This July 2025, mark your calendars for our first-ever TEP Month, a month-long series of transformative events designed to amplify The E-Waste Project’s advocacy and make a bigger impact than ever before.
In today’s digital age, new technologies are continuously released that we barely notice how quickly they evolve. Naturally, as newer and upgraded devices come out, we, as consumers, also tend to upgrade and keep up with the latest trends, leaving our old gadgets behind. As we step toward the future, have you thought about the devices that we abandon along the way?
That very question brings us to a growing global concern: electronic waste (e-waste). You may also think that discarded electronics seem harmless, but what looks like junk can actually be dangerous, as these old electronics hide toxic chemicals. When not properly disposed of, these can pose serious threats to both our health and the environment.
With this, The E-Waste Project or TEP, now celebrating its 13th year of advocacy, has consistently taken initiative and raised awareness on the proper disposal and management of e-waste. Over the years, the initiative has earned recognition not only for spreading awareness but also for empowering communities to take meaningful action. Beyond collection drives, TEP has expanded its reach through webinars, campus campaigns, and partnerships that promote a sustainable way of engaging with technology. In fact, its latest iteration in 2024 marked a major milestone, achieving its largest collection yet, amassing a total of 10,794.335 kilograms of electronic waste donations.
The month starts with TEP Caravan, an information session held in FEU Institute of Technology on July 9 and TEPTalk, a webinar live on Zoom and via TEP’s Facebook page on July 14, both of which are educational sessions designed to equip attendees with a deeper understanding of the e-waste crisis and how they can be part of the solution.And as always, action is just as important as awareness. This year’s Collection Drive will run for two weeks, from July 10 to July 12 and July 17 to July 19, at the Engineering Lawn in UP Diliman. Donors can drop off items such as old phones, small appliances, batteries, and even CDs. For those who can’t make it, 24/7 drop-off points are also available at the EEEI Building, CS Library, and Molave Residence Hall. It’s a convenient way to ensure your unused electronics are put to better use, rather than ending up in a landfill.
To culminate the month, TEP will be holding the first ever, the Electronics Sustainability Convention (ESCON) 2025, this July 26 at UP Diliman. This highly anticipated event will feature a roundtable discussion, digital art competition, speaker talks, and a case presentation competition that brings together innovators, advocates, and changemakers to share ideas and solutions for the e-waste crisis.
For more details of the events follow The E-Waste Project’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/theewasteprojectfor the latest updates.
TEP Month 2025 is more than a celebration, it’s a call to reflect, learn, and act. Whether you’re tuning in to a webinar, dropping off an old device, or spreading the word, you’re already taking a meaningful sTEP toward a more sustainable future. Every small sTEP counts—Para sa Bayan, Para sa Mundo.
Taking place from October 28 to 30, 2025, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an), NEPCON ASIA is the premier platform to discover the latest technologies and market trends, connect with new suppliers and products, and explore potential partnerships and distribution opportunities.
Featuring an ever-expanding showcase of automation equipment and technologies, the show empowers you to optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and ensure quality and yield — all driving sustained growth in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Hundreds of New Product Launches
NEPCON ASIA 2025 will showcase hundreds of new products and solutions across SMT, testing and measurement, soldering, dispensing, semiconductor packaging, and automation. The show will feature over 600 leading exhibitors, including Yamaha, Hanwha, Fuji, Kurtz Ersa, Rehm, Tamura, Koh Young, TRI, ALEADER, Unicomp, Anda, and Axxon, connecting them with millions of buyers from high-growth sectors such as automotive electronics, semiconductors, and new energy.
The event aims to engage more than 2,000 buyers from emerging fields like low-altitude flight, embodied robotics, and AI, offering exhibitors invaluable exposure to new sectors.
Breakthrough Areas Driving Innovation
Several standout themed areas will debut, integrating industry resources and cutting-edge technologies, while showcasing packaging, testing, flexible manufacturing, assembly, and key components.
Key themed areas include:
AI Smart Glasses Disassembly Area Flexible Manufacturing and Intelligent Transport System Area Low-Altitude Flight Components Disassembly Area Embodied Intelligence Robot Core Parts Disassembly Area Electronic Finished Products Automated Packaging Demonstration Area IGBT & SiC Packaging and Testing Demo Line
Conferences Empowering Industry Growth
NEPCON ASIA 2025 will host 40 high-level conferences covering advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, power electronics, robotics, and AI, empowering businesses to explore future technologies and seize new growth opportunities. The SMTA South China High-Tech Workshop will feature global experts from China, the US, Japan, and Thailand, providing forward-looking insights for businesses.
Connecting Global Markets
As China’s technology and manufacturing hub, Shenzhen offers a complete electronics ecosystem and unmatched supply chain advantages, providing exhibitors and visitors with opportunities to access its thriving industry cluster.
Through collaborations with overseas industry associations across Southeast Asia, the event will organize factory tours, business matchmaking and overseas networking salons, fostering deeper integration between Chinese and global electronics manufacturers.
Visitor pre-registration is now open! Join NEPCON ASIA 2025 to capture new opportunities, explore emerging markets, and enhance global competitiveness.
MG Motor Philippines, the official distributor of MG vehicles in the country, has launched the new generation MG ZS. Built from the ground up, the new ZS brings a stronger, sleeker, and more refined presence, infused with the latest in global design and engineering. With world-class details, intelligent hybrid technology, and future-ready features, this next-generation ZS is now more advanced than ever before.
MG’s Best-Selling Model Gets Even Better
Commanding from every angle, the All-New MG ZS embodies the brand’s new global design identity. Now sporting the signature “Connected Hunter Eyes” LED headlamps flowing to its sculpted sides and bold, aggressive fascia, it’s a vehicle that immediately makes a statement. With larger proportions — now 4,430mm long, 1,818mm wide, and 1,635mmtall, riding on a 2,610mm wheelbase — the All-New ZS offers more space and presence than its predecessor (previously 4,323mm × 1,809mm × 1,653mm with a 2,580mm wheelbase).
However, this design isn’t just about looks. Every detail has been meticulously engineered to meet international standards of style, safety, and performance. Whether navigating tight city streets or cruising wide-open expressways, the new ZS feels right at home.
The All-New ZS will be available in four variants, each thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of today’s drivers — from the top-of-the-line Hybrid+, to the Turbocharged Sport, the everyday Luxury, and the practical Comfort. Regardless of which variant you choose, the ZS empowers you to step up and stand out:
STEP UP IN STYLE: All variants showcase MG’s newest global design language — from the bold new grille and angular lines to sporty alloy wheels and premium light signatures.
STEP UP IN SPACE: Thanks to increased overall dimensions, the All-New ZS offers more interior room, enhanced legroom, and improved cargo flexibility. Visibility has also been improved, with reduced blind spots for a more confident drive. In the second row, cabin space has noticeably increased — with +18mm in headroom, +23mm in elbow room, and +3mm in legroom — ensuring a more comfortable ride for rear passengers.
STEP UP IN TECHNOLOGY: Built to meet European safety and tech standards, every ZS includes disc brakes on all wheels, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and advanced driver assistance options.
The MG ZS Variants
MG ZS Hybrid+
The MG ZS Hybrid+ is MG’s most advanced ZS yet — engineered for those who want to drive farther, smarter. It combines a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine with a 1.83kWh battery and 100kW electric motor, delivering smooth hybrid power producing 197PS.
It is equipped with MG PILOT, MG’s intelligent driver assist system featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist, and more. With 8 intelligent drive modes, it adapts to various conditions with ease.
In addition, it’s loaded with premium features: 12.3” infotainment touchscreen, 6-way electric seat and lumbar adjustment, automatic single-zone climate control, leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and 18” alloy wheels — making it the top choice for the tech-savvy and eco-conscious.
MG ZS Sport
Built for driving enthusiasts, the MG ZS Sport delivers the most exhilarating performance in the lineup. Under the hood is a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that pushes out 170PS and 275Nm of torque, giving you quick acceleration and power. It’s paired with a high-performance CVT280 transmission, engineered to deliver a driving feel comparable to that of a 7- to 9-speed automatic or DCT.
It shares the features as the Hybrid+ inside and out, including 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system, 6-way electric seat and lumbar adjustment, and 18” alloy wheels, the ZS Sport delivers excitement and power at every turn without compromising everyday comfort.
MG ZS Luxury
For those who want comfort, practicality, and strong features without stretching the budget, the MG ZS Luxury is the ideal match. Powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and paired with an CVT180 transmission, this variant offers intelligent shifting technology that ensures fuel efficiency at low speed and strong power at high speed.
The ZS Luxury also has standout features like a 10.25” infotainment touchscreen, 7” TFT gauges, leather seats, power-adjustable driver seat, rear AC vents, LED headlamps, dual front and side airbags, reverse camera, and advanced safety tech designed to give you more for less.
MG ZS Comfort
The MG ZS Comfort is the perfect introduction to the SUV life— offering style, space, and essentials that go beyond expectations. It shares the same 1.5L engine and CVT180 transmission as the Luxury, delivering dependable, fuel-efficient performance for daily use.
Equipped with 16” alloy wheels, a 10.25” infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual airbags, Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, TPMS, reverse camera, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats, the Comfort proves that first cars can still be fully capable.
The Future of MG Starts Now
Whether you’re drawn to hybrid innovation, turbocharged excitement, everyday luxury, or entry-level practicality — there’s a ZS variant that fits your lifestyle.
The prices of the All-New MG ZS are as follows:
MG ZS Hybrid+: PHP1,328,888 with an introductory price of PHP1,248,888.
MG ZS Sport: PHP 1,198,888 with an introductory price of PHP1,148,888.
MG ZS Luxury: PHP1,088,888 with an introductory price of PHP1,048,888.
MG ZS Comfort: PHP948,888 with an introductory price of PHP908,888.
The introductory prices will be applicable until July 31, 2025 only.
The inaugural Samsung x MLBB – Galaxy Gaming Campus Tournament (Galaxy Gaming Academy X Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Campus Series 2025) has successfully concluded, marking a pivotal moment for collegiate esports in Southeast Asia. This groundbreaking tournament brought together the brightest student gamers from Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore in the first-ever inter-country MLBB Campus Series, designed to nurture emerging talent and build a vibrant community of competitive gamers.
The cross-national grand finals, held from June 20-22, 2025, at Taman Anggrek Mall in West Jakarta, known as the “esports shopping mall”, saw team NU Bulldogs from the Philippines emerge victorious after intense competition among the top eight elite teams. The tournament attracted over 1,000 participating teams from four countries, through domestic qualifiers, all vying for the substantial USD40,000 prize pool.
“Samsung is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of esports talent across Southeast Asia,” said Carl Nordenberg, VP, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania. “The Galaxy Gaming Academy x MLBB Campus Series reflects our dedication to providing students with the technology, platform, and opportunities they need to excel in competitive gaming. We are proud to support these young athletes as they pursue their esports dreams – and we are excited for a fun and engaging competition between Southeast Asian universities!”
Ray Ng, head of ecosystem, MOONTON Games, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “The collaboration between MOONTON Games and Samsung for the first-ever inter-country MLBB Campus Series Tournament significantly aligns with our commitment to building a strong foundation for aspiring gamers to pursue their esports careers through the tournament. We thank Samsung for this partnership and the Galaxy Gaming Academy that successfully showcased their commitment in the gaming and esports ecosystem while encouraging esports development and student participation across the region.”
NU Bulldogs from the Philippines claimed the championship title and the top prize of USD18,000. NU Bulldogs demonstrated exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork throughout the tournament, proving themselves as the premier campus MLBB team in Southeast Asia.
FAITH NOVUS Bravehearts from the Philippines, settling for second place, took home USD8,000, while third placer VL Team from Indonesia won USD5,000.
First runners up: FAITH NOVUS Bravehearts team from the Philippines.Second runners up: VL Team from Indonesia.
“Taking home the championship title is beyond what we imagined when we first registered. Playing against the best campus teams from Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore has made us all better players and showed us the incredible depth of talent in our region. This tournament proves that student gamers deserve serious recognition and support, and we cannot wait to see how this grows in the future. We hope more students will join us in competitive gaming!” said Patrick Balanquit, coach for the NU Bulldogs.
GGA x MCS 2025 Tournament Highlights
The GGA x MCS 2025 featured a comprehensive three-stage tournament structure. Beginning with open registration from March 15 to April 6, the competition progressed through domestic online qualifiers (April 7-May 11) across all four countries, with Indonesia conducting an additional offline national competition (April 19-May 25) to select its national finalists. The top two campus teams from each country then advanced to compete in the cross-national grand finals in Jakarta.
Crowds gather to see the teams battle it out on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the centerstage as the tournament phone for the MLBB Campus Series. The cutting-edge device provides optimal and professional-level gaming experience for the participants.
The competition highlighted the incredible depth of young esports talent across Southeast Asia, with teams displaying advanced tactical understanding, mechanical skill, and coordinated gameplay typically seen at professional levels. The tournament was enhanced by Samsung’s provision of innovative Galaxy mobile devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, ensuring all competitors had access to optimal gaming performance, display quality, and responsiveness crucial for the professional-level Mobile Legends: Bang Bang competition.
A key highlight of the tournament was the active presence of representatives from professional esports teams, including Dewa United, Onic, EVOS, and Team Liquid, reinforcing the event’s primary objective of providing a structured platform for aspiring student gamers to compete at high levels while gaining invaluable competitive experience. Events like GGA x MCS 2025 are intended to help lower traditional barriers to entry for aspiring esports athletes, creating direct pathways from campus competition to professional careers.
Looking to the Future of GGA x MCS
The success of the inaugural Galaxy Gaming Academy x MLBB Campus Series 2025 establishes a new standard for collegiate esports in Southeast Asia. The tournament has demonstrated that with proper structure, technology support, and community engagement, campus-level esports can achieve professional-quality standards while maintaining the vibrant, passionate spirit of collegiate competition.
The comprehensive engagement journey—from pre-event awareness building through post-tournament talent scouting—has created a blueprint for sustainable esports ecosystem development that other regions can emulate.
In a landmark leap for AI-powered creativity, Canva has become the first design platform to deeply embed its creative suite into the world’s most advanced AI tools, including ChatGPT. Two major launches — the deep research connector with ChatGPT and the Canva Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server — turn Canva into a powerful AI platform that plugs seamlessly into AI assistants and agents to securely access your designs and generate new ones, all within the same conversation.
As businesses and creators increasingly adopt AI-first workflows, Canva is pioneering a new era of AI-native design. Whether analyzing a marketing campaign, drafting a business plan, or generating social content, you can now brainstorm, design, and publish without leaving your AI assistant, unlocking new levels of creativity and speed.
By bringing Canva’s creative power directly into AI assistants, Canva is redefining how its 240 million users, including 95% of Fortune 500 companies, design, collaborate, and communicate, streamlining the entire content journey from concept to completion.
“AI agents and assistants have become indispensable creative partners, yet current workflows require users to manually add context or references, creating complexity,” said Anwar Haneef, GM and head of ecosystem at Canva. “We’re embedding Canva directly into the AI tools people use every day so they can brainstorm, create, and publish content faster. This is a major step in our vision to make the complex simple and build an all-in-one AI workflow that’s secure and accessible to all.”
Your Canva designs, accessible in ChatGPT
Canva’s deep research connector with ChatGPT will now connect users’ designs directly to OpenAI’s most advanced model, enabling specific, thoughtful, and context-rich responses grounded in your past work. Without needing to switch between tabs or dig for information, users can simply prompt ChatGPT to analyze or refine content across Canva Docs, Presentations, and more. With instant access to your design history, this integration removes friction and makes cross-platform creation and collaboration effortless.
Privacy and security are built in from the ground up. Every interaction is protected by Canva Shield, the company’s comprehensive AI trust and safety framework.
The Canva deep research connector unlocks productivity and inspiration for:
Marketers: summarizing campaign reports, pulling key messaging from brand guides, and referencing launch plans
Business owners: analyzing business reports, summarizing past meeting notes, and exploring growth plans
Sales: analyzing customer feedback, searching for key value propositions or pricing slides, and preparing proposals
Educators: pulling key points for lesson plans and curriculum, and referencing past learning objectives
“Launching the Canva deep research connector means businesses and their employees get faster, better insights because ChatGPT has more context. We’re thrilled to work together to bring powerful AI to many of today’s most important workflows,” said Nate Gonzalez, head of Business Products at OpenAI.
Canva MCP Server: A new era in AI-powered design
The Canva Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server allows any AI assistant to tap directly into a user’s full Canva workspace, from design history to creative tools and templates, all within a natural, conversational flow. It brings real-time context into every interaction, enabling AI to generate richer, more relevant content that’s always on-brand and instantly usable.
With one-click integrations for OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Salesforce’s Agentforce, and more coming soon, this update brings Canva’s creative power into the top professional AI tools. Designs generated through MCP are visually rich and context-aware, thanks to real-time access to both the user’s Canva account and the ongoing AI conversation.
With the Canva MCP Server, AI assistants and agents can:
Generate any design type,from social posts to presentations, incorporating context from your chat
Autofill charts with labeled, formatted data from AI-generated insights
Resize and export branded templates, from Presentations to Canva Docs, with on-brand, contextual copy
Import PDFs or files directly from a link, no upload needed
Accelerating Canva’s pluggable AI platform
Canva’s flexible, multi-model AI product strategy, spanning proprietary models, partner models, and a robust apps ecosystem, has positioned the company to rapidly adopt emerging frameworks like MCP.
These updates expand on Canva’s continued AI innovation, building on recent launches like Canva AI, Canva Code, and AI-powered content creation in Canva Sheets. Together, these tools accelerate creativity while preserving brand consistency, driving 18 billion AI tool uses as educators, marketers, creators, and more embrace AI as an essential creative partner.
To experience the future of AI-assisted design, get started with the Canva MCP Server by visiting the Canva Developers community.
Ford Philippines is bringing back its much-anticipated Truck Month this July, where customers can enjoy a wide array of special deals on the Ford Ranger, including all-in low downpayment offers, low monthly fees, cash discounts, and free service offers.
On top of these deals, customers can also take advantage of a ‘no price increase’ offer across most Ranger variants in light of the re-imposition of the excise tax on pickup trucks that started this month. This offer extends to Ranger XL, XLT, Sport, Sport Special Edition, and Wildtrak available for a limited time only.
Truck Month
With Ford Truck Month, customers getting a Ranger Sport 4×2 can avail of the PHP50,000 all-in low downpayment at PHP24,888 low monthly fee with free 3-year scheduled service plan (SSP), or a Ranger Sport 4×4 with an all-in low downpayment of PHP88,000 with free 3-year SSP.
Meanwhile, as much as PHP70,000 cash savings is available for those getting a Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 or 4×2 variant.
The Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo 4×4 is also available with an all-in downpayment of PHP188,000 together with the 5-Star Care package.
July is definitely the best time to get a Ford Ranger with our Truck Month deals, made even better by our zero-price increase offer across our Ranger line-up, delivering great value to the customers and their Ford ownership experience,” shares Pedro Simoes, managing director, Ford Philippines.
Exclusive Offers For Rest of Ford Line-up
Apart from deals available for the Ranger this July, customers can also avail of exclusive offers for the rest of the Ford line-up. The Territory is available with a PHP80,000 cash discount or PHP75,000 all-in low downpayment at PHP22,299 low monthly fee with free 3-year SSP. All Territory variants also come with a free 1-month amortization made possible by Ford’s partnership with EastWest Bank.
On the other hand, customers getting a Ford Everest can get the 7-seater SUV with an all-in low downpayment of PHP99,000 or at a starting retail price of PHP1,789,000 with free 3-year SSP for the Everest Trend 4×2.
The Ford Explorer is available at an all-in low downpayment of PHP99,000 plus free 3-month amortization and 5-Star Care in partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). The Explorer is also offered at 0% interest plus 5-year scheduled service plan in partnership with EastWest Bank. Finally, the Explorer comes with a bigger PHP700,000 cash discount this July.
“We look forward to seeing more customers and enthusiasts drive their dream Ford with our slew of offers and deals available for our best-selling vehicles headlined by the Truck Month and Freedom Fest this July,” added Simoes.
For more information on these deals, visit the Ford website or a Ford dealer nearest you.
Let’s be honest — you probably started the year with all the best intentions. Maybe you even made a money mood board, listed your financial goals, and promised yourself this was the year you’d finally save.
Then life happened. Expenses appeared uninvited, those online sales were too good to be true, and suddenly, savings? Still pending.
But here’s your mid-year reality check: it’s not too late. Maya, the #1 Digital Bank app in the Philippines, is here to help you reset, refocus, and make real progress with your money goals (without making things tedious or overwhelming).
Save in a way that actually works
With Maya Savings, you can earn up to 15% interest p.a. — no complicated terms, no hidden steps. Simply deposit your money, use Maya for all your transactions, and watch your money grow with daily interest earnings credited. Even if you start small, that’s already progress!
Save with purpose, not pressure
Want to build that travel fund? Prep for an upcoming concert? Or just feel more in control? Maya allows you to create up to 5 Personal Goalswithin the app, where you can earn up to 4% interest per annum. It’s goal-setting made simple so that you can stay on track without the stress.
One app, full control
Maya isn’t just for saving. It’s your all-in-one app for sending money, paying bills, shopping online, investing in stocks or crypto, and even borrowing through Maya Easy Credit or a Personal Loan if you need a boost. It’s like having a money toolkit, right in your pocket, whenever you need it.
This is your sign to stop stressing about what didn’t happen in the first half of the year and start focusing on what can happen in the next. Maya gives you the tools, the control, and the confidence to get back on track — no guilt trips or budgeting burnout required. So whether you’re regrouping, recharging, or ready to go full financial glow-up mode, Maya’s here to help you make the rest of the year your most money-smart yet.
Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to know more. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to PHP1-million per depositor.
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) will host a two-day showcase highlighting the programs offered by the institution this coming July 10 and 11, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, at the Activity Center of Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City.
The showcase will feature a workshop focused on career opportunities and a masterclass for the Mapúa Institute of Technology at Laguna (MITL) and E.T. Yuchengco College of Business in collaboration with ASU® (ETYCB) on Day 1. Day 2 will include a masterclass centered on College of Health Sciences in collaboration with ASU® and College of Computer and Information Science.
Besides the fun and insightful activities, the program showcase will also feature a booth for both days that interested applicants can visit to enroll on the spot.
SeeSaw 2025: Where Play Becomes Art – A Multimedia Arts Seminars & Exhibit
Join us for SeeSaw 2025, a Multimedia Arts Seminars & Exhibit coming this July 12 and 13, at the Activity Center of Alabang Town Center, organized by Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’s Bachelor of Multimedia Arts with special participation from Bachelor of Arts in Communication students.
This two-day creative event is more than just a showcase: it’s a celebration of artistry, imagination, and purpose.
SeeSaw 2025 invites guests of all ages to reconnect with their creativity through immersive artistic experiences and a welcoming atmosphere built on collaboration and self-expression.
A major part of the overall event will be a series of insightful seminars led by respected professionals from various creative fields. These speakers will share valuable stories and perspectives in animation, film, and graphic design, offering attendees a chance to learn directly from those who have walked the artistic path.
As part of the event’s creative lineup, participants can look forward to a hands-on watercolor workshop that explores the art of fluid painting techniques and color expression. Complementing this is a lettering workshop focused on the fundamentals of hand-drawn type, where attendees will learn to craft expressive letterforms and develop their own unique style.
Another key highlight of SeeSaw 2025 is the creative exhibit of works by Animation, Film, and Graphic Design students from the Bachelor of Multimedia Arts, along with contributions from Communication students of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna. Each piece is a reflection of personal stories, growth, and artistic exploration. From short films and animated works to expressive graphic designs and installation pieces, the event highlights the full spectrum of multimedia and communication arts.
What makes SeeSaw 2025 even more meaningful is its mission to give back. This year’s event supports Angat Kabataan – San Pedro, a youth-led, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation through volunteerism and leadership. It also supports SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas, the world’s largest organization helping children without parental care thrive with the relationships and support they need.
SeeSaw 2025: Where Play Becomes Art is designed by passionate young creatives to reflect the highs and lows of the artistic journey. The name “SeeSaw” represents the balance between exploration and growth, confidence and doubt, trial and error, a reminder that art is a process, not just a final product.
At the heart of the event is Emma, a symbolic character who embodies every creative’s duality: the wide-eyed wonder of childhood and the deep passion of maturity. Through her journey, visitors are encouraged to embrace both the joy and the struggle of making art, to stay curious, take breaks when needed, and return to their passions with renewed energy.
This weekend is an invitation to slow down, engage your imagination, and connect with fellow creatives. It’s a break from the routine. A space where inspiration flows freely, and the power of creativity meets the freedom of play.
So mark your calendars for July 12–13 and join us at Alabang Town Center for SeeSaw 2025! Whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or with family, you’re welcome to explore, express, and enjoy every moment of this creative celebration.
The way goods move from factories to shelves has shifted due to the continued rise of supermarkets, specialty stores, and other modern-trade formats. Instead of large, infrequent shipments, manufacturers and distributors are now making smaller, more frequent orders to prevent costly overstocking at retail outlets. Traditional full truckload deliveries are now seen as highly inefficient, as businesses are forced to pay full price for a truck that’s only partially filled.
This creates a critical logistical challenge for businesses: how do you accurately manage a multitude of boxes alongside various other deliveries, while minimizing human error? Traditional systems simply cannot sustain this complexity, especially as the B2B logistics market in the Philippines is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.08% from 2025 to 2030.
For Ninja Van Philippines, the answer isn’t a secret ancient art or ninjas working overtime, but investing in cutting-edge technology to help businesses of all sizes fulfill their logistical needs.
“In today’s dynamic market, smart technology is the backbone of logistics. As a technology-enabled logistics company, we see innovation not just as a tool, but as a primary problem-solver,” said Jose Alvin Perez, country head of Ninja Van Philippines.
As distribution becomes more complex and customer expectations for turnaround time shorten, costly mistakes brought about by human error easily compound. A research study by the IHL Group estimates that worldwide costs related to distribution distortion already amount to USD1.1-trillion. Correcting errors on inaccurate orders, shrinkage, or inventory quickly adds up to additional shipping costs, handling returns, and restocking.
To address these challenges, Ninja Van Philippines recently introduced its Scan-to-Print virtual fulfillment technology designed to harness the power of automation. This system was primarily designed to drastically improve processing times by digitizing orders beforehand. By allowing the automated belt system to significantly speed up sorting for principals, Ninja Van was able to perform restock deliveries within 1-3 days in Luzon.
From Digital Input to Smart Labels
The Scan-to-Print process begins even before parcels arrive at the warehouse. Partner businesses arrange delivery with the Ninja Van team through a dashboard, serving as a virtual warehouse, where digital records are created in advance.
Upon arrival at any of Ninja Van’s warehouses, parcels and boxes are placed onto pallets where personnel scan an existing case barcode on each box. This scan instantly fetches the pre-inputted data from the client, immediately validating and gathering parcel information for sorting and delivery.
Once the data is fetched, the Scan-to-Print technology automatically generates and prints a standardized sticker, which is swiftly affixed to the boxes. This contains a QR code embedded with key information such as:
Ninja Van-standardized store name for correct routing;
unique tracking ID for precise product matching;
standardized store code across principals for efficient routing and hub identification;
Requested Arrival Date (RAD) for timeline adherence.
“Less manual handling means fewer errors, which is why creating a single physical touchpoint for labeling is a game-changer,” noted Perez. “On top of helping us achieve speedy distribution, it also fundamentally enhances accuracy at the start of every parcel’s journey.”
Automated Distribution
Once labeled, boxes are moved to the main sort belt. This is where SIMBA, Ninja Van’s advanced automatic sorting system, takes over. Operating at a 2.2m/s conveyor speed, SIMBA rapidly scans the QR code and moves the packages to separate belts that lead to their specific location hubs or designated delivery areas.
“Each product case or box is automatically directed to its designated location, reducing the tedious and often erroneous process of manually consolidating various SKUs into a single box or case for a specific store,” explained Perez.
SIMBA then precisely measures each parcel’s dimensions and weight to assign the most appropriate fleet for delivery. By optimizing space and fuel, and ensuring efficient route planning, SIMBA enables up to 90% space utilization in delivery vehicles for all items, including bulky ones.
“Efficient logistics is more than just delivery speed,” added Perez. “SIMBA’s ability to measure each parcel enables us to automatically determine its ideal route and vehicle, optimizing space, fuel, and critical delivery timelines.”
Throughout the process, the virtual fulfillment capability also enables partner businesses to monitor in real-time the status of different product SKUs for distribution. This helps them plan for future restock runs, sales, or seasonal campaigns.
As the future of e-commerce and logistics continues to expand, the integration of innovative technologies like Scan-to-Print is no longer just an option but a necessity for operational excellence. By integrating technology and innovation into its operations, Ninja Van Philippines ensures that even the smallest parcels or the bulkiest items reach their destinations safely and on time.
Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) officially endorses Standard Insurance Co., Inc. as the second model End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) dismantling facility in the Philippines, included in the ‘Toyota Global 100 Dismantlers Project.’
Standard Insurance’s ELV dismantling operations primarily handle vehicles insured under its portfolio, with an average of 850 vehicles dismantled annually. Located in the company’s technical and training center in Naic, Cavite, the facility spans approximately 8,840 square meters and has a dismantling capacity of up to six units per day.
Backed by an investment of PHP17.8 Million, this initiative represents a major private sector involvement in appropriate vehicle life cycle management and circular economy.
End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) dismantling facilities serve as a vital foundation for building a circular economy in the automotive industry. These facilities ensure that inoperable vehicles are processed responsibly, minimizing environmental impact by safely managing hazardous materials and maximizing resource recovery for reintroduction into the manufacturing cycle.
With two established dismantling facilities now operating in the country, the private sector beefs up the local capacity for responsible ELV management. This expansion not only supports local sustainability efforts but also addresses the climate-related risks posed by ELVs globally.
Standard Insurance bolsters the Toyota Global 100 Dismantlers Project, being the fifth on its list in the Southeast Asian region.
“We are very grateful to Standard Insurance for its voluntary resolve, making Toyota customers also feel assured with a proper place for ELVs to go,” said TMP president Masando Hashimoto.
“Our collective efforts are a clear testament to our long-term commitment to carbon neutrality and ‘Establishing a Recycling-based Society and Systems’ under the global Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050,” Hashimoto added.
The Toyota Global 100 Dismantlers Project is a worldwide initiative that seeks to establish proper ELV dismantling operations in different strategic locations around the world. Through this network, Toyota aims to address key environmental challenges such as pollution and resource depletion by promoting responsible disposal and recycling practices.
Standard Insurance, a partner in TMP’s ‘Toyota Insure’ program since 2021, follows En Tsumugi ELV Dismantler Corporation, the first ELV dismantling facility endorsed by Toyota in September 2024 in Mexico, Pampanga.
With AI emerging as the new frontier in digital payments, Visa, a global leader in the industry, has unveiled a suite of innovative products designed to enable the next wave of digital payment experiences in the Philippines. The country’s digital payment sector is rapidly expanding, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reporting that 50% of retail payments were digitized in 2023—a milestone that highlights both the growing adoption and the readiness for further innovation.
As digital transactions continue to rise, Visa’s AI-enabled solutions are set to empower Filipino consumers and business owners by providing secure, seamless payment experiences. “The continuously growing digital payment sector in the Philippines makes it a prime environment for technological innovation—one that harnesses AI for the benefit of the digital Filipino business owner and consumer,” said Jeffrey Navarro, country manager, Visa Philippines.
Jeffrey Navarro, country manager, Visa Philippines
In this new era of agentic commerce, where AI agents will browse, purchase, and manage transactions on behalf of users, trust is more important than ever. Over the past decade, Visa has invested more than USD3 billion in AI and data infrastructure, enabling regional partners—including AI platforms, fintechs, banks, and merchants—to connect effortlessly to the Visa network. In an increasingly digital landscape marked by evolving threats and the need for greater accountability, Visa’s continued focus on AI, tokenization, and real-time fraud prevention ensures every transaction remains secure.
Leading this wave of innovation is Visa Intelligent Commerce, a new initiative that opens Visa’s payments network to developers and engineers building the next generation of AI-powered commerce in Asia Pacific.
Visa Intelligent Commerce: A New Era for Asia Pacific
Visa Intelligent Commerce brings a suite of integrated APIs and a commercial partner program to AI platforms, enabling developers to deploy Visa’s AI commerce capabilities securely and at scale. Visa announced that it is in explorations with Ant International, Grab, and Tencent to grow AI commerce by enabling a secure and seamless checkout experience.
Ant International is a leading global provider of digital payment, digitization, and financial technology solutions. Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading super app offering ride-hailing, food delivery, digital payments, and financial services across eight markets. Tencent is a multinational technology leader that develops a wide range of digital products and services, including Weixin/WeChat, China’s super app.
Over the past 25 years, Visa’s global network has handled 3.3 trillion transactions. Today, Visa is advancing its infrastructure, standards, and capabilities to power AI-driven commerce, opening new opportunities for consumers across Asia Pacific. Soon, AI agents integrated into familiar platforms will be able to transact using Visa’s 4.8 billion credentials at millions of merchant locations worldwide.
Expanding payments innovation and connectivity for Filipino businesses
Visa is also launching new services to make it easier for consumers, merchants, and businesses in the Philippines to pay and be paid.
Visa Pay: A service designed to connect any participating wallet to any Visa-accepting merchant, local or international, in-store or online, launches across Asia Pacific, home to the largest number of digital wallet users. Through partnerships with leading players including LINE Pay in Taiwan, Maya in the Philippines, OpenRice in Hong Kong, and Woori Card in South Korea, Visa is expanding access to its global network, giving consumers more ways to pay globally by tapping, scanning or online.
Digital Identity: This suite of solutions includes Passkeys, Tap to Confirm, and enhanced data which are meant to identify and authenticate digital users. These solutions will reduce friction for consumers by being digitally native while improving payment security and authorisation rates with enhanced transaction data and state-of-the-art fraud prevention techniques. New partners in the region include Coles, a supermarket chain in Australia and Maybank, a leading financial services provider in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Visa Accept is a new solution that allows micro-sellers to receive payments directly to their eligible Visa debit card using any NFC-enabled smartphone. Launching in Vietnam, the service supports micro-entrepreneurs and informal sellers such as street vendors, freelancers, and small service providers. Participating issuers will enable cardholders to accept contactless payments through their bank’s mobile app.
Seamlessness in payments
Visa continues to expand its product portfolio with solutions designed to support the evolving payment needs of consumers and businesses in the country and across Asia Pacific, particularly Millennial and Gen Z consumers who are increasingly looking for flexible and convenient payment options that match their lifestyles.
Flex Credential: Visa’s Flex Credential, a next-generation card that allows users to seamlessly toggle between debit, credit, and reward points, continues to gain traction in Asia Pacific. Visa first launched Flex in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company (SMCC), known as Olive, two years ago in Japan. Today, more than 5 million Olive account holders are benefitting from the Visa Flex Credential. The Olive card continues to outperform, with cardholder transactions averaging 40% higher than the national average in Japan over the past year.
Visa and SMCC have expanded the Visa Flex Credential to support small businesses with the flexibility to switch between business and personal accounts using the same Olive card, enhancing access to credit and cash flow management. Visa is also collaborating with local banks in Vietnam to launch Flex Credential in the next few months.
Stablecoins: Visa has been facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for over five years and is now expanding its offering to include stablecoin-backed cards, settlement, and programmable money. On and off-ramps via stablecoin-backed cards allow consumers to use their Visa credentials to buy stablecoins with fiat currency and pay with stablecoin across Visa-accepting merchant locations. In Asia Pacific, Visa is partnering with DCS Singapore, DTC Pay and StraitsX on stablecoin-backed cards that support conversion through regulated infrastructure.
Enabling seven-day-a-week settlement for stablecoins: Visa has settled more than USD225 million in stablecoin volume to date through participating clients. In Asia Pacific, Visa is working with StraitsX for stablecoin settlement.
Through the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), Visa provides a platform for our partners to issue and manage fiat-backed tokens, offering interconnectivity to public and private blockchains, enabling programmable financing, trading of tokenized assets and facilitating cross-border money movement. Visa is looking to expand the availability of VTAP to more partners later this year and into 2026.
“We are excited to work with local banks, acquirers, merchants, and the government in bringing these innovations to the Philippine market. Working with the right partners will help us translate these global innovations into real, tangible impact for local stakeholders – helping us all advance into the future of payments,” said Navarro.
With diversity and inclusion remaining top of mind for many organizations, TELUS Digital Philippines is continuing to prioritize an inclusive culture. The company celebrated Pride Month by reaffirming its belief that inclusion is a lasting commitment.
From drag showcases to safe space training, TELUS Digital Philippines’ Pride activities are rooted in visibility, expression, and community. Events like the annual Ready, Set, Drag! and the team’s proud participation in the Metro Manila and Iloilo Pride parades reflect a workplace where employees showing up as their true selves is accepted and protected.
“These events are more than celebrations,” said Warren Tait, vice president of facilities operations and experience of TELUS Digital and executive sponsor of Spectrum Philippines, the company’s employee resource group for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. “They are statements. They affirm that our LGBTQIA+ team members are seen, heard, and supported, not only in June, but every day of the year.”
That support goes far beyond events. TELUS Digital Philippines has built systems that recognize, protect, and uplift LGBTQIA+ employees, starting with inclusive benefits that acknowledge same-sex and domestic partners, access to gender-affirming care, gender-neutral restrooms, and self-identified sleeping quarters across its sites. Its employee resource group, Spectrum Philippines, leads from within, driving education and advocacy through HIV awareness campaigns, free testing, and SOGIE 101 sessions for both leaders and team members.
Equally important is what happens behind the scenes. TELUS Digital Philippines emphasizes skills-based hiring and promotion practices, supported by efforts to reduce bias throughout the process. HR teams and people leaders undergo regular training in inclusive leadership, gender sensitivity, and respectful workplace practices, ensuring that these policies are lived out daily.
This commitment is especially critical in the Philippines. Despite progress, workplace discrimination remains a daily reality for many. A United Nations Development Programme study found that 21% of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos have been denied employment because of their identity, and two-thirds have seen job ads that openly exclude them. In healthcare, stigma continues to deter access, contributing to a staggering 500% increase in HIV cases among Filipinos aged 15–25 in early 2025, with 57 new cases reported each day.
TELUS Digital Philippines is not only aware of this reality but is also actively engaging with it. Through partnerships with advocacy groups like the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) and LoveYourself, and support for platforms such as PFIP’s Pride Summit and the Iloilo City Office of the LGBT Affairs’ Pride Pyesta, the company remains connected to both global best practices and local advocacy on the ground.
“We engage respectfully with all perspectives, but we don’t compromise on our values. Inclusion benefits everyone and we’re here to ensure that all our team members, regardless of background or identity, feel safe and valued,” Tait emphasized.
The company’s belief in the power of inclusion is measurable. Internal tools, such as its employee engagement survey, include DEI-focused questions to help leaders understand where progress is being made and where more effort is needed. Broader research supports this finding: organizations with inclusive cultures consistently outperform their peers in innovation, engagement, and employee retention.
From inclusive policies to expressive celebrations, TELUS Digital Philippines believes that DEI is not just a checkbox; it’s inherent to company culture. While Pride Month shines a spotlight on this commitment, the work continues long after the rainbow flags are packed away.
“As a company, we’re proud to stand by our LGBTQIA+ team members, especially in moments when it would be easier to stay quiet,” Muñoz added. “Inclusion is part of who we are. And we are committed to building a workplace where everyone can thrive.”
Air conditioners are not usually one-size-fits-all. Sure, it may offer standard features that one may expect from an air-cooling solution, but it’s also essential for a homeowner to consider other factors before purchasing one.
What you look for in an air conditioner may not be the same as your neighbor’s—so what may work for them may not always be ideal for you. Factors such as room size, insulation, energy consumption preferences, noise levels, and even aesthetic considerations all play a crucial role in selecting the right unit.
If you’re still searching for the perfect air conditioner unit, it’s essential to ensure that it meets the unique needs of your family and home. With this, Midea, the world’s no.1 residential inverter air conditioner company, is here to help everyone navigate the season with ease.
For homes with compact space
With many Filipinos living in condominium units or compact apartments in Metro Manila, selecting an air conditioner unit that fits their space is usually their top priority. This not only ensures ease of use but also delivers the ideal balance of performance, convenience, and style.
If you’re living in dorm rooms, small houses, or apartments, the Midea Qube and Midea Window/Split are excellent choices.
The Midea Qube Compact Inverter Window-Type Air Conditioner Series is designed for compactness and space efficiency, with dimensions of 471mm in width, 482mm in depth, and 345mm in height. This lightweight unit is easy to install and features a Full DC Inverter, delivering reliable cooling and energy efficiency for everyday comfort.
Meanwhile, the Midea Window/Split Series Inverter Air-Conditioner is also a space-saving unit, measuring 487mm in width, 558mm in depth, and 342mm in height. Additionally, it is remarkably quiet, making it ideal for small spaces. It also offers powerful cooling and creates a relaxing environment.
For energy-saving homes
The spike in electricity bills is commonly the factor that most homeowners worry about. Fortunately, Midea offers energy-efficient air conditioners that cool your home without draining your bank account.
The Midea Celest Full DC Inverter Split-Type Air-Conditioner is a durable unit powered by AI ECOMASTER, offering 30% extra energy savings. It can lower the temperature by 5°C in just 10 minutes, allowing for the reduction of energy costs without compromising the cooling efficiency.
You can also save on your electricity bills with the Midea AirstillPro Full DC Inverter Series, which boasts a 5-star energy efficiency performance rating and is ranked as the most energy-efficient model among over 700 split models in the country. It also provides both gentle and rapid cooling, along with a customizable experience, allowing you to adjust the comfort mode to suit your preferences.
For modern, smart homes
In this digital, fast-paced world, some homeowners prefer the convenience of managing household tasks right from their smartphones in just a few clicks. Want your room to be cool before you get home? Want your air conditioner to adjust its temperature on its own in the wee hours? Midea has got the solution for you.
Midea’s latest product and innovation solutions offer the future of home cooling through the Midea Avigator Full DC Inverter Series—an innovative and convenient air conditioner that has rapid cooling. Powered by AI Smart Control, it allows you to automatically adjust its cooling settings through the Midea Smart Home App. You can control it anytime, anywhere, with just one click away, making it a perfect unit if you’re looking for a smarter way to live.
However, if you’re looking for the full package – comfort, energy efficiency, and smart control—this is your sign to get the Midea AirstillPro Full DC Inverter Series. This unit offers three breeze modes: Breeze Away to prevent cold drafts, Breeze Mild to cool the room evenly, and Breezeless for ultra-gentle cooling for maximum comfort.
It can also be controlled through the Midea Smart Home App, giving you complete control from your phone. While it boasts advanced features, it remains energy-efficient thanks to its inverter technology and faster cooling capabilities.
From portable and space-saving designs to energy-efficient models with smart control features, Midea offers a wide range of air conditioners to keep you cool and help you find the perfect match tailored to your lifestyle, space, and needs.
To learn more about Midea’s latest products, 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.
The Philippines is one of the most affected areas in the world in terms of natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and floods. The catastrophic effects of anthropogenic climate change often manifest in the country in the form of typhoons. Readers may remember Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, one of the most powerful typhoons in recorded history and (as of this writing) the deadliest typhoon in Philippine history.
One of the ways we track typhoons today is through weather satellites, which bring some form of predictability to weather patterns and allow us to plan accordingly to reduce damage and casualties caused by typhoons. The Philippines, on average, experiences approximately 20 typhoons per year. But who made this possible, and what did it take to accomplish this? My research led me to the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS-1), also known as TIROS-A, which was the first weather satellite in existence.
The Cold War began almost immediately after World War II. The United States and the Soviet Union sought not only to dominate geopolitical affairs but also to extend their rivalry beyond Earth and into space. While the Soviet Union achieved this first with the Sputnik satellite in 1957, the United States sought to outdo its rival superpower. The TIROS project was promoted by meteorologist Harry Wexler (1911-1962). It involved several government agencies and corporations, namely the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA, now DARPA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) among others across the scientific, military, and technology sectors.
The concept for TIROS emerged as early as the late 1940s, with studies continuing into the 1950s. A committee headed by William Welch Kellogg of the RAND Corporation, with representatives from various branches of the United States military, eventually concluded in 1958 that the program should provide observations of cloud cover with television cameras at coarser and finer resolutions, coupled with infrared measurements of the Earth’s radiation. The development of TIROS was initially classified information, meaning that only select members of the United States government were privy to this information. The development of the satellite was contracted to the Army Signal Corps Laboratories for USD3.6 million, although the exact date is unknown (assuming 1960 dollars, this would be ~USD39.1 million in 2025).
The initial design called for three separate satellites, each with a two-lens optical television system, an improved infrared scanning system, and a radiometer to measure Earth’s energy budget. While we can delve more deeply into the science behind such an invention, in brief, these were the primary objectives of the TIROS program. TIROS-1 launched on April 1, 1960. This satellite initially featured only a two-lens optical television system, but additional features were added later with the launches of TIROS-2, TIROS-3, and TIROS-4. The original TIROS series was commissioned from 1960 to 1967, while newer satellites were launched all the way until 2009.
What did TIROS-1 accomplish? It proved the feasibility of using satellites to observe global weather patterns. While it didn’t have an impact on news coverage, it did improve weather forecasting, encouraged improvements on future similar satellites, and enabled weather to be observed from space, allowing humanity to see the impacts of anthropogenic climate change in real-time. As of this writing, all of the original TIROS satellites, with the exception of TIROS-7, are still in orbit. TIROS-1 provided us with actionable data to address the challenges posed by the weather, and we should be thankful for such an invention.
Words by Jose Alvarez Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 11 Issue.
We recently had the chance to test the Kia Carnival, and one thing became clear: if we were to choose a people hauler, this would be it. Blending SUV-inspired design with minivan practicality, the Carnival turns heads while pampering passengers with premium tech and comfort. With its growing presence on Manila’s streets, the question is—does it have what it takes to win over Filipino families who live for road trips?
Design: 5/5
The Kia Carnival is a stunner, effortlessly drawing attention with its futuristic “tiger-nose” grille, sleek vertically stacked headlights, and SUV-like stance. Its side profile strikes a balance between subtlety and strength, featuring clean lines and a distinctive silver fin accent on the C-pillar, adding a touch of flair. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar and bold vertical brake lights tie the design together seamlessly. Unlike some vans with awkward rear proportions, the Kia Carnival’s tailgate integrates smoothly, making it look more like a premium SUV than a traditional minivan—perfect for dads who want style along with space. Short of nitpicking personal preferences, Kia nailed this design.
Equipment: 4/5
Most vans prioritize function over luxury, but the Carnival shatters expectations with first-class amenities. The second-row captain’s chairs are a highlight, featuring power-adjustable ottomans, reclining, and sliding functions—perfect for VIP passengers. Families will appreciate the USB-C ports, privacy shades, and dual sunroofs, ensuring comfort on long drives.
For the driver, the Kia KCarnival feels like a tech showcase: a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, and an intuitive climate control system. The wireless charger and ample USB-C ports keep everyone connected.
Safety is equally impressive, with 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. From collision avoidance to comfort-driven tech, the Kia Carnival leaves little to be desired, though a rear-seat entertainment system would’ve been the cherry on top.
User Experience: 4/5
If you’re riding in the second row, you’re in for a treat—executive-level comfort with moonroof views, plush seating, and stretch-out legroom. The “Premium Relaxation Seats” elevate the passenger experience with built-in leg rests and full recline. The cabin also benefits from triple-zone automatic climate control, keeping everyone comfortable, regardless of seating row.
The third row is surprisingly spacious (unlike cramped SUV alternatives) and offers 60:40 split-folding flat seats, enabling flexible cargo configurations.
However, for the driver, this nearly 5.2-meter long minivan could present a bit of a challenge. Maneuvering this long, wide minivan demands extra caution, especially in tight city streets. Thankfully, the advanced parking assist system, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and 360-degree cameras help take the stress out of urban driving.
After a few days with the Kia Carnival, one thing was clear: the second-row experience is unmatched. If Kia offered captain’s chairs in the third row (since most buyers won’t max out seating), it’d be near-perfect for families prioritizing comfort over capacity.
Value: 4/5
At PHP3.368 million, the Kia Carnival 2.2 SX Diesel ATsits in a sweet spot—more affordable than luxury rivals but packed with features that shame pricier options. The good news? Kia also offers a top-tier hybrid variant locally, addressing the demand for fuel efficiency. The bad news? It commands a hefty premium over the diesel model, which might give budget-conscious families pause.
For a market increasingly drawn to hybrids, a more aggressive price cut would make the Kia Carnival Hybrid an unbeatable choice. Still, if you’re weighing long-term savings and convenience against upfront price, the hybrid’s tech, eco-friendly edge, and coding exemption could justify the splurge. Either way, the Kia Carnival delivers rare value for a minivan this premium—it’s just a matter of how badly you want that hybrid badge.
Conclusion
Filipinos’ love for family road trips makes the Kia Carnival an ideal fit. While its price may give pause, its SUV-like design, unmatched comfort, and hybrid option set it apart from generic people-movers. For those who value space, tech, and style, the Kia Carnival isn’t just a minivan—it’s a statement. Now, if only my wallet agreed…
Reviewed by Gian Derek Bambico Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 11 Issue
