Speed Magazine PH - January 2020 by Edgar Balisalisa

TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FAST-PACED LIFESTYLE

JANUARY 2020 | P175

SHAIRA DIAZ It’s her time

TIME TO UP YOUR WRIST GAME

Standout statement watches

SWORDWIELDING SLAYER

IT’S A

TECHY TRENDY

2020!

The Witcher’s Henry Cavill visits Manila

TESTED

realme XT Vivo NEX 3 Lenovo Yoga S940 JBL Reflect Flow Honor 9X GAC GS3 Volkswagen Santana

ISSUE . 187

01 . 20

Cover Story At a time where fantastical digital and technological concepts come out every day, a number of them are surprisingly still in development—and we can’t wait to see them finally go mainstream.

Form Factor It’s time to up your wristwear game with these standout statement watches.

JANUARY 2020

Check out our top 10 picks for emerging tech in 2020 (and beyond).

Cover Girl

With her professionalism, dedication, willingness to learn, and overall positive attitude, nothing is impossible for rising star Shaira Diaz.

ISSUE . 187

01 . 20

Are you rekindling your love for reading or just starting to pick up the hobby?

This year’s pioneer tech innovations is led by a startup that uses drones to plant one billion trees.

Hot products we tested this month, plus Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Books

Motoring MG Philippines ended an eventful 2019 by showcasing the durability and reliability of its vehicle lineup through a 270-kilometer scenic journey to the surfing town of Baler.

Get ready to play these newest titles on your PCs or consoles.

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Arsenal

Events

Uniqlo gave the gift of LifeWear to over 100 children, while the PamaskOPPO roadshow grand celebration capped the brand’s fruitful 2019.

JANUARY 2020

Welcome the New Year in style, starting with the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep, Fossil Gen 5 watch, Honor 9X, Huawei Freebuds 3, Dell Optiplex, Mazda CX-30 and CX-8, and more.

Activate Google’s RCS messaging on your Android phone, keep your IG account safe and secure, and other tech manuals to get you by.

How To

114

Ask the Editor We answer any tech curiosity, trouble, or query you have in mind.

EVERY MONTH 6 Outbox 8 Contributors / Staff box 10 Inbox 116 Billboard 120 Store Directory 121 Mobile Buyer’s Guide 128 Before You Go

All About the UX

Games

Tech journo Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla scrutinizes Tesla’ show-stopping Cybertruck.

TechnoSphere

Let’s compare notes! Here are some of the 2020 releases for the PC and consoles that we’re looking forward to playing this year.

Make your stay in the digital sphere worthwhile. Download useful apps, visit cool websites, and follow interesting accounts.

Get to know this month’s experts and enthusiasts who have an overflowing passion for a certain field, topic, or activity.

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Game On

Click Here

104

Geek-spotting

Tested

Tech Frontiers

Tech-related New Year’s resolutions for a better, more meaningful lives and relationships in the year to come.

Press Play The must-watch movies and shows of January. Plus, The Witcher’s Henry Cavill and Lauren Schmidt Hissrich talk about Netflix’s newest fantasy series.

Open Forum

Guest contributor Andy Leuterio looks back at 2019 and shares his realization that tech has made his year a whole lot easier.

ON THE COVER Shaira Diaz Photographed by Marlon Pecjo Styled by Myrrh Lao To Makeup by Dave Quiambao Hair by Mark Rosales One shoulder nylon top, tulle skirt by Marian Zara Accessories by Vistoso Manila

t’s the dawn of a new decade, which means it’s the start of another exciting new era of science and technology. While it’s impossible to predict the future (we can’t even predict the weather accurately!), we do know that there are exciting things in store for us based on the trends already in motion. For one, there’s 5G, the next generation wireless standard. We’ve been waiting for this for years, but with telcos and smartphone manufacturers investing in hardware and partnerships with network providers, it looks like we can soon say goodbye to buffering. And then there’s video gaming. While video console gaming has been quiet for the past few years, it looks like 2020 will restart the console wars. This year will see the launch of a new PlayStation, a new Xbox, a new Last of Us, and a new Halo Actually, it’s not even accurate to call it a “console war” anymore. Google is looking to turn the entire ecosystem inside out by putting the console in the cloud and allowing you to play games with just a $30 TV dongle. Nintendo is still hot, while Apple may have something relevant in Apple Arcade. Oh, and don’t forget about PC and mobile gaming. Will cars be driving themselves this year? Probably not yet, as there are hurdles to clear, including getting all these cars to speak to one another and to traffic tech. But this decade will definitely see some significant advancements. Meanwhile, locally, we can probably expect more hybrid and electric cars on the streets. Finally, digital health and wellness will continue to grow and become more important as many people are now aware of their addictive habits. Companies will design more humancentric technologies and interfaces that help us disengage and teach us to use tech in a healthy manner. Happy new and exciting decade, everyone!

Techy 2020 and beyond

EDI T OR- IN - CHIEF katrina@speedmagazine.ph

JANUARY 2020

CHARMING MAINE! Great choice for your November cover! I don’t mind that Ms. Maine Mendoza is your back-toback cover girl. She’s a really charming lady. I’ve seen her twice in person and both times she’s really very nice. Thank you for putting her on your cover. Mel Nanit

GIFTS GALORE! Hi, Speed! Can I just say I loooove your Holiday Gift Guide and Last-minute Gift Guide? Your suggestions are diverse. I like that they’re categorized according to type of device and even according to budget. It really is very useful, and sobrang big help talaga ‘yan for busy people like me who don’t have a lot of time to go shopping.

Talk to us. Share your story. Tell us what matters to you. We value your views. Send us an email at editorial@ speedmagazine.ph or drop us a message on our Facebook page (@SpeedMagazinePH).

I hope you guys do that again in 2020 and beyond. Cheers to Speed! Merry Christmas!

Leigh Ong

HOLIDAY FINDS Hello! I came across your website while I was browsing the web for gift ideas. Your “Holiday Finds” series is the bomb! Great suggestions on what gifts to give. I like that they’re not just limited to gadgets (because those are expensive!) but you also have suggestions for pop culture geeks and other types of people. Thank you so much, Speed. Keep putting out these kinds of articles. I’m a fan! Martin Paez

JANUARY 2020

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

TRENDING

TECH FRONTIERS

USING DRONES TO PLANT ONE BILLION TREES BY 2028

PLANTING POSITIVITY WO R DS AY I E LI C S I

Our planet’s lungs (read: our forests) deteriorate with every passing year as more trees are being cut down than replanted. Recognizing this sad reality, Canadian tech startup Flash Forest is taking action to reverse the Earth’s condition. Their tool of choice? Drones.

before we are adversely affected by it. This might sound like a tall order for humans, but not for Flash Forest’s fleet of aerial drones, which are designed to plant seeds 10 times faster.

Flash Forest’s main mission is to plant one billion trees by 2028 since, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, we only have 10 years to reverse climate change

With the drones, 100,000 pods can be planted daily under the supervision of a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operator. One UAV operator can pilot 10 drones, which use air pressure systems to fire the pods. Each pod contains three pre-germinated seeds, a unique blend of acid, and enough nutrients to sustain them for nine months. Flash Forest chose to plant pods instead of seedlings because it takes less energy and water to produce them. Flash Forest aims to fully restore an ecosystem, so they’re planting various species of trees. To do this, the tech company also uses aerial mapping software, drone technology, pneumatics, automation, ecological science, and a big serving of passion.

During its initial test in August 2019, Flash Forest planted over 100 pods of White Pine, White Birch, White Spruce, and Red Maple seeds in Southern Ontario, where most of the seed pods are successfully sprouting. In October, the startup reached a new milestone, planting 165 trees in three minutes with a single drone. To sustain the cause, the company has a Kickstarter campaign where proceeds go towards purchasing UAVs.

JANUARY 2020

TECH FRONTIERS

ELECTRIC BEAVER’S A-COMIN’

lectric two- or four-wheelers have slowly become commonplace. But an electric airplane? That’s something we don’t get to hear every day. Vancouver-based Harbour Air sets its sights on becoming the first to launch a commercial electric airplane—a heavily modified version of a 1946 DCH-2 Beaver, equipped with a 750 horsepower electric motor provided by electric motor manufacturer Magnix. Dubbed the “eBeaver,” the electric aircraft has already proven its potential through a brief but successful test flight on the Fraser River in Canada. Harbour Air, in partnership with Magnix, plans to turn the prototype into the world’s first “completely electric commercial seaplane fleet.” They are looking for the eBeaver to go into commercial service by 2022. As of writing, Harbour Air has a fleet of 14 six-passenger Beavers equipped with PT6A turbine engines that gobble about $300 worth of jet fuel per hour. In contrast, the eBeaver has enough battery life to fly about 100 miles at a cost of only around $10 to $20 worth of electricity—a huge difference in terms of expenses.

However, the range may be a deal breaker. Compared to conventional, fuel-powered aircrafts, e-planes are hampered by how much their battery packs can last. Still, a 100-mile range is more than enough for short seaplane hops, traveling to and from short distances. Despite such challenges, electric planes do have an advantage over conventional models. This includes lower maintenance and operating costs, easier boarding

on local routes, and since it’s batterypowered, there’s no need for fueling infrastructure other than chargers. Most of all, it’s not harmful to Mother Earth.

GOING BACK TO LUNA It was in 1969 when humans first set foot on the Moon. Half a century later, earthlings are seeking to return for another go. NASA’s Project Artemis aims to take humans back to the Moon by 2024—a not so distant future. The program aims for sustainability, which means actually taking the space program to literally new heights, way beyond the previous attempts’ one-stop, one-go arrangement. To achieve that, NASA has to develop a means for multi-point landing that will enable astronauts to navigate to and from different locations.

But it is merely one of four puzzle pieces. In addition to the Orion, there are also the two so-called Lunar Gateway: small spaceships where the Orion will dock with and function as sort of a space station in permanent orbit around the Moon, and a lander that will serve as the astronauts’ transport from the Gateway to the lunar surface and back. But why return to the Moon in the first place? Aside from science and exploration, the need to learn how to operate in space outside of Earth orbit is also vital. Ultimately, there is just so much more to discover, and we are now more equipped in terms of technologies and equipment than ever.

JANUARY 2020

WORDS P EN N DE VE RA

Enter the Space Launch System (SLS). Touted as “the most powerful rocket ever built” by NASA, the SLS intends to launch the first Artemis mission, carrying crewless Orion capsules around the Moon in 2021. As we go to press, the SLS has just completed its latest round of testing and has so far showed favorable results.

CLICK HERE!

HIS NEW YEAR, fill your social media feed with posts that inspire, inform, or entertain (or all of the above). Here’s a list of accountsto-follow to get you started.

Joshua Weissman /joshuaweissman @joshuaweissman @therealweissman @thejoshuaweissman

Antonio Mele @antonio3dee

Practical Engineering /gradyhillhouse

Tromsø Arctic Reindeer @tromsoarcticreindeer

@practicalengineering

The videos on 3D artist Antonio Mele’s Instagram page are oddly satisfying. Mele makes use of everyday objects such as roller paint brush, magnet, ball, and more to create hypnotic movements, an animation that depicts a sort of digital chain reaction. Aside from the repetitive motions, the bright and popping colors of his 3D video art can help you relax and relieve your mind of stress.

JANUARY 2020

PracticalEngineeringGrady

Practical Engineering is an educational channel run by Grady Hillhouse, a professional civil engineer from San Antonio, Texas. In this channel, kids and adults alike will fall in love (again, to some) in the field of engineering. Every video delves into the infrastructures available today, exploring the stories and science behind them as well as their relationship to the environment around them.

Johan Isak Oskal (@tromsoarcticreindeer) comes from a family that has been living with reindeer for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Their place in Tønsvik, Norway is open to guests who want to experience traditional reindeer-herding under the beautiful northern lights and surrounded by smells of traditional Sami cooking and log fire. Follow him on Instagram to enjoy such sights.

WORDS PAT CALICA

Cookbook author, food photographer and blogger, cook, and real food advocate Joshua Weissman makes entertaining and exciting videos about food and cooking on YouTube. Subscribe to his channel and get your daily dose of inspiration to cook and eat. You’d want to visit the kitchen and get your hands dirty following Joshua’s simple yet truly mouthwatering recipes made from scratch. He’s also on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Google tools for balancing life and tech Google recently launched an initiative to help people balance their technological consumption—with the help of, uhm, technology. Coined as “Digital Wellbeing experiment,” this initiative by Google rolled out five apps on Android to help people regulate their digital lifestyle.

Want to take a break at home or stay productive at work? Morph is an Android launcher that can minimize apps you can use based on your location. If you’re in the office, the app can deactivate your social apps. But when you’re on a holiday break, the app can block your email to help you enjoy your downtime. Leading the way is Unlock Clock, an app that flashes in large font how many times you’ve unlocked your phone in a day and displays it as a homescreen wallpaper. Simply put, the app wants to instil guilt for using your phone way too much.

We Flip is the digital wellbeing experiment for barkadas and family members who, instead of spending quality time together, are constantly checking their devices and not talking to one another. The app requires all members of a group to join. Once everyone’s launched the app on their respective phones, they need to flick a switch to signal start. Once someone in the group unlocks or checks their phone, the session will end and you’ll be able to see a summary of how you did.

Snap, edit, and post! Do you find editing on Adobe Photoshop too tasking for simple, everyday use? Well, Adobe has finally integrated the popular Photoshop tool into a camera app with the Photoshop Camera. Photoshop Camera reduces users’ learning curve demanded by the traditional Photoshop app. Despite that, this app offers Adobe’s extensive background in graphics and imaging. Top features of the new imaging app include tweaking of images using various lenses, filters, and effects—all of which can be applied before or after the user takes a shot to create Instagram-worthy snaps. Another highlight of the app is its integration of AI, which improves selfies, food shots, travel photography, and portraits. For instance, the auto-masking feature lets you tap on a subject, and the AI cleanly creates a selection. This then allows you to cast desired effects on the portrait such as bokeh or lighting adjustments. Adobe also pooled together some of the most notable artists and influencers to design the lenses and effects on the app, allowing users to get their desired image outcome on point. So far, the app is available on a limited preview and is scheduled for roll out early this year.

JANUARY 2020

WORDS AN TON IO JO SE GA L AU RAN

Tired of receiving endless notifications throughout the day? Or do you find it hard to resist the urge to check those red blings? Post Box can allow you to set the time and frequency of receiving push notifications. You can set it to once a day or up to four notification deliveries.

We don’t use all apps on our phones daily. Desert Island, hence, helps you choose only your essential apps—up to seven per day. Once set, the app kicks up a monitoring system to ensure you don’t use other apps outside your list. Although you may still use other apps, this move will be flagged in the end summary report.

Dragon Ball: Kakarot Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC Release date: January 17, 2020

When Dragon Ball: Kakarot was first announced, our initial thought was that, surely, we don’t need another Dragon Ball game? After all, playing out the series’ major arcs has been done to death in previous entries like Battle of Z and the Xenoverse subseries. But when more info started trickling out that Kakarot would be more of an action-RPG than just another staple fighter—well, maybe one more title couldn’t hurt. While Kakarot does indeed take you through every major arc in the Dragon Ball Z series as protagonist Son Goku, it takes a different approach by making exploration a major gameplay mechanic. Instead of an on-rails experience, Kakarot makes liberal use of its open-world dynamic, letting you discover on your own numerous locations and areas. These parts are rife with original substories and supporting characters that introduce new canonical insights into the series’ lore—something dedicated fans will definitely savor. It also keeps the game from becoming just another boring trek down memory lane. Not that Kakarot is anything but; the spatial three-dimensional battles are fast, fierce, and frenetic enough to consistently keep you at the edge of your seat. There are also a ton of micromanage options outside of the usual combat-oriented skill trees. Building relationships with the myriad cast unlocks some fun options, such as eating hearty and hefty meals together for stat buffs, with food you hunt or fish or cook using various recipes with Chi-Chi. You can also join training missions or engage in other fun minigames to help optimize Goku’s buffs and stat upgrades. You can even control other fighters to lend Goku a hand, which keeps Dragon Ball: Kakarot from being just a one-man show.

JANUARY 2020

WORDS ER I K PAO LO ESCUETA

GAMES

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Platforms: PC (new), PlayStation 4, Xbox One Release date: January 9, 2020

Console gamers may have been enjoying the icy climates of Hoarfrost Reach exclusively for some time now, but soon PC gamers will get their chance to dip their toes into Monster Hunter World’s frigid expansion, Iceborne. The PC release will include everything that is already in the console versions, like the new Clutch Claw and more Palico gadgets, additional Hunter actions and weapon mods, plus Master Rank for hardcore Monster Hunter World veterans. More notably, of course, is the expanded bestiary, which includes new, massive beasts to trail, track, and take down for some rare and hefty crafting materials. From returning monsters like the feral Zinogre and versatile Brachydios to first-time entries such as the treeslinging Banbaro and submerging Beotodus, MHW PC hunters old and new will have their work cut out for them in Iceborne.

WORD S ER I K PAO LO ESCUETA

Don’t worry, though. The new Hunter Helper system, which grants great rewards to veteran players for assisting low-ranked hunters in getting up to speed, should keep the playing field nice and steady against these brutal behemoths.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Journey to the Savage Planet

A crossover collaboration combining the JRPG gameplay of Atlus’ popular Shin Megami Tensei series with characters from Nintendo’s Fire Emblem games, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE wasn’t just one of the Wii U’s more successful titles but also a dream project come true for JRPG fans. It visualizes the latter’s fantasy heroes as modern-day Japanese idols fighting against hostile beings known as Mirages using the former’s addictive turn-based combat mechanics.

While sci-fi space adventure Journey to the Savage Planet looks plenty similar to space exploration game No Man’s Sky, rest assured that the former is a less stressful escapade.

Platform: Nintendo Switch Release date: January 17, 2020

But in case you missed it the first time—you know, because you probably never owned a Wii U to begin with—the Nintendo Switch is receiving an upgraded Encore edition. This version comes with tons of new content such as more story chapters, new music tracks, and additional party members. If you’re hoping though for multilingual audio or unreleased DLC to be included, be warned: Encore is based on the original Western localization, which saw heavy censoring and content alterations from the original Japanese release. Arguably, these changes don’t really matter much if Encore is your first time partaking in Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE; otherwise, you may want to set your expectations.

JANUARY 2020

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC Release date: January 28, 2020

Where No Man’s Sky—and virtually every other space adventure game—makes personal survival the first and foremost objective, Journey to the Savage Planet prefers just letting you do whatever you want on planet AR-Y 26 without worrying about your oxygen levels. Want to slap an alien with superhuman force? Eat unknown plant life not knowing if it’ll kill you instantly? Maybe play football with a co-op buddy, using a particularly rotund alien life form as the ball? Yes to all counts! But of course, real dangers lurk where you least expect it. So maybe you could just stick to your mission of ensuring AR-Y 26 is fit for human occupation instead of, well, pissing off planetary predators with extreme prejudice. But then again, where’s the fun in that?

ARSENAL

Let’s HIIT it! Nike SuperRep

WO R DS K ATR I N A R I V E R E - D I GA

Class-based fitness athletes and workout connoisseurs can now cop sneakers designed with them in mind. Nike SuperRep is the first shoe of its kind, built specifically for the rigors and dynamic movements of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts such as burpees, squats, lunges, mountain climbers, and kettle bell swings. The Nike SuperRep family is composed of three silhouettes: AirZoom Super Rep, SuperRep Cycle, and SuperRep Go. The debut shoe, the Air Zoom SuperRep, offers a mixture of cushioning and support that’s made to take on the rapid, forceful movements of HIIT workouts. There are two thick Zoom Air pods in the forefoot that provide impact protection. This cushioning system is connected to the heel piece by a plastic plate to help you bend naturally and roll forward during workouts. The shoe also features durable big side arcs—or what Nike designers call the “containment shield”—that act as brake pads, helping keep your foot securely locked in place as you bound from side to side. Meanwhile, a “burpee break” flex groove helps to stabilize and bend your foot naturally for movements like planks, mountain climbers, and (of course) burpees. The Air Zoom SuperRep’s upper is made with a breathable mesh and covered with a ribbed overlay.

JANUARY 2020

NIKE SUPERREP

HIIT it with your best shot Alongside the Air Zoom SuperRep are two other shoes: the SuperRep Go, made for those quick and easy at-home workouts, and the SuperRep Cycle, designed specifically for spinning classes. The SuperRep Go features a lightweight cushioning system and is designed for self-guided workouts or training in a more contained space. The SuperRep Cycle, meanwhile, has an outer plate compatible with SPD and Delta cleats, a lightweight mesh on the upper, a perforated, sockliner, vented plate, rubber studs, and textured toe plate.

JANUARY 2020

ARSENAL

KEEPING IT COOL

TECH LOOK

1 3

Your resolution for the new year: stay chill. The “YOLO” phrase has outlived its glory days, and your kicked-back style is cool again. Show off your chill side with a (1) TOPMAN BURGUNDY STOCKHOLM T-SHIRT (P1,075) paired with comfortably stylish (2) SUPERDRY COLLECTIVE JOGGERS (P4,749). Top off your look with an (3) OXYGEN LEGENDARY CURVED CAP WITH EMBROIDERY (P329). Cop these hot (4) PUMA SPORTSTYLE PRIME/ SELECT RS-O TRAIL (P5,799) and turn heads as you stomp the streets.

WOR DS AYIE LI CSI

A mellow mood like yours needs a light and stylish smartphone to complement it. The (5) HUAWEI Y6S (P6,990) is the phone to keep in your pocket. Taking this phone anywhere is a breeze since it’s lightweight at 150g, plus the eye-catching twotoned rear will go well with your casual getup.

JANUARY 2020

ARSENAL

TECH LOOK

Friends love calling you up for any adventure and they’ve christened you Mr. Down-ForAnything because of this. Whether it’s trying out exotic eats or spontaneous road trips, you’ll take on any chance to have an adventure. Hop on a (1) YAMAHA MIO GRAVIS (P85,900) for your escapades. This scooter is equipped with a large 25-liter compartment, which can fit all your stuff (even a second helmet for your pal). You can even charge up your devices on the road through its power socket. Propelling this scooter is a fuel-efficient 125cc four-stroke, air-cooled single-cylinder engine.

Go down the comfortable route and put on a (2) GAP COLORBLOCK LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT (P1,450) and a pair of simple (3) H&M CARGO SKINNY FIT STRETCH PANTS (P1,690). Finally, slip your feet into a pair of versatile (4) ONITSUKA TIGER MEXICO 66 (5,990).

WOR DS AYIE LI CSI

JANUARY 2020

ARSENAL

TECH LOOK

EYES ON THE PRIZE Make 2020 your year by setting your goals and keeping your eyes on the prize. While you may encounter hitches here and there, the important thing is that you always get back up and not let anyone keep you from reaching your dreams.

To help keep you on top of your game, strap on the smart and sleek (1) FOSSIL GEN 5 (P16,000). It comes with useful features such as fitness sensors, Extended Battery Mode, and Google Assistant, plus a speaker so you can listen to messages and music or answer calls without needing to take your phone out. Capture the important moments of 2020 with the (2) LEICA CL PAUL SMITH (£3,500), a limited edition 24-megapixel camera sporting elements inspired by British designer Paul Smith’s eccentric, vibrant style.

WOR DS AYIE LI CSI

Be confident and stylish while chasing after your goals in clothes like the (3) ZARA LIMITED EDITION PRINTED DRESS (P4,295) and shoes like the (4) STEVE MADDEN TAZED FLATS (P4,650) with a suede upper. Carry all your essentials in an (5) ANNE KLEIN TRIPLE POCKET SATCHEL (P4,950).

JANUARY 2020

IRIS LAW #CROCODILEINSIDE

AVAILABLE AT: • LACOSTE KIOSK ( SM MALL OF ASIA - SM MEGAMALL - SM NORTH EDSA ) • L TIMESTUDIO • WRISTPOD • SWISSGEAR VERANZA • DEPARTMENT STORES ( SM - ROBINSONS - THE LANDMARK - METRO )

ARSENAL

MOBILE DEVICES

EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD

Honor 9X

Here’s a value-for-money smartphone with exceptionally good specs. The midrange Honor 9X is up and ready for any extraordinary endeavor. Powered by a 4000mAh battery, this phone boasts a HiSilicon Kirin 710F processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB expandable built-in storage. For shooting, the 9X packs a 16-megapixel pop-up front camera and a 48MP triple rear camera. This P12,490 Honor smartphone is equipped with a 6.59-inch FullVIew IPS display and runs EMUI 9.1 (based on Android 9 Pie) and GPU Turbo 3. Get it in either classic-looking Midnight Black or the cool Sapphire Blue variant featuring Honor’s Dynamic X design.

THE LITE CHOICE

Honor 20 Lite

The P9,990 20 Lite arrives with an octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 710F processor, paired with 4GB RAM and 128GB expandable storage. Running on EMUI 9 based on Android 9 Pie, this Honor handset already offers security features such as rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, along with dual SIM capability and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Other features include a triple rear camera setup, a 6.21-inch Full HD+ IPS display, and a 3400mAh cell.

JANUARY 2020

WOR DS PAT CALICA

If selfies are your thing, you might want to check out the Honor 20 Lite’s 32MP “Selfie Master” front-facing camera. It comes with AI beautification (oily glare and eye bags removal FTW!) as well as backlighting imaging technology to give your selfies a natural look even when you shoot with a backlight.

AUDIO

s-Living Three

s-Living One

MODERN HOME ESSENTIALS

Jays s-Living One and s-Living Three The wireless home speaker space just got more crowded. Swedish audio brand Jays has released its s-Living series of multiroom Wi-Fi speakers, with the s-Living One and S-Living Three as the debut devices. Designed to be integrated into the modern home, the two s-Living speakers support Google Cast, AirPlay2, and Spotify Connect, and work seamlessly with voice assistants from Google and Apple. Both devices also come with a touch panel for easy operation and EQ settings for customization of the sound. The compact s-Living One multiroom speaker ($249) best fits mid-sized rooms like the kitchen and bedroom, while the powerful s-Living Three ($349) stereo speaker can fill larger rooms such as the living area. Both speakers are available in Concrete White and Graphite Black.

TRUE FREEDOM

Huawei Freebuds 3 Huaweiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Freebuds 3, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first open-fit earbuds with active noise cancellation, is powered by a Kirin A1 chipset (yes, the same one powering the Watch GT2) and features dualmode Bluetooth 5.1 LE connectivity and dual channel transmission technology. It comes with 14mm high-sensitivity dynamic drivers with bass tube and a built-in sensor that helps in distinguishing your voice from background noise. WOR DS PAT CALICA

The Freebuds 3 sit loosely and comfortably on your ears so that you can wear them longer. Their noise-isolating tech is integrated in the Smart Life app, allowing you to personalize noise reduction to suit your listening needs. Grab a pair for P8,990.

JANUARY 2020

ARSENAL

COMPUTERS

Lenovo ThinkBook 14

MINIMALIST’S MODULAR PC

Dell OptiPlex 7070 Ultra

Lenovo ThinkBook 15

BUSINESS IN STYLE

Lenovo ThinkBook 14, 15 The ThinkBook 14 and 15 are breaths of fresh air for Lenovo’s business product portfolio. They follow in the footsteps of the ThinkBook 13s, redefining what a laptop for the millennial and Gen Z workforce should look, feel, and perform like. Coming in sleek gray aluminum shells, the notebooks feature full HD (1920 x 1080) displays with slim bezels. Promising an over 80% screen-to-body ratio, the laptops leave plenty of room for work for users. On the performance front, both laptops come with 8GB DRR4 memory and 512 M.2 SSDs for faster loading times. The 10th-gen Intel Core processors also help the ThinkBooks provide top-notch performance. In terms of graphics, the 14 carries Integrated Intel Graphics, while the 15 comes with an AMD Radeon 620. Both are pre-loaded with business and security features like the ThinkShutter webcam cover and an Intel Optane Memory Module. To boost users’ productivity, they have designated Business Hotkeys for answering and dropping Skype calls. The power buttons on these machines also serve as a fingerprint scanner. Prices for the ThinkBook 14 and 15 start at P28,990 and P57,490, respectively.

JANUARY 2020

In the realm of PCs, the days of the “bigger is better” mindset is behind us. Today’s form factors are all about saving desk space—and the OptiPlex 7070 Ultra is one great example. This ultra compact PC can fit anywhere seamlessly—whether inside its special monitor stand, mounted on the wall, or under a desk. Recognizing the needs of the evolving workforce, Dell made the OptiPlex 7070 Ultra fully modular so it can be configured and upgraded throughout its lifecycle. On the specs side, it can be fitted with up to Intel Core vPro i7 processors, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, and 2TB HDD. It is also configurable to different use cases or work styles when paired with compatible products like a height adjustable stand, fixed stand, VESA mount, Dell Single Monitor ARM MSA20, and Dell Dual Monitor Arm MDA20. Although pocketable, this PC is complete with all the necessary ports and slots such as an audio jack and multiple USB Type-C and Type-A ports. For power, the PC connects to Dell P Series monitors through a single USB type-C cable. It eliminates the clutter that comes with multiple wires. Price starts at P53,500.

ARSENAL

SNEAKERS

RUNNING ON AIR

Under Armour HOVR Phantom RN Built for those who want to feel nothing as they’re pounding the pavement, this light, vibrant, and comfortable shoe from the UA HOVR collection has a sock-like fit, a SpeedForm 2.0 sockliner, foam in the upper, and a molded 3D footbed to give you comfort while still providing enough support and shock resistance. On the outsole, durable rubber protects you from abrasions on the road. These shoes can also connect to the UA MapMyRun so you can get insight from data tracking and Form Coaching in real time. With these insights, you can run better and reduce risks of injury. A chip is found inside a watertight casing in the shoe’s midsole to keep it from getting wet or damaged.

TECHNICAL REVOLUTION

ASICS GEL-Resolution 8

These tennis shoes are the first in the range to feature Dynawall technology in the midsole for improved lateral stability for sideto-side movements on the court. Meanwhile, the upper comes with Flexion Fit for form-fitting support and Dynawrap technology that cradles the foot during play. The unique outsole design maximizes contact area in zones that are crucial to braking, thereby reducing friction when sliding.

JANUARY 2020

WOR DS AYIE LI CSI

Win long powerful rallies with the ASICS GEL-Resolution 8, created in collaboration with French tennis superstar Gaël Monfils.

ARSENAL

CARS

Chery Tiggo 7

Chery Tiggo 2

Chery Tiggo 5x

Chery Tiggo 8

Chery Tiggo 2, Tiggo 5x, Tiggo 7, and Tiggo 8 Chinese automaker Chery is back in the Philippine market, and it’s brought with it a range of vehicles sporting a body style that’s popular with Filipino buyers. These SUVs are prettier, leaner, and more well-built than anything it has offered before. But the cherry—or cherries—on top are the 10-year/one million-kilometer powertrain warranty, five-year general vehicle warranty, and three years of free preventive maintenance service. The Chery lineup consists of the subcompact Tiggo 2 and Tiggo 5X, the five-seater compact Tiggo 7, and the 7-seater midsize crossover Tiggo 8. All of these are powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC gasoline engine (the Tiggo 7 and 8 get turbochargers) mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Tiggo 2’s 1.5-liter mill is capable of 106hp/135Nm; the Tiggo 5X does 114hp/141Nm; while both the Tiggo 7 and 8 put out 145hp/210Nm. Higher-end variants boast 10-inch touchscreens, automatic headlights, power-adjustable seats, cruise control, and foot-sensing power tailgates.

JANUARY 2020

Here are the prices of the Chery Tiggo crossovers: TIGGO 2 1.5L MT: P695,000 1.5L AT: P770,000 TIGGO 5X 1.5L MT: P818,000 1.5L CVT: P860,000 1.5L CVT Luxury: P950,000 TIGGO 7 1.5L DCT: P1,195,000 TIGGO 8 1.5L Turbo DCT Luxury: P 1,280,000 1.5L Turbo DCT Luxury EX: P 1,340,000

WORDS K AT RINA RIV ER E-DIGA

ANOTHER SHOT

CARS

CITY RUNABOUT

2020 Mazda2 As it’s a mid-cycle refresh, the 2020 Mazda2 only has minor changes done. It does feature the Evolved KODO styling though: all-new simplified LED headlights, resculpted bumpers, and a large wing mesh-type grille that echoes the one on the new Mazda3. There’s also a new multi-spoke 16” wheel design. Inside, the 2020 Mazda2 comes with black and brown fabric seats with better lumbar and thigh support. There’s also a 7-inch Mazda Connect system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other comfort and convenience features include keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, parking sensors, and a rear camera. The 2 is powered by a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G mill mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox (with Sport mode and paddle shifters). This engine is capable of 108.5hp and 141Nm. This refreshed Mazda is equipped with a re-tuned suspension and G-Vectoring Control Plus for more confidenceinspiring controllability—whether you’re changing lanes or driving on slippery roads. The 2020 Mazda2 is available in a lone variant called the Elite. Both sedan and hatchback flavors carry a P995,000 price tag. WORDS K ATR IN A RIVE RE -DIGA JANUARY 2020

CARS

ARSENAL

CX-8

DYNAMIC CROSSOVERS

Mazda CX-30 and CX-8 These two premium and stylish crossovers you see on this page are the latest additions to Mazda’s CX family. There’s the 2020 Mazda CX-30 compact crossover (below), which slots in between the subcompact CX-3 and compact CX-5. And then there’s the 2020 Mazda CX-8 three-row crossover (above), which is bigger than the CX-5 but smaller than the CX-9. The CX-30 shares its platform with the new Mazda3 and is powered by the same engine: a 155hp/200Nm 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G engine mated to a 6-speed automatic. Like the CX-3, it gets all-wheel drive. The CX-30 comes in four variants: the entry-level 2WD Pro at P1,490,000, the mid-range 2WD Sport at P1,790,000, the flagship AWD Sport at P1,990,000, and the AWD Signature, which comes with white leather seats, adding P15,000 to the AWD Sport’s price. All CX-30 variants sport a 7-inch LCD instrument panel in tandem with Mazda’s Connect infotainment system, which features an 8.8-inch display and 8-speaker Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio system. The mid-range variant gets cruise control, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror while the AWD Sport gets adaptive cruise control, heads-up display, and Bose speakers. Meanwhile, there’s the CX-8, whose key feature is its availability as a luxurious 6-seater 2-2-2 captain seat configuration or a more family-oriented 7-seater configuration. The 6-seat option is exclusively for the top-of-the-line AWD variant. The 7-seater is available on the FWD trim. Regardless of seating configuration, the CX-8 is powered by a 190hp/252Nm normally aspirated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine mated to a 6-speed automatic. This midsize SUV offers standard Nappa leather seats in deep red, power adjustment for the front occupants, tri-zone automatic climate control, heads-up display, power sunroof, and an 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with 10 Bose speakers. On the safety front, the CX-8 gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist. The AWD variant also comes with i-Activ Sense, which bundles adaptive radar-based cruise control, smart brake support, and driver-attention alert.

CX-30

JANUARY 2020

WOR DS KATRIN A RIVE RE -DIGA

The CX-8 4x2 Signature is priced at P2,290,000, while the 4x4 Exclusive goes for P2,450,000.

CARS

NO ORDINARY UPDATE

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport The design changes on the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport are welcome, sure. The new grille, bumpers, headlamps, and taillights give the urban crossover a fresh look to complement the traditional Land Rover design cues such as the clamshell hood, tapered roof, and rising beltline. But the bigger news is one you won’t see unless you pop open the hood. The Disco Sport has ditched the old gasoline powerplant for a new 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. While the 148hp @ 4,000rpm output is less than what the old petrol mill made, this new engine does generate higher torque at 380Nm @ 1,750-2,500rpm. The new engine is mated to 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Other than that, the Discovery Sport remains every inch a Land Rover. It combines all-terrain handling with all-weather capability including a water-wading depth of 600 millimeters. The refreshed Discovery Sport also got rid of the third-row seating, but you can still have it upon request, if you insist. Land Rover also added more premium materials as well as the latest digital Touch Pro infotainment system, Qi wireless charging, and a full suite of driver assistance systems such as lane keep assist and driver condition monitor. The two variants offered in the Philippine market are the P4,490,000 S (Standard) and the P4,790,000 R-Dynamic. The S rides on 20-inch alloys and a tan interior. The R-Dynamic, on the other hand, features unique bumpers, a Shadow Atlas script on the hood and tailgate, black interior, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

GO BIG, GO ANYWHERE

Ford Transit

Got a weekend getaway with your barkada or extended family? Does your business have cargo- and people-hauling needs? Here’s a van that can seat everyone comfortably and have enough room for their stuff.

WORDS K ATR IN A RIVE RE -DIGA

With a tall roof, wide cabin, and a useful power side step, getting in and out of the Ford Transit is easy. Once you’re inside, you can sit comfortably in one of the 12 rear passenger seats (you can seat three more in front, including the driver). Need to charge your devices? This van has multiple power sockets that can juice up your gadgets. There are also 21 stowage bins, 12 cup holders, and plenty of space to store your knickknacks. The Transit’s safety features include anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, hillstart assist, three-point seatbelts for all passengers, and an escape hatch for emergency situations. The P2.3 million Ford Transit runs on a 2.2-liter Duratorq diesel engine (133hp and 385Nm) mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a rear-wheel drivetrain.

JANUARY 2020

ARSENAL

BIKES

SPEED AGGRESSOR

Representing the pinnacle of Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underbone line, the all-new Supra GTR 150 is fitted with a new, liquid-cooled DOHC engine mated to a six-speed transmission. The engine pumps out 15.42hp at 9,000rpm and 13.6Nm at 6,500rpm, making this two-wheeler Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most powerful underbone motorcycle to date. Honda claims it can reach a top speed of 110 kph. To bring mobility, speed, and style to your urban commute, Honda equipped the Supra GTR 150 with LED headlights, a full digital meter panel, a twin tube steel frame with an accessible seat height of 780mm and a wet weight of just 119 kg. The large front (256mm) and rear (220mm) disc brakes add to better braking performance and safety on the road, while the big front suspension (31mm) ensures stability and comfort. The Honda Supra GTR150 comes in Valiant Red and Black paint jobs, and is available for P102,900.

JANUARY 2020

WORDS K AT RINA RIV ER E-DIGA

Honda Supra GTR 150

Your trusted source of information on technology, lifestyle, motoring, and geek culture since 2003.

p.48

A REAL CONTENDER

realme XT p.44

Vivo NEX 3 p.45

TCL Plex p.46

Dell G7 p.50

Huawei Band 4 | Epson M1140

p.51

Lenovo Yoga S940 p.52

JBL Reflect Flow | D-Link COVR-C1203 p.54

Vivo S1 Pro p.55

Honor 9X p.56

Sony KD 65A9G p.58

Mitsubishi Xpander GLS A/T p.59

GAC GS3 1.3 p.60

Volkswagen Santana 180 MPI AT SE p.62

Pokemon Sword/Shield

JANUARY 2020

TESTED

PROD UCT TEST N O .

2217

THE NUMBERS OS FuntouchOS 9.1 (Android 9 Pie) D ISPL AY 6.89” 1080 x 2256 Super AMOLED CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ G PU Adreno 640 M E M O RY 8GB RAM STO R AG E 128GB CA M ER AS 64MP + 13MP + 13MP rear, 16MP motorized popup front CO NNECT IVIT Y Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi direct, hotspot, Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C, dual SIM D IM ENSIO N S 167.4 x 76.1 x 9.3mm, 217.3g PR IC E P39,999

POP-UP STUNNER

Vivo NEX 3 WO RDS AY I E L I C S I

Love it or hate it, the “oreo” camera trend is here and there’s no avoiding it. Huawei’s done it with the Mate 30, while OnePlus has it on the 7T. Vivo also equipped the NEX 3 with the same rear camera design along with other features, such as an almost overflowing display, to prove that it’s a noteworthy flagship phone.

I used the NEX 3 to take photos in different scenes, but perhaps one of my favorite times using it is at night. This smartphone is a great concert/gig buddy as it takes clear shots even in low light. It shoots videos in 4K at 60fps, which sounds good on paper. Note, however, that shaky hands can ruin the high-quality clips. The 16MP front snapper can shoot pretty well in low light. The LED flash helps brighten selfies. However, if the AI Beauty Mode is left on, it turns selfies into a pasty mess. Consider yourself warned.

The NEX 3 has a 64MP shooting mode. You can’t zoom in on your subject in this mode, but photos do come out pretty detailed and crisp.

The edge-to-edge display demands attention. Images are sharp and crisp on the display, making videos a delight to view on the large screen. I was pretty impressed with the palm rejection on the edge display. However, there were times when it wouldn’t work and my palm would inadvertently press other things on screen. This phone gave me eight hours of use before needing a charge even when I played Call of Duty: Mobile and watched YouTube videos. It takes just about an hour to fully charge. Unlike other flagships, however, the NEX 3 doesn’t support wireless charging.

There aren’t any physical buttons on the phone save for an emergency power button for troubleshooting. Instead, there’s a Touch Sense with an X-axis Haptic Vibration Motor for volume and power on/ off. The Touch Sense is responsive, but pressing the wrong “buttons” can be a common occurrence.

While many people have turned the circular camera bump into a meme, the one on the NEX 3 actually looks nice. It’s complemented by the lustrous shimmer of the phone’s rear, which surprisingly, isn’t a big fingerprint magnet. While the phone is sizeable, it could still comfortably fit in my pocket.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS The Vivo NEX 3 is more than just its display and design. It’s got the power, performance, and shooting capabilities to back it up. DIMEN SION S 160 x 74.3 x 9.5mm, 189g

JANUARY 2020

P RO D U CT T EST N O .

2218

THE NUMBERS OS Android 9 Pie with TCL UI DISP L AY 6.53” 2340 x 1080 FHD+ CP U 2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 GPU Adreno 612 MEMORY 6GB RAM STORAG E 128GB built-in, microSD CAMERAS 48MP + 16MP + 2MP rear, 24MP front CO N N ECT IV IT Y 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C, NFC, dual SIM P RICE P15,990

AN OKAY FIRST ACT

TCL Plex WO RD S A N T S I E R R A

Everyone wants to be the next big thing in the growing smartphone market, hoping to get a significant piece of the proverbial pie. However, most who try fail because they focus too much on just one aspect of the device rather aim to provide a great overall experience. Such is the case with TCL’s first salvo, the TCL Plex.

The TCL Plex’s rear camera setup is good for a midranger. Images come out with a great balance of hues, making the colors pop out more. I’m not a fan of the front shooter, though. While the default mode does an excellent job in adjusting the skin tone, the output looks a little bit pasty for my taste.

The Plex runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset with an Adreno 612 GPU, which makes the phone perform satisfactorily for everyday tasks. However, the smallish 3820mAh battery puts a limit on what this phone can offer. There’s a dualengine fast charging system though, so it charges the battery pretty quickly.

Given that the Plex is from a TV manufacturer, one would expect that it will boast an incredible display. Unfortunately, the TCL Plex doesn’t offer anything revolutionary—certainly not one that we don’t already see in other smartphones. I find it surprising that instead of using an AMOLED display, TCL decided to equip the Plex with an IPS one. Thankfully, at least the NXTVision feature slightly amps up the vibrance.

The rear camera’s video output is underwhelming. While it’s great that it has an auto-focus feature, it feels like it’s trying too hard to stabilize the image, causing some parts to flicker in and out of focus. This is especially noticeable under unbalanced lighting conditions where it’s a little bit harder to track moving subjects.

In all fairness, the TCL Plex offers a good design. The horizontal camera layout and rear-mounted fingerprint scanner are typical and nothing remarkable, but the body feels surprisingly premium, though. The glass build paired with a metal frame is something you only see in more expensive phones. However, this phone seems to lose a bit of its luster once the rainbow holographic finish kicks in. It’s a shoddy creative choice that doesn’t complement the obsidian black base color of the review unit.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS 162.2 x 76.56 x 7.99mm, 192g

The TCL Plex is not a bad first attempt at a smartphone from a TV maker. However, if TCL wants to climb the competitive smartphone market ladder, it has to focus and commit to an overall experience rather than just on specific features. If you’re willing to spend almost P16,000 for a smartphone, you might want to consider other models from more established brands that offer a way more holistic user experience.

JANUARY 2020

TESTED

PROD U CT TEST NO .

2219

THE NUMBERS OS Windows 10 Home D ISPL AY 15.6-inch FHD IPS, 144Hz CPU 9th-gen Intel Core i7-9750H G PU Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB M EM O RY 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM STO R AG E 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD CO NNECT IVIT Y Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0, 3 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C/ Thunderbolt, 1 x SD/MicroMedia card slot, HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort, RJ45, 3.5mm headphones/mic PR ICE Starts at P113,990

PROFESSIONAL IN EVERY WAY

Dell G7 15 (7590) WO RD S PAT CA L I CA

At first glance, one might mistake the Dell G7 15 for a lifestyle or business laptop instead of a gaming machine. With its slim form factor, the G7 15 is portable compared with most gaming laptops. But this doesn’t mean it’s not as capable; it surely delivered a remarkable performance during my time with it. The Dell G7 15 flaunts a sleek frame; it is slimmer than most gaming laptops but not the thinnest (The ASUS ROG Scar II is still a few millimeters thinner). Over all, the design is clean and minimalist. There are no unnecessary accents, making it look classy and premium.

The Full HD IPS display is a visual treat when watching videos and playing games—the colors are standard for gaming, the brightness is high, and the viewing angles are great. And with a 144Hz refresh rate, game graphics are rendered in detail and tear-free all throughout. The frontfacing speakers are serviceable, but nothing exceptional.

The laptop has a solid build. You can slip it into your everyday backpack and not worry about damaging it. The hinge is quite sturdy, too.

The chiclet-style keyboard is easy to get used to. It’s clicky, no wobbles, and responsive over all. Each key also has its own RGB lighting; you can adjust the color to your preference. The mouse pad and buttons have just the right sensitivity to them.

Despite the relatively slim form factor, the Dell G7 15 comes packing with a huge array of connectivity ports so you can expand your gaming system and improve your playing experience easily. A nice addition is the fingerprint scanner located on the power button for additional security.

Battery life is decent. With continuous playing and Wi-Fi connection on, I was able to get a good four hours. Mixed usage—including Web browsing, typing, and watching videos—can give you more playing and working time. Expect smooth, hitch-free playing on the Dell G7 15. Even when configured to the highest graphics settings, fast-paced games as well as Triple A titles showed little to no lags during testing. Be warned, though, this laptop gets really hot when playing for long periods of time.

SPEED SAYS

DIM EN SION S 19.9 x 364.3 x 273.4mm, 2.5kg

JANUARY 2020

If you want a gaming machine that can also double as your working laptop, the Dell G7 is a great choice. It offers powerful performance, great display refresh rate, on top of its clean, professional design. The only issue you need to watch out for is that it gets really hot when used extensively.

GEEK METER

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TESTED

PROD U CT TEST NO .

2220

THE NUMBERS OS ColorOS 6 (Android 9 Pie) with HyperBoost 2.0 D ISPL AY 6.4-inch FHD+ 2340 x 1080 Super AMOLED CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 2.3GHz octa-core M E M O RY 8GB RAM STO R AG E 128GB, microSD CA M ER A 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front CO NNECT IVIT Y 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, A-GPS, BDS, Galileo PR IC E P16,990

A REAL CONTENDER

realme XT WO RDS K ATR I N A R I V E R E - D I GA

If you’re looking for a phone with a solid build, good cameras, and gorgeous display at the P15,000-P20,000 price point, you could do a lot worse than the realme XT. This solid midranger ticks all the boxes and has more than enough battery to last you a day without scrambling for an outlet or power bank.

Standard shots out of the rear cameras look good; colors and dynamic range are superb, although saturation is kinda boosted. Night mode works great, especially if you have a tripod (or really steady hands).

The 16MP front camera takes decent selfies—and serviceable ones even in low light. I like that the beauty mode isn’t too aggressive.

The XT’s 4000mAh battery lasts a solid day with moderate use and with Wi-Fi on. Juicing it up back to 50% from nearly zero takes only about 30 minutes with a 20W charger. You can get a full charge In under 90 minutes.

The realme XT’s front and back panels have Corning Gorilla 5 protection for improved scratch resistance. Whether you get it in the Pearl White or Pear Blue color variant, you’ll definitely get an elegant-looking device with a great build.

The gradient design with colorful streaks is nice to look at, although this would be next to pointless if you’re the type to put a case on your phone. Speaking of case, the XT comes with a clear jelly case in the box, which is nice but cheapens the feel of the device. At least your phone is protected. The case also levels the camera bump at the back and prevents it from getting easily scuffed up when you place the phone on the table.

The realme XT’s display is a gorgeous 6.5-inch AMOLED panel with minimal bezels and a dew drop notch. This crisp, bright, and sharp screen makes consuming video content or just scrolling through website and social media feeds an awesome experience. The optical fingerprint scanner embedded into the display is also a welcome feature. One of the main selling points of the realme XT is its 64-megapixel main camera lens. It works on a 4-in-1 pixel binning technology that stitches four 16MP shots to offer a 64MP photo. Overall image is pretty good, but if you mostly post photos on social media, the compression negates it anyway.

On the performance front, the realme XT has enough number-crunching power to handle both work and play. For a smoother, lag-free experience, however, I suggest you don’t overwork it and maybe turn down settings for graphicsintensive games.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

D IMEN SION S 158.7 x 75.2 x 8.6mm, 183g

JANUARY 2020

While the realme XT’s star (at least on paper) is the 64MP camera, this phone offers more than just that. It’s an attractive option for those looking for a midrange phone that ticks all the right boxes without the ultra-high tag price. The insane megapixel count is just a bonus.

TESTED

PROD U CT TEST NO .

PRO DUCT TEST N O .

THE NUMBERS

D ISPL AY 0.96” 80 x 160 TFT color SE NSO RS 3-axis acceleration, infrared wear, optical heart rate F E ATUR ES Waterproofing up to 5ATM CO M PATIB ILIT Y Android 4.4 or later, iOS 9.0 or later BATTERY 91mAh D IM ENSIO N S 56 x 18.5 x 12.5mm, 24g PR ICE P1,890

T YPE Monochrome printer PRI N T RES O LUTI O N 1200 x 2400dpi max. PAPE R S I Z ES 215.9 x 1200mm max. CAPAC I T Y Input: 250 sheets (cassette 1), 1 sheet (rear); Output: Up to 100 sheets C O N N ECTI VI T Y USB 2.0 POWE R 14W operating, 3.4W standby FE ATURES Bi-directional printing DI ME N S I O N S 375 x 347 x 151mm, 4.3kg PRI C E P11,395

2221

2222

BUDGET BAND

Huawei Band 4 WO RD S PAT CA LI CA

The Huawei Band 4 brings a lot to the fitness table—some are new, but some we’ve already seen before. And yet while the Band 4 looks like your typical fitness tracker, it still manages to wow in certain ways. Available in Sakura Pink and Graphite Black, the Huawei Band 4 seems to target a younger market. The pink colorway allows you to be chic and playful, while the black variant (which I reviewed) best fits no-nonsense professionals who just want to stay on top of their health and fitness goals. And it’s easy to do just that because the Band 4 is comfortable to wear for long periods as the strap is made of flexible silicone rubber material. It doesn’t feel itchy on the wrist even if you get sweaty. Plus, it’s easy to clean—simply wipe it with a wet cloth and you’re good to go.

JANUARY 2020

While we’re now moving to a more paperless society, there are still some businesses, schools, and offices that require printed documents in their everyday dealings. The Epson EcoTank M1140 is intended to answer users’ needs for a basic monochrome printer that is efficient, productive, and less wasteful. Setting up the M1140 allows you to appreciate its compact design. Relatively lightweight and compact, this Epson machine occupies a small footprint on your desk. There are no protruding parts thanks to the integrated tank design. It also looks sleek with its black and white color combination.

Epson adds a warranty coverage of up to four years or 50,000 prints, whichever comes first, to the EcoTank M1140. The warranty also covers the printhead, which is one of the most used parts in high-volume printing. This means you don’t have to worry about the printer’s maintenance for a long time.

In terms of fitness tracking and health monitoring, the Huawei Band 4 is fully equipped with the right sensors and tech. It can alert you when your heart rate exceeds your maximum average, analyze and help improve your sleep quality, among many other features.

The Huawei Band 4 is a budget fitness and health tracker that does its job well. It offers some innovations like the plug-and-play design, but ultimately it’s a device that simply just wants things done.

WOR DS PAT CA L I CA

Printing is fast, clear, and clean. There are no ink blots or broken text/images on the pages, despite printing consecutively and continuously. Just make sure that you’ve placed the paper correctly (with one end touching the rear end of the tray) or the Epson M1140 will simply ignore the print command from your PC or laptop no matter how many times you repeat the process. A nice feature is the automatic duplex or two-sided printing, which allows you to save on paper.

Having tried the Honor Band 5, the TFT screen of the Huawei Band 4 appears underwhelming compared to the former’s AMOLED display. Still, the Band 4 provides an intuitive interface and smart functions. The night mode, Find My Phone, and Remote Shutter are also fun additions to this tracker’s functions.

SPEED SAYS

Epson EcoTank M1140

Out of the box, the printer comes with two cords— one for power, and the other to be connected to the computer. It’s quite an easy setup process as the printer is automatically installed and recognized by the computer. Plus, the ink bottle comes with a unique nozzle design that ensures no spilling or refilling errors.

The plug-and-play feature of the Huawei Band 4 is something I really like. Because the USB plug for charging is already built into the band (detach one strap to see the plug), there’s no need to bring an extra cable just to charge this tracker. And speaking of, you don’t need to plug the Band 4 a lot of times. On one full charge, this Huawei tracker lasted me more than a week before the battery went below 20 percent—that already includes daily pairing with my phone via Bluetooth.

GEEK METER

AN ECONOMIC CHOICE

SPEED SAYS GEEK METER

The Epson EcoTank M1140 is a good choice of printer for home and office, especially if you’re only dealing with monochrome document printing. Aside from not taking up much space on your desk, it also prints fast and clear. Plus, it consumes less power than laser printers. But if you want more functions to go with your printer, consider the higher models in the series that add scanning and copying to its functionalities for prices that are just a few thousands higher.

P RO D U CT T EST N O .

2223

THE NUMBERS OS Windows 10 Home DISP L AY 21.5” FHD 1920 x 1080 Touchscreen CP U Intel Core i5 GP U AMD Radeon 530 graphics MEMORY 8GB DDR4 RAM STOR AG E 1TB HDD M ULTIMEDIA 720P camera, microphone/ earphone, 2 x 3W stereo speaker CO N N ECT IV IT Y Wi.Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.1, card reader, LAN, HDMI Out P RICE Starts at P28,990

COOL, CLASSY , COSTLY

Lenovo Yoga S940 WO RD S AY I E L I C S I

When a laptop costs an arm and a leg, it should set the bar high in all aspects: style, portability, and performance. The Lenovo Yoga S940 ticks off all these boxes—but is it worth shelling out extra cash for when there are other cheaper Yogas in the market?

One of my favorite things about this laptop is its proximity sensor. When in sleep mode, the notebook would automatically turn back on when I walk or sit in front of it. This model doesn’t have a fingerprint scanner; however, its facial recognition works fine if you want keyless entry. The feature isn’t perfect, though—it can’t recognize me in low-light environments.

Contoured glass is more common among premium smartphones, and it’s quite rare seeing it on a laptop. This design certainly makes the S940’s screen look bigger. The ultra slim bezels on all sides give this 14-incher more space, allowing me to multitask with ease. Even when I was working outside my favorite coffee shop, the laptop was able to produce a bright enough display. However, this Yoga isn’t as flexible. Its hinge doesn’t let it lay 180-degrees flat.

Connectivity-wise, there are three USB type-C ports and a headphone/ mic jack. Some will find it bothersome that they can’t connect their old USB flash drive or even an HDMI cable to this notebook without the aid of a dongle.

This Yoga laptop can go on for about eight hours before needing a charge, and it takes just under two hours to have the battery back to 100%. I hit a few minor snags here and there while using apps like Chrome and Word, but overall, the Yoga S940’s performance is awesome.

DIMEN SION S 319.3 x 197.4 x 12.2mm, 1.17kg

When closed, the Yoga S940 blends in with the rest of its Yoga brethren. It features the familiar sleek gray shell and the signature slim form factor. It’s also extremely light and easy to carry around. But the cherry on top of this machine is found when the laptop is opened. I swear I heard angels sing as I lifted the lid to uncover the glass-contoured display.

SPEED SAYS The highlight of the Lenovo Yoga S940 is its droolworthy design and display. But it also justifies its lavish P100,000+ price tag with beefed up security features and premium overall performance.

JANUARY 2020

TESTED

PROD U CT TEST NO .

PRO DUCT TEST N O .

THE NUMBERS

D R IVE R 5.8mm dynamic driver F E ATUR ES IPX7 waterproofing, 10 hours playback CO NNECT IVIT Y Bluetooth 5.0 BATTERY 110mAh (earphones), 850mAh (case) W E IG H T 85g PR IC E P8,499

E THE RN E T PO RTS 2 x Gigabit (auto WAN/LAN) AN TE N N A 2 x 3 (Tx/Rx) internal WI -FI RADI O Up to 866Mbps (5GHz); up to 300Mbps (2.4GHz) WI -FI STAN DARD 802.11ac wave 2 dual-band wireless RAN GE Up to 465sqm. (3-pack) S EC URI T Y WPS DI ME N S I O N S 107.5 x 108 x 51mm PRI C E P14,780

2224

2225

GREAT STAMINA

JBL Reflect Flow WO RD S A N T S I E R R A

The JBL Reflect Flow is a pair of Bluetooth wireless earphones that promises uninterrupted listening and lets you take the party wherever you go. The aluminum trim on the case and earbuds look nice, but the colored plastic trim is polarizing. You can either look at it as sporty or tacky. If you want to be more discreet, go for the black one so you can easily pair it with any attire. I also find the Freebit enhancers a bit of a bother. Every time I wear the unit, it digs deep inside my earlobe and leaves an itchy feeling when worn for long periods. And even with the supposed added grip, the unit still falls off of my ear whenever I’m doing more vigorous activities. That aside, JBL’s sound quality never ceases to amaze me. It’s consistently crisp and audible, regardless of the volume. The added ambient audio control feature makes for a near-perfect listening experience. A slight concern for me is that the increase in volume can be a little bit sudden and extreme at times. Word of advice: Keep your volume at a reasonable 60%.

JANUARY 2020

The Covr-C1203 is a mesh networking device that you can place in any spot in your house to boost the speed and increase the coverage of your Wi-Fi signal. The package comes with three compact and sleek nodes, along with power plugs and LAN cables. Setting it up is quite tedious: you need to be close to your main router and you need to download the D-Link Wi-Fi app (free on Android, iOS) on your phone, among other things. It surely tested my patience when I first configured the network. After all of that, everything else is intuitive and seamless. To set up the remaining nodes, all you need is the app on your phone.

While I didn’t get that much boost in speed, the device really expanded the Wi-Fi coverage. And because the three nodes have the same SSID and password, my device automatically connects to the strongest signal available without any additionals steps. But like in other routers, walls and doors, as well as the number of devices, can affect the connectivity.

GEEK METER The JBL Reflect Flow performs as you would expect from a JBL audio device. But the ace in the hole is its battery life. Having a total of 30 hours of playback on a single charge is not a small feat to overlook.

Finding yourself in a weak or no-signal area is a modern horror story. The D-Link Covr-C1203 promises that you’ll live to tell no tales about experiencing slow to no internet at home.

Connection-wise, while this D-Link mesh router surely expanded the Wi-Fi coverage in my area (no need for extra LAN wires), the experience in terms of speed is just okay. Connections in short range and within line of sight are great, but out-ofsight, behind-the-wall connections saw drops in performance. Note, however, that I was only able to use the 2.4GHz band as 5G still isn’t available in my area.

Taking calls handsfree is also convenient. Every call I took was clear and crisp on my end and the person on the other line. Aside from an impressive receiver, JBL’s TalkThru technology allowed my voice to stand out from the background noise, even when I was in the middle of a busy area during the call.

SPEED SAYS

D-Link Covr-C1203 WOR DS PAT CA L I CA

Unfortunately, the app doesn’t have a lot of features, so aside from the initial setup, you’d rather do most of your configurations using the web portal, which has more multilevel settings and features.

The battery life of these buds is insane. Ten hours on a single charge is already above average, but then JBL decided to go mad with an additional 20 hours of juice via the charging case. I went through three weeks with the unit charged only once for around 30 minutes.

GEEK METER

IT’S GOT YOU COVERED

SPEED SAYS The D-Link Covr-C1203 can certainly boost the WiFi speed and coverage in your home—but only by as much. The wireless connection is still greatly affected by your internet subscription and the layout of your house. Plus points go to the router’s stylish design, though, as you can place it anywhere in your house without ruining your home decor.

TESTED

PROD U CT TEST NO .

2226

THE NUMBERS OS Funtouch OS 9.2 (Android 9 Pie) D ISPL AY 6.38” FHD+ 2340 x 1080 Super AMOLED CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 M E M O RY 8GB RAM STO R AG E 128GB, microSD CA M ER A 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear, 32MP front CO NNECT IVIT Y 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 PR ICE P15,999

STYLISH STANDOUT

Vivo S1 Pro WO RD S A N T S I E R R A

These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find a smartphone that looks unique. Pretty much every phone is a copy of another; some even only differ in the logos engraved on them. Somehow, the Vivo S1 Pro found a way to make itself stand out from the crowd through a subtle yet significant design tweak. What makes the Vivo S1 Pro stand out is its rear design. The diamond-shaped camera module is an eye-catcher. I personally see it as an amazing use of space that also complements the overall simple yet sophisticated aesthetic of the whole phone.

While it’s tempting to max out the volume, graphics output, and touch sensitivity while playing games, it’s not advisable as you will experience minor lags. Other apps work smoothly, though. The interface is responsive and doesn’t suffer from any buffer no matter how many applications are open.

The color is absolutely beautiful. The Knight Black unit we got has a gradient finish that doesn’t overcompensate by producing rainbows or unusual shapes. Even the rear camera module creates a simple burst shape when hit by light.

Facial recognition (via the front snapper) detects my face in near total darkness—to my pleasant surprise. Same goes for the under-display fingerprint scanner; the lightest of touch is enough to unlock the device.

The Vivo S1 Pro is power-efficient and charges fast. I was able to play Call of Duty: Mobile on the device for 12 hours straight before I had to charge, and that’s already with the game configured to the highest graphics setting.

The S1 Pro’s camera produces pictures with sharp details, vibrant colors, and natural contrast. A great thing about the rear shooter is that it carries the same processing over to video. There’s no drop in saturation in the videos, which is the case with most midrange devices at this price point. Meanwhile, the front camera smoothes out facial blemishes and bumps up the brightness by a couple of notches.

While the notch can be a little distracting when watching a full screen video, it can easily be overlooked for the most part. Overall, the viewing experience is amazing on the S1 Pro’s screen. Vivo’s adaptive brightness, which I forgot to turn off during the initial setup, is actually a lifesaver for those who can’t live a day without watching something on YouTube. It manages to keep images clear, bright, and visible no matter the lighting condition—even under intense sunlight.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMEN SION S 159.25 × 75.19 × 8.68mm, 186.7g 54

JANUARY 2020

The Vivo S1 Pro proves that there’s beauty in subtlety. Vivo didn’t have to do any major overhaul to keep the design fresh; instead, it focused on tweaking minor details such as the camera bump design to stand out. This phone is a decent midrange daily driver that gives you value for your money.

P RO D U CT T EST N O .

2227

THE NUMBERS OS EMUI 9.1.0 (Android 9 Pie) with GPU Turbo 3.0 D ISP L AY 6.59-inch FHD+ 2340 x 1080 IPS LCD CP U HiSilicon Kirin 710F 2.2GHz octa-core M EMORY 6GB RAM STOR AG E 128GB, microSD CA MER A 48MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP pop-up front CO N N ECT IV IT Y 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, A-GPS, BDS, Galileo PR ICE P12,490

FINE PHONE FOR THE PRICE

Honor 9X WO RD S K ATR I N A R I V ER E- DI GA

A notch-less, pinhole-less large screen, an eye-catching Dynamic X design (at least on the Sapphire Blue variant), and good battery life are great things to have on an affordable handset. Alas, the Honor 9X’s performance and inconsistent camera output diminish its appeal. The 16MP pop-up front shooter is good but nothing outstanding. If you’re just after taking photos that you’ll post on social media, then this camera is certainly good enough. Fed with enough light, the 9X takes really good photos for a phone at this price point. Colors are accurate and get a helping hand from AI. Unfortunately, the ultra-wide snapper has notable distortion around the sides, which makes for some weird-looking photos.

There’s a responsive fingerprint scanner on the upper center of the back, and to its left are the three rear cameras arranged in a single line.

The Honor 9X is a phone for your everyday basics: social media, Web browsing, and email. It can run your usual apps without any lags. This isn’t a gaming phone, though (and it doesn’t claim to be), so don’t say you haven’t been warned. Meanwhile, the battery is huge at 4,000mAh; when fully charged, you probably don’t have to look for a plug socket for at least another 24 hours.

The Honor 9X has a smooth back panel that curves at the edges, which makes it nice to hold. Flip the phone over and it reveals the reflective ‘Dynamic X’ design, where the light catches diagonal intersections in an x-like pattern. This looks nice in the Sapphire Blue finish, but if you prefer something more business-like, then the Midnight Black variant’s plain design is the way to go.

The 9X has a huge 6.59-inch FHD+ display that isn’t disrupted in any way by a notch or hole-punch camera. This means streaming movies and videos on this device is uninterrupted. Colors are punchy, but I wish it had deeper blacks. Brightness is also good, but you have to push it to about 90 or 100% when you’re using the phone outdoors.

DIMENSIONS 163.1 x 77.2 x 8.8mm, 206g

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS The Honor 9X is a normal phone for normal people—and by that I mean it’s a decent device for everyday non-heavy use. The screen and hardware are good, battery life is satisfactory, and the camera is mostly okay. In short, it’s a good phone for its price range.

7.5 JANUARY 2020

TESTED

PROD U CT TEST NO .

2228

THE NUMBERS OS Android TV OS 8.0 D ISPL AY 65” 3840 x 2160 OLED AUD I O Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+ CO NNECT IVIT Y Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth 4.2, Ethernet PR IC E P177,799

PREMIUM VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Sony BRAVIA KD-65A9G WO RDS AY I E L I C S I

When premium stands right in front of your face, it might take a minute or two to take it all in. This was the case for me as I tried to pick up my jaw off the floor from unboxing the 65-inch Sony A9G. In case you don’t know, this television received two awards at CES 2019—and rightfully so, in my opinion.

At a monstrous 65 inches, one would think this Sony TV will take up a lot of space. But it actually has a smaller footprint since it’s thin at 255mm with the stand. The bezels are also slim and almost unnoticeable. The sleek design translates throughout the whole body, from the screen to the rear and down to its stand.

Running on Android 8, the TV has a friendly user interface that’s easy to navigate through. The layout is simple, showing pre-installed apps like YouTube, Netflix, Play Store, and more. This Sony TV has support for Google Assistant, too, and it came in handy whenever I was too lazy to type titles.

Even at low volume, the sound is pretty loud and bassy. Because of this, I installed Spotify on the TV and used as a speaker. Setting up the TV was quite the challenge and I had to enlist the help of two other people to carry it. The stand is a hefty flat slab; once screwed on, it leaves little space between the screen and the table or cabinet where you positioned the TV.

The BRAVIA A9G display’s default color is more vibrant than usual, but it can be changed to standard colors on the settings. Personally, I prefer the colors warmer so I just left it at the default configuration. 4K videos at 60 frames per second look glorious and fully detailed on the screen. I played a few scene from Avengers: Endgame and I could see crisp details on Thanos’ chin. Other videos in lower resolutions come out sharp, too.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS DIM EN SION S 1447 x 834 x 40mm (without stand) 1447 x 834 x 255mm (with stand) 56

JANUARY 2020

You’ve been warned: the Sony BRAVIA KD-65A9G is not for the faint of heart (the price alone will shock you). This premium TV will stun and wow you with its brilliant picture, booming sound, and functional features.

8.5

P RO D U CT T EST N O .

2229

THE NUMBERS R ESOLUT ION 13MP (photo), up to 1080 @ 60fps (video) ZOOM fixed FO CA L LEN GT H 25.4mm A P ERT URE f/2.2 SEN SIT IV IT Y auto (ISO 1003200) CO N N ECT IV IT Y Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 BLE, GPS (via app), microSD, microUSB P RICE $79

FAILED ATTEMPT

Canon Ivy REC WO RD S GA D J O CA R DENA S S E VI L L A

Canon’s Ivy REC is a clampable waterproof and shockproof camera that’s designed to be abused. It doesn’t even have a display, which means you can only guesstimate the subject of your photo or use the mobile app to see the image on your smartphone. Designed as a rugged action camera, the Ivy REC seems to be geared toward the younger set, or at least to outdoorsy people who don’t want to compromise their expensive smartphones but need a way to shoot video and stills.

The Ivy REC has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This lets you connect to mobile devices for remote photography. Videos from the Canon Ivy REC are shaky and disappointing in terms of clarity. There’s a silver lining, however: on a full charge, this camera can shoot about an hour’s worth of video—not bad for a device of this size.

The Ivy REC’s spartan design is composed of a wheel to select the different shooting modes and a rugged shutter button. That’s it. The camera is also waterproof for up to 2 meters or 6.6 feet for up to 30 minutes; you can use it in the swimming pool, but avoid using it at the beach. The Canon Ivy REC boasts a 13-megapixel camera capable of shooting 1080p videos up to 60 frames per second, which sounds enticing for action videos and stills. However, picture quality from this camera was generally poor and unfocused. It could be because of the fixed focus lens, which is not adjustable or smart enough to quickly focus on a subject. To get the best possible image, you would need to mount it on a tripod and use the app, which defeats the purpose of not using your smartphone.

DIMENSIONS 110.5 x 45.2 x 18.5mm, 90g

The built-in clip makes it convenient to bring around. It can be hung on a backpack, a belt loop, or any item of clothing that can take the weight.

SPEED SAYS

GEEK METER

Canon had the right idea with this camera; a compact, waterproof action shooter that clips onto bags and clothes makes a lot of sense. Sadly, the actual photo and video quality and even the mobile app experience all leave a lot to be desired and make this a frustrating product.

JANUARY 2020

TESTED

PROD U CT TEST NO .

2230

THE NUMBERS ENG INE 1.5-liter in-line 4 DOHC 16-valve with MIVEC TR A NSM ISSIO N 4-speed automatic POW ER 103hp @ 6,000rpm TO R Q U E 141Nm @ 4,000rpm B R A K ES ventilated front; leading and trailing drum rear SUSPENSIO N MacPherson front with coil spring and stabilizer, torsion beam rear TIR ES 205/55 R16 SA F E T Y driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency stop signal system, ISOFIX PR ICE P1,110,000

SLICK, VERSATILE MPV

Mitsubishi Xpander GLS WO RDS K ATR I N A R I V E R E - D I GA

Mitsubishi’s Xpander is the biggest and widest among the MPVs and small SUVs in the market today, and even its 205mm ground clearance is high enough to go over most road obstacles. This quality, plus the fact that it’s versatile and sharp-looking, makes the Xpander one desirable vehicle. The Xpander’s ride is supple, so pockmarked roads are handled well. The MPV is also surprisingly easy to drive for its size.

The Montero Sport-influenced looks is a head-turner. The front-end, which features the second-gen Dynamic Shield design and huge headlights on the bumper, is handsome and definitely striking. Its long roofline works well with the angular styling. My only worry is that the design might not age well.

The 1.5-liter mill and 4-speed AT combination work well in the city. Driving at a 60kph average, I got 13.5kpL. In the now-normal city traffic (that’s about 15-20kph), it returned 7.3 kilometers per liter. The 1.5-liter engine pulls the Xpander surprisingly well—although that’s probably because during my time with it, we were only either two or three in the car. Expect it to struggle a bit when the vehicle is fully loaded with people and/or cargo.

INTERIOR

Sadly, only the top-of-the-line GLS Sport comes with stability and traction control, and hill-start assist. I wish even the GLS AT had these safety features.

The dashboard is simple and comes with a basic infotainment system. There’s a generous number of power outlets, pocket, and cubby holes for your stuff.

The front and second-row seats are wellbolstered and comfortable enough even for long drives. Not surprisingly, the third-row seats aren’t as generous, but I do appreciate that ingress/ egress is easy thanks to wide rear doors and 60/40 split-sliding second row.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

D IMEN SION S 4,475 x 1,750 x 1,700mm; 1,240kg

JANUARY 2020

The Mitsubishi Xpander is proof that you don’t have to give up style points for utility and versatility. My only major gripe is that you have to fork over an additional P65,000 for the GLS Sport to get hill-start assist and stability and traction control.

P RO D U CT T EST N O .

2231

THE NUMBERS EN G IN E 1.3-liter 16-valve, 4-cylinder turbocharged T RA N SMISSION Aisin 6-speed automatic P OWER 136hp @ 5,500rpm TOR QUE 202 Nm @ 1,500rpm B R AK ES ventilated disc front; disc rear with EPB SUSPEN SION MacPherson front with stabilizer, twisting beam rear TIR ES 225/55 R18 SA FET Y dual front & side airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, TCT, HBA, HDC, tire pressure measuring system, ISOFIX P RICE P1,058,000

LOCK ‘N’ LOADED

GAC GS3 1.3 200T WO RD S E A R L M A N A L A N SA N

The GS3 is GAC Motor’s version of the subcompact crossover, which is very popular among first-time car buyers. An excellent entry-level vehicle, the GS3 mixes the basic sedan size with the versatility of an SUV. The higher–than-usual road clearance is a much-appreciated feature for the local urban jungle.

The rear portion is devoid of clutter, but dominated by bigger taillights with an “8” shaped illumination that ‘s very distinct and visible at night. Meanwhile, the fascia carries the GAC “Flying Dynamics” integrated chrome grille that looks elegant. Blending in is a pair of large “eagle eye” headlights with LED daytime running lights.

The 1.3-liter turbocharged engine is both frugal and powerful. Dayto-day driving yields an impressive fuel economy, especially in traffic. Mash the pedal and power kicks in around 3,000rpm, bringing enough juice for a respectable highway cruising speed.

A welcome standard feature for the 200T is the electric sunroof. It gives the GS3 a more astute appearance.

Its basic design profile is similar to the general description of a crossover—tall for easy ingress and egress, but short wheelbase for easy maneuverability.

The 225/55 R18 tire combination looks right on the GS3, giving it a sporty look. (Its sibling, the GS3 150T, sports a smaller 17-inch wheel set.) The downside here is that you can feel the unevenness of the road because of the bigger rubber.

INTERIOR The tan and black color combination lends a premium atmosphere. The multi-function leathertrimmed steering wheel and sculpted yacht-style gearshift are a design plus.

The dashboard’s no-nonsense design includes a simulated boxed gauge cluster with a flowing dash top, highlighted by an infotainment system composed of an 8-inch TFT color display system—with useful Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, of course.

GEEK METER SPEED SAYS

DIMENSIONS 4,350 x 1,825 x 1,655mm

While its design is a bit conservative as compared to other makes, the GAC GS3 is hardly bad-looking. All in all, the GS3 200T is an impressive crossover with its array of features and power that’s more than enough for spirited driving.

JANUARY 2020

TESTED

PROD UCT TEST N O .

2232

THE NUMBERS ENG INE 1.5L MPI Blue Motion Technology gasoline TR A NSM ISSIO N 6-speed automatic with Sport Mode POW E R 107hp @ 6,000rpm TO R Q U E 150Nm @ 4,000rpm B R A K ES ventilated disc front, drum rear SUSPE NSIO N MacPherson independent front, composite torsion-beam rear TIR ES 186/60 R15 SA F E T Y driver, passenger, and side airbags; electronic door locks; stability control; ABS with EBD; immobilizer; ISOFIX; rear parking sensor; cruise control; automatic start/ stop PR IC E P993,000

JAZZED UP

Volkswagen Santana 180 MPI AT SE WO RDS E A R L M A N A L A N SA N

The Santana 180 MPI AT SE is the most loaded of all the Volkswagen Santana siblings. It has all the luxury accouterments, without departing from the Santana price range. This package is still priced below P1 millionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;quite a feat considering the upgrades that Volkswagen put into it. While the Santana MPI MT and Santana SE look similar, the higher-end model comes with welcome features such as a bigger engine and sunroof.

The only transmission available for this variant is the 6-speed automatic with S-mode. This mode raises the rpm shift point to maximize torque for quicker acceleration and easier overtaking. Power is present at that crucial passing moment, although downshifting isa a tad slow

This Santana model has the bigger 1.5-liter MPI Blue Motion Technology engine. You can feel the additional power, producing 107 horses and 150Nm of torque. Plus, the 50-liter fuel tank is bigger than other sub compacts, which is an advantage for long trips.

INTERIOR

The body design is unchanged, but with a few upgrades. The top-of-the-line Santana is equipped with a wide chrome grille, cornering lights, and bigger 15-inch 10-spoke mag wheel and tire combination. A sunroof is also standard.

The Blaupunkt 7-inch touchscreen DVD/ MP3 player with six speakers is the cherry on top. The sound quality is crisp and without the dreaded static sound even on AM band. It also offers sound control and quick connection to gadgets via Bluetooth or USB ports.

The right side of the dash has a silver panel, giving a pleasant contrast against the black background. A thin spear runs across the width of the whole face of the dash, while the steering wheel has remote controls for the radio, cruise control, and drive information.

SPEED SAYS

D IMEN SION S 4,475 X 1,706 X 1,469mm

JANUARY 2020

The Volkswagen 1.5 MPI AT SE is the flashier sibling in the Santana family. This is perfect for the driver who wants a little more without draining his wallet. The upgrades do not go overboard to keep the costs down, but they give enough of that luxurious feeling that differentiates it from its lesser contemporaries.

GEEK METER

REVIEWED

(ALMOST) KING OF POCKET MONSTERS THE NUMBERS PL ATFO RM Nintendo Switch D E VE LO PER Game Freak PUB LISH ER The Pokémon Company, Nintendo NO . O F PL AYERS Single player, multiplayer

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield WO RD S E R I K PAO LO ES C UETA

Finally

marking the main series’ real debut on the Switch (the Let’s Go games shouldn’t count, honestly), Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield also introduce the series as home console titles for the very first time. With a new region, new generation, and new battle elements, this year’s journey to be the very best also looks the most promising—even if it doesn’t get quite a few things right out the gate. Top of the food chain The story of Pokémon Sword and Shield takes place in the new region of Galar, heavily inspired by the United Kingdom and its industrialized cities, quaint little towns, and lush, vibrant countrysides. The plot mainly sees you entering the Pokémon League to become the next champion, which is very straightforward to a fault—at least on the surface. Throughout the game you’re basically prodded and motivated to pursue the Pokémon League path, entertaining your rival Hop and making new friends (and sometimes enemies) along the way. Unbeknownst to you, however, some sinister happenstances are occurring behind the scenes concerning the faded history of Galar that could spell doom for everyone in the region. So while the plot may seem like a bit of a slow burn in that regard, it’s relatively worth seeing to the end.

JANUARY 2020

By the numbers Speaking of slow burns, this year’s rack of starter Pokémon are probably the most underwhelming trio yet. Don’t get me wrong, I was hyped about them ever since their initial reveal, but as soon as I started capturing other Pokémon, my chosen starter soon hit the bench and then a box (I picked Grookey, by the way). There are just other, better Pokémon out there worthy of a spot on your sixcreature party.

filled with spectators reminiscent of a FIFA football finals match—and often end with a Dynamax battle for a finale, making each battle for a badge a climactic finisher for each leg of your League journey.

On that note, the rest of this new generation of Pokémon are of a welcome number and provide ample variety, although nostalgic trainers may lament the minuscule inclusions of previous generation favorites. We can all agree, though, that version-exclusive Pokémon does make completing your Pokédex more difficult than it should be and is something we wish wasn’t still a thing.

Another highly accessible feature in Sword and Shield is its local multiplayer, relegated to single menu you can open at any time. Selections include the usual list of Link Trades, Surprise Trades, and Link Battles, with an added option to swap League Cards. You can also connect to the internet, which lets you see real-time activity from other trainers in the form of stamps as well as their actual avatars in the Wild Area. Link battles are sure to be the most enticing multiplayer mode, though, with matches for singles, doubles, and four-player battle royales.

Pick up and play Aesthetically, the game looks great in either handheld or docked modes, with the latter more preferable when doing Max Raids or fighting Gym Leaders, if only to appreciate the size, scale, and proportion of Dynamax Pokémon all the more. You can also play with a variety of controller styles, including one-handed with the Joy-Con.

Living extra large The game’s core combat and capturing mechanics are essentially the same as prior Pokémon games, with perhaps some nice liberties taken from Let’s Go like seeing actual Pokémon wandering in the tall grass. A couple of new elements in Sword and Shield, however, have increased their range. The open-world Wild Area, for instance, offers new hunting grounds for capturing untamed Pokémon of various levels in a random environment. More importantly, the Wild Area contains a battle mode called Max Raids, which adds a few new elements to the combat experience. Max Raids pit you and three other trainers (online or offline) in a four-person team against Dynamax Pokémon—giant sized Pokémon of Godzilla proportions. Max Raids can be quite epic due to their scale and size, and managing to capture a Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon as a result is quite the satisfying payoff. The same scale applies as well to the Pokémon League Gyms and your battles against their respective Leaders—Pokémon Gyms are now massive arenas

SPEED SAYS

Pokémon Sword and Shield walk the fine line between familiarity and innovation with veteran trainers, while trying to offer the core Pokémon experience to new players—and for the most part, it does a decent job. What makes the Pokémon Sword and Shield enjoyable are the little things here and there that you can do in Galar, like camping out with your entire Pokémon party or customizing your League Card along with your avatar’s fashion choices.

PROS

new region of Galar is expansive, inspiring still has that entertaining core Pokémon experience Wild Area and Max Raids add new gameplay variety lots of things to do in and around Galar

CONS

plot progression can be a little sluggish new Pokémon starters potentially underwhelming version-exclusive Pokémon still a pain for completists

GEEK METER

JANUARY 2020

TECHNOSPHERE

The Cybertruck effect GADJO CARDENAS SEVILLA

It’s

is built for utility and not for racing. It is around 1,500 pounds, but it can reportedly tow over 7,500 pounds. To date, there are already over 200,000 Cybertruck pre-orders, and while it isn’t shipping for another year, its halo effect will affect the entire motoring industry.

Naturally, Tesla wants to enter the electric truck market with a full head of steam, so its Cybertruck needed to be a showstopper. When Tesla CEO Elon Musk took the wraps off the Cybertruck, it was quite a revelation. The extreme and angular design is very divisive. Some like its bold and original styling; others find it hideous.

Buying the dream Tesla is the only carmaker that can sell cars even before they are out of the production line thanks to Elon Musk’s fan following and his ability to tap into uncharted territories in technology and innovation. Imagine people so taken with this odd-looking car that they are willing to buy it sight unseen. With the Cybertruck, Tesla has pushed the boundary of electric vehicles by placing the technology into the most popular and marketable truck segment.

no secret that pickup trucks andww sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are more popular than passenger cars in many markets. Ford’s F-150 is the most popular truck in North America; one is sold every 35 seconds according to Automotive News.

Built like a rocket The best way to think of the Cybertruck is that its form follows function. It looks the way it looks because it has been built with ultra-hard 30x cold-rolled stainless steel, which is the same one used in SpaceX rockets. It also has a durable exoskeleton and armored glass. The Tesla Cybertruck resembles another stainless-steel motoring icon, the DMC DeLorean, but it is a more muscular and imposing vehicle— one that seems larger than competing trucks. Tesla's truck is not only built like a rocket, it can also take off like one. This is thanks to a powerful electric drivetrain, a low center of gravity, and earth-shaking acceleration (as little as 2.9 seconds to get from 0-60mph) and with up to 500 miles of range.

. . .

These specs rival some of the most performant hypercars, yet the Cybertruck

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Tesla is all about bold moves and challenging the status quo. While the Cybertruck is unlikely to capture the hearts of Ford F-150 and Dodge RAM owners, it will certainly bring in new users who may not have considered pickup trucks before. The Cybertruck will also make rival truck makers reconsider their models and possibly get them onboard the electric vehicle market faster. Limitations abound As impressive as the Cybertruck is, we need to remember that Musk usually overpromises and underdelivers. The chances that Cybertruck will be

delayed are quite high; it takes time to create mass production for a new vehicle. Cybertruck’s unique stainless steel construction requires new processes that will take time to perfect. In addition, being an EV means that the Cybertruck is a non-starter in countries or cities where there is poor charging infrastructure, and it is priced high compared to most utility vehicles and pickup trucks. Still, there’s no denying the feeling that the Tesla Cybertruck is a tipping point in the industry and one that will change the game and people’s perception of what electric vehicles can accomplish.

GAME ON

JOVI FIGUEROA

WHAT WE’RE PLAYING IN 2020 Raise

your hand if you’re guilty of playing the same title over and over and over again even though you want to try out some of the games that’s just been released. Raise your hand if you’re guilty of not having enough time (thanks, adulting!) to spend on playing. Raise your hand if you can only afford so much titles in a year because wow those AAA games are getting more expensive (thanks, paid DLCs!) by the day.

that the game is in full development and we couldn’t be happier for what is probably one of the biggest favorites in the whole Final Fantasy franchise? Yes, we’re looking at you, Cloud.

much support over the years, and we’re not ashamed to say that the mobile title Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp has got us VPN-ing at release (please don’t tell on us).

But if you’re on the Xbox or PC platforms, you won’t be getting your hands on the remake this year because Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 1 will be a PlayStation exclusive until March 3, 2021. Sony has always been the home of Square Enix since the original PlayStation, that’s why it’s no surprise.

We’re excited most especially since a lot of customization features are coming together for New Horizons, and that it will support both local and online co-op. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to purchase a Switch so you’re ready for when New Horizons drops on March 20.

Whatever your New Year’s woes and resolutions are, whether you want to commit to playing more The whole Final Fantasy VII Remake will be or playing less, or you just want to have fun and relax a little bit, here are some of the 2020 releases released in three parts and the second part is for the PC and consoles that we’re looking forward already in development. to playing this year. Let’s compare notes! Halo Infinite Microsoft is definitely back in the game. Cyberpunk 2077 We’ve been having a major CD Projekt Red craving They hit record numbers last December when they released Halo: Master Chief Collection, ever since that E3 teaser with Keanu Reeves! clocking 3 million players and 3 million streamers And with The Witcher franchise getting hyped on launch week. This has definitely sparked the again, thanks to the Netflix series, we can’t wait interest again for the Halo franchise, setting a to see if the Polish developer can give us another masterpiece. There’s a lot of expectations to reach good stage for Halo Infinite come 2020. for Cyberpunk 2077 both as a Witcher successor and at an open-world level, and we’re hoping April 343 Industries is claiming that Halo Infinite will be “the most cutting-edge AAA game engine on the 16 comes soon enough. planet” when it releases on the Xbox One, PC, and Project Scarlett—and we can’t help but get on the Final Fantasy VII Remake hype wagon. Remember at the start of the millennia when Square Enix attempted a Final Fantasy remake for Animal Crossing: New Horizons the PlayStation 2? And then clamor for a remake again in 2005 after a tech demo was showcased at Nintendo Switch owners rejoice for an Animal the E3? And then finally in 2015, it was announced Crossing exclusive! Animal Crossing has enjoyed

JANUARY 2020

Stranger Things No, this isn’t Stranger Things 3: The Game. This is another mobile game based on the Stranger Things Netflix series, but this time incorporating the location-based mechanics of Pokemon GO with the classic RPG-puzzle hybrid gameplay. Not a lot has been released about this game, but we know so far that it’s going to be released on mobiles this year. Maybe we’ll know more once they start releasing more information about Stranger Things Season 4 as well, which has just been announced by Netflix with a cryptic trailer that says, “We’re not in Hawkins anymore.”

ALL ABOUT THE UX

TECH RESOLUTIONS THAT WILL HELP IMPROVE YOUR LIFE IN 2020

This issue marks my first anniversary as a Speed columnist and I could only hope that you’ve learned something useful from my monthly musings as I have from researching and writing them for you. Over the past year, I placed how tech continues to change and shape our lifestyles under much scrutiny. With a keener lens, we all saw how tech has made our lives better, more convenient, and more comfortable, sure; but it also had an undeniable negative effect on our mental and physical health and social connections, among other aspects of our lives. As a new year begins—the start of a new 20s decade at that—let’s reflect on our relationship with gadgets and technology. Then let’s make resolutions to improve the habits we’ve developed around tech to hopefully have better, more meaningful lives and relationships in the year to come. Sharing with you my tech-related New Year’s resolutions, in the hopes you’ll join me in observing them: 1. Detox your digital life. Unfollow people who have toxic social media posts or often post things that bring negativity to your state of mind. Do not allow social media to consume your thoughts and make you unhappy with the life you’re living. Declutter your phone by deleting apps you rarely or have never even used. This will free up space on your phone and improve

JANUARY 2020

your battery life. Finally, clean up your inbox by deleting your junk and trash, reading and deleting emails, and unsubscribing to newsletters you never even open anyway. 2. Think before you post, share, and tag. Stop oversharing. Share less of your personal life and thoughts on social media and more in the physical presence of close friends and family. If you’re a new parent, don’t over-post photos and videos of your child on social media, no matter how cute you think she is. Being discreet is safer for you and your child. Avoid tagging people on your posts and photos— especially if they’re not even in the latter. Respect what people want to appear on their own timelines. If you need to rant, take a deep breath and let negative feelings pass. If they won’t, consider talking to a close friend or loved one about how you feel. As much as possible, only post on social media to spread necessary positivity and information. Trolling and fake news are so last decade.

TRIXIE REYNA-BENEDICTO

anticipating the arrival of my bundle of joy. I’m writing this to remind myself and my husband that there’s no message, call, game, social media post, or viral video more important than the precious time we spend with each other and our little one. Also limit mobile phone use in the bedroom to only when your spouse is already sleeping or out of bed so that when you’re up in bed together, you devote more time to conversation. 5. Don’t use your phone while driving. No text message or phone call is worth more than your life and the lives of other people riding with you, not to mention those of others you might harm on the road while your eyes are on your device. If there really are calls you can’t miss while driving, wear a bluetooth headset so you can answer calls with one quick tap.

3. Turn off mobile devices and other screens—including your TV—during meals with company. Focus instead on catching up and spending quality time with your companions. It takes so much effort to get people together for meals these days, and none of you should waste precious time being distracted by mobile or TV screens.

6. Go paperless whenever you can. I’m happy when airline staff ask me if I already have my boarding pass saved on my phone so they won’t need to print one. I wish all airlines would do the same and everyone who flies would make the effort to check in online and download the PDF or save a screenshot of their boarding pass in their phones to avoid wasting paper. The same goes for restaurant, tour, theater, and attraction reservations made while traveling abroad. Unless it’s an absolute requirement (i.e. documents to be submitted for visa application), avoid printing a hard copy. I hope more companies will also start using QR codes.

4. Avoid using your phone before bed and whenever you are with your children. As I write this, I’m

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/SpeedMagazinePH @SpeedMagazine speedmagazine.ph

OPEN FORUM

THE YEAR OF LIVING (MOSTLY DIGITALLY) Time flies— sometimes when you’re having fun, but most

of the time it just does. Seems like it was only a few months ago that we were thinking about beaches, but here we are at the start of a new year (and a new decade). 2019 saw me spend the least amount of time possible on the road. After all, why contribute to the worsening traffic when I can get a lot of things done on my mobile device? Transportation and services by phone 2019 saw the rapid acceptance of urban transportation apps. With Grab the sole remaining TNVS for automobile-based ride hailing, the tech giant has quickly become a fixture in the urban dweller’s routine. For those who don’t have a car or choose not to drive, it’s either Grab or take a cab. They’ve also expanded into courier and food delivery, something I truly appreciate at least once a week. After all, why haul my ass through traffic when all I want is my favorite bowl of David’s Tea House congee? Good on ya’ Grab. While I’m at it, attaboy to Angkas and its fleet of hardy motorcycle riders. For people on a budget and who don’t mind riding pillion, this motorcycle-based ride app is a godsend. Facebook isn’t reality One notable development—or maybe it’s just my imagination since I only see what’s on my news feed—has been less Facebook time for more than a few users, myself included. Between being flooded by posts about depression, politics, and humble brags, Facebook has become like the air we breathe. Sometimes it’s uplifting, most of the time it gets toxic. Disconnecting is one of those brave actions a person can do to get in touch with the real world from time to time. I admit I’m constantly checking my phone for updates (as if the fate of the world hung in the balance), but I’ve never felt more alive than when I was not in the loop: out on the bike enjoying a new route, running where the streets have no name. You had to watch them live Sorry, still hungover. U2’s The Joshua Tree Tour in Manila was a dream come true for fans of a certain generation of titos and titas. I never thought Bono and the gang would bother to go all the way to the Philippines, knowing the considerable expense of their production and the doubtful capacity to make it all worthwhile for them. But it all worked out, AND THEY WERE FREAKIN’ AWESOME!

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It took me 2.5 hours to get there, an hour and a half to get our tickets, another two hours of waiting for the show to start, and another four hours to get home on top of the nearly three hour show but, yeah, it was all worth it if only for U2. At a time when music is delivered through Spotify, the arrival of a band that first flourished in the era of cassette tapes was a breath of fresh, real air. Noteworthy was its opening act; no effects, no LED videos, just strident vocals, guitar riffs, thumping bass, that trademark military beat of the bass, and SUNDAY. BLOODY. SUNDAY! And with zero internet access in the Faraday cage that was the Philippine Arena, we kept our phones in our pockets and experienced U2 as it should be: live and raw and real. I hope they show the Joshua Tour on streaming someday soon. Streaming is here to stay Speaking of streaming, I can count on both hands the movies I actually trooped to a cinema for, the most memorable being Ford Vs. Ferrari, Avengers: Endgame, and John Wick 3: Parabellum. For most of my movie enjoyment, I made the most of my Netflix account. With the advent of Disney’s own service, as well as Amazon Prime’s own lineup, Netflix has been hard at work pumping out more interesting titles to earn my monthly subscription. Competition is great

ANDY LEUTERIO

when it works for ordinary consumers like you and me. An app for every conceivable need Finally, app development continues its inexorable rise. It used to be that most mobile apps were for silly games and photo editing, but it seems like if there’s a need then someone has already thought of an app for it. Need to choose a wine? Hello Vino. Point of Sales for your business? Vend. Biometrics? Choose from around half a dozen options. As I write this, I’m multitasking by adding virtual antlers to my collie photos in between checking the store’s CCTV system. What to expect for this year? Even faster developments on the tech front, and I’ll wager a further rise in two-wheel vehicle sales: motorcycles, bicycles, e-scooters. Those without cars wish they had ‘em, those who do have ‘em wish they could go with two less wheels. I should know, I’m one of them. With Manila traffic ranked by Waze as the absolute worst in the world, it’s not going to get better any time soon as car sales continue to flourish while unmatched with road expansion/creation. Spend the least amount of time possible on the road and be part of the solution: if you can get it done on your mobile, do it. After all, there’s probably an app for your need by now. Don’t forget to disconnect from time to time, though. It’ll be good for your soul.

HOW SOON IS NOW?

WHEN FUTURE TECH IS STILL STUCK IN THE PAST WO RDS CAR ME L A MA R A A N F E R N A N D O

HOTSPOT

COVER STORY

SINCE THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION BOOMED,

tech companies have come up with innovative proposals that look good on paper—then stay there for years. Some of these have actually taken off, but didn’t catch on with the market because of a disconnect with practicability. At a time where we are bombarded with fantastical digital and technological concepts every day, a number of them are surprisingly still in development. In this month’s cover story, we take a look at several innovations that have already been in development for years. We’re looking forward to seeing them go mainstream— read: ubiquitous products and household names for the average consumer, instead of luxuries for the privileged— and greatly change the technological landscape for all of us.

JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY

SELF-DRIVING CARS

Also known as autonomous vehicles, self-driving cars have been in the works since the 1920s. These rely on a variety of sensors to help a land vehicle navigate the streets on autopilot. Despite decades in development, one of the first successful demonstrations for this technology only emerged in 1997. In 2015, it was officially allowed for road testing in some U.S. states including Florida, California, Michigan, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Singapore. In recent years, brands like Ford, Audi, Volkswagen, and General Motors have proposed to develop their own driverless vehicles for commercial use. Meanwhile, Tesla chief Elon Musk has bravely declared that his company’s cars will have “full self-driving capability” by the end of 2020. And yet, most automobile companies are still reluctant to adopt completely autonomous models in their product line.

Today’s existing driverless cars are all equipped with basic features such as the capability to stay in the correct lane, speed control, GPS, user security systems, and emergency braking. All these have worked fairly well during the testing phases, and with enough supervision from their research units. Some have also been rolled out for preliminary road use. But as it turned out, there’s still a vast difference between automation and autopilot, and confusion between the two has led to a number of deaths. How do you redevelop a car that was primarily engineered to be steered by people, and remove that key human element from the same vehicle? For one, a driverless car has yet to be successfully integrated into the daily traffic system, which presents several risks. One of the major concerns surrounding it is anticipating

FUN FACT In 1925, Francis Houdina demonstrated a radio-controlled car on the streets of Manhattan without anyone at the steering wheel. According to The New York Times, the vehicle can start its engine, shift gears, and sound its horn, “as if a phantom hand were at the wheel.”

JANUARY 2020

situational safety hazards on the fly the same way a human driver would. How would it adjust to aggressive motorists who decide to cut in front, or changes in weather conditions while in transit? Can it be programmed to respond appropriately to pedestrians and animals who suddenly cross its path, or people who attempt to inflict damage on the unit, such as vandals, burglars, or threatened drivers and companies who wish to sabotage it? It also needs to quickly respond to sudden dangers, such as a wayward driver accidentally careening the unit on a slippery highway or during an earthquake. A fully automated car presents several practical applications, including: valet parking as default, traveling safely while under the influence (but we still don’t advocate drunk driving, even in a driverless vehicle), point-to-point shuttle services, 24/7 industrial delivery transportation, greater access to emergency medical and rescue transportation, better accessibility for senior citizens and passengers with disabilities, and more transport opportunities for younger commuters and travelers. In the future, this feature may also be extended to trucks, buses, taxis, watercraft, and even planes. These would be well utilized in commercial, industrial, and military fields, especially in high-risk locations. A city with autonomous vehicles would be ideal. Imagine—there’d be no cutting, no overspeeding, no law breakers, no road rage—just perfectly synchronized traffic, no matter how heavy it gets. But for now, the perfectly flawed human behind the wheel is still irreplaceable until AI cracks the human behavioral code. Or at least until the end of 2020.

HOW SOON IS NOW?

5G NETWORK

We have been waiting for this since 2017—and up to now, 5G still hasn’t overtaken 4G in the telecommunications industry. 5G stands for the fifth generation of wireless technology, which offers faster data transmission speed and wider coverage than its predecessors. It also offers low latency, which makes it more responsive, with the ability to connect to and control several devices, machines, and objects, all at the same time. Like with other system advancements, it’s generally incompatible with devices that run on previous generations (4G and earlier). Yet it still needs to rely on newer 4G mobile coverage to prime it for current devices, at least for now. Currently, four major carriers in the U.S. use 5G wireless but its coverage is only limited to a few cities, including Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago. It enhances existing 4G channels by maintaining signal strength in areas where 4G signals tend to drop.

5G’s wider coverage over a variety of digital devices opens up a wealth of applications in various industries, which can be deployed worldwide: Connected automobiles: 5G-connected vehicles may interact with one another to facilitate smoother road traffic. This may also be applied in military operations, where several trucks may flank each other to form a platoon. Connected monitoring: Safer industrial, military, traffic, real estate, and citywide inspections and surveillance may be conducted with LiDARequipped drones and intelligent camera network systems. Smart manufacturing: Thanks to 5G’s lower latency and security features, industrial robots can collaborate and synchronize

from a remote operating base. Virtual and augmented reality broadcasting: Brands can capitalize on VR and AR live broadcast platforms as alternative marketing channels. Wireless gaming: 5G can enable cloud-based 4K gaming at 90 fps, minus expensive games consoles or PCs. Immersive social networking platforms: The next social media channels will be able to integrate UHD 360-degree live-streaming videos into their features. Wearable AI assistance: 5G’s high bandwidth network will enable users to connect to AI assistants via personal wearable devices. Sustainable power supply: Renewable energy generation can be incorporated into a city’s power supply using an intelligent feeder system.

5G also operates in two airwave frequencies: above and below 6GHz. The latter, which uses cellular and Wi-Fi bands, can go up to 50% faster than LTE. It also has the same signal coverage as cellular sites, without the need for additional towers. In fact, it can work very well in remote areas where mobile signals tend to become unstable.

JANUARY 2020

INDEPENDENT AI

Simply put, artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer that’s programmed to mimic human intelligence, using algorithms and historical data to learn how to respond to certain actions. AI is classified into two broad categories: narrow and general. The latter comprises intelligent systems that can perform specific tasks without specific programming for each task. You can see this in speech and language recognition software, vision recognition systems in self-driving vehicles, or search engines that recommend certain results based on your previous online activity. They have limited memory and are reactive to stimuli, based on their programming. General AI is adaptive and flexible intelligence that’s based on the accumulation of information. Its capacities include theory of mind and reactive awareness, two aspects of learning that would make the program’s processing capabilities much closer to that of humans. While still fodder for interesting sci-fi stories—think Skynet from Terminator or the self-aware Hubots from the TV series Äkta Människor—general AI is currently in development to produce software that can greatly supplement more complex daily activities. Overall, its development greatly relies on machine learning, where the computer system is fed large amounts of data. The more data it accumulates, the more it expands its core capabilities. This faculty is supported by the system’s neural network. Although AI is already widely used all over the world in a broad range of systems and software, it’s still the narrow type, with access to unlimited information but with limited executive functions. Meanwhile, the risks of a continuously evolving AI are constantly being debated on, which is why it hasn’t been fully developed yet. But it holds great potential for supplementing dayto-day activities, such as:

JANUARY 2020

Multifunctional robots: From industrial assembly lines to commercial entertainment, these robots can perform specialized complex tasks more efficiently than their human counterparts. Personal assistance and entertainment: Advanced AI can help provide several types of customized assistance to its user, based on the latter’s requirements and preferences. Digital empathy: Highly developed software can analyze, interpret, and record vocal and gestural cues to facilitate more appropriate emotional responses and establish better rapport with online customers. Your body = your ID: For universal transactions, newer AI would be able to

identify individuals using advanced facial recognition software, or software for mapping a person’s gestures, gait, and overall physical structure. Better health and daily care: Robots can also be equipped to provide specialized care to recovering patients, persons with disabilities, seniors, and children. This may help free up time for family members, as well as reduce the incidences of errors and mistreatment from caregivers.

HOW SOON IS NOW?

EXTENDED REALITY

Alternative reality simulators— specifically, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—can be easily mistaken for one another. But, there are key differences among the three. VR involves a fully rendered artificial environment and requires full immersion by the user, who relies on body and motion tracking. It’s mostly used in the gaming industry, as well as for educational tools. AR, on the other hand, uses digital objects that are overlaid on a real-life environment. An example of this is mobile photo filters that add information to images based on geolocation, brands, or information from other users.

MR seamlessly blends a virtual environment, not just objects, with real-world scenes in real time. This allows the user to interact with both, and can help with developing spatial awareness. All of these can be effective tools for providing unique entertainment, educational, and commercial experiences to their users. But, they’re costly to produce and deploy, especially in emerging economies. They may also present safety risks to users with neurological or sensory conditions. Still, these alternate reality programs can have several applications outside of the standard gaming and entertainment fare. Some of these more practical uses are:

VR: Virtual classrooms and educational tours; virtual tours for real estate properties; online shops with 3D objects that customers can inspect; and training applications for various skillsets. AR: E-commerce, where stores allow shoppers to visually sample products like cosmetics, fashion, and home furnishings; maps with superimposed images and animation to make navigation easier and more fun; virtual training modules for all ages. MR: 3D design prototyping; educational programs with interactive 3D imagery; 3D holograms for surgical programs; designing medical facilities; e-commerce for retail brands where shoppers can sample product colors and textures, and simulate their usage. Honorable mentions for niche technologies that we hope would eventually make it to the mass market include: Lab-grown meat and meat substitutes: Remove the cruelty, increase the number of people fed, minimize the environmental damage and costs, and maximize on health benefits and flavor—what’s not to love? Wearable ECG: This isn’t just a fitness tracker; it’s a smartwatch that can detect atrial fibrillation and help alert the wearer for early signs of heart disease. Sewerless sanitation systems: In locations where water supply is scarce, waterless toilets would help flush down human waste and turn it into compostable material AND generate electricity. The Internet of Things for seniors: Smart home systems will enable healthy elderly folks, as well as people with disabilities, to live independently and take care of themselves more easily.

JANUARY 2020

COVER STORY

DIGITAL DECADE

OUR TOP 10 PICKS FOR EMERGING TECH IN 2020 (AND BEYOND) WORDS CAR ME L A MAR AAN F E R N A N D O

This month ushers in a new decade, with new digital and technological innovations on the horizon. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve picked out a bunch of up-and-comers that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see on the market in the near future, starting with this year.

1. INTERNET OF EVERYWHERE

It may be 2020, but not all areas of the world has access to the internet. To address this, Google is using a network of helium balloons, called Loon, to expand connectivity to remote locations that otherwise would be out of reach. At the same time, other companies like Hiber are sending out nanosatellites to space, also to grant affordable online access from hard-to-reach places around the planet. Soon, the Internet of Things will become the Internet of All, with democratic accessibility to all demographics at any time.

2. COFFEE FUEL

So many folks are powered by coffee. But as it turns out, coffee can also run heating systems and cars. Bio-Bean is a U.K.-based company that collaborates with restaurants to turn 85% of used coffee waste into biomass pellets. These, in turn, are converted into fuel for industrial heating solutions, as well as sustainable alternative fuel for vehicles. The company is also participating in the EU Horizon2020 project to work with other outfits and create more coffee waste-based products along the lines of bioplastics and bio-oils.

JANUARY 2020

DIGITAL DECADE

alcohol content (BAC) in the air when a person exhales, while the touch-based system scans the skin and collects a tissue sample to determine BAC. Both systems may soon become a standard feature in vehicles in the U.S. If the driver’s BAC is too high, the car automatically becomes inoperable. Drivers who use the system may also be granted lower insurance premiums.

3. SONIC FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Did you know that sound can kill fires? Since it’s made of pressure waves, at the right frequency it can cut off the oxygen supply that feeds flames. Given that, researchers at George Mason University are developing a sonic extinguisher that uses drones to generate noises that are loud enough to help kill forest fires. This would be especially useful in locations where water is scarce, and at the same time, reduce water usage in these emergencies.

4. SMART NEEDLES

Cancer may soon be detected without the need for a biopsy, thanks to smart needles. Developed by U.K. scientists, these needles use the Raman spectroscopy technique to aim a low-power laser into a patient’s body. It measures disease-related molecular changes and the state of tissue and cells at the tip of the needle. This helps spot potential health issues in a more noninvasive manner.

5. SMART FOOD LABELS For legal reasons, expiration dates on food labels are often dated weeks, months, or even a year before the food is actually unfit to eat. This contributes to a lot of food waste (not to mention racks up the food bill), when people throw away perfectly edible food just because it’s gone past its sell-by date. But, a simple bump mark can help minimize food waste through a more accurate indicator on a smart food label. Originally designed for blind consumers, this smart label starts off as smooth, and gets rougher as the food approaches its expiry. Since the label decays at the same rate as its proteinbased contents, it’s a much better and economical way to let you know if your food has gone bad.

6. VIRTUAL TELEPATHY Thanks to 5G, you may soon be able to text just by thinking. This is done through a combination of eye-tracking software and a headset equipped with sensors that detect and convert brain waves into digital signals, which are then displayed as letters onto a screen. Some mobile headsets may also include a visor or glasses that allow hands-free texting.

8. QUICK-CHARGE CAR BATTERIES

One of the drawbacks that electric vehicles face is that charging them degrades lithiumion batteries. This is because charging at lower temperatures don’t allow lithium ions to flow smoothly between electrodes, resulting in cumulative damage to the battery. But this problem can be solved by using nickel foil that heats up the battery in less than 30 seconds, where it stays at 60 degrees for 10 minutes, then cools back down to its original temperature in the car. This prevents lithium spikes from forming and damaging the battery. Best of all, this allows users to charge their car at the same time it takes them to have a quick cup of coffee.

9. FLOATING FARMS

A new solution to our everincreasing demand for sustainable crops takes vertical farming to new heights. Architect Javier Ponce of Forward Thinking Architecture has designed a three-tiered floating farm to provide fresh produce in the middle of the city where access

to fresh food may be costl and difficult. The top tier contains solar panels, while hydroponic vegetable and fruit crops are grown in the middle tier, over a space of 51,000sqm. Nutrients and plant matter from the produce beds would then filter down into the bottom section, which houses farmed fish. This farm may produce an estimated 8.1 tons of vegetables and and 7.1 tons of fish a year.

10. THE FOUR-DAY WORKWEEK

Although this concept has been proposed—and rejected—several years ago, more studies have shown that the less time a person is required to work, the more their productivity improves. It also encourages employees to join and stay with a company longer, and helps reduce carbon emissions with less commuters on the road. With increasing workplace demands, coupled with worsening traffic situations, the four-day workweek is a solid business model that more companies are adopting, or at least considering. Technological advancements, especially those in the communications industry, are the ideal tools for making this work, enabling employees to be productive in and out of the office outside of traditional office hours. These are just a handful of smart digital and technological ideas that we think will significantly reshape our lives in the near future. And, we’re welcoming all these with open arms and open minds.

The technology is still in development phase because it requires a thorough analysis of brain activity and intense concentration by the wearer.

7. BREATHALYZER CARS There are two methods for detecting and measuring alcohol levels in the body: through touch and breath. Breath-based systems measure the blood

JANUARY 2020

FORM FACTOR

TIME TO UP YOUR

WRISTWEAR GAME WOR DS K AT R I NA R I VER E-DI GA

THERE ARE different ways a watch can wow you. It can be purely visual— an intricate dial, a gorgeous material used for the strap, or an unorthodox case shape. It could be about the story behind the design, or the person or character it is connected with. For many watch aficionados and collectors, what’s underneath and unseen—state-of-theart movement, to be exact—is what makes watches sexy. Here are seven such statement watches that are designed to stand out instead of blend in.

JANUARY 2020

TIME TO UP YOUR WRISTWEAR GAME

Ressence Type 1DXB Belgian watchmaker Ressence departs from its typically minimalist design for the Type 1DXB. This timepiece is a collaboration with UAE luxury watch retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons to mark Dubai Watch Week 2019. Based on the Type 1 Squared, the limited edition Type 1DXB draws inspiration from Arabic and Islamic geometric patterns. The skeletonized dial components create unique shadows on the movement below. The 41mm case is crafted from polished titanium, while the sand-colored dial features contrasting white Superluminova hands and indexes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finished with a sand-colored calf strap and comes with a khaki NATO-style strap in the box.

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FORM FACTOR

Picto

Mechanical clocks have always consisted of a face and two hands. But two young hippies in the ‘80s—Steen George Christensen and Erling Andersen—wanted to challenge that thinking. They wanted to design a “picture” of time. And so the Picto watch was born. A dot affixed to a rotating watch face indicates the hour, while a solitary hand sweeps around once an hour to indicate the minutes. Picto watches are kept fresh every so often with the launch of new dial colors and straps.

JANUARY 2020

TIME TO UP YOUR WRISTWEAR GAME

IWC Lewis Hamilton Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition Six-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton steps out from behind the wheel to co-design a watch with IWC Schaffhausen. The result? A limited edition timepiece based on IWC’s Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition. This 46.5mm watch features the time, date and moon phase for both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time. Its black zirconium oxide ceramic, Bordeaux-red dial, gold-plated hands and case back, and Bordeaux-red textile strap make this truly stand out.

Oris Art Blakey Limited Edition An addition to Oris’ series of jazz watches, this limited edition timepiece pays tribute to American jazz drummer, bandleader, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awardee Art Blakey. This automatic watch based on the Oris Artelier features a dial design modeled after Art’s bass drum. There are eight claws around the circumference of the inner dial and a case back with a cymbal inlay. The watch also features a stainless steel case and a brown matte calf leather strap with a folding clasp.

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FORM FACTOR

Eone Bradley An innovative watch that everyone, including the blind, can touch to tell time, the Eone Bradley is named after Paralympics gold medalist Bradley Snyder, a former naval officer who lost his sight while serving as a U.S. Navy bomb defuser in Afghanistan. This timepiece features raised markers that allow you to tell the time by touch: a triangular marker for twelve, elongated line segments for three, six, and nine, and shorter line segments for the rest. Two magnetized ball bearings travel around the 40mm watch face in separate, recessed tracks. The track around the outside edge of the watch face tells the hour, while the inner track tells the minutes.

MIH Gaïa Named after Musée International d’Horlogerie’s (MIH) annual Gaïa Prize for excellence in different categories of watchmaking, this timepiece has a clean and striking design. The hour, displayed on a revolving disc, is shown through the window at the top of the dial. Meanwhile, the minutes are indicated through an opening in a rotating domed disc (a reference to the Gaïa trophy).

JANUARY 2020

TIME TO UP YOUR WRISTWEAR GAME

Instrmnt x Innis & Gunn

Scottish brewery Innis & Gunn teamed up with Glasgow-based design firm Instrmnt to create a limited edition watch inspired by barrel aging. The 40mm dial and case feature a brushed finish that echoes the fermentation tanks used by the brewery, while the leather strap is tanned using acorns in an intensive 12-month process. The packaging is made from products from the chip smoker in southwest France, where the barrels are chipped and toasted before being put into the beer.

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PRESS PLAY

RIDE TOGETHER, DIE TOGETHER

Bad Boys for Life Opens January 22 • Columbia Pictures WOR D S CA R MEL A MA R A A N FER NA NDO

THE BOYS IN BLUE are back! In the third and final installment of the Bad Boys trilogy, partners Marcus Bennett and Mike Lowery’s once solid friendship is tested. Bennett is promoted from detective to police inspector while Lowery is assigned to lead AMMO, a team of millennial cops whom he can’t relate to.

Played by Martin Lawrence and Will Smith respectively, Bennett and Lowery are reunited once more after a Romanian mob boss seeks vengeance for his brother that the duo defeated in the past. Guess this is all part of the retirement package, huh? In an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Smith admitted that both he and Lawrence were worried that their onscreen

JANUARY 2020

out the active physical work is better left to someone else.

connection wouldn’t be the same. “We hadn’t really done anything for 25 years so there was a little concern [over] the chemistry,” he quipped. Good thing for fans and new audiences, that concern was unfounded. “But literally the first moment on stage, it was right back.” “It’s been really special...there’s like this really magical thing with Bad Boys,” he continued. And, magical it is. You’ll be treated to more hard-hitting stunts and madcap humor that placed the Bad Boys franchise in the spotlight in the first place, even though the stars did point

“I gave it a shot,” Smith said about doing his own stunts. “I probably got four days into shooting, and then I was like, ‘We’re gonna let the young boy do those’.” He’s 51, after all. Bad Boys For Life also stars Vanessa Hudgens, Charles Melton, Paola Núñez, Joe Pantoliano, Theresa Randle, Jacob Scipio, and DJ Khaled. If you’re already a fan of the first two installments, then you may find that this is a fitting end to the series. But, should this be your first foray into the Bad Boys universe, we strongly recommend that you watch the first two films so you can better enjoy what Bennett and Lowery are all about as ride-or-die partners in crime fighting.

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Underwater Opens January 10 • 20th Century Fox

If it isn’t deep space, it’s the deep sea. Underwater dredges up claustrophobic sci-fi horror as a team of researchers is assigned to work for a month in the dark underbelly of the ocean. They’re seven miles away from the surface, and 5,000 miles from land, to be exact. It’s not as if anything can go wrong. But of course, it does. Their sealab is severely damaged during a powerful earthquake, forcing the group to flee their facility in only their exosuits, with a limited oxygen supply. What they didn’t bank on is that the bottom of the ocean holds a greater terror that has just been awakened— and boy, did it wake up grumpy.

Little Women

Starring Kristen Stewart, Underwater may seem like a nod to the much-loved (and feared) Alien and Leviathan. Who doesn’t love a good monster film? And, even if the premise and plot may be predictable, the concept is still a classic in the horror genre. With strong co-stars Vincent Cassel, Jessica Henwick, Mamoudou Athie, T.J. Miller, Gunner Wright, and John Gallagher Jr., this movie promises to deliver a terrifyingly thrilling time that will make you hold your breath like the characters do.

Opens January 15 • Sony Pictures

you’ve grown up inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s bestseller Little Women, you might enjoy this cinematic take on the novel. Featuring the talents of Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Bob Odenkirk, and Meryl Streep, the film retells the tale of the four March sisters, hopeful and wide-eyed about making it through in life in 1864 New England, after the events of the American Civil War. But, instead of the narratives surrounding each of the siblings, the events center on feisty Jo, the eldest. Unlike most women of her time, she believes more

in relying on her writing skills than on marriage as a vehicle for personal success. Obviously, this is met with begrudging support from her elders, as well as her smitten best friend and neighbor, Theodore. Despite the rigid societal mindset that women are inferior to men, Jo sets out to prove that the pen is mightier in a woman’s hand. In a century where women’s emancipation, singlehood, and financial independence were unheard of, Jo’s adamant decision to put her ambition before matrimony was practically offensive. Which it still is to some in 2019. And which is why this beautiful and passionate story still needs to be told.

Just Mercy Opens January 29 • Warner Bros. Pictures

WORDS CARM EL A MARAAN F E RN AN DO

Michael B. Jordan plays Attorney Bryan Stevenson in Just Mercy, a real-life story about Walter McMillian, who was wrongfully convicted for murder in and awaiting his turn at death row. McMillian, portrayed by Jamie Foxx, was accused of murdering a white woman who worked as a dry cleaning store clerk in Monroeville, Alabama. Three witnesses testified against Mr. McMillian, while the jury dismissed multiple alibi witnesses who testified that he was at a church event at the time of the crime. All those who swore in McMillian’s favor were black.

The trial lasted only a day and a half, and the judge sentenced him to death. Just Mercy retells of how Stevenson took on the case in post-conviction, exposing

the untruthful testimonies of the State’s witnesses based on police coercion, as well as bringing to light a questionable legal practice in Alabama called ‘judge override.’ His appeal—the fifth in a series of rejected appeals—ultimately freed McMillian after six years of imprisonment. More importantly, the film is a poignant depiction of the real-life discrimination that black residents continue to suffer in certain parts of the U.S. Just Mercy also stars Brie Larson, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, and O’Shea Jackson Jr.

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PRESS PLAY

WHAT’S STREAMING THIS JANUARY? WORDS AYI E L IC S I

Hello, 2020! Kick off the new decade with a fresh batch of movies and series to add to your watch list. Now sit back and grab some popcorn because you don’t need 20:20 vision to know that these shows are going to be epic. Troop Zero Amazon Prime Video | January 17 Young Christmas Flint (Mckenna Grace) thinks she’s an alien. This imaginative lass sits under the starry skies every night, trying to reach out to extraterrestrial visitors. After learning that the winners of the annual Birdie Scout Jamboree talent contest will get the chance to send a recording to space, Christmas makes it her life’s mission to join the scouts and win Jamboree. Enlisting the help of her equally eccentric best friend Joseph and other misfits, she starts her own chapter. With her dad’s office manager, Miss Rayleen (Viola Davis), Christmas and her crew brave all the sticks and stones that Miss Massey (Allison Janney) throws at them, all for a chance at immortality.

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Ragnarok (Season 1) Netflix | January 31 In the Norwegian town of Edda, warm winters and violent downpours surge. With icebergs melting in the span of a few days, a band of teens panic, fearing Judgment day— or Ragnarok—is upon them. Two new students arrive in town and one of them, Magne, has special talents. Will it be up to him to save the town from the upcoming apocalypse? A Fall from Grace Netflix | January 17 When her ex-husband wed his mistress and her son moved away, Grace Winters (Crystal Fox) kept her composure and held her head high. After some convincing from her best friend Sarah (Phylicia Rashad), she puts herself first and finds a second love in the process. However, her new husband stirs up trouble in her life, ravaging her work and sanity. Grace’s joy is short-lived as she becomes a prime suspect in his murder. Her fate falls in the hands of Jasmine Bryant (Bresha Webb), a public defender who has never tried a case.

Treadstone Amazon Prime Video | January 10 These assassins aren’t your run-of-the-mill killers. They’re actually regular people who have undergone a Soviet control program called Treadstone, which gave them superhuman skills they don’t even know they have. Once awakened, the sleeper agents are tasked with deadly missions and everything they know of themselves, including their moral code, is thrown out the window to make it easier to pick off targets. A spinoff of the Bourne film series, Treadstone stars Jeremy Irvine, Tracy Ifeachor, Omar Metwally, Han Hyojoo, Brian J. Smith, Gabrielle Sharnitzky, Emma Schüle, and Michelle Forbes. Diary of a Female President Disney+ | TBA The United States has yet to see its first female president, but this series is giving everyone a glimpse at what it would be like (with a woman of color, at that). This Disney+ original reads POTUS Elena’s 12-year-old diary, as she navigates the wild ride that is middle school and her journey to becoming the future president. Diary of a Female President stars Tess Romero, Charlie Bushnell, Selenis Leyba, and Michael Weaver. Award-winning actress Gina Rodriguez plays the titular POTUS, plus she’s also one of the show’s executive producers.

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Swordwielding slayer WOR DS J OVI FI GUER OA

WE’VE COME TO KNOW

and love Henry Cavill as the actor who brought Superman back to life—or to his death, if you’ve watched Justice League. But now, he has traded his cape for a sword as he takes on the character of Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s original series, The Witcher. The Witcher has been very popular among gaming circles because of the blockbuster Witcher trilogy developed by CD Projekt Red for PC. The third and most recent installment, Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which was released in 2015, received universal acclaim and has been the recipient of several awards. While we’re coming from The Witcher games as we approach the Netflix TV series, do note that the series is actually more based on The Witcher fantasy novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, which take place before the game trilogy. The Witcher visits Manila It’s very rare for Hollywood names as big as Henry Cavill to drop by the Philippines, but it looks like Netflix is aggressively growing its market in the Asian regions. Two of the most recent stars that they’ve brought to Manila are actors Penn Badgley and Shay Mitchell to promote the Netflix original, You. This time, it’s the protagonist himself, Henry Cavill, and showrunner Lauren

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Schmidt Hissrich who visited Manila to talk about The Witcher. “I like to describe the story of Witcher as a broken family coming together...In this family, there are three members—there’s Geralt, Yennefer, Ciri—and if we wanna make that collision course of them coming together interesting, then they all have to be interesting characters,” says Lauren about the overarching theme of The Witcher. That’s why instead of her original pitch of centering the story on Ciri, they’ve decided to flesh out the stories of the three main characters through a more general storytelling, with Geralt at the center of their converging destinies. Henry as Geralt Half of the success of any series of movie franchise lies on the actors who will bring the characters to life. It’s the likes of Peter Dinklage giving justice to Tyrion Lannister, Robert Downey Jr. for making the legendary Iron Man, and Heath Ledger as the epitome of Joker that brought these characters and franchises to their fullest potential. It’s refreshing to find out that for The Witcher, it was Henry himself who asked to audition for the part. “I’ve been a fan of the fantasy genre since I was a boy and my father would read to me before I could even read,” Henry shares. His first introduction to The Witcher was through the games. “I’m a big PC gamer. I’ve been gaming since I was a young boy.” When he found out later

on that the games were based on the books, he also fell in love with the fantasy series. And so when he heard that Netflix was making The Witcher into a show, he called his agents and told them “This is really, really important to me.” “Then I didn’t hear back from them in a week and so I called them and said, ‘Nothing yet?’ And they said, ‘We put a call with Netflix. We haven’t heard back, there’s nothing going on yet.’ So I said, ‘Well keep on calling until you find what’s going on and don’t stop calling!’ [This kept on] and eventually, when Lauren was ready to take meetings, they

SWORD-WIELDING SLAYER

must’ve said to her, ‘Look you’ve got to meet this guy or he’s gonna turn up at the door.’ So I met with Lauren, we had a lovely chat about the character, the storyline, and she had to go through her casting process. I think it was about six or seven weeks later, I got a call saying, ‘Would you like to audition for the role?’ I canceled my holiday and I flew in to New York and the rest is history. Lauren reveals that even though they had 207 potential Geralts, she already had Henry’s voice in mind when she was writing the script. That, and Henry’s persistence and passion to get the role, sealed the deal. And for Lauren, it was one of the best decisions they’ve made for the show. “We shot for 178 days, very long hours. [So] you count on your actor not just to embody the character, which obviously Henry does incredibly well, but you also count on your actor to be a leader on set, to show up, to set the tone. One of my favorite things about Henry is how seriously he takes the job. He not only shows up prepared—he knows Geralt inside and out better than I do now—but he also shows up on time, with a great attitude, and for me, that’s all I want at work every day,” Lauren says. Henry shares that doing The Witcher challenged him physically since he did his own stunts. “Because of the athleticism of Geralt’s fighting style, there’s a lot of pirouettes, there’s a lot of explosive movements, and a lot of uneven ground. You’re not fighting in a gym; you’re fighting in a slope with cobbles. So you have to make sure that everything is protected and you’ve built up the right muscle groups that can protect things like knee joints, hips, elbow, shoulders—and that’s what my trainer and I focused on the most aside from the aesthetic; we had to make sure that my body can keep up with the schedule and the fights.” Adapting the story The story of The Witcher is essentially about three characters— Geralt, Yennefer, and Cirilla—and how their paths eventually lead to one another. Geralt is a supernatural monster hunter who uses his magic to amplify his superhuman strengths to kill monsters for money. But according to Henry, Geralt’s greatest strength is still his ability to love and that despite what he says, he still believes in the goodness Wof people. Yennefer of Vengerberg, played by Anya Chalotra, is a fiery, independant sorcerer and longtime paramour of Geralt.

Meanwhile, Ciri (Freya Allan) is a destiny-touched Witcher whom Geralt takes under his wing. When asked how The Witcher TV series will live up to the novels, Lauren says she’s trying her best to set a different, albeit familiar, flavor to the series. “It was really challenging at first, not because there was not enough story but because of just how much story there is. There are eight novels… For the first season, we had eight hours to tell a chapter basically— so where do we want to start the story?”“That’s why we went back to the short stories,” she continues. “It was the first books that Andrzej Sapkowski wrote. They were really about Geralt’s adventures in the world, and I knew that we wanted to do some cool monsters, but we wanted to appropriately build up what the continent is and make sure that we understand the people in it and the politics in place, the society and hierarchy, and where witchers fit in that. Geralt’s journey is one of a lot of loneliness in the beginning, a lot of being on the outside, and so we need to understand what the world was to really set that up.” The Witcher may feel a lot like Game of Thrones, what with the actions scenes, warring kingdoms, drama, and sex, but we’d be amiss if we say it’s going to be your next Game of Thrones. But what’s important is that it was announced last November that The Witcher is getting a second season even before the first was launched. This could only mean it’s going to be an exciting next few years for fantasy genre fans out there.

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BOOKS

6 books we can’t wait to read Or add to our

growing TBR pile

WORDS KATR IN A R I V E R E - D I GA

Are you rekindling your love for reading or just starting to pick up the hobby? Here are some new books to get you started: a couple of beautiful coffee table books, two novels, and two interesting non-fiction reads.

The Impossible Collection of Bentley Andrew Frankel

One of French luxury publisher Assouline’s latest addition to its opulent Ultimate Collection is an homage to Bentley Motors on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. The Impossible Collection of Bentley compiles the 100 “single most important and groundbreaking Bentley models,” including the iconic “Blower” to the latest-generation Continental GT and Flying Spur. There are also gorgeous photographs of Bentley race cars as well as detailed descriptions of the automobiles. This $1,450 200-page limited edition volume comes housed in a hand-stitched, quilted leather-bound case modeled after the upholstery in Bentley interiors. As this is part of Assouline’s Ultimate Collection, you also get complimentary white gloves and a signature canvas tote bag.

The City We Became N. K. Jemsin

Hugo Award-winning and NYT bestselling author N. K. Jemisin’s new novel is set in her hometown of New York— except this New York isn’t the one we know. The City We Became follows five New Yorkers who must come together in order to defend their city from an ancient evil.

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Anyone: A Novel Charles Soule

Comic book writer Charles Soule is out with his sophomore novel Anyone, a speculative fiction wherein a scientist’s botched experiment allowed for human consciousness to be transferred between bodies. This thriller explores the consequences of privacy and anonymity, as well as identity- and body-snatching.

6 BOOKS WE CAN’T WAIT TO READ

Watches: A Guide by HODINKEE HODINKEE editors

Since going online in 2008, HODINKEE, the online destination for all things horology, has published countless articles and photos, hours of podcasts, and five magazines about watches. In 2019, it was time (pun intended) to publish a book. Watches: A Guide by HODINKEE, a 261-page book published Assouline, is filled with jaw-dropping photos of watches and nine insightful chapters that would appeal to anyone who has the slightest interest in timepieces. Each chapter—”A Brief History of Time,” “Chronographs,” “The Dive Watch,” “Travel Time,” “Military Watches,” “High Complications,” “Women and Watches,” “Dress Watches,” and “Icons”—is written by one of HODINKEE’s editors.

Bagels, Bumf, and Buses A Day in the Life of the English Language Simon Horobin

Ever wondered where everyday English words come from? Simon Horobin, a professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford, dishes out fascinating facts about the words we use in a typical day—from getting up to going to work and eating meals. Where did “bagel,” “tea,” “lunch,” “office,” and “gymnasium” come from? How have their meanings changed over time?

Disney’s Land Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World Richard Snow

Disney’s Land tells the story of how Walt dreamed up “the happiest place on earth” and turned his vision to realization. Against everyone’s advice—his wife Lillian, his brother Roy, and even the bankers—and the challenges he faced, Disney decided to create a truly magical place.

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MOTORING

TO SAY THAT 2019 WAS AN EXCITING YEAR FOR MG PHILIPPINES WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT. Under the leadership of The Covenant Car Company, Inc. and MG’s engaging and well-executed marketing efforts and innovative after-sales campaigns—MG Live!, Mobile Garage service caravan, and My MG mobile app—we are now seeing more of the famed octagon brand’s vehicles on Philippines roads. And who can forget the fleet of MG vehicles that ferried athletes during the 30th SEA Games? A quick escape To close out an eventful 2019, MG Philippines invited the local media, including Speed, on a 270-kilometer scenic journey from MG EDSA Centris in Quezon City to the surfing town of Baler, Aurora aboard its full vehicle lineup: the MG ZS crossover SUV,

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MG IS READY TO MAKE A BIGGER SPLASH IN 2020

MG 6 fastback sedan, RX5 SUV, and the MG 5 sedan. This event allowed MG to demonstrate the durability and reliability of its cars on various road conditions. The best qualities of modern MGs—easy and fun to drive, comfortable interiors packed with modern driver and passenger safety accoutrements, and with designs that are very easy on the eyes—were put on display at the MG Media Getaway. This first ever media ride-anddrive event was powered by Phoenix Pulse Technology. Once in Baler, the delegation touched down at L’Sirene Boutique Resort—a quiet enclave away a few kilometers away from the very popular (but populated) Sabang Beach. After a relaxing afternoon, a night of lively socials, and an invigorating beach sunrise, the group was re-energized for the drive home.

Smart, stylish rides MG Philippines’ vehicles are aggressively priced, which means you can get modern, stylish, British-bred cars for less. The most attainable in the lineup is the MG 5 1.5L MT, which comes with a P658,888 price tag. Low price points don’t mean these MG cars are bare-boned,

however. Depending on the spec level, modern MGs are equipped with class-leading features including touch screen infotainment systems, 360-degree camera view, panoramic sunroof, automatic LED headlights, traction control, and hill start assist just to name a few.

MG owners are also treated to premium aftersales offers and services. These include a 5-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first) on all brand new MG cars, and 1-year free periodic maintenance service. They can also make use of the My MG mobile app to schedule vehicle servicing appointments from the convenience of their smartphones. This app also allows them to book a visit from MG Philippines’ Mobile Garage service caravan, which is a vehicle home service for major technical issues. Meanwhile, MG HERO Services provides 24/7 roadside support through the MG Philippines hotline. This year, MG Philippines is set to make an even bigger splash in the automotive industry as it is looking to expand its nationwide dealership network even further.

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Mmmmoscato A delicacy that spells delicious

COVER GIRL

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HER TIME! SHA IRA DIAZ

IN T E RVIE W BY PAT CA LI CA | PH OTOG RAPH S BY MA R LO N PECJ O | STYLED BY MY R R H L AO TO | M A K EU P BY DAVE Q UI A MBAO | H AI R BY MA R K R O SA L ES

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SHAIRA DIAZ

Slip dress Light Shine White

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COVER GIRL

“It’s my first magazine cover!” Shaira Diaz exclaimed during our shoot. Like her, we’re as thrilled about this fact.

Shaira Diaz has been in show business for six years now, but it was only recently that people got to see more of her. One of her first big breaks on television, which came after she signed her contract with GMA Artist Center, was her role as Amethyst “Amy” Renacia Roces in the network’s primetime show Pamilya Roces. With Shaira’s pretty face, charming persona, and talent, it only followed that Filipino viewers started to want more of her. It was in 2019, however, when Shaira was given the spotlight. She explored and showed her capacity as an actress in the romantic comedy TV series Love You Two co-starring Jennylyn Mercado and Gabby Concepcion, and in the film Because I Love You, her first lead role in a movie. “Sobrang happy and grateful ako sa Because I Love You and Love You Two. Feeling ko dun ako mas nakilala ng tao. Dun ko mas na-prove sa iba na kaya ko at ‘yung tiwala na binigay nila sa akin ay nabalik ko dun.” Indeed, the previous year was truly a fruitful one for Shaira, and Speed is ecstatic that we got to share one of her year’s highlights (we shot the cover late last year) and one of her career firsts. “Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa Speed, natupad nila ‘yung dream ko to be on the cover of a magazine. Ito ‘yung first magazine na nagtiwala sa akin,” she shares.

Willing to learn

Even if it’s only your first time meeting her, you can immediately tell that Shaira is a naturally positive and jolly person, and that she possesses a trait that’s important for one to achieve success: willingness to learn.

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Slow, steady rise

During our interview, Shaira opened up about the challenges she faced early in her career— that is, the uncertainty and the waiting. There were times when a project ends and there was no guarantee when the next show or gig would be—or if there’d be one. This is why she can’t help but feel grateful for what’s happening with her career now. “[Noong] lumipat ako sa GMA, naging continuous ‘yung projects ko. I’m happy and grateful to GMA, to Artist Center and ALV Talent Circuit—kasi pinagkakatiwalaan nila ako at hindi nila ako pinapabayaan.” This year, Shaira looks forward to doing more projects that will allow her to showcase and further improve her skills. Shaira also shared some of the important things and values she learned along the way, including respect for the people she works with—”whether it’s my co-artists or the people working behind the camera”—as well as always keeping your feet on the ground. “Kung hinahanap mo ‘yung longevity dito sa industry, [kailangan] matuto kang magpakumbaba and ‘wag kang makakalimot kung saan ka nanggaling.”

Hard-working student

Aside from show business, Shaira is also hard at work in school. She’s now in her second year in college, taking a BSBA Marketing Management course. “Pumapasok ako sa school every Tuesday and Thursday. Kapag may taping ako, naka-schedule ng Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Ang pinakamahirap ‘yung puyat, kasi minsan wala kang tulog tapos kailangan mong pumasok.”

It was evident in the way she posed and projected during the shoot and how she interacted with everyone in the studio. She’d constantly ask and check with our photographer, Doc Marlon, on how she was doing, and would listen to ideas and suggestions.

But nothing’s too difficult for someone who has her eyes on her goals. Because she wants to excel in school, Shaira perseveres and find ways to focus on her studies. “Ayoko ‘yung masabi lang na pasado. In fact, gusto kong pine-perfect ‘yung mga exams ko,” Shaira says with a laugh. “It’s true, nape-perfect ko ‘yung mga exams ko.”

The 24-year-old admits to being nervous for the shoot. “Sobrang kinikilig ako deep inside, hindi lang halata. Papunta pa lang ako dito sa studio sobrang excited na talaga ako. And masaya ‘yung shoot, magaan, wala akong naramdamang pressure at all,” she says animatedly.

“Kapag exam week kahit sa taping, kahit pagod na ako, pinipili ko pa ring mag-aral. Mas ginaganahan ako mag-aral pagkatapos ng taping. Let’s say makauwi ako ng 2 a.m., matatapos akong mag-aral ng mga 6 a.m. Mas buhay kasi ‘yung diwa ko. Hindi ko alam

SHAIRA DIAZ

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COVER GIRL

kung bakit pero mas namo-motivate ako, mas ganado ako mag-aral kapag alam kong bukas na kailangan,” she relates.

Ready to play

Shaira shares that she’s competitive by nature. She’s been into volleyball since she was in fifth grade, playing for her school’s varsity team. She stopped playing when she entered showbiz, but luckily, she has found time to play again as a member of the Las Pi as Volleyball Buddies, which only requires her to play during weekends. Outside the volleyball court, this young lady is a gamer and spends time playing Mobile Legends and Defense of the Ancient (DoTA)—the latter since high school. “Gusto ko ‘yung marami akong kakampi. ‘Yung mga five versus five, tapos hindi mo kilala ‘yung kalaban mo. Mahilig akong mag-compete.”

For the better

To end our interview, we asked Shaira what her dream project or role is and what else she wants to achieve. “Gusto ko talagang maging special agent, special force, or double agent— more on action roles. Anything na may baril and action.” She also wants to visit Japan and experience its sights and culture; save enough money to build a house; and have the opportunity to work with GMA’s veteran actors in order to learn more about her craft. There’s one thing she also hopes to achieve—”in time,” she says—and that is to win an acting award. With her professionalism, dedication, willingness to learn, and overall positive attitude, nothing is impossible.

Slip dress by AJ Javier

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SHAIRA DIAZ

Everyday gadgets:

smartphone

Most used apps:

Facebook

Instagram

Mobile Legends

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On social media “Gusto ko, what you see is what you get. Ayokong magpretend. Kung ano ako, ‘yun ang ipapakita ko.”

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GEEK-SPOTTING

NATE PUNZALAN Vlogger/content creator, @natepunzalan

What kind of content do you create?

These past three months, I’ve been focusing on putting out daily content on Twitter and Facebook. I have a daily show called #GoodMorningNate, 1-2 minutes of bite-sized encouragements and faithbased content. I also have a podcast, YouTube, and an IG.

What’s it like to be a content creator?

Being a content creator, in the strict sense of that word, is very freeing. Our generation has a lot of creative people because we have the internet to help inspire us and teach us how to use different camera equipment and all of that. We have the creative freedom to create what we want but there’s also the entrepreneurship side. You gotta make it work as a business.

No, they’re not the eyeglasswearing, backpack-carrying, socially awkward people who pop culture has molded into a bad stereotype. They are the experts and enthusiasts who show an inordinate amount of passion for a certain field, topic, or activity.

Speed scours the streets for these different types of geeks—from intellectuals to die-hard aficionados, from professionals to devout amateurs. They are aplenty, and we aim to showcase what a special bunch they are by featuring a select few one issue at a time.

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How did you get into YouTube?

Well, my sister, Janina Vela, is one of the pioneer YouTubers in the Philippines. She’s got over 600,000 subscribers to date and she’s been doing amazingly. Two years into her journey, I decided to join her. I am an introvert, but there was just something about documenting that really got to me and I fell in love with the craft.

What do you love most about it?

them, but when I’m really enamored by a specific style, I’ll likely make videos that represent that, but I also add my own twist to it.

For your daily #GoodMorningNate vlogs, how do you come up with stuff to say? It’s a daily inspire of getting inspired yourself. I gotta be sure that every morning, I look for that nugget of truth, that inspiration, that little bit of wisdom that can help other people. Reading really helps, too. I write it all down in my Notes app on my phone.

You had vlogs about film cameras...

Film photography is my foundation when it comes to filmmaking and my personal photography. I started and learn all my camera knowledge on film. Kasi film cameras are manual ‘di ba? The joy about them is setting the shutter speed and aperture yourself. And sometimes you even meter the light yourself so you learn to use light more than just pointing and shooting. Another thing is a roll only has 36 shots, so you got to be really intentional with the stuff you choose to take. That slowness and intentionality taught me to compose my shots better and be more thoughtful about the stories I want to tell.

It’s a lot of things. I did mention the creative freedom, but most importantly for me, it’s being able to help people and add value to their lives. Hearing stories of people who message me, like their mental health journeys, they tell me that somehow, my videos have helped them. And that’s really why I’m on the platform for. My numbers [on YouTube] might not be the same as everyone else’s, but my content is exactly what I want to produce.

What kind of camera do you use for it?

Take us through your creative process.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Because my daily #GoodMorningNate is faith-based content, I read my Bible and take down notes. Other times, I get inspiration from self-help books and people around me like my mentors. When I make YouTube videos, I get inspiration from other creators. I don’t think I’d be where I am in my creative journey if it were for the people around me and other creators around me. ‘Di naman sa I copy

I have a Minolta Hi-Matic 7 right now and the meter is broken so I use my phone to meter the light. I also have a Yashica Mat 124G.

Oh, wow! Awesome gear you have there. Speaking of gear, what three gadgets can’t you leave home without? My phone, laptop, and camera.

Instagram, Twitter, and Notes.

Can you suggest three local creators Speed readers should check out? Luigi Pacheco, Jericho Arceo, and Filipino TikTokers! They’re bringing creativity to a new level.

JM BARRIOS Marketing Lead, APGI (Official distributer of Under Armour)

Tell us the path that led you to Under Armour.

rior to oining nder rmour, I first worked or a creati e agency or two years then mo ed to a media company where I also spent two more years. In , I decided it’s time to mo e to brand marketing and was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work or a brand that I lo e. en be ore nder rmour, I ha e always been a huge tephen urry an so I was ecstatic when I ound out during my first month in that I’ll be handling the tephen urry anila tour.

Oh, wow! That must have been a dream come true for you! Can you share with us an interesting or unusual process you have in place at work?

ince we work or a sportswear brand, my team organi es different fitness acti ities where we can in ite people rom the o ce to oin and work out with our partner coaches and studios. ne o the on going acti ities we ha e is the nder rmour un rew on Thursdays at p.m.. e make sure to bring colleagues to oin us and run as a group at Track th .

Any other hobbies or sports you engage in?

ome riends introduced me to indoor cycling and group bo ing be ore. ince then, I’ e been making time to attend classes a ter o ce hours and on weekends. I also play basketball and badminton e ery once in a while. hat’s great about the ob is that fitness is really a part o it. ith the different e ents I oin in, I also get to obser e our customers how they beha e, what brands they use, and what type o gear they pre er or a specific acti ity.

Any hobby or skill you’d like to learn this year?

I ha e always wanted to get into obstacle course racing. ope ully, I can find the time and dedication to learn the sport this year.

What’s on your 2020 bucket list?

is actually when I tick off two key items rom my bucket list get married and mo e to our own place.

Oh! Congratulations and best wishes to you. Got any New Year’s resolution?

That will be ull o moti ation to stay fit, eat healthy, and make more time or amily and riends.

JAG GARCIA Podcast host, bar manager

What does your work as bar manager entail?

It’s all about keeping e erything in working order. e run a small business, so I ha e to monitor e erything rom in entory to social media. y day would start with checking the in entory, then there’s mi ing the drinks I’m mainly the bartender , and i something big happens, I snap a moment o it or social media.

What’s your favorite thing about your work?

y a orite is definitely making riends along the way. ur bar has become a hangout spot or many, and I got to meet people I consider riends.

We heard you’re also into podcasting. How did that interest start?

I started listening to podcasts when I was in college. I would listen to shows like Harmontown, Pop Culture Happy Hour, and Welcome to Night Vale. I had un listening to stuff like that and when my best riend wanted to start our own podcast, we ust went with it being pro wrestling ans and shot the bree e about wrestling in general. ur initial plan was to record e ery episode in a different coffee shop, but coffee is e pensi e

What gadgets and tech do you use to produce your podcast?

e mainly use our smartphones with a condenser mic or recording works well especially outdoors. e’re trying out using a mi er and dynamic mic combination as our studio setting. erything we do we learn along the way, and get e perimental with it.

What do you think makes podcasts appealing to audience compared with other forms of audio content?

odcasts ha e a personality. It’s like ha ing a one sided con ersation where you can listen and en oy resh content regularly.

What other interest or hobby do you have or wish to pursue outside of work and podcasting?

I want to start my own retro gaming ouTube channel. I mean, we li e in a world where , ere , cott the o , ro ared, intendrew, and many other similar channels e ist, so what could go wrong

What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2020?

The same resolution we do e ery year try to lose weight.

What’s on top of your bucket list for the new year?

atch a wrestling show in another country, most definitely

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EVENTS

UNIQLO gives the gift of LifeWear UNIQLO WELCOMED CHRISTMAS 2019 with its “Give the Gift of LifeWear” event for the children of Bantay Bata and SOS Children’s Villages Philippines held at UNIQLO SM Megamall. Over 100 children from Bantay Bata and SOS Children’s Villages Philippines were treated to a holiday shopping spree from the brand’s wide array of LifeWear essentials. To get more into the Holiday spirit, Jose Mari Chan and Lea Salonga serenaded the kids and other guests with wellloved Christmas carols. Joining the festivities were UNIQLO Philippines’ partners, influencers, and members of the media, who accompanied the children with their shopping. “Filipinos have always welcomed us from the time we introduced UNIQLO here in 2012, so we want to reciprocate that by giving back to those in need,” shared Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines’ Co-COO. “More than just bringing good clothing to our customers through our apparel, it is also our mission to share our LifeWear to members of our community who don’t have access to our clothing and to our stores,” she added.

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EVENTS

PamaskOPPO roadshow grand celebration OPPO EXECUTIVES, TOGETHER WITH “A” SERIES brand ambassador and celebrity Alex Gonzaga, social media star Mimiyuuuh, ambassador and celebrity host Robi Domingo, and celebrity Coleen Garcia celebrated with OPPO fans last December 2019 for the brand’s PamaskOPPO roadshow. The Glorietta 2 Activity Center was jam-packed with exciting activities and performances alongside big promos, discounts, and freebies. Amidst the Christmas shopping rush, people took time away from their shopping to immerse themselves in fun-filled games, giveaways, and gifts at the roadshow. It was a heartwarming event that enabled the brand to give back to the customers that have entrusted OPPO through the years.

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MANUAL

ven when your hands are full, you can still navigate your iPhone with just your voice. You can lock your screen, swipe up or down, zoom in and out, and even open apps just by speaking to your iOS 13 (or above) device.

TECH TIP

To do this, go to your iPhone’s Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control. Tap on Set Up Voice Control. A download will begin in the background. When the download is complete, a microphone will appear in the status bar of your device that indicates that Voice Control is listening or not listening. To see a list of available commands for different situations, say “Show me what to say.”

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HOW TO

NEW TALK OF THE TOWN USING GOOGLE’S RCS MESSAGING ON YOUR ANDROID PHONE WOR DS AY I E L I CSI

MESSAGING ON YOUR

Chat features. Its status should say connected. There you can also customize messaging settings like sending read receipts and resending undelivered messages. You can also choose to set a limit on the size of files the app will auto-download over mobile data.

Android phone just got easier. Finally, Android users are getting an iMessage-equivalent from Google called RCS, a feature that lets you send messages over Wi-Fi. Like its iOS counterpart, RCS is chock-full of functionality like sending read receipts, highquality attachments, and typing indicators. End-to-end encryption has yet to be added to the app, but it’ll come soon. This new way of chatting comes through Google’s free-todownload Messages app. Here, users can stay in touch with all their friends and family by creating group chats and sending pictures, GIFs, emojis, stickers, videos, and audio messages. Currently, RCS chat is opt-in, meaning users can download and choose to make it their default messaging app. Enabling RCS manually 1. Go to the Play Store and download Messages (by Google) and Activity Launcher.

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2. Turn off your device’s Wi-Fi. 3. Open the Activity Launcher app. Tap on All Activities and scroll down to find Messages. Select it to open the dropdown menu. 4. On the sub-menu, tap on Set RCS Flags. 5. Find and choose Set ACS URL. 6. Tap on the option that reads “http://rcs-acs-produs.sandbox.google.com.” 7. In the OTP Pattern dropdown menu, select “Your\ sMessenger\sverification\ scode\sis\sG-(\d{6}).”

8. To save changes, tap on Apply. 9. Force close the Messages app by going to Settings > Apps & notifications then look for and select Messages and tap on Force Stop. 10. Re-open Messages. The app will show a prompt offering you an option to upgrade to RCS. To see if RCS chatting is now working on your phone, on the Messages app, tap the three little dots on the upper righthand side then go to Settings >

If it’s still not working after you followed all these steps, you may be lacking some apps. Make sure you have the Google app Carrier Services downloaded on your device. Then, follow all the steps again. For other newer phones, you just have to download the app and once you open it, it shows the upgrade feature. Then, you can just follow the steps above to see if the messaging protocol works. The recipient of your messages should also have RCS chat enabled so you can send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data. You’ll see the Send icon in the compose bar saying “Send by Wi-Fi or mobile data.”

INFOGRAPH[G]EEK

PORTS 101: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CONNECTIVITY WOR DS AY I E L I CSI

TODAY’S LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS HAVE

a wide array of ports, and it can become overwhelming to keep track.

But if you want to unleash your computer’s full potential, you must familiarize yourself with its ports and know what kind of connectivity and speeds they offer. USB PORTS USB ports are mainly used for transferring data or power between devices such as laptops, desktop computers, printers, scanners, smartphones, and storage disks.

USB Type-A USB 2.0: 480Mbps USB 3.0/USB 3.1 gen 1: 5Gbps

CONNECTIVITY PORTS These ports extend your laptop’s connectivity, giving it access to the internet and the ability to access other devices.

RJ-45 Ethernet Allows wired connection to the internet.

HDMI Transmits audio and video signals between laptops, digital cameras, monitors, game consoles, projectors, TV screens, and more. Type-A (standard) Type-C (mini) Type-D (micro HDMI) Type-E (for automotives)

DisplayPort A 20-pin connector that sends audio and video signals commonly found on Microsoft Surface Pro tablets and Apple MacBook Pro Standard Mini DisplayPort

USB Type-B Square-shaped connectors that are mostly used for printers and scanners.

USB Type-C A slimmer, smaller 24-pin connector which handles faster data transfer speeds and higher currents. USB 3.1/USB 3.1 Thunderbolt 3 Gen 2 Up to 40Gbps Up to 10Gbps Up to 10W of power

DISPLAY PORTS These ports transmit audio and video across a range of devices.

Audio jack Standard 3.5mm input and output for headphones and microphones

VGA 15-pin analog connector transmitting video signals from laptop or CPU to monitors and projectors

SD card slot For easy and convenient transfer of files to and from memory cards

RCA Parts of RCA connector Yellow jack: for composite video White and red jack: for stereo audio

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HOW TO

CHOOSE A STRONG PASSWORD Passwords are like toothbrushes. You should change them every few months. Everytime you create a new password, be sure to pick a strong one. Don’t be afraid to mix it up with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. Pro tip: if you forget passwords easily, download a password manager to keep them secure. Also, don’t share them with someone you don’t trust. According to Instagram’s Help Center, they do automatic security checks and sometimes recover login information stolen from other sites. If IG detects that your password was stolen, it will send you a message asking you to change it. TURN ON TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION This works as an extra shield of protection for your IG account. You’ll have to enter another code after logging in with a new device, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

KEEP YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT SAFE AND SECURE

WORDS AY IE LI CS I

LIVING YOUR LIFE ON THE ‘GRAM?

It’s fun to share snapshots of moments and memories on the platform for all your followers and the rest of the world to see. But being constantly connected on Instagram, and the internet in general, also makes you vulnerable to privacy and security risks. Good thing Instagram provides different ways that can help you keep your account secure.

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To set it up, go to your Settings > Security >Two-factor Authentication > Get Started. You can choose either to receive the two-factor authentication code as a text message from your phone, or get the login codes from third party authentication apps like Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator. REVOKE SUSPICIOUS THIRD-PARTY APP ACCESS Connecting third-party apps to Instagram gives you more functionality on the platform. There are apps that let you schedule posts, create a collage of your most-liked photos, and more. But linking to third-party apps isn’t always the best idea because sometimes they can gain access to your IG data. To revoke access of apps you have already allowed, go to Settings > Security > Apps and Websites. Check out the active apps and hit Revoke Access on those you want to unauthorize. CHECK WHO ELSE HAS ACCESS TO YOUR ACCOUNT If you believe someone has hacked your account, you can make sure by viewing your account activity, logins, log outs, password changes, and more. On the mobile app go to Settings > Security > Access Data. Here you can view the different changes made, like if you switched your account from private to public and when passwords were changed. To check on devices where your account is logged on, go to Settings > Security > Login Activity. Tap on devices you don’t recognize to log them out. GET A LOGIN LINK SENT TO YOUR EMAIL OR PHONE NUMBER Type in your login and tap on “Get help signing in?” (Android) or “Forgot password?” (iOS) to reset it. A link will be sent to your email or phone number. Once you receive the login link, just follow the onscreen instructions. If you are unable to recover your account through your email address or phone number, report it instead.

HOW TO

MAKE IT ICONIC! SPRUCE UP YOUR DESKTOP WITH PERSONALIZED ICONS WOR DS AY I E L I CSI

WHAT BETTER WAY TO WELCOME

the new decade than with a makeover—a tech makeover! It’s time to keep your desktop fresh and looking good as new. Not by buying a brand new PC/laptop, but by dressing up your dull home screen with popping personalized folder icons. FOR WINDOWS Make your screen more colorful by personalizing icons for your desktop folders. Click Start > select Settings > choose Personalization > click Themes. In the left pane, under Related Settings, choose Desktop Icon Settings. In the opened window, pick the desktop icon you want to change then click Change Icon. Choose a new icon from the list then OK. If you want to add your own icons, Click Browse and choose any EXE, DLL, or ICO file. After picking, click OK. Or Right-click on the icon you want to change then select Properties. Go to Shortcut > select Change icon. Select or add new icons and click OK

You can also switch up the look of the icons of your apps pinned to the Taskbar. Close the pinned app. Right-click on the app and select Properties. Click on Shortcut > choose Change icon. Select or add new icons and click OK.

To reverse any changes, just go back to the Desktop Icon Settings > select the icon > click Restore Default. FOR MAC (macOS 10 OR LATER) Give your Mac a fresh look with sleek icons. Find an icon set or image online and download it to your Mac. Locate the file > press command ⌘+C to copy the photo. Pick the desktop icon you wish to change > choose Get Info > click on the app’s current icon. Press command ⌘+V to paste the new icon you want to use. Close the app and reopen it to see changes. You can also change the icons on apps on the dock Right-click on the app > select Show in Finder. Select the app > right-click on the icon > click Get Info. Click on the app’s icon > press command ⌘+V to paste the new icon you want to use.

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HOW TO

Safe and sound Hi! I got myself a new phone for the New Year. Aside from transferring my apps, contacts, and calendar entries from my old phone and syncing all my accounts, what else do I need to do? Any apps that you suggest I install on my device?

GERRY DEL ROSARIO

Hello, Gerry. Congratulations on your new phone! We highly suggest that you set up a Google Authenticator on your new device. It’s an app that scans barcodes on certain websites to create two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, which serve as a second level of protection when you log in.

HUE LIGHT UP MY LIFE Hi, Speed! I heard that Philips Hue is now officially in the Philippines. Can you tell me more about it? What do I need to set it up in my home? Thank you! VICTORIA FABIAN

Hi, Victoria! You’re right—Philips’ line of smart bulbs is now officially available in the country. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used anywhere in the home. You can control them wirelessly with either an Android or Apple device, or via voice using Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and the like. There are two ways you can control Hue. You can start with the easy setup via Bluetooth, which allows you to control the lights within Bluetooth range. With this system in place, you can connect up to 10 lights in a single room. Meanwhile, if you’d like to unlock the full potential of these smart bulbs, you can opt for the Bridge system, the smart wireless hub

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that allows your smart device to talk to the Hue lights. With Philips Hue with Bridge, you can connect up to 50 lights in your whole home, instead of just 10 lights in one room. With this setup you can also set timers and schedules, away-from-home control, and sync lights with music and movies, among others. To experience the magic of Philips Hue, you’ll need a Philips Hue starter kit (three bulbs and a Hue bridge worth P10,390) or you can buy a Hue bulb (A60 bulb costs P2,990), get a separate bridge, and build your own system. If you have a starter kit, screw the bulbs into your existing light fittings and turn on your wall light switches. For other Philips Hue lights, simply plug them in and power them. Next, plug in your bridge and it will automatically power up. Connect it to your Wi-Fi router using the network cable provided. When three lights come on, this means you’re ready to go. Make sure you have the Philips Hue app on your phone and that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the bridge so that you can control your smart lighting system.

Websites that work with Google Authenticator (and other such similar apps) have an option to scan the barcode when setting up 2FA. You then open Google Authenticator, press the + button, and scan to add the account. With Google Authenticator, you have a constantly updating 2FA code that you can use without having it texted to you (SMS messages are a security risk because they can be easily hijacked). When you sign in to your account, enter the code from the app to log in.

BILLBOARD

Isuzu turns over 25 modern PUVs to MetroExpress Connect

CLEANFUEL-MOTUL RACING TEAM WINS GITI FORMULA V1 ENDURANCE RACE

In support of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) recently turned over 25 units of brand new Isuzu PUVs to MetroExpress Connect Inc. (MCI).

Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team bagged the gold once again after an intense 96-lap finish at the 2019 Giti Formula V1 Ultra 4-Hours Endurance Race. Racing phenoms Luis Gono, Ryo Yamada, and Naoki Koizumi sat behind the wheel of the Cleanfuel-Motul Racing car number #17. The champion trio snagged the championship title with a total time of 4:00:12.93. Luis Gono, who spent his birthday on the track, went wheel-to-wheel against seasoned racers like Tyson Sy of Edgesport Racing and Estefano Rivera of Toyota Otis Obengers. In addition to car #17, Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team had another entry in the endurance race. Onboard the team’s #24 car were Tomomitsu Senoo, Ai Koizumi, and celebrity racer Dominic Roque. They completed a total of 95 laps and clocked in at 4:01:12.330. The race at Clark International Speedway in Pampanga saw a total of 61 drivers and 21 cars.

Isuzu’s most recent turnover will ply the routes of Las Piñas to Daang Hari; Kawit, Cavite to PITX; Tanza, Cavite to PITX; and General Trias to Daang Hari. Started as shuttle services group, MCI had an initial fleet of no more than 20 shuttles that serviced private subdivisions, connecting them to commercial developments and city centers. Later on, MCI acquired bigger and bolder projects, widening their operation. The modernized Isuzu PUVs use the Isuzu QKR77 platform. Meanwhile, the PUV body is designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp. The vehicles come equipped with the Euro IVcompliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine. This guarantees quality and reliable transportation, connecting passengers and communities to their destinations the easy way.

AMA Online Education partners with SAS to offer analytics courses AMA Online Education (AMA OEd) has partnered with business analytics leader SAS to offer analytics courses for both IT and non-IT students.

for academic use and bring benefits such as additional credited analytics training and a deeper understanding for business analytics.

The partnership aligns with AMA OEd’s goal of enriching the learning experience of its students through developing comprehensive analytical and research skills. It also opens up new paths of learning for both students and teachers through analytics training, SAS program implementation, and usage and access to data science studies.

For educators, SAS will offer up-to-date modules to upgrade their analytical skills to fit today’s standards.

The resulting program will provide practical support and generate insights

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A three-month intensive bootcamp designed specifically for new graduates will also be held, giving them the deeper analytics knowledge and skills. After finishing the bootcamp, the graduates will be given preferred employment referral among SAS partner organizations in the fields of data science, computer analytics, and AI.

Cashalo wins Best Fintech Startup at PH Rice Bowl Startup Awards 2019 Cashalo, a fintech platform that provides access to purpose-built financial services for unbanked and underserved Filipinos, bagged the award for Best Fintech Startup at the Philippine Rice Bowl Startup Awards 2019. The best fintech award celebrates the startup that has exponentially grown and delivered innovative, impactful financial services over the last year. As the Best Fintech Startup in the Philippines, Cashalo—which was launched in 2018—will represent the country in the regional-level competition to be participated by other winners from ASEAN countries this month. The ASEAN Rice Bowl Startup Awards is also the official ticket to participate in the Global Startup Awards, the global-level startup competition that recognizes entrepreneurial talents and empowers them to further boost their local startup ecosystems.

PLDT, SMART TO POWER UP ARANETA 5G CITY Araneta City will soon become the country’s first Smart 5G Lifestyle Hub. PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. have forged an agreement with the Araneta Group to launch 5G technology in the premier lifestyle hub. Meanwhile, Smart has also already rolled out fast, free, and open fiber-powered Wi-Fi connectivity through Google Station in key areas, including Gateway Mall, Smart Araneta Coliseum, New Frontier Theater, and the Araneta City bus port, to name a few. With its capability to deliver extremely high speeds coupled with low latency, 5G opens up many possible applications for the Internet of Things and smart cities, as well as smart applications for the retail, transport, manufacturing, logistics and warehousing sectors, as well as intelligent solutions for customer support and smart homes, among others.

Hyundai opens Cainta CV dealership

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) recently opened the newest location of its dedicated Hyundai Trucks and Buses dealership in Cainta, Rizal (HTB-Cainta), a fitting nod to the town’s progressive spirit. Government officials, local businesses, and close to 20 major transport groups attended the opening of HTB-Cainta. The latter showed their strong support for the government’s PUV Modernization program and formalized their intent to order 1,200 Hyundai Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Modern Jeepneys. Moreover, HTB-Cainta served as the kickoff point of Negoshow One, a three-day mobility expo that showcased Hyundai’s premium people and cargo movers. The show is patterned after Hyundai Motor Company’s own global mobility expos. Cainta is counted among the Philippines’s wealthiest municipalities and ranked by the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) as “Most Competitive” of first- and second-class municipalities in 2016 and 2017 and first in “economic dynamism” in 2018.

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BILLBOARD

NOKIA’S SPECIAL TREATS FOR THE NEW YEAR

This new year, HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, is treating its Filipino fans with exciting freebies and discounts. The Nokia 2.2 comes with AI-powered low-light imaging, Google Assistant at the press of a button, and the latest full Android experience on a modern 5.7-inch screen with a discreet selfie notch. Nokia has slashed P1,000 off its original price and can now be had for P4,990. Meanwhile, the Nokia 2.1, which boasts of a two-day battery life, large 5.5-inch HD screen, and dual front-facing stereo speakers, can now be had for P3,990 instead of P5,990. Nokia even throws in a free 16GB SD card. The budget Nokia 1 4G smartphone is now even more affordable at P2,990, down by P1,300 from its original P4,290 price. The Nokia 1 is fitted with a tough and durable two-tone polycarbonate cover and vibrantly colored Xpress-on covers. These special deals are offered in all Nokia mobile concept stores, kiosks, and authorized SiSNokia dealers and resellers nationwide. You may also check out Nokia’s official online stores in Argomall, Lazada, MX Online, and Shopee.

HMR Auto Auction opens biggest facility in PH Since opening its doors in 2016, HMR Auto Auction has sold over 4,000 vehicles through its online and live public auctions. In line with its third anniversary last December 2019, the company built a purpose-built auto auction facility in Bicutan, Parañaque, with a fully airconditioned registration and bidding area. The new facility can hold up to 450 vehicles and can accommodate up to 300 bidders. HMR is also making it easier for auto auction buyers to get the car of their dreams by offering affordable finance options through their partnership with UnionBank, with payments that can go as low as P4,000 and a minimum down payment of 30%. The facility also offers insurance, detailing, and repair services, making it a one-stop shop for newly auctioned cars.

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PH FIELDS FIRST ALL-FEMALE TEAM IN BORNEO SAFARI Over 400 vehicles and 1,200 participants joined the Borneo Safari 29 in Kota Kinabalu last October 2019. TeamPH made its debut in the region’s biggest 4x4 pilgrimage through Borneo Safari Philippine Qualifier (BSPHQ) champions Edison Dungca and Bomvet Santos in race car #110. Joining them were TeamPH #199 lady racers Karen Pagquil and Jezza Mae Lim. Pagquil and Lim’s entry marks the first-ever participation of an all-female team in the 29-year history of the event. Dungca and Santos finished 14th overall and second in the International Category. Pagquil and Lim, on the other hand, held on to the 19th spot until the final day of the competition, succumbing in the last special stage to finish 21st in the 23-competitor pool. TeamPH's participation in the Borneo Safari 29 was made possible through the support of Aleson Shipping, Maxxis Tires, FCC Trading, the local government of Bataan, JGL Brokerage, JGL Travel and Tours, Carl Ronnow, Uniship, Filtra Lumber, Cerdas Group, Powergine, 199 OffroadHouse, Racetech Suspensions, TRE Lockers, SR Performance Offroad PH, Come Up Winch, Berrima Diesel, ES Printmedia, AEG Powertools, Romate, Air Asia, Pan Hotel and FyrLyt.

MAXUS DONATES V80 FLEX AMBULANCE TO OSPITAL NG TONDO Maxus Philippines donated a Maxus V80 Flex ambulance to the Ospital ng Tondo in Manila last December, in line with its corporate social responsibility efforts. The formal turnover and signing of the deed of donation was held at the Bonifacio and Katipunan Shrine in Ermita, represented by Felipe Estrella, President of Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc., Reginald See, General Manager of Maxus Philippines, OIC Hospital Director of Ospital ng Tondo, Myrna L. Paloma, MD and Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, mayor of City of Manila. The ambulance is a three-seater Maxus V80 Flex van customized by Winterpine Marketing Corporation, featuring LED toplight with siren and public address (PA) system, with official decals and vinyl sticker ambulance markings, and fitted with stainless bumper and stainless ramp approach. Inside, a two-layer medical floor-mounted cabinet, as well as a fully collapsible stretcher with locking mechanism have been supplied.

TikTok, DOT partner to bring more fun in the Philippines To further strengthen their “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign, the Department of Tourism has partnered with social media platform TikTok to encourage TikTok users to create short videos promoting the country’s tourist spots The partnership serves as the pilot program in the Philippines for #TikTokTravel, a global campaign launched by TikTok across 90 countries worldwide. #TikTokTravel is an initiative that aims to inspire users to creatively capture and share their favorite travel moments. As part of the partnership, DOT will launch its official account and a hashtag challenge this year. TikTok will support the account verification and boost the official video of the challenge and will be endorsed by its popular creators.

NISSAN FINDS NEW HOME IN PASIG WITH AUTOHUB GROUP Nissan, together with the Autohub Group, relaunched the Nissan Pasig dealership in a new location along Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5). The 1,400sqm dealership can house up to nine display vehicles and has two Nissan Express Service bays. The dealership is also connected to a bigger 3,000sqm service center with ten service bays located in a nearby area.

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STORE DIRECTORY Anne Klein zalora.com.ph/anne-klein Asics Available at ASICS stores nationwide asics.com/ph Canon Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. G/F and 7/F Commerce and Industry Plaza Bldg., McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig canon.com.ph Chery Chery Auto Philippines facebook.com/cheryautophilippines D-Link D-Link Philippines Unit 2607, IBP Tower, Jade Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig dlink.com.ph Dell Dell Philippines 3/F 1800 Eastwood Ave. Bldg., Eastwood City Cyberpark, E. Rodriguez, Jr. Ave., Quezon City dell.com.ph Epson Epson Philippines Corporation 8/F Ansonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre, 23 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig epson.com.ph Ford Ford Philippines (02) 866-9408 ford.com.ph Fossil zalora.com.ph/fossil GAC gacmotorph.com/ Gap gap.com.ph H&M Available at Ayala Malls Vertis North, Circuit Makati, Greenbelt 4, Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Place Ilocos, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Place Tacloban, SM City Bacolod, SM City Cebu, SM City Clark, SM City DasmariĂąas, SM City Fairview, SM City Iloilo, SM City North EDSA, SM City Pampanga, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Southall, and UP Town Center hm.com/ph Honda hondaph.com Honor Available in all authorized retailers hihonor.com Huawei Huawei Technologies Phils., Inc. Picadilly Star, 4th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig huawei.com.ph Jays jaysheadphones.com JBL Available at SM North EDSA, TriNoma, SM Megamall, Fairview Terraces, Festival Mall, Robinsons Ermita, Glorietta 1, SM Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center, SM Cebu, SM Cagayan De Oro, SM Davao, SM Bacoor, SM Damarinas jblstore.com.ph Land Rover Coventry Motors Corporation 1008 EDSA Greenhills, San Juan (02) 784-5003 landrover.ph

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Leica Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati and L/G C1 Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig leica-camera.com Lenovo Lenovo (Philippines) Ltd. 10/F 11th Corporate Center, 11th Ave. cor. Triangle Drive, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig lenovo.com/ph Mazda Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc. mazda.ph Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Motors Philippines No. 1 Auto Park Ave., Greenfield Automotive Park Special Economic Zone, Santa Rosa, Laguna mmpc.ph Nike Nike Philippines 10/F Marajo Tower, 312 26th St. West cor. 4th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig nike.com/ph/en_gb Onitsuka Tiger Available at Onitsuka stores nationwide onitsukatiger.com Oxygen Golden ABC, Inc. 1155 North Edsa, Quezon City, 1106 oxgnfashion.com Puma Available in all Puma stores nationwide zalora.com.ph/puma realme Available at all authorized retailers facebook.com/PHRealme Sony Sony Philippines 12/F Inoza Tower, 40th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig sony.com.ph Steve Madden zalora.com.ph/steve-madden/ Superdry superdry.com TCL tcl.com Topman zalora.com.ph/topman Under Armour Available in all Under Armour stores nationwide underarmour.com.ph Vivo Vivo Philippines East Tower Philippines Stock Exchange Center, Pasig vivoglobal.ph Volkswagen Volkswagen Philippines Alabang Zapote Road, Muntinlupa; Araneta Street, Singcang, Bacolod; 28th Street City Center, Bonifacio Global City Taguig; A. Soriano Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City; Taft North Mandurriao, Iloilo; McArthur Highway, Dolores City, San Fernando, Pampanga; Quezon Avenue, QC; TagaytayBalibago Road, Sta. Rosa, Laguna volkswagen.com.ph Zara Available at Zara boutiques in Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, and TriNoma zara.com/ph

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BEFORE YOU GO

Twenty years ago, a computer flaw called the Y2K (Year 2000) bug led many computer programmers and users to dread the arrival of the New Year. From the 1960s through the 1980s, engineers used a two-digit code for the year when writing complex computer programs. They left out the ‘19’ in the first half (i.e. 1970 read 70, 1992 read 92, and so on) in order to save on data storage, which was costly and took up a lot of space back then. As the year 2000 approached, programmers realized that when the date changes to January 1, 2000, computers may not interpret ‘00’ as 2000 but as 1900. Such confusion in the code may cause major glitch in the system when dealing with dates beyond December 31, 1999, including that of banks that deal with interest rates, transportation that relies on times and dates, and powerplants that have computer-scheduled maintenance check. In the end, however, there were very few—and mostly minor—problems encountered in relation to the Y2K bug. The U.S. and U.K. prepared ahead of time to address the problem, but even countries such as Italy, Russia, and South Korea, which did little to prepare for the bug, did not experience any major falLout from the flaw.

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