Gadgets Magazine | The Philippines' First Tech-Lifestyle Magazine

Garmin launches Forerunner smartwatch models and HRM 600 heart rate monitor for performance-driven athletes

Wearables

-

18 Jun 2025

Garmin launches Forerunner smartwatch models and HRM 600 heart rate monitor for performance-driven athletes

Garmin has announced three new performance products designed to help athletes reach new personal bests: the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 GPS running and triathlon smartwatches, and the HRM 600, a premium heart rate monitor that delivers advanced data and versatility. These next-generation devices work seamlessly together, offering new ways to train, track, and recover with precision, all designed with Garmin’s hallmark durability and athlete-first innovation.

Together, these launches expand the Garmin ecosystem for performance-driven athletes, offering richer data insights, greater workout flexibility, and smarter recovery metrics, whether you’re gearing up for a race or fine-tuning their performance in the gym.

Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970: Built to Go the Distance

Featuring Garmin’s brightest AMOLED display yet, the new Forerunner smartwatches deliver brilliant visuals on the run. Athletes can access advanced training tools, health stats, and smart features with ease.

To help athletes achieve their goals, the Forerunner 570 features advanced running metrics, including training status, wrist-based running power and dynamics, acute load, training effect, performance condition, VO2 max, and more. Every morning, athletes can see their training readiness score based on sleep quality, recovery, and training load, so they know whether it’s a good day to go hard or take it easy.

Runners can also view the daily suggested workout, which is tailored specifically to them and adapts after every run to account for their performance and recovery. Alternatively, they can use Garmin Coach training plans for running, cycling, and strength to prepare for their next event. When running outdoors, athletes can execute their race-day strategy using PacePro – grade-adjusted pacing guidance – and train with confidence, knowing that SatIQ technology and multi-band GPS will provide superior positioning accuracy while optimizing battery life.

Outside of a run, Forerunner 570 can track key health and wellness stats, including sleep score, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, stress, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and more to help athletes keep an eye on their health. It can also track heart rate variability (HRV) status, allowing athletes to better understand their overall health and how their body navigates the challenges of life and the environment.

The Forerunner 570 is available in two sizes – 42mm and 47mm – and features an aluminum bezel, along with fun new colorways, such as raspberry with a translucent bone and mango band, amp yellow with a translucent whitestone and turquoise band, and indigo with a translucent imperial purple and indigo band. Both sizes are available for PHP33,490.

Forerunner 970

Designed for those determined to break their own personal records, Forerunner 970 builds upon Forerunner 570 by adding built-in mapping. Whether running on city streets or riding through densely covered trails, Forerunner 970 includes full-color built-in mapping to help athletes stay on track. Before heading out, create or find existing courses in Garmin Connect and sync them seamlessly to your watch to receive turn-by-turn directions. While exploring, enter a distance on the watch and receive suggested routes to stay on track and on time with dynamic round-trip routing.

Featuring a 47mm case size, Forerunner 970 is available in popular color options like carbon gray DLC titanium with a black/translucent whitestone band, titanium with a whitestone/translucent amp yellow band and soft gold titanium with a french gray/translucent indigo band. Retails for PHP45,690.

Order your new Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches via the official Garmin Stores online on Kinetic, Shopee, and Lazada. The watches will also be made available in-store in all Garmin Brand Stores and Garmin Specialty Stores.

What’s new in Garmin Connect

With a Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970, athletes receive access to the following features in Garmin Connect, including Garmin Triathlon Coach training plans, custom multisport workouts and past ovulation estimates. Additionally, when athletes add a course to their event in Garmin Connect, they can now enable auto lap by timing gates, suggested finish line and projected race time predictor.

HRM 600: Garmin’s Next-Gen Heart Rate Monitor

To get the most out of either smartwatch, Garmin introduces its most advanced heart rate monitor yet.

The Garmin HRM-600 provides accurate heart rate readings while also tracking heart rate variability (HRV) and sending that information to compatible Garmin smartwatches, cycling computers, and apps, allowing users to view their training data in real-time. New features, including added running dynamics, activity recording without a watch, and a rechargeable battery, can help athletes take their training to the next level. Additionally, two new strap sizes can help them find their ideal fit. Retails for PHP10,290.

It also includes:

Expanded running dynamics: The new step speed loss feature tells runners with the newly released Forerunner 970 how much they slow down when their foot hits the ground. Runners can also improve their form by adjusting existing running dynamics, such as stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time balance – all of which are available with select smartwatches, like the new Forerunner 570.
Activity recording: From team sports like basketball and soccer to activities where a smartwatch can’t be worn, record workout data – including heart rate, calories, speed, distance, and more – and view it later in the Garmin Connect app.
Rechargeable battery: Get up to 2 months of battery life with every charge.
Functional design: With the press of a button, easily wake and pair the heart rate monitor. Plus, the LED light will indicate when it’s awake, when the battery is running low, and more.
Connectivity: Transmit real-time heart rate and HRV data to compatible Garmin smartwatches, Edge cycling computers, and fitness equipment – plus apps like Garmin Connect and the Tacx Training app.
Activity tracking: Track steps, calories burned, heart rate, intensity minutes, and more without a smartwatch, then sync to Garmin Connect to update all compatible Garmin devices.
Training versatility: The monitor sends pace and distance data from indoor track and treadmill runs to compatible smartwatches, along with heart rate data captured during swimming activities.
Comfortable fit: The easily adjustable strap comes in two new sizes (XS-S and M-XL) to fit a range of body types. For added convenience, the module is removable, and the strap is machine washable.

Protecting digitally active but underprotected users through embedded insurance

Cybersecurity

Gadgets Magazine 9

-

18 Jun 2025

0

Protecting digitally active but underprotected users through embedded insurance

Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for corporations or government agencies–it’s becoming an urgent personal concern for many Filipinos. Recent data shows that 74% of Filipinos have been targeted by online fraud via email, text, or phone in the past months, significantly higher than the global average of 53%. From phishing scams to e-wallet fraud and identity theft, the risks have become persistent and often financially damaging.

For individuals, these threats mean stolen data, drained wallets, and limited options for recovery, leaving victims to bear the financial and emotional burden alone. For companies, the consequences include reputational damage, regulatory risk, and shaken consumer trust, which can lead to lost business and costly legal challenges. Insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating these impacts by providing financial protection and access to expert support in the event of incidents. However, traditional cyber insurance, with its complex terms and steep premiums, remains out of reach for most users. What’s needed is a way to bring protection closer to where risks occur—in real time, within the digital services people already use and trust.

Embedding Protection Where It Matters

Unlike traditional insurance that requires separate applications, embedded insurance is offered seamlessly at the point of need. This reduces friction and greatly improves accessibility. Users receive coverage without having to seek out policies or navigate complex paperwork, making protection a built-in feature of the digital services they rely on.

For cyber insurance, this could mean embedding coverage into a telco’s mobile or broadband subscription, bundling it with a bank’s digital offering, or integrating it into fintech platforms and digital wallets. Users can then receive protection against losses incurred due to cyber incidents, all through channels they already use for their everyday needs. This approach delivers a customer experience that feels intuitive and seamless, while also building stronger brand affinity and trust.

For example, a postpaid mobile subscriber automatically receives cyber protection bundled with their premium plan. The coverage includes up to PHP100,000 in financial protection against risks such as online identity theft, e-commerce fraud, and payment transaction issues—no separate sign-up required, no added friction. Additionally, dedicated claims support ensures that if something goes wrong, help is just a few clicks away.

The model’s potential extends beyond telecommunications. According to a report by the Open and Embedded Insurance Observatory and discovermarket, 60% of online shoppers are more likely to complete a purchase if insurance is offered at checkout. Embedded channels are expected to account for 30% of global policy distribution within the next five years. These figures point to a shift toward proactive, consumer-centric insurance distribution, aligned with evolving digital behaviors.

Rather than leaving users to navigate the complexities of insurance on their own, companies are now embedding protection into digital journeys, making cyber insurance a default safety layer within the services, because it’s about meeting users where they are and building resilience into everyday experiences.

A New Layer of Digital Trust

Embedded cyber insurance is more than a new distribution channel—it signals a fundamental shift in how protection is delivered and experienced. In an environment where fraud and cyberattacks are increasingly common, trust has become a key differentiator for platforms. Users prefer services that not only enable seamless transactions but also provide assurance of security and support when things go wrong.

For telcos, fintechs, and consumer platforms, embedding cyber protection enhances customer value while reinforcing brand trust. These businesses move beyond offering just products or connectivity to becoming enablers of digital safety. For consumers, primarily those unfamiliar with standalone insurance products, this approach lowers barriers and normalizes insurance as part of everyday digital life.

As more trusted brands adopt embedded cyber insurance models, protection evolves from a transactional offering into an integrated experience. The result is a stronger, more resilient digital ecosystem, and cyber risk is no longer a silent threat lurking in the background, but a visible priority with clear protections in place.

PLDT Home launches affordable, flexible, unlimited Fiber Prepaid

Telcos

Gadgets Magazine 9

-

18 Jun 2025

0

PLDT Home launches affordable, flexible, unlimited Fiber Prepaid

PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid introduces a game-changing way for more Filipinos to enjoy fast, unlimited fiber internet—through a flexible prepaid option.

Filipinos are always looking for practical, budget-friendly ways to stay connected, whether for work, school, business, or bonding at home. While fiber has long been the most preferred and reliable home internet solution, it was previously available only through postpaid plans. That changes with PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid.

“Filipinos have a sharp eye for opportunity—embracing online gigs, remote work, and multiple income streams to uplift their families and chase their dreams. PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid supports this everyday hustle with fast, reliable internet that keeps up with their pace—no monthly bills, no lock-ins, just full control and flexibility,” says John Y. Palanca, senior vice president and head of home consumer business and sales and development at PLDT.

Reliable and unlimited Fiber, now in prepaid

For as low as PHP23.30 per day, subscribers get speeds of up to 50Mbps with unlimited data—perfect for HD streaming, online learning, video calls, gaming, or multiple users at home.

Why choose fiber prepaid? PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid offers the stability and strength of a dedicated fiber line, ensuring seamless digital experiences in households with multiple connected devices.

Flexible Loading Packages that Fit Every Budget

The Fiber Prepaid service also gives families flexibility in managing their monthly bills. Subscribers may top-up their fiber service based on their needs and budget options: PHP50 for 1 day; PHP199 for 7 days; PHP399 for 15 days; and PHP699 for 30 days. All of these offer unlimited fiber speeds of up to 50Mbps.

Best of all, it starts with a one-time installation fee of PHP999, which already includes seven 7 days of unlimited fiber for free.

Powered by the Philippines’ Widest Fiber Network

Backed by PLDT’s extensive fiber infrastructure with approximately 1.2 million cable kilometers, reaching 18.76 million homes passed and covering 73% of towns and 91% of provinces, PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid ensures more families nationwide gain access to world-class internet.

As the country’s leading digital services provider, PLDT Home continues to empower Filipino households through innovative, value-packed solutions that support their goals, dreams, and daily connection needs.

To learn more, visit PLDT Home website.

HONOR welcomes Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia as the new faces of HONOR 400 5G!

Smartphones & Tablets

Gadgets Magazine 12

-

18 Jun 2025

0

HONOR welcomes Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia as the new faces of HONOR 400 5G!

HONOR Philippines proudly announces Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia as the newest brand ambassadors for the groundbreaking HONOR 400 5G. This exciting partnership highlights HONOR’s commitment to blending innovation and style, perfectly represented by two of the country’s most influential stars.

A Perfect Match for Innovation

Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia, known for their remarkable talent and chemistry, embody the versatility and cutting-edge features of the HONOR 400 5G. Their dynamic presence reflects the brand’s mission to bring next-level AI-powered technology to the fingertips of Filipinos.

“We are thrilled to have Julia and Joshua as the faces of HONOR 400 5G. Their energy, creativity, and authenticity align perfectly with our vision of making advanced technology accessible and relevant to everyone. Together, we aim to inspire a new generation of tech-savvy individuals to explore the endless possibilities with HONOR.”Said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines

A Partnership Built on Excellence

As ambassadors, Julia and Joshua will showcase how the HONOR 400 5G elevates everyday experiences, from creating moving memories with its AI-enhanced cameras to staying connected with its industry-leading 5G capabilities. Fans can look forward to exclusive content, campaigns, and exciting events featuring the pair, celebrating this new era of AI innovation.

Stay Connected with Julia and Joshua

Catch Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia in upcoming HONOR 400 5G campaigns on HONOR Philippines’ social media channels.

Pricing and Availability

Available in stunning color options—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is now available for pre-order across the Philippines for only PHP22,999 (24GB + 512GB)! Every pre-order from June 17 to 27, 2025 comes with FREE exclusive items worth PHP9,397, including a JBL Go 4 speaker, HONOR Choice Earbuds Clips, and a Jisulife Pro 1 (available only when you claim on June 28). Plus, pre-order customers get the chance to win a Rolex GMT Master II worth PHP600,000 or a Hermès Lindy Mini Bag worth PHP420,000!

Order now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H400_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H400_PR, and TikTok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H400_PR.

To know more about HONOR 400 5G, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_H400_PR. For more exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph) and TikTok (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

HONOR 400 5G reviewed

Gadgets Magazine 4

-

17 Jun 2025

0

They say AI is here to stay, so why not make sure that the thing you hold for 90% of your day (yes, your phone) actually keeps up? The HONOR 400 5G gets the memo. It’s not just sleek and social media-ready; it’s smart, self-aware, and built to make your everyday life faster, prettier, and a whole lot easier.

Marketed as a lifestyle phone that blends intuitive AI with head-turning style, the HONOR 400 aims to be your digital sidekick. But does it deliver more than just good looks and buzzwords? Time to break it down.

Design: 4.5/5

The HONOR 400 5G looks like it was designed by someone who scrolls through Pinterest for fun and actually understands good taste. The satin matte back finish feels premium without being flashy, while the soft curvature and featherlight frame make it ultra-comfortable to carry whether you’re heading to class, a shoot, or brunch.

Color options lean toward fashion-friendly tones that blend seamlessly with your OOTDs. With an understated polish that makes it feel more expensive than it actually is, this is not just a phone, but a subtle accessory that seamlessly integrates into your day-to-day aesthetic.

There’s also a certain “future-is-now” look to it: minimalist lines, no gimmicks, just clean hardware that looks like it belongs in a 2025 tech capsule collection.

The real star is the 6.55‑inch OLED display, packing 5000nits peak brightness, 460ppi sharpness, 1.07 billion colors, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Backed by AI Super‑Dynamic and AI Vivid Display tech with Netflix and Amazon HDR certification, this screen makes everything look cinematic. Under intense sunlight or during night scrolls, the visuals stay clear, contrasty, and punchy. Every swipe feels ultra‑smooth, every filter pops, and every pixel feels intentional.

Hardware: 4.5/5

The HONOR 400 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, an efficient chip that’s designed for solid multitasking and sustained performance without overheating. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM, it handles typical workloads, such as social media, light gaming, content editing, and media streaming, with zero signs of lag.

Charging is where it really flexes. The 80W wired fast charging means you can go from 0 to 70% in just a few minutes. Add in the 6000mAh battery, and you’ve got a phone that doesn’t panic under pressure. A full day and a half of regular use is easily within reach, even with some camera and video-heavy tasks.

The 50MP AI-assisted main camera does a commendable job in daylight and portrait shots, producing sharp images with natural tones. It’s ideal for quick content creation, whether you’re posting stories, documenting campus life, or updating your online shop catalog. However, the absence of a telephoto lens and the limited quality of the ultrawide cam mean some shots are best kept simple.

User Experience: 4/5

The HONOR 400 5G doesn’t just have AI, it thinks in it. This phone isn’t simply smart; it’s intuitive, like a digital co-pilot that quietly learns your habits, senses your needs, and adapts in real time. Running on MagicOS 9, based on Android 14, the interface isn’t just smooth but feels like a clean slate with a mind of its own. It’s polished and modern, but more importantly, it knows when to stay out of your way and when to step in. Every swipe, tap, and action flows like the phone already anticipated what you were going to do next.

Sample of Image to Video feature.

One of the standout features is the Image to Video feature. It adds a layer of creativity that feels straight out of the future. It transforms static images into moving, story-driven clips with cinematic panning, transitions, and even subtle facial motion. But this isn’t just about making your vacation photos cuter. Think bigger: a product preview that moves as you swipe through your shop catalog, an art portfolio that animates itself like a gallery exhibit, or a simple selfie that turns into a story-ready visual without needing any editing skills. It opens the door for creators, small business owners, freelancers, and even students to elevate everyday content with just a few taps. It’s like having a content team in your pocket—only faster, and way more chill.

Supporting that is a suite of AI-driven tools designed to keep pace with you. Scene recognition adjusts your camera settings on the fly. Smart background separation enhances your portraits without requiring manual masking. The Magic Capsule UI element adapts based on your actions—whether you’re taking calls, ordering food, or multitasking between apps. These features don’t scream for attention, but you’ll notice when things just work—when your phone starts to feel less like a device and more like a quiet, capable assistant.

The HONOR 400 is built not just for the life you live, but for the life you’re building. It’s a low-maintenance creative tool that suits a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you’re a casual user or a budding entrepreneur, the experience is designed to empower, not overwhelm.

Of course, it’s not without its quirks. The AI-powered video tool is creative and fun, but it’s not magic—it still needs good input. If the photo is blurry or too dark, the results can feel off or a little awkward. Like most AI, it’s smart but not psychic. Still, these are small bumps in an experience that mostly feels smooth, useful, and designed to help you do more with less effort.

Value: 4.5/5

The HONOR 400 5G is not trying to be the ultimate gaming rig or a pro-grade camera phone,and that’s exactly why it works. It delivers on the essentials with flair: great design, reliable performance, smart AI integrations, and best-in-class charging speed.

Retailing for PHP22,999, it’s ideal for lifestyle-forward users: students, young creatives, entrepreneurs, or anyone who needs a capable phone that won’t slow them down—or mess with their aesthetic. You’re paying for efficiency, ease, and a few clever tricks that make your content look like it took effort (even when it didn’t).

Bottomline

The HONOR 400 5G doesn’t try to overcomplicate. It’s smart where it counts, stylish enough to turn heads, and capable enough to be more than just a phone. Whether you’re documenting your life, building a brand, or just want something that can keep up with both your work and weekend, this midranger just might surprise you.

What’s Hot:

Bring Photos to Life feature
Magic Capsule + Smart UI
Stunning Display
Fast Charging

What’s Not:

AI Video Isn’t Always Accurate
No Telephoto Lens

Specifications:

Display: 6.7″ OLED, 120Hz, 5000nits peak brightness, 1.07B colors, AI Super-Dynamic & Vivid Display
Chipset: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
Rear Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide/macro
Front Camera: 50MP portrait selfie
Battery: 6000mAh
Storage & RAM: Up to 512GB storage, 12GB RAM
Software: MagicOS 8.0 (Android 14)
Special Features: AI Photo-to-Video, Magic Capsule UI, HDR-certified display

Reviewed by Aljhelyn Piador
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 11 Issue.

Cisco powers secure infrastructure for the AI era

Gadgets Magazine 9

-

17 Jun 2025

0

Cisco powers secure infrastructure for the AI era

Cisco has unveiled new innovations to help companies adapt and transform in the AI era. Enterprises are under pressure to accelerate secure AI adoption and drive value from AI investments. To help organizations meet these opportunities, Cisco continues to reimagine the datacenters and workplaces of the future.

“Cisco is delivering the critical infrastructure for the AI era—secure networks and experiences, optimized for AI that connect the world and power the global economy,” said Jeetu Patel, president and chief product officer, Cisco. “We’re witnessing an unprecedented surge in innovation as organizations embrace agentic AI to automate workflows and solve complex problems. Cisco has a rich history of helping companies run their infrastructure; today, we’re building on that foundation to power the next generation of AI.”

Patrick Milligan, chief information security officer, Ford Motor Company, noted, “Agentic AI is being used across Ford’s business, from design to engineering to manufacturing and for customer support. As we build, deploy, and manage sophisticated AI capabilities at scale, Cisco’s networking and security solutions are an important part of the overall technology infrastructure.”

At Cisco Live, Cisco unveiled a wide range of new products and enhancements to help customers navigate the shift to agentic AI, including:

Workplaces for the age of AI

Creating an intelligent workplace relies on modern network infrastructure that adapts to increased traffic, ensures always-on access, and delivers robust security. Meanwhile, organizations must empower people to work smarter and more effectively than ever. To meet these demands, Cisco announced new devices to power campus, branch, and industrial networks, and AI-powered unified management to help organizations move past reactive workflows to conducting autonomous, proactive network management. Additionally, Cisco’s AI-powered Room Vision PTZ camera transforms meetings for a more cinematic experience. The Jira Workflow Automation in the Cisco AI Assistant for Webex Suite boosts efficiency, while the Webex AI Agent streamlines customer self-service with industry-specific templates.

Simplified Operations for the age of AI with AgenticOps

Cisco is unveiling multiple AI-driven solutions to empower IT teams with simplicity and automation, including Cisco AI Canvas, an industry-first generative user interface for real-time collaboration between network and security operations teams, and the Cisco AI Assistant, which provides conversational control across the Cisco suite. Core to the new capabilities is Cisco’s Deep Network Model — a domain-specific large language model (LLM) trained on Cisco’s vast knowledge base, including Cisco U. courseware and Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) materials. The result is AI that understands networks and helps IT teams work more efficiently.

Data Centers for the age of AI

Cisco unveiled continued innovation in its compute and network solutions for datacenters to support agentic AI, which places a premium on network bandwidth, latency, and power efficiency. To help drive adoption of AI solutions to strengthen the power grid, Cisco is joining the EPRI Open Power AI Consortium. Additionally, Cisco is introducing new capabilities to assist service providers in delivering and monetizing new AI services.

Security for the age of AI

Robust security has never been more critical, as enterprises navigate the complexity of a growing number of applications, a highly distributed and mobile workforce, and sophisticated AI-driven threats. Cisco is introducing innovations across its Hybrid Mesh Firewall and Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) offerings. The company announced two new Firewalls, the 6100 series and 200 series, providing customers with best-in-class price-performance. Additionally, Cisco unveiled capabilities across the Cisco Security Cloud to help customers meet the challenges of securing agentic AI.

Digital Resilience at the Core

Several AI innovations, including enhanced capabilities in Splunk Observability Cloud and Splunk AppDynamics, as well as deeper integrations between Cisco and Splunk solutions, are helping customers gain greater visibility into network health and performance. Key updates include a bidirectional integration between Splunk Observability, Cisco ThousandEyes Assurance, and Cisco Enterprise Networks, enabling more resilient, insight-driven digital operations.

Unified Management for the age of AI

The company is previewing Cisco Cloud Control, a new unified management platform spanning Cisco’s networking, security, and observability portfolios. Cisco Cloud Control will offer a cohesive experience anchored by AI native tools like Cisco AI Canvas, and the Cisco AI Assistant. With Cisco Cloud Control IT will be able to execute cross-product workflows, proactively identify and resolve issues, and manage infrastructure with ease.

Cashalo secures USD75M facility, celebrates 5M loans empowering Filipinos

FinTech

Gadgets Magazine 9

-

17 Jun 2025

0

Cashalo secures USD75M facility, celebrates 5M loans empowering Filipinos

Cashalo, a leading digital financial services provider in the Philippines, has secured a loan facility of up to USD75 million from global private investment firm Community Investment Management (CIM). The facility will support Cashalo’s rapidly growing business in the Philippines and further its mission to expand access to fair credit to millions of underserved Filipinos.

“This partnership will enable us to accelerate our mission to expand financial inclusion and social mobility throughout the Philippines,” said Luke Stidham, president of Cashalo. “With CIM’s backing, we have an incredible opportunity to uplift even more Filipino communities by scaling our impact and ensuring more Filipinos are included in the financial system.”

Bernhard Eikenberg, a partner at CIM for its emerging markets strategy, added: “We’re proud to support Cashalo’s mission in the Philippines. Their data-driven approach, commitment to transparency, and inclusive strategy reflect the future of responsible digital lending.”

The CIM partnership comes as Cashalo marks its first anniversary as part of Empower Finance, a US-based fintech committed to democratizing access to fair credit. Over the past year, Cashalo has significantly expanded its digital lending capabilities, enhancing customer experiences and expanding opportunities for financial inclusion nationwide. To date, Cashalo has granted almost 5 million loans to Filipinos.

As part of this new chapter, Cashalo is introducing a refreshed brand identity that reflects its growth, momentum, and enduring mission. The redesigned logo features bold blue typography to convey stability and trust, complemented by golden-yellow sun rays symbolizing the optimism and resilience of the Filipino spirit.

With the new facility in place, Cashalo will continue to invest in its core digital lending business, expand product offerings, and reach deeper into underserved Filipino communities.

“We look forward to continuing our investments in the Philippines to drive financial inclusion,” said Warren Hogarth, co-founder and CEO of Empower Finance. “Cashalo is uniquely positioned to lead the way in delivering scalable, data-driven credit solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

To learn more, visit cashalo.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Behind the rankings: Navigating the realm of search engine optimization

Education

Gadgets Magazine 13

-

17 Jun 2025

0

Behind the rankings: Navigating the realm of search engine optimization

Have you ever wondered how certain links and websites appear at the top of your search engine results? The answer is not simply because it’s the most visited website, nor is it due to alphabetical order. The real answer lies in a powerful digital marketing tool called Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Still on the loop? Fret not, as students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa will host a seminar to equip students and young professionals with strategies for boosting online content and understanding how SEO works.

1Phenomena Productions, from the section 1Phenomena Productions, consisting of students from the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management, Section 4-1P, proudly invite you to their upcoming event, NAVIGASEON: Searching New Realm, Optimizing Strategic Success, happening on June 18, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Bulwagang Balagtas of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila. The free event is open to all and is expected to be packed with fun activities, insightful discoveries about SEO, and exciting entertainment.

In line with their theme of lost pharaoh, standing out in the vast desert of competition is no easy pursuit. That’s why 1Phenomena Productions calls on its navigators to enter the realm of Search Engine Optimization — to unlock the tomb of enhanced online presence and reach the peak of search engine rankings.

The seminar will cover three distinct topics. The keynote speaker, Ms. Mizpha Aquino, will discuss how optimized keywords, retail readiness, and competitive positioning can drive visibility and sales in today’s digital marketplace. For the guest speaker, Mr. Angelo Amonelo, the discussion will explore the relationship between artificial intelligence and the ever-changing world of SEO. Last but not least, the workshop speaker, Ms. Tricksy Solayao, will guide the navigators on how to achieve business goals through brand visibility using a purpose-driven SEO strategy.

1Phenomena is also thrilled to present its following sponsors: Silka, Vital, ACLC, Minimal Manila, Floofs, Cuppa Java, Dona Teresa, MMM Sweets, Regenefit, MSI, Chatlet, Sharp, Noe’s Brooch, Say it on Paper, Fairyworks, Thrifted Teez, Cookie Corner, Hair Works, Protect, Juicy, World of Fun, Printkraft, Angelic Threads, and Taho Klasiko, whose contributions and support are instrumental in bringing the event to life. To add more attractions, attendees will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of exciting booths presented by the event’s generous and supportive sponsors. Delightful treats, creative crafts, and cool products are waiting for you to enjoy!

The excitement doesn’t stop there because 1Phenomena is bringing in four special guest performers. The event will kick off with a high-energy dance performance by Sapphire Dance Troupe. We will also expect a fire dance performance from Movers and Motion, a dance group from PUP College of Communication. Attendees can also look forward to the soulful and relaxing music of indie artist unikko ijo. Finally, EDSA Xxtra, an award-winning drag performer and advocate, is set to deliver an empowering and electrifying lip sync performance.

These are just a glimpse of what NAVIGASEON has in store, so be sure to check out their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1phenomenaproductions for their upcoming event contents. Don’t miss out and be part of a phenomenal experience.

Register here: https://forms.gle/nj4S8USqH33joQzb7 so you don’t miss the adventure. See you there, Navigators!

The ride he deserves: A father’s journey from taxi to Terra

Cars

Gadgets Magazine 9

-

13 Jun 2025

0

The ride he deserves: A father’s journey from taxi to Terra

This Father’s Day, Nissan Philippines pays tribute to the strength, sacrifices, and enduring love of Filipino fathers with a moving story that puts family and gratitude in the spotlight.

Leo Miscala has been working on the roads since 2003, spending many years of his life as a driver to support his family. Following his wife Victoria, who moved to Metro Manila in search of better opportunities, Leo joined her to take on a job in an unfamiliar environment. He started out driving pedicabs and tricycles, later becoming a taxi driver who had to navigate unfamiliar streets, doing whatever it took to provide for his growing family.

Driving a Nissan Sentra as his taxi, he experienced the vehicle’s comfort and durability, leaving a lasting impression that inspired him to dream of owning his own Nissan one day. Although he never mentioned it to his family, they knew that it was his goal to drive his own car.

Recognizing all the hard work and selfless dedication their father had given to them, it was his family’s turn to give back and make one of his biggest wishes come true. On their father’s birthday, Hector, Levi, and Michelle showed their appreciation with a surprise gift of a brand-new Nissan Terra.

Strong, capable, and built to take on any challenge, the Nissan Terra mirrors Leo’s spirit as someone who never backed down from hard work, always putting his family first. After years of driving for others, the Terra marks a new chapter for the Miscalas as a powerful companion and a symbol of how far they have come as a family.

“This Father’s Day, we are proud to share the inspiring story of the Miscala family, recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of fathers like Leo.” says Nissan Philippines. “We are honored that the Nissan Terra plays such a special part in their journey as a family.”

Leo’s story is featured in a short video released by Nissan Philippines, showcasing how family, love, and a shared sense of gratitude can create unforgettable moments.

Read our own test drive review of the Nissan Terra here.

ACMobility expands PH EV Spine Network with Pagudpud charging station

Cars

Gadgets Magazine 9

-

13 Jun 2025

0

ACMobility expands PH EV Spine Network with Pagudpud charging station

ACMobility, leader of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions and infrastructure in the Philippines, has launched its farthest electric vehicle charging station to date in the northmost town of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Done in partnership with the power distribution utility (DU) company Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (INEC), the new charging station serves as ACMobility’s first-of-its-kind collaboration with a DU, signaling new progress on the country’s EV infrastructure brought together by a public-private venture.

“ACMobility has always believed in the power of partnerships. Working with INEC on this endeavor allows us to provide convenient and sustainable mobility solutions to more Filipinos,” said Carla Buencamino, head of mobility infrastructure of ACMobility. “As this new station opens doors for many communities in the far north, it brings the country one step closer to a more connected and electrified future.”

A Station Built With The Best Partner

Strategically located at the Agua Grande Mini Hydro Power Plant in Barangay Panziann, the INEC EV Charging Station is Ilocos Norte’s first electric vehicle charging station, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development efforts. It houses one DC station with two charge points, designed to cater to locals, travelers, and tourists alike.

The station is also reliably powered by Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd. (MPPCL) and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD), both of which ensure stable and efficient energy delivery to Filipinos traveling through the region. Coupled with INEC’s capability as a DU, the station underscores the strategic role of electric cooperatives in supporting high-capacity charging infrastructure. As DUs are proven to be well-positioned to host fast-charging DCs nationwide, this partnership sets a strong precedent and progress toward achieving a more robust future for the country’s EV infrastructure development.

Ilocos Norte, renowned for its stunning beaches, rich heritage, and cultural landmarks, serves as a vibrant hub of local activities and diverse tourist experiences. This makes the region a prime spot to build an extensive infrastructure that would put electrification at a wider reach. With the INEC EV Charging Station, tourists and locals can confidently travel from the city proper up to the farthest neighboring provinces without the worry.

L-R: Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Yvonne Castro, ACMobility Regulatory and Government Affairs Officer
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc
Yvonne Castro, ACMobility Regulatory and Government Affairs Officer
INEC General Manager Perry Martinez

Gracing the ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the station, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc equally supports this endeavour, highlighting the province’s strong commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. Manotoc commended ACMobility and INEC’s partnership, underscoring the importance of innovation and eco-friendly transportation in improving the quality of life in the region – be it for Ilocanos or visitors who want to experience the beauty of the locality.

Strengthening ACMobility’s Philippine EV Spine Network

The opening of the INEC EV Charging Station also stands as an important step to ACMobility’s commitment to expanding its comprehensive infrastructure network, the Philippine EV Spine. Comprising a nationwide ecosystem of stations across the country, this linked network is designed to enable seamless, long-distance travel for EV users from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao. Through this endeavour, ACMobility equally aims to address range anxiety among motorists and provide a better charging experience and journey to Filipinos, wherever they may be.

As of May 2025, ACMobility is operational across 96 locations, with 226 charge points nationwide. This is seen to further grow with over 10 additional sites scheduled to go live this month, making it well on track in achieving its goal of activating more than 700 charge points across the country by the end of 2025.

This is further supported by Evro, ACMobility’s eMobility service platform partner. Through the Evro app, EV users can easily locate stations, charge their vehicles, and monitor and pay for their session, all in just a few taps.

Various ACMobility membership plans are also made available to users on the app, which provides up to 20% in savings. With such flexibility, ACMobility ensures a more rewarding and accessible charging experience to Filipinos–helping communities embrace sustainable mobility without compromising on value, convenience, or performance.

“As we expand mobility access to the farthest region in the north, we are building greater momentum towards our ultimate goal. Each new station brings us closer to a future where Filipinos can conveniently traverse the ends of the country, powered by our EV Spine network. Wherever the road leads, ACMobility will be there to power sustainable journeys for all—charging forward to a more electrified and connected Philippines,” added Buencamino.

The INEC EV Charging Station is open everyday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For more information and for those interested in establishing an ACMobility charging station or exploring partnership opportunities, visit https://acmobility.ph/..

HUAWEI introduces powerful, budget-friendly HUAWEI nova Y73

Smartphones & Tablets

Gadgets Magazine 9

-

13 Jun 2025

0

HUAWEI introduces powerful, budget-friendly HUAWEI nova Y73

HUAWEI is gearing up to elevate users’ smartphone and audio experience with the launch of the new HUAWEI nova Y73. A top-tier smartphone in its class, the HUAWEI nova Y73 delivers a powerful performance, powered by a massive battery that lasts over a day, housed in a robust, reliable design that can handle anything. It also features the HUAWEI X-Button, designed to make the smartphone experience smarter and more seamless.

Ultra-Long Battery Life for All-Day Use

The HUAWEI nova Y73 will feature a large battery, which enhances its battery life. Its 6620mAh Super Battery can support a higher energy density, meeting users’ day-to-day needs while maintaining a thinner size. The HUAWEI nova Y73’s large battery will only require up to two charges a week, allowing users to stream, scroll, snap photos, and edit on the go without worrying about running out of power.

When fully charged, the HUAWEI nova Y73 can last for over a day, with up to 1.4 days of video playback, 2.6 days of music listening, and 2.2 days of calls. The large battery can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C, allowing users to enjoy long-lasting battery power even in demanding usage environments.

The HUAWEI nova Y73 is the first in the HUAWEI nova Y Series to support the 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo. With this fast-charging feature, a quick 10-minute charge gives users up to 5 hours movie-watching time on the HUAWEI nova Y73. The smartphone has also received certification for global battery safety, thanks to its AI Battery Saving technology, which ensures users’ charging safety.

Reliable, Durable Build for Peace of Mind

With the HUAWEI nova Y73, users no longer have to worry about accidental drops. The device has an optimized architecture, which uses high-strength and high-thermal conductivity aluminum alloy, to offer a greater durability. With 360° protection and 5-star drop resistance certified by SGS, the HUAWEI nova Y73 can withstand up to 1.8m drops and maximum pressures of up to 65kg. Its IP64-rated dust and water resistance allows the HUAWEI nova Y73 to handle the wear and tear of daily commutes, outdoor adventures, or spontaneous trips without breaking down.

Not only is the HUAWEI nova Y73 built to be incredibly tough, but it’s also crafted to look sleek and stylish. To complement its slim build and its Double Star Orbit Rings, the HUAWEI nova Y73’s back design features the Dynamic Plaid Texture. This detailed geometric design creates a unique appearance and style, enhanced by light and shadow effects.

Smart, Intuitive, Convenient Experience for Easier Use

The HUAWEI nova Y73 features have been upgraded for enhanced convenience. One of these is the innovative HUAWEI X-Button, which brings breezier smartphone operation with a single click. A single press of the HUAWEI X-Button brings users to the Quick Access shortcut menu of their frequently used apps. A double-click or long-press opens core applications efficiently and conveniently. Users can further customize the HUAWEI X-Button according to their needs with One-Click Tools access and One-Click Call.

The HUAWEI nova Y73 debuts the Infrared Smart Remote feature, which turns the smartphone into a multi-function remote control for home appliances. This feature helps users attain a smarter living experience. Now, users can quickly adjust the air conditioning temperature in their rooms or instantly switch TV channels with a single touch of the HUAWEI X-Button.

With EMUI 12, the HUAWEI nova Y73 enhances privacy and security, giving users better control over app permissions and personalized ads with the Privacy Center, as well as quick access to key protection tools with the Security Center. The HUAWEI nova Y73 boasts a large internal storage capacity of 256GB, allowing users to fully utilize the smartphone’s potential and providing ample space to install their favorite apps and download large files for work or study.

To learn more about the HUAWEI nova Y73, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Lenovo study reveals ASEAN+ is leading in hybrid adoption at 68%

Enterprise

Gadgets Magazine 12

-

13 Jun 2025

0

Lenovo study reveals ASEAN+ is leading in hybrid adoption at 68%

Business leaders and IT decision-makers confirm the accelerating shift toward ROI-driven-AI investments as organizations increase AI spending by 3.3x in Asia Pacific (AP) and 2.7x in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN+1), according to the Lenovo CIO Playbook 2025 – It’s Time for AI-nomics, commissioned by Lenovo with insights by IDC. This study is based on a global study of 2,900+ respondents, including 900+ IT and business decision-makers (ITBDMs) from 12 AP markets, including India, Korea, Japan, ASEAN+ (Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia), and ANZ (Australia and New Zealand).

This rapid growth in AI investment underscores the region’s increasing readiness, with ASEAN+ markets—particularly the Philippines—making significant strides in scaling AI adoption. As part of its national strategy, the Philippines is prioritizing innovation, digital infrastructure, and talent development to drive AI integration across key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, BPO, and healthcare. Initiatives such as the National AI Roadmap (2021–2028) and plans for a National Center for AI Research reflect a coordinated effort to enable research, upskilling, and the practical deployment of AI technologies, contributing to a broader initiative to position the country as a significant player in the regional AI ecosystem.

Lenovo’s “Smarter Technology for All” vision aligns with these priorities. As a global technology leader, Lenovo is advancing secure, ethical, and accessible AI solutions across consumer, enterprise, and public domains. Leveraging its comprehensive end-to-end AI portfolio, Lenovo is well-positioned to contribute to the Philippines’ ambitions—empowering enterprises and individuals to harness the transformative potential of AI, driving productivity, innovation, and measurable value.

Early Stages of AI Adoption – ROI the greatest barrier

While there is a gradual rise in AI spending, the journey toward full-scale adoption of AI is still evolving, with 47% ASEAN+ organizations either evaluating or planning to implement AI within the next 12 months. This is lower than both AP (56%) and global (49%) averages, with ROI challenges emerging as a key barrier to faster adoption. Singapore leads as the regional hub in terms of advanced AI maturity, while other ASEAN+ nations are still in the early stages of adoption due to limited resources and AI expertise.

Delivering ROI for AI is a long-term endeavor that requires balancing AI experiments with those that can be scaled. Interestingly, AP organizations expect a 3.6x ROI on average from their AI projects, which requires a measured approach to scaling AI and building internal capabilities. ASEAN+ gradual pace reflects a focus on optimizing supply chain, improving regulatory compliance, and boosting employee productivity while overcoming business challenges such as data management, AI expertise, and data security.

Overcoming Organizational Readiness Challenges

Evolving business priorities each year reflect a deeper understanding of what it takes to drive AI growth, along with a growing awareness of its risks. Ethical issues and biases remain the top AI risks this year, yet only 24% of organizations globally and 25% in AP have fully enforced AI GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) policies. In ASEAN+, 24% of CIOs report having fully implemented enterprise AI GRC policies, aligning closely with global and AP trends. This underscores the urgent need for a structured approach to what has become the #1 priority for businesses in AP.

Effective AI governance requires explainability, ethical frameworks, accountability, model governance, enhanced privacy, security, and integrated human oversight.

GenAI Adoption Accelerates

GenAI is set to transform enterprise workflows, commanding 42% of AI implementation spends in 2025 in ASEAN+:

In Asia Pacific, IT Operations emerged as the top use case, while in ASEAN+, Customer Service took the lead.
There is more focus on cybersecurity (#2) and software development (#3) in AP.
For ASEAN+ IT Ops (#2) and Engineering / R&D (#3) take precedence.

On-Prem and Hybrid Infrastructures Dominate

The report reveals that 65% of organizations in Asia Pacific are opting for on-premise or hybrid solutions to power AI workloads. This preference is driven by the need for secure, low-latency environments, and operational flexibility. Meanwhile, 19% still rely on public cloud services.

ASEAN+ reflects a similar trend, with 68% using hybrid or on-prem, while the remainder depend on public cloud.

“Hybrid architectures offer the best of both worlds—scalability and control,” noted Kumar Mitra, executive director, infrastructure solutions group, CAP & ANZ, Lenovo. “Globally, 63% of organizations choose on-premise and hybrid infrastructures for AI, and ASEAN+ is leading with a higher adoption rate. This demonstrates a clear focus on driving innovation while ensuring security and compliance for the unique demands of AI. With its end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions, smarter infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, Lenovo is driving Smarter AI for all.”

AI PCs: Early Adoption Signals Productivity Gains

AI-powered PCs are gaining traction in AP, with 43% of organizations seeing significant productivity gains. While awareness is increasing, local adoption remains slow across markets. In ASEAN+, 65% of organizations are already in the planning stage for AI-powered PC adoption. As technology matures and demonstrates ROI, the adoption curve will accelerate, driving more digital workplace solutions.

The Need for Skilled Partnerships

With organizations scaling their AI efforts, 34% of AP CIOs and 44% of ASEAN+ CIOs are actively leveraging professional AI services to navigate complexities in data management, talent shortages, and cost efficiency. Interestingly, an additional 56% of CIOs in ASEAN+ are exploring or planning to engage these services in the near future. These collaborations help bridge internal capability gaps, enabling organizations to focus on upskilling their teams and building long-term resilience.

“AI adoption is not just about the short-term gains. Organizations need to invest in the efficiency of the design, deployment and integration of AI solutions to their operations that enable tracking of the impact. Professional AI services play a key role here and help organizations successfully adopt AI through an outcome-led approach. Solutions like Lenovo’s AI Fast Start further accelerating this process, helping businesses quickly pilot, optimize, and scale AI initiatives with expert guidance and tested frameworks,” said Debdut Maiti, director, solutions & services group, Greater Asia Pacific, Lenovo.

“As the Philippines advances its vision of becoming a key player in the regional AI landscape, Filipino businesses are accelerating their digital transformation with a clear focus on AI solutions that are innovative, responsible, and ROI-driven,” said Michael Ngan, president and general manager of Lenovo Philippines. “With decades of presence in the Philippines, Lenovo remains deeply committed to supporting local enterprises in overcoming AI adoption challenges—from infrastructure readiness to skills development. Through our portfolio of AI-ready devices, solutions, infrastructure, and services, we are helping build a strong foundation for long-term growth, improved competitiveness, and inclusive participation in the AI-driven economy.”

For more information:

Download the Lenovo AP CIO Playbook 2025

Download the Lenovo Global CIO Playbook 2025

Elevate, not just automate: Globe redefines work experience through AI

Telcos

Gadgets Magazine 9

-

13 Jun 2025

0

Elevate, not just automate: Globe redefines work experience through AI

At Globe, the shift to AI is already happening. AI is reshaping how teams hire, plan, solve problems, and connect. It’s helping the company move faster, make better decisions, and still stay deeply human on how it relates to employees and customers.

AI isn’t just changing how people work, it’s changing what people need to thrive at work. According to the 2024 Work Trend Index, 75% of knowledge workers around the world are already using AI on the job. More and more leaders are also looking for talent with AI skills.

But here’s the catch: only 39% of those using AI at work have actually received formal training from their companies. That gap is telling, especially when 76% of people believe that knowing how to use AI is key to staying competitive in today’s job market.

“Today we’re using AI to speed up automation,” said Carl Cruz, Globe president and CEO. “We’re also using it to elevate and improve the quality of decisions, and make our operations more responsive. Innovation only matters if it creates real impact.”

The most measurable gains are coming from various areas in the organization. One of them is the Human Resources group, which has fully integrated AI into its recruitment process through the use of HireVue, an AI-powered platform that combines video interviews with skills assessments to help evaluate candidates more objectively and effectively.

Globe piloted its AI-powered video and coding assessments for digital, IT, and tech-focused groups at the start of the year. The successful pilot led to a full-scale rollout across all groups, including its portfolio companies.

The shift replaced manual pre-screening and cut the overall hiring cycle from weeks to just a few days. Processing qualitative data alone, which previously took three to five days, was cut down in half, enabling faster candidate turnaround and more confident decision-making from hiring teams.

Beyond efficiencies, Globe’s approach to AI-powered hiring has also gained international recognition. This April, Globe was honored with the Impact Star Award at the 2025 HireVue Customer Excellence Awards. The award celebrates organizations that have made a meaningful impact and driven innovation through skills-based, tech-enabled recruitment. Globe was also previously named a Rising Star at the 2024 awards, highlighting its continued commitment to modernizing hiring for both speed and quality.

AI has also played a pivotal role in strengthening Globe’s Risk Management processes.

By automating data capture, transcription, and insight generation, AI significantly reduced data processing time—delivering results within days instead of weeks. Real-time dashboards allowed teams to visualize and compare risks at both group and company levels, making data more digestible and actionable for leadership.

This automation also helped in mitigating human bias in data interpretation, and enabled more accurate linkages between identified risks and corporate strategy. Moving forward, Globe is exploring AI-powered tools for proactive risk scanning and identifying emerging threats before they escalate.

Meanwhile, Globe’s Network Group is leveraging AI in streamlining internal processes to enhance service quality. Teams now use AI from coding and data forecasting to anomaly detection and repair diagnostics.

The company has also implemented AI-assisted power-saving solutions through the EdgeWise platform, optimizing energy consumption by temporarily shutting down low-traffic transceivers in its Radio Access Network—an initiative that supports both cost control and Globe’s broader sustainability goals.

As of Q1 2025, Globe had already activated 235 new 5G sites, supporting over 9.5 million devices nationwide. AI is central to this scale, providing live operational dashboards, build prioritization, and predictive maintenance across network assets.

In the area of Marketing, AI is being used to accelerate content creation, simplify workflows, and improve internal knowledge sharing. Teams rely on tools like Gemini and ChatGPT to draft memos, presentations, and reports, while design platforms like Canva Magic Studio help quickly produce high-impact visuals. Knowledge bases and technical guidelines are also being managed more efficiently using NotebookLM and custom-built AI search tools.

Beyond productivity, AI enables quicker, more inclusive storytelling—from employee communications to public campaigns—allowing the Marketing team to move at the speed of the business.

Across all these functions, Globe is applying AI to scale in order to serve its customers better and faster. Expanding the use of chatbots for service efficiency, adopting large language models for sentiment analysis, and enabling plain-language data queries through integrated platforms are more examples by which the company sees the value of AI that would redound to less operating costs and better customer experience.

“Our ambition is clear,” Cruz concluded. “We want Globe to be among the most admired companies in the country. We use technology with empathy, insight and purpose to better serve our customers. This is how we will make Globe resilient, by enabling our people with better tools to build our business for the future.”

The Business Manual champions Next-Gen AI-powered startups at GrowthCon PH 2025

Enterprise

Gadgets Magazine 13

-

13 Jun 2025

0

The Business Manual champions Next-Gen AI-powered startups at GrowthCon PH 2025

Innovation took center stage at GrowthCon PH 2025, the premier gathering of startups, innovators, investors, and ecosystem enablers in the Philippines organized by The Business Manual and held at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Taguig on Tuesday, June 10.

The Business Manual Editor-in-Chief and host RJ Ledesma welcomed the audience and participants to the event, his inspiring introduction followed by a welcome speech delivered by One Mega Group Chief Operating Officer Ramon Galicia.

“AI is changing how we work, how we create, how we connect—and most importantly, how we grow. Here in the Philippines, the question is even more vital: How do we harness this potential to empower local founders, drive inclusive innovation, and create real economic impact?”

“That’s what GrowthCon is all about. More than just another conference, it’s a launchpad for ideas, a venue to honor outstanding startups, a space for connection, and a catalyst for growth,” Galicia said.

Following Galicia, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for MSMEs, Job Fairs, and Government Services Royston Cabunag and DTI Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff Englebert Josef Chua delivered insights-driven addresses, emphasizing the strategic role of government and private sector collaboration in fostering AI adoption and digital transformation within the Philippine startup and MSME ecosystem.

Cabunag spoke about SM Supermalls’ long-standing commitment to mentoring MSMEs through the SM for MSMEs program, while Asst. Secretary Chua shared information on the state of the Philippine startup and MSME sector and how the DTI prioritizes and supports their growth.

“Powering Up the Startup Ecosystem Through AI,” the theme for this year’s GrowthCon, revolved around the game-changing power of Artificial Intelligence in accelerating startup success. GrowthCon PH 2025 included two panel discussions, the first-ever The Business Manual Startup Awards, and the much-anticipated Startup Pitching Competition–Student Edition. It was also held as part of the celebration of MSME month.

Engaging panels

The first panel, AI Tools to Power Up Your Business, explored the latest AI tools helping startups automate tasks, enhance customer engagement, and scale their operations more efficiently. DashoContent Founder and CEO Fleire Castro, Sprout Solutions Co-Founder and CEO Patrick Gentry, Philippine AI Business Association Co-Founder and Founding President Jerry Ilao, and Embiggen Ventures and Embiggen X Managing Partner Xavier Marzan shared their insights throughout the discussion.

The panel discussion highlighted the game-changing potential of harnessing AI as a tool to enhance workflows and processes and increase productivity and operational efficiency.

The following business leaders joined the second panel, AI in Action: Best Practices and Real-World Experience with AI: President and CEO of iFace Inc., Tony Chua; Creative Director and Junior Partner at Gigil, Jeano Cruz; President of Vision Express, Neelam Gopwani; Founder and CEO of the Luxe Beauty & Wellness Group, Anna Magkawas; Founder and CEO of Great Deals E-commerce Corp., Steve Sy; and Managing Director of SEEK Philippines, Dannah Majarocon.

The members of the second panel discussed how they’ve successfully integrated AI and automation into their business operations and systems, while emphasizing that human oversight remains essential to ensure these systems function effectively.

Startup Pitching Competition winners

The GrowthCon PH 2025 Startup Pitching Competition attracted applications from student teams across the Philippines, showcasing the next wave of AI-powered innovation in the country.

Clinivue emerged as the overall champion, winning over the judges with its groundbreaking AI-powered approach to detecting a pressing health concern. Representing Mapúa University Makati, Kobe Lituañas and Christine Julliane Reyes of Clinivue showcased an innovative mobile application that uses a smartphone camera to assess cardiovascular biomarkers and detect atrial fibrillation—a heart condition affecting over 46 million people worldwide. Their compelling pitch and cutting-edge technology earned them top honors.

Taking home the 1st Runner-Up title was BuddyBetes, a digital companion app designed to support diabetic patients through AI-powered monitoring, personalized coaching, and real-time support. Pitched by Princess Angel Ventures of the University of the Philippines Diliman, the app was recognized for its user-centric features and its potential to make a meaningful impact in diabetes management.

Meanwhile, AGAP.Ai, represented by Reynand Jay Canoy of the Asian Institute of Management, was awarded 2nd Runner-Up for its impressive pitch on leveraging artificial intelligence to build Southeast Asia’s first AI-powered, culturally tailored developmental milestone monitoring platform that empowers parents and healthcare professionals to detect early signs of childhood developmental delays and disorders.

Other notable finalists included Avilta of Ateneo de Manila University, Ground Up of De La Salle University, and Pack Up of Central Philippine University in Iloilo.

Finalists were choszen through a rigorous screening process and pitched live before an enthusiastic audience, industry leaders, and a distinguished panel of judges: Carlo Calimon, President and Co-founder of Startup Village; Jay Fajardo, CEO of Launchgarage Innovation Hub; Joseph De Leon, Founding Member and Lead Investor of Manila Angels Investors Network; Xavier Marzan, Managing Partner of Embiggen Ventures and Embiggen X; and Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, Director at the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

“We are thrilled to see such incredible talent and purpose-driven innovation among our student startups,” said RJ Ledesma, Editor-in-Chief of The Business Manual. “Clinivue, BuddyBetes, and AGAP.Ai exemplify the ingenuity and resilience of our youth-driven local startup ecosystem. We’re excited to watch their journey unfold.”

Second runner-up winner AGAP.AI will receive PHP200,000 in media values from The Business Manual, while Buddy Betes, as 1st runner-up, will receive PHP300,000 in media values.

Grand Champion Clinivue will receive PHP500,000 in media values from The Business Manual as well as a scholarship at Founder Institute Philippines, which will afford them entry into a mentorship program, USD25,000 in Google Cloud Credit. and exposure to the world’s largest network of startup incubators, accelerators, and investors–setting them up for the next stage of their startup growth.

The inaugural The Business Manual Startup Awards

The Business Manual received quite a number of entries for the first ever The Business Manual Startup Awards, but the jury had to make the difficult decision to narrow the list down to the Top 5 most innovative and AI-driven ones. Five startups were honored for their outstanding contributions to the business community.

The five winners of the awards, in no particular order, were Shoppable, an AI-powered supply chain platform for MSMEs; Invest Ed, a fintech using AI to deliver education loans to underserved Gen Zs; MindNation, which uses AI to deliver accessible, high-impact mental health and well-being support; Flying Tigers Express, a logistics innovator connecting underserved towns across the Philippines through a direct inter-island delivery network; and LITHOS Manufacturing, which uses nanotech and AI to tackle pollution and climate challenges.

Each of the honorees was awarded PHP500,000 of media values from The Business Manual.

With an entire afternoon filled with thought-provoking discussions, inspiring pitches, and well-deserved recognition, The Business Manual’s GrowthCon PH 2025 reaffirmed its role as a driving force in the Philippine startup ecosystem. From harnessing the power of AI to celebrating student-led innovations and honoring the country’s most promising ventures, the event showcased how technology, talent, and tenacity are shaping the future of Filipino entrepreneurship.

As GrowthCon PH continues to evolve, it remains committed to empowering founders, bridging innovation with opportunity, and fueling a generation of startups poised to make a global impact.

The Business Manual’s GrowthCon PH 2025 was made possible through the unwavering support of our venue partners: Samsung Hall at SM Aura, and SM Supermalls; our sponsors: Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, GCash, and Eastern Communications; our food and beverage partners: Savore Catering, H2V2, and Pickup Coffee; our media partners: The Philippine Star and Gadgets Magazine; our partner professional organizations: Philippine Marketing Association, Startup Village, Anvil Business Club, Women’s Business Council Philippines, Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc., and the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association; and our partner student organizations: Ateneo Management Association and UST Economics Society.

For more information, follow The Business Manual on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and visit the official website.

New Hitachi EverFlex AI Data Hub as a Service provides seamless data integration for smarter AI

Networks & Storage

Gadgets Magazine 13

-

13 Jun 2025

0

New Hitachi EverFlex AI Data Hub as a Service provides seamless data integration for smarter AI

Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., has introduced Hitachi EverFlex AI Data Hub as a Service. The new AI Data Hub as a Service offering represents a fully managed, all-in-one infrastructure consumption service addressing AI data preparation challenges by providing a modern data lakehouse with integrated workbench capabilities for AI, business intelligence (BI), and data needs.

Amid the boom of AI adoption, organizations are asked with intricate data management tasks despite limited resources and increasingly complex data environments. Hitachi Vantara’s recent State of Data Infrastructure Report found 98% of organizations are using more than one storage platform for their data, and over half (57%) store data on all four types of platform: on-premises, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and public cloud, creating a litany of AI data preparation challenges. Research also indicates that up to 80% of AI and data projects fail, and greater than USD100 billion per year is lost due to difficulties with AI data preparation, enablement, and cost of operations.

Offering a modern data lakehouse for accessing data anywhere, the Hitachi EverFlex AI Data Hub as a Service helps customers better manage AI workloads by paying for only the infrastructure they need, with the security, control, and cost savings of hybrid cloud infrastructure. Designed to support robust data quality and governance, customers can leverage the service to enable a single view of enterprise data to feed their AI and BI initiatives with complete and timely data, unlocking faster insights and better business outcomes.

“Through this new offering, we’re helping customers integrate, prepare and gain more control over relevant data despite the ensuing boom of unstructured data created by AI,” said Jeb Horton, senior vice president, Global Services at Hitachi Vantara. “Ultimately, this solution empowers organizations to meet their data where it is, accelerating AI innovation and experimentation, delivering real-time insights, and significantly reducing the cost and complexity of managing today’s distributed data landscape.”

By bringing together Hitachi EverFlex STaaS, VSP One and iQ technologies with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud IaaS solutions containing GPU Compute and Networking as a Service, customers benefit from:

Unified Data Management: VSP 360 offers a unified data management software platform that supports block, file, object and software-defined storage infrastructures. It orchestrates and automates data services, manages data policy compliance, and provides AIOps observability for predictive data infrastructure insights. VSP 360 elevates the VSP One data services by focusing on unified control, observability and management of hybrid cloud data infrastructures.
Comprehensive AI Data Infrastructure: Hitachi iQ provides the necessary infrastructure for AI and analytics workloads, including GPU servers, high-speed storage, and networking components to form a comprehensive AI infrastructure with integrated systems for AI and analytics workloads. It emphasizes data governance, security, and quality, and offers flexible deployment options.
AI Data Integration and Preparation with a Modern as a service Data Lakehouse management: With Zetaris modern lakehouse for AI software, the EverFlex AI Data Hub as a Service enables real-time connectivity to diverse data sources and performs federated analytics for data in place, emphasizing data governance and quality at the source, reducing cost inefficiencies and technical barriers to analytics and business intelligence. The service accelerates data pipelines, enabling rapid AI and machine learning deployment, and provides a unified platform for AI, BI, and data operations.

For more information, please visit https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/services/infrastructure-as-a-service/service-catalog/everflex-ai-data-hub-as-a-service.