Prime One Productions, stylized as POP, is a student-run production house popping with creativity and energy. Founded and composed of passionate junior Thomasian Communication students, POP prides itself on being in the lead for producing high-quality content that entertains Thomasians while navigating the ever-growing media landscape.
This year, the Communication and Media Department of the University of Santo Tomas will stage CommTV, a third-year interclass competition, as part of their TV Production course supervised by Asst. Prof. Faye Martel Abugan, MA. This will serve as a platform for catering to students’ passions and highlighting their creative minds in Broadcast Media. In line with this, POP will produce two shows—Tiger Decodes and Tiger Idol.
Tiger Decodes is an escape room game show that challenges Thomasians’ knowledge about the rich history and culture of UST. Five players locked inside a den will be hunting for clues and solving puzzles with the goal to escape and win the prize. Thomasian experts and professionals will also be invited to explain the relevant information pertaining to the university found in the said puzzles. The show aims to educate people about UST’s rich history, foster its heritage, and show how it has become vital in shaping the identity of Filipinos in a fun and unique way.
On the other hand, Tiger Idol is a reality television singing competition program within the university that searches for the rightful singer to be crowned as the first-ever Tiger Idol. Undergoing various musical showdowns and challenges, aspiring Thomasian singers from the four corners of UST will use their golden voices to prove that one of them has whatever it takes to get the prestigious title. Tiger Idol shall give a snapshot of how rich the university is in musicality and performance, cultivating greater appreciation and support for UST’s local talents.
Both of the shows cast Thomasian talents, engaging with Thomasians both online and on the ground. The first show, Tiger Decodes aired last April 15 for its first episode while Tiger Idol will air on May 6 only at UST Tiger TV’s Facebook Page and across the TV sets around the university campus.
For more updates regarding the two shows, follow Prime One Productions on their social media accounts:
Gogoro Philippines, a leading brand and technology leader in battery-swapping ecosystems for smart electric two-wheel vehicles that enable sustainable mobility solutions for cities, has unveiled its latest product that may just get your pulse racing.
Gogoro Pulse, branded as the world’s first Hyper Electric Scooter, promises to redefine the landscape of urban transport with its cutting-edge features and unparalleled performance. It stands out as the pinnacle of innovation in Gogoro’s electric Smartscooter lineup, boasting remarkable advancements that position it as one of the most advanced electric vehicles globally.
Engineered with precision and designed for excellence, the Gogoro Pulse is set to become the highest-performing vehicle in its category.
Key features of Gogoro Pulse include:
H1 Hyperdrive Engine
Setting a new standard in electric vehicle propulsion, this revolutionary motor features a Launch Control mode that allows riders to harness its full potential. With a remarkable 8.0kW output, it propels the Smartscooter® from 0 to 50 kph in a mere 3.05 seconds, with capabilities extending to speeds well over 100 kph. Equipped with a dual cooling system, this engine ensures optimal performance with every ride, delivering an unparalleled experience of power and efficiency.
AeroForce Design Concept
Signaling the future of electric mobility, the design ethos of the Gogoro Pulse blends minimalist style with functionality, evoking the image of a blade slicing through the air. At its core, the AeroForce Design directs air to cool the engine and minimize drag and turbulence. The result is an Ultra Aero-Efficient body design that not only enhances engine performance but also promises a smoother and more efficient ride for Gogoro Pulse riders.
Panoramic 10.25 Inch HD Touch Display
The Gogoro-developed Smart Cockpit with iQ TouchHD is the first two-wheel vehicle in the world to be powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon QWM2290 digital chassis. This expansive waterproof touch display transforms the riding experience by offering an array of features. From detailed ride information to customizable rider modes, precise turn-by-turn navigation, and a selection of captivating personalized themes, it ensures that every aspect of your journey is enriched. Immerse yourself in unrivaled clarity and intuitive control, elevating each ride into an unforgettable adventure.
Active Matrix Light
With an expansive 80-degree angle and an impressive 14,700 Cd (candle power), the Active Matrix Light sets a new benchmark for enhanced visibility on the road. Equipped with cornering assistance illumination and a high-speed mode that adjusts to riding speeds, it provides unmatched illumination in various riding conditions. Utilizing this advanced lighting system, riders can navigate with confidence, ensuring safety and clarity throughout their journey.
HyperCore Chip
Experience exceptional computing speed with the HyperCore Chip, enhancing the efficiency and functionality of the IQ Touch, HD display, Matrix Headlight, and overall vehicle performance. This cutting-edge technology ensures lightning-fast responsiveness, delivering precision and reliability with every interaction.
Scooter Key in Apple Wallet & Apple Find My Integration
Pulse also includes Gogoro’s scooter key in the Apple Wallet app and Apple Find My feature integration. With the scooter key in the Apple Wallet app, Pulse can seamlessly and securely lock, unlock, and start with a simple tap of an iPhone device or Apple Watch device. With Apple Find My feature integration, Pulse riders can locate their Smartscooter via the Apple Find My app.
Availability
Available in striking White, Silver, and Grey color options, the Gogoro Pulse Ultra variant will be available in the Philippines on a reservation basis only. Prices start at PHP450,000, with financing plans to be introduced soon.
The Gogoro Network
Gogoro Smartscooters is powered by groundbreaking battery-swapping technology that allows users to swap depleted batteries for fresher ones in a matter of seconds through the Gogoro Network.
Since Gogoro’s launch in December 2023, it has set up seven GoStations around Metro Manila. GoStations can be found at The Globe Tower in BGC, Taguig, Puregold Parañaque, Puregold Makati, Phoenix Gas Station Shaw, U.P. Town Center Quezon City, White Plains-Quezon City, and Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig. New stations are expected to open along C5, EDSA, Makati, and Alabang, with many more coming soon.
Gogoro offers a choice between two energy plans: Plan 799 for up to 420kms and Plan 999 for up to 700kms per month.
Experience Gogoro Smartscooters and battery swapping by taking a test ride at the Gogoro Experience Center in Greenbelt 4, Makati City. Book a test ride, dive deep into Gogoro Smartscooter features, and feel the thrill of riding the world’s most advanced electric two-wheel vehicles.
To learn more about Gogoro Philippines, visit the Gogoro Experience Center or check out https://www.gogoro.com/ph/.
vivo is committed to making a splash with their exciting announcements this year! Along with vivo’s launch of Y100 on April 27, it announced a meet and greet event with Asia’s Multimedia Star that will surely make summer extra special.
As vivo’s ambassador since 2022, Alden Richards will meet his fans and the vivo community, sharing laughter, taking selfies, and creating cherished memories together.
Don’t miss this golden opportunity to connect with Alden and experience the cutting-edge features of the vivo Y100.
Boasting a powerful 5000mAh battery and 80W fast charging, the vivo Y100 keeps on-the-go individuals like Alden powered throughout the day.
Its 120Hz AMOLED display with 1200nits peak brightness and dual stereo speakers with up to 300% audio booster offer a cinematic experience.
It also has a stylish photochromic design, a color-changing effect on the back panel when exposed to UV light or sunlight in seconds.
With 8GB RAM, up to 256GB storage (expandable to 1TB), and a starting price of PHP12,499, the vivo Y100 combines performance and affordability seamlessly.
Here’s how you can join the meet and greet event:
Purchase the vivo Y100 from any vivo concept store or kiosk.
Share your excitement on Facebook, X, or Instagram by posting a photo of your newly purchased vivo Y100 using the hashtags #vivoY100xAlden and #vivoMeetAndGreetwithAlden. Make sure your post is set to public.
Stay tuned as vivo announces 10 lucky fans on May 3, 12 PM via vivo’s social media pages. Winners will also receive a confirmation email serving as their entry pass to the venue.
The meet and greet with Alden Richards is a celebration of the vivo community and the connection it fosters between the ambassador and the fans.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the vivo family or a newcomer, as this event promises to be a celebration of technology and entertainment.
Keep your eyes peeled and your calendars marked! Gear up to join Alden Richards and vivo for an electrifying experience that’s bound to leave a lasting impression.
Follow vivo on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and be sure to turn on notifications so you won’t miss announcements or details about the most awaited meet and greet.
With the increased acceptance of cashless payment methods among stores and merchants nowadays, CIMB Bank Philippines, the most awarded digital-only commercial bank in the country, stresses the importance of smart and secure online banking habits now more than ever.
Results from the latest Consumer Payment Attitudes study by digital payment leader and CIMB’s longtime partner Visa showed that going cashless continued to gain momentum in the Philippines. Of the Filipinos surveyed, 43% shared that they now carry less cash in their wallets because of the growing habit of using cashless and contactless payments.
CIMB believes that we all as individuals have a part to play in effective cybersecurity, and it is possible to bank and disburse money safely by practicing good online banking habits. Check out the list below and see which of your own online money habits may need some updating:
Use strong passwords and change them regularly
Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Utilize a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, special characters, and even phrases. Remember to regularly update your passwords as well to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Stay alert to scams
Be vigilant against phishing, vishing, and smishing attempts. Scammers often use deceptive emails, calls, or texts to steal sensitive information. Remain cautious and skeptical of unsolicited communications.
Stick to using secure networks
Avoid accessing your online bank accounts on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, like those free connections offered in malls, cafes, and other public spaces. Only use connections you trust for your online banking activities to prevent hackers from intercepting your data.
Transact through official platforms only
To ensure safety, conduct all transactions and interactions exclusively through official app stores and websites. Third-party platforms may compromise your security and expose your personal information to risks, so avoid using them.
Activate multi-factor authentication
Whenever possible, activate multi-factor authentication for your accounts. This extra layer of security adds an additional barrier against unauthorized access to your accounts, as it requires multiple forms of verification.
CIMB Bank PH encourages Filipinos to take charge of their accounts and bank responsibly so that they can focus on attaining financial security and helping them live their life purpose. To open your own CIMB account, all it takes is a few minutes via the CIMB mobile app. Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old need to prepare only one valid ID. Having an account gives you access to CIMB’s groundbreaking deposit and loan products as well as special offers with record-breaking high interest rates.
CIMB Bank PH is a digital-only commercial bank and is part of the Malaysia-based CIMB Group, the 5th largest bank in ASEAN. To learn more about CIMB Bank PH’s innovative products and offers, visit cimbbank.com.ph
A recent study by Lenovo has revealed a notable divide between CEOs and CIOs concerning the strategic deployment and scaling of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within companies. This issue emerges amidst the rapid AI adoption in ASEAN markets, including the Philippines, where AI has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of about 40%.
Driven by a fear of falling behind competitors, many executives are aggressively pursuing AI integration, resulting in plans to increase AI spending by 45% in 2024 compared to the previous year. CIOs, however, are grappling with more immediate operational challenges such as cybersecurity, and talent retention which are further complicated by emerging technologies like Generative AI (GenAI). With limited budgets and a risk-sensitive outlook, 9% of CIOs even view AI initiatives as a potential distraction.
Lenovo’s comprehensive survey involved 900 IT and business decision-makers and was particularly focused on the impact of GenAI. The study provides critical insights as to why there are differing outlooks within the C-suite regarding the technology’s potential and challenges. Some of the key insights from the study include:
Surge in AI Investment: Companies are significantly increasing their AI budgets, with a 45% rise in spending, indicating a rush to capitalize on AI technologies.
Mixed perceptions about AI’s potential: While 46% of CIOs believe in AI’s transformative impact, their enthusiasm is tempered by practical considerations of deployment and effectiveness.
CIOs’ reserved stance on GenAI: Despite the excitement around GenAI, it ranks only fourth on the technology priority list for CIOs, who remain cautious about its current stage of maturity and integration challenges.
Preference for secured cloud environments: A significant 69% of CIOs prefer hosting AI workloads in non-public cloud environments, indicating a strategic preference for controlled, secure computing spaces.
Challenges in securing AI talents: About 45% of CIOs report difficulties in hiring for AI-related roles, which is crucial for driving AI innovation and implementation.
“We recognize the challenges that come with adopting AI as much as we also acknowledge the immense potential it can bring to our business and people,” says Michael Ngan, general manager of Lenovo Philippines. “As the landscape of AI rapidly evolves, it’s imperative for organizations to navigate the complexities with a unified vision,” he shared.
Lenovo’s solid infrastructure solutions, together with a vast network of independent software vendors (ISVs), guarantee seamless and adaptable AI implementations suitable for companies of varying sizes. Moreover, through Lenovo’s AI Innovators Program, a collaboration with leading software partners, Lenovo delivers tailor-made, ready-to-implement AI solutions that span the entirety of customer operations.
Last year, the global service provider unveiled its comprehensive vision “AI for All” at the 9th Global Tech World Event in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.lenovo.com/ph/en/.
When you think of summer, exploring under the sun and having fun with your family and friends come to mind. This season, let GCash be the gateway to more unforgettable moments because, with the country’s top finance super app, you can enjoy the best that the season has to offer through the hottest deals in dining, shopping, travel, and more.
Going cashless this summer has never been easier thanks to GCash. Whether you want to purchase travel insurance, pay hassle-free at millions of merchants, or pay abroad with just one tap, GCash makes it easier to have everything you need.
As you keep using GCash this summer, you just might be one of the winners at the Shake It, Win It raffle! Earn raffle tickets with every transaction worth at least PHP100 when you Pay or Borrow with GCash, and you might just be one of the winners of exciting prizes like GCash credits, exclusive vouchers, brand-new gadgets, or the grand prize of free trips to top local and international destinations.
But that’s not all! Whether you’re treating yourself to a delicious meal or refreshing your wardrobe with the latest fashion trends, GCash lets you enjoy the best that the season has to offer every day as you unlock these exclusive deals for your enjoyment the whole month of May! Here’s how:
Treat your taste buds to delicious meals and pay with GCash to enjoy more savings at your favorite restaurants, including:
Angel’s Pizza
Get 30% off on Medium Pizzas when you pay via GCash at Angel’s Pizza.
Tien Ma’s
Get a free dessert at Tien Ma’s when you pay via GCash for your bill! Available for a minimum spend of PHP500.
Figaro
Get a free medium iced caramel macchiato for every minimum spend of PHP350 paid with GCash.
Foodpanda
Get PHP100 off with a minimum spend of PHP1,299 on your first order on foodpanda with GCash. Learn more through this link.
Achieve your summer OOTDs, accessorize your home, and treat yourself to the latest gadgets while enjoying exclusive deals and discounts when you pay with GCash at these merchants:
Huawei
Grab up to PHP4,000 off on Huawei’s best-selling products when you pay with GCash via the official Huawei Lazada Store.
TikTok Shop
Enjoy free shipping on your order when you Pay Online with GCash in TikTok Shop.
Edamama
Enjoy up to PHP600 OFF on baby must-haves when you shop at Edamama! Pay Online with GCash and get big discounts when you check out using the following codes:GCASH2024 to enjoy PHP600 OFF with 3,000 minimum spend. Available for new users.GCASHMAMAFS for FREE shipping with a minimum spend of PHP2,000. GCASHSAVE for 15% OFF for first-time subscribers.
Executive Optical
Get up to 50% off on exclusive frames when you pay via GCash at any Executive Optical branch.
Embark on unforgettable adventures and explore new destinations with GCash and enjoy seamless booking experiences as well as discounts on flights and accommodations on these platforms:
Sunlight Air
Fly to Discoveries this summer when you book your flight via Philippine Airlines and Pay Online with GCash to enjoy 10% OFF on roundtrip base fares with code GCASH10. Check out the PAL x GCash Mega Summer deals through this link.
Airswift
GET 10% OFF on Weekdays max of PHP1,000, 20% OFF on weekends max of PHP2,000, and PHP2,000 OFF with min. spend of PHP10,000 (Travel Period until Dec. 31, 2024)
Agoda
Get 8% OFF on Agoda Worldwide Hotel Bookings when you pay with GCash. No minimum spend and no cap on the discount.
Philippine Airlines
Buy 1, Get 1 on one-on-one bowling game when you Scan to Pay with GCash at SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM City Clark, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City, or SM Lanang.
SM Bowling
Buy 1, Get 1 on one bowling game at the SM Game Park Just Scan to Pay with GCash at SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM City Fairview, or SM CDO Downtown during operating hours.
SM Game Park
Buy 1, Get 1 on one bowling game at the SM Game Park Just Scan to Pay with GCash at SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM City Fairview or SM CDO Downtown during operating hours.
SM Skate Park
Buy 1, Get 1 on a 2-Hour Skate Pass when you Scan to Pay with GCash at SM Megamall or SM Seaside City.
Stay connected wherever you go while enjoying these promos when you pay with GCash:
Globe Prepaid
Get a free voucher with GO+99. Register to Go+99 via GCash and automatically redeem your free voucher for SM Malls Online & more!
Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi
Get 10% off FamSURF199 from May 7-10 and May 28-31 via GCash Buy Load. Get 10% off FamSURF999 from May 12-25 via GCash Buy Load.
Globe Roaming
Get P50 instant cashback when you register to Roam Surf 999, 1599, or 2199. Available for Globe Prepaid and TM.
Viu (via Alipay+)
Get 1 month Viu Premium Subscription for only PHP26! Claim this exclusive promo via A+ Rewards on the GCash app.
Let GCash be your passport to the most rewarding summer yet. Download the GCash app today and make every payment more rewarding. Tara, Summer Na with GCash!
Traditional education models have inherent limitations. Lengthy lectures and extensive reading assignments often lead to disengagement among students, resulting in limited effectiveness in adequately preparing learners for their desired careers. This is particularly challenging for working students who aim to finish their college education but are unable to adhere to traditional models.
In dynamic fields such as Information Technology (IT), the inadequacies of traditional educational systems are glaring. With technology evolving at a rapid pace, skills and knowledge acquired can swiftly become obsolete. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in the workforce underscores the urgency for IT learners to remain competitive in the long run, given the ongoing integration of businesses and technology.
Empowering College Education
In pursuit of evolving education, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), the premier digital-first college in the Philippines with a core focus on the application of technology in business under Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, has leveled up its IT degree program to provide progressive training in line with the demands of today’s professional landscape. Launched in an event held in Rockwell, Makati, MMDC’s new IT program now features two tracks, each with its range of specializations.
Learners in the Development-focused IT program can choose between earning degrees in either Software Development or Network & Cybersecurity. On the other hand, the Business-focused IT Program offers three specializations focused on the strategic application of technology in businesses across various sectors – Marketing Technology, Entrepreneurship Technology, and Data Analytics.
“In this digital age, businesses are harnessing technology to make better decisions and market products and services at a faster pace and in more personalized ways,” said Engr. Dennis Tablate, executive director at Mapúa Malayan Digital College. “Our leveled-up IT program equips students with the technical and soft skills to leverage today’s entrepreneurship, marketing, and data analytics tools, opening them up to more avenues where they can establish and build thriving careers locally and globally.”
Digital Education, Real-World Experience
To help prepare students for the real world, MMDC’s unique Projects, Problems, and Cases (PPC) learning model emphasizes hands-on experiences, problem-solving, and analysis of local and global cases — mirroring the dynamics of modern workplaces. Instead of relying solely on traditional testing methods, this approach prioritizes outputs, aligning with the evolving demands of today’s industries. Designed to cater to all types of learners, including working professionals, this educational model unlocks future career opportunities by fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Learners can expect a challenging yet collaborative curriculum that equips students with the skills essential in navigating complex situations confidently.
In a discussion among Ms. Bianca Gonzalez, MMDC instructional system design director Noel Torregoza, and working student Nico Lim during the launch event, attendees discovered multiple perspectives on how the PPC model develops both the technical and soft skills needed by professionals today.
Ms. Jenny Chua, MMDC vice president for Marketing during the couch discussion
“Educational experiences that are active, social, and engaging lead to deeper learning. On top of developing knowledge and technical abilities, our PPC learning model was designed to foster higher-level thinking, communication, self-management, and leadership skills which are all highly desirable traits to have in the workplace,” said Torregoza.
Stepping Up Together
From left to right: Mr. Nico Lim, BS IT Data Analytics working student, Mapúa Malayan Digital College; Ms. Bianca Gonzalez; Mr. Noel Torregoza, head of Instructional System Design and Academic, Mapúa Malayan Digital College
In celebration of working students across the country, MMDC relaunched Step Up sa Pangarap — a movement that empowers and encourages working students to accomplish their professional and personal goals. Now in its second year, Step Up sa Pangarap aims to showcase the continuously growing community in support of working students across the country.
The movement continues to grow thanks to the efforts of partners across various industries who share the goal of helping working students finish college and get a degree. Through one of MMDC’s partners, Concentrix, new MMDC students can benefit from an exclusive Work and Study Program, offering part-time jobs alongside part-time study opportunities. With salary deduction options aimed at helping learners sustain their education until graduation, the program is designed to provide working students with the support they need to balance education and employment demands.
To help more working students effectively navigate both their professional and student life, MMDC is looking forward to collaborating with more companies in the country for its Work and Study Program.
With the goal to provide working students with easier access to quality education, MMDC has also partnered with GCash to offer Study Now, Pay Later options through GGives – an installment payment service. This gives students flexible payment options for up to 24 months. The linkage between MMDC and GCash has also opened possible internship and employment opportunities for learners in the Number 1 Finance Super App based on average monthly active users.
These programs and initiatives are grounded in MMDC’s mission to create a better college experience that acknowledges the needs of today’s students and professionals, as well as the challenges hindering them from accessing the benefits of a quality college education. By continuously innovating, modernizing learning methods, and enhancing access to learning and development opportunities, MMDC aims to support working students as they contribute to nation-building efforts aimed at fostering a stronger economy and building a better country.
In today’s digital jungle, keeping your digital assets — be it your personal information, streaming preferences, or work-related data — as safe as your vault is non-negotiable. For the digitally savvy, this means wrapping a robust, encrypted barrier around your web activity, much like a virtual fortress. Enter the VPN (or Virtual Private Network) — a solution that continues to evolve with each passing tech milestone, and staying a step ahead is what sets the fortress from the frail. Tech enthusiasts and VPN users, read on to understand why this is so crucial.
The unwavering importance of tech literacy in cybersecurity
The global tech landscape experiences tectonic shifts more frequently than we’d update our smartphone apps. But for those who rely on VPNs, being aware of, and adapting to, these shifts is akin to being tuned in to a constantly evolving self-defense curriculum. Without this literacy, users risk becoming prey to outdated security protocols, leaving sensitive data vulnerable. A technologically literate VPN user is a secure VPN user — a point that can never be overstated.
Recent developments and their ripple effects on VPNs
Recent tech milestones, such as the quantum leap in 5G infrastructure, AI’s groundbreaking impact on threat detection, and the growing number of security-focused browsers, have redefined the benchmarks of digital security and performance. Each one of these advancements has a direct implication on VPN functionality, from seamless integration with AI-controlled systems to leveraging 5G’s lightning speeds for seamless, uninterrupted connections.
One particularly potent advancement is the rise of the ‘Zero-Trust’ model, epitomized by advances in continuous user authentication. This system operates on the assumption that no identity — internal or external — will be deemed trustworthy by default from within a secure perimeter. A user untrained in this model will likely interact with their VPN user interface in the same way they did five years ago — an eternity in tech years.
Benefits of cutting-edge VPN technology for the end user
Adopting the latest in VPN tech isn’t just a defensive play; it’s a strategic move with a treasure trove of benefits for the user. These include but aren’t limited to, significant upticks in connection speeds and the ability to unblock an unprecedented number of geographically restricted content. Pricing bundles and discounts can have financial benefits for VPN users. Subscribers can save with NordVPN Magnus Midtbø’s deal, Surfshark’s Starter VPN offer, and other enticing offers from other reputable VPN service companies. These attractive offers also help spread the advocacy for private internet access by encouraging more interested audiences to try them out.
Considering the robustness of encryption technologies that modern VPNs now employ, even the most determined cyber adversaries will think twice before attempting to breach your connection —providing a digital peace of mind that cannot be undervalued. For the savviest consumers, this means savings; for individuals who depend on uninterrupted connectivity, it’s a productivity boon.
Staying informed in the VPN tech race: Tips and tricks
Staying ahead in the dynamic world of VPN development requires active engagement. Examining changes in no-log policies, subscribing to industry newsletters, participating in relevant forums, and engaging with VPN users’ communities online are simple yet effective ways to remain knowledgeable. Furthermore, understanding the nitty-gritty of encryption protocols and keeping an eye on the latest VPN features as they roll out can serve as a master class in itself.
The proof is in the (Encrypted) Pudding: Examples IRL
A testament to the benefits of tech literacy can be found in the experiences of various VPN users. Take the keenly aware business traveler, who, with updated knowledge of split tunneling, escaped the speed and security trade-off and accessed global websites as if he were in the comfort of his own office. Or consider the tech journalist who, through diligent following of tech updates, was well-prepared to evaluate and recommend the ideal VPN for both his professional and personal needs.
Their success stories underscore the point: tech empowerment is security empowerment. The extra mile taken to understand and employ cutting-edge VPN technology pays real dividends in user experiences and personal peace of mind.
In conclusion, as we step deeper into a future where our online personas could be at odds with our inherent desire for privacy and security, the onus is on us — particularly the audience of tech enthusiasts — to bridge this gap with vigilance and adaptability. Keeping pace with tech developments in VPNs is no longer optional but an essential habit for those who treasure their online autonomy.
The next time you fire up your device, think not just of the data you defend, but also of the digital strides you might not be taking. Stay informed, stay safe, and remember — your security is as strong as the knowledge that fortifies it.
The UP Broadcasters’ Guild gears up for its month-long silver anniversary celebration with advocacy-oriented events together with its partner community Lakas ng Nagkakaisang Kababaihan.
The UP Broadcasters’ Guild (UP BroadGuild) is a socio-civic organization based in the College of Mass Communication (CMC) at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. Their main goals are to promote media education in student activities with the purpose of community development and to advocate for press freedom through the responsible use of mass communication.
The student formation kicked off its 25th-year celebration on April 25 with a media exhibit tackling celebrity studies in UP CMC, Plaridel Hall lobby.
Consistent with the organization’s dedication to media education, the week-long exhibit seeks to expand people’s understanding of celebrity studies as an emerging field of study in a world where an interconnected media landscape increases the visibility and connection of contemporary public figures.
Members of the UP community also enjoyed free ice cream from UP BroadGuild as a way to give back to the community and to share their advocacies and initiatives.
On May 3, the organization will hold Destino 2024: Timeless, a benefit concert featuring various artists including Hey June!, Waki and the Winstons, Muffin and the Blueberries, Meg Ruiz, and their resident artist Sydney Alipao. The benefit concert will commence at 6pm, at the second floor of Gyud Food Market, UP Diliman. Tickets start at P280 and are available for purchase through the following link: tinyurl.com/Destino2024Tickets.
The concert is a fundraising event for the Lakas ng Nagkakaisang Kababaihan (LNK), an organization advocating for women’s rights based in Pook Aguinaldo, Barangay UP Campus. The same community organization is featured in a documentary produced by Sipat, UP BroadGuild’s official production arm, aiming to support and empower the community of LNK.
The documentary aspires to showcase women’s capability to contribute to society while being a mother, and to deliver a message thatcollective unity and purpose can leave a great impact. It is set to be premiered in Destino, and will be launched on UP BroadGuild’s social media pages a week after.
The organization also aims to reignite its relationship with its alumni through the Alumni Homecoming on May 18. Staying true to their identity and values, UP BroadGuild celebrates this event yearly to ensure that the organization remains close and resonant with its socio-civic ideals.
To cap off its anniversary celebration, the organization will relaunch The Whirl, its official publication arm on May 25, featuring written, audiovisual, and visual artworks by its members.
For more information, visit the UP Broadcasters’ Guild Facebook page, and follow them on Instagram and Twitter @upbroadguild.
There is a saying that travel is the best education one can get. You’re experiencing the world firsthand rather than learning about it in a classroom. You get to see and experience other cultures. The COVID-19 pandemic brought travel to a halt in recent years. While some may see travel as getting on a plane, train, or automobile to go somewhere, travel was not always accessible to everyone. One of the main facilitators of travel, Pan Am, was one of the first international airlines in the world and truly stretched the limits of going anywhere you wanted — if you had the money, that is.
Pan Am started off as a mail and passenger carrier in 1927 between Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba. United States Army Air Corps officers Henry “Hap” Arnold, Carl Spaatz, and John Jouett founded the company as Pan American Airways, Incorporated. However, the public face of the airline was Juan Trippe, who served in various leadership roles in the company, including chairman of the board and president from its founding until 1968. He attended board meetings and held an office in the company until his death in 1981.
While Trippe was the key influential figure in Pan Am — Pan Am had the backing of the United States government and promptly began service throughout North America and South America, opening routes to Mexico City and even as far south as Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile by 1929. The airline began to use Sikorsky flying boats between 1931 and 1946. Pan Am reached the Philippines and Hong Kong by 1936, at a cost of USD950 one way in 1937 (equivalent to USD19,847 in 2023) and USD1,710 round trip (equivalent to USD35,724.75 in 2023). These prices show that travel was still only for the wealthy. Pan Am expanded to Singapore by 1941, cutting travel time from San Francisco from 25 days to only six. Pan Am’s Clippers were also the only passenger aircraft capable of intercontinental travel.
World War II would not slow down Pan Am’s efforts, as they flew over 90 million miles to support military operations. In 1942, the Pacific Clipper completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, becoming the first commercial airline to do so. Pan Am also witnessed a different type of history when passengers were served Irish coffees while waiting for a flight to New York City from Ireland in the same year. After World War II, Pan Am ran into increasing competition, particularly from Trans World Airlines (TWA). While Pan Am bought up smaller airlines and continued to expand its routes after World War II, the jet age would be when it truly flourished.
The jet age for Pan Am began in 1955 when Pan Am placed orders for 20 Boeing 707s and 25 Douglas DC-8s for a total of USD269-million (equivalent to USD3.02-billion in 2023). The first jet flight for Pan Am was between New York Idlewild to Paris Le Bourget in 1958. Pan Am also became a Boeing 747 launch customer in 1966, which showed that the company was serious about not only establishing more routes, but also providing a world-class customer experience. The company carried 11 million passengers over 20 billion miles in 1970 alone. Pan Am was also interested in supersonic travel, but Congress halted funding for American supersonic jets in 1971.
Cracks in Pan Am started to show in 1973 during the global oil crisis. The company heavily invested in Boeing 747s with the expectation that air travel would continue to increase. However, high oil prices and their older fleet, which was less fuel efficient, combined with the drop in demand for air travel, continued to raise operating costs. By the mid-1970s, the company was almost USD1-billion in debt. To further add to Pan Am’s laundry list of issues, they were not allowed to operate domestic flights within the United States, except to Alaska and Hawaii. Juan Trippe coveted those routes since the 1930s, but the Civil Aeronautics Board consistently blocked Pan Am’s efforts to operate within the United States.
The deregulation of the airlines in 1978, which increased competition for Pan Am internationally, would have doomed the company on paper. Pan Am had sold off its office building in 1980, and the acquisition of National Airlines in the same year finally gave them their domestic routes. President William T. Seawell started selling off non-core assets during this time, which continued under his successor, C. Edward Acker. Around-the-world service was discontinued in 1982 when the company ceased flights to Delhi and Hong Kong. The Pacific Division was sold off in 1985 to United Airlines. A 1987 failed corporate raid by the Towers Financial Corporation resulted in Acker’s departure and the appointment of Thomas G. Plaskett as president.
The final blow to Pan Am was Pan Am Flight 103. While Pan Am’s financial situation was looking up by mid-1988, the December 21, 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 resulted in 270 fatalities and a USD300-million lawsuit by the victims’ families. Pan Am also faced fines by the Federal Aviation Administration in 1988, in addition to the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. Plaskett pressed on by attempting to acquire Northwest Airlines for USD2.7-billion in 1989, which failed. Pan Am’s reputation further tanked as the Persian Gulf War raised fuel prices and resulted in more asset disposal and layoffs in 1990.
Pan Am filed for bankruptcy protection in early 1991. Delta Air Lines purchased Pan Am’s remaining profitable assets. The company ceased operations entirely on December 4, 1991. That did not spell the end of Pan Am’s troubles, as the Pan Am Creditors Committee sued the airline for USD2.5-billion. Former Vice President for External Affairs, Stanley Gewirtz, said that Pan Am was “the most astonishing example of Murphy’s law in extremis. The sale of Pan Am’s profitable parts was inevitable to the company’s destruction.”
While Pan Am was the name in international travel throughout the 20th century, questions remain: could better business decisions have saved the company? Would they be as recognized as United, Delta, and other international carriers? Airline deregulation in 1978 forced airlines to compete for routes, but selling off profitable parts spelled disaster for Pan Am. As of 2014, Pan Am survives, but is now owned by ANA Holdings Company, the parent company of Japanese airline All Nippon Airways. While travel is certainly much cheaper nowadays, the glory days of Pan Am paint a nostalgic picture of a world-class flying experience.
Words by Jose Alvarez Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE April 2023 Issue
After a string of premium launches in the vivo V30 and V30 Pro a few weeks ago, vivo has finally launched its upper entry-level offering: the vivo Y100. How does it fare as the brand’s newest affordable device? Find out below.
Design: 4/5
The vivo Y100 is available in Crystal Black and Breeze Green colorways, of which we were able to review the latter. The light green of the back panel features dynamic feather-like visual texturing which dances with the light. The matte-finish of the Fluorite AG back glass ensures a scratch- and smudge-free, but slightly slippery, handling experience. Meanwhile, the camera island is colored in glossy—not feathered—emerald green and features three stacked camera lenses and an LED flash module. The lenses protrude out as to be the first point of contact with the surface when laying the phone screen-side up. Thankfully, the vivo Y100 comes with a free clear case out of the box which provides protection to the great-looking back panel and camera modules, as well as adds much needed gripiness.
Up front is the huge 6.67-inch AMOLED Display with a punch hole camera along the top side and the in-display fingerprint scanner along the bottom. It also comes with a free pre-installed protective film as defense against nicks and scratches. The vivo Y100’s right edge houses the power button and volume rockers; the top has a microphone pinhole and one of the grille-less speakers; the left is bare; and the bottom has the SIM-microSD card combo tray, another microphone pinhole, a USB Type-C slot, and the other stereo speaker, this time with a grille.
Physically, the vivo Y100 comes in either a 163.17 × 75.81 × 7.79 mm form factor for the Crystal Black version, and slightly thicker 163.17 × 75.81 × 7.95 mm for the Breeze Green color. The green one is also slightly heavier at 196g versus 186g for the black palette.
It’s an overall solid design. However, like my gripe with other entry-level phones, the camera island design could have been made more aesthetically pleasing.
Hardware: 4/5
Running the vivo Y100 is a 6-nanometer octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor clocked at a maximum 2.8GHz on the four faster A73 cores and up to 1.9GHz on the four A53 cores. It’s quite decent—not the most powerful chipset out there, but it should handle light gaming and day-to-day use just fine. It is paired with an Adreno 610 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of microSD expandable storage.
Display-wise, the vivo Y100 features a 6.67-inch, 2400 x 1080 FHD+ AMOLED Display with a punch hole “Dotch” cutout for the selfie shooter, pixel density of around 395ppi, a high 120Hz refresh rate, and local peak brightness of up to 1200 nits.
For the cameras, the vivo Y100 has a 50MP main shooter supported by a 2MP bokeh camera, a flicker sensor, an LED flash node, and electronic image stabilization available via the in-app camera settings. Up front, it has an 8MP selfie camera. Videos max out at 1080p 30fps for both front and rear lenses, with a higher frame capture rate of 60fps available at the back but only at 720p.
The vivo Y100 is powered by a 5000mAh battery chargeable with the 80W vivo FastCharge power brick and Type-C Cable. vivo touts it can charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
What stands out with the vivo Y100’s hardware are the dual stereo speakers, which not even some higher spec’d phones have. Combined with the huge screen, it should make the vivo Y100 a great device for content consumption.
User Experience: 4/5
The vivo Y100 encapsulates all you could want in an entry-level phone: decent performance, large and expandable storage, large screen, loud speakers, and fast charging.
For the benchmarks, the vivo Y100 scored the following: 654 on the 3D Mark Wild Life test; 7,671 on the PCMark Work 3.0 Benchmark; 473 on the Geekbench 6 CPU Single-Core test; 1,508 on the Geekbench 6 CPU Multi-Core test; and 380 on the Geekbench 6 GPU OpenCL test. For storage, it scored 390.13 MB/s on sequential writes and 378.27 MB/s on sequential reads using the Cross Platform Disk Test. It’s certainly not the fastest phone out there, but it should get the job done.
And get the job done it did. It is decently responsive, being able to switch between apps fluidly, thanks in part to the 120Hz display refresh rate. Lighter games such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Pokemon Unite, and Asphalt 9: Legends were all easy tasks even on the highest settings. With Call of Duty Mobile and Grand Theft Auto San Andreas: The Definite Edition, settings had to be dialed back to at most medium for the experience to be as smooth as needed for the fast and dynamic on-screen action. Meanwhile, NBA 2K Mobile was just barely playable on the lowest possible graphics settings.
For the cameras, the vivo Y100’s shooters perform decently under good lighting. Meanwhile, shots in darker or mixed-lighting scenarios were not as good, but still usable for casual social media posting. Selfies also turned out quite decent.
In terms of battery life, the vivo Y100 lasted a lengthy 16 hours and 13 minutes on the PCMark Work 3.0 Benchmark with audio at full and brightness at 50%. Charging took around an hour to go from completely dead to 100% using the bundled 80W vivo Fast Charger.
Where the vivo Y100 shines is as a content consumption device. Watching videos on the big 120Hz screen coupled with the dual stereo speakers is great, especially since it gets decently loud without garbling the audio.
Value: 3.5/5
The vivo Y100 is priced at PHP12,499 for the 128GB variant and PHP13,999 for the 256GB option. It’s facing stiff competition in this segment, but it makes a case for itself thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate and dual stereo speakers, which are quite unique at this price point. If you want a portable binge-watching device that can chug along acceptably for day-to-day use, then definitely consider the vivo Y100.
Test it out by visiting your nearest vivo concept store or kiosk, and order it on the official vivo website, and Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok pages. Additionally, keep watch on these links for upcoming sales as you may get the chance to snag the vivo Y100 for even less than the sticker price!
Specifications:
Display: 6.67-inch, 2400 x 1080 FHD+ AMOLED Dotch Display with 120Hz refresh rate
Payroll can be a pain for budding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who are looking to grow their profits, scale their operations, and take their business to the next level. However, while having a functional payroll management system is critical to success, getting there is easier said than done. MSMEs face various hurdles in doing so, including limited human resources, compliance with the maze of bureaucratic regulations, complicated benefit computations, and diverse payroll schedules, among others. These, not to mention the birthing pains of transitioning to a payroll management system. As such, some MSMEs go at it the good old-fashioned way: manual pen and paper processes that take time and effort.
If you’re an MSME on the fence about investing in a payroll management system, you’re in luck. We outline below what makes a payroll management system worth it and what you should look for in one.
1. Automated benefits and taxes calculation
A good payroll management system should, at its very core, enable MSMEs to automatically crunch the government-related mandatories of their employees, including taxes and contributions to social security, state healthcare, and housing, with all computations compliant with regularly updated standards. Such benefit calculations can be complex and may take into account even factors such as location, working hours, and active days. One wrong entry, and you might find yourself in a needless and easily avoidable legal battle. Automated calculations reduce the risk of human error, ensuring accurate disbursement of benefits to employees.
2. Salary and payroll cycle management
Every company has its unique policies and structures regarding salaries and payroll schedule disbursement. MSMEs with more than a handful of employees with different functions will likely have varying payment structures and payroll cycles. Company policies regarding compensation and benefits may also change over time as business health, industry standards, or regulations evolve. Moreover, businesses may have a combination of daily, weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payment schedules. An adaptable payroll system enables MSMEs to easily handle these variances while ensuring that employees are paid the correct amount at the correct times.
3. Embedded and automated human resources process features
Human resources (HR) functions such as attendance tracking, leave management and employee onboarding should go hand in hand with your payroll management system. Integrating these streamlines administrative tasks, reducing manual data entry, minimizing error, and increasing overall organizational efficiency. Moreover, a payroll management system with automated HR features ensures that data related to employee presence management is accurate and up-to-date, at the same time ensuring that payroll calculations are correct and compliant with labor laws and company policies. This seamlessness becomes more critical the larger a workforce becomes.
4. Real-time reports and metrics
Your payroll management system should be able to provide real-time reports and analytics into payroll trends, employee costs, and compliance metrics to enable you to make decisive actions when they count. This is especially important when the MSME is trying to resolve an issue, identify trends with salary-related finances, and optimize payroll processes. By having trends and patterns in payroll data easily accessible, organizations can make adjustments to manage costs, such as adjusting overtime schedules, monitoring labor expenses, and optimizing staffing levels.
5. Easy setup
But what good is a functional payroll management system if it is a pain to set up and is hard to use? Ideally, the payroll management system you start using is straightforward in this aspect, so you can deploy it quickly while minimizing downtime and disruption to your payroll processes. An easy-to-setup system also means less training time, freeing up your HR staff to focus on their other important responsibilities. Lastly, as competition gets tighter and tighter in all business sectors, a quickly installable payroll management system will enable your MSME to better position itself for success.
As a decades-long partner of MSMEs, M Lhuillier knows the struggles that business owners face when it comes to managing payroll finances. In developing its ML Payroll PRO system, M Lhuillier seeks to share its legacy of financial expertise to revolutionize the way MSMEs operate, empowering them by simplifying and automating their critical payroll functions and processes. Not only does the ML Payroll Pro boast of the above features, it also is COMPLETELY FREE TO SETUP and has NO SUBSCRIPTION FEES. What more can you ask for?
For MSMEs looking to explore the advantages of the ML Payroll PRO system, you may contact (+63)947-999-0751 or email [email protected] to discuss how ML Payroll PRO can take your business to the next level.
Amidst the hustle of work and study, there will be moments when we take a well-deserved break to unwind and refresh our bodies and minds. It’s difficult to function when burnout hits, making us feel like walking error machines, or worse, completely zoned out to our surroundings. So, let’s switch gears, round up the squad—or fly solo, whatever floats your boat—and step into an artistic wonderland. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ll share a few awesome spots I’ve scoped out, both in and out of Metro Manila.
Art in Island
Located in Quezon City, this museum stands as the ultimate destination for 3D environments in the Philippines. Art In Island captivates every visitor with immersive art that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. The art displayed in this museum comes to life through projectors, accompanied by immersive sounds and lights, allowing you to fully experience living inside the artwork. Art In Island features 12 different art zones, each showcasing various forms of creativity and expression. You’ll find mirrors reflecting digital art, walls decorated with animated animals, paintings that illuminate in the dark, and a variety of sculptures that invite you to strike aesthetic poses for photos and videos. You’ll also encounter playful art illusions that make you a part of the painting, such as a lady who accidentally throws off her shoe while swinging, and you’ll be the one to creatively interact with the scene.
Exploring this museum is a magical experience; wandering through it opens up a whole new realm of imagination. In every area, your mind engages with the creativity surrounding you, freeing you from unnecessary thoughts and allowing you to relax and be amazed. Personally, I enjoyed my visit to Art In Island so much that I found myself too captivated to take many photos. However, my friend managed to capture me, and the results were enchanting. I faced a dilemma in choosing which photo to post, or even considering whether to update my profile picture on social media.
The entrance fees for Art In Island are as follows: PHP850 for adults, PHP700 for students, PHP600 for kindergarten and grade school students, PHP600 for senior citizens and PWDs, and children under 3 feet tall are granted free admission. In addition to its captivating exhibits, the museum offers an ongoing promo for birthday celebrants, adding an extra touch of magic to your special day. Art In Island is open from 11:00 am until 7:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday, with ticket sales ending at 6:00 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum extends its hours from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, with ticket sales until 7:00 pm.
To reach Art In Island, your main landmark is the Gateway Mall. If you’re near the MRT-3 line, riding it is a convenient way to get to the museum. Take a northbound train and alight at Araneta Center-Cubao station. Inside Gateway Mall, head to the exit nearest the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Once outside, you can either walk through Cubao Expo, as the entrance is inside, or take a jeepney along Aurora Blvd. and disembark at the corner of 15th Ave. Then, walk along 15th Ave. until you reach Art In Island. Alternatively, you can walk to the Rosario Terminal next to the Smart Araneta Coliseum and take a Rosario-Citibank jeep directly to the museum. If you’re driving, finding the museum with Waze or Google Maps is straightforward, and parking is available in front of the building.
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila explores a wide range of artistic genres, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations, showcasing the vibrant creativity of Filipino and international artists. Established in 1976, it has aimed to be a premier destination for contemporary art. Now, it has evolved into a new art space with the mission of “Art for All” in Bonifacio Global City to engage with a broader and more diverse audience. The new Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located inside the MK Tan Centre building and consists of three floors, each with its special theme.
I was able to explore an art exhibition by Annie Cabigting entitled “When We Look at Art…” which extended from the ground floor to the second floor. Through her paintings, Cabigting showcased different individuals appreciating other artworks in their own ways, using her signature photorealist style for which she is known. Looking at the paintings, I couldn’t help but feel like I was becoming a part of their narrative, and it’s incredible how each of her artworks can captivate your imagination and make the art on the canvas feel real. On its third floor, a different exhibition titled “Histories and Horizons: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila Collection” highlighted the works of various artists. My initial impression was one of astonishment at the variety of beautiful artworks waiting to be explored. Even the arrangement compelled me to decide whether to start on the right or left side to immerse myself in every art piece. In this exhibition, every visitor is invited to immerse themselves in the diverse Filipino culture, where mythological creatures, traditions, and the essence of Filipino society converge.
Access to the museum requires a reservation, and this system effectively manages crowd levels across the museum, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for every visitor. Also, if you missed the chance to visit the “When We Look at Art…” and “Histories and Horizons: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila Collection” exhibitions during their scheduled times, don’t worry! The Metropolitan Museum of Manila has a lineup of ongoing and upcoming exhibitions that you can explore on its website and social media pages. The Metropolitan Museum is open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. However, the museum is closed during holidays and other special notices.
For a seamless journey to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, hop on the central route BGC bus from the Edsa Ayala station terminal. Once you arrive at the NutriAsia stop, simply stroll along 8th Avenue until you encounter the eye-catching large yellow and black sculptures, guiding you to the museum entrance. If you have a vehicle, I wasn’t able to determine if there are any parking spaces at the building; however, there are many parking spaces available outside the MK Tan Centre.
Venturing beyond the Metro, the Pinto Art Museum is a sanctuary brimming with artistic treasures in Antipolo City. Housing a vast collection of art pieces and spanning different genres and styles, navigating through the galleries may find yourself turning to a map that is provided by the staff, so you won’t miss any of the hidden treasures. In 2010, the Pinto Art Museum was established to showcase the art collection of Dr. Joven Cuanang, a renowned Filipino neurologist and supporter of the arts. With the belief that art holds a diplomatic connection to various “nationalities, worldviews, and communities.” “Pinto” means “door,” and let me tell you, this art museum has a lot of doors to explore and as you wander through, you’ll find yourself drawn to each door, eager to see what artistic world awaits you to discover.
With a spacious design and aesthetically curated layout in the surrounding nature, the Pinto Art Museum consists of 6 distinct galleries and each is a canvas of artistic narratives. There’s one painting that left a strong impression on me that skillfully evokes complex emotions. Titled “God Bless Pilipinas” by Jojit Solano, this artwork is a profound exploration of societal complexities. Through its intricate details and powerful imagery, Solano was able to capture the essence of societal tensions. Standing before it, I found myself grappling with a range of sentiments, from discomfort to appreciation, leaving a reminder about the power of art to confront uncomfortable truths and inspire meaningful reflections. But amidst the intensity, other diverse artworks can be found within the galleries. With curated sections dedicated to romance, comedy, and scenic landscapes, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the beauty of the artistic world. Plus, if you get hungry from all the exploration, you’ll find a restaurant and a cafe in Pinto Art where you can indulge in a variety of mouthwatering delicacies. From savory dishes to delectable desserts, it can satisfy your craving and fuel your artistic adventures. Apart from its food, the Pinto Art Museum presents numerous picturesque spots ideal for capturing ethereal and unique photos.
The entrance fee to the Pinto Art Museum is PHP250 for individuals aged 18 years old and above, PHP200 for senior citizens, PHP125 for students with valid proof of enrollment, and free for children aged 3 years old and below. As for its operating hours, the museum opens at 10:00 am until 6:00 pm every Tuesday to Sunday. Its admissions are only for walk-ins and no reservations and pets are not allowed. If you’re looking to host a grand photoshoot or plan a magical event, Pinto Art Museum offers its spaces for such occasions. You can contact them via email at [email protected] for your inquiries.
Initially, my mom, my friend, and I planned to commute to the Pinto Art Museum via the e-jeep at SM Megamall’s bus terminal. However, our desire to arrive at the museum early led us to opt for a Grab ride instead, despite the higher cost. Leaving the museum, we decided to be more budget-conscious for our ride home. Here’s a tip: you can hop on one of the tricycles lined up nearby and ask to be dropped off at Robinsons Antipolo. Once at Robinsons Antipolo, you can easily find the bus terminal and board a bus bound for the new LRT 2 Antipolo to Recto. From there, you have the flexibility to disembark at a station closer to your home or your desired transportation hub. For those traveling by car, parking spaces are available at the Pinto Art Museum, although it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot, as it tends to get crowded in the afternoon.
If you’ve been watching the news lately, Boeing has gone from a respected airline manufacturer to a pariah in the media, attracting international attention in the media lately. While the root causes for this transformation go back many years and can even be its own article, some of the headlines include substandard airplane manufacturing by various contractors and subcontractors, trading safety and quality for profits and stock value, and even the death of John Barnett, a former Boeing employee turned whistleblower in suspicious circumstances. But what about when Boeing had a stellar reputation? The Boeing 747 represented a quantum leap in air travel and transportation in general. What made this model so unique, and why is it considered one of the most iconic airplane models in the history of commercial air travel?
First, we must remember that building commercial jets is a multi-year project. Planes can’t just roll off the assembly line and straight into commercial use—the plane must undergo rigorous testing and safety checks before being delivered to airlines. In a typical commercial jet, various companies create airplane parts, which are then sent to the airplane manufacturer for final assembly and delivery to airlines around the world. The Boeing 707, one of the first popular commercial jets, took about four years to go from a prototype to regular service. The 707 was first flown in 1954 and Pan Am started regular service with the Boeing 707 in 1958. The 707 was wildly successful and is credited with beginning the Jet Age of travel. By the mid-1960s, like all things, newer, better, and faster commercial airplanes were in demand, and Boeing stepped up to the plate to deliver.
Building off the “Golden Age” of air travel, Joe Sutter, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime Boeing employee who also helped develop the 367-80 (Dash 80), 707, 727, and 737, was placed in charge of the 747 project as chief engineer and design manager under Malcolm T. Stamper, the head of the 747 project. Sutter was also known as the “father of the 747” as he spent about four years bringing the 747 from conception in 1965 to completion in 1969. The 747, also nicknamed the “Queen of the Skies,” had four engines and could carry up to 366 passengers in three travel classes (usually Economy, Business, and First), and a partial double-deck raised cockpit. At the time, supersonic jets like the Concorde were also in development, so the Boeing 747 was initially intended to be a stepping stone to supersonic jets. The 747 was also designed so that it could also be converted into a freighter airplane. Many variants of the 747 were developed over the years. The 747 and its variants had a maximum takeoff weight of ~377,842.44 kg (833,000 lb), a Mach 0.85 (900 kph or 559.23 mph) cruise speed, and flight ranges up to 12,150 km (7,550 mi or 6,560 nautical miles).
During the final push to deliver the 747 to Pan Am in 1969, Sutter and his team were given only 28 months to design the plane before the end of the year, earning Sutter’s team the nickname “The Incredibles.” There were even reports that Boeing had “bet the company” on the 747’s success to the point where Boeing had to build an entirely new plant to assemble the 747 in Everett, Washington in the United States. This plant is also the biggest building in the world by volume at 13.4 million m³ (472 million ft³). The Boeing 747 project cost USD1 billion (~USD8.46 billion in 2024) and then-US First Lady Pat Nixon christened the first Boeing 747 at Dulles International Airport in 1970. The aircraft became so popular that Australian airline Qantas became the first airline to use only Boeing 747s by 1979.
There were several incidents involving the 747, including four especially infamous incidents. The first was the Tenerife airport disaster in 1977, which involved two colliding 747s in dense fog. This resulted in 583 fatalities, still the most in aviation history to this day. The Soviet Union shot down Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in 1983 when it strayed into its airspace, which also had the effect of United States President Ronald Reagan authorizing GPS, then strictly only for military use, for civilian use. The terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in December 1988 resulted in the loss of a 747 and hastened the decline of Pan Am. TWA Flight 800 exploded mid-air in 1996 due to a design flaw.
The iconic 747 is still in use today, although many airlines have phased it out in favor of newer aircraft. Joe Sutter passed away in August 2016, and the main engineering building for Boeing Commercial Airplanes division was renamed in his honor. In fact, the final 747 was delivered only last year for cargo use to United States-based Atlas Air. While Boeing today is a shadow of its former self due to numerous controversies involving plane quality and safety, the Boeing 747 is a look back at a time when quality, safety, and design made it one of the most iconic names in aviation history.
Words by Jose Alvarez Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE April 2024 Issue
For close to 30 years, South Park has been a staple of animated comedy television. From absurdist toilet humor to satirical commentary on current events, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have given us laughs and laughs. For me, it made me think about the way we view humor to this day. As for video games? Early on, they were hit or miss (mostly miss) with several console and mobile games, but The Stick of Truth (2014) and The Fractured but Whole (2017) had been solid RPG-style games that continued the laughs. Can South Park: Snow Day! be yet another solid entry in the current generation of South Park games?
Snow Day! has you back in the shoes of the New Kid and takes place immediately after the last two South Park installments. A heavy blizzard ensues, with the kids getting the snow day Cartman wanted, and the kids’ imaginations run wild as you play through the game, with the New Kid again at the plot’s epicenter. The rules have changed since last time, so you’ll have to know and get used to them again.
For starters, South Park is always best in 2D, and the move to 3D took me aback. While previous games such as South Park (1998) and South Park Rally (2000) were also in 3D, these games were not well-received. The gameplay often harked back to those games which is why I immediately took a dislike to the transition to 3D. According to Stone himself, moving back to 3D allowed the development team more flexibility in how the game world was built. “Creating a game on a 2D plane is really, really hard when you think about what you have to work with,” he said. While the game uses Unreal Engine, the 3D assets look like something lifted from VRChat or Roblox—a telling sign from a game that has the backing of a powerful brand such as South Park.
You can customize the New Kid in any way you want, including giving the New Kid custom emotes. There are talent trees requiring Dark Matter (DM), which are used to purchase perks, and Toilet Paper (TP), which is used to purchase cards from Jimmy on each quest. You have to use TP at each level as it resets after each run. Don’t like the cards Jimmy gives you? You can bribe him with 75 TP to reshuffle the cards. You can also acquire cards from Henrietta, one of the Goth Kids, which give you pretty powerful non-conformist magic such as being granted 100 TP. DM can be found anywhere in a level, either on the ground, in treasure chests, or as enemy drops (harder enemies award more DM). Platinum Points (PP) can be used to purchase cosmetics for the New Kid.
BS cards can be incredibly useful. Some include granting invisibility or taking out large packs of enemies, but enemies can also get BS cards—one that was incredibly annoying was the inability to use melee weapons, as I relied heavily on them to get through the game. One particularly useful card lets you get more TP from enemies, which allows you in turn to bribe Jimmy to reshuffle the deck in case you want to get a card that suits your playstyle. You can also upgrade your weapons and powers as you see fit.
The humor that made me burst out laughing watching the show and the previous RPG installments is noticeably absent in this game. While I did crack a smile from time to time, nothing really had me bursting at the seams. Thankfully, the game was rather short compared to the other installments, but this was a huge dropped ball for an iconic comedy franchise and reminded me of the time when I saw Space Jam: A New Legacy in theaters—a classic franchise that failed to deliver on the potential it had.
While you can now play with friends, were the sacrifices of story, humor, and gameplay worth it? First, you can join any chapter or difficulty mode if the host made it public. You can also even adjust for spoilers—but in a game this short, would you really need to? While the idea of playing with friends in a South Park game can be fun, the switch to 3D (at least for me) doesn’t make it right, especially with my memories of playing the older console South Park games.
For a great and funny franchise like South Park, South Park: Snow Day! misses more than it hits. You’ll need to be a die-hard fan to really like the game. For those who have followed the show since the beginning, it gets even harder to stomach knowing that this game mimics the old console games. While it’s good for one run, it’s probably best to wash down the disappointment that this game brings with some classic South Park episodes.
Developer(s): Question LLC, Black Forest Games Publisher(s): THQ Nordic Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Words by Jose Alvarez Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE April 2024 Issue
In the scorching heat of the summer season, air conditioners and electric fans work overtime. The satisfaction of feeling a cool air breeze against your skin is an amazing experience. But the following electric bill can be a shock, potentially consuming a significant portion of your income.
The culprits behind the surge in your electric bill are often the inefficient home appliances you have. Luckily, there are smart home appliances that can alleviate this burden. These appliances offer many benefits, from cooking and entertainment to cooling your home, all while keeping your electricity bill manageable.
If you’re new to the world of smart home appliances, then let me welcome you to a more sustainable lifestyle. These energy-efficient solutions are trending as they can reduce energy consumption, lower your electricity bill, and decrease the carbon footprint around your home.
Smart home appliances are equipped with built-in connectivity features that allow you to focus on work or other leisure tasks. You can even connect these appliances to your tech gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops, which turn into remote controllers. But, if you prefer convenience, voice commands offer a hands-free solution. For instance, you can control your home’s temperature with a smart thermostat from anywhere, set your desired comfort level, and receive automated energy usage reports, and even reminders to change its filters.
The realm of smart home appliances extends far beyond the examples mentioned. These advanced appliances can effectively manage every aspect of your household. Consider lighting, for instance. Smart lighting systems can detect activity in an area and adjust illumination accordingly, providing energy efficiency. If you’re concerned about unexpected lighting changes, you can customize your smart lighting system to your preferences.
In terms of security, smart door locks offer peace of mind by automatically securing your home when you leave. Plus, you can manage your smart door’s access control, allowing for playful interactions with friends by giving them unique and quirky passwords to unlock the door.
In the kitchen, smart appliances are designed to make cooking easier and more efficient. For example, smart refrigerators monitor food freshness, create grocery lists, and generate recipes based on your inventory, transforming meal preparation into a seamless and enjoyable process.
Moreover, smart home appliances extend their features beyond the kitchen. From floor-cleaning robots that automatically sweep and mop surfaces to smart laundry systems that optimize washing cycles, these appliances are equipped with advanced sensors. They make household chores effortless, leaving you more time for activities like watching the full first season of The Peaky Blinders on a smart TV. Smart TVs offer many entertainment options since you can connect them to your internet and other smart devices. You can even set a romantic mood in the living room by adjusting the smart lights and thermostat through voice command using the smart TV to watch a romantic comedy movie.
Now, if you’re considering switching to smart home appliances, it’s advisable to approach this gradually. As large appliances for the kitchen and entertainment can be significant investments, it might be easier to start with smaller items such as smart lights, switches, plugs, smart hubs, and of course, WiFi. These small items play a crucial role in your smart home setup, especially the smart hubs and the WiFi. The smart hubs serve as the communicator to your other connected smart home appliances, allowing you to use your voice to give commands to your appliances as you move around your home.
Switching from traditional and inefficient home appliances to smart ones is more than just a modern convenience. It’s a significant step towards a sustainable future. This technology offers countless benefits that extend far beyond mere convenience. You’re not just simplifying your daily routines but actively contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
By minimizing our carbon footprint and reducing energy consumption, we enjoy a more comfortable and efficient lifestyle through energy-efficient functions, remote connectivity, and AI automation of smart home appliances.
Words by Alyssa Joji Silva Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE March 2024 Issue
Ford Philippines celebrated the first launch anniversary of the Next-Generation Ford Territory with an experiential drive around Metro Manila’s heritage sites and cultural destinations.
“Your City Reimagined: Territory Experiential Drive” was a curated city drive experience that took participants on an educational tour through the Presidential Car Museum at the Quezon City Memorial Circle complex which houses a collection of vehicles used by former Philippine Presidents, the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila which exhibits the evolution of human civilization in the Philippines, and culminated at renowned heritage site Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City which brings the well-loved Las Casas experience from Bataan into the city.
Attendees got a private tour of the Presidential Car Museum
Presidential Car Museum
Spearheaded and maintained by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Presidential Car Museum showcases not only the changing styles of our state leaders’ automobiles, but also reflects the varying personalities and socio-economic priorities of each former president. The oldest vehicle on display goes way back to former President Emilio Aguinaldo’s car of choice from the 1920s.
Traditional materials used for basket-making exhibited proudly at the National Museum of Anthropology
National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology features artifacts chronicling life in the Philippines all the way to pre-historic times. It includes the “Palayok Gallery” which showcases our country’s rich ceramic tradition, the “Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery” which spotlights traditional textiles created and worn across the Philippines by various indigenous and cultural communities, and the “Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall” which pays homage to our National Living Treasures, to name a few.
The plaza in front of St. Joseph Chapel illuminated brightly at night
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Quezon City
In an effort to make the famed Spanish-Filipino Houses more accessible, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar opened the doors to its Quezon City location in 2018 and lets visitors witness and experience the majesty of 18th century Philippine architecture up close. Here, guests can tour the premises to appreciate the intricate brick and woodworks of St. Joseph Chapel and dine like an ilustrado of yore or even experience staying the night with your family in your own Spanish stone house at the 2-storey replica of Casa Monroy.
The Ford Territory: A practical and reliable SUV
Through the day-long event, participants got a taste of the ease and practicality of driving the Ford Territory. From one heritage site to another, the drivers experienced its suite of driver-assist technologies including the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert which made changing and merging lanes smoother, as well as its reliable 360-degree camera which helped them navigate narrow roads while better seeing blind spots.
The drive experience was made safer with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go which helped drivers maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front when driving on the freeway. The Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning were also extensively used, as the Territory is equipped to apply a slight force to the steering wheel to prevent it from drifting out of its lane.
Participants also witnessed first-hand the convenience of the Territory’s Enhanced Active Park Assist feature through a parking activity course. With the push of a button and guided steering instructions, drivers saw how the Territory can park itself with ease.
Event attendees drove and rode in style and comfort with the 12-inch touchscreen display with Wireless Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™ capability, rotary e-Shifter, Wireless Charging, and spacious interior and legroom.
Under the hood of the Territory is an EcoBoost 1.5L engine that is capable of up to 248Nm of torque and power of up to 160PS. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Ford’s wet-type Dual Clutch engagement system, drivers found it easy to quickly accelerate on open expressways with improved fuel efficiency. The Territory also has an auto-start stop function, which helps keep more in its tank during stop-and-go traffic.
With a high ground clearance of 190mm, the Territory maneuvered easily through pothole-filled roads. Its four selectable drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain allowed participants to customize their driving experience across various road conditions – whether driving in stop and go traffic, across the open highway, or on hilly terrain.
“We are proud to celebrate the first launch anniversary of the Next-Generation Territory with this unique drive experience that showcased its practical features that make it the perfect daily driver,” shares EJ Francisco, communications director, Ford Philippines and Asia Pacific Distributor Markets. “In this road trip, we were able to explore some of the cities’ most iconic landmarks, experiences, and cultural gems that made us appreciate what they have to offer as tourism hotspots. It was a great day of learning and re-learning about what makes part of our rich history and legacy as a Filipino nation, as well as appreciating what the Ford Territory can offer as a safe, smart and reliable SUV for Filipino customers.”
The Next-Generation Ford Territory at the Quezon City Memorial Circle
Get the Next-Gen Ford Territory with 5-Star Care Package
As part of its commitment to enhance the ownership experience, Ford Philippines is extending an exclusive service package to all new customers of the Ford Territory.
The Territory 5-Star Care Package is offered to all customers getting the Next-Generation Ford Territory Titanium for a limited time only, and will allow them to enjoy 5-year scheduled service plan (SSP) and 5-year emergency roadside assistance on top of the standard 5-year warranty. This comes on top of a PHP20,000 cash discount.
The SSP is a prepaid plan that protects customers from future parts and labor price increases on their periodic maintenance service (PMS). Meanwhile, Ford’s emergency roadside assistance gives owners access to 24/7 support, nationwide towing coverage, minor on-site repairs and other services. Finally, with Ford’s warranty, customers get access to a comprehensive service protection plan that covers parts and labor to repair over 1,000 key components.
The Territory Titanium X variant is also available with a PHP20,000 cash discount on top of the standard 5-year warranty.
“A 5-star vehicle like the Ford Territory deserves a 5-Star Care experience, which is why we’re offering a complete service package to our customers so they can just enjoy the driving experience that the Territory offers with the peace of mind and confidence of owning it,” shares Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines.
Find out more about the Ford Territory by visiting a Ford dealer near you or logging on at www.ford.com.ph.
Durability is not the only integral factor that Filipino homeowners consider when buying home appliances—they seek appliances that strike the perfect balance between functionality and style, allowing them to express themselves fully through their living spaces. The Samsung Bespoke line of home appliances empowers Filipinos to live without compromises, offering customizable options to elevate their personal spaces.
Leveraging over 25 years of experience, Samsung continuously develops innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Filipino homeowners, particularly the desire for durable and stylish home appliances. The Samsung Bespoke line of appliances gives homeowners the freedom to design appliances that best complement their home’s interior design with customizable combination colors.
For instance, the Bespoke Refrigerator modular design concept offers customizable door panels in five different colors: charcoal, white, pink, navy, and sky blue, along with various finishes such as cotta, glam, and satin, perfectly blending with any modern kitchen interior. Additionally, its top-mount freezer offers Optimal Fresh+ and AI Energy Mode, technology that continuously checks the temperature and circulates cool air to ensure food remains fresh while enabling users to save energy and money at the same time.
Meanwhile, the selection of Bespoke Microwave Ovens enables homeowners to enhance their kitchen experience in a way that perfectly suits their cooking needs. The unique Triple Distribution system ensures thorough and consistent cooking, complemented by a minimalist design and a wide range of premium colors—clean white, black, and pink—which homeowners can choose from.
Homeowners can also enjoy the ease of doing laundry with the Bespoke AI Laundry Washer and Dryer, which offers intelligent washing and efficient cleaning with front-load Ecobubble technology. This innovative product thoroughly cleans with a cool wash, while the AI solution ensures the use of just the right amount of water and detergent. The Bespoke AI Washer and Dryer comes in white with a morning blue panel, while the separate washer and dryer come in premium black caviar that seamlessly harmonizes with almost any laundry aesthetic, adding both functionality and style to every laundry room.
Apart from its customizable style, the Bespoke line also offers smart home and energy-saving features, enabling users to maximize control over their appliances and energy usage through the SmartThings App. By upgrading to Samsung Bespoke Appliances, homeowners can create a truly personalized living space through its style and features, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort. This combination of convenience and efficiency ultimately allows for more quality time with families.
To learn more about Samsung’s Bespoke line of appliances, go to https://www.samsung.com/ph or visit any of Samsung’s authorized dealers nationwide.
From the world leader of gaming and PC peripherals, Logitech brings you the G PRO X TKL, a compact and cordless gaming keyboard that’ll give you a competitive edge unlike any other.
Going all out is a must in most competitive gaming environments. The adrenaline and excitement in each session naturally drives you to elevate your playstyle and rise above your peers and competitors. What you need is a gaming companion to help you reach your fullest potential and maximize your efforts. Luckily for you, the Logitech G PRO X TKL can give you exactly that and more.
Made by pros, for pros
Play aggressively with championship-level equipment right at your fingertips. The Logitech G PRO X TKL features dual-shot PBT keycaps, manufactured to ensure maximum durability and prevent wear and tear or fading in the imprint.
The standard layout allows for third-party keycap compatibility and additional media keys to set up your macros and create quick access while grinding, a detail many pro players requested. It also boasts a game mode button and lock function as well as a volume roller for streamlined and focused gameplay.
Choosing to go wireless doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Thanks to LIGHTSPEED wireless, this pro-branded keyboard connects flawlessly to any computer using a single adapter, along with any supported gaming mice.
Its 1000Hz polling rate ensures lag-free performance for up to 10 meters, offering greater responsiveness than standard Bluetooth. Play for hours on end, with the keyboard’s robust 50-hour battery capacity fueling your long grinding sessions.
Take your game on the go
Players can take their game on the go with the keyboard’s nifty carry case. You can even go the extra mile and jazz up your keyboard clicks just the way you like them by picking between Tactile Switches (GX Brown), Linear Switches (GX Red), or Clicky Switches (GX Blue).
The RGB lighting powered by LIGHTSYNC also adds a touch of style to your gaming sessions and makes them feel truly one-of-a-kind.
The ten keyless feature provides more room for mouse movement and comfort, an important advantage for competitive players who rely on quick and sharp flicks and motions. This also allows the keyboard to be compact and travel-friendly, allowing you to easily transport this must-have keyboard into any gaming space.
The smallest setting change can make the difference between victory and second place. In the heat of the battle, a gaming keyboard tailored to your individual preference becomes essential and allows you to fine-tune every keypress to connect your game tactics with in-game actions seamlessly.
Are you looking for a reliable vehicle with all your business ideas in mind? Check out the upgraded features of the all-new Bajaj Maxima Z, “Ang BAGONG multi-purpose partner sa negosyo.”
New DASHBOARD
Are you looking for a sleek-looking dashboard? Look no further! The all-new Bajaj Maxima Z is equipped with SMART DASHBOARD DESIGN—indicators, speedometer, and odometer are integrated into a single control panel. The lighted fuel gauge indicator feature makes estimating your next gas refill much easier, as it provides a more accurate reading. The reliable 3-wheeler is both smart and efficient for your business.
New ENGINE
Lesser MAINTENANCE COST is what you will get with BETTER ENGINE PERFORMANCE, thanks to its single, bigger, and longer-sized spark plug! Through day-in and day-out diskarte, you’ll never go wrong with the excellent performance and cost efficiency of the all-new Bajaj Maxima Z!
New COLORWAY
With all the internal updates, there’s an externally pleasing upgrade with the RED and GREEN colorways, offering more colors to choose from at the same price point of PHP234,888 SRP. Get a feel of the all-new Bajaj Maxima Z for as low as a PHP25,000 downpayment! Click on this link: https://bit.ly/inquirebajajthree-wheelernow or visit the website at www.bajaj.com.ph to check the nearest authorized dealer.
Don’t miss the Bajaj Dagdag Kabuhayan raffle promo, running until May 31, 2024! Purchase your very own Bajaj three-wheeler now for a chance to win the Bajaj Maxima Cargo. The second raffle draw is set for May 8, 2024!
