2018 v19n4 - WISH LIST

As the holidays approach, those of us responsible enough to do so have started to gather gifts for loved ones. In this age of technology though, it’s not an easy task. We have more choice now than ever before, and sometimes we can feel swamped.

In this issue of Gadgets, we try to give you a hand by showing you what’s available. Head over to our Wishlist section, as well as the CoverStory, where we try to narrow your choices down a bit. If you want a little deeper look at some of what the tech world has available, we’ve got our Labs, and of course, you can have a look at all our regular sections for everything else you might be interested in. Take a look, get your shopping done early, and spend time with those near and dear to you! We’ll be back in a few weeks for the last issue of the year! See you then!

Ren Alcantara Managing Editor

MARIBELLE M. ALBA

REN ALCANTARA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

#GIRLBOSS

Être fort pour être utile

@bellealba

@hisnameisren

PRESY ALBA

EDITOR-AT-LARGE I don’t travel light, I lug too many gadgets, I can walk for miles exploring and I never say no to the local fare.

MIA CARISSE BARRIENTOS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

If you ask me a Kpop-related question, I’ll respond with an essay @miaissocoollike

@presy1121

THERESA ELORIAGA

JEWEL STA. ANA

PRESIDENT & CEO

Maribelle Alba

SALES AND ADVERTISING MANAGER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Marisa Consuelo

ACCOUNTING MANAGER ACCOUNTING STAFF

Maritess Pascua-Maulion Lorie Bernardo

Carol Agabin

ART DIRECTOR

STAFF WRITER

Garmonbozia.

Nope, I don’t have a pawnshop

@theresaeloriaga

@monsterjewfloat

HR & ADMIN MANAGER ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Amy Christine Giray Ramil Almojano Clifford Dela Paz

PR & MARKETING STAFF DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

Paula Candoy Jerico Lutrania

LEGAL COUNSEL

JAEL MENDOZA

ARNEL DORIA

GRAPHIC ARTIST

She holds a sketchpad on one hand, and a music sheet on the other hand @jaellaura_m

CONSULTANT, MOBILITY SECTION

Marketing guru. Automotive industry veteran. Road safety advocate.

JOSE ALVAREZ

RONEL BAUTISTA

GRAPHIC ARTIST

CONTRIBUTOR

The incarnation of the award-winning, hit single ‘ Torn ‘ by Natalie Imbruglia.

Jose loves football, video games, computers, and history, but not necessarily in any order.

@sailorapollo11

@josealvarez

ROBBY VAFLOR

GERRY GAVIOLA

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

Cineaste. Audiophile. Gadget addict. @gerry.g626

“Biiiimb!” @afterhourscritic

MARLET SALAZAR

Alba Law Office

GADGETS Magazine is published monthly by Great Minds Media Inc. Address all correspondence to Unit 801-802, The One Executive Office Bldg., #5 West Ave., 1104 Quezon City.

Our telephone number is: 288-8588 Our website is: www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

All unsolicited manuscripts, illustrations and photos submitted must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope if they are to be returned.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Every care is taken to ensure that the content of Gadgets is fully accurate; however, the publisher and printer assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefrom. Gadgets Magazine is a registered trademark of Great Minds Media Inc.

CONTRIBUTOR Marlet is a book-lover, and can forego lunch to buy a book. @marletds

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CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2018 | Volume 19 No. 4

07

Parade

19

GadgetsLab

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34

50

62

The market’s newest and best offerings

The Exceptional Gift

Reviews that detail what’s hot, and what’s not

Mobility Everything about wheels

Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber with the stunning Vivo V11

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Collecting 101 An A to Z guide for new collectors

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CoverStory

Santa, please grant our Christmas wish list

Everything Apple The Apple Watch Series 4 is here!

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Darkness, Blood, and Terror Just in time for Halloween

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Artist Corner We put the spotlight on the works of Nico and Thurees

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Ann B. Mateo She has her game face on

Guitar Effects Pedals

‘Tis the season to go big with effect pedals

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Urban Flavors Food and Events Place

A new food and entertainment hub in the north

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86

88

96

Wellness

Pamper yourself from head to toe

Lenovo Leading by putting customers first

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Neuromotion Desk warriors, it’s time to move

Bits & Bytes Stay up to date with all the hottest tech news

Fujifilm

Enhancing the quality of life through technology

Typewriter

Meet the most vintage tool of writers

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PARADE

Canon PIXMA TS9570 Inkjet Printer

Canon recently revealed its latest PIXMA printers made for creative workspaces, starting with the PIXMA TS9570. The latest addition to the brand’s A3 printer lineup enables easy, fuss-free wireless printing through the cloud and a mobile app. It has 45 built-in pattern designs that are ideal for printing colorful gift wraps, DIY scrapbooks, posters, and even customized nail art stickers. The compact printer also comes with a large 4.3-inch touchscreen display for controls, an auto document feeder for convenient copying and scanning of documents, auto duplex printing, and 2-way paper feed.

PHP 20,995

Canon PIXMA TS8270 Inkjet Printer

Stylish and compact, the PIXMA TS8270 adds a touch of class to any modern home or office workspace. Equipped with wireless connectivity and a memory card slot, the inkjet printer offers a wide range of printing options. It features a hybrid ink system with additional Photo Blue ink that enhances color production while minimizing grain, 2-way paper feed, fast 4R photo printing at 17 seconds, new square photo formats, and automatic duplex printing. With a standard print speed of up to 15.0 ipm in black and 10.0 ipm in full-color ink, the TS8270 is a productive, multi-functional machine.

PHP 11,995

Canon PIXMA TR4570S Inkjet Printer

The budget-friendly PIXMA TR4570S performs print, scan, copy, and fax tasks in one machine. The wireless printer’s compact footprint allows you to save space at your workstation, letting it fit easily onto smaller tabletops and sitting flush against against walls. Its features include auto two-sided printing, wireless and mobile printing, a 20-sheet automatic document feeder, compatibility with low-cost ink cartridges that deliver higher page yields, ID Card copying that prints both sides without changing its size, and innovative in-device alerts notifying the user of the printer’s status.

PHP 4,995

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HP EliteBook x360 Convertible Laptop

HP’s EliteBook x360 offers secure and powerful performance for optimal productivity even on the go. It is the world’s thinnest and most secure business convertible with 360 degrees of versatility across five modes; 7th gen Intel core processors; four integrated speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen; unmatched security with an IR camera, fingerprint sensor, or smart card reader; and up to 16 hours and 30 minutes of battery life. The perfect portable device has to be able withstand the rigors of being hauled around; the EliteBook x360 has been designed to pass MIL-STD testing, making it extra durable. On the visual front, this convertible laptop boasts a 13.3-inch UHD panel protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. Rounding it out, the EliteBook x360 also comes with 2 USB 3.0, USB type-c, HDMI, and micro SD ports.

PHP 79,000 (Starting Price)

HP Envy x360 Laptop

The HP Envy x360 packs a lot of power in a sleek and stylish allmetal body that is available in natural silver and dark ash silver. It features an 8th gen Intel Quad-Core processor, AMD Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics, up to 11 hours of battery life, either FHD or UHD IPS micro-edge display, Bang & Olufsen speakers, four laptop modes, a pen option, and security features including a fingerprint reader.

PHP 62,990 (Starting Price)

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HP LaserJet MFP M72630dn Multi-Function Printer

The HP LaserJet MFP M72630dn is a dependable and versatile MFP with easy-to-use features and robust paper handling perfect for offices and SMBs. This MFP helps reduce costs and increases productivity with features that allow it to produce quality prints, send scans, copy documents, and ensure security of important documents. Making it an essential office tool are a 500-sheet output bin, built-in automatic two-sided printing, sheet trays, 100-sheet reversing ADF, various connectivity options, 7-inch color touchscreen, flatbed scanner, front-door access to toner cartridges, and more.

PHP 130,000

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iPad 9.7 (2018) Tablet

The sixth generation iPad has finally arrived! Coming in with support for the Apple Pencil that gives its users the freedom to create, the 9.7-inch base level tablet from Apple features a much faster A10 Fusion SoC that lets users edit 4K videos, play graphic-intensive games, and experience the latest augmented reality apps out of the box. Specially designed for multitasking and AR apps, it has an 8-megapixel rear camera matched with 1080p HD video recording, and a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera that shoots gorgeous photos and videos through augmented reality. It’s a breeze to take wherever you go, weighing in at just 469 grams and measuring 7.5 mm thin.

PHP 20,990 (Wi-Fi, 32 GB) PHP 26,990 (Wi-Fi, 128 GB) PHP 28,990 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 32 GB) PHP 34,990 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128 GB)

Accutone Studio S2 In-Ear Monitor

From the British provider of office headsets comes these premium grade in-ear monitors that deliver high-fidelity audio in your ears. Handcrafted in the United Kingdom for professional recording and music monitoring, the second iteration of the brand’s Studio series features dual, hybrid setup of 10 mm dynamic drivers and single balanced armature. It has a translucent red body, with an engraved Accutone logo in silver, and comes with a pair of high-grade Comply T-2000 earplugs that provide extra noise-cancellation and bass boost without compromising comfort. The Studio S2 is also the first pair of earphones from the brand to offer a detachable MMCX cable.

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GoPro Hero7 Silver Action Camera

The Hero7 Silver is the camera to have for adventures big or small. Built tough and totally waterproof up to 30 feet, just hold on to it and take a plunge. Smooth 4K video with video stabilization and vibrant WDR photos capture your every move superbly. Its burst mode takes 15 photos in one second so you don’t miss a moment. GPS lets you track how fast, high and far you went and, with an intuitive touch screen, you can review photos and get back to shooting with no delay. Plus, your photos and videos move right to the GoPro app for easy sharing.

PHP 18,390

GoPro Hero7 Black Action Camera

GoPro’s Hero7 Black sets the bar high for action cameras with its HyperSmooth video feature. The Hero7 Black’s in-camera video stabilization allows recording of smooth, professional-looking videos on land, sea, or air, even without a motorized gimbal. The compact, mountable Hero7 Black features a 12 MP snapper, 4K60 video recording, 8x slo-mo video at 1080p and 240 fps, touch screen, voice control, face, smile, and scene detection, as well as the ability to store RAW photos and HEVC videos all in a tough chassis that is waterproof up to 33 ft. It also has various shooting modes and file transfer options to enhance user experience. If you’re an adrenaline seeker always on the lookout for adventures and thrilling moments to capture, the Hero7 Black is the gear to have.

PHP 24,690

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ROG Phone Smartphone

The ROG Phone is a gaming-centric phone with beefy specs. It sports an overclocked Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with whopping 8 GBs of RAM, and an Adreno 630 GPU, allowing it to power the most intensive of games, more so on X mode. These, combined with its groundbreaking 3D vapor-chamber cooling, facilitate extended hours of intense gaming. The phone will come with either 128 GB or 512 GB of onboard storage and packs a 4,000 mAh battery providing enough juice for gamers on-the-go to keep playing through the day. It has AI and scheduled charging for battery protection. ROG has also integrated it with an AMOLED display, side-mounted ports, programmable ultrasonic AirTriggers and advanced haptics, and a detachable AeroActive Cooler dongle, giving you the best possible setup to game to the fullest.

PHP 49,995 (8 GB RAM and 128 GB ROM) PHP 61,995 (8 GB RAM and 512 GB ROM)

ROG Zephyrus S GX531 Gaming Laptop

ROG’s Zephyrus S GX531 is a gamer’s dream. Setting the bar high for slim laptops, the Zephyrus S is engineered with an 8th Gen Intel i7 processor and up to GeForce GTX 1070 with Max-Q design that work together to push the boundaries of performance. It is touted to be the world’s thinnest gaming laptop at just 14.95 or 15.75 mm, and accommodates ROG’s Active Aerodynamic System (AAS) to help it sustain high GPU clocks with demanding games. ROG ups the Zephyrus S’ immersiveness with a 15.6-inch Full HD display with ultra-slim bezels and a high 144 Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth gameplay. It also has gaming-centric features such as a backlit chiclet keyboard, marked WASD keys, and various software to keep you on top of your game.

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HOME DATA STORAGE FOR THE FUTURE

The increasing digitization of our lives means we have more and more files we need to keep. From photos of family vacations, obscure movies and TV shows that have started to pile up, and even more sensitive information we’d rather store locally, all this data has to go somewhere.

You could store it on a single computer, but sharing content becomes a long, involved process of booting up a separate device, setting up a streamer or cables, and lots of frustration since it never works the first time. You could use an external hard drive, but those are always one drop away from being an expensive paperweight. There’s the cloud, which works fine for photos and small documents, but sensitive files and large movies are a hassle, and doubly so if your internet connection isn’t rock-solid. You need Networked Attached Storage.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is simply a bank of hard drives in a special enclosure that is connected to your network. When set up, users on that same network can then access content stored on the drives, without having to plug anything in, or transfer files from the NAS to their computers.

NAS might once have been something that would only be seen in businesses, but the technology has since trickled down to home use. Anyone granted the proper permissions can access the contents of your NAS, so there’s no need to boot up a separate device, or move around and plug an external hard drive. Just log in, browse, and play. User accounts can be set up with specific folder permissions, so that even with shared storage, everyone can still have their own secure, personal space. Shared folders on the other hand are a great way to share content with everyone, without the hassle of sending files individually.

With all the instances of hacking occurring all over the world, would you trust your most sensitive files to cloud storage? Finding your files copied, your information compromised, and your sensitive files leaked, can be a painful and traumatizing experience. Having your files stored in your local network, away from the usual prying eyes of criminals is a layer of security in itself, and you still have about the same ease of acceess as if you had the files right on your own computer. Synology

NAS in particular encrypts stored data to make sure you get that extra layer of security where you need it. Its built-in Security Advisor even reminds users of lapses or risks in their system, so uses can see what needs to be done before problems arise.

Anyone who has ever lost a file knows how important backups are. We can’t go back in time and re-do once-in-a-lifetime events, so the photos and videos we have from them have to be kept safe. Synology NAS can be configured to perform automatic backups. Changes made to computers are then backed up on the NAS, preserving all your important files in case of loss, corruption, malware, of theft. Everything from PCs, Macs, phones, tablets and even public cloud storage can be backed up on your NAS, for that additional peace of mind.

With a bit of setup, you can even have your NAS function as a personal, private cloud. As long as the NAS has a connection to the Internet, and you have the correct permissions, you can access your files remotely, wherever you are, just as you would on common cloud platforms.

Now more than ever, there are many great reasons to get NAS. Choose convenience, security, and expandability, and go with network attached storage.

Honor 8x

Smartphone The 8x is a beautiful device with a sleek form factor and a design that’s meant to make heads turn. Powering the device is a HiSilicon Kirin 710 chipset that works together with 4 GB of RAM and comes with 128 GB of expandable internal storage out of the box for storing content. The handset is fitted with a 20 MP + 2 MP dual rear camera system and a 16 MP front-facing snapper. These cameras are able to snap quality photos thanks to the device’s built-in AI features, with AIS super night shooting sweetening the deal further.

For viewing photos and binging content, the 8x has a large 6.5-inch FullView display with a 1080 x 2340 resolution and a 91-percent screen-to-body ratio.

PHP 12,990

Snoppa ATOM Gimbal

The ATOM is touted as the world’s smallest gimbal, weighing 310 g and sporting a foldable form factor that allows it to be easily stowed in a small bag. It is made of durable American nylon and can fit smartphones of various sizes. This handheld stabilizer has an unconventional motor arm structure, and with its inclined arm design, shooting shake-free videos is a breeze. Two built-in 2000 mAh 26350 batteries power the ATOM for up to 24 hours. It also comes with an inbuilt QI wireless module for wireless charging support, and a type-C port for quick top-ups. For shooting ease, users could control the joystick, zoom slider, portrait and landscape switch, trigger, and the record/stop buttons with just one hand. The ATOM also has two customizable buttons which could be assigned a function the user prefers. It also features a microphone port for third-party mics and works with the Snoppa app to give content creators various modes such as motion, static time lapse, long exposure, auto panorama, slow motion, face tracking and more. The ATOM is available in two colors: mystery black and sakura pink.

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Fujifilm X-H1

Mirrorless Camera From one of the most trusted names in photography comes the most-advanced mirrorless camera in the X-series. Sporting a new look in a durable body, the Fujifilm X-H1 features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor partnered with a superior X-Processor Pro image processing engine that delivers unrivaled photo quality. It is the first model to feature in-body image stabilization, allowing users the freedom to shoot clearer images and smoother videos with no additional hardware. Among its new specifications is a 3.9 million-dot electronic viewfinder that shoots cinema-like UHD and DCI 4K videos at 200 Mbps, and Eterna film mode.

CELLder Wand Power Bank

Recharge your mobile device like Harry Potter with this peculiar power bank! Made for the modern witch and wizard, GogoToro’s CELLder Wand is more than just a cute powerbank. It features a retractable LED tip that can be used as a flashlight, and a capacity of 5000 mAh. Make your phone charging magical and say “Expecto Rechargum,” anytime and anywhere.

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Unravel

Wireless Charging Pad It’s time to ditch your cables and charge your devices in the most advanced way. Ending charging woes for travelers, Unravel sports three panels which simultaneously charge up to three mobile devices at 10 W each through its single type-C PD port. It is compatible with any QI-enabled mobile device and is compact, thanks to its rubber grip and patented hinge design that provides flexible options for users. Small and lightweight, the wireless dock can be lugged anywhere with its free travel case.

Mi MIX 3

Smartphone As Xiaomi’s newest flagship phone, the Mi Mix 3 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor, up to 10 GB of RAM with 256 GB of storage, and a massive 3,200 mAh battery.

Merging utility with design, the phone sports a ceramic back aesthetic, an innovative magnetic slider, and on top of that, an amazing 6.39-inch FHD+ Samsung AMOLED display with 93.4-percent-screen-to-body-ratio. If you love Android and if you’re looking for a phone that’s almost all-screen, then this is your best bet. Photo and video capture is handled by the the Mi Mix 2’s sliding 12-megapixel dual rear cameras that are complemented with multi-frame noise reduction, AI light metering, as well as AI image stabilization and calibration. It also has dual 24-megapixel + 2-megapixel front cameras that sport a Sony IMX576 sensor. For its OS, it runs on the MIUI 10 that’s based on Android 9.0 Pie.

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GADGETS LAB

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Specifications: Dimensions: 6.15 x 2.98 x 0.32 in Weight 168 g Display: 6.2 inches, Resolution: 720 x 1520 pixels Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 CPU: Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 GPU: Adreno 506 Camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, AF 2 MP, f/2.4 What’s Hot: -Superb price -Fast fingerprint scanner -Large screen What’s Not: -Gaming performance isn’t the best

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Specifications: Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display Processor: A12 Bionic processor ROM and RAM: Up to 512 GB of storage with 4 GB of memory Cameras: Dual 12-megapixel wide-angle and telephoto cameras /7-megapixel front camera (with Apple Face ID) Operating System: iOS 12 Battery: 3174 mAh Connectivity: Bluetooth and NFC connectivity Waterproof: IP68 rating What’s Hot: -Best phone ever!

-Ticks all my dream phone boxes What’s Not: -Expensive -Battery does not last the whole day -Fast charger and cord sold separately

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Specifications: Wheels: 8.5-inch pneumatic Weight: 12.9 kg Max User Weight: 100 kg Range Max : 30 km Battery: 48 V Max Speed: 35 kph Material: Aluminum Alloy What’s Hot: -Great top speed and acceleration -Same range as stock -Way more fun What’s Not: -Many features are lost -Braking gets tricky -Requires much more skill

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COVER STORY

Words by Gadgets Team/Art by Ronel Bautista

The traffic, crowded malls, and Jose Mari Chan. All these can only mean one thing: Christmas is coming. While we might be a little too old, fat, and naughty to earn some lap time with Santa, we still have our Christmas gift wishes.

Allow us this time to make our own little lists of things we want to see under the tree this year. We here at Gadgets have a very diverse set of interests, and it shows in the kind of gifts we want, so whether it’s for home, gaming, audio, and a few things in between, you’re bound to get an idea or three for yourself, or the important people in your life. And Santa, if you’re reading this, we totally believe you exist.

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WISHLIST Words by Ren Alcantara

Before anything, a spoiler alert.

Last chance to skip this part.

Still there? Ok. Santa Claus isn’t real. The gifts we get under the tree were put there by our parents all this time. I’m sorry to have to break this to you, but it’s better you learn the truth now rather than catch mom arranging the gifts while dad eats the cookies and downs the milk. At some point though, we’re left to fend for ourselves when it comes to getting what we want for Christmas, and as both reference for those who have the same likes as myself, and a subtle hint to Santa, if I am wrong and he really is out there, here’s a list of the things my gamer++ heart wants to see under the tree this year.

Let’s start with gaming.

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Asus ROG Phone While a gaming phone might be an absurd proposition for some, for others, it’s the only thing that makes sense. With deep, involving titles like PUBG Mobile, Fortnite, Mobile Legends, and some amazing ports on the horizon, having a phone that can do the heavy lifting necessary for gaming means one device in your pocket, and hours of entertainment on tap. Asus, a name that knows its gaming hardware, has recently thrown its name in the growing market of gaming-centric mobile phones with the ROG Phone. Featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 that hums along at a crazy 2.9 GHz, a large 6-inch, 2160 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, and a huge 4,000 mAh battery, along with virtual shoulder buttons, and a USB port thoughtfully located on the side of the device for charging while playing in landscape mode, it’s a phone that puts gaming first. Graphics are handled by the Adreno 630 GPU, and temps are kept in check by their innovative vapor-chamber cooling system, so you and your phone can both stay cool under pressure. Keeping a lot of the visual cues from the ROG line of PC gaming hardware, this is a phone that’s worthy of the name.

Acer Predator Triton 700 While my current gaming laptop and its 1070 will probably be ok for another few years, I can’t help but think about what else is out there. The Acer Predator Triton 700 might already be starting to make an exit given the announcement of the Triton 900.

It’s still a monster of a machine, and one that I’d happily jam into my laptop bag. Why wouldn’t I want one? An 8 GB Nvidia GeForce GTX1080, the Intel Core i7 7700 processor, 16 GB of DDR 4 RAM, two PCIe SSDs in RAID 0. I could go on, and I will. Dolby Atmos audio, and Nvidia G-Sync for the gorgeous 15.6-inch full HD screen all make for a laptop that’s great for productivity, sure, but who are we kidding? It’s a gaming machine through and through. If Santa is real, he can make a believer out of me with one of these.

Hitman 2 I have long been a fan of the Hitman franchise.

Insanely deep, immensely underrated, and frustrating as it is fun, it’s a series that’s targeted at masochists and perfectionists alike. The latest installment, confusingly entitled Hitman 2, as there have been about three million Hitman titles between the first release in 2000, and this one, puts you in the shoes of 47 in a wild ride that takes you from jungle to city and a few locales in between. It promises the same gameplay players have expected from the series, allowing you to mow everyone down, or stealthily get to the target and take them out via a Goldberg-esque series of events that leads to eliminating the mark with nobody else knowing about it until you’ve made your exit. Rewarding lateral thinking, patience, and the ability to come up with and execute a solid plan, it’s a clothes-swapping, poison-planting, rifle-shooting masterclass in the art of stealth shooters, and one that I will absolutely not pass up. IO Interactive has not disappointed me yet, and this should be no different. To say I’m excited for the 13 November release would be the understatement of the year. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Logitech G903 and PowerPlay charging system and G903 Mouse I game whenever I can. That’s not nearly as often as I would like, so when I find time, I do want all of my hardware to perform flawlessly. This isn’t always the case with my wireless mouse though.

Since it ultimately relies on user-replaceable batteries, I inevitably find them without power. It doesn’t happen all that often, but it’s a problem that does exist. Behold, the answer to my power woes: the G903 and PowerPlay charging system.

The G903 is a great mouse in itself. With a resolution of 12,000 DPI, no mouse smoothing or acceleration, a 1ms report rate, and wired or wireless performance, as well as on-board profiles, and enough buttons for all your little macros, this is a serious gamer’s mouse. What really makes it shine though is the PowerPlay wireless charging system. This mouse pad which can be had with either a cloth or fabric surface, works in tandem with the G903 for wireless charging both while at rest or at play. The G903’s power-efficient performance means that as long as it’s on a PowerPlay mat, you can keep playing indefinitely, without any wires to hold you back. It works like magic and ensures you’ll never get interrupted by a low battery warning on your wireless mouse ever again.

Sure, I might have to be the one to shell out to get the items on the list this year, but I’m still holding on to the hope that I might be wrong, and that he’s out there, reading this very article right now.

If you’re lucky enough to have your own personal Santa, and they’re about to settle on giving you another pair of reindeer socks, maybe have them take a look at this list and see if you can get them to reconsider.

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WISHLIST Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos

If you come across an article with the headline “Person never leaves home,” we wouldn’t blame you for thinking it absurd. For homebodies like myself, however, the concept of staying in indefinitely is an exceptionally pleasant thought.

If your abode is decked out with the latest in entertainment and home automation, why would you even consider going out? The impending arrival of the holidays is as good a reason as any to get your wishes out there, so if you want the kind of hardware to let you stay home, take a look at what we’ve got, and maybe you’ll find something that will pique your interest.

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Yoga Book C930 As soon as I laid my eyes on the Yoga Book C930, I knew I would have a tough time forgetting its existence. It’s easy to desire a device this beautiful and functional. A laptop and then some, the Yoga Book C930 flaunts a second display that makes use of e-ink technology. This allows it to turn into an e-reader at will. While you could satisfy your inner bookworm by reading on a standard display, long hours staring at that screen can cause significant eye strain. Reading on an e-ink display is more or less like reading an actual book. This feature is perfect for when you want to take a break from work and decide to read a novel for a breather. The panel is also a keyboard and a scribbling surface; the Yoga Book C930 is a visionary’s dream come true.

Sony Bravia A1 OLED Though some might regard TV old school, it remains king of the living room. The Sony Bravia A1 OLED is definitely the one I have my sights on. With cutting-edge design, any home with it as the centerpiece will definitely fit that modern aesthetic. Launched last year, the year-old Bravia A1 OLED holds its own against other more recent releases in its class. It impresses with a technologically advanced Triluminos display rendering true-to-life colors, the X1 Extreme processor rendering lifelike images, and an intricately engineered panel framed by polished aluminum. But the icing on the cake is its Acoustic Surface technology that uses the whole screen as a speaker. As the movie plays, the sound follows the images on screen, creating an audiovisual experience that’s unmatched in its immersion.

Owning one would still cost a fair buck—around PHP 150,000, but the trade-off is you’re getting a TV with technology that will last you years. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

ROG Phone As if hearing the cries of mobile gamers around the world, the tech gods have gifted us a gaming device to rule them all. In our case, Asus is among the first brands to respond to the growing clamor for a gaming-centered mobile phone.

The ROG Phone, as you can tell by its name, is Asus’ gaming brand’s bold initiative to capture the developing mobile gaming market, and it’s a step in the right direction if you ask us. My benchmark when reviewing smartphones is that if it can game solidly, it is worthy of a 5-star rating. The ROG Phone excels in that department with an overclocked Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset that runs processes smoothly thanks to eight cores, 8 GBs of RAM, an Adreno 630 GPU, and groundbreaking 3D vapor-chamber cooling to facilitate extended hours of intense gaming.

ROG being a brand for gamers has foreseen its consumer’s constant need to upgrade and personalize, and so have put out additional accessories, such as a TwinView dock among others, that will further make gaming anywhere, anytime more possible.

Dyson Purecool Tower If you’ve read last year’s wishlist, you’d know that I am a Dyson fan. The thought put into each device and the complex engineering result to products that are value-laden and are tough to boot. Dyson’s intention of addressing household problems is translated through its products and we’re totally here for it. One device perfect for when chilling at home is the Dyson Purecool Tower. It’s a fan and an air purifier in one. The Purecool Tower is a bladeless fan that projects powerful airflow throughout a room with its Air Multiplier technology. While it cools you, it also purifies the air around you with an oscillating fan base that houses a fully-sealed and powerful filter system. On top of these, it is also intelligent.

It is capable of detecting air quality and can be controlled through the Dyson Link app.

LG CLOi Home It is quite alarming to see devices get smarter by the minute, but also exhilarating to know what these technologies are capable of doing. Robots, for example, are taking new forms and finding their place in society by fulfilling jobs they are built for. Appearance-wise, however, not all of them appear to fit into a home. LG has taken away the eccentric aspects and put an adorable face onto these intricate machineries—one that resembles EVE from Wall-e. The CLOi Home is a digital assistant that checks the contents of your fridge, starts the laundry, searches up recipes, and activates any connected LG ThinQ device with a simple voice command. And the best part is, CLOi is designed to keep learning to attend to your needs more accurately. If I had the CLOi at home, I might consider becoming a homebody full-time.

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WISHLIST Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

I wear different hats, and among them is that of an avid toy enthusiast. For those who really know me deeply, there are only four things that I splurge on: food, travel, toys, and tech.

The -ber months have finally kicked in, and for a geek like me, it’s the perfect time to go through the list of things that I want to get my hands on over the holidays. Who knows, someone might be reading this and send me a package from North Pole.

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Edifier H691 Edifier has a good reputation for their audio speakers, but they surprised every Iron Man fanatic when they dropped the customized H691.

Adapting the iconic suit design of the techtycoon-slash-superhero Tony Stark, the over-ear headphones is powered a large 40 mm iron boron speaker drivers that deliver impressive audio quality. It’s also ideal for commuters and music junkies, thanks to its foldable ear cups. Its highgrade leather foam provides comfy and stable fit to your ears, enclosing upbeat tunes and beats whenever and wherever.

Apple iPad Pro Owning a laptop is definitely more useful than a tablet, but for a tech journalist like me who commutes daily, lugging a whole laptop around can be quite cumbersome. A compact yet advanced tablet like the new generation 9.7-inch iPad can deliver the similar performance of a regular laptop, offering versatile functions through its advanced A10 Fusion chipset that supports AR technology. Apart from helping me beat my deadlines and accomplish my daily tasks, it can also indulge one of my guilty pleasures: binge-watching shows and movies on Netflix, along with reading a few e-books on the side. Its Retina display allows digital artists to make their own masterpieces on-the-go, and students can scribble down notes, thanks to the versatile Apple Pencil.

Fujifilm X-H1 I’m a memory hoarder, and everyone who knows me knows it. From movie tickets to restaurant tickets and photos, I always make sure that I have something that will remind me of my escapades, or my beloved vinyl collection. The Fujifilm X-H1 does just that, thanks to its 24-megapixel X-Trans APS-C sensor. It’s the most video-capable mirrorless camera to date from the Japanese brand, adding 5-axis in-body image stabilization, flickering reduction, Eterna film simulation, a feather touch shutter button, and a weatherresistant body. Apart from personal use, it would also help me in covering tech events and fairs— it’s hitting two birds with one stone! www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Ekonik Powerbank I’m a huge fan of Diana Prince and her alterego Wonder Woman. She’s the main reason I was drawn into toy collecting, next to a series of superheros, anime characters, and fictional characters that I love. Ekonik, an electronics brand behind the DC-certified devices available locally, has recently produced a limited edition Trinity Art Series power bank showcasing iconic illustrations of Superman, Batman, and the Amazonian princess Wonder Woman, by comic book writer Alex Ross. It has a slim body, 2 USB ports that support simultaneous charging, a 4-LED light indicator, and 8000 mAh capacity, giving you the power you need for the day.

I’m definitely a sneakers over heels kind of girl.

As much as I want to be feminine once in a while, my boyish heart cannot resist the sight of sporty sneakers. So when Vans partnered with Marvel to produce high-cut Black Panther-inspired rubber shoes, it made my heart flutter. That’s what happens when fashion meets fandom.

I may not believe in Santa Claus anymore, but a woman could still dream, right? Besides, I’ve never been rude after all the whirlwind drama that I have to deal with this year. I just hope he has written my name down on the “nice” list.

Sphero R2-D2 Who doesn’t want a smart Android from a galaxy far, far away? Sphero’s R2-D2 is far from ordinary replicas that you might have seen around. It’s an AI smart toy that can be controlled through a dedicated app, featuring spot-on mannerisms and the signature beeps and whistles of the astromech from the Star Wars movie franchise.

It can roam around, interact, and chat with you, making every Star Wars fan’s dreams come true.

Collectibles for a not-so-grown-up millennial Aside from my job, my growing toy collection keeps my heart fulfilled. I’m pretty sure that my fellow hobbyists can relate to the joy I feel whenever I get my hands on exclusive releases of my favorite Pop line. Adding two New York Comic Convention 2018 Pop exclusives, Black Panther’s Okoye with removable wig, and the first Wonder Woman comics appearance Pop to my display cases would be a good birthday and early Christmas gift for me. I’m also a certified Potterhead (Ravenclaw, represent!), so adding a Harry Potter Nendoroid or a Hedwig ceramic mug to my office desk are very welcome.

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WISHLIST Words by Gerry Gaviola

The -ber months are here, and have consequently heralded Christmas vibes. And I, like many, have begun blissfully daydreaming of new things to gift and receive.

Before anything else, let’s clarify that new doesn’t always mean better. While new tech often births significant increments of improvements, there’ll always be value in the things you already own. So whether or not you’re fortunate enough to own the things in your wishlist, be sure to wish and choose wisely. Before wishing to swim in a pool of extravagance, do remember to declutter, donate, and give as well. With that said, let’s get into the goodies:

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A smart yet classy home Whenever I hear of a product in the market that falls under the category of smart home, I tend took look back, and think of how far tech has come. Then I think of the future and imagine that in a few years, we’ll eventually end up like those technologically dependent souls in the computer-animated science fiction film, WALL-E. Kidding aside, we’ve really come a long way, and if you’re thinking of investing in smart home devices, then you’re probably heading in the right direction since they do have a ton of perks. Apart from the obvious advantage of gaining additional convenience, smart home devices do save you a ton of time so you could focus on what truly matters. It’s amazing to think that in real time, and with just few taps on your smartphone or tablet, you can have so much control of your home—from cleaning, cooking, playing music, adjusting the temperature, and more.

Now, it doesn’t really matter which smart home ecosystem you buy into. Oftentimes, it all depends on preference since a wide variety of products are cross-compatible with these systems anyway. Of course, another thing to consider is the current products you already own. If you’ve already bought into the Apple ecosystem and you own an Apple TV, the Homepod, and what not, it makes sense to invest in that system. Apples aside, most companies are more open to cross-platform compatibility, giving you the freedom to choose.

Apple has Homekit; Amazon, Alexa; and Google, Google Assistant, so choose, and choose wisely.

Here are some products I would love to own:

Deebot N79 Oftentimes, I’m too busy to clean, and also find it to be such a chore to get up and spend minutes or even hours tidying up. All things considered, a robotic vacuum cleaner is certainly on the top of my list when it comes to building a smart home.

The Deebot N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner can be controlled via the ECOVACS application in your phone, but once you’ve set it up, you won’t even have to bother. Packed with a lithium battery, the automated device boasts of 1.7 hours of battery life for longer cleaning. The sensors, on the other hand, do everything else for you—it intelligently allows the machine to operate across different inclines, and allows the machine to dock and recharge automatically until it’s due for another scheduled cleaning.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Echo Plus Along with a new look, Amazon’s well-loved smart speaker, the Echo Plus, also comes upgraded with better bass, and better overall sound. As noted by numerous customers, the previous generation of the speaker lacked decent sound quality. This time around, however, Amazon has listened to the feedback, and has packed the speaker with better sound technology courtesy of Dolby play 360 degree audio. Paired with this technology is a bigger subwoofer as well, and compared to the predecessor, the sound is said to have stronger bass, yet preserved tones. Zigbee and Alexa are still there, giving you ease of control and setup of your smart home-capable devices.

Another noteworthy improvement is the speaker’s capability to hear you across the room, from any direction, now that it’s packed with seven microphones.

Sony FE 24-70mm I’m downright, 100 percent in love with the A7iii.

After using it for wedding and event coverage, I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype.

The hybrid autofocus, improved sensor, and the 5-axis stabilization are nothing short of excellent.

And of course, it’s best to pair a good camera with good glass as well. The Sony 24-70mm, although extremely pricey, is exceptionally versatile and sharp as well. With an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22, and with three aspherical elements, the lens is, without a doubt, one of the best choices out there for content creators looking for the best possible optical performance. Put together, the aspherical elements reduce chromatic aberration, as well as maximize resolution and bokeh capabilities. The Super Sonic Wave Motor is a plus as well, especially for filmmaking, since it offers smooth yet quiet focusing. The range is also topnotch, as it lets you swiftly switch from wide to close-up shots with ease.

Philips Hue Simply put, the Philips Hue Light Bulbs, paired with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, or Google Assistant allows you to paint with light. Apart from being controllable by voice, or by app, the bulbs allow you to choose from 16 million shades of color and white shades to better set the mood.

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I read, game, watch a film, or blast some music, I find that it counts to be set in the right mood to be better immersed in the experience; and surrounding lights, in those cases, definitely do matter!

Photography/Videography DJI Ronin-S There’s plenty to love with the Ronin-S handheld, 3-axis gimbal. And nowadays, especially for freelance filmmakers, the gimbal has become a must-have film gear. Ergonomically and modularly designed, the gimbal allows filmmakers to create smooth and cinematic videos. The dual purpose handle, which also houses the battery, allows for a better grip, and one-handed use to let camera operators focus on composition rather than handling.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone DJI’s latest flagship drone is, without a doubt, one of the best available drones in the market right now. And again, like the gimbal, it’s certainly among the must-have film gear for wedding and event coverage, as well as for travel videos. The Pro version of the drone packs the Hasselblad Camera, a 1-inch CMOS Sensor, and adjustable aperture blades all packed in a convenient and portable form factor. Added to this is the capability to shoot 10-bit Dlog-M for better dynamic range and editing in post, as well as the capability to shoot 10-bit HDR video. Now, since drones take shots on air and often include the bright sky, along with the subject, exposing can be tricky. With DJI’s new technology, however, taking those cinematic and correctly exposed shots is easier than ever.

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WISHLIST Words by Robby Vaflor

I love making stuff. Whether it’s a song, a sketch or a poem, I am thrilled by the idea of breathing life into something never before seen, felt or heard. Lately I’ve been really motivated to work on my craft and to productively channel inspiration while refining my skills. I never said I was any good, but I do love to give things a good try and a half.

For the holidays the ideal gift for me leans towards something that would help unleash the creator in me. From digital art to music, below is a quick rundown of things I would be grateful to see under the tree.

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Microsoft Surface Book Pro 2 The service firearm of any modern artist is the laptop. Sure, a heavy duty workstation will give you all the computing power you’ll ever need and is more readily upgradable, but inspiration does not limit itself to the top of the desk.

A creator needs something versatile, reliable and has enough computing power to not leave him or her hanging while a video renders or whilst in the middle of arranging a track.

The ideal device companion should also have enough juice to last a whole evening of wrestling with ideas. And perhaps there is none better to fit these requirements than the Microsoft Surface Book Pro 2.

The acclaimed device returns in all its design genius with more powerful specs, a prettier display, and longer battery life. And whether you get the bare minimum or the opulent maximum, this thing goes.

Teenage Engineering OP-1 I like to fiddle around with gadgets. Manuals are well and good, but allowing yourself to figure stuff out on your own leads to wonderful discoveries.

And this is something that applies with music.

The wunderkind of the synthesizer world, teenage engineering’s OP-1 is an experimenter’s dream. The device is packed with useful features including 10 widely variable synthesizer engines, two samplers, a four-track tape feature with instant editing, a mixer and built-in effects, six independent sequencers and a built-in mic. It may look like a colorful toy, but it is one of the most powerful synthesizers out there and is the most versatile for its size: well-balanced, intuitively designed, and fun to mess around with.

I prefer the more manageable 13.5-inch version which boasts of a GTX 1050 chip with 2 GB of memory, 1 TB SSD storage, an Intel i7-8650U quad-core processor with 16 GB of RAM. It also sports a gorgeous 3000x2000 resolution display with 267 ppi pixel density and 10-point multitouch with support for the Surface Pen and Dial.

And with up to 17 hours of video playback, the Surface Book Pro 2 can definitely keep up with the rigors of the creative process

10.5-inch iPad Pro Anyone who is familiar with my work here at Gadgets knows that I’m not exactly an Apple fan. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Apple, I just grew up with Windows and stuck with it all this time. Having said that, I’ve never specifically lusted over an Apple device since the discontinuation of iPods (please bring the Classic back). This all changed when I got my hands on an iPad Pro. When paired with a Pencil, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro is a highly precise piece of portable gadgetry that’s perfect for a quick sketch or a spontaneous scribble. It runs on the A10X 64-bit chip that makes every app you use run smooth as Carlos Santana. The screen works with Apple’s latest ProMotion technology that provides an immersive display with great depth of color and contrast. But ultra-fast performance be damned, I mostly just fell in love with the Pencil. I concede to you on this one, Apple fans. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

A home studio starter pack While I’ve messed around with digital art and bulk of my work is writing, I still feel more affinity with music and I have tiptoed around the idea of setting up a makeshift studio at home. And thanks to technology, reaching that goal is easier and cheaper than ever.

My home studio essentials include: the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface with two instrument inputs, an audio out, extremely low latency and high-fidelity conversion rates of up to 192 KHz or 24-bit; the RØDE NT1-A1 cardioid condenser microphone, considered to be one of the best and quietest mics available within its price range and even when stacked against more expensive ones; and the KORG nanoKEY Studio MIDI controller that connects to devices via either USB or Bluetooth featuring a lightweight and compact design without sacrificing utility.

Any one of these devices will surely excite anyone who has creativity running through their veins.

And while art should be about making the most out of your limitations, it doesn’t hurt to have a few tools to greatly broaden your scope as a creator.

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PHOTO FEATURE

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The holidays are upon us. It’s that time of the year again when gigantic lanterns light up EDSA, and cheery decors liven up every corner.

It is when everyone is busy fulfilling their Christmas shopping lists and spreading holiday cheer. And with the abundance of deals and treats, now is the perfect time to go shopping for new gadgets, and then some.

With its awesome specifications and stunning design, the Vivo V11 is the exceptional gift you could give a loved one.

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12 MP + 5 MP Rear Cameras with Dual Pixel Technology Impressive photos from dusk to dawn

Halo FullView Display Delivers an immersive viewing experience through its 6.41-inch, FHD+ Super AMOLED display

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In science, stars are formed through the fusion of interstellar gas and dust in the galaxies, but for Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, it’s as if they were both born to be the brightest celestial bodies in the universe.

The phenomenal tandem had their humble beginnings as teen housemates in the hit reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky Season 7. It was a wish come true for the OFW daughter, Maymay Entrata, who regularly turns up at Kapamilya show auditions. The then Mindanao University of Science and Technology scholar joined the show to help with her family’s finances; a bold sacrifice for someone her age. With her sense of humor and unwavering love for her family, the miss wacky-go-lucky of Cagayan De Oro was able to capture the hearts of the audience, ultimately earning her the Big Winner title.

Edward Barber is a charming half-German-half-Filipino who didn’t have any intention of entering showbizness. Just like any ordinary teenager, his life prior to joining PBB revolved around school and friends.

Things turned around, when the bashful teen decided to audition in the Philippines for a chance to meet his ultimate celebrity crush, Liza Soberano. Gaining friends inside the house and a massive following on the outside world were inevitable with his good looks. But the cheerful charmer is more than just an angelic face. Known for his exemplary leadership and outgoing personality, the pretty boy-next-door became the season’s 4th Big Placer.

Having a fair share of tears and laughter inside the house, the two have built a strong chemistry that is hard to break.

They have been continuously rising to the top, appearing on TV shows left and right. The pair also starred in their first ever romantic comedy movie in Loving in Tandem (2017), and is part of 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Fantastica: The Princesses, The Prince, and The Perya.

For MayWard, there’s nowhere to go but up. Apart from establishing a foundation with Edward’s sister, Laura, the duo are now one of the most-sought after endorsers for top international brands including Bench, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Ariel, and Vivo, and it’s not hard to see why.

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The Christmas rush is upon us! While it is still early to shop for presents, there’s no reason not to begin thinking of items you want for yourself and those dear to you. We’ve put together a list of the most coveted gift items from smartphones, accessories, to two-wheelers guaranteed to make the giftgiving occasion extra special.

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Vivo X21 -In-display fingerprint scanner and Face ID access with infrared -12 MP (with 24 million photographic units) + 5 MP on the rear, and 12 MP upfront both with dual pixel sensor cameras -Octa-core, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor -6 GB RAM -128 GB (expandable up to 256 GB via microSD slot) internal storage -6.28-inch FHD+, Super AMOLED display -Funtouch OS 4.0 (Based on Android 8.1) -Hi-Fi audio PHP 29,999

Vivo V11

Vivo V11i

-Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 AIE processor -6 GB RAM -64 GB internal storage -Funtouch OS 4.5 (based on Android 8.1) -6.41-inch FHD+, Super AMOLED display -In-display fingerprint scanning, face access -Rear – 12 MP with f1.8 and 25 M photosensitive units + 5 MP with f2.4, front – 25 MP with f2.0 cameras -USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, OTG -Available in starry night and nebula

-6.3-inch FHD+ LTPS Halo FullView, with 2.5D glass (2280 x 1080 resolution) display -MediaTek Helio P60 2.0GHz octacore processor -Mali-G72 MP3 GPU -4 GB RAM -128 GB (expandable via microSD card slot) internal storage -16MP + 5MP dual rear cameras, 25MP front camera -Dual-SIM card (nano, hybrid)/4G LTE/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 4.2/USB OTG/ micro USB -Funtouch OS 4.5 (Android 8.1 Oreo) -3,315 mAh w/ fast charging battery

PHP 19,999

PHP 15,999

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DJM-40 4-INCH COMPACT ACTIVE MONITOR SPEAKERS -35W 2-way bass reflex, active monitor speakers -Class A/B amp: 2 x 21 W/ 4 ohms -Well balanced response via time alignment -Front-Loaded Bass Reflex System -3D stereo sound

Pioneer HDJ-X5BT WIRELESS, OVER-EAR HEADPHONES -Closed, dynamic headphones -40 mm dome-type drivers -With bass reflex chambers -5-30000 Hz frequency range -Military-grade drop protection and nano-coating -Available in black and silver

PHP 8,990

Pioneer HDJ-X10 FLAGSHIP PROFESSIONAL OVER-EAR DJ HEADPHONES -Closed, dynamic headphones -50 mm dome-type drivers -5-40000 Hz frequency range -Military-grade drop protection and nano-coating -Available in silver PHP 19,990

Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3

2-CHANNEL DJ CONTROLLER FOR REKORDBOX DJ

-Unlocks Serato DJ Lite software -Intuitive layout -New pad scratch function, codeveloped with DJ Jazzy Jeff -Large jog wheels

-Plug and play -Bundled rekordbox DJ software -With club-style controller layout -Beat FX feature

PHP 17,990

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Pioneer DJ DDJ-400

2-CHANNEL DJ CONTROLLER FOR SERATO DJ LITE

NOVEMBER 2018

PHP 19,990

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All-New Honda PCX150 -4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, eSP, 150 cc engine -13.6 Nm @ 6,500 rpm maximum torque -10.8 kW @ 8,500 rpm maximum horse power -ACG starter (electric) -Full transistorized ignition system -Automatic, V-Matic Transmission -Telescopic front suspension -Unit swing rear suspension -Single disc (ABS) front brake -Mechanical leading trailing (drum) rear brake -Cast wheels with tubeless tires -PGM-Fi fuel system -Smart Key System (keyless ignition, alarm, and answer back) -Idling Stop System PHP 133,900*

All-New Honda CLICK125i

All-New Honda CLICK150i -4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, eSP 150 cc engine -13.4 Nm @ 5,000 rpm maximum torque -9.7 kW @ 8,500 rpm maximum power -ACG Starter (electric) -Automatic, V-Belt Transmission -Telescopic front suspension -Unit swing rear suspension -Hydraulic front disc brake -Mechanical leading trailing rear brake -Cast wheels with tubeless tires -PGM-FI fuel system -Smart Key System (keyless ignition, alarm, and answer back) -Idling Stop System -Combi-Brake System

-4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, eSP, 125 cc engine -8.2 kW @ 8,500 rpm maximum power -10.8 Nm @ 5,000 rpm maximum torque -ACG Starter (electric) -Full transistorized ignition -Automatic, V-Belt Transmission -Telescopic front suspension -Unit swing rear transmission -Hydraulic front disc brake -Mechanical leading trailing rear brake -PGM-FI fuel system -Cast wheels with tubeless tires PHP 74,900*

PHP 95,900*

Honda BeAT -4-Stroke, Air-Cooled, SOHC, 110 cc engine -6.48 kW @ 7,500 rpm maximum horse power -9.21 Nm @ 6,000 rpm maximum torque -ACG Starter (electric) -Telescopic fork front suspension -Mono-Shock-Unit Swing rear suspension -Mechanical leading trailing rear brake -Hydraulic front disc brake -Cast wheels -4.0 L fuel tank capacity -PGM-Fi fuel system -Full transistorized ignition -Automatic, V-Matic Transmission -Combi-Brake System (for ISS variants only) -Idling Stop System www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

PHP 69,900* (ISS variant) PHP 64,900* (Standard variant)

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Nokia 7 Plus -Series 6000 aluminum unibody -6-inch, 18:9 IPS LCD full HD+ display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection -Snapdragon 660 processor -12 MP + 13 MP dual rear cameras powered by ZEISS optics -16 MP front-facing camera powered by ZEISS optics -4 GB RAM with 64 GB of internal storage (expandable up to 256 GB via microSD card) -3800 mAh fast-charging battery (lasts up to 2 days) -Android One-certified -Also available in white PHP 19,990

Nokia 6.1 Plus -5.8-inch, 19:9 FHD+ display with 2.5D curved front -Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection -Snapdragon 636 processor -16 MP + 5 MP dual rear cameras -16 MP front-facing camera -4 GB RAM with 64 GB of internal storage (expandable up to 400 GB via microSD card) -Android One-certified -3060 mAh fast-charging battery -Also available in blue PHP 15, 990

Nokia 3.1 -5.2-inch, 18:9 HD+ display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection -Mediatek MT6750N processor -13 MP auto-focus rear camera -8 MP front-facing camera with 84.6-degree field of view -Comes in 2 GB RAM/16 GB and 3 GB RAM/ 32 GB of internal storage -With gyroscope for AR gaming -Android One certified -2990 mAh battery PHP 8,990

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Suzuki Raider R150 Combat Series -147.3 cc DOHC 4-valve, 6-speed engine -11.5 kw @ 9,500 rpm maximum power -12.4 Nm @ 8,500 rpm maximum torque -Carburetor fuel system -Oil-cooled cooling system -Electric and kick start -DC-CDI (Digital) ignition system -Manual 6-speed, constant mesh transmission -Telescopic, coil spring oil damped front suspension -Swingarm with mono shock up rear suspension -Front and rear unique wavy disc brakes -Tubeless tires -4.9 L tank capacity -Euro 3 compliant -Eco and Power modes -Shift Timing Light Indicator -Enhanced tachometer -Blue lens headlight -Combat-inspired decals and colorworks -Available in matte black and matte gray PHP 97,900

Suzuki Skydrive Sport -4-stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2-valve Suzuki Eco Performance Fuel Injection (SEP Fi) 113 cc engine -6.7 kw @ 8,000 rpm maximum power -8.5 Nm @ 6,000 rpm maximum torque -CVT transmission -Electric and kick start -Air-cooled cooling system -Front disc brake -Euro 3 compliant -3.6 L fuel tank capacity -Key shutter anti-theft technology -New frame with large floorboard, low seat height and high ground clearance -Large dual front racks with utility hook -Headlight and taillight inspired by the GSX-R series -Available in colors black, hyper pink, and matte silver PHP 67,900

Suzuki Raider R150 Fi Suzuki Smash Stylish Colors -4-stroke, single cylinder SOHC, 2-valve Pulse Secondary Air Injection System (PAIR) 115 cc engine -6.4 kw @ 8,000 rpm maximum power -9.0 Nm @ 4,000 rpm maximum torque -Carburetor fuel system -Air-cooled cooling system -Electric and kick start -CDI ignition system -Front disc brake (for blue and matte gray variant) -AutoClu. 4-speed transmission -Available in blue and matte gray for disc/drum variant, and pink, violet, black, matte black, red, and yellow for drum/drum variant PHP 60,900 (Disc/Drum Brake Variant) PHP 57,900 (Drum/Drum Brake Variant)

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-147.3 cc, DOHC, four-stroke, four-valve, single cylinder -13.6 kw @ 10,000 rpm maximum power -12.4 Nm @ 9,500 rpm maximum torque -Fuel injection fuel system -Liquid-cooled cooling system -Six-speed transmission -DC-CDI (digital) ignition system -Electric and kick start -Euro 3-compliant -Oil-damped telescopic coil spring front suspension -Mono-shock swingarm rear suspension -Unique wavy disc front and rear brake -Available in black, red, and MotoGP blue PHP 109,900

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Oppo F9 SMARTPHONE -6.3-inch, 19.5:9 Aspect Ratio Waterdrop Screen with 2340 x 1080 resolution -ColorOS 5.2, based on Android 8.1 operating -Helio P60 Processor -ARM Mali-G72 MP3 800 MHz GPU -6 GB RAM -64 GB (supports microSD card up to 256 GB) internal storage -3500mAh battery with VOOC Flash Charge -Rear sensor F1.8 16 MP + F2.4 2 MP, Front sensor F2.0 25 MP Sensor HDR -1080P, 720P video mode PHP 17,990

GoPro Hero7 White ACTION CAMERA -10 MP photos with burst mode -1080p60 video mode -Waterproof (up to 33-feet) body -Voice control -Touch screen -2x slo-mo mode -In-camera video stabilization PHP 12,390

Trekz Titanium WIRELESS HEADPHONES -Bone conduction transducers speakers -Premium titanium frame -OpenFit design -Sweat and dust-resistant -With dual noise-cancelling microphones -Supports A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, and HFP formats -Up 6 hours of playtime -Wireless range of 33 ft.

-Voice prompts through Audrey Says PHP 5,690

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Mio Aerox S -Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve -11.1 kW @ 8000 RPM -13.8 Nm @ 6250 RPM -Keyless Ignition System -Blue Core engine upgrade with Stop and Start system -Anti-Lock Brake System -New Graphics -Variable Valve Actuation PHP 122,900 (Matte Blue and White)

Mio Soul i 125S -Forced air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve -125 cc -7.0 kW @ 8000 RPM -9.6 Nm @ 5500 RPM -TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition) -V-belt Automatic Transmission -Blue Core engine upgrade with Stop and Start system -Aggressive Front Face -3D emblem PHP 83,900 (Matte Gray and Matte Green)

Mio i 125S -Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve -125 cc -7.0 kW @ 8000 RPM -9.6 Nm @ 5500 RPM -Blue Core engine upgrade with Stop and Start system -Integrated Key Shutter and Answer Back Key System -Reflectorized Graphics -3D emblem PHP 75,900 (Matte Black and White)

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Honor 8X SMARTPHONE -All-glass design with metal unibody -6.5-inch, 19.5:9 Full HD+ IPS display -HiSilicon Kirin 710 2.2 GHz octa-core processor (with GPU Turbo boost) -4 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage (expandable -up to 400 GB via microSD card) -Runs on Android Oreo 8.1, EMUI 8.2 -20-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual rear AI cameras -16-megapixel front camera, with face unlock -3750 mAh battery -Dual SIM PHP 12,990

Baseus Simple WIRELESS CHARGER -Made of alloy aluminum and polycarbonate backplate with rubber stoppers -Futuristic design -Compatible to all QI-enabled devices -Charges mobile devices up to 5V and 9V input voltage -Has multiple security protection that prevents overcharging and overheating PHP 1,190

Baseus 1+1 Wireless Charger Backpack PHONE CASE -Magnetic PU body -Shockproof and anti-scratch -5000 mAh battery -5V/2A output -With LED indicator, foldable kickback stand, and USB -Type-C port PHP 2,490

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MOBILITY

The Yamaha Sight Gives An Impressive Record Yamaha’s Sight 115 made headlines across the motoring world with its outstanding finish in the inaugural leg of the Petron Safe Run. In an absolute feat for its class the Japanese scooter covered an amazing distance of 129 Km on a single liter of gasoline, making it the most fuel-efficient two-wheeler by a wide margin.

This year’s Petron Safe Run saw 280 motorcycle models participate. Each was grouped according to their engine displacement and classification. Tanks were filled with Petron fuel, sealed to avoid tampering, and sent on their way from the Rev Zone in Ulas, Davao City. Specifically designed to test the full potential of motorcycles, the 200 km route pushed each bike to the limit of its endurance.

Aboard a Yamaha Sight 115, Michael Comahig secured the top spot in the run.

On November 18, he and other 9 riders will be going to Yamaha Rev Zone in Lapasan, Cabanatuan City for the last leg of the safe run.

The Street Smart Ford EcoSport Media Drive Conquers Bataan Ford Philippines has recently invited the press to test the latest version of its successful mini-SUV, the Ford EcoSport, in the province of Bataan.

The new EcoSport sports a bolder look with refreshed interiors, an upgraded engine, and new intelligent features. Its Titanium variant is now equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine paired with a new 6-speed automatic transmission and auto start-top technology for excellent fuel economy. It produces a maximum of 125 PS of power, and 170 NM of torque, making it one of the most powerful mini-utility SUVs in the segment.

As a high-end model of the EcoSport, the Titanium variant now includes side and curtain airbags, Auto HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, smart keyless ignition, an enhanced SYNC 3 system that allows drivers to take and make hands-free calls, play music, and listen to currently received text messages, an 8-inch LCD screen, and a power sunroof.

Other variants come with a 1.5 L TiVCT engine mated with either the new 6-speed automatic transmission or the 5-speed manual transmission, a refreshed grille, hood, and headlamps, edgier 17-inch alloy wheels, and more storage that can handle up to 1,178 liters of cargo. Among its smart and safety features include a rear view camera 50

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with rear view parking assist, and airbags that help keep occupants safe in case of collision.

The new EcoSport is currently available in four variants: 1.0L Titanium AT (PHP 1, 168,000), 1.5L

Trend AT (PHP 1,028,000), 1.5L Trend MT (PHP 968,000), and 1.5L Ambiente MT (PHP 918,000)-and comes in six bold colors: absolute black, inglot silver, ruby red,canyon ridge, crystal, white, and blue lightning. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

BAIC Philippines Launches the BJ20 and M50S BAIC Philippines announced the availability of the BJ20 compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV), and the M50S multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

The Bravo line entry-level model BJ20 and the fine-tuned configuration of the M20 MPV platform, M50S join BAICs excellent line-up of sport-utility and commercial vehicles.

BJ20 Crossover SUV First revealed globally in August 2016, the BJ20 sports a futuristic, yet functional and rugged look.

Its grille is flanked by round headlights with bluetoned reflector discs. The main lights are topped by daylight running lights (DRLs) and accentuated by park lights that are fixed deep in its large bumper.

Around its straight-topped fender wells, polymer over-fender cladding is attached to the body with exposed rivets. The big wheel accents flow into side-guards and a generous rear bumper, giving it a bold look as well as impact protection.

The BJ20 has 215 mm of ground clearance and large 225/55 tires on 18-inch alloy rims. It has a front-mounted engine and front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout and a fully independent suspension system with McPherson struts up front and multilinks in back. The FWD compact crossover SUV is powered by a Euro 5 compliant Mitsubishi 4A91T turbocharged 1.5 liter gasoline engine that comes with MIVEC variable-valve-timing (VVT) system.

The engine delivers a peak power of 147 hp at

6000 rpm, and a torque curve that hits a top figure of 210 Nm with the engine running at 2000 to 4500 rpm.

The BJ20 bears a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The modern and rugged

gearbox has a deep starting ratio, offers Steptronic virtual discrete gears, and has sport mode.

This crossover SUV sells for PHP 1.148M for the 1.5L Turbo CVT Standard variant and PHP 1.288M for the 1.5L Turbo CVT Luxury edition.

M50S MPV The new M50S is an update to the popular BAIC M20 three-row MPV with its roomy cabin, rugged construction, and responsive engine, all for a refined ride. A versatile family car, the M50S has a cabin three-row tall and boxy that can accomodate 2+3+3 adults in its 8-seat version with a middle-row bench, or 2+2+3 on 7-seat variants with bucket seats in the middle.

The M50S features a rugged body-on-frame construction and an RWD's solid rear axle. It mounts a DAM15DL 1.5 liter Euro 5 gasoline engine that delivers 114 hp of peak power and 150 Nm of peak torque by means of an advanced dual variable valve timing (DVVT) valve train acting on the engine's intake and exhaust cycles.

The M50S is built with an intelligent drive-bywire system that automatically disengages and re-engages the belt-driven air-conditioner compressor to deliver maximum torque.

The new MPV retains that best-in-class 2790 mm wheelbase, has electrically assisted steering, and an infotainment system that pairs a reversing camera's sharp wide-angle optics with a large multi-function display.

The M50S compact MPV is available for PHP 638,000 for the 7- or 8-seat Luxury variant and PHP 668,000 for the 7-seat Ultra-Luxury version.

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Volkswagen PH Turns Over Santana Subcompact Sedans to Diamond Rent-a-Car Volkswagen Philippines recently turned over 11 units of the Santana subcompact sedan to Diamond Rent-a-Car (DRAC), the country's first, and largest car rental company by revenue.

The Santana adds German prestige and worldclass quality to DRAC's fleet. It also services 300 of the top corporations, offering not just daily, weekly, and monthly rental services of sedans, SUVs and light commercial trucks, but also long-term full operating lease and lease-to-own rentals, and even a dedicated auto servicing shop for the repair and maintenance of its vehicles.

The addition of the Santana sedans offers DRAC's wide client base the unique premium driving experience of German engineering, with the fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance ideal for a car rental and fleet management company.

The Santana is powered by an efficient 1.4-liter Multi-Point Injection (MPI) 4-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, with a maximum power output of 90 Ps at 5,500rpm, and maximum torque of 132 Nm at 3,800rpm. For ride comfort and stability, the Santana features electronic power steering, front McPherson Independent Suspension, and rear composite torsion beam semi-independent suspension. Safety highlights include ISOFIX

anchor points, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and an electronic immobilizer. The Santana with manual transmission has an SRP of PHP 686,000 and is available in colors polar white, reflex silver, pepper grey, and deep black.

DRAC, with headquarters along West Service Road in Parañaque, maintains branches in Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa, SM Center in Pasig City, SM Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga,

Calamba in Laguna province, SM Iloilo, SM Cebu and SM Davao.

With DRAC offering the most comprehensive one-stop solution to Filipinos' car rental and fleet management needs since 1977, the recent addition of the Volkswagen Santana subcompact sedans opens up a bold new world of opportunities and advantages for DRAC and its clientele.

Honda Exhibits Advanced Safety Technologies at the 7th PIMS Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI), showcased their latest vehicles that integrate sporty aesthetics and advanced safety features at the recently concluded 7th Philippine International Motor Show.

In line with this year’s theme of future mobility, the Japanese car manufacturer revealed their groundbreaking models that represent style and technology, to give customers a chance to see the new vehicles firsthand. Among these are the bestselling City, the sporty BR-V, the diesel-powered 7-seater CR-V, and the flagship Civic Type R. “Honda always produces cars, providing sporty driving experience while at the same time keeping the safety aspects as one of our highest priorities.

This is always in line with the Honda Sport DNA and “Safety for Everyone” philosophy that is always implemented to all of our products,” said president and general manager of HCPI, Noriyuki Takakura.

Car enthusiasts has also witnessed the Philippine debut of the Small RS Concept, a sub-compact, hatchback that bears the same sporty Honda DNA, and is built for the city. It was globally launched last April 2018 at the Indonesia International Motor Show.

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Isuzu Opens Pagbilao Dealership Gracing the dealership's formal opening ceremonies were Koichi Ito, general manager of Isuzu Motors Limited and Hajime Koso, president of Isuzu Philippines Corporation.

In his speech, IPC president Hajime Koso revealed that, with the help of Isuzu's extensive dealership network in the Philippines, the brand has maintained its leadership position despite the numerous challenges in its 21-year history.

"Our trucks hold the No. 1 position in total truck sales for 18 consecutive years; and this year, our total truck sales reached more than 47,000 units. For our LCV, we have sold more than 200,000 units. We also received numerous awards for both our LCV and CV. We aim to make Philippines an Isuzu country," Koso reiterated.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation bolsters its dealership network nationwide further with the recent inauguration of its Pagbilao dealership.

This expansion brings the Isuzu Advantage to customers and buyers in Pagbilao and other areas in Quezon Province.

Isuzu Pagbilao stands on an expansive 10,983 sqm lot and can display up to four vehicles in

the showroom, with two truck and seven LCV servicing bays, and is located at Lot 429, Brgy.

Bukal, Pagbilao, Quezon Province.

During the grand opening, IPC welcomed MBT Autoworx Corporation, which has been responsible for the establishment and management of Isuzu Pagbilao, as its newest dealer partner.

Aside from Isuzu vehicles' renowned durability and fuel-efficiency, the Isuzu Advantage keeps customers loyal to the brand with the nationwide dealer network, nationwide parts availability, expert service technicians, roadside assistance and technical training. All of these become part of the after-sales support all Isuzu dealers provide for every purchase of an Isuzu unit.

SsangYong Tivoli Club Members Drive to the South of Manila SsangYong Tivoli owners recently met up for a short drive south of Manila—the newly formed club’s first group activity. Along with the club members, SsangYong Berjaya Motors Philippines (SBMP), the exclusive distributor of SsangYong vehicles and parts in the country, was present as a show of support for its loyal customers.

The group gathered at the Shell Muntinlupa station along the South Luzon Expressway and enjoyed a drive up to Tagaytay. There, members got to share a hearty Korean lunch with SBMP executives.

At the gathering, SBMP president David Macasadia announced that Tivoli Club Philippines members are entitled to an exclusive offer for the newly introduced spare tire package. In addition, he revealed that SsangYong shall be adding more accredited service centers for its customers’ aftersales needs.

“In addition to our unique 3-years free PMS and 5-year warranty, we are also introducing more accredited service centers affiliated with the SBMP dealer network to provide easier access to quality SsangYong service.” SsangYong owners are advised to coordinate with their respective dealers for PMS arrangements at the newly accredited service centers. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Mark Castro, Tivoli Club Philippines founder, was instrumental in bringing the group together. "We really wanted to meet more unique individuals who chose to ride different like us Tivoli owners," shares Mark. “I am personally eager to learn more about the car and the SsangYong brand. We reached out to SBMP to join us members in this meetup so we can share our notes and inputs on the Tivoli. We are glad that SBMP listens to us and is open to customer feedback on how to make the

Tivoli ownership experience standout from the rest.”

SBMP recently introduced new variants for its Tivoli and XLV models, and is looking forward to the strong support not only from the Tivoli Club of the Philippines but also from customers who are looking for capable and stylish vehicles for their daily driving adventures.

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Team Suzuki recently made a big comeback in the country’s racing scene after more than five years, bagging back-to-back championships at various events.

Suzuki-Wheeltek Racing Team’s flag-bearer and the fastest Filipina rider of this generation, Jacq Buncio, capped the season with a historical win.

On board Suzuki’s GSXR1000R, she garnered a total of 308.5 points in the first ever Rookie category of the Philippine Superbike Championship which 58

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secured her place at the top spot. She was followed

by BJ Ang and Poncholo Panlilio in second and third place with 168 and 158 points apiece. Buncio was also able to finish in fifth place overall, putting her among the top motorcycle racers in the Philippines.

The motorsport prodigy also competed at the Pirelli Cup’s Heavyweight A category, where she emerged as first runner-up with 208 points after an intense head-to-head battle with Pocholo Panlilio

who gained 233 points. Behind them was Rod Valdez, collecting a total of 127 points.

The Suzuki-VMan Racing Team also had an excellent debut at the current season of the MotoIR Championships. Young riders Djereck Ondillio and Dan Carlo Alvarado took the top spots in the beginner’s class, followed by John Paul Suba.

Veteran drivers April King Mascardo and Eane Jaye Sobretodo meanwhile, secured fourth and fifth spots. They all rode the sporty Suzuki GSX-R150.

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Petron Expands High Temperature Protection Product Line The normal operating temperature of a car engine may range from 90 to 104 degrees Celsius, or about the boiling point of water.

Hot weather, stop-and-go traffic, heavy loads, high-speed drives—all these and other extreme conditions can raise the temperature even higher. When subjected to extreme heat, conventional engine oils will oxidize or thicken, thus increasing the chances of leaving deposits, and eventually degrading engine performance, leading to engine failure.

With many moving internal components, the engine is the heart of a vehicle, and oil is its life blood. Just as clogged arteries can cause cardiac arrest in a human heart, sludge and deposits can cause a car engine to break down. And just like open heart surgery, repairing and rebuilding an engine is a procedure we all want to avoid.

For humans, our optimal temperature is 36.5 to 37.5-degrees Celsius; over that means we are sick with a fever. When the car engine operates in conditions that cause the engine temperature to rise, one of the best ways to ensure that the vehicle is protected is to use speciallyformulated premium engine oils.

As a leading provider of total customer solutions in the petroleum industry, Petron Corporation deeply understands the needs of Filipino motorists. With this, Petron has developed its High Temperature Protection (HTP) product range to include engine oils, automatic transmission and brake fluids, gear oil, and grease.

excellent engine protection against extreme driving conditions such as driving with heavy loads, driving in heavy traffic, and prolonged driving during hot weather. Petron Blaze Racing HTP is approved and certified according to the specifications of API SN, MB Approval 229.5, MB Approval 229.#, and Porsche A40.

PETRON REV-X TURBO HTP is a high-premium, PAO-based fully synthetic 5W-40 engine oil. It is highly recommended for naturally aspirated and turbo-charged or supercharged high-performance heavy-duty diesel engines.

It is also formulated with PAO base oil, thus providing extended engine protection due to its outstanding oxidation and thermal stability. In addition to this, it is formulated with performance additives which help prevent soot and piston deposits, thus maintaining superior engine cleanliness and efficiency. It prolongs the life of emission control systems like diesel particulate filters and exhaust gas recirculation. It also provides extended engine protection due to outstanding thermal and oxidation resistance, thus preventing wear and corrosion for longer engine life. Petron Rev-X Turbo HTP is approved and licensed according to the specifications of API-CJ-4/SN, MAN 3575, Cummins CES 20081, MB Approval 228.31, Volvo VDS-4, Mack EO-O Premium Plus.

performance profile of API Service GL-5 and API MT-1.

PETRON ATF PREMIUM HTP is a premium-grade, high performance automatic transmission fluid formulated to provide excellent resistance to oxidation even under high-temperature and severe operating conditions. It provides extended protection in friction stability and clutch durability. It protects, bearings, clutch plates, seals and other components from wear and corrosion, and its excellent foaming characteristics ensure optimum operability and longer transmission life. Petron ATF Premium HTP is suitable for use in most light duty planetary gear service fill applications and meets most of OEM ATF specifications.

Petron HTP Specialty Products PETRON GREASE HTP is a premium grade, heavy duty high-temperature grease formulated with a lithium complex thickener and highquality base oils. It was specially developed to provide excellent oxidation characteristics and outstanding work shear stability. Its automotive applications include chassis and suspension parts, ball joints, and wheel bearings. Other multi-purpose applications include industrial gear and bearing sets, bushings, slides, fifth wheels, farm and off-highway equipment, and others.

Petron HTP Engine Oils PETRON BLAZE RACING HTP is a high-premium, PAO-based fully synthetic 0W-40 gasoline engine oil specially formulated with high quality base oils. Polyalphaolefin, which provides better oxidation and thermal resistance than mineral base oil, and an advanced additive system to meet the most severe and stringent requirements of high-performance gasoline engines. Due to its outstanding oxidation and thermal stability, it protects against wear and corrosion for longer engine life. It provides www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Petron HTP Gear and Transmission Fluids PETRON GHTP GEAR OIL is a fully synthetic, premium grade lubricant formulated to meet the stringent requirements of automotive axles, limited slip differentials, and manual transmissions. It has excellent thermal and oxidation stability, is compatible with commonly-used seal materials, and has excellent water separability and air releasing ability. It provides superior axle wear protection under high temperature conditions, enables smooth and non-slip transmission even under shudder conditions, and has proven superior transmission performance. Petron GHTP Gear Oil has the

PETRON BRAKE FLUID HTP is a high performance brake fluid designed for high temperature braking systems, exceeding the performance of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4. With its excellent boiling point as well as outstanding physical and chemical stability, it ensures safe and efficient braking performance. It has excellent lubricating properties to reduce and prevent wear, and has superior material compatibility giving consistent long component life. It is ideal for cars, trucks and heavy equipment requiring a DOT 4 specification. The entire range of Petron HTP products is available at Petron Car Care Centers and select Petron service stations nationwide.

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EVERYTHING

APPLE

Apple Watch Series 4 A smartwatch packed with useful health and fitness features Words by Marlet Salazar

At the Apple event held in September, there was one product that elicited an overwhelmingly favorable response from the audience. There was so much buzz about the Apple Watch Series 4 and its new features days after the launch, and while it hasn’t taken off in the way most people would have expected it to, it’s still an amazing device.

The Apple Watch Series 4 is an enticing new wearable for health buffs and fitness enthusiasts, and Christmas bonuses have probably already been allocated for its purchase.

Why would you want one as a present?

Aside from the typical features of smartwatches, the Series 4 has an ECG app that the tech company likens to a “single-lead electrocardiogram.” The previous versions of the wearable can already record heart rates, though for something like an ECG, a nurse or medical technician is usually required.

But Apple decided to incorporate electrodes in the back of the smartwatch where it can record not only heart rates but also determine any irregular rhythm. This not exactly considered a medical breakthrough, in fact, some people caution users not to rely completely on this app. Still, it’s something that can help many users in plenty of ways.

You know the stress that goes with taking public transport?

Applying the Breathe App as a watch face could easily prevent you from blowing your top. Just raise your wrist and follow the Breathe app guide in taking those much-needed deep breaths.

It might seem a little disconcerting at first, but the Series 4 has a fall detection alert through its wrist trajectory analysis and impact acceleration.

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When the watch senses that the user has not moving for one minute, it will either call or send a message to emergency contacts with the SOS feature. Many older users have expressed a favorable response to this new feature in the Apple Watch.

While many people find all these health and fitness features truly helpful, Apple was also able to maintain a design that’s smooth and elegant.

The 40 and 44 mm sizes of the Apple Watch allow them to have 30 percent larger screens, which also give users more detailed information.

The microphone and the speaker, which is made 50 percent louder, are now placed on opposite sides, which makes sense because the proximity can produce an echo when taking calls using the mic. Placing them side-by-side was not just the best idea.

The black ceramic and sapphire crystal of the back of the Series 4 is not just for aesthetics but also to help improve cell reception because it lets radio waves pass through the front and the back.

The chromium silicon carbon nitride layer can read the electrical heart impulses in the wrist.

If a Vanilla device isn’t for you, the Apple Watch Series 4 also has a Nike version and Hermes version. Which one is on your wishlist?

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HOBBIES

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VISUAL SPACE

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VISUAL SPACE

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GAMING

Developer: Craft Egg Inc. Publisher: Bushiroad International Pte Ltd. Platform: iOS and Android Words by Jewel Sta Ana

I have always had a very short attention span, so keeping my eyes on the prize—any prize— can be quite challenging.

Rhythm games have helped me a lot to improve my focus and reaction time, which has positive effects on my job as a tech journalist. I’ve been looking for something cheery and familiar that I could add to my list of mobile games so when I discovered BanG Dream! Girls Band Party while browsing the app store, I downloaded it immediately.

With a download size of only 407 MB—much smaller than other apps of the type, the kawaii musical game is far from ordinary. Adapted from the manga and anime of the same name, BanG! Dream Girls Band Party is a simulation of how it’s like to be young, adorable pop idols. Thanks to its vibrant graphics and its wide selection of J-Pop music, this rhythm game is now currently one of the top-grossing in the genre, though unlike other titles, you’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection to fully enjoy its unique features.

Meet the idols

Players choose from five girl bands, each with their own group identity. There’s the sparkling and heart-pounding Poppin’ Party, the rough and rebellious Afterglow, the gothic J-rock band Roselia, the seasoned Pastel*Palettes, and the cheerful Hello, Happy World! Each group is made up of a vocalist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, and sometimes, a DJ. Costumes are striking and appropriate for the image of each band. The game allows you to spend in-game currency, stars, and studio tickets to dress them up, switch band members, and train them just like real-life idols. Interaction between the members and with other groups is essential for increasing your rank, so be sure to explore the map daily.

Gameplay

Giving players a great deal of freedom, the

game follows the journey of the five bands in the main story mode. Dialogues are charming and entertaining thanks to the voice actors who reprised their anime roles for the game. It’s like playing an actual episode of the franchise thanks to the immersive conversation—something I enjoyed immensely. The band’s backstories are also developed through clear, clever storytelling.

Story memories, on the other hand, let you read previously released event stories. Participating in limited special events yields bigger rewards, particularly if you use the right combination of characters.

Apart from increasing the band’s rank and experience, interactions among idols unlocks chapters for the story mode. Completing each chapter gives the players special items that can be used during live performances or get new songs and access new areas.

Another thing that spoke to my otaku heart was the soundtrack and the game’s licensed anime OST covers, which can be bought with in-game currency. Worth playing just for their music, the game has an expansive music library that has 60 tracks ranging from pop to rock. Adjusting the tempo and difficulty in live modes makes the game accessible to beginners and veteran players alike, and if you’re in the mood to team up with strangers or friends, you can go online and play the same song in real time for better rewards in multi-live mode.

I have to warn you though, the game can be quite challenging, even at the easiest level. A fever stage during the chorus triggers a supernova effect on the screen, making it more difficult to see the approaching keys.

Nevertheless, the touchto-the-rhythm gameplay is enjoyable from flick notes and slides, all the way to double hits and basic taps.

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Developers: EA Vancouver, EA Romania Publisher: EA Sports Platform: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Words by Jose Alvarez

Football is a global game—all you need is a group of friends, a ball, two goals, and an imagination. The appeal of football stretches to every country in the world. Stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and others rake in huge salaries due to their ability as players. Neymar is the player with the current world record fee at EUR 222 million (a staggering USD 254.7 million) when he transferred from La Liga’s FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Ligue 1.

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FIFA 19 brings back the usual—Martin Tyler and Alan Smith as commentators and the various game modes (FIFA Ultimate Team, Manager Mode, The Journey with Alex Hunter which was present in FIFA 17 and FIFA 18), and comes with the European competitions fans have demanded for many years: the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup (which is contested between the winners of the Champions League and Europa League). Derek Rae and former Arsenal star Lee Dixon are the commentators for Champions League games.

Some new stadiums are also in the game. All 20 Premier League stadiums are now in the game, along with 16 La Liga stadiums and even three Segunda Division stadiums. The notable absence in the game is FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou, due to the club’s deal with Pro Evolution Soccer 2019. There are some new MLS stadiums as well, including the StubHub Center (home of LA Galaxy) and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (home of Atlanta United FC).

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As for gameplay changes, EA Sports decided to add in the new “Active Touch System” where players can control smaller aspects of the game.

Timed finishing, for instance, allows players to hit kick a second time to determine when the ball is actually kicked. 50/50 battles can be used to take on defenders or stop attackers, while Dynamic Tactics allows players to change tactics on the fly.

For instance, you can swap formations in real-time if your side needs a goal.

The game’s soundtrack still maintains a healthy blend of unknown artists and established ones.

Rappers Childish Gambino and Logic make the soundtrack, as well as alternative band Death Cab for Cutie.

All in all, FIFA 19 tries to make incremental changes by improving the on-the-field play. The efforts to improve gameplay each year are lauded, although it takes more skill to pull off fancier moves.

An interesting addition to the game is the Chinese Super League (CSL), which is the first time the league has been included in the franchise. The CSL has replaced the Russian Premier League in the game. This is notably because the CSL has been growing in prestige and power over the past few years, prizing away players in their prime from more established leagues. Some of these players currently playing in the CSL include former Chelsea player Oscar, former Villarreal star Cedric Bakambu, and Argentine stars such as former PSG player Ezequiel Lavezzi and former FC Barcelona player Javier Mascherano.

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Interviewed by Mia Carisse Barrientos Photos by Theresa Eloriaga

The gaming industry is mostly a man’s world. In this maledominated community however, there are girls who rise to the challenge and show that women can play video games just as hard as men. Among those making a splash in the local gaming scene is ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) ambassador Ann B. Mateo.

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Ann shares that her fondness for video games goes back to days in elementary school. Counter Strike, the title that brought multiplayer first-person shooter games to even non-gamers, was the first title Ann picked up, and as if returning to her roots, CS:GO was also what pulled Ann back into the world of video games.

An ambassador to ASUS’ gaming brand ROG since 2016, Ann was first offered to cosplay as DOTA’s Queen of Pain for one of the brand’s gaming events. Learning that she was new to the gaming scene, ASUS saw it fit to team up with Ann. By decking her out in gear that would allow her to play to the best of her abilities, Ann has successfully become a recognized figure in the gaming industry.

Playing video games and streaming at the same time requires a lot of processing muscle, and Ann’s arsenal is a gamer’s fantasy. Her setup includes the ROG G752 for streaming and the ROG Strix GL503VS SCAR edition for gaming, with the latter getting most of the credit for her victories. She admires the Strix Scar edition’s 144 Hz display refresh rate, RGB backlit keyboard, 8th gen Intel Core i7 processor, and GTX 10-series GPU, all of which give her competitive edge especially in intense first-person shooters.

An FPS enthusiast through and through, Ann displays the grit of a heroine in her PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) games. In her live stream, she hosts custom matches for her follower base and accommodates players who don’t have a squad to play with. Ann also tries to level the field for those new to the game, and help them gain footing in the fierce battle royale arena.

On top of having the privilege of testing out ASUS devices, Ann is also among the first to see new technologies from the brand. ASUS went all out this year, but what caught Ann’s attention are the widely-acclaimed gamers’ flagship smartphone, ROG Phone, and the world’s slimmest gaming laptop, the ROG Zephyrus S GX531. Ann admits that though she’s all for the PC master race, she might give mobile gaming a go now with the alleged game-changing smartphone. With its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor and gamer-friendly design, Ann is looking www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

forward to the different kind of gaming thrill she’ll experience with the device. As a gamer, there’s barely anything she could ask for from the brand but if it counts, Ann would like to see a bezel-less display and hopefully a quad RTX GPU fitted into an ROG laptop soon.

While gaming is not exclusive to men, there are a lot women still hesitant to pick up a console for fear of getting teased or judged by the gaming community. As someone who has been constantly on the receiving end of criticism, Ann encourages women or anyone who wants to take on gaming seriously to just play. People play games because they simply enjoy the rush of excitement it brings.

Forget naysayers and just do you.

The life of a game streamer is a balancing act. Ann has a piece of advice for those who want to get into the same industry, and that’s to manage their time well.

“Align your actions with your priorities, do what needs to be done first, then set aside time to play. If you really want something, just strive for it. Everything starts small. You don’t need to have hundreds of viewers right away. If people find what you do entertaining, success would naturally follow.

But you have to make an effort as well to make people know what you do. If you don’t know where to start, share your content across social media accounts, and find that there are plenty willing to rally behind you.”

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MUSIC CORNER

l a d e P a And : e e r t r a e in a p

Guitar EFFECTS WISHLIST Words by Robby Vaflor | Art by Jael Mendoza

As a musician, I give great importance to depth and emotion when it comes to my playing. Skill is important, sure, but I would prefer notes that ring with feeling over constant virtuoso playing. When playing the guitar, a modern way of achieving this is by using guitar effects. Effects pedals add body, texture and dimension to each note, allowing great diversity in a song without necessarily having to play several different notes played a thousand different ways.

And as a monetarily challenged musician, I concede that guitar effects pedals are actually quite expensive. However, that doesn’t stop me from dreaming of owning awesome gear.‘Tis the season to go big, and big I went with my pedal wish list.

Fender The Bends Compressor

No matter how gentle your touch may be when playing the guitar, you need a compressor. Nope.

Stop saying you don’t—you need a compressor. In its purest form, a compressor controls the output of your instrument, preventing volume spikes and keeping the volume pretty much consistent throughout a song.

And for a compressor, I prefer having a nononsense pedal that does what it’s supposed to do. Part of Fender’s young line of effects pedals is The Bends compressor that does exactly that in an easy-to-use and intuitive package. With four LED-backlit knobs (Drive, Recovery, Blend, Level), musicians can customize the amount of compression to complement their style of playing, enhancing sustains while not sacrificing the quality of notes and chords played as well as personal touches like intentional pick attacks and finger taps.

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Eventide Space Reverb

If you’ve listened to any song made in the last few decades, you’ve probably heard a reverb pedal being used. Reverb refers to “reverberence” or the persistence of sound after a sound is produced. A reverb pedal artificially reproduces a reverberating effect. There are very few better than Eventide’s Space Reverb pedal with true analog bypass.

This thing has so many knobs and switches that it does feel quite intimidating, but as soon as you hear the sound that comes out of it, you’ll be hooked for life. The pedal offers studio quality sound with stereo output featuring 100 presets and a programmable hot switch for even more sound diversity in every song. You can even control the pedal with a dedicated mobile app.

If the Nordic kings of ethereal reverb Sigur Ros have designed presets for the pedal, you know it’s great.

MXR Analog Chorus

Under Dunlop’s MXR brand is the MXR Analog Chorus that pretty much serves as the standard for how chorus pedals should operate and sound like. It uses bucket-brigade circuitry to duplicate your guitar’s signal to produce modulating copies to give players a luscious, shimmering tone.

Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man 1100-TT Analog Delay

Another classic pedal is Electro-Harmonix’ Deluxe Memory Man analog delay pedal. As the name suggests, a delay pedal records a certain segment of guitar playing and plays it back after a certain time, producing an echo-like effect. This specific version is an update on the legend, equipped with tap tempo, expression control and a whopping 1100 ms of maximum delay time. With six knobs (Blend, Gain, Rate, Depth, Feedback and Delay), a tap divide button (for note time values) and an expression mode selector, the Deluxe Memory Man gives a musician so much customizability for delay, creating varied sounds from deep, cavernous echoes to stuttering ping-pongs.

Many famous musicians including Eddie Van Halen have been known to use this particular chorus pedal due to its high customizability, allowing players to fine-tune the level, modulation rate and depth as well as low and high cut out. Perfect when you want to do some post-Demarco single-strumming.

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Fuzz

It’s hard to find an effects pedal (and a distortion pedal at that) that produces such distinctive tones that musicians and bands became iconic for them. This thing belts out such a rich, creamy tone with amazing sustain and has been played by just about everyone including Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Billy Corgan and James Iha, Pete Townshend, Thom Yorke and J Mascis. If you want a fuzz/distortion pedal that has true grit you could almost hear it sing, then this is the pedal you have to have. I know I want one. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

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FOOD

Urban Flavors Food and Events Place Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos Photos by Theresa Eloriaga

Parks are great hangout places.

Throw food and entertainment into the mix, and you get a space that is truly recreational.

Food parks are the latest trend to sweep the food industry. We have seen its rise over the last two years, with new ones popping up on city streets all over the metro. Its success is not so surprising though. People love to eat and go on culinary adventures, so having a variety of food stalls in one place is almost certainly going to draw a crowd.

Urban Flavors Food and Events Place, just blocks away from SM North EDSA and TriNoma, joins the fad and elevates the experience with an airconditioned events area, dedicated parking space, and a stage for live entertainment.

What sets Urban Flavors apart Urban Flavors quietly opened its doors to the public last August of this year. The building complex is located on a spacious lot along Mindanao Avenue—easy to get to if you’re from the QC area. Like most upscale hawkers in the city, it has an

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industrial finish complete with shipping containers and graffiti creatively integrated into its design. The three-storey Urban Flavors Food and Events Place can accommodate 27 food stalls: 22 on the first level, and five more upstairs. One of its unique features is its air-conditioned multifunction area that can accommodate up to 100 people, and can be rented out for parties, gatherings, and other occasions.

One of the challenges of food and events places along busy streets is parking. People rushing in can cause traffic congestion, which could prove problematic for the food hub

and residents in the area. Urban Flavors solves this issue with parking spaces up front, and on the second level for a total capacity of 16 vehicles.

While food places like this are patronized for the gastronomical experience they offer, Urban Flavors adds another aspect to keep customers coming back.

It has a stage for up-and-coming artists to perform on.

The stage opens at 7 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For people seated far from the stage or upstairs, Urban Flavors has installed displays and speakers to let everyone in on the fun.

Colorful food choices As Urban Flavors is relatively new, there are currently seven food stalls operating at the food and entertainment stop.

For Filipino food cravings, there’s Filipino Kuxina Fusion which offers generous servings of favorites such as Kare Kare and Binagoongan. There’s nothing like the flavor of the sea, even more so when it is expertly prepared. This is what Above Sea Level offers with their seafood plate and the famous Giant Butterfly Squid. International cuisine is brought to the park thanks to Chikkin Yuggun for Korean specialty food, Flame and Fries for deep-fried munchies, Crazy Sushi for Japanese delights, and Lola’s Pizza for savory slices with a twist. Puffy’s, meanwhile, is the choice for sweets. It specializes in Hong Kong egg waffles garnished with ice cream, pretzels, and other sugary treats.

Urban Flavors Food and Events Place is open Monday to Sunday from 4 PM to 12 AM. It is located at 18 Mindanao Ave. Project 6, Quezon City.

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Derm care WELLNESS

Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos Photos by Theresa Eloriaga

Three decades of successful business is no mean feat. There are not a lot of brands with this breadth of experience, and in a fickle industry such as aesthetics and wellness, it is an achievement only possible through quality service and customer loyalty.

Dermcare is acknowledged as one of the local pioneers of aesthetic services and is a reputable brand with a presence throughout the country.

The brand was born in 1989, a time when facial services and skin care products were considered luxuries. With the aim of democratizing beauty, businesswoman Zenaida Palisoc ventured to offer affordable, dermatologically-tested products that would help address the varying skincare needs of Filipinos. The business grew, and with the widespread demand for beauty services, Dermcare Professional Skin, Hair, and Spa center was born.

Dermcare offers pampering services from head to toe. Carried out by extensively trained therapists and dermatologists, you could avail of simple to complex treatments for the hair, face, body, legs, and feet. Facials are offered in categories Pimple Control, Whitening, and Anti-Aging. According to Dr. Carol Orate, Dermcare is frequented by customers for their signature diamond peel. An hour-long treatment, therapists subject the face to different, non-invasive procedures to achieve a deep-clean, smooth out lines, and reveal an overall younger, radiant skin.

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Each Dermcare branch has a theme, but all have interiors that make clients feel welcome and facilities that provide utmost comfort.

While Dermcare is already an undisputed name in the aesthetics and wellness business, they continuously strive to better their services. They have a medical and R&D team that looks into consumers needs, enabling the center to make available new products and treatments every year. An example is their new oxygen infusion, a specialized procedure that rids the face of impurities and promotes collagen production for a more youthful glow. Apart from the procedures involved, Dermcare makes use of their own formulation which has been carefully crafted with active ingredients and vitamins to effectively improve the skin’s appearance.

Dermcare partners with e-commerce platforms to constantly introduce discounts, promos, and packages to treat customers with refreshing services at an affordable price. The brand also continues to expand, now with over 50 branches across the country. For customers who avail of packages and suddenly have to travel to another place within the country, Dermcare makes sure that they can still avail of the service at a branch close to where they are.

Customers can indulge at either Dermcare Professional Skin Hair and Spa or Dermcare Luxe. The price for and quality of services is the same across the Dermcare brands but the latter has additional premium treatments. To further incentivize their clients, the aesthetics and wellness center also has exclusive treats to members as a showing that they really do care.

As the diamond peel isn’t necessary for everyone, Dermcare therapists assess every client to determine the service best suited for their skin type. The aesthetics center also offers varied treatments for the body, including relaxing massages and advanced slimming procedures, as well as hair beautifying services.

Rather than crafting services for a niche market, Dermcare treatments are all-encompassing. Dr. Carol shares that they have clients that have been going to them for facials as young professionals, and are still regularly visiting them but now with their own kids who likewise seek professional skincare. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

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Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos

A day in the life of an office worker involves plenty of sitting time—remaining stationary at the workstation typing away on the computer, being seated for hours in a vehicle waiting on the traffic to ease up, and lounging on the couch at home catching up on news and entertainment content. These habits may seem harmless, relaxing even, but in the long run these can cause the body aches and pains, and possibly lead to something more serious like nerve damage if not addressed.

Just recently, Neurobion kickstarted a campaign that acknowledges the Filipino workforce as “True Heroes:” working hard and often suffering the effects in silence. Neurobion Philippines is committed to raising awareness on nerve health and empowering people with neuropathy. To drive this mission forward, Neuromotion “moves to love your nerves” was developed.

The main target of this campaign are those working hours behind a desk--a demographic susceptible to nerve damage. Neuromotion is a mix of basic moves that can help alleviate numbness or loss of sensation, muscle weakness, tingling or pins and needles sensation, burning sensation, and muscle cramps, all of which can be associated with neuropathy or nerve damage.

The new Neuromotion was developed by Neurobion in partnership with fitness and health personality Coach Jules Aquino and was based on fundamental nerve exercises. It features quick, simple, fun, and easy moves you can do in the office, at home, during a commute, and anywhere you find yourself on a break.

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stretch, and slowly bring them forward, down, then back in a circular motion. Do the same clockwise.

Hip twists - facing front, bring your hands to your hips and twist your body to the side so that you are facing either left or right, then front, and to the other side.

Knee rolls - standing up, with either foot, point your toes so that your knee is bent up and slowly make a circular motion. Do the same on the other leg.

Forward lunges - standing tall, legs apart, bring one of your leg forward with a big step, and shift your weight forward. Do the same on the other leg.

“Work schedules can give us little time to care for our health. Knowing this, Neurobion developed The Neuromotion moves for the workforce that anyone can do, in the office or at home, that can

give our nerves a break in a fun, exciting and memorable way,” said Ming Arroyo-Cunanan, marketing head of Merck Inc. “The Neuromotion moves can help us worry less about our nerves and give us more time to do other things” she added.

“We wanted as many people as possible to be familiar with The Neuromotion moves so we collaborated with a recognized fitness personality and top visual performers to create an unforgettable show.” Loy Dy-Buncio, Neurobion’s brand manager said. “People who watch the performance will definitely remember The Neuromotion nerve care moves. It’s only 2 minutes long and can be done by anyone anywhere.”

Neurobion is a specially formulated selection of B vitamins by Merck Consumer Health that helps improve nerve function and health.

Our bodies were designed to move, and working a 9 AM to 5 PM schedule is no excuse to skip exercising. The Neuromotion includes simple moves to help your nerves relax even while seated and only takes 2 minutes away from your day.

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Head bobs - look to your side and push your chin forward until you feel your throat stretch. Do the same on the other side.

Head Swings - while looking to the front, have your chin face downwards and slowly swing your head all the way to one side and to the other side.

Palm twists - bring your palms together, hands clasped, and rotate repeatedly as if making an 8 figure.

Wrist waves - lock your fingers together and create a straight line with your hands, palms facing downwards, in front of you.

Bring either of your elbow up and begin the waving motion from one side to the other.

Shoulder rolls - facing front, bring both your shoulders up until you feel your abdomen

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Mecca

Aesthetic Clinic and Spa Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos Photos by Paula Candoy

In the children’s novel The Secret Garden, young girl Mary discovers a paradise just beyond the garden walls: a place where everything flourishes and wonders present themselves. This is the experience Mecca Aesthetic Clinic and Spa aims to replicate.

There’s a huge contrast between Mecca’s facade and what’s inside. Outside is an inconspicuous commercial building, but enter through its doors, and you find yourself in an oasis. The steps leading up to the entrance are marked with words that hint at the experience that awaits customers.

The reception area is bright, and decorated with typography pieces and comfortable, current furniture. It serves as the starting point of a garden, if you will, and one that you’d be willingly get lost in.

The wellness center has services categorized into facials, non-invasive treatments, and massages. In the same way, Mecca is divided into parts: ascend a short flight of stairs from the reception area and be escorted to an extensive corridor lined with rooms for aesthetic treatments; walk through the other side of the reception and find a hidden staircase that leads to rooms for body treatments. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a few steps from the massage rooms reveals a private theater where you can enjoy a movie, a refreshing drink, and a blissful foot massage.

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Mars Abesamis-Balajadia, owner of Mecca, wants the center to reflect its name: a beauty paradise for wellness and aesthetics. The names of the services at Mecca are trendy and far less intimidating than traditional, clinical terms. While its services are what keep customers coming, the center’s photogenic interiors play an essential role in attracting patrons, particularly millennials. Balajadia worked with interior designers to create a haven in the concrete jungle, making a trip to Mecca Spa akin to vacationing at a resort, with its tropical design and relaxing elements.

Mecca has a number of services available including its popular facial and body peels, but one of its more advanced treatments is its Aqua Peel Facial.

This treatment clears the skin of blackheads, whiteheads, and unclogs pores through a suction system that vacuums out debris and hydrates the face at the same time. As opposed to manual

extraction, this procedure is less painful and more gentle on the skin. The center also prides in its Eximia Lipolifting Treatment which is done through its cutting-edge “sexy in seven days� machine. This has mechanisms that target body fat to tone, contour, tighten, and restore elasticity of the skin. There are also massages and spa treatments for couples and kids, as well as event packages for parties, making Mecca the perfect place for bonding with family and friends.

Of their services, Balajadia shares that she wants customers to come in, be comfortable no matter what their skin issue is, and come out a more confident, relaxed version of themselves.

Opened July just this year, Mecca Aesthetic Clinic and Spa is located at #238 Scout Bayoran st. Tomas Morato Ext., Quezon City.

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Enhancing the Quality of Life Through Technology Interviewed by Mia Carisse Barrientos Photos by Theresa Eloriaga

When it comes to imaging technology, Fujifilm has always had a certain degree of prestige, reliability, and quality attached to its name. This recognition was built through years of unrelenting innovation and outstanding customer service. Even today, Fujifilm continues to create products that enhance the quality of life.

The Fujifilm Corporation has been in business for over eight decades now, an amazing feat that Fujifilm Philippines Inc. president Tomoyuki Fukura attributes to constant transformation through research and development, while retaining the image quality the brand is known for. When their photo business suffered a decline in sales, the brand saw it as an opportunity to branch out and strengthen their product portfolio. Fujifilm’s diversified offerings include imaging products, industrial printers, IT software, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical systems.

In the Philippines, meanwhile, Fujifilm has managed to establish a strong presence in just a span of six years. Year on year, the brand continues to record impressive sales largely due to its expansive lineup of mirrorless and instax cameras. But what most people don’t know is Fujifilm is also being relied on by healthcare professionals in the country.

Medical equipment has long been a part of Fujifilm’s traditional business, with the company having produced x-ray machines since 1930.

The company takes pride in its information systems for healthcare facilities and diagnosis imaging devices. In 2012, Fujifilm acquired the US company SonoSite’s ultrasound business. The acquisition allowed the brand to combine its groundbreaking image capturing and processing technologies with SonoSite’s unique, durable transducers and portable diagnosis tools, creating advanced ultrasound systems that allow medical practitioners to attend to patients, anywhere, at any given time. Apart from growing its healthcare portfolio, this also has further expanded Fujifilm’s sales channels beyond Asia, empowering them to penetrate new markets as well as help more people.

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Fujifilm’s corporate mission is to help improve the quality of life through technology and their medical equipment aids them in fulfilling this. Playing an integral role in the Philippine healthcare system, the machines are very robust and are covered by a 5-year warranty. In the case the devices malfunction and encounter issues beyond customer troubleshooting, Fujifilm will loan clients a unit until theirs are fixed, eliminating possible downtime thus giving medical practitioners more time to save lives. This, supported by Fujifilm’s comprehensive software, Synapse, that can be linked up to existing facilities, helps simplify the complex collation of records by acting as a centralized system through which data are stored and can be easily accessed.

Though the technology behind Fujifilm products is complex, the company sees to it that running the devices is as simple as operating perhaps a point-and-shoot camera. Part of Fujifilm’s service is training and educating clients until they can utilize the devices freely.

Looking forward, Fujifilm is investing heavily on artificial intelligence which would allow them to build smarter, more user-friendly devices and processes. The direction Fujifilm is going healthcare-wise is to develop intelligent systems that are capable of more precise and faster imaging with better contrast to help practitioners quickly and accurately identify problem areas in the body. Fukura notes that when they create technologies, they always put the best interest of their customers first. This is business done right.

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Endoscopy Fujifilm’s endoscopy solutions include not only endoscopes enhanced by imaging technology, but also personalized service and support. The brand offers phone assistance as well as on-site assessment by skillful service engineers.

Currently, there are 10 installations of Fujifilm’s endoscopy solutions including the next-generation ELUXEO 7000 integrated with a 4-LED Multi Light technology to render outstanding endoscopic imaging. The solutions are also equipped with the new LCI (Linked Colour Imaging) and BLI (Blue Light Imaging) modes for accurate visualization.

Ultrasound Systems Fujifilm’s SonoSite combines customer insights with innovative consumer technologies to deliver the future of pointand-care ultrasound. As these ultrasound machines were initially intended for military use, they are compact, allowing them to be carried around with ease and withstand the most grueling conditions. The machines boot up quickly, have built-in instructions healthcare professionals can follow, and boast optimized image reproduction to allow accurate and fast diagnosis. Fujifilm’s SonoSite lineup includes the iViz, Vevo MD, Edge II, X-Porte, and M-Turbo.

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A FAIR oF

SMART INNOVATIONS Words and Photos by Jewel Sta Ana

We recently had the pleasure to attend the Autumn edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair and the 22nd installment of electronicsAsia.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, it’s the largest marketplace for electronics in Asia, and attracts buyers from all over the world. This year, they recorded a total of 14,000 buyers from 64 countries who visited more than a thousand exhibitors.

Believe us when we say that it’s a massive tech fair, covering everything related to electronics, from the smallest wearables to industrial automated robots, 3D printers, and vehicles. The fair is divided in five different halls, each of which showcases various categories in the field of consumer technology. As with the previous installment, what got a lot of the attention was the startup hall, where some of the most groundbreaking products and ideas were on show.

Kitten Planet Co. Ltd

Children often find brushing their teeth arduous.

To make things easy and fun for them, this South Korean digital startup produced a smart toothbrush made especially for kids. Each Brush Monster set has a motion sensor, enabling parents to monitor kids’ brushing behavior through its dedicated dental care app. The toothbrush sends notifications to connected mobile devices and teaches them the importance of dental hygiene, thanks to its cute AR instructional guide covered with colorful stickers that can be accessed in just one tap.

Growgreen Limited

Having a green thumb is a gift, but with this smart planting panel, anyone can now grow their herbs and vegetables in their living room. Providing GMO- and pesticide-free products, the state-ofthe-art veggie grower is developed, researched, and manufactured by Growgreen Limited, a Hong Kong-based enterprise specializing in organic hydroponics. The IoT device encourages people to save money and eat right, nurturing seed capsules automatically using its complementary mobile app. It’s eco-friendly too since it uses reclaimed water for irrigation of plants.

Marvoto Technology (Hong Kong) Limited

For expectant moms, there is no greater joy than seeing your baby’s first sonogram, but as everyone knows, this usually requires them to go and see an obstetrician-gynecologist to get the procedure done. With the Hong Kong brand’s M1 fetus camera, future moms can now check on their baby from the comfort of their home. The first of its kind, this compact ultrasound features an advanced echograph system that pairs wirelessly with iOS and Android devices. An accompanying app then provides live, clear 2D, 3D and even 4D images, thanks to its medical grade volumetric lens. Each package comes with free ultrasound gel, a protective box, and a charger.

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Roborn Dynamics Limited

This Hong Kong-based tech company combines robotics and motion sensors in one revolutionary invention. Targeted for industrial use, the ME-1 is used for performing risky jobs such as disarming bombs, or other tasks like domestic chores.

According to CEO Eden Lu, the robot’s 72 cm arms can be piloted with the use of an automated glove that detects motion wirelessly. It basically mimics complex human actions with a host of sensors and circuits, and is able to replicate the movement of fingers, arms, and shoulders. Users can control Roborn ME-1 for up to 2 hours by connecting it to a mobile device and VR accessories, as long as the devices all have stable access to data.

Cinera Inc.

Virtual reality gear has been a trend of late, but most are primarily geared towards gaming.

So when a group of ambitious entrepreneurs launched a prototype of the personal VR headset for cinephiles on Kickstarter, a lot of investors showed up for the party. The intelligent, Androidpowered goggles are equipped with dual 2.5K resolution screens that deliver your favorite movie or TV series in stunning detail. Its super-wide field of view offers an immersive cinema experience just like as its name suggests, allowing users to watch multimedia content in 3D right from their couch. Should you wish to watch from your Bluray players, PCs, flash drives, or gaming consoles, there are USB, TF Card, micro-USB and HDMI ports that can be found just above the camera, by the controls. For total viewing pleasure, additional accessories such as head mounts, replaceable face cushions, and burden-free lazy pods are also available.

Serafim Technologies Inc.

We’ve been exposed to different smart peripherals, including laser keyboards. Serafim Keybo from Taiwan, however, is far from ordinary.

Portable and futuristic, the universal laser keyboard/piano debuted last year at Kickstarter, and features a round key design for easier typing.

It has a built-in stand for tablets and smartphones, supports up to seven languages namely English, Spanish, Arabic, German, Japanese, French and Chinese; and allows users to play bass, guitar, and drums for up to 10 hours at a time. When used with the company’s local virtual apps, it turns into a gaming controller called Serafim Maker, inspired from Nintendo’s Labo. You can even charge your device by plugging in to the built-in USB port, how cool is that?

Atalon IP Limited

Aside from booze, something that’s always welcome at gatherings are fun party games like beer pong. To make bars more inviting to large crowds, the Chinese company has developed an automatic scoring system for the popular drinking game. PONGConnect is a digital table that uses cutting-edge technology which moderates the whole game and collects data of players worldwide. Adding a modern twist to the drinking game, players can locate PONGConnect players in nearby areas, make their own profile, and challenge top scorers through its mobile app.

They’ve just recently shown up in Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines at BGC. There are a lot of awesome IoT products that we had tested and encountered, so you better watch out for more as we continue our Autumn edition coverage in the next issue.

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Leading by Putting Customers First Lenovo is currently enjoying its position as one of the world’s biggest PC makers, and for good reason. While PCs are its bread and butter, the company is also an established innovator in consumer electronics having a diverse portfolio that caters to different markets. Lenovo seems as if they have it all figured out, and we’re inclined to think they’re right. We got to sit down with Dilip Bhatia, vice president, global marketing, user and customer experience, Lenovo intelligent devices group, and Lenovo Asia Pacific president Ken Wong at the recently wrapped Lenovo Tech Life and IFA in Berlin and learn how the brand does it.

Manufacturing and selling devices at the same time is not a walk in the park. For one, competition is extremely stiff in the saturated market, with hundreds of players vying for a piece of the pie. It’s a process of natural selection: those who remain stagnant inevitably fall through the cracks, those who continue to innovate thrive. The PC space in recent years, has been showing weak growth. We have witnessed the rise and fall of brands, but there are a few that constantly step up to the plate, and among them is Lenovo.

In the first fiscal quarter, they have achieved double-digit growth in revenue, year-on-year, on a global scale. They also enjoy good momentum in Asia Pacific, where they have the number one in market share for PC and tablet.

This amazing performance is a fruit of the company’s transformation efforts. In the past three years, Lenovo’s ethos has been to change from the inside out. From being a productcentric brand, Lenovo has been working on becoming a brand that truly champions the consumers. Lenovo shares that a significant portion of their business success is tied with how happy their customers are, which is why they have been significantly pouring, time, efforts and resources into research. Their research involves extensive observation and intently learning user pain points, frustrations, as well as their likes and dislikes. Insights harvested from these studies are applied in the products that we see now.

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Consumers are overwhelmed by all the different devices from various vendors available on the market. They crave a seamless experience, and it’s easy to get lost when you’re spoiled for choice.

Dilip shares that at Lenovo, they build products around simplicity and innovating with purpose.

On this, Ken notes that, as a brand they understand the consumers need for a more natural interaction. Technology’s created to make life easy, not make it more complicated with complex engineering. How one interacts with a machine should be as simple as talking to a person.

This reflects in products such as the Mirage Solo which not only democratized VR headsets, but also is easy to set up and use. Just put it on, navigate through a few menus, and get going.

Lenovo has also been heavily investing on smart home and smart office, where they just released a slew of products that are very straightforward.

There’s the Lenovo Smart Display, Smart Bulb, Smart Plug, Smart Camera, and Lenovo Link App, all of which are accessible to consumers of all tech levels. You have the Smart Display you can set on a surface, and through which you can connect and control all the other devices without a hitch. Speak a command to it, and the display will perform the required task. Add to this is the new Yoga Book C930 that comes with a second panel that can be transformed into a digital keyboard, a sketchpad, or an e-reader through a single button. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Lenovo has also integrated subtle but noteworthy features in their offerings that improve security and ease of use. Ken states that designing devices doesn’t always have to be rocket science. He shares a story of seeing people carrying around nice laptops, but when they flip these open, the design is ruined by tape or stickers that cover the webcam.

Lenovo addresses this issue with their clever ThinkShutter, a mechanical webcam cover available on the new ThinkPads. Users can slide a built-in switch whenever the webcam is not in use, easily covering it. The new laptops are also able to intelligently track when the eyes of the owner are towards the screen, and lock the device when it isn’t. Another is the knock-toopen feature on the new Yoga Book iteration. A light knock on the cover pops the display open, helping you when you’ve got full hands. These thoughtful little things prove to be efficient and make usage more seamless.

Lenovo’s strategy to win, as Ken phrases it, is to understand their customers. This doesn’t only apply to Lenovo branded products but also in their Legion gaming devices. Dilip proudly shares that, latest reports reveal that, overall, Legion is

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number one in the market. The brand has been doing very well, thanks to their R&D efforts, including a drive where they worked closely with 700 gamers to spend time with them and scrutinize their digital behavior. Ken reveals that 38 percent of the gamers are underserved.

The group, which is mostly comprised of professionals, does not only turn to their gaming device for gaming but for also productivity tasks as well as casual entertainment in and out of their homes. This insight is the reason for the redesign of Legion. The new Legion devices now have slimmer form-factors, sophisticated stylish design, and offer balanced performance that’s tailored for business meetings during the day and powerful for recreational gaming at night.

Lenovo’s unique recipe is creating devices that allow the seamless integration of work and play. They don’t rush to come out with new things until they’ve perfected the experience.

The brand intently listens to customer concerns and these are what customers are going to see in their products and their services. This is how Lenovo comes up with simple-to-use, elegant solutions that offer true value to consumers.

Lenovo’s push around products and services is not only for financial return but, more importantly, it is to make their customers happy.

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Cisco Study Reveals Around 50 Percent of Cyber Threat Alerts Not Addressed by Companies in PH A study recently commissioned by security solutions provider Cisco revealed that companies in the Philippines do not address nearly half of the legitimate cyber threat alerts they receive.

The Cisco 2018 Asia Pacific Security Capabilities Benchmark Study surveyed 150 security respondents across industries and 42 percent say they receive more than 5000 alerts each day. While the Philippines ranks the lowest in Southeast Asia, the real challenge lies in what comes after the alert is received, and how many are actually investigated.

The study shows that on average just 50 percent of the alerts received are investigated by companies in Philippines. Of those investigated, on average, only 30 percent turn out to be legitimate, of which only 51 percent are acted upon and corrected. This suggests that more work is needed to help companies and security professionals in Philippines to tackle the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.

The results of the study highlights the scale of the challenge faced by the companies, with 79 percent of respondents saying their organization has suffered a breach in the past year.

Cyber attacks are also having a significant financial impact. Among those who suffered an attack in the past twelve months, 35 percent say it cost them USD 500,000 or more, while 25 percent say the cost was USD 1 million or more. This includes costs from lost revenue, loss of customers, and out of pocket expenses etc.

“In the Philippines, digital transformation has been a favourite theme for consumers, businesses, and the government. While we have seen many benefits from digital innovation and adoption, it is important to ensure that we have the right infrastructure, processes, and technologies in place that continue to enable and empower digital growth. The ability to tackle the cybersecurity threat is critical on that front,” says Karrie Ilagan, managing director for Philippines at Cisco.

“All stakeholders need to work together in a coordinated manner to achieve this. Businesses need to raise awareness about the issue, have proper processes in place and deploy the right technologies to help identify, block or address any attacks. We need strict regulations that deter malicious actors from taking the risk of launching such attacks. Finally, we need to develop local cybersecurity talent so we have the manpower to support the country’s digital drive in a sustainable manner,” she adds.

Cyberattacks are starting to evolve from just targeting IT infrastructure to attacking operational infrastructure, intensifying the challenge for companies. According to the survey, 19 percent of respondents say they have already seen cyberattacks on their operational infrastructure, 90

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35 percent said they expect similar attacks to take place on them within the next one year.

Given the growing scale of cyber threats, respondents say they expect scrutiny of their security policies to increase over the next one year from all stakeholders, especially their customers who are keen to ensure their data is protected. Among those surveyed, 76 percent say they expect increased scrutiny from customers.

Privacy concerns are also delaying sales for the companies, with 66 percent of respondents saying such concerns are adding time to the sales cycle.

The use of multiple vendors and products is making the challenge more complex. The study shows that 39 percent of surveyed organizations work with more than 10 security vendors, while 41 percent use more than 10 security products or solutions. This creates complexity and increases vulnerability, as having different security products, can lengthen the time to identify and contain a breach. The study highlights that companies are already facing this issue, with 97 percent of respondents saying they find it challenging to orchestrate multiple vendor alerts.

To put this in context, it is estimated that an almost instant detection of a cyber security breach within a large enterprise costs the business USD 433,000. If detection is delayed by more than a week, this figure triples to an average USD 1,204,000.

Based on the findings of the survey, the study has made a series of recommendations that will provide companies with more actionable visibility into the threat landscape, reduce their exposure and improve their security posture: • •

• • •

Adopting next-generation end point process monitoring tools Accessing timely, accurate threat intelligence data and processes that allow for data to be incorporated into security monitoring and eventing Implementing first line–of-defense tools that can scale, like cloud security platforms Employing network segmentation to help reduce outbreak exposures Reviewing and practicing security response procedures regularly

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Moira dela Torre and IV of Spades Perform At Acer Day Digital Concert The top laptop brand in the country, Acer, recently brought two of the most popular music acts together, along with FM radio station Wish 107.5. In line with this year’s Acer Day theme “Play Music Together,” the tech company partnered with Wish 107.5 to hold a digital concert featuring Moira dela Torre and IV of Spades.

Apart from their encore performances, the music icons surprised the audience with their latest collaboration single “Huli Na Ba Ang Lahat?” On-board the famous Wish Bus, the singer-songwriter and pop rock band have played their new song at Eton Centris Walk.

Launched as a way to interact with customers around the globe, the second year of Acer Day has offered a lot of fun activities, including promos and discounts on their selected products.

“As artists, this year’s Acer Day theme ‘Play Music Together’ really spoke to us, and we’re grateful that Acer Philippines trusted us to bring to such a powerful message to life,” shares Moira dela Torre and IV of Spades. “In this song we hope to show that good music can result from even two seemingly different genres, which we think is what Acer Day 2018 is all about.”

Wunder Mobility Launches Employee Transportation Services in Metro Manila Strengthening its presence in the Philippines, Wunder Mobility—the Hamburg-based technology company behind the urban carpooling app Wunder Carpool—recently added a new service to its portfolio: employee transportation shuttles. One of the first customers for the new service is Nowcom, a leading BPO in Ortigas with more than 400 employees. As a step towards their future mobility portfolio, Wunder and Nowcom collaborated with Marubeni Corporation, a Japanese trading company and investor in the project.

Nowcom has been using Wunder Shuttle in Metro Manila since last June. The shuttles are available in multiple areas within Metro Manila. Mobile technology guides drivers according to passenger demand. Employees have responded positively to the introduction of the new shuttle service, reducing the commute time by 44 percent, and recording employee satisfaction nearly at 100 percent.

“The pilot started with the morning shift. Now, we are discussing implementing the services

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for the night shift, which lacks more reliable and safe transportation options”, complements CEO of Nowcom, Jay Kamdar. QA engineer Josephine Cabrera from Nowcom affirms the service improved her commute to the office: “Commuting has never been easier and more convenient, especially during rainy season when

transportation is especially complicated. Drivers are courteous and informative.”

In the future, Wunder Mobility would like to create a mobility ecosystem including specialized vehicles to provide even more comfort and convenience to passengers.

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Cashalo Offers Personalized Financial Services to Filipinos

Oriente Express, a JG Summit Holdings Inc. subsidiary, has recently launched a new mobile application that will provide on-demand lending and other personalized financial services to millions of unbanked and underbanked Filipino consumers and MSMEs. As a financial mobile app, Cashalo provides consumers the access to multiple purposed-based financing options such as small cash loans and consumer goods financing services.

The app ensures 24/7 service, offering the lowest interest rates in the market at 3.95 percent and real-time credit scoring. Leveraging the Fintech industry in the country, Cashalo also offers fast, paperless customer approval in as fast as 10 minutes. Just a few months ago, it initially rolled out a beta version to teach and empower Filipinos in handling their finances.

It has three revolutionary major features: Cashaloan, CashaQuick, and Cashacart that give

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secure credit scoring alternatives by using mobile technology. Cashaloan lets users borrow money any time, whether it be for tuition fees, household expenses, specific consumer goods, emergencies, or to start and grow their small businesses via Cashalo’s mobile app. It also allows them to keep track of their loan application status and repayment schedule. Meanwhile, CashaQuick allows consumers to access a loan amount as small as PHP 1,500, with just one valid ID. The offline-to-offline (O2O) consumer financing product Cashacart, however, has been in pilot since August, and enables consumers to purchase multiple products across their 250 partners without a credit card. Among these brands are Oppo, Cherry Mobile, Memoxpress, Robinsons Appliances and Robinsons Department stores.

Present in the event are Cashalo general manager Hamilton Angluben with Oriente co-founder Geoffrey Prentice, JG Summit Holdings Inc. president and CEO Lance Gokongwei, and

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ inclusive finance advocacy office acting deputy director Joyce Suficiencia.

“Cashalo believes in purpose-based lending and has refined its suite of innovative products based on feedback from tens of thousands of consumers.We’re excited to roll-out the Philippines’ first-ever, digital basket finance solution CashaCart in the Philippines and allow more Filipinos to elevate their financial well-being,” said Hamilton Angluben, general manager of Cashalo.

At the core of Cashalo’s unique product offering is the company’s ability to build on the technology infrastructure of Oriente. Leveraging this, Cashalo’s own credit engine is able to collate and analyze a variety of alternative data signals including social consumer behaviour, enabling it to develop reliable alternatives to risk and credit assessments in real-time.

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RCBC Partners with The Nationals to Empower PH eSports

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) teamed up with the country’s first-ever franchisemodel mobile and desktop e-sports league, The Nationals. This partnership is RCBCs way of recognizing the electronic gaming community as one of today’s fastest growing e-commerce markets.

To address in-game purchasing issues, RCBC introduced the MyWallet Virtual Card. This reloadable Visa prepaid card allows gamers to buy ePins, DLCs and other upgrades online for their favorite games, even without a credit card. The MyWallet Virtual Card has no monthly maintaining balance and users can be assured of security as they can top it up with as much cash as they’re comfortable with at any given time.

With RCBC supporting The Road to Nationals, an event held at the recently concluded ESGS 2018, every participant got to register their own MyWallet Virtual Cards when they signed up for the tournament.

The MyWallet Virtual Card is available to anyone looking for a safe and convenient payment solution for shopping online, booking flights, to even paying bills.

Applicants can easily sign up for a MyWallet Virtual Card via the RCBC online banking website for free.

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RELIC

THE TYPEWRITER Words by Jose Alvarez

One of the major inventions in history was the printing press. It allowed publishers to roll out copies of books quickly at a far lower cost than writing each one by hand. While this was around 500 years before the movable-type printing press in Europe, technological advances have led some tech historians to believe that the typewriter was invented no less than 52 times in various forms and shapes.

The invention’s beginnings can be traced back as far as 1575, when Francesco Rampazetto invented a machine that could be considered the first typewriter, the scrittura tattile (writing touch). By 1714, inventor Henry Mill obtained a patent for a typewriter-like machine. The machine was actually created. Writing during the time, the patent said, “He hath by his great study and paines & expence invented and brought to perfection an artificial machine or method for impressing or transcribing of letters, one after another, as in writing, whereby all writing whatsoever may be engrossed in paper or parchment so neat and exact as not to be distinguished from print; that the said machine or method may be of great use in settlements and public records, the impression being deeper and more lasting than any other writing, and not to be erased or counterfeited without manifest discovery.”

Italians would go on to dominate the invention of the typewriter in the early 19th century. One type of typewriter, invented by Agostino Fantoni, was specifically designed for the blind in 1802.

Pellegrino Turri invented a typwriter that used carbon paper for ink in 1808, although it is not clear if he made it for a blind friend of his or improved on Fantoni’s design. By 1823, Pietro Conti di Cilavegna created the tachograph. However, the modern typewriter itself came to an unusual form factor: the Hansen Writing Ball, produced by Rev. Rasmus 96

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Malling-Hansen of Denmark in 1865. This was the first typewriter manufactured commercially, and it came in the shape of a ball. This was commercially sold in 1870 and Malling-Hansen even won awards at the 1873 and 1878 world expositions in Vienna and Paris.

a very huge step forward; removing the direct mechanical connection between the keys and the element that struck the paper. It remained popular in the first half of the 20th century, with IBM and Remington Rand becoming the leading producers of typewriters.

The Sholes and Glidden typewriter was the first one to look like what we know to be the typewriter. It was invented by American inventors Christopher Latham Sholes, Frank Haven Hall, Carlos Glidden, and Samuel W. Sole in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1878. Sholes himself did not even use or recommend his own invention, saying it looked like “a cross between a piano and kitchen table.” The invention was the first to use the term typewriter, and had the modern QWERTY keyboard layout we see on our keyboards today.

By the 1980s, demand for electronic typewriters flourished, with some models even having a floppy disk reader and a small screen. Personal computers and printers largely took over for typewriters by the late 1980s, however, typewriters have somehow survived into the 21st century, largely due to government agencies, once again showing the lag between government and technological innovation. Latin America and Africa still use mechanical typewriters to this day for lack of access to electricity in some areas on those continents. An interesting setting where typewriters are still used is correctional facilities, where prisoners are prohibited from using computers or telecommunication equipment.

The Remington No. 2 in 1878 was also the first typewriter to use the Shift button, which allowed differentiation between uppercase and lowercase letters, and integrated the use of special characters such as the percent (%) and ampersand (&) buttons.

By the early 20th century, typewriters also had the Caps Lock key and Tab keys. The electric typewriter was introduced at the turn of the century as well, but it was not until 1914 that James Field Smathers developed the power-operated typewriter. He sold the model in 1923 to the Northeast Electric Company of Rochester. Electric typewriters made

The typewriter was a very important tool in advancing both personal and business communications throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries, and its legacy lives on in our modern-day keyboards. Much of the mainstays of our keyboards (such as the Shift, Tab, and Caps Lock keys) date back to the development of the typewriter. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph