
Step 4: Click on the discover tab.
Step 5: Choose your DeepSeek R1 Distill. Smaller distills like the Qwen 1.5B offer blazing-fast performance (and are the recommended starting point), while bigger distills will offer superior reasoning capability. All of them are extremely capable. The table below details the maximum recommended DeepSeek R1 Distill size:
*= AMD recommends running all distills in Q4 K M quantization. 1= Requires Variable Graphics Memory set to Custom: 24GB.
2= Requires Variable Graphics Memory set to High.
Graphics Card
DeepSeek R1 Distill* (Max Supported1)
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-32B
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-14B
AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE
DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-14B
AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-14B
AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-14B
AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT
DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-14B
AMD Radeon RX 7600
DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Llama-8B
*= AMD recommends running all distills in Q4 K M quantization.
1= Lists the maximum supported distill without partial GPU offload.
Step 6: On the right-hand side, make sure the “Q4 K M” quantization is selected and click “Download”.
Step 7: Once downloaded, head back to the chat tab and select the DeepSeek R1 distill from the drop-down menu and make sure “manually select parameters” is checked.
Step 8: In the GPU offload layers – move the slider all the way to the max.
Step 9: Click model load.
Step 10: Interact with a reasoning model running completely on your local AMD hardware!
Endnotes:
GD-97 – Links to third-party sites are provided for convenience, and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such linked sites, and no endorsement is implied.
GD-220e – Ryzen AI is defined as the combination of a dedicated AI engine, AMD Radeon graphics engine, and Ryzen processor cores that enable AI capabilities. OEM and ISV enablement is required, and certain AI features may not yet be optimized for Ryzen AI processors.
Please check with your system manufacturer for feature availability prior to purchase. Ryzen AI is compatible with:
AMD Ryzen 7040 and 8040 Series processors and Ryzen PRO 7040/8040 Series processors except Ryzen 5 7540U, Ryzen 5 8540U, Ryzen 3 7440U, and Ryzen 3 8440U processors
AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors and AMD Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series processors
all AMD Ryzen 8000G Series desktop processors except the Ryzen 5 8500G/GE and Ryzen 3 8300G/GE
AMD Ryzen 200 Series processors and Ryzen PRO 200 Series processors except Ryzen 5 220 and Ryzen 3 210
AMD Ryzen AI Max Series processors and Ryzen AI PRO Max Series processors
