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BYD Sealion 6 DM-i compact SUV launched by ACMobility and BYD Cars PH

Cars

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29 Jul 2024

ACMobility, the official distributor of BYD cars in the Philippines, introduces its latest electric vehicle model, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. Powered by Super DM-i Technology, the latest electric compact SUV in the market delivers BYD’s signature EV performance with an extended range of over 1,000 kilometers.

Now available in all BYD showrooms nationwide, the new BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is priced at PHP1,548,000, strengthening the brand’s comprehensive lineup of New Energy Vehicles in the country. With its modern styling and best-in-class features, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i ensures a safe, comfortable, and range-anxiety-free driving experience on all roads.

Powered by BYD’s Super DM-i technology, the Sealion 6 DM-i delivers a smooth and quiet drive thanks to its high-power electric motor paired with a range extender. Combined with an Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT), the powertrain makes the electric five-seater SUV ideal for those who want all the benefits of an electric vehicle without having to worry about limited range or finding the nearest charging location.

“With the new BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, we want to change and challenge the new energy vehicle segment by redefining expectations in the industry,” says Bob Palanca, managing director of BYD Cars Philippines.

“ACMobility is proud to bring in the new BYD Sealion 6 DM-i with its innovative features, advanced technology, and exceptional efficiency and performance. It shows our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. BYD’s latest compact SUV will play an important role in the lineup as it will help introduce the benefits of electric vehicles while removing range anxiety as a hindrance to owning one,” adds Palanca.

BYD Super DM-i Technology: A game changer

The Sealion 6 DM-i rides on the advanced BYD Super DM-i platform designed to deliver a powerful, smooth, quiet, and highly efficient electric driving experience compared to a conventional HEV. The innovative platform is a range-extended EV system that allows for an impressive total driving distance of more than 1,000 kilometers, making it perfect for city commutes or long-distance travel while enjoying fuel savings.

The Sealion 6 DM-i is powered by a permanent synchronous magnet motor paired with an 18.3kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate Ultra-Safe BYD Blade Battery that sends power to the front wheels via an E-CVT. With its powerful battery, the electric SUV produces 197PS and 325Nm from its motor and can travel approximately 105kilometers in Full EV mode without any emissions. Together with its range extender, full power output jumps to 217PS while retaining the same torque figures.

Its electric powertrain accelerates the SUV forward from 0 to 100kph in 8.3 seconds. In Extended-Range mode, the Sealion 6 DM-i’s total driving distance increases to over 1,000 kilometers, maximizing the EV’s capabilities.

Conquering 1,608 kilometers: Maximum range, maximum efficiency

Range anxiety will be a thing of the past with the arrival of the Sealion 6 DM-i as it demonstrates extreme long-distance driving with a full complement of range-extended features that the BYD Super DM-i Technology uniquely delivers.

Last July 20 to 22, 2024, two Sealion 6 DM-i compact SUVs took off from Bonifacio Global City to drive the demanding Luzon Loop. Driven by long-distance driving experts and former race car drivers Georges and Louis Ramirez, both cars were given the goal of driving from Metro Manila to Tuguegarao, to Ilocos, then La Union, and finally back to BGC on one full charge and full tank of its range extender.

Utilizing the Sealion 6 DM-i’s convenience and safety features, the team drove with the air conditioning on while traversing a variety of road and traffic conditions, at one point being stuck in a standstill for 50 minutes. With all of the driving done during the daytime, the team was able to complete the arduous route in sublime comfort.

The distance traveled over the course of three days was 1,297.6 kilometers. However, the two electric compact SUVs still had battery charges good for 30 more kilometers and up to 247 kilometers of range extender distance left. So, on the fourth day, the team decided to drive to Subic Bay to determine the total distance both vehicles could drive on one full tank of their range extender.

After eight more hours of driving under heavy rain, the two Sealion 6 DM-i were able to make it back to BGC using battery power under EV Mode. With the range extender spent as early as the San Fernando exit of NLEX, the team was still able to cover a total distance of up to 1,608 kilometers driving under battery power alone. This includes the 48-kilometer extended battery range left as the electric SUVs arrived in BGC.

The Automobile Association Philippines observed the entire four-day exercise, ensuring the drive was documented and run in a safe and legal manner. Moreover, the AAP observers’ presence reassures the public that anyone with a BYD Sealion 6 DM-i can do the run.

Bold and sleek styling

The Sealion 6 DM-i impresses with its robust and stylish exterior and outstanding dimensions. The electric SUV measures 4,775mm in length, 1,890mm in width, and 1,670mm in height to provide a premium presence and expansive interior space while maintaining a compact look ideal for all roads.

BYD’s new Ocean X Face design gives the Sealion 6 DM-i a streamlined appearance. Its wide front grille and Glistening Combination Headlamps come with Double U-shaped Suspension Headlights. The headlamps are paired with built-in crystal texture light belts that give it a distinctive look.

The premium aesthetic continues to the rear and the sides with the addition of 19-inch alloy wheels and a distinctive rear Ocean Starlight-inspired rear fascia with full-width tail lights and sequential turn signals. The Sealion 6 DM-i also has class-leading features such as a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, and a roof rack.

Refined comfort and advanced BYD DiLink technology

Like its stylish exterior, the Sealion 6 DM-i also showcases a refined interior that perfectly balances comfort and practicality. It offers leather seats with 8-way driver and 4-way passenger power adjustability. Both front seats come with heating and ventilating functions.

The electric SUV has acoustic window panels at the front as standard to isolate any road noise from entering the cabin and rear privacy glass to enhance comfort and security.

The Sealion 6 DM-i also has advanced features to enhance the driving experience.

These high-end features include a 12.3-inch LCD for the digital instrument cluster, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Infinity Luxury Sound System.

BYD DiLink connectivity allows the Sealion 6 DM-i to be equipped with a voice assistant feature, 4G connectivity, and the ability to receive software updates over the air.

The advanced technology and convenience do not stop there. The Sealion 6 DM-i offers its front occupants dual 15W Wireless Chargers, allowing for easy mobile phone charging while on the go. It also features keyless entry, NFC card access, USB Type-A and Type-C ports for the front and second row, and a 12-volt power socket.

Additionally, the new electric SUV comes with support for the BYD App, which gives owners more information and remote control over their vehicle through their mobile phones.

The Sealion 6 DM-i ensures you stay charged no matter where you travel. It can use public AC charging stations and comes standard with a 1.7kW portable charger.

A free 7kW wall charger is provided for faster charging times in the comfort of one’s home. For added convenience, the electric compact SUV features vehicle-to-load capabilities, which can power common household appliances or tools, broadening its use beyond just a mobility solution.

Using AC public charging, the Sealion 6 DM-i — with its Type-2 port — can be charged in 2.6 to 3 hours from 0 to 100%. Customers can expect an estimated charging time of around nine hours using the included portable charger.

BYD DiPilot: A peaceful and secure drive anytime, anywhere

Apart from the industry standard of six airbags and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, the Sealion 6 DM-i is also equipped with the following safety systems:

Traction Control System
Electronic Stability Control System
Hill Descent Control
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Comfort Braking
Electronic Anti-Theft System.

As part of the BYD DiPilot Advanced Driver Assistance System, the Sealion 6 DM-i is equipped with:

360-degree View Camera System with See-Through mode
Six-sensor radar system with two in the front and four in the rear
Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Assistance
Automatic Emergency Braking System
Front Collision Warning
Traffic Congestion Assistance
Traffic Sign Recognition
Intelligent Speed Limit Information
Intelligent Speed Limit Control

One variant of the Sealion 6 DM-i will be available in three colors: Azure Blue, Arctic White, and Harbour Gray. The Azure Blue and Arctic White models have an interior in white and navy blue, while the Harbour Gray color has a black and tan cabin.

For customers’ peace of mind, the electric SUV has a 6-year or 150,000km Vehicle Warranty, an 8-year or 150,000km Electric Motor Warranty, and an 8-year or 160,000km Warranty for its Blade Battery.

For more information about BYD Cars Philippines, visit its website at www.bydcarsphilippines.com and its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

ePLDT and Genesys team up to redefine customer engagement with Next-Gen Contact Center as a Service offering

Telcos

Gadgets Magazine 17

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29 Jul 2024

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ePLDT and Genesys team up to redefine customer engagement with Next-Gen Contact Center as a Service offering

Powered by the all-in-one Genesys Cloud™platform, the ePLDT Next-Gen Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) uses AI to provide a 360-degree view of the end-to-end customer experience.

In this endeavor, ePLDT, the ICT subsidiary of PLDT, partners with Genesys, a global cloud leader in AI-powered experience orchestration, to offer cloud-based solutions that will help businesses create a more personalized customer experience and boost workforce efficiency. The CCaaS offering helps organizations understand customers’ behavior and preferences and even predict their needs to quickly address their issues and orchestrate meaningful experiences using both human and virtual agents.

“For 20 years, ePLDT has been providing CCaaS solutions to enterprises in the Philippines, understanding their pain points and interconnecting these with the capabilities of the platform we have been offering to deliver the right solutions,” said Victor S. Genuino, president and CEO of ePLDT. “With Genesys, now part of the ePLDT partner ecosystem, we are in an even stronger position to bring our clients solutions that are cost-effective, highly flexible, and readily scalable according to their ever-changing needs.”

ePLDT Next-Gen CCaaS offers an omnichannel approach, allowing customers to easily connect with contact centers via calls, SMS, email, and social media chats. For customers on hold, it automatically recommends alternative channels to reduce waiting time. This solution also gives agents a holistic view of end-customers’ profiles, histories, and interactions, ensuring seamless resolution through their preferred channels.

ePLDT Next-Gen CCaaS helps improve workflow through its agent copilot that monitors the conversation and suggests relevant knowledge and actions to the agent. It also uses predictive routing to match common call types with the best-skilled available agents. Moreover, the solution tracks the agents’ performance and provides them with feedback and comparison with their peers. Supervisors and administrators can also see the productivity and satisfaction scores of the contact center.

“With the Genesys AI-powered experience orchestration capabilities complemented by ePLDT’s local expertise, we look forward to orchestrating the future of CX for organizations and shaping the transformation of contact centers across the Philippines. This partnership aims to bring next-generation customer engagement solutions to the forefront by harnessing the capabilities of AI and cloud. Together, our commitment to innovation will help organizations achieve exceptional customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, thus driving long-term business success,” George Aprane, vice president, Partners & Alliances APAC, Genesys.

To learn more about ePLDT’s multi-cloud and AI-powered offerings, contact your PLDT Enterprise Relationship Manager or ePLDT Solutions Sales Manager or send an email to [email protected]

TTRacing X Deadpool & Wolverine: Get ready for action with Marvel-themed gaming chairs!

Accessories & Peripherals

Gadgets Magazine 17

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29 Jul 2024

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TTRacing X Deadpool & Wolverine: Get ready for action with Marvel-themed gaming chairs!

TTRacing, renowned for its innovative gaming chairs and IP collaborations, is delighted to announce a new partnership with the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine movie. The exclusive Marvel collection features gaming chairs inspired by the distinctive red and yellow designs of Deadpool and Wolverine.

The chair collection is adorned with sleek designs embroidered with Deadpool and Wolverine motifs, showcasing intricate details from Deadpool’s iconic red and black suit to Wolverine’s adamantium claws. Each chair is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of these beloved characters, offering fans an awesome blend of comfort and trendy style.

For the upcoming film, Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine dons a comic-accurate yellow and blue costume for the first time. Deadpool is also seen in a brighter shade of red with larger black circles on his mask, reminiscent of his 1990s comic book design. The audacious Marvel movie premiered in Philippines cinemas on July 24, 2024.

The TTRacing Swift X Pro-Deadpool Edition, priced at PHP13,499, features a stylish black and red tactical suit aesthetic, along with high-quality stitching, bringing Deadpool’s playful yet fierce persona to life. A playful touch is added with Deadpool’s catchphrase, “Time to make the chimichangas,” on the pillow, providing a fun contrast to the serious tone of the suit design.

The TTRacing Swift X Pro-Wolverine Edition is priced at PHP13,499; this chair showcases a bold color palette with vibrant yellow hues and broad blue accents reminiscent of Wolverine’s iconic design. The sleek lines and geometric patterns reflect Wolverine’s rugged, battle-ready aesthetic, with every stitch crafted to enhance the carbon fiber textured PU. An exclusive Wolverine abstract art piece on the back accentuates the distinctive features that define this legendary character, while the pillow featuring claw motifs pays homage to his iconic claws.

TTRacing Deadpool X Wolverine edition features the impressive Swift X Pro model, which stands out with its unique design and top-notch craftsmanship. Discover more about this exceptional chair through the following link: https://ttracing.ph/deadpoolwolverine

TTRacing’s commitment to bringing exciting IP collaborations to fans, including One Piece and Star Wars, shines through in this exclusive Marvel collection. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a piece of the Marvel universe — get your exclusive Deadpool and Wolverine gaming chairs today at https://ttracing.ph/

Presenting the vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge winners for SM City Fairview leg

Active Lifestyle

Gadgets Magazine 11

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29 Jul 2024

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Presenting the vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge winners for SM City Fairview leg

The exhilarating first stop of the vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge Year 2 wrapped up at SM City Fairview on July 21, 2024. As the official partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA), vivo is dedicated to fostering community engagement and promoting health, fitness, and sportsmanship through this exciting event.

Eight teams, split evenly between the Men’s and Women’s Divisions, claimed victory in this first leg and will compete in the Grand Finals on August 16 and 17 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.

Last year, vivo brought the 3×3 Basketball Challenge to six universities in Metro Manila. This year, the competition was opened to all Filipinos aged 19 and above, creating a more inclusive and thrilling tournament.

Here is a snippet of the vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge First Stop:

@vivo_philippines
Bring your A-game to the court with vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge Year 2 #vivo3x3 #vivo #foryourpage #fyp #viral
♬ original sound – vivo_philippines – vivo_philippines

Men’s Division winners

From the Men’s Category, the victorious teams are:

Elite
Initium Co
Adamson
NEU Hunters

vivo 3x3 Basketball — Elite Team (left) and one of its players, Jayvee Bautista (right)

Jayvee Bautista, a 24-year-old tourism student and a member of Team Elite, shared that their team is not new to 3×3 basketball. He said that they enjoyed the event despite the exhaustion.

“Sobrang ganda ng event nila (vivo). Sa vivo, thank you dahil itong liga nila ay opportunity para sa mga kabataan,” he said.

Women’s Division champions

In the Women’s Category, the top teams are:

Army Altama (Pay It Forward)
RTU Lady Thunders
Beyond
East Side

Chack Cabinbin, a 32-year-old enlisted personnel of the army and member of Army Altama, expressed her gratitude. She said they were thankful to vivo for opening a category that showcases the talent of women in basketball.

“Nagpapasalamat din kami sa vivo for having us here and for showing our talent. Masaya kami kasi may women’s basketball, hindi lang men’s,” she said.

If you missed the first stop, don’t worry! The second stop of the vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge will take place at SM City Dasmariñas Event Center on July 28, 2024. Be there to cheer for your favorite teams and participate in minor games to win exciting vivo items and freebies.

Stay updated and get more details by following vivo on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Join vivo in celebrating the spirit of basketball and community at the 3×3 Basketball Challenge!

‘Honda Helps’ initiative offers discounted parts for units damaged by Carina PH

Cars

Gadgets Magazine 17

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29 Jul 2024

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‘Honda Helps’ initiative offers discounted parts for units damaged by Carina PH

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is ready to extend a helping hand to those affected by super typhoon Carina through its ‘Honda Helps’ program.

A 30% discount will be offered for select spare parts for units damaged by the typhoon. This offer is available at all Honda Cars Dealers that receive inundated units until September 30, 2024.

DISCOUNTED SPARE PARTS UNDER HONDA HELPS

ECU	Cooling Fan Motor	Accelerator Pedal
Throttle Body	SRS Unit	Meter Assembly
Alternator	Airbag Module	EPS
Starter Motor	Cable Reel	Heater Control
Radiator Fan Motor	Fuse Box (MICU)	Seatbelt Pre-tensioner

“We would like to offer our sympathies to all Filipinos affected by super typhoon Carina. ‘Honda Helps’ is our way of supporting our loyal customers in bouncing back from this calamity and getting them back on the road as soon as possible. We sincerely hope everyone stays safe at this time,” says Rie Miyake, president of HCPI.

Honda aims to provide quality service and products. Part of this commitment is to ensure the safety of its customers by making it easier for them to maintain their units. Those who need support following the events of Carina PH can find their nearest Honda Cars Dealership at https://www.hondaphil.com/dealer-finder.

Learn more about Honda Helps at https://www.hondaphil.com/promos.

Alipay+ expands to serve 90 million global merchants in 2024 summer campaign

FinTech

Gadgets Magazine 4

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26 Jul 2024

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Alipay+ expands to serve 90 million global merchants in 2024 summer campaign

Alipay+, the cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solutions operated by Ant International, continued its global summer campaign, which was kicked off by UEFA EURO 2024, in preparation for the travel industry’s full rebound by the end of 2024.

Alipay+ was the Official Payment Partner of the UEFA EURO 2024™ held from June 14 to July 14, and connected leading e-wallets and bank apps, including European partners, to 400,000 merchants across Europe.

Alipay+ turns the heat up with global summer campaign

This summer, tourists will be able to pay with their preferred payment apps via Alipay+ at more than 90 million global merchants in 66 markets as Alipay+ merchant coverage continues to grow, connecting them to users of more than 30 payment partners.

With Europe expected to be one of the top destinations during summer, Alipay+ will continue its momentum from its UEFA EURO 2024 drive, with more joint campaigns with partners to promote usage of their home payment apps in Europe, and offering exclusive promotions at leading merchants, particularly in key destinations like the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

Besides retailers, Alipay+ is also working with local partners to ensure more local businesses can benefit. For example, tourists can enjoy special deals at many small shops in Chinatown in Milan, with more small businesses across Europe to be progressively onboarded. Alipay+ is also adding more digital conveniences for tourists through its recent integration with the taxi app FREENOW, available in 7 European countries, and partnerships for digital tax refunds. The latter allows Chinese tourists to receive instant tax refunds on their Alipay app in-store.

In Japan, where more than 2 million merchants accept Alipay+, tourists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand can enjoy special discounts at 300,000 merchants across the country, including airport shops, department stores, premium shopping malls, convenience store chains, electronics and appliances retailers, and health and beauty shops.

In South Korea, Alipay+ is rolling out summer promotions with leading retailers, theme parks, traditional market and transportation providers, including duty-free stores and department stores operated by Hyundai, Shilla, Shinsegae, Lotte World, ZeroPay Jeju market and Olive Young, for users of AlipayHK, GCash, Touch ‘n Go eWallet and TrueMoney.

Alipay+ expanded its acceptance for transportation in South Korea, making it easier for tourists to travel around. In Jeju, users of Alipay+ partners, including Alipay, AlipayHK, GCash, Touch ’n Go Wallet, and TrueMoney, can simply use their own payment apps to pay for bus rides. The convenience extends beyond local transportation. Chinese tourists can book train tickets to travel across the country through a dedicated mini-program operated by Korail within the Alipay app.

Through its collaboration with ZeroPay, South Korea’s national QR standard, Alipay+ is accepted by more than 1.9 million merchants.

Alipay+ and its partners continue to make travel more seamless in the Chinese mainland, including the recent expansion of the International Consumer-Friendly Zone Program to Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Tourists visiting the Chinese mainland can pay across more than 80 million merchants by linking their international credit cards to the Alipay app or via 12 other Alipay+ partner payment methods.

In Southeast Asia (SEA), where Alipay+ is widely accepted, users of AlipayHK, Touch ’n Go eWallet, GCash, and TrueMoney can purchase discounted travel packs for use at all Alipay+ merchants in the region. Through its partnership with national QRs in Singapore and Malaysia, Alipay+ merchants in the region include many micro and small merchants like hawker stalls in Singapore, that will allow tourists to truly ‘travel like a local’.

With SEA being a popular destination for Chinese tourists, Alipay+ is introducing more innovation and campaigns via Alipay, one of its payment partners. These include exclusive campaigns with more than 30 of the most popular retailers, including Central Retail, The Mall Group, and King Power in Thailand, Pavilion and Sunway Velocity in Malaysia, and Jewel, Resorts World Sentosa, and Mandai in Singapore.

Additionally, in Thailand, the top SEA destination for Chinese tourists, Alipay+ is enhancing its Alipay+ D-hub and Amazing Thailand e-card—a joint digital travel innovation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand—within the Alipay app to promote more cities, more merchants, and more discounts.

Education in the Era of AI

Gadgets Magazine 4

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26 Jul 2024

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Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have taken over the tech world. When Open AI’s Chat-GPT opened public access in late 2022, it transformed the tech world for better and worse.

AI has become a key feature for many new devices. Phones are leveraging AI power in photography and other features; special AI-powered laptops are being launched. Other AI-centric devices have started to hit the market this year.

Since entering mainstream consciousness, generative AI has been divisive. The biggest battlefield for AI adoption has been education. While both sides agree that AI can have a place, to what extent is a subject of debate.

How AI is changing education for the better

AI has significantly altered how we interact with our devices, from camera processing and screen adjustment to battery and power management. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are increasingly used in translation apps, code checks, and transcription, among other applications.

In particular, Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLM) have seen a surge in education use as students utilize them for research and assignments. Some generative AI can produce graphics or create designs explicitly catering to their use case. LLMs, meanwhile, provide users with information or other text-based needs. Both have niche use cases and work hand-in-hand to expedite tasks or work.

AI-based tools for lesson planning and material creation are also making teachers’ and educators’ work easier. AI tools are also being used to check exams, homework, and student papers. Other AI tools help teachers with administrative tasks such as organization and management.

Another practical AI innovation is AI assessment. Educators can utilize AI to help assess students’ output. AI can predict how students will fare in certain situations or examinations based on their performance. Using this data, teachers can fine-tune their lessons to take extra time on specific topics or give certain students additional time and guidance for a lesson they’re struggling with.

Finally, AI-based learning tools such as educational games or tutoring help students absorb the topic more easily. AI-based learning can fit every student as it learns what works and does not work the more it is used. It would provide students with the necessary tools to keep them engaged and ensure they can keep up with the lessons or topics. AI-based tutoring also helps them catch up with their lessons at their own pace.

The challenges of AI in education

AI has its pros and cons. One of the more obvious cons comes in the form of cheating and misinformation. Teachers and educators have expressed concerns about how AI, particularly generative AI, is being used to cheat.

Students have been caught using LLMs to cheat on homework, exams, and papers. Language model AI has made it easy to create long-form papers and essays with outstanding results. For educators, particularly in basic education, this is a red flag.

Assignments and work for young children are crafted to help their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Relying on AI to do their work could affect the development of children’s critical thinking skills. Additionally, it could lead to over-dependence on technology and underdevelopment of other crucial skills.

Another major con of AI in education is its fallibility. AI is still a fallible technology; it’s still developing, and in the case of most LLMs, they’re constantly improving and gathering data. So, it’s no surprise that AIs can provide misinformation despite the large data set they are trained on.

AIs are limited to what they are trained on. If the information provided during their training is wrong, then the AI will repeat that wrong information when asked. As AI learns and develops, the data may be overwritten with newer information, but until then, it’s important to double-check the work.

Finally, educators have posited that complete reliance on AI to teach might lead to isolation. AI-based learning means that students would learn on their own. There would be no human interaction, causing students to be isolated from their peers. Fortunately, this con is still a remote possibility while the world tries to find a balance in fully adopting AI.

Finding balance

AI is here to stay, and like every new technology, we try to find a way to incorporate it and fully adapt it to form part of our systems. Utilizing AI in education is the same, as schools and universities try to find the necessary balance to fully incorporate AI in their teaching systems.

In the Philippines, universities have recently released guidelines for using AI at work. The country’s state university, the University of the Philippines, through its Open University system and its Los Banos campus, released guidelines for how teachers and students can use AI for teaching and learning.

The university has given teachers permission to set their own standards on how students may utilize AI for their classes. They’ve also permitted educators to determine to what extent they should use AI grading systems to assess their students’ work.

Meanwhile, for students, the university has required students to declare if they have used AI for their output. Of course, they are reminded to check for plagiarism when they utilize AI. Finally, the guidelines want students to avoid using AI for harmful and illegal purposes.

Another university, Far Eastern University, has also provided its students with guidelines on how to use generative AI for their school work, including recommended AI programs. The university warns that failure to adhere to the guidelines may lead to sanctions.

Beyond universities, the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has also created guidance on how nations can develop regulations and guidelines to ensure that Generative AI becomes a tool that benefits all rather than risk academic and technological disparity.

At the very heart of the UNESCO guidance is a human-centered approach. This means that AI and its subsequent regulations must follow the same human rights principles and protect human dignity. Generative AI still has many ethical concerns, such as copyright, deep fakes, and marginalization through biased data sets.

A human-centered approach entails that nations take cognizance of the pitfalls of current Generative AI and create regulations that would protect individuals’ rights against them. This includes adopting stricter data protection laws to prevent companies from illegally collecting and processing data for AI training. The recommendation also seeks to revisit copyright laws and incorporate protections against the unauthorized use of intellectual properties as training data. Finally, the guidance wants nations to build a capacity for the proper use of AI in education and research.

Utilizing AI in education and research is here to stay. While some cons still need work, there are also significant benefits, such as using AI to enhance the learning experience or to simplify tedious tasks. AI in education is still in its infancy, and as the technology develops, we should ensure that it is used to enhance and not to harm.

Words by Gabriel Pe
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE July 2024 Issue

Maya teams up with Pinoy Big Brother for a new twist on reality TV

Arts Entertainment

Gadgets Magazine 4

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26 Jul 2024

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Maya teams up with Pinoy Big Brother for a new twist on reality TV

Get ready for a game-changing season of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) as Maya, the Philippines’ leading digital bank, is teaming up with the nation’s favorite reality show to bring a fresh and exciting twist to the Big Brother house. This partnership isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about making finance fun and boosting financial smarts across the country.

A Fresh Spin on Reality TV and Money Management

PBB has always been a staple in Filipino entertainment, often referred to as “Ang Teleserye ng Totoong Buhay” and loved for its genuine portrayal of life and personal growth. With the launch of “PBB Gen 11” this season, the show focuses on empowering Gen Z and young millennial viewers, showcasing relatable stories of resilience and smart decision-making.

With Maya stepping into the Big Brother house, Housemates will get a real-life lesson in managing money. Through the Save or Spend Weekly Task by Maya, the Housemates have the power to decide how they’ll manage their weekly budget, making the twists inside the PBB house even more exciting. Additionally, they can watch their budget grow with Maya’s high-interest savings and learn the ropes of smart finance. It’s a perfect chance for viewers at home to pick up some tips too, as they watch their favorite Housemates make the most of their budget while tackling the usual PBB challenges.

Maya: Ang Bangko ng Housemates ni Kuya

As “Ang Bangko ng Housemates ni Kuya,” Maya is adding an extra layer of excitement to the PBB experience. Every time you save and spend with Maya, you could earn up to 15% p.a. interest on your savings. And here’s the fun part: you can choose to use those earnings to vote for your favorite Housemate.

Maya is the official and exclusive for all your PBB votes, turning every vote cast into a step towards your own financial health.

Here’s how you can #SaveWithMaya this PBB Gen 11:

1. Open the Maya app and tap the “PBB” button on the homepage.

2. Choose the housemate you want to support.

3. Select your preferred number of votes:

10 votes = PHP 10
50 votes = PHP 50
110 votes = PHP 100

*Each voter gets 15 chances to vote to save or evict per day

4. Purchase your votes before the voting window closes!

This unique partnership is transforming how fans engage with the show. By integrating financial empowerment with reality TV, Maya aims to help viewers begin their savings journey, achieve their financial goals, and support their favorite housemates all at once.

Don’t miss out on this thrilling season of PBB Gen 11, premiering on July 20, 2024! Save a Housemate and #SaveWithMaya! Download the Maya app now, tune in to the show, and start managing your finances in the most entertaining way possible with Maya – Ang Bangko ng Housemates ni Kuya.

GAC Motor Santa Rosa formally opens under Bermaz Auto Asia

Cars

Gadgets Magazine 17

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26 Jul 2024

0

GAC Motor Santa Rosa formally opens under Bermaz Auto Asia

Astara-led GAC MOTOR Philippines continues with their strategic expansion campaign, this time launching the GAC MOTOR Santa Rosa outlet through a partnership with Bermaz Auto Asia.

The new and well-appointed 2,300sqm facility is situated at Auto Asia Building along Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, in Pulong Santa Cruz in Santa Rosa, Laguna. GAC MOTOR Santa Rosa is outfitted to meet GAC’s international showroom standards, ensuring a world-class, premium experience for everyone. It is a fully equipped 3S facility (sales, spare parts, and service) ready to provide a seamless experience for all its customers.

“GAC Motor Philippines aims to maintain our strong momentum for growth with consecutive dealer openings this year, expanding our reach to Santa Rosa, Laguna. Through our new partnership with Bermaz Auto Asia, we are confident that we can bring the cutting-edge mobility solutions of GAC MOTOR to even more Filipinos this 2024,” said Franz Decloedt, brand head of GAC Motor Philippines, Astara Philippines.

“We are excited to announce our arrival in Santa Rosa. With our commitment to excellent service, we are anticipating to empower our customers with the world-class vehicles of GAC Motor that complements and uplifts their lifestyles,” Bermaz Auto Asia CEO Dato Francis Lee stated.

GAC MOTOR Philippines has also recently welcomed the opening of new dealerships throughout key locations in the Philippines. GAC Motor Sta. Rosa is one of the 26 dealer outlets currently in operation, bringing the brand closer to its goal of 38 dealerships by the end of 2024.

All GAC Motor vehicles purchased come with an after-sales warranty for the first five (5) years or 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

Customers are invited to visit their nearest GAC dealership or explore the official GAC MOTOR Philippines website at www.gacmotorph.com to discover more about its exceptional offerings.

ANC Group opens new Ford North Caloocan dealership

Cars

Gadgets Magazine 4

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26 Jul 2024

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ANC Group opens new Ford North Caloocan dealership

Ford Philippines, in partnership with the ANC+ Group of Companies, has opened Ford North Caloocan, its 49^th dealership in the country, further expanding its retail footprint to serve its growing customer base.

Ford North Caloocan stands on a spacious 1,711-square meter property and is expected to bring Ford’s segment-leading vehicles and enhanced aftersales experience closer to customers in the Northern part of Metro Manila, Quezon City, and nearby provinces in Central Luzon.

The new Ford dealership boasts of a modern showroom where customers can explore the latest Ford vehicles. It is also equipped with seven service bays with provision for future expansion, ensuring delivery of top-notch aftersales and maintenance services.

Ford North Caloocan follows Ford’s current global dealership branding guidelines, showcasing a more globally aligned exterior and interior look and feel called Ford Signature to offer customers an enhanced dealership environment and experience. For the exterior, the dealership is retaining the global brand identity for consistency, as seen in the dealership facility’s brand wall, entrance tower, and Ford signage.

For its interior, Ford North Caloocan is providing customers with a more engaging, interactive, and inclusive environment. A welcome pod greets customers coming into the dealership, while the improved vehicle display space allows for optimal vehicle presentation. A purchase room is designed to encourage smooth interaction between customers and the sales staff. The refreshed interior also includes a customer lounge that allows customers to connect online or charge their gadgets, as well as an enhanced celebration bay and service reception area.

New technological features enable the new dealership facility to offer faster and more customer-focused sales and after-sales delivery. It will also aim to connect the customer’s online purchasing journey with the on-ground, in-store environment, paving the way for a more connected, seamless, and best-in-class automotive retail experience.

“The addition of a new Ford dealership to our dealer network in the country testifies to the growing preference towards the Ford brand in the country,” says Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines. “This is another major milestone that we share with our dealer group, the ANC+ Group of Companies, as we continue to widen our reach and serve customers with an enhanced Ford ownership experience.”

“We are thankful to Ford Philippines for the continued partnership that allowed us to expand our automotive dealership business with this new dealership facility,” shares Anthony Cheng, dealer principal, ANC+ Group of Companies. “We invite all customers to visit Ford North Caloocan to see and test drive Ford vehicles as well as talk to our trained sales and service experts for a world-class automotive retail experience.” Ford North Caloocan is the 8^th Ford dealership of the ANC+ Group of Companies.

To celebrate the grand opening, Ford North Caloocan is offering customers exclusive offers, including special discounts on parts and labor and zero-downpayment deals for select Ford vehicles.

Ford North Caloocan is located at Block 1 Lot 47 Quirino Highway, Brgy. 182 District 3, Caloocan City, and is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Customers can contact the dealership at 0998-9801527 (Customer Relations), 0947-9925818 (Sales), 0998-9602644 (Service), 0939-9068047 (Parts) or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/FordNorthCaloocanANCGroup.

Trend Micro to spotlight evolving technologies in DECODE 2024 cybersecurity conference

Cybersecurity

Gadgets Magazine 4

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25 Jul 2024

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Trend Micro to spotlight evolving technologies in DECODE 2024 cybersecurity conference

This coming September 10, leading cybersecurity company Trend Micro Philippines is once again hosting its annual cybersecurity conference with the theme DECODE 2024: Fusion Forward.

For this year’s DECODE conference, Trend Micro will highlight the pressing need to fuse together and integrate different technologies to produce holistic and multi-faceted solutions to cyberattacks and threats. Through the advanced and integrated use of cybersecurity fundamentals, there is greater potential for increased cyber protection against different types of threats.

“With the continuous advancements in AI and its integration into more systems and devices we use everyday, we at Trend Micro recognize the need to consistently be one step ahead of trends and cyber threats. Through rigorous research and upskilling, as well as through efforts such as DECODE, we aim to further reinforce the need for robust and resilient security to our customers and partner organizations, as well as to fellow cybersecurity professionals in the country.” shared Alma Saturnino-Alvarez, threat hunting director of Trend Micro.

Given the various data breaches that have occurred in recent months as well as the rising use of Generative AI models, DECODE 2024 looks to equip attendees with the necessary skills and knowledge to better protect their respective organizations from vulnerabilities. Attendees can look forward to track sessions and panel discussions that focus on the fundamentals of cybersecurity, such as risk management, data privacy, and cybercrime, as well as a new session on automotive security.

Invited speakers from Trend Micro, Interpol, Canadian law enforcement, and local experts will be present to share insights and best practices on the latest facets of cybersecurity and risk management from both local and international perspectives. In the morning, a special session called Get It Girl will also highlight women in tech, as will a VicOne demonstration on vehicle data ecosystem security.

Aside from the track sessions and panel discussions, DECODE 2024 will also feature activities such as a Capture the Flag and a Hands-on Lab that all attendees can join for a firsthand experience of Trend Micro’s training process. With all that DECODE 2024 has in store, attendees are sure to leave the conference with an abundance of new skills and insights from the day’s activities.

Be part of Trend Micro’s mission to do good by participating in DECODE 2024: Fusion Forward on September 10, 2024, at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.

To apply for a slot, visit www.decodeph.com and register an account. Previous attendees can also apply for a slot by signing in on the site.

Rainy day escape: Agoda shares three Philippine getaways perfect for the monsoon season

Travel

Gadgets Magazine 4

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25 Jul 2024

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Rainy day escape: Agoda shares three Philippine getaways perfect for the monsoon season

With its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, the Philippines may be best known as a tropical paradise perfect for relaxation. But as a nation with over 7,000 islands, there’s also a whole lot of adventure to be had in the Philippines — even during the monsoon season. Digital travel platform Agoda highlights Palawan, Bukidnon, and Bohol as destinations that can be enjoyed year-round.

With the rainy season typically active from June to November, peaking between July and October, travelers will be looking for destinations with a higher chance of sunshine during the wet months. Some of the best options include Palawan in the MIMAROPA Region, Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao, and Bohol in the Central Visayas Region. These destinations often see relatively drier weather during the monsoon months, making them worth visiting during this time especially.

“The Philippines offers incredible experiences year-round, and Agoda is here to help travelers discover them, rain or shine,” says Michael Hwang, country director, Philippines at Agoda. “While summer might be the popular choice, destinations like Palawan, Bukidnon, and Bohol showcase the beauty and adventure the Philippines has to offer, even during the monsoon season. Agoda connects travelers with the best deals on accommodations, making it easier than ever to explore this diverse country for less, no matter the time of year.”

To help travelers make the most of their monsoon holidays, Agoda shares a curated weather-flexible itinerary for Palawan, Bukidnon, and Bohol:

Discover beyond the beaches of Palawan

Palawan, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, offers a variety of unique experiences. For a taste of history and culture, embark on a half-day tour of Puerto Princesa City, visiting WWII landmarks like the Plaza Cuartel and the majestic Cathedral, bookable through Agoda. For another kind of immersive experience, visitors can embark on a Farm Tour at Coron Natural Farms to learn more about sustainable agriculture and enjoy the freshest farm-to-table meals.

Agoda
monsoon — Explore landmarks like the majestic Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Puerto Princesa (Photo by KG dela Pena)

Additionally, visiting the Palawan Heritage Center — where exhibits and artifacts showcase the island’s history, indigenous culture, and biodiversity — and the KaLui Art Gallery, which features works from local artists, offers an enriching glimpse into Palawan’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Embrace the tranquility of mountainous Bukidnon

In the heart of Mindanao, Bukidnon offers a cool, verdant retreat. Known as the “Fruit and Vegetable Basket of Mindanao,” Bukidnon is celebrated for its agriculture and ecotourism. Beyond its famed fresh produce, vacationers can discover the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, a modern architectural marvel offering a peaceful respite.

For breathtaking views, holidaymakers can relax at the Del Monte Clubhouse in Manolo Fortich, or they can embark on a guided tour at the Talaandig Cultural Center in Sungco, Lantapan, where they can witness the Talaandig tribe’s traditional performances of music, dance, and storytelling. Further exploration of the region’s heritage awaits at the Kaamulan Folk Arts Museum, showcasing the vibrant traditions of indigenous peoples, or the Bukidnon State University Museum, offering historical insights into the region’s past development and cultural shifts through artifacts and exhibits.

Savor the flavors of Bohol

The Central Visayan island of Bohol has a unique blend of history and natural beauty that can’t be missed. Travelers can experience the grandeur of the historic Baclayon Church or explore the natural beauty of the Cambuhat River and Village, where community-based sustainable ecotourism offers mangrove tours and insights into local fishing practices.

For a taste of local life, visitors can sign up for a hands-on cooking class featuring traditional Boholano cuisine, which can be booked through Agoda. To round up the trip, witness a traditional Mazurka Boholana folk dance performance at a local festival or community gathering—a vibrant expression of Bohol’s cultural heritage.

With over 4.5 million properties worldwide, Agoda features hotels offering flexible booking options like ‘book now, pay later’ and free cancellations for easy rescheduling. Travelers can easily filter their search results on Agoda to specifically see accommodations that provide these options, giving them greater peace of mind when booking trips during potentially unpredictable weather. Whether drawn to Palawan, Bukidnon, or Bohol, visitors can adjust itineraries should forecasts shift by booking on agoda.com or using the Agoda app.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak — game review

Gaming

Gadgets Magazine 4

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25 Jul 2024

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The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak — game review

Journeying through Zemuria has led us to meet The Bracer Guild of Liberl, Rean Schwarzer and the massive Class VII of Erebonia, and the Special Support Section of Crossbell. All their stories intertwined and concluded in Trails Into Reverie, and now, a new dawn begins in the Calvard Republic, an often-mentioned yet still unexplored area of Zemuria. Trails Through Daybreak has finally received an English translation, and a peace between Liberl, Erebonia, Crossbell, and the Calvard Republic has been formed for now—but what adventures await us in Calvard?

Trails Through Daybreak takes place in Calvard in 1208, and has you playing as Van Arkride, a Spriggan working at the Arkride Solutions Office. Falcom has described a Spriggan as a cross between a bounty hunter and a private detective. Van’s latest client is Agnes Claudel, a girl who attends Aramis High School in Edith, the capital city of Calvard, and they search for a specific type of orbment that not only she wants, but criminal elements of the underworld who want to use it for their own ends. On top of this, geopolitical intrigue including the threat of an economic recession and anti-immigrant sentiment prepare to bring the dark elements of society into the light.

Van Arkride, known as a spriggan, he takes on jobs that can’t be brought to the police or the bracers.

An entire new set of characters joins the already-burgeoning Trails cast, as well as a few returning characters from previous Trails games. Van can choose to work with a variety of groups, while previous games focused on a more traditional “good guys vs. bad guys” sort of narrative which makes Trails Through Daybreak very flexible if you like to explore what happens when you align yourself with certain groups in the game.

The cast is also a lot smaller than in previous games. The previous entry, Trails Into Reverie, had 50+ playable characters, reminding me way too much of Chrono Cross (an otherwise great game that is spoiled by the sheer number of playable characters). This allows the characters to develop better rather than being lost in the Zemurian sauce, and good character development can easily carry any JRPG into legendary status if done right.

The battle system has changed significantly from previous entries. You can now switch between turn-based and realtime combat, which makes this game a lot more fun, and future JRPGs should take note of this. You can also freely move around a certain area before taking a turn, which annoyed me quite a bit in previous entries.

One example of this is Van’s Stun Slash, which allows you to interrupt enemy spells, but can also do more damage if you flank the enemy. This can allow you to position your characters well since moving no longer takes up a turn. Gems also work differently from previous games, as putting gems in certain lines (Weapon, Shield, Drive, and EX) can do things like add elemental attacks, protect against status effects, or recover HP. You can mix and match to suit your play style, and the customization options for the characters can be endless, yet certain combinations will be vital if you’re playing on higher difficulties.

Unique to Van are the Law, Gray, and Chaos stats, which allow you to make different choices during side quests similar to Persona‘s social stats. This also goes against the grain of traditional JRPG tropes of beating the bad guys, allowing for more flexibility and gives you a Choose Your Own Adventure-esque experience. Depending on your Law, Gray, or Chaos stats, you can also help various factions in the game that can make battles easier (or harder) in certain chapters and even adds to replayability as certain characters will have unique character interactions with each other.

A new feature called Connections allows Van to casually hang out with his own party members, similar to Private Actions in Star Ocean: The Second Story R. This ties in beautifully with the already massive Trails worldbuilding and history, creating ties between the new cast and the old. Sadly, these new features also come at a price: the lack of minigames that could easily add hours onto a playthrough and reward rare and powerful items.

Cooking, another fun aspect of previous Trails games, also has been reduced to a shell of its former self, as characters can no longer create superb or peculiar dishes, but rather just regular dishes. Fishing is also sadly absent. However, the great soundtrack is another home run for Falcom, and I expected no less from their amazing music team.

Trails Through Daybreak gives up some gameplay aspects and introduces rather new and radical gameplay elements in their place that JRPG developers should take notice of. While you’ll have to play the series in order (starting from Trails in the Sky) if you want to fully understand the story up to this point, it doesn’t hurt to start here either as only a few returning characters from both the Liberl and Erebonia arcs are present in this game. Trails has been one of my favorite recent JRPG series, and this one is another must-play if you love JRPGs or even just deep stories and character development.

Developer: Nihon Falcom
Publisher(s): NIS America
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch

Words by Jose Alvarez
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE July 2024 Issue

Registrations for 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup now open

Cars

Gadgets Magazine 4

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25 Jul 2024

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Registrations for 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup now open

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has announced the start of registrations for its premier sim racing competition, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Gran Turismo Cup (TGR GT Cup).

The TGR GT Cup gathers sim racing enthusiasts from all over the Philippines to determine the best sim racers in the country. Cash prizes, original GR merchandise, Autocross seats and Asia Finals seats are all up for grabs for the winners!

For its fifth season, the TGR GT Cup is introducing a new competition format. The Qualifiers will be a time-attack challenge, in which the 40 fastest players will advance to the Quarterfinals. This will take place from July 26 to August 3.

Registrants have the option to participate in their qualifier online or on-site at the Toyota Motor Philippines Marketing office in Makati City.

The Top 20 players from the Quarterfinals will then advance to the Semifinals, which will determine the Top 10 who will battle it out in the National Finals.

The National Finals will be the final stage for the Top 3 winners, who will then represent the Philippines at the Asia Finals in Malaysia later this year.

The Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and National Finals will be an on-site event in Metro Manila on August 17-18. Participants will compete in a series of thrilling sprint races to determine their standing.

Interested participants can register through this link: https://tinyurl.com/GTCup2024Registration

To participate, a player must be a Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines, 14 years old or older at the time of registration, and have an active PlayStation Network (PSN) account and active PS PLUS subscription.

For other requirements and more information on the TGR GT Cup Philippines, visit https://toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines/tgr-gtcup and follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram.

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup Philippines is brought to you by Petron and GT Radial, and in cooperation with Seiko. This event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.

Stay updated with Toyota products, services, events and more by following Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on X, and join the Viber community at Toyota PH.

Palarong Pambansa 2024 powered by DITO next-gen technology

Telcos

Gadgets Magazine 4

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25 Jul 2024

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Palarong Pambansa 2024 powered by DITO next-gen technology

Dedicated to championing Filipino talents and empowering youth athletes, DITO Telecommunity proudly supported this year’s Palarong Pambansa. As the main co-presenter in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), DITO provided technological support and seamless, high-speed connectivity for an enhanced experience for all athletes, delegates, and spectators in this premier sporting event.

DITO’s next-generation technology played an essential role in powering 20 billeting quarters, 34 sporting venues, and all command centers. Such support benefited around 30,000 athletes and delegates, allowing them to access digital resources and stay connected with their families while being apart. It facilitated a sense of unity and support regardless of distance.

Another standout feature of DITO’s support was the deployment of a cell site on wheels to provide stronger and more reliable network service. This technological boost ensured that all attendees, including athletes, delegates, and organizers, could enjoy seamless connectivity and hassle-free communication throughout the event duration.

Palarong Pambansa — DITO deployed a cell site on wheels to boost network signal to ensure seamless experience for all athletes and delegates.

“To further elevate the experience of our athletes this year, DITO powered the various headquarters and gaming venues with high-speed 5G connectivity, bringing greater capacity, wider coverage, and internet connection speeds that are 20 times faster than 4G. With this, participants could easily connect to DITO’s WiFi hubs to enjoy and experience the reliability of our technology” said Ret. Maj. Gen. Rodolfo “Genboy” Santiago, DITO chief technology officer.

During the opening ceremony on July 9, which commenced with a vibrant parade introducing each region of the Philippines, highlighting the unique cultures of each region, and emphasizing the diverse “Galing” of Filipinos across the country, DITO also ensured a seamless live stream on social media, giving Filipinos and spectators nationwide access to high-definition streaming experience of the largest sporting event in the country.

Palarong Pambansa Opening Ceremony on July 9, 2024 at Cebu City Sports Center.

The opening event was further amplified by a spectacular performance by rising P-pop boy group Alamat, ambassadors of GalingDITO. Their performance of the song “Ang Galing DITO” not only thrilled the audience but also inspired them with its powerful message of celebrating local talents and diversity.

Galing DITO ambassadors Alamat energized the Palarong Pambansa 2024 opening ceremony with a spectacular performance of *Ang Galing DITO.*

Evelyn Jimenez, DITO chief revenue officer for consumer business highlighted, “Our campaign GalingDITO which perfectly aligns with Palarong Pambansa celebrates undiscovered talents, champions diversity, and empowers more Filipinos to showcase their galing in a diverse mix of passions, giving local artists a powerful platform to showcase their talents.” Jimenez also noted, “Palarong Pambansa 2024 is anticipated to be a true celebration of the galing ng Pilipino. This event is not just about competition; it is about coming together as a nation to honor and elevate the collective achievements and diverse talents of the Filipino people.”

Making DITO’s products more accessible to Cebuanos and delegates, DITO also set up activation booths in the Cebu City Sports Center, billeting quarters, and sporting venues where they had the chance to explore and learn more about DITO’s value-for-money mobile and home products such as mobile prepaid’s Level-Up Socials, mobile postpaid’s most affordable FLEXPlan 388 SIM-Only, and DITO Home’s Unli 5G and Prepaid Home WiFi. The booths also provided exciting freebies to new subscribers.

Palarong Pambansa athletes and delegates had the chance to check out DITO’s affordable products and services.

The Palarong Pambansa ended with a closing ceremony on July 16, recognizing the winners in various sports and acknowledging the participation and dedication of all young athletes in showcasing their true galing in their respective fields.

Palarong Pambansa closing ceremony parade on July 16 held at Cebu City Sports Center.

Through DITO’s innovative offerings and steadfast support to Palarong Pambansa, the young telco has empowered young athletes to reach new heights, reflecting the company’s dedication to nurturing Filipino talents nationwide.

For more information and updates, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok, or visit https://dito.ph/.