ISSUE.199
11-12.21
72
Cover Girl Xiaomi couldn’t have picked a more fitting ambassador for its latest campaign than apuso star and illennial It girl Gabbi Garcia. Read more about how Gabbi stays true to herself and owns her style.
78
People@Speed Meet Filipino software engineer oel ryan uliano, who developed a programming language with Tagalog synta .
Olympics.com
hotspot
Cover Story Here’s a rundown of the devices, games, and streaming media that not only made headlines in 2021, but also made our current situation better, or at least more bearable, one way or another.
EVERY MONTH 6 Outbox 8 Contributors/ Staff box 86 Billboard 89 Mobile Buyer's Guide 96 Before You Go TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
gabbi garcia for Xiaomi
gift guide for kids
Cultivate their curiosity, creativity, and more
69
Here are some fun, smart, and thoughtful gift ideas for kids to help them curb cabin fever and take their online learning to the next level.
e give you five reasons why you should consider watching Eternals on the big screen.
Holiday Gift Guide
2
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Press Play
THE HEADLINE MAKERS OF THE YEAR
ISSN 1655-9827
NOVEMBERDECEMBER 2021
63
HoLt ist 2021
GABBI GARCIA for Xiaomi Image courtesy of XIAOMI PHILIPPINES Stylist CATH SOBREVEGA Hair MARK ROSALES Makeup JASON DELOS REYES
ISSUE.199
11-12.21
trending
proving ground
columns
Tech Frontiers It looks like the future is going to be a avorful one should we someday find ourselves exploring— or living on—the ed Planet, thanks to Heinz and the Aldrin Space Institute.
Tested Hot products we tested this issue: Apple MacBook Pro ro , Infini ero X Pro, realme Book, Apple Watch Series 7, and more.
12
manual
Click Here
Games You’ll never run out of games to play this Christmas break. See our list of games that will help keep you occupied during the holidays.
16
Arsenal A green PC headlines the list of new, shiny toys in this issue.
4
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Technosphere Tech guru adjo Sevilla thinks Apple’s new MacBook Pros change the game for high end computing.
Looking for tasty recipes, DIY decorations, arts and crafts for the holiday? Or maybe you simply want to embrace the fun of the season? Check out the Instagram accounts we listed on pages 12 and 13..
14
42
How To We give you tips on how to dispose of your old devices safely, register your business without leaving your home, and raise your online marketing game.
43
All About the UX Got video call anxiety? You are definitely not alone. Tri ie eyna Benedicto tells us what causes it and how we can manage it.
44
Game on Jovi Figueroa pens a letter dedicated to all the lovers, haters, and undecided gamers who share a love hate relationship with Genshin Impact.
THANK YOU, 2021.
HELLO, 2022!
lmost two years into the pandemic, many are still seeing their lives and routines disrupted: prolonged school closures, loss of jobs and livelihood, sickness and death, mental health challenges. But there’s hope—a light at the end of the tunnel, if you will—even if it’s still quite hard to see now. Think about it: around this time last year, we were in the midst of a lockdown and it was shaping up to be a dreary Christmas. This year, things are a bit more different. While 2021 has been an unpredictable and rough ride, the last few months have been a respite of sorts. You see hope in the numbers: COVID cases are going down, vaccination numbers are going up, and the economy is slowly opening up again.
6
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
nd for the first time in a long time, minors—especially young children— are given the chance to be kids again (with minimum health and safety protocols in place, of course). There’s a wonderful feeling of renewal at the end of one year and the beginning of the next. We have more experience than we did the year before and—hopefully— we’re a little wiser and better equipped for the coming one. For sure, 2022 will bring its own challenges, but we’ve more or less proved that we can carry on during a minor apocalypse. And so let’s celebrate this so-called “most wonderful time of the year” and welcome 2022 with faith, hope, and love. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF katrina@speedmagazine.ph
EDITORIAL
editorial@speedmagazine.ph EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Rivere-Diga | katrina@speedmagazine.ph ASSOCIATE EDITOR Justine Punzalan | justine@speedmagazine.ph CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Andy Leuterio, Gadjo Sevilla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anjon Galauran, Ayie Licsi, Jovi Figueroa, Pat Calica, Trixie Reyna-Benedicto
DESIGN
CRE ATIVE CONSULTANTS John Paul Dizon Carmela Balitaan FINAL ARTIST Arnaldo G. Santos
SALES & MARKE TING
GET YOUR TECH AND LIFESTYLE FIX ONLINE. Download the free digital copy of Speed from speedmagazine.ph, ISSUU, and Magzter.
SENIOR SALES MANAGER James B. Orlanda | james@speedmagazine.ph ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Mia C. Morales | mia@speedmagazine.ph
marketing@speedmagazine.ph
PRODUC TION OFFICER Kate Villareal | production@speedmagazine.ph HRD OFFICER Lala Nañola-Talob | lala@speedmagazine.ph
PUBLISHER Airo Media International, Inc.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021
TESTED
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G Huawei nova 8i Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 OPPO Reno6 Z 5G Nissan Terra Logitech G335
Acing education through esports Meet HU Storm bottom laner Maykel Gonzales
CAR TECH THAT’S WORTH THE HYPE Future-proof your ride
Heart Evangelista for XTREME Appliances The face of modern Filipino lifestyle
THE COUNTRY’S LEADING ONE-STOP SHOP APPLIANCE BRAND
SEPTEMBEROCTOBER 2021
ISSN 1655-9827
ADMIN | PRODUC TION
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE
CEO/PRESIDENT Marcos A. Sosmeña | nmsosmena@speedmagazine.ph CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Susan M. Sosmeña | smsosmena@speedmagazine.ph LEGAL COUNSEL Tolentino Corvera Macasaet & Reig C TP AND LITHOGRAPHY Megatone Printhauz, Inc.
MAGAZINE
Speed is published monthly by Airo Media International, Inc. Address all correspondence to 123 Gen. Ordoñez St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City 1810. Our telephone numbers are (02) 8374-6771 to 73.
All rights reserved. Speed is a registered trademark of Airo Media International, Inc. (AMII). Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AMII and its officers and management. While every care is taken to ensure that the content of Speed is accurate, the publisher and printer assume no responsibility for any effect from errors or omissions arising therefrom. Likewise, the advertisers in this magazine are separate and independent from AMII. AMII does not in any way warrant or guarantee the accuracy or genuineness of the contents provided by the advertisers and AMII shall not be responsible for any false information or misdeclaration provided therein.
8
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
speedmagazine.ph
/SpeedMagazinePH
@speedmagazine
RED SAUCE ON THE RED PLANET Remember those potatoes in The Martian that Matt Damon’s character worked so hard to grow? Maybe he should have planted tomatoes, too. Because what's the point of french fries on Mars if you don't have anything to dip them in? Well, it looks like the future is going to be a flavorful one should we someday nd ourselves exploring or living on the ed lanet. That s because ein has produced ketchup made with tomatoes that were grown under carefully controlled soil temperature and water conditions that mimic the environment on Mars. In space we have a saying it s not about the food it s about the sauce we could choose what food we wanted to eat up there but lots of the dishes came dehydrated and a little bit bland so a good dollop of sauce always made your meals delicious said Mike Massimino former A A astronaut. The not available for purchase ein Mar dition ketchup was the result of a nine month collaboration between the ittsburgh based ketchup maker and biologists at the Aldrin pace Institute at lorida Tech. efore now most efforts around discovering ways to grow in Martian simulated conditions are short term plant growth studies. What this pro ect has done is look at long term food harvesting. Achieving a crop that is of a uality to become I Tomato etchup was the dream result and we achieved it. And working with the Tomato Masters at I has allowed us to see what the possibilities are for long term food production beyond arth says r. Andrew almer Aldrin pace Institute.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
9
TECH FRONTIERS
CASHIER-LESS CAFE
NISSAN BRAIN TO PERFORMANCE
A CLOSER LOOK AT A RACING DRIVER’S BRAIN
Starbucks has opened its first ever cashier less cafe that utili es ma on’s ust alk ut shopping technology. Same as any Starbucks branch, the Starbucks Pickup on 58th Street, ew York City offers the caf ’s full menu and has a team of baristas preparing every drink. It also has a lounge area with individual workspaces and large tables with power outlets and S ports. The difference is that this time, customers who would like a contact less e perience would have to pre order their drink on the Starbucks app and choose the store at th between ark e w ma on o as their desired location.
10
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
hat also sets this new Starbucks ickup apart is that it has an ma on o market area where customers can purchase a curated selection of customer favorites such as salads, sandwiches, bakery items, and snack options. Starbucks customers can enter the area using the In Store Code found in the ma on Shopping app, ma on ne, or a credit card. ith ma on’s machine learning technology and I powered cameras installed in the store, anything that the customers take off the shelf is added to their virtual cart, while anything they put back is deleted from their list. fter the customer leaves the ma on o market, their card will be charged and they can access their receipt within a few hours. ma on first launched its cashier less tech in an ma on o store in Seattle in .
The program, called issan rain to erformance, uses advanced brain imaging and analysis to determine the anatomical specifics of high performance, professional drivers. The program aims to develop bespoke, optimi ed training to enhance the brain functions and anatomy related to driving and racing. The program will be coordinated by ucian heorghe, a leader in the field of brain analysis and training, and a driving force behind issans forward looking research on how to better build the connection between people and issan vehicles. The first stage of the new program will involve detailed analysis and testing of the ormula racers brain functions, compared against a control group of average , non racing drivers. ll drivers will perform a range of tasks on state of the art driving simulators while their brain activity is monitored and recorded. ased on the results, a bespoke driver training program involving electrical brain stimulation will be developed with the aim of improving driver performance.
DS JUSTINE PUNZALAN
nce they reach the store, they can find their drinks waiting for them at the counter or, if it’s still in progress, listed on the digital screen above the counter.
very tenth of a second is crucial in a car race. It can spell the difference between a podium finish and disaster. So to improve the performance of its ormula drivers Sebastien uemi and liver owland, issan otor Co., td. launched an innovative program focused on brain function and anatomy research, training, and development to better understand how the drivers’ brains work.
CLICK HERE!
These accounts will give you some holiday inspo ideas The days are getting shorter and colder. Christmas carols fill the air. If you’re looking for tasty recipes, DIY decorations, arts and crafts, or just want to embrace the fun of the holiday season, check out these Instagram accounts to make your feed feel more festive— and get some holiday inspiration while you’re at it.
Studio DIY
@studiodiy Los Angeles-based blogger Kelly Mindell is a mom who loves colors. She started Studio DIY to share her love for celebrating, but over the years, her blog has evolved into so much more. Around this time of the year, you’ll see her feed filled with festive— and very colorful—DIY ideas to help you celebrate in style. Head on over to her blog (studiodiy.com), click on the ‘Christmas’ tab at the top, to see more Christmas crafts, gift ideas, and recipes for such beautiful treats as Santa hat cupcakes and technicolor rainbow unicorn Christmas tree cookie bars.
12
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
CLICK HERE!
Half Baked Harvest
@halfbakedharvest First, a warning: don’t check this out on an empty stomach. Food photographer, stylist, recipe developer, and author Tieghan erard is the woman behind the alf aked arvest Instagram account and blog . er feed is a delightful mi of savory, sweet, healthy, and indulgent recipes that are just mouth-watering to look at. aving friends over for some cocktails Try out her simple creamy coconut white Christmas mojito recipe.
Inspired by Charm
@inspiredbycharm One look at the feed of interior designer, cook, and DIYer Michael Wurm Jr. and you’ll instantly find yourself in a festive mood. The writer behind the lifestyle blog Inspired by Charm posts gorgeous living room Christmas decor and seasonal recipes on his IG account. He has an eclectic design style, combining the old and the new, as well clean lines and bold colors.
Christmas Who
@christmaswho This I account has a yearly countdown to Christmas so you’ll always know how many sleeps you have left before the big day. Posting of holiday-themed photos with accompanying captions usually starts on September 16—the day that marks 100 days before Christmas. Gorgeous tablescape, ornaments, wrapped gifts, and more adorn this spirit filled feed.
Handmade Charlotte
@handmadecharlotte ollow achel aucett, the mom of five behind the Handmade Charlotte blog (handmadecharlotte.com) and Instagram account, and you’ll never be short on craft and decor inspiration—not just for Christmas but all year long. In many of her DIY crafts, Faucett—who also designs for brands like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn Kids—uses lots of materials you can find lying around the house. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
13
GAMES
Games to keep you occupied during the holidays WOR DS J OVI FI GUER OA
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One
NOVEMBER 5
NOVEMBER 16
Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Can you believe that after 17 games, Call of Duty still continues to top the charts when it comes to FPS games? This time, we’re headed to various locations across the globe during World War II, where we witness the birth of the special forces. While the campaign cutscenes look stunningly real, the appeal of Call of Duty: Vanguard (like all its predecessors) lies in its multiplayer content. or the first time, players can customi e their multiplayer matchmaking from the regular 6v6 lobby to a more intense 24v24 combat. But the biggest draw for us: the return of the cooperative Zombies mode.
Battlefield 2042
Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S NOVEMBER 19
After the Open Beta in October, Battlefield 2042 is finally here. or the first time ever, the campaign is solely multiplayer, and features cross platform play. Set in a world devastated by climate change, you are forced to battle it out on a gigantic map that is almost impossible to traverse on foot. Good thing there is on demand vehicle air drop, and an interesting new Plus system where players can customi e their weapons on the y. iterally short range to long range in a click.
14
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One ore than five years after Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter, rogwares is back with their very first open world iteration of the beloved franchise. In Sherlock Holmes Chapter One, you play the origin story of young Sherlock, as he investigates a mystery and uncovers a sinister conspiracy following his mother's death. In true Sherlock fashion, the investigations make up the core part of the gameplay where you track down clues, investigate crime scenes, and talk to possibly lying suspects. Just be smart about it because your decisions will impact not just the case, but the overall outcome of the game. Elementary!
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition
Farming Simulator 22
NOVEMBER 11
NOVEMBER 22
Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Microsoft Windows, Mac, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS
To celebrate a decade of Skyrim, Bethesda launches this remastered version of the 2011 classic packed with around 500 new gameplay elements for Skyrim, making it perfect for first timers and long time fans returning to the game.
The AAA Agriculture game we have been waiting for is here! Giants Software is ready to release their newest farming pu le game, better and bolder this time after taking into consideration the feedback they have received from the fans.
The Anniversary Edition comes with the Dawnguard, earthfire, and Dragonborn expansions; 26 new Creation Club mods, plus new Fishing capabilities, Survival Mode, and new quests with Saints and Seducers. If you already own the Special Edition, you can upgrade to the Anniversary Edition for the additional content. Sweet!
or the first time, we’re getting the four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter; ama ing new crops to plant, such as sorghum; and over 400 pieces of machinery that will allow players to take their virtual farming experiences to a whole new level. Let’s get plowing!
ARSENAL
Make your green mark Acer Aspire Vero
16
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
ACER ASPIRE VERO
Tech companies have come up with different ways to become more eco-friendly—from making gadgets easier to upgrade and repair to reducing packaging in order to prevent plastic and other materials from heading straight to land lls. Global tech giant Acer heeds the call and has come up with the new Acer Aspire ero. This green laptop is the rst manifestation of Acer’s Earthion mission, which aims to tackle environmental challenges by uniting the strengths of its employees and supply chain partners, and expanding the circle of impact of its sustainability efforts. The Aspire ero A is the rst consumer laptop in Acer s new sustainable range, aimed to reduce waste by including eco-friendly packaging and components made from recyclable plastics. The laptop’s chassis is composed of 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, which Acer claims cuts CO2 emissions by 21% for the production of that part. Meanwhile, the keycaps also contain 50% PCR plastic, and the Aspire Vero’s award-winning 100% recyclable packaging can be repurposed as a I laptop stand. The ero also boasts of a recyclable . inch I display. The eco-friendly laptop runs Windows 11 and is powered by 11th-gen Intel ore processors and Intel Iris raphics. When working on less demanding tasks, Acer’s new VeroSense software gives users the option of selecting a usage mode that has been optimi ed for energy efficiency and battery life. or connectivity this laptop has Wi i a Type port and two Type A ports. Acer True armony and Acer uri ed oice with AI noise reduction allow for crystal clear conference calls.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
17
ARSENAL
TECH LOOK
COOL CHRISTMAS
After the cancelled annual barkada Christmas get-together last year, you and your friends will finally be able to observe your holiday tradition again.
Keep warm amid the cool breeze in this (2) H&M Smiley Regular Fit Hoodie (P1,490), a graphic printed pull-over hoodie with kangaroo pockets.
While you’re all fully vaxxed, you should still observe minimum health protocols. Step out wearing the (1) Razer Zephyr (£99.99), the brand’s RGB N95 mask. Beyond the straight-outa-video-game design, this mask comes with two huge air chambers that each have a two-speed dual intake fan built in. It’s also FDAregistered and lab-tested for 99% BFE, proving that it offers greater protection compared to standard disposable/cloth masks.
Slip on these artsy (3) Vans x MOCA Old Skool (P5,498) sneakers, a collaboration between Vans and The Museum of Contemporary Art. It features an allover print of Frances Stark’s artwork, “A Hundred Years From Now You Too Could Have Nothing!”
18
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Don’t worry if the party venue is dimly lit—the camera of the (4) Tecno Mobile Camon 18 Premier (P15,990) can still capture all the fun and festivities thanks to features such as super night mode, night portrait video, and an all-new ultrasteady gimbal camera.
ARSENAL
TECH LOOK
COFFEE WEATHER
hether you’re attending a virtual meeting at home or working at the o ce, always make time for a coffee break. It’s a uick way to rela and unwind, perk up your mood, and boost productivity.
Bring along this (2) ONLY Soho Faux Suede Coatigan (P2,659) in ash rose in case the air gets a bit chilly.
Step out and breathe some fresh air. Wear something super-soft and comfortable like the (1) Old Navy EveryWear Graphic Crew-Neck Tee (P795) that’s made of 100% cotton.
Finish off your look with a pair of (3) ALDO Kedira Cat Eye Sunglasses (P995) with light tinted lenses and nonmoulded silicone nose pads.
Now you’re ready to have some me time at that nice alfresco cafe near your place. (4) The OPPO A55 (P9,999) is equipped with a 6.51-inch display and a huge 5,000mAh battery—ideal for watching an episode (or two) of your favorite series while you sip your cafe latte.
20
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Hear the dialogue loud and clear with the help of these wireless (5) AudioTechnica ATH-SQ1TW ($80) earbuds featuring a custom 5.8mm driver for big sound and low latency connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 to help eliminate any potential audio lag.
ARSENAL
TECH LOOK
READY TO FACE THE WORLD AGAIN
You’ve spent the last 20 or so months at home, only stepping out for essential travel. But now that the world is slowly opening up again, you’re also ready to face the world, albeit—of course—with all the necessary precautions to avoid getting or spreading the virus. Look classy with the help of the (1) realme Beard Trimmer Plus (P1,990). This IPX7-rated trimmer comes with two limit combs, which can be set up with 40 length settings to allow you to trim your beard to any style you want.
Pair it with the versatile and classic (3) Levi’s Men’s 505 Regular Jeans (P3,999.50) that suits all body types and goes with pretty much everything.
Put on this I Wa e Long Sleeve T-Shirt (P990) with a Henley neckline for a relaxed military-style look.
Take photos with fresh ideas and new perspectives using this (4) Leica Q2 007 Edition ($7,995) camera that celebrates the latest Bond movie, No Time to Die. It comes with an Ocean Green leather-wrapped body and features a top plate with the 007 logo and the iconic Bond gun barrel design on the lens cap. It even comes with a handcrafted carrying case from Globe-Trotter.
22
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
INTRA-MATIC AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH SWISS MADE
Official Service Center: WATCHWORKS. 2/F ALI MALL, Araneta Center, Quezon City
ARSENAL
MOBILE DEVICES
FLAGSHIP-GRADE CAMERA
Huawei nova 9
Designed for today’s young, media-savvy smartphone users, the midrange uawei nova comes with agship grade camera tech. Huawei equipped the nova 9 with a 50MP Ultra Vision Camera powered by the YY color filter array C and D usion ngine to enhance the uality of photos with rich detail and lesser noise in low light shooting. The YY color filter array provides improvement of the amount of light, while the D usion engine inherited uawei’s agship image algorithm, including I brightening and anti distortion. The quad-camera system is further enhanced with an 8MP ultra-wide angle, depth, and macro shooters. The nova also comes with a selfie camera that can record videos with resolution, a . inch curved display with up to refresh rate, and a m h battery with SuperCharge technology. owered by ualcomm Snapdragon mobile platform, of , of storage, and , m h battery with uawei SuperCharge technology.
BETTER PERFORMANCE FOR LESS
Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro
oogle’s newest phones—the i el and ro —are powered by no less than the company’s custom-developed Tensor chip, which takes after the Tensor rocessing nits T oogle uses in its data centers. This nm SoC allows the phones to run smoother and launch apps faster with up to performance increase over its predecessor, the i el . Designed specifically around the i el phones’ artificial intelligence, the Tensor chip takes mobile photography to a new level. oth phones have a megapi el . inch Samsung sensor that combines pi els for a final . image. It’s a big improvement from i el ’s main camera, as it can capture percent more light, with its f . aperture. oth i els also come with ultrawide lenses, while the ro has an additional telephoto lens with optical oom. The i el ’s selfie shooter is with an degree field of view, while the ro’s is . with degrees for easier group selfies. The i el ro is fitted with a . inches T D display, while the i el has a smaller . inch p D with up to refresh rate. oth are protected by orilla lass ictus. 24
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
MOBILE DEVICES
AFFORDABLE 5G
a
0
ooking for an affordable phone is easier these days. nd if you’re a okia fan, this one’s for you. The okia is the brand’s most affordable phone yet. riced at , this phone is powered by a ualcomm Snapdragon chipset and comes with of and of storage. It’s e uipped with a . inch I S CD and a , m h battery with fast charging. The circular camera design at the back houses the main, ultrawide, and depth sensors. In front is an selfie camera. You can get it in idnight Sun or cean lue.
HOURS OF FUN AND GAMES
fi
t
Infini disrupts the leaderboard in the below , gaming phone category with its latest budget gaming phone, the ot S. This phone is powered by a ediaTek elio octa core processor paired with either or and comes with or internal storage. The ot Its .
S provides hours of fun, games, and productivity with its m h battery with support for wired charging and Dar link for game optimi ation.
inch ull D
CD display with refresh rate and touch response rate should make for a better gaming and scrolling e perience.
Infini also e uipped the ot S with triple rear cameras a rear camera, depth sensor, and an I lens. n selfie camera is housed in a punch hole on the top center of the display. The Infini
ot
S is priced at
,
for the
variant and
,
for the
variant.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 202
25
ARSENAL
LAPTOPS
LUDICROUSLY POWERFUL
MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max Last year's M1 MacBook Pro models refreshed the devices' internals, but Apple supercharged everything this year with the blisteringly fast MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max. The new model comes in two sizes—14 inches and 16 inches—with a heap of features designed for developers lmmakers music producers or anyone who needs hefty power for their tasks. According to Apple, the M1 Pro chipset features up-to-10 core CPU and up-to-16-core GPU that enable the MacBook Pro to deliver up to 70 percent faster CPU and up to 2x faster GPU performance than last year’s model. Meanwhile, the M1 Max features the same powerful 10-core CPU as the M1 Pro, and doubles the GPU with up to 32 cores for up to 4x faster GPU performance than M1. It also has up to 400GB of memory bandwidth—2x that of M1 Pro and nearly 6x that of M and up to of fast uni ed memory.
As rumored previously, the Touch Bar is no more with these new MacBook Pros. Instead, the function keys make a comeback in this year’s model. MagSafe charging has returned, too. The MacBook Pro sports a Liquid Retina XDR display, a new ProMotion technology, adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera placed in a notch, and a sixspeaker Dolby Atmos sound system. The new MacBook Pro comes in two colors—Space Gray and Silver—with a price tag of at least P116,990 for the 14-inch model and P146,990 for the 16-inch.
26
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
WORDS JUSTINE PUNZALAN
These new chipsets are backed with storage ranging from 512GB to 8TB (yes, 8TB— that’s not a typo!) that uses a faster SSD capable of up to 7.4GB/s read speeds.
ARSENAL
CARS
RUGGEDLY HANDSOME
Kia Sorento
The bigger and bolder fourth generation ia orento is here and its the rst model in the country to sport the new Kia logo. This sleek seven-seater SUV is available in two variants: the Sorento 4×2 SX 8DCT (P2,588,000) and the Sorento 4×2 EX 8DCT (P2,398,000). Both are equipped with a 2.2-liter SmartStream CRDi capable of 199hp and up to 441Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s a smart vehicle, with advanced safety features including blind spot view monitor, 360-degree surround view camera, rear cross and forward collision assist, and lane keep assist available for the SX variant. The SX also gets a 12.3” LCD instrument cluster and wireless mobile phone charger. tandard features across the range include an touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, a power tailgate, and six airbags.
28
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
CARS
STYLISH, SMART, TURBOCHARGED SEDAN
Nissan Almera
Small engine, big muscle—that’s the all-new Nissan Almera. The subcompact sedan is powered by a new 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo engine capable of 99hp. The two T variants produce m while the two variants with a ve speed manual gearbox produce 160Nm. To help save on fuel, the CVT variants come with an idling stop system. or the rst time in the passenger car segment the all new Almera comes with issan Intelligent Mobility IM . The and models get the intelligent around view monitor with moving ob ect detection forward collision warning and intelligent emergency braking. The however gets more goodies blind spot warning rear cross traffic alert and six airbags. The all new Almera features lower wider and longer exterior dimensions using issans motional Geometry design language. There’s a new V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped headlamps and tail lamps kick up pillars and a floating roof. Inside you ll nd a inch T T meter with integrated drive assist display black leather interiors with contrast stitching, and a new D-shaped steering wheel with hands-free controls. The and Android Auto
trims get an inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple ar lay sorry no luetooth and six speakers. The base trim has a standard head unit luetooth and four speakers.
The issan Almera starts at
for the for the top spec
Turbo MT and goes all the way up to Turbo port T.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
29
ARSENAL
CARS
HIGH-TECH UPGRADE
GAC GS8
The refreshed model of A s flagship the is now e uipped with more tech and safety features and looks more robust than ever. While it has retained the dimensions of its predecessor the sports exterior upgrades such as larger intake vents with chrome trim on the front bumper a new front skidplate in a silver nish to enhance its muscular look. The rear also has a silver nished skid plate. Inside a mix of piano black and wood trim adorns the dashboard and door panels. Theres also a inch display with Apple ar lay as well as six arman ardon speakers. There are ports and a wireless charging pad cupholders mood lighting and a panoramic sunroof. The seats are wrapped in Alcantara leather and the heated and ventilated front seats come with ad ustable lumbar support and memory function. econd row passengers bene t from seats with lumbar support a separate A controller and a volt port and electric outlet. Meanwhile the third row seats can be folded flat so you can carry more cargo. When it comes to safety and convenience the has plenty to offer anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution brake assist traction control system a degree camera parking sensors ngerprint sensor door lock tire pressure monitoring system anti glare rearview mirror a power tailgate and airbags. owering this midsi e is a . liter turbocharged engine that puts out hp and and is mated to an Aisin speed intelligent all wheel drive gearbox. The
30
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
A
is available in two variants and .
ports
m
CARS
MORE MUSCLE
MG ZS T
The latest version of MG Philippines’ popular subcompact crossover boasts of new looks, updated tech, and a new turbocharged powertrain. Joining the MG ZS Alpha AT, Style AT, and Core MT variants is the new top-spec variant MG ZST. And yup, that “T” stands for the turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 160hp and 230Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual sports mode, this lets you enjoy smooth efficient delivery of power to the wheels. The P1,158,888 ZST comes with a new Obsidian Matrix grille and full-LED projector headlights. Adding to the vehicles sportier appearance are a wider front air dam, 17-inch two-tone Tomahawk wheels wrapped in low pro le tires, and red brake calipers. The sporty look continues inside with ne red stitching on the seats and trim, and red embroidered MG monograms on the driver and front passenger headrests. Commutes and road trips are made more fun with the new 10.1-inch infotainment system and six-speaker setup. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, rear air conditioner vents, multiple storage compartments, and a dedicated USB port behind the rear view mirror for a neater dashcam installation.
BLAZING A TRAIL
Chevy Trailblazer The Trailblazer, formerly a midsize SUV, is now available in our market in compact-crossover form. Powering the all-new Trailblazer is a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbo that produces 155hp and 236Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a Continuously Variable Transmission. It comes with a suite of safety features, as well as enhanced stability control, and driver assistance systems. Inside, there’s an 8-inch Chevrolet MyLink with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. There’s also a 6-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, heated front seats, push-button start, keyless entry, and a hands-free tailgate. The Trailblazer is available in two variants: Trailblazer LT (P1,488,888) and Trailblazer Premier (P1,621,888).
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
31
ARSENAL
CARS
QUENCH THAT ADVENTURE THIRST
Honda CB500X
The all-new Honda CB500X is a big bike ready for all adventures—on and off road. This expressway-legal dual-sports adventure bike is powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC parallel twin engine, capable of churning out 35.0kW at 8,500rpm and 43.2Nm at 6,500 rpm. Shifting gears is made easy by the same assist and slipper clutch found on the 2021 model. It’s got a 17.7L fuel tank capacity, and it consumes just a liter of fuel for every 28 kilometers. It’s equipped with dual-disc front brakes, 19-inch aluminum front wheel, Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD Forks front suspension, Prolink Mono with a 5-stage pre-load adjuster, and steel hollow cross swing arm rear suspension. Available in two colors—Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic—the striking and aggressive-looking CB500X is priced at P380,000.
32
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
p.38 APPLE MACBOOK PRO M1 PRO
RETURN TO PRO
p.34
APPLE WATCH SERIES 7
p.35
REALME TECHLIFE ROBOT VACUUM
p. 36
INFINIX ZERO X PRO
p.39
REALME BOOK
p.40
MOBILE PIXELS DUEX PLUS
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
33
TESTED
PRODUCT TEST NO.
2336 THE NUMBERS PROCESSOR S7 with 64bit dual-core processor OS watchOS 8 STORAGE 32GB DISPLAY 1.69-inch always-on Retina LTPO OLED (41mm model) 1.9-inch alwayson Retina LTPO OLED (45mm model) CONNECTIVITY Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, LTE and UMTS (for GPS + cellular models) SENSORS accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max PRICE 41mm: starts at P22,990 45mm: starts at P24,990
MODEST BUT NOTABLE UPGRADE
Apple Watch Series 7 WOR DS GADJO CAR D E N AS S E V IL L A
pple’s latest wearable fortifies construction with a more crack resistant front crystal, plus water resistance and I dust resistance, allowing it to withstand hot environments like the beach or desert. That said, we still suggest getting a protective case if you plan to take it on more e treme sports or locations. The new mm and mm si es of the pple atch are nearly identical in dimension to the previous models but offer thinner borders and have more than screen area than the Series .
pple atch now offers casual cyclists useful features like fall detection during cycling activities. It can even alert emergency services if the rider does not indicate they are okay. The nearly borderless display allows for more panoramic watch faces as well as a TY keyboard for typing or swiping te t messages—a first for pple atch.
ven e bike riders get some love with the pple atch that offers improved calorie calculation for e bikes. e’re not yet sure e actly how this will work, but we e pect it will use a combination of your historic heart rate during workouts, resting heart rate, current heart rate, and pace to work out how much effort you’re putting into your battery assisted ride.
hile no new sensors were announced this year, the Series still has a wide range of health tracking features, including the ability to measure blood o ygen level, which can help in diagnosing effects of C ID .
The larger display means the watch is more vulnerable to damage, so pple made the front crystal thicker, boosted the I certification for dust resistance, and maintained the water resistance from the previous model. ll these work together to create a more resilient and durable pple atch.
The pple atch is the hub of pple’s multiple fitness subscription features. I don’t subscribe to the fitness service but actively use the watch to track walks, bike rides, workouts, and use the information to push myself. pple rates the Series to last up to hours, which is the same battery life rating for its predecessor. hile that’s a bummer, it’s worth noting that the Series now charges up to percent faster than the Series . That means you can go from to after just minutes of charging. from to percent after just minutes of charging.
GEEK METER SPEED SAYS
DIMENSIONS Case size: 41 or 45mm Case thickness: 10.7mm
34
All in all, the Apple Watch Series 7 is a modest but notable upgrade over the Series 6. The biggest benefits are improved materials, larger screens, faster charging (with a new charger), and improved dust resistance.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
8.5
PRODUCT TEST NO.
2337 THE NUMBERS SUCTION POWER 500Pa (quiet), 1200P (normal), 2500Pa (turbo), 3000Pa (max) DUST BIN CAPACITY 600ml WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz NOISE <55dB (quiet mode) BATTERY 5200mAh PRICE P16,990
DUST UP YOUR CLEANING WOES
realme TechLife Robot Vacuum WO RD S KAT R IN A R IV E R E- D IGA
Sweeping and mopping the oor is a basic but tedious household chore. Thankfully, technology offers a helping hand in the form of robot vacuum cleaners like the realme Tech ife obot acuum.
ecause of the protruding module, you might have to find yourself pulling the unit out from under a table or a sofa every once in a while.
The robot vacuum uses iDar laser navigation for precise movement and organi ed cleaning paths. apping is generally accurate and the vacuum moves e ciently and uickly, avoiding most obstacles.
The realme Tech ife obot acuum offers more than your regular vacuuming. It also has a mop function, which is great for a more thorough oor cleaning. owever, the mopping kit needs to be purchased separately—and as of press time, it isn’t being offered by realme hilippines.
There are two physical buttons on the robot the power button for starting and stopping, and the home button so you can send the unit back to its dock to charge.
n the front are the sensors and a pressure sensitive bumper, while at the back is the removable ml dust bin.
The large m h battery means the unit can clean continuously for up to minutes or hours.
The robot vacuum cleaner sports dual side brushes and up to a of suction power. Do note, however, that the ma setting is uite loud. or daily cleaning, the normal or turbo modes should be su cient.
ike all robot vacuum cleaners, this one needs fre uent maintenance in terms of keeping the dustbin clean and the brushes free of tangles.
ssembling and setting this up is pretty easy as long as you read the included manual. Setting everything up can be done through the realme ink app, which is the main hub to set and control the cleaner. You can manually select specific presets and even pa suction power.
GEEK METER SPEED SAYS Automating household chores allows us to have more time for more important stuff—and this is what devices like the realme TechLife robot vacuum cleaner offer. How can you say no to that?
8
WEIGHT 3.3kg
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
35
TESTED
PRODUCT TEST NO.
2338 THE NUMBERS OS XOS 7.6 Android 11 DISPLAY 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate CPU MediaTek Helio G95 MEMORY 8GB STORAGE 128GB built-in, microSD card CAMERA 108MP + 8MP + 8MP rear, 16MP front CONNECTIVITY 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPS PRICE P14,990
A STAR IN THE MAKING WORD S
fi
e
Infini is taking midrange smartphones to the ne t level with one of its ashiest offerings yet the Infini ero ro. or its price, this device hosts some impressive specs that you’ll often see in high end phones, including an eye catching design, a rear camera, and a refresh rate display. It is also propped as the ideal mate for moon watchers and mobile photographers alike, for its Super oom oonshot camera. ut how does it fare as an all around mobile device
The Infini ero ro’s rear shooters are impressive and fun to use. The camera can capture small details—even the folds on my pug’s face—in high uality and this feature translates to ight ode, too.
The ero ro’s star studded ebula lack rear glitters under the light and gives off a subtle sheen when in the dark. Surprisingly, the back of the phone isn’t a fingerprint magnet even though the rear is re ective. Still, I used the case that came in the phone’s bo because, although it feels sturdy, I was worried about scratching the stunning rear design.
It’s a pretty tall phone given its . inch display and, at the same time, lighter than most phones its si e because of its plastic build.
ead on. I don’t really have a great view of the moon from my house, but I tried snapping photos outside with ight ode. I was impressed with how bright the photo turned out but when I tried ooming in to snap a shot of the moon, I was left underwhelmed with the oom as it got blurry by .
Scrolling through apps and streaming movies on the ero ro’s display is pleasurable, thanks to its D resolution and refresh rate. I found myself turning up every YouTube video to fps or the highest resolution possible because the screen was vibrant. udio, however, was lackluster—the speakers could use more punch.
The Infini ero ro is powered by a ediaTek elio chipset and runs on ndroid with S auncher baked on top. Its skin might not be everybody’s cup of tea, with its icons and font that don’t look as sleek as other smartphones’ I design. uckily, the launcher offers themes with a more stylish aesthetic.
I used this phone to play ok mon nite and it provided decent performance. Its immersive display and , m h battery kept me playing for hours on end. ith the charger, the ero ro charges from under to full battery in an hour.
SPEED SAYS
DIMENSIONS 164.1 x 75.7 x 7.8mm, 193g
36
If you’re a budding phone-tographer looking for a smartphone camera to help you get into the habit, the Infinix Zero X Pro can be a decent choice, especially if you’re on a budget. Its stylish design will also suit your liking if you’re keen on looks.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
7.5
TESTED
PRODUCT TEST NO.
2339 THE NUMBERS OS macOS Monterey DISPLAY 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, 3456 x 2234 resolution PROCESSOR Apple M1 Pro MEMORY 16GB STORAGE Up to 8TB SSD CAMERA 1080p CONNECTIVITY & PORTS 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, SDXC card slot, HDMI port, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port, 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) PRICE Starts at P146,990 *The unit reviewed here was released in the U.S. market.
MAC TO THE FUTURE
16” Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro WOR D S GADJO CAR D E N AS S E V IL L A
There are few objects whose very form and design tell you everything you need to know about their purpose. A Formula 1 car, a SpaceX Rocket—there’s no mistaking what these are for. The same goes for the newly redesigned M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pros.
Apple’s done a complete 180° turn away from the thin and tapered MacBooks of the past with their lack of ports and miserable and problematic keyboards. The 16-inch MacBook Pro feels substantial and its array of ports limit the need for dongles. The thicker case also means a larger battery.
The notch on the center of the display is polarizing. It does house an improved 1080p HD camera, but it omits FaceID.
A six-speaker sound system with four force-cancelling woofers generates 80% more bass, creating a surprisingly deep range of sound, including spatial audio (Dolby Atmos) in 3D. Laptops are hardly the ideal stage for watching shows and videos, but the 16-inch MacBook Pro will soon become the preferred place to enjoy immersive content.
The updated case design is a throwback to the iconic Titanium PowerBook G4, the first true ro laptop from years ago.
Working on Final Cut Pro, I was able to cut and add effects to a minute p 30fps HD video in real time. Rendering the video was effortless and the MacBook Pro’s fans didn’t even kick in.
Apple has brought a lot of features of its Liquid Retina XDR displays to the MacBook Pros, including extreme dynamic range with a million-to-one contrast ratio HDR. Watching ad a ury oad, The angs of ew York, and The Great Gatsby on the MacBook Pro is like seeing these films for the first time in scintillating and immersive detail. It also has ro otion, with refresh rates, which few apps or websites support but which can come in handy when playing games or watching video.
My M1 Pro-powered test unit comes with 16GB of RAM and the 10-core CPU with eight performance cores and two e ciency cores, a core , and core eural ngine. It can easily keep up or surpass a fully outfitted Intel Mac Pro (except maybe in very graphics-intensive tasks) and draw way less power. It really is workstationclass performance on a laptop.
SPEED SAYS The new MacBook Pros are a reset of past designs and put the user and their needs front and center. he are also the most powerf l and power e cient laptops in the mar et toda DIMENSIONS 355.7 x 248.1 x 16.8mm, 1.6kg
38
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
GEEK METER
9
PRODUCT TEST NO.
2340 THE NUMBERS OS Windows 10 DISPLAY 14-inch 2K IPS (2160 x 1440) display PROCESSOR 11th-gen Intel Core i5 MEMORY 8GB LPDDR4x RAM STORAGE 512GB SSD CAMERA 720p CONNECTIVITY & PORTS Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, headphone jack PRICE ,
GETTING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
realme Book WO RD S PAT CAL ICA
realme continues to e pand its range of products by launching its first ever laptop, the realme ook. The notebook boasts an th generation Intel processor, a solid feel, and a somewhat familiar look.
ur realme ook review unit comes with an th generation Intel Core i , of DD , and CIe SSD storage. ith this configuration, some multitasking is possible. If you don’t usually use graphics heavy programs, lags are something you don’t need to worry about on this device.
The
inch I S display provides good viewing angles, decent brightness, and vibrant colors. The te t and icons appear crisp on the screen.
The charger works on both S C ports and can charge the device from ero to percent in almost two hours. eanwhile, a minute charge already gives you to percent, which is good to have if you’re on the go. The charger also works with smartphones that support Dart Charge like the realme .
realme’s first notebook has a simple yet premium design with rounded edges and a clutter free finish.
p webcam sits on the top be el. It captures decent videos and photos and is good enough for virtual meetings.
The screen’s aspect ratio may throw people off, especially those used to wider screens. hen watching videos, you may find the wide black bars on the top and bottom a little distracting. ut it’s something that one can learn to get used to.
The backlit keyboard delivers an enjoyable and comfortable typing e perience. The large trackpad is satisfyingly clicky.
In terms of ports and connectivity, you get two Thunderbolt S Type C ports for charging or sharing display, a S Type port, and a . mm audio port. It’s good that there’s still Type support on this device, but it would have been better if realme added an SD microSD card reader as well. The two bottom firing arman speakers powered by DTS are loud enough, but the highs can get tinny. e suggest placing the laptop on a stand where the speakers are not covered to get a bigger sound.
The realme ook is powered by a hr battery. During my time with it, I got about si hours on a single charge with i i always on. Tasks include writing editing documents, playing online videos, and internet browsing.
The solid, anodi ed aluminum shell has minimal e and offers just the right amount of heft at . kg. The screen tilts almost degrees, and it’s easy to open the lid even with just one hand.
GEEK METER SPEED SAYS
DIMENSIONS 307.21 x 228.96 x 14.9mm, 1.38kg
he realme oo is a good first attempt from the brand or its price, tho gh ( , for the i , for the i ), o can alread get laptops with the same (or better) specs and feat res from more established brands t if realme does in the laptop space what it does with its smartphones, then e pect the segment to get sha en p
8.5
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
39
TESTED
PRODUCT TEST NO.
2341 THE NUMBERS DISPLAY 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 REFRESH RATE 60Hz BRIGHTNESS 300 nits ASPECT RATIO 16:9 CONNECTIVITY 2x USB Type-C COMPATIBILITY Windows and macOS, Android phones and tablets, Nintendo Switch PRICE $420 *The unit reviewed here was released in the U.S. market.
MOBILE WORK MUST-HAVE
Mobile Pixels Duex Plus 13.3 monitor WOR D S GADJO CAR D E N AS S E V IL L A
I’ve used various external monitors with my laptops including some from Viewsonic and Lenovo. Those are designed to sit next to your laptop. I like how the Duex Plus integrates into the back of your laptop, slips out conveniently when you need it, can tilt forward and backward, and only takes up one USB-Type A or Type-C port. Other external monitors require table space and some even need a power adaptor. On the other hand, I can use the Duex Plus on a desk, on my lap, or even reclined on a couch or in bed, which none of the other options can do comfortably.
Road warriors, remote workers, and students hungry for screen real estate have a precious few options, especially if they are working in a limited space. They can opt for a larger 15-inch or larger laptop, but these are heavy and usually don’t have great battery life. A second external monitor is a good option, but could be cumbersome to carry around—plus it usually requires its own power supply and cables, which can quickly take over a laptop’s limited ports. Mobile Pixels’ Duex Plus is a thin and light 13.3”-inch monitor that effectively doubles the screen real estate of my MacBook Pro 13. Featuring a reasonably bright and detailed 300 nits of brightness and a 1920 x1080 resolution, the Duex Plus allows me to replicate my dual-display desktop setup in a more portable way. The Duex Plus’ slim plastic panel connects to the back of my laptop through four adhesive magnets, which in turn can support the weight of the display. This manner of installation makes it easy to remove the Duex Display when you don’t need it and magnetically connect it again when you do. The only downside is that the magnets will always need to be there and if you need to move laptops, you will need to peel them off and reconnect them. But really, that’s a small price to pay for the convenience of having double the screen real estate within the same footprint.
The Duex Plus also allows for a wide range of versatility; it can rotate 270°, which is ideal for presentation mode or for mirroring your display. There’s an optional magnetic kickstand that can make it work as a standalone monitor—ideal for connecting to a Nintendo Switch or for setting up in portrait mode for activities like coding or writing longer documents. I usually o oad apps like Slack or email on the Duex Plus or have a streaming TV show or movie running while I am working on the laptop’s screen. I like that the Duex Plus is versatile to hide behind the laptop when I don’t need it and that it can be removed entirely for packing and storage.
SPEED SAYS In terms of innovation, range of use, and versatility, the Duex Plus is a must-have addition to any laptop user seeking a convenient secondary display to double their screen real estate. DIMENSIONS 311.15 x 214.89 x 6.35mm
40
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
GEEK METER
8
TECHNOSPHERE
GADJO CARDENAS SEVILLA
CHANGING THE GAME FOR HIGHEND COMPUTING Apple recently
unveiled new MacBook Pros—and it seems they listened to their customers and brought back several features that have been missing from the Pro notebooks for generations. The new 14-inch and 16-inch mark the return of ports, namely HDMI, SD Card, Thunderbolt 4, and the resurrected MagSafe adapter. Apple also retired the befuddling Touch Bar, a feature it added to mitigate the lack of touch functionality on Macs, but which never really took off. M1 Pro and M1 Max The biggest surprise was the new Apple Silicon announcement. It was a year ago that Apple announced Mac’s transition to Apple Silicon, leaving behind cumbersome and power-hungry Intel processors. Since then, Apple has transitioned all its Macs to Apple Silicon save for the Mac Pro. The new MacBook Pros ship with vastly improved M1 processors. Not that the OG M1 was a slouch; that chip blew the doors off rival Intel and AMD chips in terms of performance yet managed to keep heat and power consumption down. Apple claims 42
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
that the new chips’ performance is 2x that of the Intel Core i9, which is quite impressive. Plus, they’re cooler and more power e cient. Traditional pro systems use power-hungry CPUs, discrete GPUs, RAM, and storage chips. Apple’s System-on-a-Chip (SoC) approach builds all these components in a single piece of silicon. This removes latency between components because they are all on the same chip. Battery life is quite impressive, too. The 14-inch MacBook Pro can stream up to 17-hours of video while the larger 16-inch model can stream up to 21 hours. The M1 Pro and M1 Max multiply the M1’s various performance cores, their GPUs, and their machine learning processors. They also support larger RAM and double or four times the memory bandwidth. This all translates to pure performance for computing-intensive tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and animation. How powerful are the new processors? Apple says you can edit up to 30 streams of 4K or 7 streams of 8K video on Final Cut Pro, making these notebooks more powerful than a 28-Core Mac Pro, which is mind-boggling.
What about gaming? Well, theoretically all this bandwidth should match up with highend gaming PCs. The problem is games on the Mac platform have never been great. You can jump through hoops to run Windows on emulation, or go through services like Steam, but I doubt those are optimized for Apple Silicon. Liquid XDR displays and a notch? pple also outfitted its new ac ook Pros with the latest display technologies. These super high-resolution dynamic range displays are capable of displaying 1 billion colors with up to 120Hz refresh rates and an insane 1,600 nits of peak brightness. This all adds up to color accuracy for designers and photographers, rivaling that of higher-end studio displays, except that this one is on a thin and portable laptop. One surprising addition was a camera notch to house the 1080p HD front facing camera’s image sensor. Now, the cameras on MacBooks have always been bad, so in the era of video conferencing it makes sense for Apple to improve the quality of their laptop cameras. However, having a notch on a laptop screen will likely be a controversial design choice. Granted, the new MacBook Pros have thinner bezels all around. I think Apple wanted to add FaceID to the MacBook Pros, but probably didn’t because of the global chip shortage, or the laptops were already getting too expensive. Halo effect Macs still make up a small percentage of the world's computers and Pro Macs remain exceedingly expensive, which means only a select few can really put all this power on full display. What’s interesting about Apple Silicon is that it introduces a new way to make systems-on-a-chip that straddle extreme power, exceptional battery life, and power e ciency—all good things. Here’s hoping other companies can follow suit and create all-in-one systems that change the game as far as how future computers are built.
ALL ABOUT THE UX
TRIXIE REYNA-BENEDICTO
VIDEO CALL ANXIETY IS REAL—HERE’S HOW TO DEAL You're at your breaking point: You haven’t gotten the hang of working from home while caring for a toddler in her Terrible Twos. You still haven’t lost weight. Your house is a mess. And then you have to navigate countless invitations for video calls, where all these woes would be visible to family and friends. You notice that each video call invitation makes you forget to breathe, sick to your stomach, and get cold sweat. These physical reactions to video calls are symptoms of Zoom Anxiety, according to a 2021 article in PsychCentral, medically reviewed by Jacquelyn Johnson, PsyD. While named after Zoom, it of course includes all other video calling software like Teams, Hangouts, Messenger, Skype, and Viber. Zoom Anxiety triggers Many are experiencing video call anxiety. With the increased prevalence of virtual communication in our daily lives, presentation specialist Buffalo 7 spearheaded a UK study on oom n iety, which it defined as “a physical feeling of distress or panic when called upon to join video calls.” To find out what triggers it, Buffalo 7 asked over 2,000 home workers to talk about their experience. Of their respondents, 73% admitted to having suffered from Zoom Anxiety in 2020. It’s backed up by oogle’s findings that a 180% increase in UK residents searched the term “Zoom Anxiety” between March and November 2020.
In the same study, 76% of respondents “found that video calls made them more anxious than telephone calls, and 48% found them worse than face-toface meetings.” Here’s why: Tech or audio problems and not knowing how to fix the . This was the top trigger for 83% of Zoom Anxiety sufferers. Internet connection issues, inability to share screen, pixelated or frozen faces, choppy audio, or loud microphone feedback are just some of the many potential issues with video calls. Inability to interpret video participants’ body language and tone of voice is the second most common trigger of anxiety (67%), as people seem smaller or farther away on video. “We expect to be able to read nonverbals on video— and, yet, our experiences are not aligning with our expectations, which might lead to anxiety and frustration,” Alison Papadakis, director of clinical psychological studies at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, tells Discovery Magazine. “Also, our eye gaze is off… Without the additional nonverbal information that we would have in person, it can be confusing or lead to misunderstandings, which could be embarrassing to someone who tends to be socially anxious.” i culty co unicating ideas or making oneself heard (56%). Video calling platforms tend to favor those who are loudest, since their voices get picked up better. This can cause awkward moments, especially when there are at least two people talking,
says Libby Sander, assistant professor of organizational behavior at Bond University in Australia, to CNET. Sander also mentions how certain gender issues in group settings are compounded on video chats, with men “viewed as more competent for speaking longer, while women are viewed as less competent for doing the same.” Being self-conscious of one’s appearance and background. Having the camera on during a call can make us feel more exposed than what we’re comfortable with. We worry that too personal aspects of our lives, like weight or skin troubles, a cluttered and tiny home, drying laundry in the background, or one’s child or pet causing a racket, are seen by others and make us look unprofessional or not put together. Video calls can trigger the same anxiety as public speaking. Because everyone is looking at everyone in a group video call, one still feels like a speaker, with a dramatic increase in the amount of eye contact. This makes video calls intimidating when you already struggle with the social anxiety of public speaking. How to manage video call anxiety . e prepared. Check your connection and play around with the video calling platform ahead of your scheduled call so you know how to troubleshoot tech issues. Dress for the occasion from head to toe, not only to boost your confidence, but also
to ease worries about your appearance and the potential need to suddenly stand up to grab your wandering child or pet. . ocus on the call. Remain fully engaged so you know exactly what’s happening on-screen to avoid feeling awkward or ustered when someone asks what you think. If prolonged eye contact makes you anxious, jot down notes, thoughts, or questions you may want to ask when you get the chance. . urn off your ideo and microphone when you're not speaking, and if the host or the circumstances in the call will allow it. I usually turn on my camera when I join a meeting so others will see me and know I’m there. I turn it off after that, and only go on-cam again when I need to speak. . peaker only and hide self iew. Once you know you’re in the frame and have acknowledged others on the call, switch to these two Zoom settings (and their equivalent in other video call platforms). Not having to stare at yourself and multiple faces on the call will help ease your selfconsciousness. When possible, minimize the screen and go audio only. . eel free to say no. Not all video calls are necessary; avoid the ones you can. If it’s with friends or family, perhaps open up about your feelings so they will hopefully understand and provide support. . et help. If your video call anxiety is debilitating and getting in the way of your work and personal life, you may want to seek professional help. A therapist can help you explore all possible triggers and how to effectively address them.
Follow me on IG ( trixiereyna), FB (trixiereynadotco ), and my blog (trixiereyna.co ). NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
43
GAME ON
JOVI FIGUEROA
can now enjoy the beauty of gaming—as long as they pick the right games, of course, like Genshin. Three, the game has such a hilarious and thriving community. What keeps the game relevant is the abundance of memes, cosplays, tips, tricks, and content that fans pump out around the game. There’s no day that goes by that I don’t get a laugh out of a poorly made Genshin meme. And honestly, when you’re so worked up the whole day because of work or school, all you want to do is mindlessly murder some hilichurls or get a laugh from Genshin memes and videos. But while Genshin has been an amazing ride, it comes with its own dirty underbelly, so to speak. Probably one of the most revolting sides to the game is how much it encourages spending. It’s not unheard of to have people getting addicted to the gambling-like mechanics of gacha games, and truth be told, developers are aware of the toxic and addictive quality of their games.
TO ALL THE LOVERS AND HATERS OF GENSHIN IMPACT This letter is
dedicated to all the lovers, haters, and undecided gamers like me who share a lovehate relationship with Genshin Impact. Did you know that right in time for their anniversary celebration in September this year, Genshin Impact developer MiHoyo has already earned $2 billion from the game from mobile sales alone? Globally, that makes them the third most revenue-generating mobile game behind Tencent’s PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings. Genshin also recently topped mobile sales and usage in 32 countries (the Philippines included, beating Mobile Legends and Call of Duty Mobile) thanks to quirky funeral director Hu Tao. It’s astounding how despite that success, they have managed to hold back on their anniversary giveaways, causing so much complaints and disgruntlement from their loyal fanbase. It’s astounding that despite their amazing mobile sales, they still have not optimized the game for Samsung mobile 44
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
phones to the dismay of many mobile players. It’s astounding that despite the global support, their gacha rates remain infuriatingly low. But what makes us love Genshin? A year into its release, it’s still one of the most popular games on my newsfeed. Release-day players are still playing, new ones are catching up, and even non-gamers are becoming aware of the phenomenon of Paimon as emergency food. One, I love Genshin because it’s beautiful. The world is stunning, the characters are adorable, and the level of detail given to character design, voice acting, and animation is phenomenal. Two, it’s rare to see such a widely ported game available for cross-play, making the game equitable and accessible to all players from all walks of life. Gaming has always been a lucrative hobby, but with the emergence of mobile gaming, more people
It’s easy to say that gamers should control their own spending habits and not put the blame on MiHoyo. But what kind of world do we live in if we don’t look out for our weaker, more vulnerable fellow? The fact that MiHoyo can manipulate people into thinking “I’ll have better odds this time around” with their confusing banner and gacha rates, it’s a blatant ploy from MiHoyo to make money off of the more susceptible players. Mobile gaming microtransactions are alarmingly straightforward as well, leading to kids and minors being able to complete transactions without the knowledge of their parents. But again, while it’s easy to blame parents, app and software developers should really make it a teeny bit harder to allow in-app purchases. I mean, just look at how infuriatingly hard it is to deactivate your Instagram page—it’s going to take you eons to find out how to do it. hy is it so hard to deactivate your own profile and so simple when it comes to allowing companies to take your money? As we wrap up another year of gaming and Genshin Impact simping, let this letter be a reminder for all of us to play Genshin— and not let Genshin play us. Gaming is there to entertain us, to give us happiness, and to allow us to make memories with our friends and family. When gaming becomes toxic, when it ruins friendships, when it makes you at risk of physical, mental, and emotional harm, always remember, you can step back. Breathe. It’s just a game. Happy holidays, everyone, and happy gaming!
t o H List In the almost two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the use of technology has accelerated exponentially. These days, technologies that were considered advanced or futuristic have become familiar: QR codes, cashless payments, virtual meetings, and the like. Businesses, schools, and many industries harnessed technology to pivot during the pandemic. Friends and families have become more comfortable using digital tools to communicate and “get together.”
In this year’s Hot List, we give you a run down of the devices, games, and streaming media that not only made headlines in 2021, but also made our current situation better, or at least more bearable, one way or another.
We even highlight six individuals who not only demonstrated excellence through their accomplishments, but have also set the stage for continued innovation and reaching for higher and broader milestones. More importantly, they are leaving a legacy of optimism and hope when we need these the most.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
45
COVER STORY
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra The Galaxy S21 Ultra is Samsung’s elite agship phone of , showcasing the latest mobile technologies that the company has to offer and making it the top go to ndroid phone for users keen on keeping up with smartphone trends and cutting edge tech. The Galaxy S21 Ultra aunts a gorgeous . inch D display with up to refresh rate and S en support, the first ala y S phone to do so. Its elegant design and powerful features—such as an incredible rear camera with Space oom and connectivity for speedy data—make this device ultra badass. 46
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Apple iPhone 13 Pro & Pro Max The pple i hone ro and ro a remain among the best all around phones for fans of the brand and tech enthusiasts alike. nlike in previous years, the new ro models boast more distinct differences from the non ro ones. The i hone ro and ro a come loaded with an ionic chip, a stainless steel body, and cameras with optical oom. The new pple phones also bring features many people have wanted for years, including a ro otion display with up to refresh rate and larger batteries.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 ow on its second iteration, the lip line has succeeded in breaking out from its novelty phone image to a truly functional device. f course, the Samsung ala y lip ’s main selling point is its fun, e ible, and charming form factor. ut it also delivers more with features such as an improved cover screen, main display, and an aluminum armor body.
Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 beast in every way, the enovo egion hone Duel arrives with features built to allow users to enjoy and ma imi e their mobile gaming e perience. This gigantic phone aunts a . inch screen, twin S C ports, a dual rear camera, and a pop up selfie shooter. This powerhouse of a phone houses two batteries, two cooling fans with vents, a Snapdragon processor, up to , and up to storage.
ASUS ROG Phone 5 nother gaming device in this list is the hone . hile the fourth iteration of S S’ gaming phone isn’t a major upgrade, the latest model features a list of significant tweaks that make it an ideal device for hardcore and professional mobile gamers. The S S hone boasts a screen, up to , and up to storage. The m h capacity comes from two separate m h battery units. or a faster charging time, the phone comes bundled with a charger.
WORDS PAT CALICA
SMARTPHONES
2021 HOT LIST
Xiaomi Mi 11 The Xiaomi Mi 11 is what you get when you combine cutting-edge features, powerful performance, and competitive price. It packs a solid Android experience inside a sleek body with premium build quality. Perhaps this device’s biggest feature is the 6.5-inch 120Hz OLED display with a peak brightness of 1,500 nits that is apired with an exceptional Harmon & Kardon speaker. The phone sports a Snapdragon 888 chipset, triple rear cameras, and 4600mAh battery with 55W fast charging.
vivo X70 Pro+ In partnership with German lensmaker Zeiss, vivo brings to creative users its professional photography agship phone: the X70 Pro+. This phone is the most souped-up model in the brand’s new X70 Series, featuring the top-of-theline Snapdragon 888+ 5G chipset, 6.78-inch AMOLED display, 66W fast-charging support, and IP68 rating. Of course, the incredible camera is the highlight of the vivo X70 Pro+ with its 5x optical zoom and an ultra-wide lens with builtin gimbal. Here’s wishing it will find its way to local shores soon.
realme GT Edition Designed by worldrenowned industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa, the realme GT Master Edition is a handsome agship smartphone that offers speed in every front. This phone boasts the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset that promises unhindered performance. The Super AMOLED display brings fast refresh rate and touch sampling rate of up to 120Hz and 360Hz, respectively. Meanwhile, the 65W SuperDart feature allows charging of the phone from 0 to 100 percent in just 35 minutes.
Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are proper agship devices that offer the latest and the best smartphone specs and features. Furthermore, the Pixel 6 series trounces its rivals in price, offering the same functions and performance for thousands of bucks less. The latest Pixel devices aunt a uni ue glass and metal design paired with solid all-around performance. It packs a high-resolution display, an excellent triple camera system, Google’s custommade Tensor processor, 5G connectivity, plus several great software additions.
Sony Xperia Pro-I With its jawdropping price ($1,800 in the U.S.), the Sony Xperia Pro-I is not for everyone. But if you’re a content creator looking for prograde photography and videography features, then you probably can’t go wrong with this. The Xperia Pro-I boasts the same 1-inch camera sensor from the popular Sony RX100 VII, plus a mechanical dual aperture, 50mm lens, and EyeAF support for video. It also comes with the new Video Pro app for manual camera controls. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
47
COVER STORY
TECH NEWS
A metaverse is a virtual world where humans interact with each other as avatars using various devices. Apart from investing over $10.2 billion on the project, the social media giant has expressed its commitment to pursue it by changing its corporate name to “Meta.” Meta will continue to run Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp as its subsidiaries in addition to its newly announced social media VR platforms Horizon Home and Horizon World, as well as augmented reality glasses “Azeray” and high-end VR headset “Project Cambria.” Facebook also announced its $150-million investment in establishing a professional curriculum program to train the next generation of creators developing the metaverse. Race to space A group of uber-wealthy Americans have set a new benchmark for identifying who’s who: If you can travel to outer space. 48
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
In 2021, billionaires and space industry A-listers Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson have seemingly created a rivalry among themselves dubbed the “Billionaire Space Race.” Branson became the winner when he blasted off aboard the SpaceShipTwo Unity 22 space plane developed by his space ight company, irgin Galactic, on July 11. Nine days later, in July 20, Amazon and Blue Origin CEO Bezos launched himself and his brother Mark into space with Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. While SpaceX CEO and founder Elon Musk hasn’t taken a commercial ight to space just yet, his company launched the world’s first mission to space with an all-civilian crew aboard the SpaceX rocket ship on September 16. Mobile number portability Moving to a different network? Gone are the days of having to inform your long list of contacts about your change of mobile number, as the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability ct has finally rolled out on September 30.
The MNP Act ensures that mobile phone users can keep their numbers even when they transfer to another service provider, or switch from postpaid to prepaid, or vice-versa. Those who would want to switch networks would have to submit a porting application form if they want to keep their number. Telco giants Globe, Smart, and DITO have all agreed to implement the porting platform. Windows 11, macOS Monterey Microsoft and Apple are both making a strong case for easy remote working, with the release of Windows 11 and macOS 12 Monterey this year. Launched as a free upgrade on October 5, Windows 11 is “one of the most significant updates of Windows in the past decade,” according to CEO Satya Nadella. It features a redesigned user interface, built-in Microsoft Teams app and Auto HDR gaming feature, new Microsoft Store, and support for Android apps. Apple’s macOS Monterey, on the other hand, was launched a few weeks later. It comes with a slew of nifty features,
PS5, Switch, Xbox shortage Finding a PlayStation 5 was hard this year and, apparently, it will not get any easier next year. Last April, Sony announced PS5 will remain in short supply in 2022 partly because of the ongoing global chip shortage troubling tech companies worldwide since 2020. The same goes for Microsoft and Nintendo, which previously revealed that the shortage of Xbox and Nintendo Switch will likewise continue through 2022. The chips for these consoles are designed by the American semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices and produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which manufactures most of the world’s computer chips. TSMC, like other businesses worldwide, has been grappling with the production of these chips because of the effects of the pandemic combined with the sudden surge in demand for electronics of people in quarantine.
WORDS JUSTINE PUNZALAN
Facebook metaverse Tech companies have been ramping up innovation to ready the world for the post-pandemic era. One of those that’s keeping the internet abuzz is Facebook, which announced its plans to expand its services into a metaverse last October.
including Universal Control, which allows you to control your iPad with your Mac’s keyboard or trackpad, AirPlay to Mac, which uses your Mac’s display to play content from your iPad and iPhone, Shortcuts automation application, and a redesigned Safari.
Enjoy Responsibly
yellowtailwine.com
*Wine Intelligence | Global Wine Brand Power Index 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021
TASTES LIKE HAPPY
550
[hop to it today]
MOST LOVED WINE BRAND IN * THE WORLD!
COVER STORY
LAPTOPS & COMPUTERS
Apple MacBook Pro (2021) A creative powerhouse equipped with Apple’s latest silicon, the 14- and 16-inch Apple MacBook Pros (2021) are the best Apple laptops to date—and perhaps the best laptop in the market now. The 2021 MacBook Pro comes with a heap of features designed for developers, filmmakers, music producers, or anyone who needs hefty power for their tasks. The magic comes from under the hood: the all new M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets. The former has up to 10-core CPU and up to 16-core GPU, while the latter has the same powerful 10-core CPU but doubles the GPU. But that’s not all. Aside from the powerful chips, the MacBook Pro is also equipped with a 50
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Liquid Retina XDR display, ProMotion technology, 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a new Magic Keyboard, Dolby Atmos sound system, and a long battery life. There’s no doubt about it—this is one machine that can keep up with a demanding workload and serve as an excellent multimedia device when you’re off the clock. Apple iMac The i ac is the first iMac since 2006 to eschew Intel inside. Instead, the 11.5mm-thin desktop computer is powered by Apple’s M1 chip. The all-new, completely redesigned iMac also sports a 24-inch 4.5K display, Touch ID in the keyboard, an improved 1080p FaceTime webcam, and awesome speakers. But perhaps most fun of all are the new color options. It’s reminiscent of the colorful iMacs of the ‘90s, plus it comes with color-matched cable and power connector that attaches magnetically to the back. Color us interested.
Acer Aspire Vero It may not be the most powerful notebook out there— far from it, actually—but the midrange Acer Aspire Vero makes this list for a nobler reason: its eco-friendliness. The Aspire Vero’s chassis is made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, which Acer claims cuts CO2 emissions by 21% for the production of that part. What’s more, the keycaps are made with 50% PCR plastic and the packaging of the laptop is made from 85 percent recycled paper. And in an effort to sustain the lifespan of the laptop, Acer makes it easy to get inside the notebook to make repairs or upgrades by using standard screws on the bottom panel. A Windows 11 laptop that can help reduce the amount of plastic and cardboard ending up in landfills That’s a winner on our list.
realme Book In just a few years, realme has managed to establish a name for smartphones across different price points. Not one to sit on its laurels, the young brand has also ramped up offerings in other segments, including AIoT devices. This year, the company entered the laptop market with the realme Book. Sure, the laptop appears to draw heavy inspiration from Apple’s MacBook, but there’s more to it than just looks. Under the hood, this Windows laptop has solid specs for the price—11th-gen Intel chip, 2K display, fast SSD storage, and fast charge technology. It looks like realme is off to a good start.
2021 HOT LIST
TWS EARBUDS
and battery life that’s rated at five hours— hours if you count the recharges in the case. Sony WF-1000XM4 Sony’s WF-1000X range of wireless earbuds has been a dominant force in the TWS category over the last few years. This year, the latest earbuds in the critically acclaimed series— the Sony WF-1000XM4—is powered by a more capable Sony V1 chip, which improves the active cancellation of high frequencies and achieves 40% lower noise levels overall compared to the QN1e chip found in its predecessor. The buds also come with dual noise sensor microphones that result in highly accurate noise cancellation. But the real highlight of these wonder buds? According to Sony, the WF-1000XM4 is the first T S buds in the world to support Hi-Res audio over the LDAC codec, which carries up to three times the amount of data compared to typical Bluetooth audio. It also lets you enjoy compressed sound sources like digital sound streams in high resolution brought about by the DSEE Extreme.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro These next-generation earbuds from Samsung offer dynamic and high fidelity sound thanks to its 11mm woofer for deeper bass and 6.5mm tweeter for crisp treble with minimum distortion. They’re great to use for workouts, too, since they have an IPX7 water-resistance rating, the highest yet on any Galaxy earbuds. But these buds aren’t just for music, they’re great for work communication, too, thanks to three mics and a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), which ensure you are heard as clearly as possible. Its intelligent active noise cancellation and Ambient Sound feature work together so that the buds recognize when you’re speaking and will automatically switch between canceling nearby sounds to amplifying them. This way, you won’t have to take out the buds to speak with someone.
Apple AirPods 3rd-gen Advancing closer to the Pro model, the third-gen AirPods have the same open design as their predecessors but are now shaped like the AirPods Pro. They also have shorter microphone stems, with the same force sensors as the AirPods Pro for controlling playback with a pinch. Even the charging case—with MagSafe charging—resembles that of the Pro’s. coustically, these I certified AirPods now have all-new custom drivers, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, HD voice quality for FaceTime, and an adaptive EQ system to optimize sound quality. Google Pixel Buds A-Series Priced at $99, the Pixel Buds A-Series aims to bring premium features at an impressive value. Google’s AirPods competitor comes with custom-designed 12mm dynamic speaker drivers
While the Pixel Buds A-Series looks nearly identical to the regular Pixel Buds, Google has tweaked the design and included a new ‘stabilizer arc’ on the inside of each earbuds. The buds also feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, sweat and water-resistance, and capacitive touch sensors. And for those, the Pixel Buds A-Series an A grade from us. Nothing ear (1) Nothing, the startup company that OnePlus cofounder Carl Pei founded, o cially launched its first something this year: the ear (1) true wireless earbuds. The $99 buds feature active noise cancellation, touch controls, a wireless charging case, and a unique eye-catching see-through design. It’s equipped with 11.6mm dynamic graphene drivers that are housed on a 0.34cc chamber. The buds support Bluetooth 5.2, along with SBC and AAC codecs and Google Fast Pair. They’re also workout-friendly, thanks to their IPx4 rating. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
51
COVER STORY
FREE-TO-PLAY GAMES
Call of Duty: Warzone The Call of Duty franchise still has not lost its touch, and year-on-year, it continues to dominate the charts with its shooter titles for the PC, consoles, and even mobile. Warzone is not ctivision’s first foray into the free-to-play and battle royale genres, but it certainly is the best of both worlds. And it has really cemented its playability especially since it’s connected to 2020’s Black Ops: Cold War and 2021’s Vanguard. It’s intense, the player base is huge and always active, and there’s no need to shell out anything to enjoy the game. 52
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Valorant It’s been a year since Valorant was released, but the support for and the popularity of this game in the Filipino streaming community is stronger than ever. With new agents and skins this year, and the first ever global alorant Champions 2021 esports competition happening this December, it feels like Valorant will be here to stay for quite a while.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Although ML has been around for a while now, its popularity continues to dominate Philippine mobile gaming, cementing the fact that the Filipinos’ passion for multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games is not ready to die down. In fact, with the very first animated series— Legends of Dawn: The Sacred Stone—based on the game released this year, Moonton will surely continue to strengthen its in uence in the younger demographic player base in the country.
Love Live! School Idol Festival: After School Activity WaiWai! House Meeting!! After the massive success of the very first Love Live mobile rhythm game in 2013, the franchise has blown into mainstream consciousness, attracting players from all ages and genders. In 2021, the popular arcade version, which was previously in Japanese, was ported to the PlayStation 4 to the delight of fans. Developed by Square Enix, this game is entirely free-to-play, but comes with an extensive list of microtransactions if you want new songs and costumes to play.
Genshin Impact It’s impossible to write any “top list” without mentioning the gacha action RPG Genshin Impact, the blockbuster game of the pandemic. After its successful release in September 2020, developer MiHoYo has managed to not just sustain but exponentially grow its market base through the amazingly new map expansions, characters, and capabilities released every patch. The game was also ported to the PlayStation 5 just in April this year, making sure that everyone can experience Genshin at its finest, in whatever platform or console they choose to play in. With a lot more new characters and maps still lined up for release, it looks like Genshin Impact will enjoy its popularity and monetary success for months or even years to come.
2021 HOT LIST
NEW RELEASES
Hitman 3 Like its predecessors, Hitman 3 takes us on a journey as Agent 47, where we are to carry out assassination contracts using stealth, wit, and delightful wacky weaponry. While the best genre to put Hitman 3 is third-person stealth, honestly, it feels more like a humor puzzle game where you’re given so many possible ways to fulfill your mission— whether it’s to do it the old-fashioned way with a knife or some dangerous poison, or to go out of the bo and fulfill your chosen disguise’s interesting approach to assassination.
Psychonauts 2 We have been waiting for more than 16 years for the sequel to the very first Psychonauts platformer that has become quite the cult classic, and this year, fans were not let down. If you only care about jumping and fighting, this platformer will give you great-looking levels to keep you entertained and challenged. But if you’re looking for something deeper, you’re in for a treat, too, as you follow the story of Raz inside the mindscapes of various characters and get a glimpse of the darkness that’s buried inside all of us.
Life is Strange: True Colors Life is Strange is probably one of, if not the most popular graphic adventure video game of all time. Although a lot of people were unsure if Deck Nine can live up to the legacy that Dontnod built with the first two mainline games, True Colors turned out to be the best in the series. Get it to enjoy its tremendously compelling story and characters, and the excellent soundtrack by composed by Australian duo Angus & Julia Stone.
Scarlet Hollow This horror visual novel is the underdog of this year’s releases, gaining a massive cult following and critics’ praise for its outstanding story and branching outcomes. Co-written and drawn by graphic novelist Abby Howard, you’ll love the beautiful art that comes with the whole storytelling experience. You also get a hand in creating significant changes in the story’s outcome based on your choices and the “powers” you choose for your character at the beginning of the game.
Good Knight We are happy to report that a Filipinogame has made it to our yearly hot list! This one-button, rage puzzle bullet hell game was released for Early Access this September, and it has rallied streamers and gamers from across the country into an epic symphony of rage, frustration, and heavy metal music. The game features Filipino folklore characters like tikbalang and manananggal, and you’re forced to conquer each level through increasing di culties of bullet hell. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
53
COVER STORY
SURVIVAL GAMES
Rust The best way to describe Rust is “when Minecraft meets battle royale.” The objective is to survive the wilderness through gathered or stolen materials, while alleviating your hunger and thirst, maintaining your health, and avoiding the risk of ambush. And when we say ambush, it’s not just wild animal ambush; it’s also through the bloody hands of other players. Although Rust launched back in 2018, it has received renewed interest because it was finally released on the consoles this year. 54
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Valheim Valheim is already giving Rust a run for its money after just releasing in Early Access this year to amazing reception and review. It’s a brutal exploration and survival game that you can play alone or with other players, where you can explore the world at your own whim and pace—but you have to deal with the consequences of your choices. When you’re not cooking food or leveling up your skills, you may be out in the world trying to obtain a legendary pickaxe or battling other players and foes. But whatever you choose to do, we hope you can survive as long as you possibly can.
Don’t Starve Together When it comes to survival games, Don’t Starve for sure tops the list of the best games in the genre. It is also one of the pioneers of the multiplayer survival genre, having released the Don’t Starve Together multiplayer expansion in as early as 2014. This year, Don’t Starve Together has experienced some new growth as it released the Starter Pack 2021, which comes with new characters and skins, and new events to keep people engaged.
Icarus Icarus is a PvE survival game where you explore a savage alien wilderness alone or with up to eight players. As of writing, Icarus is still in beta and has yet to o cially unlock for public players, but a lot of gamers who are already experiencing the beta are calling it “one of the greatest survival games ever.” You will have to do everything you can to make it back to your station alive by building structures, crafting tools, hunting wildlife, and more. It’s more sci fi than your usual survival, since you’re on an alien planet, but this time, you won’t have to worry about other players backstabbing you, and you can just concentrate on working together to get to victory. Good luck!
Resident Evil Village Resident Evil made some huge waves this year with RE: Village, the first person survival horror game following Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. This time around, Village adds more action-oriented gameplay compared to its predecessors, making the game faster and panickier for those looking for that adrenaline rush. And of course, who would want to miss Lady Dimitrescu, who has taken the world by storm during the game’s release?
COVER STORY
MOTORING
Making the country more bike-friendly Whether for commuting, leisure, or exercise, biking has become a go-to for a lot of Filipinos throughout this pandemic. In response, various local government units and private companies and groups are coming up with initiatives to accommodate bike commuters safely. For one, many cities are allocating dedicated bike lanes to safeguard the welfare of cyclists. Quezon City and Makati City are also aggressive when it comes to pushing for cyclist protection. In the past year, the City of Makati accelerated the completion of bike lanes and sharrows—or shared bike lanes—around the central business district. Pasig, on the other hand, has been advocating the use of bicycles even before the pandemic. It started the 56
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Pasigreen Bike Share program in 2018 and even closes off Emerald Avenue every Sunday to all kinds of motorized vehicles so that cyclists and pedestrians have a safe place to move around. Companies like Ayala Land and SM are also making their establishments more conducive for biking, while Pilipinas Shell and Ayala Land, Inc. (among others) are putting up bike-anddine racks so that cyclists can dine while keeping their bikes close. And then there’s Iloilo City, which is dubbed as the “Bike Capital of the Philippines.” It has its own protected bike lanes with clear markings. There’s even an 11-kilometer bike lane network that encompasses the districts of Mandurriao, Jaro, Molo, and the City Proper.
While our cycling infrastructure is still lacking—”bicycle lanes” in some areas are still pathetic— it’s better than having none at all. We’ve already made a few important steps; we just need to have the willpower and drive to continue what has been started. License renewal and extended validity Are you renewing your driver’s license anytime soon? Well, there’s good and not-sogood news. The good news is that the Land Transportation ce T has made good on its promise of the 10-year validity of driver’s licenses, and it’s now being implemented at the LTO main o ce and satellite branches in NCR. Implementation in areas outside the NCR will be announced at a later date.
The not-so-good news? You are only eligible for a 10-year license if you do not have a tra c violation record. According to T , those who have tra c violation records can only apply for a 5-year renewal. All drivers who will renew their license will also be required to ac uire a certification from the Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE). You need to take a CDE Online Validation Exam, a 25-point questionnaire available on the LTMS portal. The passing score is 50% or at least 13 correct answers out of 25 questions. You can retake the test in case you fail. There will also be a seminar, which runs for a maximum of five hours. pplicants can attend it physically at driver’s education centers or at accredited driving schools (for a fee), or online via the LTMS portal—for free.
2021 HOT LIST
PMVIC and the modernization of motor vehicle inspection system This hotly debated topic remains controversial to this day. In a nutshell, Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) are privately owned, automated vehicle inspection facilities that will not only check your vehicle’s compliance with emission standards but will also test for roadworthiness prior to the renewal of its registration. Some of the issues raised against this include exorbitant prices, no equal distribution of PMVICs in the country, and the lack of consistency and integrity in testing results. Some testing centers are also being accused of corruption and dishonesty. This prompted the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the mandatory use of PMVIC inspections. While the idea of modernizing the country’s motor vehicle inspection system is good, the above-mentioned issues must first be ironed out.
Plus, the fact that we are still in the middle of a pandemic surely doesn’t help. We’re still struggling to recover from the effects of COVID-19, and to implement a new vehicle testing program that is thrice as expensive as the existing emissions testing procedure will surely burden motorists. Skyway Stage 3 Skyway Stage 3 is an important 18-kilometer tollroad that’s touted to decongest EDSA. San Miguel Corporation’s elevated roadway is seen as a blessing, especially by motorists who regularly travel from north to south of and/or vice versa. Even businesses who ferry goods from north to south of the metro (or vice versa) can benefit from this stretch of road. Transporting their goods will help their business, and in turn could translate to helping the economy ourish.
And let’s not forget the emergency vehicles that no longer have to slog through tra c. They can use Skyway Stage 3 as a bypass road to get to hospitals and patients faster. The toll fee is quite steep—but if you have a couple hundred pesos to spare, you can at least save time. Pasig River Expressway Despite heavy criticisms from mobility groups and heritage conservationists, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Department of Transportation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) last September. The controversial project is a P95-billion, 19.37-kilometer six-lane tollway that will pass through Pasig River. According to SMC, it is seen to help decongest tra c along , EDSA, and C5, and reduce travel time between Manila and Taguig to just to minutes.
Moreover, SMC says PAREX will not just cater to motorists, but will provide easier travel for commuters and the general public as well, saying that it will have bike lanes, water ferries, pedestrian walkways, and a bus rapid transit system, among others. But critics say that PAREX will not only kill the Pasig River, but that it is also anti-poor and will only worsen tra c and pollution. Will PAREX really deprive us of priceless heritage and access to clean air? Will it just worsen tra c congestion and even erode the very riverbed on which our history lies? SMC is hoping to start construction early next year if and when it receives a “notice to proceed” from the government. Until then, we’ll have to wait and see if the project will actually see the light of day. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
57
COVER STORY
Squid Game Squid Game’s streaming numbers are insane. In its second full week on et i , the show was streamed for 3.260 billion minutes, according to ielsen rankings. That makes Squid Game the only show this year to top 3 billion minutes streamed in one week.
Trese part from South orea, the hilippines has also made uite a bu on et i this year, with the launch of the streaming giant’s first ever Tagalog anime series, Trese.
This dystopian K-drama follows the story of Seong Gi-hun and 455 other deeply in-debted players, as they play deadly versions of South Korean’s childhood games for a cash prize of . billion. nly one player can win, with losers paying the consequences with their own lives.
ased on the award winning graphic novel by Filipino writer Budjette Tan and comic book artist ajo aldisimo, Trese centers on the feisty investigator le andra Trese, as she tracks down and fights against the malevolent supernatural beings of etro anila’s criminal underworld.
The bloody survival series has become a global phenomenon that not only generated countless memes and alloween costumes, but more so, earned et i its biggest ever series at launch.
Rounding up hype is ABS-CBN star Liza Soberano, who voiced le andra in the Tagali ed version of the series, as well as Shay itchell, who dubbed the character in English.
58
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Money Heist Season 5 The end has come for the world’s biggest on-screen heist. And while fans couldn’t even muster saying goodbye to the hit Spanish series, et i has decided to release its final season in two installments Money Heist Part Five Volume 1 premiered on September , while olume will drop later on December 3. The season chronicles the gang’s predicaments while they are shut inside the ank of Spain for over hours and faced with their most dangerous enemy the Spanish Army. Heightening up the drama and mayhem is the unanticipated death of a major character, not to mention The rofessor finally taking up arms after fighting in the shadows for the past seasons.
WORDS JUSTINE PUNZALAN
MOVIES & SERIES
2021 HOT LIST
Zack Snyder’s Justice League merican film director ack Snyder has redefined what makes an epic superhero ick, with the long anticipated release of his cut of the Justice League film. Snyder’s Cut is deemed by many as the better version, as it features a darker atmosphere and plot, which is starkly different from ’s poorly e ecuted iteration. It is also more violent, with the involvement of two gruesome villains—Steppenwolf and Darkseid—and a final battle that’s bloodier than any film in the DC . nlike the previous film, Snyder’s Cut shifted the spotlight from Superman as the redeemer of mankind to Cyborg and The lash as the league’s true secret weapons. The ending is also filled with aster eggs, which opens up the DC to future titles.
WandaVision anda a imoff a.k.a. Scarlet itch has worked her magic on arvel fans yet again, but this time, with arvel’s first ever Disney series WandaVision. The phenomenal miniseries chronicles what seemed to be the happy ever after of anda li abeth lsen and ision aul ethany in a new neighborhood, called estview, after the tragic events of Avengers: Endgame. verything appears to be fine—perky, even— until it is revealed that the new world they’re living in is merely an alternate reality anda created to resurrect her dead android boyfriend. WandaVision has become a huge crowd puller, so much so that it gave arvel Studios its first three Creative rts mmy wards.
Loki ollowing the successful premiere of WandaVision in anuary and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier last arch, arvel and Disney went on to enchant fans even more, with the release of oki. The series features arvel mainstay Tom iddleston in the titular role and his multidimensional uest, which involved mending the disruption he caused on the multiverse’s timeline when he stole the Tesseract in Avengers: Endgame. Together with Time ariance uthority o cial obius . obius wen ilson , the od of ischief sets out on a journey that would introduce him to his variants and help him understand himself beyond his glorious purpose.
Black Widow Black Widow is the film that kickstarts the hase our of the arvel Cinematic niverse. eleased last uly , the film set off the ne t phase of C projects to a good start, as it snagged a bo o ce opening weekend with sales totaling million in theaters worldwide and million on Disney . The film delves into the history of atasha omanoff as a spy long before she became an venger. fter learning that her e handler, eneral Dreykov, is still alive, atasha a.k.a. lack idow is forced to confront her dark past and the broken relationships left in her wake.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
59
COVER STORY
Back in 2016, Diaz bagged the silver medal in the 53-kilogram weight class at the Rio Olympics. What makes the Zamboanga native even more inspiring is her humble beginnings, where she lifted makeshift weights made of mag wheels or concrete and did odd jobs to support her training e penses. rom hoisting concrete and steel, her perseverance and dedication paid off in silver and gold. And with the nation going through so much uncertainty, Diaz—and the rest of the Olympic athletes who all gave their best—serve as a unifying beacon of hope that we all need. 60
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Maria Ressa Longtime journalist Maria Ressa has been the subject of much political controversy, thanks to her astute analysis of several social and cultural ills, including online violence, press censorship, and abuse of power in political circles. In 2018, Ressa was lauded as Time’s Person of the Year for driving her news organization Rappler "through a superstorm of the two most formidable forces in the information universe: social media and a populist President with authoritarian inclinations." And this year, she was granted the 2021 obel eace ri e—the first ilipino to be awarded such—for making Rappler a platform to “expose abuse of power, use of violence and growing authoritarianism in her native country, the Philippines,” despite having received multiple death threats, charged with several legal accusations, and being imprisoned back in 2019. Ressa continues to create a legacy of journalistic investigation on the side of truth, press freedom, and a firm stance against political oppression.
Ana Patricia Non A tiny bamboo cart, a handful of vegetables, and a small amount of household food staples were all Ana Patricia Non needed to spark an urban food revolution with her community pantry. It was a simple setup where impoverished Maginhawa residents could queue for free food, abiding by the sole rule posted on a cardboard sheet: ”Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan (Give what you can, take what you need).” There was no fanfare that greeted the 26-year-old’s initial act of kindness. Yet it quickly caught on when news of her stall spread through social media, inspiring others to pool resources for setting up similar community pantries across the city and donate goods to those financially stricken by the widespread pandemic lockdown. This wasn’t just about food. In the face of uncertainty and fear brought about by the contagion, Non’s simple idea rekindled a much-needed sense of bayanihan— civic unity and cooperation—and hope among ilipinos.
WORDS CARMELA MARAAN FERNANDO
Hidilyn Diaz At the Tokyo Olympics in July, 30-yearold weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made waves around the globe by being the first ilipino athlete to win an Olympic gold. She set the Olympic record in the women’s 55-kilogram category by lifting a combined weight of 224 kilograms, beating Chinese world record holder iao iuyun and a akhstans ulfiya Chinshanlo, who took home the silver and bronze, respectively.
@patreng.non
Olympics.com
nobelprize.org
PEOPLE
2021 HOT LIST
franceshaugen.com Blue Origin
On The Job: Missing 8
Frances Haugen American engineer, data scientist, and former Facebook product manager Frances Haugen became the center of this year’s biggest social media exposé after revealing documented evidence of Facebook’s refusal to make the platform a safer place for its users despite the corporation’s knowledge of its harmful effects on teenage mental health, political information, and overall user safety. She delivered a four-hour testimony to the US Senate as an appeal for more stringent social media regulations. Details include how both acebook and Instagram prioriti e profit over user safety, where their algorithm would direct younger users to anorexia-related content. Facebook also allegedly condoned content inciting ethnic violence in Ethiopia. For her actions, Haugen was publicly commended as a “21st-century American hero” on Washington’s Capitol Hill. She has also testified to the ritish arliament as part of an ongoing campaign to implement better safety protocols on the social media giant.
John Arcilla Filipino talent impressed international judges once again when veteran actor John Arcilla nabbed the Volpi Cup (Coppi Volpi) for est ctor at this year’s th enice Film Festival in Italy. Arcilla, who played Sisoy Salas in Erik Matti’s On the Job: The Missing 8, gave a riveting performance that earned the film a five minute standing ovation on its first showing at the festival. On The Job: The Missing 8 was also the only hilippine entry in the competition. Yet it’s a testament to the quality of our national talent, as proven by Arcilla, his co-stars, and the movie crew.
William Shatner Actor William Shatner, who starred as Captain James Kirk for 40 years on Star Trek: The Original Series, finally leapt from fiction to reality when he was invited by magnate eff e os to join the second crewed suborbital ight on lue rigin’s ew Shepard rocket ship. This makes him the oldest human to travel to space so far, at 90 years old. The entire trip took about 11 minutes, with around four minutes of weightlessness after the spacecraft hit the 66.5-mile mark beyond the space boundary. y ne t year, the public may also enjoy this once-inlifetime e perience once lue rigin releases tickets for commercial sale. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
61
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021
Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Kids haven’t really had the chance to be kids amid the pandemic. Instead of going to classes or playing outside with their friends, they’ve been limited to staying at home for over a year for their safety. This may be our second “pandemic Christmas,” but that shouldn’t stop us from putting a smile on our sons’, daughters’, nephews’, nieces’, and godchildren’s faces. Here are some fun, smart, and thoughtful gift ideas for kids to help them curb cabin fever and take their online learning to the next level.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
63
GIFT GUIDE
8 to 12 years old 4
5 3
1
2
1. Fitbit Ace 3 P4,790 Build healthy habits and get fit with the motivational challenges of this activity tracker. Maximize the fun your child can have with the Fitbit Ace 3’s 8-day battery life and swimproof design.
64
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
2. Big Shot: Diary of a Wimpy Kid P750 Follow the adventures of Greg Heffley as he figures out if he’s cut out for sports in the newest addition to the beloved series. Available at Fully Booked.
3. Crayola Washable Markers P399 Bring on the art party with a range of 20 colorful markers for your kids to enjoy. Crayola’s washable ink makes it safe and gentle for kids to use on the skin and even on clothes. Available at Toys R Us.
4. Xiaomi Pad 5 P17,990 (6GB + 128GB), P19,990 (6GB + 256GB) Make your child’s online learning experience convenient, comfortable, and elevated with this tablet. Its 11-inch highresolution display is bright and vibrant.
5. Quoridor Board Game P1,899.75 Have your whole family join in on the fun with Quoridor. Challenge your knack for strategy with this board game. Available at Toy Kingdom.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021
6. Bill Nye’s VR Science Kit P4,292 Develop your child’s love for science with virtual reality. Let them join Bill Nye on different kinds of experiments with this 50-piece set— VR goggles included! Available via ubuy.com.
7. Toytinkr Real Mini Cooking Set P2,950 Unleash your child’s inner master chef with a cooking set that can prepare real food! It comes with an electric cooker and cooking wares. Available on Shopee and Lazada.
8. Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar P2,199 Count down to Christmas with this special calendar for your little Potterhead! Have them unravel 24 daily gifts and a magical adventure ahead. Available on the LegoPH store on Shopee.
9. Logitech H150 P789.75 Pick out a pair of headphones that provides crisp, clear audio, and a noisecanceling microphone to level up your child’s online learning and gameplay experience.
10. Pokemon Trading Cards P1,199 Expand your Pokemon trainer’s collection with trading cards. This set includes Dragapult Prime and more special surprises.
8 9
10
7
6
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
65
GIFT GUIDE
4
5 3
1
2
1. Hydro Flask 21 oz Pacific Standard Mouth P2,190 Remind your teen to stay hydrated! This water bottle features TempShield insulation, which can keep beverages cold or hot for hours.
66
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
2. ASUS BRF1100F P19,995 This versatile laptop is built to withstand knocks, bumps, drops, and spills. Aside from its robust body, the ASUS BRF1100F also comes with a handy stylus so students can easily take notes or draw.
3. Apple iPad mini P29,990 Equip your teen with a powerful device like the iPad mini. This 8.3inch tablet can handle apps for classes and hobbies through Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, iMovie, and more.
4. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 P6,990 A trusty pair of earbuds is a necessity now as students attend online classes. These buds come with active noise canceling, too, so your teen can focus on their work even if their surroundings are a bit noisy.
5. realme Narzo 50a P7,990 With its big 6000mAh battery and gamingcapable chipset, the realme Narzo 50a is a dependable daily driver for work and play. This device also comes with a 50MP AI triple camera to help kickstart a photography habit.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021
13 to 17 years old
7
8
6 9 10
6. JBL Tune 510BT P3,299 Got a music-lover at home? These on-ear headphones bring powerful bass for next-level listening and they come in multiple fresh colors to match any style.
7. Fujifilm Instax mini 11 P4,299 Sure, teens can easily take photos with their phones. But capturing memories and precious moments with an instant camera like the Instax mini 11 is more fun since they can print out photos and pin them up.
8. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl P2,695 Explore the Sinnoh region and dive into the world of Pokémon with the new Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl for the Nintendo Switch. Gotta catch ‘em all! Available at GameExtreme Shopee store.
9. Xiaomi Redmi 10 P7,590 (4GB + 64GB), P8,590 (6GB + 128GB) This smartphone packs an immersive 6.5-inch display which makes watching videos for school and for leisure more enjoyable. Its 5000mAh battery allows students to sneak in some game time after school.
10. Lenovo M2 electric scooter P19,995 Looking for a new ride to help your teen get around in the new normal? The Lenovo M2 electric scooter is a dependable machine that can be used whenever they need to go out for errands or to nearby places.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
67
GIFT GUIDE
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021
4 to 7 years old
2
4
3 5 1
1.BOTZEES Coding Robots for Kids P9,561 This smart toy offers many modes of Augmented Reality puzzles. With the companion app, kids can make this bot drum, dance, make sounds, and light up. Available via ubuy.com.ph.
68
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
2. LEGO Classic 11013 Creative Transparent Bricks P1,999.75 With this 500-piece playset, your little tyke can create anything in their wildest imagination: a toy bird, lion, turtle, robot, unicorn, and more. Available at bankeebricks.ph.
3. RUX 16” Premium Bicycle P3,999.75 This bike comes with a number of safety features including training wheels, adjustable saddle height and handlebar, double brake, mudguard, and non-slip pedals. Available at Toy Kingdom.
4. Huawei MatePad T 8 Kids Edition P8,999 This adorable tablet comes with a stylus pen to help foster kids’ creativity. Meanwhile, the Kids Corner app is filled with child-friendly games and videos.
5. Unang Aklat Board Book Bundle P1,155 Expand your little tykes’ vocabulary and kickstart their reading habit with these nine Filipino books on the alphabet, colors, emotions, and more. Available at Adarna House’s official Shopee page.
PRESS PLAY
5 REASONS TO WATCH ETERNALS IN CINEMAS WOR DS J UST I NE PUNZA L A N
PHOTOS DI SNEY PHI L I PPI NES
It’s been almost two years since ost of us ha e watched a fil inside theaters, and if you’re looking for a good reason to make your much-anticipated return, Marvel’s Eternals is here to prove it’s worth your while. The film is based on the comics by ack irby, which talks about a group of godlike beings who has protected the arth since the dawn of man. hen their arch enemy and monstrous creatures, called Deviants, mysteriously return, the ternals are forced to
reunite to defend humanity once again. The story takes place across two time periods in the past when they operated as a formidable team and a close family unit, and the
present, where the group has split apart, living among humans, and hiding in plain sight. ternals is the third film in arvel Cinematic niverse’s hase lineup, following Black Widow and
Shang-Chi and the Legend of he Ten Rings that both premiered in the .S., , ustralia, and other countries earlier this year. riginally set for release on ovember , , Eternals premiered abroad on ovember and in the hilippines on December this year. If you haven’t watched it yet, read on as we round up all the reasons this film can make your return to the big screen one for the books.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
69
PRESS PLAY
Never-before-seen characters Eternals boasts of a star-studded cast portraying the ten superpowered beings in the film. Topping the bill is ollywood lister ngelina olie, who plays Thena, the beautiful and powerful warrior with e pertise in wielding various forms of weaponry. She is joined by Salma ayek, who plays Ajak, the matriarch of the group e uipped with accelerated healing powers and ight teleportation. Game of Thrones star Kit arrington is Dane Whitman, who is presented in the film as an ordinary human being and the current love interest of emma Chan’s Sersi. Chan’s role, on the other hand, is a humankind loving ternal that can transfigure any non living matter into different forms. She previously had a long on and off relationship with Richard Madden’s Ikaris, who possesses telepathy, can blast firing energy from his eyes, and is the only one in the group capable of ying. dding a bit more romance is auren idloff’s Makkari, the fastest woman in the universe and the love interest of arry Keoghan’s Druig, who has the power to control minds.
Don Lee portrays Gilgamesh, who is deemed as the big brother of the group and the strongest and kindest of them all. umail anjiani is Kingo, an outgoing ternal capable of firing off powerful bolts against his enemies. rian Tyree enry steps into the role of Phastos, a master inventor and technopath. Rounding up the cast is ia c ugh, who plays Sprite, a thousand year old ternal that e ists through time as a year old girl.
Eternals was produced by Kevin Faige in partnership with ate oore. In a press release, ate e plained the decision to introduce these fascinating new charaters to the MCU: “We want audiences to discover a corner of the arvel universe they’ve never seen before. e want them to discover a mythology that is a challenging sci fi movie but also has a human heart. nd we want them to meet ten heroes who they hopefully can relate to.
It celebrates diversity Eternals is by far the only arvel film to have the most diverse cast, with a e ican ayek , ritish merican Chan , orean ee , akistani anjiani , and an frican merican enry headlining the film. It also features a deaf actress in the form of idloff. The movie is also considered monumental for its audacity to include an openly gay character to its story— hatos. The ternal is married to en aa Sleinman , with whom he shares an adopted son named ack. n top of that, Eternals was helmed by Chinese cademy ward winning director Chlo hao. In an interview with Disney, ee e plained how working with hao had been a pleasurable e perience for the entire crew. She’s really great at giving life to the character, he said. The heroes of ternals have a deep sense of con ict with identity, but you can see in Chlo ’s previous movies how she deals with character issues like that. She’s an incredible director. She has the perfect skills for this movie.
70
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
5 REASONS TO WATCH ETERNALS IN CINEMAS
that she loves. nd, of course, that’s when Ikaris comes ying back into her life She thought it was completely over with Ikaris. Then they have to go out and find the other ternals again. nd then they go through something momentous together. This love triangle plays a huge part in the film and, for Chan, it is definitely one to look forward to when watching it. The actress said, This is the first time that arvel Studios has centered a story around a romance and around a love story. I hope people enjoy it. I hope people like it because we haven’t seen it before. Dramatically unified plot te al introduces a new race of superheroes, with each one receiving emphasis in the film in every bit they are different from each other. nd for ayek, this masterful fusion of characters easily brought one of the film’s core messages to light. “I think this is also another message the importance of working together towards helping this planet and embracing our differences, she said. “There are a lot of differences between the characters and their ideologies, and their choices. They could remain separated, but as hard as it is sometimes to find a way to take only one path together, they must, ayek said. e are all very powerful, but we are the most powerful when we come together. A masterful combination of action and drama While the Eternals are seen taking down the Deviants and showcasing their own skills repeatedly in the film, the real action can be seen in their decision to live among humans and not meddle in catastrophes unless ordered by the Celestials. This balance between action, drama, not to mention wit, is something arvel has always succeeded at, especially in this film, according to ngeline olie.
“While they work hard to make these big movies, and they take the fans seriously to give them the right drama and character and arc, they’re also having fun, the actress said in an interview with Disney. So in every scene, when there has to be a lot of exposition or challenges or drama, they look for a way to also give a little twinkle. nd the actors are encouraged to play and look for those things as they are acting.
Intriguing love triangle e’ve seen how Tony Stark gave epper otts his armor when his house was attacked in Iron Man 3 and how Star-Lord was devastated when Thanos killed amora in e e fi t a. ow, arvel is leveling up its take on romance by introducing a love triangle involving Dane, Sersi, and Ikaris in te al . Chan e plained, Sersi has moved on at the beginning of the film. She’s found someone else Dane
part from the clever mi of characters, ayek noted that hao’s artful fusion of the emotional aspect and action of the film was key to making its plot engaging. She said, I think it’s very cool that the stakes are always very high in the arvel Studios movies. It’s about the end of the world. nd I think that in this particular one, because of the director and the way she shoots and her vision, it feels e tra personal... It’s a beautiful combination.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
71
COVER GIRL
72
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
GABBI GARCIA
i b b a G Garcia e u r t g in y a t s on
le y t s r e h g in n w o to herself and
If there’s one thing we absolutely love about three-time Speed cover girl Gabbi Garcia, it’s her self-love attitude. When we interviewed her back in 2019, the Kapuso actress and Millennial It Girl said she wanted to change the discourse online about what’s beautiful and what’s socially accepted. “Because if you’re not going to accept yourself, how can others accept you?” Gabbi said. PHOTOS COURTESY OF Xiaomi Philippines STYLIST CATH SOBREVEGA HAIR MARK ROSALES MAKEUP JASON DELOS REYES NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
73
COVER GIRL
So when she was given the opportunity and platform to do so, she made it her advocacy to promote self-love and acceptance. Today, Gabbi continues to encourage and celebrate women—especially her millions of followers—to stay true to themselves. “Honestly, when I was a kid, I used to be insecure also with my body. So, I guess, when I grew up, I got a lot of encouragement from people surrounding me—like my parents, my family, my friends who would encourage me to love my body. And I really wanted to spread that love to my followers also. And, you know, one of the most rewarding comments that I get from my fans and followers [is] whenever they tell me na ‘you inspire me na mahalin ‘yung body ko’ or ‘I went to the beach because of you”—[that kind of] stuff. So, I feel like it really changes and boosts a person’s self-esteem and confidence about themselves and it’s also about time [to stop judging our own bodies].” This is why we think global technology leader Xiaomi couldn’t have picked a better ambassador than Gabbi Garcia. In her latest collaboration with the brand, Gabbi is one of four Lite Style Experts in the four-part online series Lite Me Up, which showcases the journey of four stylish and creative individuals discovering and expressing their true selves with the help of the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE. How do you feel about this collaboration with Xiaomi and the Lite Crew? Honestly, I feel honored that Xiaomi invited me to be part of this collaboration and help out the Lite Crew. I’ve always been a big believer of staying true to yourself always in everything that you do, which was really in line with Xiaomi’s goal for the series. It made me reminisce on my personal journey and experiment on a lot of things to find my own style. I’m very fortunate to take on the role to be a guide to these four unique and very talented individuals and be part of their own style discovery. How was it like working on the Lite Me Up online series? Sofia, Bela, Vince, and Brad were super fun to work with as they were very open and game to try anything. I actually commend them for being brave to be vulnerable and it’s so inspiring to know their stories even in such a short time. Another thing that made me super excited is that I was also given the opportunity to work with amazing fashion and lifestyle experts such as Maita Baello, Rxandy Capinpin, and Mark Qua. I hope that with our series with Xiaomi, we’d be able to inspire others to explore their own styles and have their own Lite Me Up moments.
74
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
GABBI GARCIA
Every day is a learning process.” Which features of the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE do you love most? s a lifestyle in uencer and content creator, the iaomi ite really complements my lifestyle. I lo e fashion and being able to play around with arious colors can definitely ele ate my style. hat’s why I’m super happy that the iaomi ite has arious colors such as ru e black, Bubblegum Blue, each ink and Snow ake hite which can be easily matched with whiche er outfit I wear. lus, with its ama ing camera lens and features, I’d be able to take snaps of my looks and share it with i id colors to my followers online.
ieces that I can wear that are ersatile and I can wear during the day, that I can really] keep and I can also re-wear whene er I want to re-wear it.
s a content creator, what I appreciate is that the iaomi ite ’s battery lasts a long time plus its fast charging feature ensures I can keep creating content longer. lus, its sleek and lightweight design makes it easy for me to bring it anywhere and can easily fit e en my small purses.
What’s your most important style advice? My most important style ad ice is don’t sacrifice your comfort for style. I’m a belie er of comfort when it comes] to fashion. I think you shouldn’t be sacrificing comfort because there are a lot of pieces that are] stylish at the same time it’s also comfortable.
What is your personal fashion style? Siguro, I go for the elegant side. More on the classic side. I lo e neutrals, I like coords, I like matching colors]. I really make sure that] the pieces I wear are classy and timeless.
We love that you’re part of a cool gang such as the Nguya Squad. Can you tell us what you love about being part of it? How do you guys still manage to hang out during the pandemic? I’ll be honest, during the first year of the
How do you stay true to it, especially for celebrities like you who get styled a lot during shows, endorsements, and other shoots? I make sure that I’m aligned with my stylist. ery shoot, I’m a ery hands-on artist so I really see to it that I know what they’ll make me wear, and they really know me as an artist. So ‘yun talaga, it’s really about being a hands-on artist.
pandemic I was also distant from my friends, and I feel like it’s reasonable for e erybody. I think my friends are ery low-maintenance and I’m happy that I ha e low-maintenance friends, friends that are really understanding. But right now, since e erybody is getting accinated and the world’s slowly opening up again, especially during the holidays, we make sure to see each other following the safety protocols of course. I feel like seeing and checking on your friends is also important kasi diba we all ha e our own struggles and problems during the pandemic but ust a simple “Kumusta ka or ’Sa’n ka will make your friend’s day. So e en though we don’t see each other as often as before, I still make sure to, once in a while, text them and call them. You’ve mentioned your dream of joining a beauty pageant. Are you preparing for it already? es about the dream re you preparing for it already I guess, e ery day is a learning process. I can say that] e er since I wanted to be a beauty ueen, I’ e been preparing for it unconsciously. But, like, preparing for the actual pageant, I think I ha e so much on my plate right now and I don’t think now is the right time for it. But it’s one of my dreams and I really see myself oining the pageant but not as of the moment because as mentioned] I’m busy with all the pro ects that M has been gi ing me, the brands that I’m working with. So, maybe soon. I can’t say when’s the right time cause I feel like you can ne er really tell when’s the right time, you ust feel it. Pero darating tayo d’yan. How will you be celebrating Christmas this year? Has it changed because of the pandemic? his year, well it’s always been the same for us. e ust hang out with my family. ery Christmas we do the ilipino traditions that any ilipino family would do oche Buena, Simbang abi. Yun pa rin this year. Kakain pa rin kami ng family ko sabay-sabay. e won’t be going out of town kasi we really like spending Christmas in our house. e feel like our home is the best place to spend Christmas in. What are you looking forward to in 2022 in terms of your career and future projects, relationships with those dear to you, and relationship with yourself? his] , I’m] really excited for my] future pro ects. I’m not sure what’s in store for me this , but my goal this is to be more spontaneous when it comes to my relationships, when it comes to my career. Because I tend to plan things a lot. So, I feel like I want to be more spontaneous when it comes to my career, relationships, and with myself.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
75
START YOUR FITNESS GOALS NOW WITH THE REDMI WATCH 2 LITE
et ready to be fitter and healthier this new year as Xiaomi launches your newest fitness buddy, the Redmi Watch 2 Lite. It is never too early to start working on your health and the Redmi Watch 2 Lite can help you reach those goals. The colorful and stylish watch features a holistic set of features designed to help you throughout your fitness journey while offering various designs to match your style.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH XIAOMI PHILIPPINES
sers will also be able to track their SpO2 or saturation of peripheral capillary oxygen levels , which is the estimated amount of oxygen in your blood. The Redmi Watch 2 Lite can keep tracking even while you sleep and notify you when you have low levels of p 2, which is caused by snoring, intense workouts at high altitude, e cessive brain activity or lung problems.
The Redmi Watch 2 Lite enjoys upgraded software and now features over fitness modes, professional modes, and more than e tended modes, such as outdoor running, swimming, cycling, IIT, hiking, and more, so you can be sure that your unique personal fitness routine will be covered by its features.
It also has an improved positioning accuracy with its multi system standalone , which can also shorten the average convergence time. It is also water resistant and can last for short amounts of time submerged in water for a ma imum depth of meters, perfect for use in a pool.
With its . inch touch display, the Redmi Watch 2 Lite also offers a bigger screen-to-body ratio that will give users a better visual e perience. It also has over 100 watch face design options to choose from for a colorful touch display to suit your style anytime. You never have to worry about running out of charge as the Redmi Watch 2 Lite has a battery life of up to 10 days and features a magnetic charger that is smaller, convenient, and compatible with multiple Xiaomi devices. The Redmi Watch 2 Lite is available in ivory, black, and blue while the straps are also available in pink, olive, and brown. Visit the Xiaomi Philippines official stores on Lazada and Shopee.
PEOPLE@SPEED
Laying a solid foundation for Filipino coders JOEL BRYAN JULIANO Bato Tagalog programming language creator WOR DS J UST I NE PUNZA L A N
After so much discussion, I noticed that they could not fully comprehend some concepts that I am talking about,” Juliano recounted. “So, I started explaining the concept to them in Tagalog, which they fully comprehend. That night, I started working on Bato, which I planned to use as a teaching tool for the next day,” he continued. “The next few days I started using Bato, I noticed that it’s easier to teach them programming concepts. I was tweaking Bato every time after I finished teaching, changing it based on how I explained certain concepts in Tagalog.” Juliano’s efforts were not in vain. A week later, his mentees effectively coded their final assignments, all with the use of his Tagalog programming tool.
Computer programming is not everyone’s cup of tea, just like how astronomy, business management, or filmmaking only suit some. But as in any field, having a profound understanding of the basics can get you off to a good start. That is why Filipino software engineer Joel Bryan Juliano developed Bato, a programming language with Tagalog syntax based on the Ruby programming language. 78
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
As the name suggests, Bato, or “rock” in English, intends to lay a solid foundation for budding Filipino programmers, who are more likely to understand programming in their native language. In an email interview with Speed, Juliano said that he began developing Bato back in June 2016 as a learning tool for his nephew and his friend, who, like most people, would find themselves at their wit’s end when it comes to programming.
“I really intended Bato to be just a learning tool to build confidence in understanding programming by heart. If they understand what is happening on a program in their native language, they can easily express it in the mainstream language,” the Amsterdambased software engineer told Speed. “It started when my nephew, together with his friend, asked me to teach them basic programming or else they would fail the subject.
“At that point, I realized that people can be taught to code regardless of their educational background. Status quo and barrier of entry can be lowered, as long as they can do their thought process in their native language,” the proud uncle said, adding, “We should use our native language because it’s easier for us to think and communicate that way.” Juliano’s work on Bato is far from over, as “there are still some small parts that are undocumented,” he said to Speed. He published the project on GitHub the same year he created it and continues to strengthen it, “relying heavily on open source help from contributors.”
JOEL BRYAN JULIANO
Bato interactive online console
Heeding the call of his talent While most people deem programming menial labor, Juliano is one of the lucky few who developed a deep love for computer science and data analytics at an early age. The 38-year-old software engineer first learned to use when he was 10 years old and in that same year, he uploaded his first two online contri utions on a bulletin board system “probably LiveWire, FireBank, or th ilemma Juliano’s first contri ution was a I vercloc ing uide a te t file with instructions on how to overclock and speed up a 386 via settings, al eit a ris y one he other was a com iled e ecuta le file that runs an II merican tandard ode or In ormation Interchange slideshow of Japanese anime YuYu Hakusho.“ His keen interest in coding prompted him to take up com uter science at University while working as a freelancer “focusing on , J , and ro ects lthough Juliano has s ent most of his life mastering programming, he still considers developing Bato a tough grind e e lained, I guess one o the challenges is how [to] contain Tagalog into programming semantics. agalog is a very e ressive language and it is hard to really uniformly use the same eyword over and over again Sample program in Bato
also been gaining the interest of people on social media. ast wee , I chec ed a ace oo ost that I was tagged in, and the post is about Bato with over 6,000 shares and , li es lso, another old post about Bato has over , li es and shares, he said “Throughout the development of Bato, there are many ways to e ress a loo or a switch statement or e am le, I added two semantic words for ending a program: ‘wakas‘ and ‘katapusan.’ Both of them can do the same thing, but sometimes you might want to use ata usan ou want to use a keyword that is in harmony with your code, he said. I you read a ato code, it should read like a Tagalog letter, and a beautifully communicated letter is a good indicator o a good ato code till, Juliano remains stead ast in his goals to make education, particularly programming, accessible to Filipino children “by teaching it in their mother language It eels great to have a tool to help people in their thought rocess, he said
I you can’t understand a rogram, I say, ry ato first and you’ll understand what’s happening in your program.’ Understanding technical things in your native tongue is a very ower ul tool I Ja an, outh orea, uro e, and many other first world countries teach in their native tongue, why can’t the Philippines do it as well Strengthening computer education in the Philippines ince Juliano u lished ato four years ago, the Tagalog programming language has earned a total of 12,000 downloads some o which are from teachers and students e loring coding I was told y one o the young eo le I tal ed to that a professor in a university in etro anila uses it to teach [programming] and encourages his students to learn it, Juliano remarked, noting how it has
It’s e citing to see that more people are becoming interested in the project, and I really welcome them to make contributions to the ro ect via ithu I really want to build an ecosystem of learning materials around it, one that is tailored toward children and the common Juan, the rogrammer added nd as udding inoy coders turn to Bato to hone their coding skills, Juliano also wants them to accompany it with an attitude similar to that used in rogramming with clear fundamentals and consistency. “Learn what is relevant to you, as ercent o your e ertise will come from the 20 percent o what you now, he said “Form a circle, and see what makes sense to focus your energy on I it’s not relevant to you, and you won’t use it, don’t waste your time on it It’s o ay to not know everything. Just focus on what is close to you, what is relevant to you, and what you can use “Build your domain of knowledge around that circle, learn about them, and learn their rules, Juliano continued nd as you learn the u er limit on those things, you will begin to understand and form rinci les around them tand by those principles and use them to navigate your li e NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
79
TECH TIPS E
xpecting relatives and other guests over the holidays? Be generous and share your 100Mbps connection while still keeping your home network safe by setting up a guest network. This will not only restrict access to your shared folders, printers, or NAS devices, but will also help keep your home network safe from electronically transmitted maladies.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
81
HOW TO
GOT A NEW GADGET FOR CHRISTMAS?
DISPOSE OF YOUR OLD DEVICES SAFELY
f your gift-giving and receiving this Christmas involves shiny new gadgets, then it’s out with the old, in with the new for you. You don’t want your old tech devices cluttering up your drawers, do you? But don’t just place those old phones, tablets, and smartwatches in the bin— there are some toxic chemicals in these products that don’t belong in the trash.
I
Here’s what you can do instead: GIVE IT TO A CERTIFIED E-WASTE RECYCLER. Got an old, non-working phone, laptop, or television? Here are some e-waste recycling initiatives in the country: Humble Sustainability. They accept e-waste— whether broken or not— as well as other items that can be reused, recycled, or upcycled. Visit humblesustainability.com or follow them on facebook. com/humblesustainability/ to know more.
82
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Globe E-Waste Zero Bin. As part of its environmental protection advocacy, Globe has set up over 100 participating Globe stores nationwide where you can drop off old mobile phones, chargers, printers, monitors, batteries, and the like. Go to bit.ly/globezerobin to check out the full list of collection points all over the country. The program also offers pick up services for bulky items like washing machines, ovens, and refrigerators.
SM Electronic Waste Collection Program. This program accepts electronic waste including old or broken mobile phones, mobile phone chargers, power cords, commercial batteries, earphones/ earbuds, calculators, printer ink and toner cartridges, small gadgets, and computer wiring, among others. E-waste collection is available in all SM malls nationwide, and you can drop off your e-waste during mall hours.
Envirocycle. This DENRaccredited treatment, storage, and disposal facility is a one-stop fullservice e-waste recycling company. Their warehouse is at Silangan Industrial Park, Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna. Visit envirocycle-inc.com to know more about their e-waste management program. SPREAD THE CHRISTMAS CHEER. Do you have a laptop or TV that’s still in good working condition? Pass them on for reuse. Old gadgets that are not useful to you may be useful to others. Your old computer might be a great use to an NGO or students learning from home. IMPORTANT ! Don’t let your data get into the wrong hands! Ensure your data is wiped properly and safely before dropping off for recycling or before handing down to a friend or family member.
HOW TO
NEED TO REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS? DO IT VIA THIS PORTAL WO RD S R E A LY N R A BAGO
Additional documents: DTI certificate Work visa for foreign nationals Franchise documents Proof of registration or permit to operate Franchise documents Death certificate of the deceased Trust Agreement Certificate of uthority,if Barangay Micro Business Enterprises-registered entity Step 2: Download and answer the application form Go to www.bir.gov.ph then browse and click “Use BIR eServices.” Click “Other eServices” tab then scroll down and choose the NewBizReg icon. Download the Tax Type uestionnaire, print it, and fill out all re uired fields. Step 3: Payment of fees Pay the P500 registration fee and P30 Loose Documentary Stamp Tax through any of BIR’s e-payment channels: Landbank, Development Bank of the Philippines, Unionbank, PesoNet, Gcash, or PayMaya.
hether you’re a longtime entrepreneur or just about to open a new shop, it’s important to keep in mind that registering your business with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is key to smooth and secure operations.
W
Aware of the struggles entrepreneurs go through to register their businesses, especially during the pandemic, BIR launched an online registration platform known as the New Business Registration (NewBizReg) portal. With this portal, business owners like you can submit
your application for business registration to your designated I evenue District ce (RDO) with less hassle. All you have to do is prepare the requirements, email your application form, pay the required fees via partner electronic payment channels, and you’re good to go. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the NewBizReg application process. Step 1: Prepare the requirements For sole proprietors, professionals, and mixedincome earners:
BIR Form No. 1901 version January 2018 Government-issued ID Clear sample of principal receipt invoices or a BIR printed receipt or invoice, which you can also purchase at BIR’s New Business Registrant Counter. P500 for the registration fee and P30 for the loose stamp for the Certificate of Registration If transacting through a representative: Government-issued ID of the authorized representative Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
Step 4: Submit your application Go back to the NewBizReg portal, then look for the email address and subject of application of the designated RDO in your area. Click the “Email Your Application” button to compose your email. A new window will pop up where you must attach all the required documents and send it to the email address specified on the recipient field. Wait for your acknowledgment receipt, and your application will be processed by the BIR RDO within three working days. tep laim your certi cate Wait for an email specifying the pick-up schedule of your Certificate of egistration, then head to the nearest I o ce during your designated schedule.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
83
HOW TO
While big businesses often hire professionals to do this, some tools like GoDaddy’s SEO that’s embedded in its Websites+Marketing, E-Store, and Digital Marketing Suite, has an easy-to-follow walkthrough tool and will give you tips on how to improve your website’s search rankings. An improved search ranking can also lead to improved organic search result ranking. Translation: when a potential customer is looking up products and services online your business becomes more discoverable to them when your keywords match their search terms. THE TOOL: EMAIL MARKETING Sending a well-written email to your database of customers often gets customers to click on your website link.
RAISE YOUR ONLINE MARKETING GAME M
any small and medium businesses use Facebook and Instagram to market their products and services. However, while social media is a powerful tool in establishing a strong online presence, it’s just one out of the many that you can implement in the digital space. As all roads lead to digital in business and beyond in today’s environment, it’s important 84
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
that you learn—and eventually master—other digital marketing tools at your disposal to help promote the online journey of your business. Here are some digital marketing methods you can implement to help capture the attention of potential customers, according to domain registrar and web hosting company GoDaddy.
THE TOOL: SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION (SEO) Make your brand search-ready. Once optimized for search engines, your business website will be categorized and will appear in relevant search results on these sites. This will require you to embed the right keywords within your website to help improve searchability.
There are various tools available that help you create marketing emails quickly. GoDaddy’s Email Marketing tool, for example, helps you easily create modern and elegant emails with a dragand-drop composer, as well as clickable buttons to help further drive engagement with every email sent out. Existing content can also be optimized, such as turning blog posts into newsletters and sending these to a specific customer list, which you can also create by following simple steps. THE TOOL: WEBSITE ANALYTICS Which pages do your customers spend time on? What kind of content do they respond best to? You’ll know all these when you check your website analytics. GoDaddy’s Websites+Marketing tool, for example, is equipped with InSight, a smart technology tool that provides metrics and advice on how to improve your online performance.
BILLBOARD
FedEx opens state-ofthe-art gateway facility in Clark FedEx Express has opened a 17,000sqm gateway facility in Clark, Pampanga to boost support for businesses and e-commerce growth in the Philippines.
SUZUKI OPENS DEALERSHIP IN STO. TOMAS, BATANGAS Suzuki Philippines Inc. has opened its Sto. Tomas satellite in Batangas, an 840sqm dealership with a three-car showroom and four work bays. This is the third dealership under the Gateway Group, adding to their existing dealerships in Palawan and San Pablo. Situated along 203 President Jose P. Laurel Highway, San Roque, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, the satellite hopes to boost Suzuki’s presence in Batangas and nearby areas.
onverge Business offers impactful solutions for s, large enterprises Converge ICT Solutions Inc. takes a step further to mark its stamp in the B2B sector with Converge Business. This umbrella brand for all business connectivity, data transport, and other ICT solutions, enables small and medium enterprises, as well as conglomerates and large enterprises to thrive and progress.
86
on erge offers fiber optic service not only to users in the consumer space but also to a growing number of business clients in the SME, Enterprise, and Wholesale segment. With Converge Business, enterprises can have dynamic private data connectivity and internet services to boost work producti ity and e ciency.
umbrella to better address market needs through their SME Services, Wholesale, and Enterprise Solutions.
Converge Business has various segments under its
Meanwhile, the Enterprise segment offers competitively priced ser ices such as edicated Internet ccess I i e of ay, I pload, and loud connecti ity.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Pro iding scalable options to ha e exibility in connectivity, SMEs can maximize their operations with the exi i ay Plan and exi i Peak.
The facility enables faster processing with the capability to sort 9,000 parcels per hour. Its expansive dedicated freighthandling area spans 630sqm. The facility supports the growing e-commerce demand of bulk shipments and large items especially for the upcoming peak season shipping volumes. The new Clark gateway also features a state-of-theart cold storage facility for varying temperature-sensitive shipments. One unit has storage temperature capabilities ranging from -20°C to 5°C, appropriate for storing vaccines, fresh produce, and raw products. Two other units have storage temperatures of 5°C to 20°C, appropriate for keeping vegetables and dry foods such as canned goods. These units help retain the freshnessof products and maximize their shelf life. The facility also provides convenience to customers with the launch of Dangerous Goods One-Stop Shop. This solution offers customers an end-toend shipping experience for dangerous goods that are fully compliant with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines. This new gateway also allows businesses to access FedEx’s extensive network and expand their market reach with 36 ights coming in and out weekly, connecting them to over 220 countries and territories.
Get better health, device protection with PayMaya Protect
CHERRY OPENS CONCEPT STORE AT SM MALL OF ASIA Cherry has opened a concept store at SM Mall of Asia, following the successful launches of the SM Calamba, SM Southmall, and SM North EDSA branches. The SM Mall of Asia branch features vivid tones of white and gray, the core palette of all Cherry concept stores. All succeeding stores will follow the same theme with bright and sleek interiors. At the concept store, you can shop for Cherry’s wide range of products, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, health essentials, and home appliances, alongside their phones, tablets, and mobile accessories. Cherry is also set to open within the year other concept stores including SM Ecoland Davao, SM Fairview, and SM Bacolod.
Ford offers all-in battery package, new premium cabin filter for worry-free rides
The all-in battery package is available to customers with a Ford Focus, Fiesta, EcoSport,
Accessible via the Protect button in your PayMaya app, Personal rotect offers flexible and affordable health insurance that can cover dengue and COVID-19 medical expenses as well as Permanent Total Disability caused by accidents, dengue, or COVID-19. Pioneer Insurance is the insurance provider for Personal Protect. PayMaya Personal Protect comes in three different plan options: Basic Protect Plan for P85/ month, Advanced Protect Plan for P95/month, and Holistic Protect Plan for P105/month.
With months of restrictive travel, it is possible that your vehicle has been left unused for extended durations, exposing it to a greater risk of damage if unchecked or unmaintained. Should your vehicles need a new battery or air cabin filter, ord Philippines is offering a limited all-in battery package and a new cabin filter available on select Ford vehicles.
PayMaya has partnered with Singapore-based insurtech unicorn bolttech to offer microinsurance and services products on its app. With the new PayMaya Protect feature inside the PayMaya app, you can now easily access affordable health insurance coverage and mobile service plans with a few taps on your phone.
Ranger or Everest, and already includes parts and labor costs at a promotional price that starts at P6,300. All parts of eligible Ford vehicles covered by the promotion automatically come with a 24-month warranty. Meanwhile, the Motorcraft micronAir proTect Cabin Filter is a premium cabin filter that offers superior filtering functionality at a competitive price point. This is available to Ford Ranger and Everest models (model year 2015 onward) as an upgrade to the standard cabin filter.
Meanwhile, with PayMaya’s Mobile Protect offered by bolttech, users can purchase mobile phone repair services for cracked screen and accidental and liquid damage for as low as P21/month. You have two packages to choose from: Cracked Screen package at P21/ month and Accidental & Liquid Breakage package at P31/month.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
87
BILLBOARD
Hyundai HD48 GT is a robust, fully-equipped modern PUV Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) expands its modern public utility vehicle lineup with the addition of the HD48 GT modern PUV.
AYALA LAND’S BIKE SMART PROGRAM SEEKS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE BIKING COMMUNITY CULTURE Whether for commuting, leisure, or exercise, biking has become a go-to for a lot of Filipinos throughout this pandemic. In response to this, Ayala Land has launched a Bike Smart Program in Nuvali, Laguna, that institutes guidelines and governs the biking community to make Nuvali a bikeable city and promote a positive biking community culture. Through the 42.1-kilometer bike lanes along Nuvali’s main and connecting roads, Ayala Land put up signages and right-of-way markers called ‘sharrows’ on shared roadway lanes. There is also a designated bike path with a separate area allotted for off-road biking that is pedestrian and jogger-friendly. Various amenities are also available for public use, including bike racks around the estate, as well as bike-repair stations at Solenad 1 and in Camp N. Ayala Land also has a Post-Crash Emergency Response Service as additional assistance to bikers. The Bike Smart Program debuted in Nuvali but will soon be rolled out in all of the Ayala Land Estates, including Vermosa in Cavite and Arca South in Taguig.
Geely continues expansion with Tarlac dealership opening Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) has opened a dealership in the melting pot of Central Luzon under its dealer partner Gateway Group of Companies. Geely Tarlac is just one of the many Geely outlets that the Gateway Group has inaugurated in the country since 2020. We are pleased to nally open our doors to the most multicultural province in Central Luzon, of course with the help of the Gateway Group that has built several Geely outlets. We are honored by the trust and support we’ve been getting from them,” SGAP President & CEO Yosuke Nishi said. Geely Tarlac is a 1,000sqm dealership with three service bays and a capacity to display ve cars inside the showroom. Customers may visit Geely Tarlac at MacArthur Highway, San Sebastian, Tarlac City. The outlet is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
88
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Made from high-tensile steel, the HD48 GT boasts of a lightweight structure that’s e ible enough to withstand the twists and turns of punishing drives. The HD48 GT uses Hyundai’s quality chassis platform and boasts of a robust design brought to life by Filipino craftsmanship. It has also been duly certified as compliant by the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for shape, size, dimensions, and other stringent specifications to ensure safety, comfort, and reliability. It is powered by a Euro 4-rated 2.9-liter turbodiesel engine (158hp and 392Nm), which is paired to a five speed manual transmission. To keep it running smoothly and give you peace of mind, the vehicle comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty.
MOBILE PHONES + TA B L E T S
p.90
UNDER P10,000
p.92
UNDER P20,000
p.94
P20,000 AND ABOVE
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
89
BUYER’S GUIDE
NEW! Infinix Hot 10 Play G35 P4,990
Cherry Mobile Aqua S10 Pro
Cherry Mobile Flare Y20
• Android 11 • MediaTek Helio G90 • 48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.67” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• Android 10 • 1.6GHz octa-core SC9863A • 8MP + 2MP rear, 5MP front • 6” IPS TrueView • 16GB built-in, microSD; 2GB RAM • LTE • dual SIM
P7,999
P3,299
• Android 10 • MediaTek Helio G35 • 6.82” HD+ • 13MP + AI lens; 8MP front • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
The upgraded Infinix Hot 10 Play is one competitive player in the budget phone segment. Its fast user interface with minimal to zero lags keep this device ahead of the game.
NEW!
Infinix Hot 10S
P5,990 (4GB + 64GB) P6,990 (6GB + 128GB)
• Android 11 • MediaTek Helio G85 • 6.82” HD+ 90Hz • 48MP + 2MP + AI lens; 8MP front • 64/128GB built-in, microSD; 4/6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Nokia C10
P3,990 • Android 11 (Go edition) • UNISOC SC7731Ee • 5MP rear, 5MP front • 6.51” HD+ • 16GB built-in, microSD; 2GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
90
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Infinix Hot 11S P6,999
• XOS 7.6 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G70 • 6.6”” FHD+ • 13MP + AI lens rear, 8MP front • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Nokia C20
P4,690 • Android 11 (Go edition) • UNISOC SC9863A • 5MP rear, 5MP front • 6.51”” HD+ • 32GB built-in, microSD; 2GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Lenovo K12 Note
P6,995 • Android 10 • 6.5” HD+ 720 x 1600 • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Lenovo K12 Pro P9,990
• Android 10 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 • 64MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 6.8” HD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Nokia G10
OPPO A16
• Android 11 • MediaTek Helio G25 • 13MP + 2MP + 2MP; 8MP front • 6.5” HD+ • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G35 • 13MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.52” HD+, 60Hz refresh rate • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P6,990
P7,999
UNDER P10,000
NEW!
NEW!
OPPO A16k
OPPO A55 4G
POCO M3 Pro 5G
realme C25
realme C25s
• ColorOS 11.1 Lite (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G35 • 13MP rear, 5MP front • 6.52” HD+ • 32GB built-in, microSD; 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G35 • 50MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.51” HD+ • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P11,990 (6GB + 128GB) • MIUI 12 (Android 11) • octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.5” FHD+ 90Hz refresh rate • 64/128GB built-in, microSD; 4/6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• realme UI 2.0 (Android 11) • 6.5” 1600 x 720 LCD • octa-core MediaTek Helio G70 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• realme UI 2.0 (Android 11) • 6.5” 1600 x 720 LCD • octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P6,999
P9,999
P8,990 (4GB + 64GB)
NEW!
realme narzo 50A
Samsung Galaxy A11
• realme UI (Android 10) • 6.5” HD+ LCD • octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 • 13MP dual rear; 8MP front • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• realme UI 2.0 • MediaTek Helio G85 • 50MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front • 6.5” HD+ • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• OneUI 2.0 (Android 10) • 1.8GHz octa-core • 13MP + 2MP + 5MP rear, 8MP front • 6.4” 720 x 1560 • 32GB built-in, microSD, 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P7,990
P7,490
NEW!
realme Narzo 30A P6,490
P7,490
P7,490
TECNO Mobile Camon 18 P8,999
• HiOS (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G88 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.8” FHD+ • 128GB built-in; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
TECNO Mobile POVA 2 P7,990
• HIOS 7.6 (Android) • octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP + AI cam rear, 8MP front • 6.9” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
TECNO Mobile Spark 6 Air
TECNO Mobile Spark 6 Go
• HIOS 6.2 (Android 10) • octa-core MediaTek Helio A25 • triple 13MP rear, 8MP front • 6.95” HD+ • 32GB built-in, microSD; 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• HIOS 6.2 (Android 10) • octa-core MediaTek Helio A25 • dual 13MP rear, 8MP front • 6.52” HD+ • 64GB built-in, microSD; 4GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P4,690
P4,999
vivo Y12s P6,499
• Funtouch OS 11 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio P35 • 13MP + 2MP rear; 8MP front • 6.51” HD+ • 32GB built-in, microSD; 3GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Xiaomi Redmi 10
P7,590 (4GB+64GB) P8,590 (6GB+128GB)
• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G88 • 50MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front • 6.5” FHD+ 90Hz refresh rate • 64/128GB built-in, microSD; 4/6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G P9,990 (4GB+128GB) P11,490 (8GB+128GB)
• MIUI 12 (Android 11) • octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 13MP front • 6.5” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 4/8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
91
BUYER’S GUIDE
NEW!
NEW!
Huawei nova 8
Huawei nova 8i
Infinix Zero X Pro
Motorola Edge 20 Fusion 5G
• EMUI 12 • Huawei Kirin 820E • 64MP + 8MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.67” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• EMUI 11 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 2.0GHz octa-core • 64MP + 8MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.67” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• XOS 7.6 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G95 • 108MP + 8MP + 8MP rear, 16MP front • 6.67” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• Android 11 • MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G • 108MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.7” FHD+ 90Hz refresh rate • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
P19,999
P13,999
P14,990
P16,995
NEW!
Nokia G50 5G P13,990
• Android 11 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G • 48MP + 5MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front • 6.82” HD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
OPPO A74 5G
OPPO Reno6 Z 5G
• OxygenOS 11 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.43” FHD+ Fluid AMOLED • 128/256GB built-in; 8/12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G • 48MP+8MP+2MP+2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.5” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• ColorOS 11.1 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 800U • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear; 32MP front • 6.4” 2400 x 1080, 60Hz refresh rate • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
P16,990 (8+128GB) P19,990 (12+256GB)
P15,999
P19,999
POCO X3 Pro
P12,990 (6+128GB) P15,990 (8+256GB)
POCO X3 GT
realme 8
• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 1100 • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.6” FHD+ 120Hz refresh rate • 128/256GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• realme UI 2 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G95 octa-core • 6.43” 1080x 2400 Super AMOLED • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P15,990 (8+128GB) P17,990 (8+256GB)
92
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
P13,990
• MIUI 12 for POCO (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear. 20MP front • 6.67” FHD+ • 128/256GB, microSD; 6/8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM The POCO X3 Pro is a real bang-for-your-buck gaming and entertainment phone. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing triple-A mobile titles, the X3 Pro will keep you glued to the screen all-day.
UNDER P20,000
NEW!
realme 8 5G
realme 8 Pro
Samsung Galaxy M32
Samsung Galaxy A22
• realme UI 2 (Android 11) • Dimensity 700 5G octa-core • 6.5” 1080x 2400 • 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 128GB built-in; 4/8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• realme UI 2 (Android 11) • Snapdragon 720G octa-core • 6.4” 1080x 2400 Super AMOLED • 108MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 16MP front • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• One UI 3.0 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G80 • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 20MP front • 6.4” FHD+ Super AMOLED • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• One UI 3.1 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G80 • 6.4” HD+ • 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 13MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P10,990 (4+128GB) P11,990 (8+128GB)
P16,990
P13,490
P11,990
Samsung Galaxy A22 5G P13,990
• One UI 3.0 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G • 6.46” FHD+ • 48MP + 5MP + 2MP rear, 8MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
Samsung Galaxy A32 P12,990 (6+128GB) P13,990 (8+128GB)
• One UI 3.0 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G80 • 6.4” FHD+ • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP + 5MP rear, 20MP front • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6/8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
TECNO Mobile Camon 18 Premier P14,990
• HiOS (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G96 • 64MP + 12MP + 8MP rear, 32MP front • 6.7” FHD+ • 256GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G P15,990
• One UI 3.0 (Android 11) • octa-core • 6.5” HD+ • 48MP + 8MP + 5MP + 5MP • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
TCL 10 5G P17,990
• TCL UI 3.0 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.53” Full HD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 6GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
TECNO Mobile Camon 17 Pro
TECNO Mobile Camon 18P
• HIOS (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G95 • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 48MP front • 6.8” FHD+ • 256GB built-in, microSD; 86GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• HiOS (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G96 • 48MP + 13MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.8” FHD+ • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P10,990
NEW!
vivo Y33s
Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite
• Funtouch OS 11.1 (Android 11) • MediaTek Helio G80 • 50MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front • 6.58”” FHD+ • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 778 5G • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP rear; 20MP front • 6.55” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB built-in; 6/8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G • 64MP + 8MP + 5MP rear; 16MP front • 6.5”” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB built-in, microSD ; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
P12,999
P10,490
P16,990 (6+128GB) P18,990 (8+128GB)
P14,990
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S P11,990
• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • octa-core MediaTek Helio G95 • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear; 13MP front • 6.43” FHD+ AMOLED Dot Display • 128GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
93
BUYER’S GUIDE
NEW!
Apple iPhone 13 P50,990 (128GB) P57,990 (256GB) P69,990 (512GB)
• iOS 15 • A15 Bionic chip • 12MP + 12MP rear, 12mP front • 6.1” 2532 x 1170 Super Retina XDR • 128/256/512GB • 5G, LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
Apple iPhone 13 mini P44,990 (128GB) P50,990 (256GB) P63,990 (512GB)
• iOS 15 • A15 Bionic chip • 12MP + 12MP rear, 12mP front • 5.4” 2340 x 1080 Super Retina XDR • 128/256/512GB • 5G, LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
Apple iPhone 13 Pro P63,990 (128GB) P70,990 (256GB) P82,990 (512GB) P95,990 (1TB)
• iOS 15 • A15 Bionic chip • 12MP triple rear, 12MP front • 6.1”” 2532 x 1170 Super Retina XDR with ProMotion • 128/256/512GB, 1TB • 5G LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
ASUS ROG Phone 5 Classic
• iOS 15 • A15 Bionic chip • 12MP triple rear, 12MP front • 6.7” 2778 x 1284 Super Retina XDR with ProMotion • 128/256/512GB, 1TB • 5G LTE • dual SIM
• ROG UI (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G • 64MP + 13MP + 5MP rear, 24MP front • 6.78”” FHD+ AMOLED • 128/256GB built-in; 8/16GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
P70,990 (128GB) P76,990 (256GB) P88,990 (512GB) P101,990 (1TB)
P39,995 (8+128GB) P49,995 (16+256GB)
NEW!
ASUS ROG Phone 5 Pro P54,995
• ROG UI (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G • 64MP + 13MP + 5MP rear, 24MP front • 6.78” FHD+ AMOLED • 512GB built-in; 16GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
ASUS ROG Phone 5 Ultimate P59,995
• ROG UI (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G • 64MP + 13MP + 5MP rear, 24MP front • 6.78” FHD+ AMOLED • 512GB built-in; 18GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 P39,995 (12+256GB) P49,995 (16+512GB)
• ZUI 12.5 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G • 64MP + 16MP rear, 44MP front • 6.92” FHD+ AMOLED • 256/512GB built-in; 12/16GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
Motorola Edge 20 Pro P29,995
• Android 11 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 • 108MP + 16MP + 8MP rear, 32MP front • 6.67” FHD+ OLED • 256GB built-in, 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
P21,990 (8+128GB) P25,990 (12+256GB)
• OxygenOS 11.3 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI • 50MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.43” FHD+ AMOLED • 128/256GB built-in, 8/12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
OPPO Reno6 5G P26,999
• ColorOS 11.3 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 900 5G • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.4” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
94
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
realme GT Master Edition
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
• realme UI 2.0 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front • 6.43” FHD+ Super AMOLED • 256GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• Android 11 • octa-core • 64MP +12MP + 5MP + 5MP rear, 32MP front • 6.5” FHD+ sAMOLED • 256GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
P21,990 (8+256GB)
P23,990
Samsung Galaxy A72 P23,990
• Android 11 • octa-core • 64MP +12MP + 5MP + 8MP rear, 32MP front • 6.7” FHD+ sAMOLED • 256GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G P87,990 (256GB) P95,990 (512GB)
• Android 11 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 • 12MP + 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP cover camera, 4MP under-display camera • 7.6” QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display (main screen), 6.2” HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (cover screen) • 256 / 512GBGB built-in; 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
P20,000 AND ABOVE
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G P52,990 (128GB) P56,990 (256GB)
• Android 11 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 • 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP cover camera • 6.7” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display(main), 1.9” Super AMOLED display (cover screen) • 128 / 256GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM Small, stylish, and powerful, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is a compelling device for those who are bored of big slab phones. That is, if you can live with the soft crease on the screen and the short battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G P44,990 (128GB) P47,990 (256GB)
• OneUI 3.1 (Android 11) • Exynos 2100 • 12MP+12MP+64MP rear, 10MP front • 6.2” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED • 128/256GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G P57,990
• OneUI 3.1 (Android 11) • Exynos 2100 • 12MP+12MP+64MP rear, 10MP front • 6.7” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED • 256GB built-in, microSD; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
• Android 10 • Exynos 990 • 64MP + 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP front • 6.7” FHD+ • 128GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 4G LTE • dual SIM
• Android 10 • Exynos 990 • 108MP + 12MP + 12MP rear, 10MP front • 6.9” WQHD+ • 25GGB built-in, microSD; 8/12GB RAM • 5G/4G LTE • dual SIM
P53,990
P67,990 (8GB + 256GB) P72,990 (12GB + 256GB 5G)
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
vivo V21 5G
P66,990 (128GB) P69,990 (256GB)
• OneUI 3.1 (Android 11) • Exynos 2100 • 108MP+12MP+10MP+10MP rear, 40MP front • 6.8” QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED • 128/256 GB built-in, microSD; 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G/LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
P21,999
• Funtouch OS 11.1 • MediaTek Dimensity 800U • 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 44MP front • 6.44” FHD+ AMOLED • 128GB built-in; 8GB + 3GB extended RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
NEW!
vivo X60 5G
vivo X70 5G
Xiaomi 11T
Xiaomi 11T Pro
• Funtouch OS 11.1 • Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 • 48MP + 13MP + 13MP rear, 32MP front • 6.56” FHD+ AMOLED • 256GB built-in; 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• Funtouch OS 12 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 1200 • 40MP + 12MP + 12MP w/ZEISS T anti-reflective coating rear, 32MP front • 6.56” FHD+ AMOLED • 256GB built-in; 12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra • 108MP + 8MP + 5MP rear, 16MP front • 6.67” FHD+ AMOLED • 128/256GB built-in; 8GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
• MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 • 108MP + 8MP + 5MP rear, 16MP front • 6.67” FHD+ AMOLED • 128/256GB built-in; 8/12GB RAM • 5G, 4G LTE • dual SIM
P34,999
P34,999
P21,990 (8+128GB) P24,990 (8+256GB)
P27,990 (8+256GB) P29,990 (12+256GB)
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
95
BEFORE YOU GO
Deck the halls with
Christmas trivia Christmas lights
The Grinch Santa Claus
Santa Claus didn’t always look friendly and jolly. Before Coca-Cola decided to use his image for advertising, depictions of Santa showed him as spooky or gaunt. In 1931, the beverage company commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to develop advertising images using Santa Claus. And that’s how Coca-Cola helped shape the image of Santa as we know him.
his film ased on r Seuss’ eponymous antagonist of Christmas earned $512.3 million worldwide when it was released in 2018. The Universal feature starring the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch is the highest-earning Christmas movie of all time.
2
1
96
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021
Edward H. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, put together the very first string o electric lights meant for a Christmas tree in 1882. He hand-wired 80 red, white, and blue light bulbs and wound them around his Christmas tree
Germany This European country is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Meanwhile, the idea first s read to England through Queen Victoria’s mother—but it was Victoria’s consort Prince Albert who brought them into the mainstream. A drawing of the couple in front of a Christmas tree appeared in Illustrated London News in 1848.
“All I Want for Christmas”
This Mariah Carey song released in 1994 is the most streamed holiday song, according to music streaming app data from Apple Music, Amazon Music, Billboard, Pandora and Spotify.