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JULY 2017
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Maribelle M. Alba Editor-in-chief
The quintessential gadgets girl who loves all things Mac, red, and blingy. In a parallel universe, she organizes motorsports events and professional conferences.
@bellealba
REN ALCANTARA managing EDITOR
PRESY ALBA
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Ren likes puppies, long walks in the park, and zombies. His idea of a perfect day would be a long walk in the park, with a puppy, during a zombie apocalypse. @hisnameisren
In a parallel universe, she’d be a travel writer. In this dimension, she’s a multi-tasker who makes full use of her IT knowledge and her Apple devices to be productive and efficient. She also loves to listen to audiobooks while doing routine stuff like driving or shopping. @presy1121
MIA CARISSE BARRIENTOS
theresa eloriaga
A bibliophile fascinated with tech. Also a walking fangirl dictionary.
An introvert with a happy soul who loves food and cats more than life.
JUNIOR EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR
@theresaeloriaga
@miaissocoollike EDITOR’S NOTE
Everyone could stand to be a little more entertained now and then. The terrible traffic, stress at work, and general malaise can all be made a little better by a fun comedy, a little tear-jerker, or a few hours shooting at aliens/zombies/zombie aliens. We’re no stranger to the different forms digital entertainment takes. We have a very diverse staff with film buffs, musicians, gamers, and couch potatoes, which is why this month, we’ve gone and put together a few words on keeping yourself entertained. If you’ve got some money burning a hole in your pocket, we’ve reviewed some of the best devices available now, so head over to the labs and check out what device you might be taking home next. As always, we hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we had making it for you!
ROBBY VAFLOR
JAEL MENDOZA
Unable to start program:’C:\brain\emotions.exe’ The system cannot find the file specified.
The winter (olympic season) is coming.
STAFF WRITER
Graphic Artist
@jaellaura_m
@afterhourscritic
Ren Alcantara, Managing Editor
gerry gaviola
Ronel BAUTISTA
Cineaste. Audiophile. Gadget addict.
I’m a fountain of blood in a shape of a girl.
staff writer
President & CEO
Sales Manager Account executive
Accounting manager Accounting Staff
Maribelle Alba Marisa Consuelo Carol Agabin Maritess Pascua-Maulion Lorie Bernardo
HR & ADMIN MANAGER Administration Staff
Amy Christine Giray Ramil Almojano Clifford Dela Paz
PR & MARKETING STAFF
Paula Candoy
Legal Counsel
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. 2
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facebook.com/gerry.gaviola.3
JOSE ALVAREZ CONTRIBUTOR
You’ll never find Jose without a controller in his hand—in fact, the WASD keys on his keyboard have been worn out over the years. Aside from games, he also religiously follows several sports, especially soccer, and always has a joke ready to lighten any mood and put a smile on someone’s face. @awperative
Graphic ARTIST
@sailorapollo11
Kate Aquino INTERN
Coloring life with the chaos of trouble.
@kateyaquino
RAFAELLA ALEXA UBALDO INTERN
Shikata ga nai: It cannot be helped @rafaellaalexa
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CONTENTS
JULY 2017
VOlume 17 no. 11 PARADE
Flip through to see the newest tech goodies to hit the shelves.
Oppo F3 Matte Black
Just when you think the F3 couldn’t get any better, here comes a new color.
BE ENTERTAINED
Whatever you do to make time go by faster, we’ve listed devices and titles to help you get by.
Mobility
Cars and bikes speeding through!
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06 26 33 44
22 28 42 62
GADGETSLAB
Save time and stress, find out what’s in and what’s out here.
THe fun starts here Party poopers not allowed.
Acer Computex
The latest Acer has to offer fresh from Taiwan.
Choosing a Fixed-Blade Knife
In the market for a new knife? We’ve got you covered.
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GAMING
Ready your gear, warriors!
WWDC 2017
What’s to come in the World of Apple in a nutshell.
DESTINATION: BOHOL
A haven an hour plane ride away from Manila
Bits and Bytes
Tech happenings in 150 words or more.
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APPS
Here’s a fresh batch of apps you might want to check out.
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The Other “Sides” of Katipunan
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Enterprise
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LaserDisc
Vinyl heaven just along Katipunan.
Suit up, this is going to get interesting.
Shine on, LD.
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PARADE
XPower PB7Q Ultrathin Powerbank
XPower’s PB7Q Ultrathin powerbank is everything you would want in a portable charging device, and then some. The powerbank has a 7,000 mAh capacity through a UL-approved lithium polymer battery. It can charge up to two devices simultaneously, supporting either Lightning or Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 micro USB and Type-C. This allows the PB7Q to be 75 percent more efficient when it comes to charging your device. The 9 mm PB7Q is made of lightweight aluminum alloy for improved portability and build quality.
XPower PB6QC Powerbank
The XPower PB6QC is the perfect power solution for going out. The 6,000 mAh lithium polymer powerbank supports USB Type-C, offering up to 275 percent faster charging than conventional micro USBs. It also features the latest Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology and Bidirectional Quick Charge input and output. Having non-Type-C devices is not a problem as the PB6QC supports micro–USB input. Design-wise, the powerbank sports beveled sides for better grip, a two-texture build, and weighs in at just 121 g.
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Microsoft Xbox One S Gaming Console
Fancy the Xbox platform, but wish it had a little more to offer? Us too. Microsoft has heard our pleas and has seen it fit to give us the Xbox One S. With the updated HDMI 2.0 standard which allows 4K video at a smooth 60 Hz, more storage, and a custom AMD CPU humming along at a speedy 1.75 GHz, the same reliable Radeon GPU, and 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, you have a highly capable gaming machine that also takes care of your other entertainment requirements. HDR video is also supported, giving you a much better viewing experience on supported displays.
Samsung Q8 Curved Smart TV
The next frontier in television has arrived, and we’re here to witness it in all its stunning QLED glory. Samsung has ushered in a new era of television viewing with its QLED TVs. Leading the revolution is the Q8 Curved OLED TV. This gorgeously crafted TV is equipped with a quantum-dot LCD, 4K resolution, high dynamic range, and wide color spectrum. With all these, you are in for a visual feast of enhanced colors, stunning blacks, and striking contrast in every angle. Its no-bezel design, smart capabilities, Dolby Digital Plus audio, Wi-Fi support, One Remote inclusion, HDMI input, and more make this smart TV worthy of taking up center space in your living room.
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Sony Alpha A9
Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera There’s nothing like being able to watch your usual sporting events and to cheer on your favorite players while still getting those perfect winning shots to look back on. Shaking up the field of sports photography is Sony’s new Alpha A9, which promises an unmatched imaging performance. Its blackout-free feature has the ability to do continuous shooting at 20 fps for up to 241 RAW or 362 JPEG images. Its shutter speeds go up to 1/32,000 seconds with silent and vibration-free shooting. Spearheading this is the first of its kind 35 mm full-frame stacked 24.2 MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor that processes data 20 times faster than other Sony full-frame cameras, thus providing higher photo accuracy and 4K video recording. Add to that, it ships with an enhanced BIONZ X chip which helps minimise noise. This mirrorless camera houses two SD card slots, the new Z battery for longer use by 2.2 times, and an ethernet port.
PHP 239,999 (body only)
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Bitool 2.0 Multi-Tool
Back before we even had speech, we had tools. These tools gave us an edge against nature, predators, and the general rough world we lived in. Today, tools are just as critical. If you need to perform a task, but lack the tool to do it, you might as well be in the stone age. Don’t be that Neanderthal. The BiTool 2.0 is a small, magnetic tool kit that gives you a light, an assortment of screwdriver bits, and a ratcheting wrench that changes its head angle to suit the task at hand. It’s compact, lightweight, and has many of the tools you need to get yourself out of a bind. What’s not to like?
JBL EON ONE PA System
The JBL EON ONE lands on Philippine shores fresh from Harman’s announcement of its partnership with Lyric Philippines. This portable PA system boasts of a 10-inch bass-reflex subwoofer and six two-inch drivers, delivering exceptionally defined lows and expressive mids and highs. JBL’s Directivity Control Geometry perfectly spaces and angles each driver to give the best sound quality and extra-wide coverage with consistent directionality. The six-channel mixer provides a variety of connections and supports Bluetooth audio streaming, so you can broadcast whatever you want in the best way possible. With a compact, “All-in-ONE” system, the drivers disassemble and fit neatly in the back of the subwoofer and can be carried with just one hand.
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Moto C
Smartphone Latest flagship phones aren’t for everyone. And sometimes, it pays to save up and use a capable phone that features decent calling and texting with additional features only present when you really need them. Moto C’s specs are just enough to get you through your average day use. It features a 1.1 GHz MediaTek processor, a 5-inch LCD display, 1 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of internal storage. Perhaps its best feature, the phone comes pre-installed with the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system to make sure you don’t get left behind. Generally not bad for an entry level phone, the Moto C is great for those frugal tech users out there.
PHP 3,699
Panasonic EZ1000 Series Smart TV
Take movie nights at home to a whole new level of wonderful with Panasonic’s EZ1000 series of OLED UHD TVs. Tuned by real film-makers through Panasonic’s Hollywood Lab, these slim panels combine the Japanese brand’s 4K Hexa Chroma Drive PRO and the next-gen OLED panel to deliver outstanding color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. Panasonic’s Art & Interior design philosophy allows these sleek TV sets to blend into any home interior with their premium and intricately crafted build. For that heart-thumping surround sound, Panasonic has thrown in a Dynamic Blade speaker to render powerful audio at home in the mix. This line also has integrated quad-core processor, voice control, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, my Home Screen 2.0 interface, and more.
PHP 349,990 (65-inch)
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Panasonic EX750 LED TV
The solid build and sleek form factor of the EX750 may not take your breath away, but it’s quite a looker nonetheless. This LED TV set flaunts a 4K resolution boosted with Super Bright Panel Plus for well-lit images that are sharp and color-accurate. In charge of picture-quality rendering, HDR calibration, 4K upscaling, among others is Panasonic’s very own 4K Hexa Chroma Drive PRO chipset. Meanwhile, color processing is taken care of its built in Studio Color HCX2 processor, for lifelike colors. Rounding out this set are a VR-Audio True Surround sound, my Home Screen 2.0 interface, voice control—through remote control, quad-core processor, and more.
PHP 149,990
Moto E4 Plus Smartphone
With the slew of premium-priced gadgets and gizmos out there, you’d wonder if such a phone with decent specifications and a good enough price exists. The E4 Plus joins the assembly of entry level handsets that prove phones need not be expensive to get a decent performance out of it. The 5.5-inch phone comes equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 427 quad-core CPU. Joining the reliable processor is a 13 MP rear camera, Android Nougat OS, and surprisingly massive 5,000 mAh battery. The E4 Plus is built with the essentials in mind, and doesn’t hurt your wallet with its decent price.
PHP 8,999
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OnePlus 5
Smartphone While everyone was waiting for the big brands to announce their latest flagships, some of us, mostly geeks, were waiting patiently for the David to the big brands’ Goliath. That moment has arrived. The OnePlus 5 finally went public. This quietly powerful handset comes to us with a large 5.5-inch optic AMOLED display at a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels behind Gorilla Glass 5, the lightning-quick Snapdragon 835 chipset, and an octa-core processor ticks along at a top speed of 2.45 GHz. With up to 8 GB (!) of RAM, and 128 GB of storage, a dual 16 MP main camera setup, more software tricks than we have space to mention, and a price tag that’s impossibly low, this is just the giant killer we’ve been waiting for.
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TCL X3 and X2 Smart TV
The X2 and X3 are TCL’s latest additions to its premium XESS series, following the success of the X1. The X3 has a 6.9 mm-thick, curved panel available while the X2 has a 7.9 mm-thick flat panel. Both are available in either 55 inches or 65 inches. The flagship television series features Quantum Dot display technology which delivers an unprecedented 110 percent NTSC color gamut. To make the image quality even better, the X2 and X3 also have Dolby Vision HDR and Motion Estimation and Compensation (MEMC) interpolation, giving improved definition, a better range of luminosity, and minimal motion trails. To go with the impressive video quality, both television sets come with high-quality Harman Kardon sound systems built in. Enjoy your favorite streaming services via the Android TV OS with Chromecast built in. Apps like YouTube and Netflix are available for download via the Play Store.
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Skyworth G6 Smart TV
What makes a television truly smart? A smart TV connects you to the web and allows you access to all there is in it just like your internet-connected smartphone. You get this and more in the Skyworth G6. This Ultra HD 4K TV runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, meaning, you have in your home a gateway to thousands of apps and content through PlayStore and streaming services like YouTube and Netflix. Built right into the remote is a voice receiver which you can speak into for whatever task you want to throw at the G6. Want to play music? Just say it and the G6 will automatically do so. On top of these features, the G6 also comes with built-in Chromecast and DTS TruSurround sound making for a well-rounded smart TV set.
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Acer Spin 1
Convertible Notebook Are you an artist in need of a reliable tech companion? Acer has you covered. The 11.6-inch convertible Acer Spin 1 features a sleek metal chassis and various features to drool over. It is lightweight, portable, and supports Windows Ink through Acer’s Active Stylus 1 for creative users on the go. Under the hood, the Spin 1 is powered by Intel Pentium or Intel Celeron processors and is paired with a 4 GB DDR3L memory as well as a choice of 32, 64, or 128 GB eMMC storage. Apart from firepower, it boasts a crisp Full HD (1920 x 1080) touch-enabled screen with IPS 2 technology, which allows it to render vibrant colors at 178-degree viewing angles. Eight hours of battery life allows users to work, play, share, and draw all day with four versatile modes. To make things more interesting, Acer has also thrown speakers with Acer TrueHarmony technology, Bluetooth 4.0, a USB 3.1 port, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, and a microSD (SDXC) card slot in the package.
Acer Nitro 5
Gaming Laptop Times are tough, but gaming is life. For the gamer on a budget, we present the Acer Nitro 5. Fresh from the booths at Computex, the Nitro 5 packs up to a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD RX 500 graphics card. It also appeals to both the Intel and AMD crowd, offering up to a 7th gen i7 processor, or up to an A10 APU. All support as much as 32 GB of system memory, and 512 GB SSD coupled with a maximum of 1 TB of HDD space, for performance and capacity all in one! On top of it all, you get a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display, and a gorgeous Gorilla Glass panel that serves both as a touch pad, and a means to show off the Nitro’s internals.
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AMD Radeon Vega Frontier Graphics Card
Essential for a smooth workflow is a graphics card optimized for even the heaviest of tasks. Taking graphics and massive dataset processing to the next level, AMD has released a beast that surpasses high standards. Released as the world’s fastest graphics card especially built for learning development and visualization workloads, AMD’s Radeon Vega Frontier comes a great aid to developers, creators, and data scientists who wish to accomplish tasks with ease. The first to feature AMD’s “Vega” GPU architecture,” the Radeon Vega Frontier, coupled with its Radeon Pro Software, enables unmatched performance in machine learning applications, advanced photorealistic rendering, game design, VR creation, and other immersive workflows.
Synology DiskStation DS1517+ NAS
Worry not about storage space shortage with Synology’s DiskStation DS1517+ network-attached storage (NAS) system. This five-bay NAS is powered by a quad-core CPU clocking in at 2.4 GHz with AES-NI extension-equipped, fast hardware encryption hardware. It is available in two standard memory options: 2 GB or 8 GB, but can be expanded up to 16 GB. Its high performance capabilities provide a sequential throughput of 1,165 Mbps read speed and 527 Mbps write speed on a RAID 5 configuration with 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) link aggregation enabled. Each PCIe slot supports standard 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA HDDs as well 2.5-inch SSDs. If five bays are not enough, the DS1517+ allows up to 10 extra drives using two of Synology’s modular DX1517 expansion units.
PHP 46,500
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Moshi Arcus Backpack
Everyone needs a trusty backpack. Moshi’s Arcus multifunction backpack is a full-sized yet lightweight bag that carries all of your gear in style. Its build is inspired by the shape of an arcus cloud, with the rounded top contour forming a crush-resistant compartment for delicate items. Its toploading design unzips to reveal enough space for books and readings, a jacket, shoes, workout clothes, and more. A full-length device compartment, meanwhile, can cradle electronics like laptops of up to 15-inch, tablets, and smartphones. A sideloading panel offers quick access to difficult-to-reach items at the bottom while on the backside, two discreet zippered pockets secure important items such as a passport or wallet close to your body. If you also double as a photographer, you’d be glad to know that the Arcus can likewise turn into a professional camera bag through the Camera Insert, sold separately. Moreover, the Arcus includes an adjustable sternum strap for extra stability and comfort. Attachment points are available on the padded shoulder straps for carabiners, smartphone mounts, or other strap-on accessories.
De Dolomieu Block MacBook Stand
If you were once into the marble design trend for MacBook computers or just simply interested in anything beautiful and elegant, this one is for you. De Dolomieu has manufactured Block, a marble pedestal stand to complement the sleek design of your MacBook. Block is milled from a 14-kilogram, 6-centimeter-thick slab of white marble called Statuario. The marble’s unique design boasting intricate patterns has made the slab popular among manufacturers and consumers. The attention to design is impressive—from Italy to the factory in Germany, the slabs undergo a seven-hour process of transformation. More than being an object pleasurable to one’s eyes, the Block gives a satisfying experience to the user as he lays his laptop perfectly nestled on the smooth and cool hand-polished surface. As of now, only 100 pieces will be released—Block 12-inch (mid-2015 and newer) for MacBook, Block 13-inch, and Block 15-inch MacBook Pros (late 2016 and newer).
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GADGETSLAB
Moto C Reviewed by Gerry Gaviola
It’s 2017 and you’d wonder why phones like the Moto C still come out as new releases. With mediocre specs, an average design, yet an attractive price point, you’d remember why there’s a market for these kinds of entry-level phones; they’re cheap, and are engineered with just the right amount of power to get the average phone user through the day. For frugal people out there, read ahead to see how practical it is to own an entry-level phone like the Motorola C. DESIGN There’s nothing impressive about the Moto C’s design, and the saying that “you get what you pay for” is true especially with this model. The Moto C features a plastic design which passes as average, at best. Up front we have the TFT LCD display with 196 ppi, which is expected of phones within this price point. Despite its low resolution, the phone makes up for it in size with its 5-inch display. With the screen switched off, the black bezels that surround the phone are highly distinguishable from the screen that comes of as distinctly grey. Immediately, this translates to two things: a bad viewing experience when the sun strikes, and an inconsistent design that strays away from a supposedly unified and attractive one. On a positive note, the reflective grey screen comes in handy as a mirror. Also at the front, at either side of the earpiece speaker, is the 2 MP front facing camera and an LED flash. The phone’s edges are curved and provide good enough gripping surface which is a plus for the phone. The Moto C comes with a more than subtle camera bulge. About an inch in diameter, the circular piece where the camera and the flash are embedded is elevated, which makes it quite disturbing. The Moto C’s main speakers are also located at the back, so you’d have to flip it over during song changes or else suffer an even more muffled speaker.
HARDWARE Again, you get what you pay for. The Moto C comes with basic specifications that perform average; a fair outcome for a significantly low priced phone. The Moto C features a 1.1 GHz MediaTek MT6737M quad-core CPU. Undeniably, there is a stigma out there when MediaTek processors are mentioned. With the Moto C being equipped with such, performance is limited to an average level. Though the phone only comes with 1 GB of RAM multitasking is still possible, yet is limited in
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background refreshing. Not at all a surprise, most applications run on the background will become inactive and will require a reload. Right out of the box, the Moto C features 16 GB of internal storage which is upgradable up to 32 GB via a mircroSD Slot. Adding to this is the neat dualSIM feature for communication convenience. Cameras come with average specifications, a 5 MP at the back, and a 2 MP up front. The Moto C, however, makes up for the low megapixel count by adding an LED flash beside the front and back cameras.
USER EXPERIENCE We all heard of the terrors that MediaTek processors are infamous for: the lagging, the crashing, and what not. If you’re going to use the phone only for light usage, then this really isn’t an issue. Using an entry level phone and expecting it to run smoothly just isn’t fair, so don’t expect to play NBA 2k17 at its high, or highest graphics settings. It’s going to hang and lag like crazy, which, then again, is expected. Put on normal settings, however, lag is greatly reduced. If it isn’t obvious enough, an entry level phone limits you to average settings. Right out of the box, it’ll play majority of the applications thrown at it, but at its normal setting. The Moto C runs Android 7.0 Nougat, which is really neat. What is not commendable is its flawed design that’s the culprit for the meager user experience. The phone wobbles when typing on a flat surface which is caused by the huge camera bump. Adding to this is the oh so inconveniently placed back speaker which breaks away from a supposed pleasant sound listening experience. You’d honestly wonder why they even put it at the back of phone. The Moto C still comes as usable, tolerable, and surprisingly reliable for as long as you don’t mess with those settings, and as long you don’t mind its flaws.
Specifications: OS: Android 7.0 Nougat Processor: 1.1GHz MediaTek MT6737M quad-core CPU Storage: 16 GB, expandable to 32 GB via dedicated microSD card slot RAM: 1 GB Screen: 5-inch TFT LCD @ 854 x 480 pixels, 196ppi Sim: Dual (Mirco-SIM) Cameras: 5 MP rear fixed-focus camera w/ LED flash; 2 MP front-facing camera w/ LED flash Comms: 3G/4G LTE/Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/Bluetooth 4.2/ GPS w/ A-GPS, Dimensions: 145.5 x 73.6 x 9 mm Weight: 154 g Battery: 2,350 mAh non-removable battery Connectivity: GSM/HSPA/LTE What’s Hot: - Cheap Price - Android 7.0 Nougat What’s Not: - Unergonomic design - Back speaker placement - Camera bulge
VALUE There are plenty of other entry-level phones out there, but with the Moto C significantly priced low at PHP 3,699, you get what you pay for.
Bottomline
If you’re absolutely frugal and don’t mind being extra patient, buy it.
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Acer V9800 4K Projector Reviewed by Ren Alcantara
TVs are great, but if you’ve ever tried to move a 65inch monster from one wall to another, you know it’s not a whole lot of fun. The solution is simple: get yourself a projector. Acer has just released its latest in a long line of great projectors and it’s a 4K beast. Behold. The V9800. DESIGN There’s not a lot to say about the design of the V9800, except that it’s huge. We’ve had multifunction printers smaller than the Acer’s 22 x 18.5 x 8.5. Still, it’s smaller than a TV, so it’s got that going for it. While projectors are not the most attractive things, being that they are usually boxes, the V9800 is actually quite good-looking. While it is large, it’s curvy, and has a glossy finish that would fit as well in the boardroom as it would in the den. The lens is centrally mounted, with adjustment dials up top, behind spring-locked doors, and all the inputs off to one side, for easy access. It’s simple, just the way I like it.
HARDWARE One of the most important points to consider with a projector is input. This is not lost upon Acer, and the V9800 comes with two HDMI ports (though only one is compatible with 4K), an older VGA in, and the RB 232 control port, if you have any need for that. You also get an input for a wired remote. Although it does come with its own wireless remote, and a mini USB port. There aren’t any regular USB inputs though, so any external media will have to be routed through another device. A sliding side panel reveals controls built right into the projector, so apart from having a remote to control it, you also have the convenience of all the functions, right on the device. This is a big plus, as remotes are not the easiest things to find in a dark room. Should you have the remote in your hand, it’s conveniently backlit, to minimize fumbles.
USER EXPERIENCE I will not lie. I really liked this projector. The first test had me projecting at a plain white wall about 6 feet away from the business end. This gave what I would estimate to be about 45 inches of screen. I plugged in a PS4, which immediately figured out the projector supported HDR, and enabled it. This improved the output tremendously, evening out contrasts and colors. The blacks, while not as deep as I would have liked, were more than adequate to set the mood for The Last of Us, upping the tension significantly over the default display mode. I was able to tweak contrasts and brightness easily thanks to the menu system, which is laid out with ease of use in mind, another thing I appreciated a lot. To really get the test on, I pushed the projector back to get a display about 100 inches on the
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diagonal and plugged in a 4K source. The sight was enough to bring a tear to my eye. 4K on a large screen is a glorious thing to behold, but one that’s painful if your screen isn’t up to snuff. The Acer V9800 performed superbly. The detail, the smoothness, the clarity—It was very impressive. Gaming at 4K on a huge screen is something you have to try, and this is a projector that will do that easy, and at an even larger scale than I could manage at home. Should you have different needs, there are presets, such as Game, Cinema, Sport, and others, which are good places to start. But to really get the best experience, I would recommend going in there and tweaking the output to your own eyes. It’s very easy to do with the remote. Specs online put the output at 2,200 ANSI lumens, which, in practice was about 1980 at full tilt. This is plenty bright, even in a lit room. This might be the reason the blacks are a little washed out, but it’s just me picking nits. They’re more than deep enough for anyone I know. This is more than made up for with beautiful colors and HDR support, so you aren’t going to mind at all, I promise.
Bottomline This projector is going to be hard to beat.
Specifications: Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Standard Mode Brightness 2200 lm Contrast Ratio 1,000,000:1 Throw Ratio: 1.36 to 2.03 (2540 mm@3 m) Minimum Diagonal Image Size: 2413 mm Maximum Diagonal Image Size: 4.57 m Minimum Projection Distance: 4.28 m Maximum Projection Distance: 5.42 m Weight: (Approximate) 15 kg What’s Hot: - Eye-popping detail - Bright, vivid color reproduction - HDR and 4K output What’s Not: - Price - No audio out
For something this large, the fan was suspiciously quiet. You’ll hear it if you’re right next to the machine, but with your audio playing, it’ll be drowned out easily.
VALUE The sticker price on the V9800 is PHP 249,999. This is a hefty sum, sure, but bear with me. You have a 4K projector that’s capable of stunning image quality even upwards of 100 inches, HDR, and gorgeous colors. That’s a fair price to pay for a device such as this right now.
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Samsung Galaxy S8 Reviewed by Ren Alcantara
One of the most eagerly anticipated devices of the year has been on the shelves for over a month now, and it’s selling fast. Maybe you haven’t quite decided if you’re ready to make the commitment. Maybe you’ve just realized it’s time to get a new phone. Whatever the case, we’re here today to take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S8, to see if it’s worth your hard-earned cash. DESIGN Say what you will about the S8, but there’s no denying that it’s a gorgeous device. The glass. The curves. That jaw-dropping display. It’s as much an engineering masterpiece as it is a design one. It’s smooth all over, bears a nice weight to it, and just exudes a feeling of premium. The ads don’t exaggerate. The front of the device looks like it’s all screen, and even the top and bottom bezels are thin enough to evade notice after a while. Speakers, sensors, and cameras blend neatly and quietly into the top bezel, so there aren’t really any unsightly details to steal attention from the screen. The back is just as sleek. There’s a small cluster of camera-related hardware, and aside is the fingerprint sensor. Everything else is gloriously smooth glass. It’s a wonderful thing to hold.
HARDWARE Currently one of the most powerful handsets available, the S8 achieves this title with some rightfully impressive hardware. With an octa-core processor running at a maximum of 2.3 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, and a Mali-G71 GPU, this is a device that can make extremely short work of even several instances of hardware-intensive processes, up to and including gaming, of course. The screen is a massive 5.8-inch screen with beautiful curved edges. It’s a super AMOLED deal with a pixel density of about 570 ppi, and easily the best thing about the whole device. We just can’t understate that. Because of the almost non-existent side bezels, the overall size is kept down, despite the massive display. Sixty-four GB of internal storage might seem a little anemic, but with online and expandable storage, there really isn’t anything to worry about, and it’s water and dust-resistant.
USER EXPERIENCE Where do we even start with this phone? They did so much right with it, but one of the things I love most about the Galaxy S8 is the design. Materials, the shape, the feel—I can’t stop picking it up and playing with it for no real reason except to enjoy how it feels in my hand. The S8 is a premium smartphone, and it knows it. It’s also more than just a pretty face. There was nothing I could do in normal daily use to slow it appreciably. The fingerprint sensor, even though in an odd position, is accurate, though it could be just 24
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a touch faster for such a device. Should you want a little more security, you could also opt to use iris recognition, though it does require you to hold the device up to your eye in a bright environment. It’s accurate as well, though the number of steps required to unlock the device with this method doesn’t lend itself to being used all that often. You first have to hit the power button, swipe up, and stare at the camera. The camera is likewise top-notch. My personal device, the one I actually use to take half-page photos for this very magazine was blown out of the water. Detail is among the best I’ve even had the pleasure of seeing from a smartphone, and it isn’t until you really get in there that you realize an image was taken on a mobile. Colors are vivid, and pop, though tend to be a little over-saturated. Should you want a more compliant file, you could shoot in RAW and even things out in post later. It’s actually worth doing on this device. Have I mentioned the display? Because I feel I have to talk about it again. It’s gorgeous. If you spend a lot of time watching shows on your phone, browsing the Internet, or just generally staring at your device, this might be the best phone to do that on. More than once, I caught myself shaking my head at just how unbelievably nice the display is. Battery life is adequate. There’s a lot of pixels on the screen, and while the AMOLED panel does make up for it a bit, there’s only so much you can get out of a 3000 mAh battery. That being said, it’s actually impressive how long it can go between charges. I unplug in the morning as I get ready for work, use it throughout the day, and don’t really have to plug in unless I have dinner plans. Otherwise, I’m fairly comfortable making my way home to plug in when it’s convenient. Now, a single concern. I am a huge proponent of screen protectors on my phones. You can’t really un-see scratches. This is a little more difficult on the S8, given the nature of its curved display. Using a bare screen, on the other hand, results in fine scratches on either side of the screen, just where the curve begins. It’s not even the large gash a screen would get from keys or coins. The only place I kept the S8 during the test was an otherwise empty jeans pocket, and by the end of the review, I had two parallel lines from top to bottom, so be careful.
VALUE I won’t try to tell you that the S8 is a bad phone— it’s nowhere near that territory. It is, however, an expensive one. At a shade under PHP 40,000, it’s one of the priciest phones available. The question of value here is whether you’re willing to pay for one of the best phones you can buy now, because that’s just what the Samsung Galaxy S8 is.
Specifications: Dimensions: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8 mm Weight: 155 g Build: IP68 certified - dust/water proof over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Display: 5.8-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors Resolution: 1440 x 2960 pixels (~570 ppi pixel density) OS: Android 7.0 Nougat Chipset: Exynos 8895 Octa - EMEA CPU: Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.7 GHz) GPU: Mali-G71 MP20 - EMEA Card slot: microSD, up to 256 GB Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM Main Camera: 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, phase detection autofocus, OIS, LED flash, 1/2.5” sensor size, Secondary Camera: 8 MP, f/1.7, autofocus, 1440p@30fps, dual video call, Auto HDR Connectivity: WLAN/Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dualband, Wi-Fi Direct/hotspot Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX USB: 3.1, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector Battery: 3000 mAh What’s Hot: - Excellent in practically every category - Gorgeous - Have I mentioned the screen? I should mention the screen What’s Not: - Screen is prone to scratches where the curved edge starts - Costs a fair bit
Bottomline It’s beautiful, powerful, and comes with the appropriate price tag. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Sony Xperia XZs Reviewed by Ren Alcantara
Sony has always been at the forefront of devices that are premium beyond all doubt. One of the latest devices they’ve graced the market with is the Xperia XZs, and we were lucky enough to spend some time with it. Here’s what we think. DESIGN This is one of my favorite things about every Xperia device. Design is something on which they put supreme importance, and it shows. This is a gorgeous phone. There aren’t any design gimmicks—no curved screen, second display, or multiple cameras—just an elegant execution of a smartphone in metal and glass. Unlike a lot of other smartphones we have now, the Xperia swaps smooth curves for edges that cuts a sharp, unique profile that I do find quite appealing. It’s uncluttered, and unmistakably Sony. So points to them for keeping their design identity intact. It’s also surprisingly thin. While it’s not the thinnest mobile phone in the market, the height versus the thickness makes it appear slimmer than it actually is. It’s a clever trick, and one the makes the device that much more appealing. This ticks all the right boxes for me: great materials, simple lines, and a premium feel overall.
HARDWARE The XZs might have been launched late last year, but the hardware remains solid to this day. IP68 certification means it stands up admirably to dust and water ingress. The screen, a 5.2-inch affair, is just the right balance of size and pocketability, though the top and bottom bezels do add a little more height that could have been achieved. The screen is a 1080 x 1920 Triluminos deal that is up to Sony’s exacting display standards. It runs the powerful Snapdragon 820 processor, with a quad-core processor running at 2.15 GHz on the top end. The Adreno 530 GPU makes short work of graphics tasks, and the internal storage (up to 64 GB) can be bolstered with a microSD card up to 256 GB large. Four GB of RAM rounds it off nicely, and makes sure you have a great user experience. Security is handled by a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button, so it’s both unobtrusive and intuitive, both important points in a device. The camera is a particular source of pride for Sony. It borrows a lot of tech from their camera line, for some amazing results. Electronic stabilization akin to what they have on their mirrorless cameras, laser autofocus, and a large 1/2.3-inch, 19 MP sensor tip the scales in your favor. Video recording has a super slow-mo feature for anything you need to slow to an absolute crawl. The battery on this Xperia has a capacity of 2900 mAh, which is a little on the small side on paper, but Sony has a few clever tricks up its sleeve to make the device last the whole day.
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USER EXPERIENCE Flagship devices generally all feel the same at this point in time. Everything is fast, fluid, and gorgeous, so it can be hard to tell things apart. Right from its design language though, Sony stands out. Performance is top-notch. While 4 GB of RAM is common this day and age, Sony has software optimizations that take note of the apps you use at certain times of the day, giving them priority over others, and speeding up launch time. This is also one of the tricks they have to stretch the life of the smaller battery. There are other, more long-term solutions for the battery as well. Apart from fast charging, it also keeps track of charging habits, making sure it doesn’t give the phone too much power before you usually unplug for the day. If you have a reasonably new phone with a dead battery, you’ll know the kind of frustration and heartache this feature will save you from. I’m pleased to say that yes, the battery optimizations do work, and quite well. Even with that screen, LTE connectivity, and a long day, I would be able to make my way home after a workday, though with not too much power to spare. The fingerprint scanner, built right into the power button is another feature I think is worthy of note. This way just seems to make more sense to me. Having a single, solid option for waking your device up seems to be much more efficient than having a power button more or less devoted to switching your device on and off. It’s a small design thing, but one I really appreciate. The camera is another amazing feature on the XZs, but that’s no surprise. From the speed at which the predictive auto-focus finds the subject, to the consistency with which it keeps focus on it, the whole affair is impressive. The result is, of course, a photo in sharp focus, with predictably superb color accuracy.
Specifications: Dimensions: 146 x 72 x 8.1 mm Weight: 161 g (5.68 oz) Build: IP68 certified - dust/water proof over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Display: 5.2-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (424 ppi pixel density) OS: Android 7.1 Nougat Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 CPU: Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) GPU: Adreno 530 RAM: 4 GB Internal Storage: 32 GB Main camera: 19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm, EIS (gyro), predictive phase detection and laser autofocus, LED flash, 1/2.3” sensor size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, HDR, panorama Video: 2160p@30fps, 720p@960fps, HDR Secondary Camera: 13 MP, f/2.0, 22mm, 1/3” sensor size, 1080p USB: 2.0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector; USB Host Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 2900 mAh battery
What’s Hot: - Great battery care features - Superb build - Gorgeous Sony styling What’s Not: - Steep price
A feature on the XZs that we just don’t have anywhere else though, is super slow motion. Ever wonder what action looks like at 960 fps? This phone has the answer. I’m warning you right now, you’re going to try to shoot everything in slow motion for the first few hours you have this device. Plan accordingly.
VALUE Quality, particularly Sony quality, does come with a price. The official price of the XZs is PHP 39,990, which is a little on the steep side for many. There’s actually so much going for the device that I wouldn’t feel so bad shelling out that much. Before you pass judgement on my statement, give the phone a try, and then get back to me.
Bottomline If you want to stand out, and have a great-looking phone to boot, this is clearly the way to go.
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Art Direction by Jael Mendoza Photography by Carlo Dans Isidoro HMUA by Patricia Aquino Styling by Paula Candoy Assisted by Theresa Eloriaga Rafaella Alexa Ubaldo Model: Roberta Branquinho of Women’s Folio Management Cover Credits: Outfits from Zalora Philippines, Forever 21, and Topshop
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to hanks ; and t ags and e r a e rw ur b sic hereve ts. In o , books, mu e o do w new heigh n t bil io n o is fu v m ing hing , tele n on somet nt has take le, cameras nd unassum a beautiful d n fi to me ays nso ct a We alw gy, entertain , gaming co into compa s morphed in a lo a d o h m e n ll e tech re ro piece . a cin nd mo shows centre ts are pocke VD player, a living room t display TV mobile s D e in the player, At home, th more than ju s in g e s. o r. nb can d device reatio t bette e that nd rec going to ge a in h t n c e a m m tertain it’s only ge, en hands and a l a it ur dig In this we hold in o s e ic v de www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
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Interviewed by Rafaella Alexa Ubaldo
This month’s covergirl embodies entertainment beyond what the eyes can see. Entertainment is not just looking your best to awe the audience but it should also encompass one’s features like personality, talents and skills. Roberta Branquinho, seemingly laid back in her denim shorts, simple grey crop top and white oxfords, entranced us with her passion for her work and powerful charm. The 24-year-old Brazilian beauty has been modeling for six years. More than being on the covers of magazines or gracing spreads and walking on runways, she is drawn to modeling because it allows her to meet new people. Moreover, she believes that it is a stepping stone to bigger opportunities. With more time in her hands, she is determined to make it big. Travelling is also an interest for Roberta. She has been to 12 countries; six of those were possible because of work. She
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hopes to go on more trips and even explore the Philippines. Although it is only Roberta’s second visit in the country, she gushes about it being her second home. The island reminds her so much of Brazil—the warmth of the people and the hustle and the bustle of the city. Despite arriving a month ago, she has already found friends whom she adores. Most importantly, she loves the modelling culture and hopes to stay here for a while. Like most of us, Roberta enjoys her downtime too. When she’s off-duty, you can find her hanging out with friends, tinkering with her MacBook Pro watching shows or movies on Netflix, as well as running to stay active. Entertainment in this new age involves showing not only what you have and sticking to them but evolving in order to keep up with the fast-paced world we live in. With immense charm, zeal, and drive, Roberta will surely captivate the modeling world and the international audience.
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COVERSTORY
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MOBILITY
Kia Sorento EX 2.2L CRDi AWD Review and Photos by Robby Vaflor
Filipinos have an unspoken romantic relationship with the SUV. It speaks to our flamboyant, family-centric culture—flashy, has a large capacity able to seat seven with room to spare for pasalubong, and not bad in a bit of flooding. And much like the balangay, the communal boat from which the term barangay is derived, the SUV offers comfort on journeys to faraway lands. The Kia Sorento is one such vehicle. DESIGN The Sorento’s exterior sports bold lines and subtle curves. The sides and the rear look clean and smart—maybe a little too clean. The safe, same-y style choices, however, lose out to the devilishly handsome face, with large headlamps tapering towards the three-dimensional diamond grille, complemented by large, imposing fog lamps, all bordered by chrome accents. The modern, urban look is completed by 18-inch alloy rims and a panoramic sunroof. The SUV’s profile is designed to have a lower drag coefficient, and apparently the trade-off is lower
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headroom which, as person only slightly taller than the average Filipino, I found myself almost crouching just to get in the driver’s seat. What the Sorento lacks vertically, however, is made up in girth, as it were. This was one of the few SUVs I’ve been on that could actually fit seven and not just five plus two tiny children. It was a smart decision for the manufacturer to have pullout seats from the boot bed rather than foldout ones. There is just more legroom to be shared amongst the three rows that way. The interior is a mix of leather, chrome, and wood grain laminate accents that run throughout the
whole vehicle including the steering wheel, giving a luxurious feel to the vehicle. Cup holders are abundant, with one on each side of each row as well as two on the center console, next to the gear shift; no pullout ones, however.
HARDWARE The Sorento carries an R 2.2-liter inline fourcylinder, 16-valve DOHC common rail directinjection (CRDi) diesel engine equipped with Kia’s variable geometry turbocharger (E-VGT) and intercooler. This translates to 200 PS of power at 3,800 RPM and a maximum torque of roughly 441 Nm at 1,750 to 2,750 rpm.
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The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a Shiftronic feature and allwheel drive. Suspension for both front and rear is a MacPherson Strut system with a stabilizer and a multi-link, high performance, dual flow damper. Brakes are a combination of ventilated discs for the front and solid discs for the rear. Creature comforts include: full front, middle and rear air-conditioning coverage, and a six-speaker entertainment system controlled by a 3.8-inch, monochromatic (red tint) LCD receiver that supports radio, CD, MP3 and Bluetooth playback, and hands-free mobile connection with a highsensitivity mic.
USER EXPERIENCE In everyday use, the Sorento is a very comfortable drive whether in the city or out of town. Thanks to a powerful engine, and all-wheel drive, I never had to worry about losing push or pull even in steep inclines and sharp turns. Picking up speed even on a full load—seven passengers plus cargo—is not a challenge for this SUV, and when I need to slow down or come to a complete halt, the brake response is superb. Very smooth. Speaking of smooth, bumps on the road felt like soft slopes due to the excellent suspension which passengers have particularly noted
and appreciated. The car is perfect for the disappointingly unmaintained roads of Metro Manila. The handling is great both on dry and damp conditions, and the steering is fairly accurate.
However, the electric power steering could do with more feel, as the wheel seemed tightened to give it more resistance, but all it did was increase the likelihood of over and under steering rather than improving the tactility when turning, or keeping the car steady for that matter. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Sorento is on the efficient side of average with the trip data showing results which bounce between seven and nine kilometers on the liter depending on the conditions. Creature comforts felt a bit lacking particularly in the entertainment portion. One would expect touch and navigation at this price point, but I had to work with a tiny display and underwhelming speakers. Kia sort of makes up for it, however, with full air-conditioner coverage, very comfy seats, and a large panoramic sun roof. And to be honest, kids will enjoy just looking out of that large roof window for most of the trip.
VALUE Priced at around PHP 2.3 million, the Kia Sorento is in the ballpark of other more premium Asian SUV models. You’ll find very little to complain about with the kind of car you’re getting for this reasonable price point. What’s Hot: - Comfortable ride - Actually a seven-seater What’s Not: - Could do with an entertainment upgrade
Bottomline: The Sorento is the quintessential Filipino family car: spacious, comfortable, with plenty of A/C vents to fight over and a very handsome profile.
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Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi GLS Reviewed by Gerry Gaviola • Photos by Theresa Eloriaga
The market for handsomely built and aesthetically poised SUVs just keeps growing and growing. This month, we got to get our hands on the wheel of another Korean car contender, the Hyundai Tuscon 2.0 CRDi GlS 4x2 crossover. And we can say that it’s a beauty built with utility in mind. DESIGN Let’s get it out of the way. Hyundai’s Tucson is handsomely build and is attractive to look at. Its overall fluid design exudes a certain kind of character and sophistication that speaks volumes when it comes to a well engineered body structure. At first glance, immediately noticeable is the aggressive and masculine aesthetic that is anything, but cute. Ushering in a more mature and athletic design language, the Hyundai’s Tucson is poised as car with personality and
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power. Likewise, this year’s model sports Hyundai’s Fluid Sculpture 2.0 design that goes beyond just aesthetics. Its chiseled edges and bold lines bring with it an aerodynamic design that enhances the driving experience while lessening overall drag for a smooth cruise. Don’t get us wrong, although the new Tucson features a revamped muscular look, it still stuck with tradition and heritage when it comes to elements that define its iconic form. Up front is the large hexagonal grille and wide projection headlights at either side. On the sides are bold lines and a waistline molding that defines a sporty
look. Adding to this is a rugged look brought to us by the wheel arch molding. Also on its side are mirror repeaters that add a little of safety when turning. At its back is a rear spoiler equipped with a stop lamp, a rear washer and wiper, and a rear reflector that’s elegantly placed. Inside of the Tucson, there’s not much to be surprised with. Despite having limited leather, and a lot of plastic, it still manages to to be comfy, spacious, cool, and overall, a pleasurable to be in. Simply put, its interior space translates to comfortable experience.
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There are those cars which have so much going on it terms of design it gets confusing, and there are those that with a clear and fluent design language that’s simlpy attractive. The Tuscon falls in the latter category, and in all honesty, is such a beautiful sight to see
HARDWARE Powering the Tucson is a 2.0 CRDi diesel engine that delivers 185 PS at 4,000 RPM and 41.0 kg.m torque at 1,750 ~ 2,750 RPM. If you’re curious about fuel consumption, then you need not be that concerned. Afterall, what’s the use of having a beautiful car if you can’t regularly take it out for a spin? The Tucson’s 6-speed Automatic Transaxle combined with Shiftronix compact and lightweight design offers exceptional performance coupled with decent fuel economy. Taking it out for a spin in the streets of Manila, as well as out of town in Laguna, the Tucson proved to be responsive no matter the rpm range. Apart from the Normal Driving mode, the car gives you the preference of shifting to Eco mode for better fuel consumption, and the Sport mode for a much sportier driver. As with all the cars driven in the country, the Eco mode comes practical for long drives at Manila’s traffic, while the Sport mode can only truly be enjoined in open highways, or tracks with little or no traffic. Even without the the sport mode on, necessary overtakes in highways can be done with ease, so you don’t have to worry about struggling to do so.
It’s sad to know that unlike most of the common cars recently recently, the Tucson doesn’t come with a LCD display for navigation or entertainment. The sound system, however, comes as a decent addition.
Manila. The Tucson passed passed with flying colors. Only just consuming a little over half a tank after driving it in Manila’s traffic and out of town for around 6 days, the driving the Tucson was pleasurable.
USER EXPERIENCE
In terms of comfort, being surrounded by an abundance of plastic interior and little leather made no significant difference to its look its feel. It was still a comfortable car to steer even after long hours. Adding to this is not having to struggle with controls for the wheel is packed with necessary buttons to still keep you digitally connected.
Although not the best compact SUV in the market, the Tucson still manages to impress. Perhaps one of the biggest factors I consider after every test drive is how efficient and how tolerable the car will be in the traffic-riddled streets of
Physics takes action on sharp turns, and sometime you’d wish that the Tucson came equipped with that lcd screen for navigation, or for entertaining other passengers in the car. The car is not perfect, no, but in the end it’s car that’s more than capable for an everyday relaxed cruize.
VALUE At the time of writing the Tuscon retails for PHP 1,578,000. The average price point comes in a decent price range in today’s market, and the car will surely come as convenience and a long term cost-effective solution when cruising the streets with or without traffic. What’s Hot: - Striking Lines - Attractive Grill - Optimized design for speed and swift motion - Spacious interior - Cost-effective fuel consumption What’s Not: - No LCD display - Absence of HID lights and sensors - Average steering capability on sharp turns
Bottomline: The Tucson does what it does as a compact SUV. It’s bold, beautiful, and efficient. If you’re looking for a handsome car and a comfortable driving experience, this may be the car for you.
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Suzuki Ertiga GLX 1.4 L AT Reviewed and Photos by Ren Alcantara
In this day and age, it pays to be practical. Sure you can have a flashy car that screams past a hundred without breaking a sweat, but good luck fitting your family, groceries, bags, and the dog in there. There’s a reason the MPV has taken off in a big way here in the country, and Suzuki is not a manufacturer to leave the market’s needs unaddressed. Today, we take a look at their own people mover, the Ertiga. DESIGN The Ertiga has a no-nonsense, straightforward design that might not be flashy, but is perfectly suited for its role. It might not be as sleek as other MPVs out there, it’s still quite a good mash-up of a sedan and a mini-van. This is by no means a bad thing, allowing it roughly the same dimensions as a large sedan, while giving you enough room for the whole family and then some. There isn’t a sharp line on the Ertiga. It’s all rounded edges, smooth corners, and gentle lines. It doesn’t try to look anything other than a reliable family car, and it’s all the better for it. That’s not to say it looks like a beached whale. It has enough sedan in it to
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keep it from appearing boring. Angular, upswept headlights, a low-slung front, and windows that taper nicely at the rear make the Ertiga a car you wouldn’t mind being seen driving.
HARDWARE The Ertiga is moved along by a 1.4 L gasoline engine with VVT, and produces 95 HP at 6000 RPM, and 130 nM of torque at 4000 RPM. This might not seem like a whole lot for a vehicle this size, but we’ll get back to that later. Stopping is handled by front disc, and rear drum brakes. The vehicle has a four-speed automatic transmission, which is plenty for city driving, and even a bit of highway action.
Inside, it’s everything you’d want a comfy family car to be. Safety is of primary concern here, so you get seatbelts for all occupants, airbags up front, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, and side impact beams. It’s also got its fair share of creature comforts. Keyless entry, keyless push start, power mirrors, doors, and mirrors, and my personal favorite feature, a large, Androidpowered, touch screen entertainment system right within reach. It even accepts a SIM card, so you won’t have to tether it to your mobile phone each time. Space is not an issue for the Ertiga. You can fold all the rear seats for a whopping 736 liters of storage if you have to, or keep the middle row for
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passengers, and enjoy 482 liters of space. Should you need the seats, you still have a generous 135 liters to keep your things. This is its strength, and what a strength indeed. Short of a full-on van, or perhaps a truck, you’re not easily going to find more space than this.
USER EXPERIENCE I came into this car review expecting a plain little people-mover, and I left it surprised. As far as vehicles go, this segment might be the one least appropriate to a single male, with no family, and very few requirements when it comes to vehicle space, yet I was surprised as to how well we actually meshed. The first thing I appreciated was how convenient it was. I normally drive either a sedan or motorcycle around, so having so much space was a strange experience to me. Something as simple as carrying a week’s worth of groceries from the supermarket to home is so much simpler with all the room the Ertiga affords. Even with passengers, there was enough room to keep people, bags, and groceries, with a lot of room to spare.Try this in a compact car, and it’s off to the trunk for the groceries, which is far from ideal, unless you prefer your groceries hot. The next thing I appreciated about the Ertiga was just how easy it was to drive. I was expecting a driving experience such as one would have with
a minivan. I was very happy to be proven wrong. The Ertiga, despite being a fair bit taller and larger overall, felt almost like a sedan. I wouldn’t say it weaves through traffic, but it’s certainly not a chore to maneuver. The view from the driver’s seat is wide, high, and inspires confidence, but low enough to not feel like you’re in a truck. The engine has some zip to it too. On a trip from Q.C. to Nuvali, the Ertiga was more than capable of keeping pace with the flow of vehicles on SLEX.
Sure, you have to push a bit, but I didn’t have to push it to the point of having to be concerned about the machine. Then there’s the entertainment system, specifically the Android-powered head unit. It’s familiar, versatile, and quite powerful, allowing you all the services and features you’re used to having on your phone. Navigation? Sure, use Waze or Google Maps. Music? Fire up Spotify. Heck, your passenger could even launch Twitter or Facebook if they were so inclined. It’s a simple solution to the problem of bad head unit interfaces, and one that I embrace fully. One concern I do have is the ear-splitting alert you get when a paired mobile phone receives a phone call. It’s a little excessive. Fuel economy is actually not bad. Through heavy traffic, we averaged about 8.3 km/L, with the figure improving to upwards of 10 km/L in city driving. We didn’t get a very good measure of the numbers at highway speed, but by our scientific guesstimate, we got around 15 km/l, with a light load.
VALUE With a price tag of PHP 928,000 for the model we tested, it offers great value for money. Seven seats, oodles of space, and a capable engine, with a few extras thrown in make this vehicle a prime candidate for those who need to move a small group, or lots of luggage on a regular basis.
What’s Hot: - Roomy - Drives almost like a sedan What’s Not: - Not the biggest fan of the styling. - Engine might not be enough for some.
Bottomline: Got a large family? or plenty of gear? This might be the vehicle for you!
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Words and photos by Gerry Gaviola
In an event that pushed the 4x4 SUV to its limits, Ford’s Everest Drive event held from June 13 to 14 at Angeles, Pampanga, proved that the sevenseater SUV is built with technology that can tackle any terrain effortlessly.
There really isn’t an experience comparable to driving the Everest; simply put, it’s like having an expert offroad driver right by your side doing much of the challenging maneuvering for you. If you consider yourself as an amateur driver or have any doubts when it comes to experiencing off-road driving, there’s really no need to fret, especially when driving the Everest. Guaranteeing you a pleasant and effortless drive every time, the Everest pretty much eliminates usual guesswork when driving off-road. To put the Ford Everest to the ultimate test, drivers in the event drove the Everest from Manila to the lahar beds of Angeles, Pampanga. What seemed like a challenging drive became an apparently manageable and smooth one. Led by motoring veteran Biboy Vargas, drivers were able to experience the wonders of what a true 4X4 can do. To successfully move through the loose surface of the lahar beds of Pampanga, drivers were advised to switch their Terrain Management System (TMS) dials to the “snow, gravel, grass” setting to maintain traction. During the drive, one could 50
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really feel every inch of the car working together to give an effortless drive. Thanks to the TMS, the vehicle is able to fine-tune vehicle essentials such as traction control, intelligent four-wheel drive response, throttle response, as well as the transmission. Other smart settings in the dial include "normal," "and," and "rock." Apart from driving in the lahar beds, drivers were also able to experience the hill and descent assist, which surprisingly made made climbing hills or descending them, a breeze. The setting even allowed the drivers to let off of the pedals entirely during descent, so they could focus on steering in those challenging terrains. The Ford Everest is the best in its class, with a 800 mm water wading ability, a ground clearance of 225 mm, and an unparalleled TMS. If you haven’t driven an Everest just yet, we suggest that you get your hands on one as soon as possible.
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Suzuki Opens First 3S Shop in Panay Region
DES Marketing, Inc., one of the most trusted dealers in the country has just opened its first Suzuki 3S Shop in Estancia, Iloilo, which now bears the distinction of being its first Suzuki 3S shop in Panay Region. This is DES Marketing’s 3rd Suzuki 3S Shop, complementing their two other locations in Consolacion, Cebu, and Ormoc City. DES Marketing is consistently a top seller of Suzuki motorcycles, and this latest shop only proves that their partnership with the brand is getting stronger and stronger, leveraging on the high demand for Suzuki motorcycles in and around Estancia area. The shop has a floor area of 195.70 sqm and is located at Raprap Bldg., Brgy. Cano-an, Estancia, Iloilo. This comprises a showroom, parts and service areas, and an office, which are the core elements of a Suzuki Sales, Spare Parts and Service shop. The showroom is designed with a wide open space where customers can view the progress of the work on their motorcycle through glass partitions.Its basic design concept carries the colors white, black, silver, and blue to present a high-class atmosphere which hosts the latest line-up of Suzuki motorcycles “na pwede sa kahit ano o saan ang trip mo.” DES Marketing President and CEO Dr. Wilson Du graced the ribbon cutting ceremonies with guest speaker Estancia Mayor Rene Cordero. Team Suzuki was in full support with the presence of President Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki, Sales and Marketing General Manager Mr. Jun Bulot and Visayas Regional Sales Manager Mr. Bong Pascual. The very accommodating staff of DES MarketingSuzuki 3S Shop Estancia were also introduced during the program. DES Marketing and Suzuki prepared a lot of exciting deals for its clients such as the Back-toSchool Cash Back promo where customers can avail of a PHP 1000 cash back for every purchase of a Suzuki motorcycle. There were also various activities such as the Suzuki Slow Drag Competition, Suzuki Stunt Show, TODA Idol Singing Contest, Dance Contest, Search for Suzuki Biker Babe and Live Band.
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Yamaha Unveils the All-New YZF-R15 Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. launched the updated YZF-R15 which features a sleeker design and improved overall efficiency and performance. Inside, the YZF-R15 carries a powerful 155cc LC4V SOHC FI engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission that offers a higher engine displacement and better fuel consumption than its predecessor. The new R15 is the first to be fitted with a high performance version of the variable valve actuation system which gives readily available torque in the low to mid RPM range. The engine is also fitted with a bypass thermostat cooling system that reduces engine warm-up time, and a forged piston and diasil cylinder which provides rigidity and cooling efficiency. Sharing DNA with its big brother, the R1, the motorcycle sports assist and slipper clutch for smooth shifting, a redesigned deltabox frame from the iconic R-series fine-tuned for rigidity, an aluminum handlebar crown for a more accurate and responsive steering feel, upside-down front suspension, and a newly-designed aluminum rear arm. Other performance and style improvements include an aerodynamically designed centrail air duct, a fully digital speedometer, slim twineye LED headlights, an updated three-stage expansion chamber muffler with a threeway catalytic converter, an aerodynamic LED tail light, a more muscular fuel tank, and a 140 mm rear tire width.
The YZF-R15 is available in Race Blue, Black Raven and Matte Red colors priced at PHP 164,000
available in all Yamaha 3S Shops and Multibrand stores nationwide.
Yamaha Club Donates School Supplies to Magsaysay Elementary School Yamaha Motor Philippines and the Yamaha Club donated school supplies and equipment to the students of Magsaysay Elementary School in Siniloan, Laguna last May 28, 2017. The activity is the Yamaha Club’s most recent charitable effort, and is actually a joint effort between multiple clubs: the Vega Force Mantis Riders Club, the Vega Force i Owners Philippines, the Mio i 125 Riders Club Philippines, Club SZ-R PH, Yamaha One, Yamaha United, the NMAX Pilipinas Touring Club, and the Mio Elite Scooter Club. The clubs gave bags, books, notebooks, raincoats, paper, pencils and crayons to the students from pre-K all the way to sixth grade. Yamaha on the other hand, donated computers and art materials to the school. More than 300 students benefited from the donations. 54
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Mitsubishi Celebrates its Centennial Year Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MPPC) is holding a grand expo from June 8 to 11 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City to celebrate its 100 years of automobile innovation.
Mitsubishi’s Anniversary Expo
To celebrate its hundredth year, Mitsubishi’s grand celebration features a display of the brand’s rich car history as well as activities that are bound to excite car enthusiasts. Included in the event is a showcase of Mitsubishi’s iconic cars, rally cars, and MMPC’s current line up that allow the expo’s visitors to get a glimpse of Mitsubishi’s years of engineering and design efforts. In a rare occasion that certainly shouldn't be missed, cars and engines from its original destination, the Mitsubishi Auto Gallery located in Okazaki, Japan were put on display. Among those in the brand’s auto gallery was the 1937 Circuit Car, the 1985 Paris-Dakar Rally winner Pajero #189, WRC Lancer 2005 and the WRC Lancer 2005 and the 2015 Baja Rally winner, the Outlander PHEV. Apart from Mitsubishi’s display of its historic and current vehicles, the four-day expo also allowed guests to test drive the new Montero Sport, Strada, Pajero, and Mirage. Adding to those
available for test driving were two vehicles that come as a result of Mitsubishi’s environmental efforts: pure electric vehicle iMiEV and the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV). To ensure a festive celebration, Maine mendoza, Alden Richards, Ramon Bautista, and popular bands and DJs joined the anniversary celebration. Other activities in the event included a Safety and Driving Etiquette Seminar, Nickelodeon's park for kids, and a special art workshop by the father of Philippine Art Workshops, Fernando Sena.
Mitsubishi’s History of Innovation
Mitsubishi’s story began with the engineering of the the first ever Mitsubishi car that carried the three-diamond emblem: the Mitsubishi Model A. From the 22-car production of Japan’s first seriesproduced vehicle, the company has gone a long way in developing innovative cars while providing solutions for optimally conserving energy and resources. Mitsubishi continues to develop and engineer quality performance vehicles like its class-leading sport utility vehicles which have made their mark worldwide.
Isuzu PH holds 2017 Service Skills Olympics Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) recently held its Service Skills Olympics last June 3 at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang. The event was in celebration and recognition of key dealer parts and service personnel, namely service advisors, service technicians, and parts analysts whose roles are paramount to the success of the company. In the spirit of team building, the Service Skills Olympics included activities aimed at strengthening the theoretical and technical skills of IPC’s dealer parts and service personnel. The competition which included both written and practical exams were led by the IPC president Hajime Koso, EVP Shojiro Sakoda, and vice president for aftersales Koji Hanawa, and had three categories (Service Technicians, Service Advisors, and Parts Analysts). For the service technician category Martt Erruze Pugay and Leovence Galeja, bagged first place, followed by Isuzu Davao’s Leonido Gascon and Reynaldo Berberio and Jusua Cantre and Mark Tirso dela Cruz II of Isuzu Bulacan. In the service advisor category, Jessie James Marilla of CDO bagged third place, followed by Melvin Esguerra of Isuzu Cavite and Julius Cesar www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Opcaco of Isuzu Mandaue who took the first and second spots, respectively. Last, but certainly not the least, was the Parts Analyst Category where Jessie Huyno of Cagayan de Oro bagged the championship followed by First Runner Up winner Joana Zorilla of Isuzu Pampanga and Second Runner Up winner Joslito Tubilla of Isuzu Mandaue. From the pool of winners, IPC will build a team who will be representing Isuzu Philippines in the upcoming 2017 Isuzu World Technical Competition in Japan this November. “I believe
that from these pool of winners, IPC has a greater chance of bagging the top post in this year’s Isuzu World Technical Competition and I’m looking forward to that,” Koso said. According to him, the latest results of this year’s ISSO shows that the current knowledge and confidence of on the brand of Isuzu’s employees are signs of a yet another victory. In 2016, IPC bagged second place in the LCV category held in Thailand, and third place in the "Category B: Emission Regulation for N-series, Euro 4 and below" held in Japan. JULY 2017
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Honda Gen-S Greenhills Invasion Concludes on Independence Day
Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) ended its mall-jack on a high on Independence Day, June 12, 2017, at the Greenhills Shopping Center after 25 days. The fifth leg of HPI’s Gen-S Mall Exhibit ended its successful run with an exciting program hosted by MYX VJ Sunny Kim which featured performances by Boyband.PH and JStar. Yes FM jock Lala Labandera facilitated the games portion as well as the test ride challenge. HPI President Daiki Mihara formally opened the day’s festivities. 56
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The culminating event also saw HPI’s introduction of the latest color variants for the powerful and efficient, all-new Honda BeAT line-up: Nitric Orange for ISS and Standard models, and Magenta for the Standard model. For the past four weeks shoppers got to experience HPI’s seven distinct motorcycle models belonging to the Gen-S line including the Zoomer X, Click 125, Click 150, and BeAT of the
Automatic Series, and the RS150R, the CB150R and the CBR150R of the Sports Series. Eager riders also had the chance to get on test units around the Greenhills Shopping Center’s parking lot throughout the 25-day exhibit. Fresh from the warm reception of the Greenhills Shopping Center, HPI and Honda Gen-S gear up for an invasion of Cebu City next month. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Volvo Announces the New V90 Finally completing the 90 Series car line-up, Volvo Philippines recently launched the V90 Cross Country, its newest addition to its modernly luxurious and adventurous cars last June 9, 2017 at the North Court of the Power Plant Mall, Makati City. Joined by its other siblings, the Volvo S90 and the XC90, the V90 further fortifies Volvo’s leadership in the Cross Country Segment. Powering Volvo’s newest addition to its luxury estate is a 2.0L, four-cylinder twin turbocharged D5 engine with a Euro 6 environmental classification. Assuring drivers of a speedy but smooth drive, the engine maxes out at a horsepower of 235 at 4000 RPM and a torque of 480 Nm at 1750 to 2250 RPM. The Volvo V90 CC runs on diesel, and features an eight-speed geartronic automatic transmission. Adding to the car’s powertrain technology is Volvo’s modular approach to advance boosting; based on the technology introduced last 2008, the new and improved advance boosting now enables a delivery of leveled-up power and drivability that’s able to maintain low fuel consumption. The V90’s exterior gives you the confidence to take on any road. Sophistically built for adventure, the V90 boasts a design language of elegance and visible strength. The car has large wheels for increased ground clearance, front and rear skid plates that blend to the bumper for a consistent rugged look, bold lines, a raked rear window, and tall LED tail lights. Even at first glance, the car’s personality echoes toughness and practicality. For the interior, it has a cabin-style design that gives the impression of stylized comfort and control. Merging advanced technologies and beautiful materials, the interior sports a sculpted designs that highlight Volvo’s excellent craftsmanship. From the nine-inch center touchscreen display to the beautifully crafted air vents that feature a metal-finished high vertical strip with diamond pattern surfaces, the V90 comes as beautifully modern. For more info, visit your nearest Volvo car dealers.
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KTM Opens Factory in Laguna
Ayala’s KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing, Incorporated (KAMMI) under Integrated MicroElectronics Inc. (IMI) launched KTM’s first local manufacturing facility at Laguna last month. The Austrian brand’s first Philippine plant is located at the Laguna Technopark, and is currently producing bikes at a maximum rate of 20,000 units anually. The inauguration of the factory comes quickly after the launch of the brand’s first showroom in BGC. The factory features a world-class production space which produces the Duke, and RCs 200 and 390, for both the local market and for export, although IMI is eyeing the possibility of 58
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producing mid-sized KTM bikes in the future as well. Members of the press were taken on a tour of the facility, and were able to witness bikes being assembled from bare frames and parts to whole, working motorcycles at the and of the line. The PHP 500 million facility is a huge milestone for KTM, whose only other manufacturing facilities are located in Austria and India. The brand hopes that local manufacturing will boost KTM’s local presence, and is in line with the target of 34 dealerships nationwide from the current 21. The move is also beneficial to local motorcyclists, as it will allow KTM to drop the price of its bikes by as much as 20 percent. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Shell Launches the All-New Shell V-Power Shell launched the new and improved Shell V-Power fuels at the SMX Convention center in Pasay last June 8 with the help of new brand ambassadors Yassi Pressman and Jericho Rosales. With over five years of research and development by fuel experts from across the globe, Shell showcased its most advanced V-Power fuels with the proprietary DYNAFLEX technology, coengineered and recommended by Formula 1 race team Scuderia Ferrari. The new Shell V-Power fuels are designed to help reduce friction and material deposits, restoring engine performance. The V-Power and V-Power Racing gasolines can remove up to 80 percent of performance-robbing deposits while improving system condition and restoring lost performance. The Shell V-Power Diesel fuel on the other hand, can restore up to 100 percent of engine performance by removing deposits from fuel injectors. With the DYNAFLEX formulation, Shell's fuels contain friction-reducing molecules that go to engine parts that are difficult for lubricants to reach. This allows the piston to slide up and down easily, improving engine performance. "We are constantly faced with the challenge to keep up with the rapid evolution of vehicle
technology and the changing needs of our customers," said Pilipinas Shell vice president for Retail Anthony Lawrence Yam, "This is why we
have spent over half a decade of research and development to produce our best-ever fuel: the new Shell V-Power."
4S1M Kicks Off 2017 Motorsport Season The 4S1M-Yamaha racing team are off to a decent start for the 2017 Philippine Motorsports Championship season as it participated in the opening races last April 29 to 30 at the Batangas Racing Circuit. Powered by BRT and Racing Force, the team brought their fully-customized Yamaha motorcycles, complete with the team's own fuel-injection engine, FDR tires, MDS helmets and custom mufflers. The first day saw veteran riders Herbert Lopez, Mark Djereck Ondillo and Jeff Teopengco participate in the time trial qualifiers, all posting good times. On the actual race day, Lopez, riding the the 150cc underbone, had a difficult time gaining a substantial lead but finishing with the fastest lap time amidst tough competition. Ondillo and Teopengco, both on 160cc PSR scooters, posted respectable finishes as well. 4S1M's team manager Ronald Uy and chief mechanic San Victores agreed that the team
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started the season right, but conceded that there was also room for improvement.
Victores added that while getting the fastest lap, improvements still had to be made on the team's motorcycle set-up.
"They all—mechanics, crew, riders—gave their all for the race. We’ll prepare again [for the next leg]. We can’t be complacent—we should grow stronger with every race. We just need to keep helping each other out," Uy said.
The team looks forward to the rest of the season with high hopes and non-stop preparation. The second leg of the Philippine Motorsports Championship happened last June 3 to 4 at the Clark International Speedway.
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Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 Tested and Proven in Marathon Performance Run Since 2005, market leader Petron Corporation has tested its cutting-edge fuels in real world driving conditions to validate its laboratory findings. This has resulted in fuel innovations that best match the requirements of Filipino motorists, for all types of vehicles, on all types of terrain. Following the certifications issued by leading global laboratories which rated Petron’s Blaze 100 Euro 6 as surpassing the most stringent fuel technology and emission benchmarks in the world, the Philippines’ most advanced gasoline was field-tested in a marathon performance run across the length of Luzon.
Another factor is that Blaze is 100 percent gasoline, so we had additional energy available to go farther.”
With Honda as the official vehicle partner, test teams were deployed in two driving modes— hypermiling mode to test fuel efficiency, and normal mode to test the overall driving experience.
Having participated in previous Petron test runs, Gaston has the following observations: “Blaze had a significant improvement on power. This was clearly felt in the ability of the car and engine to slowly accelerate from 21 kph up to 35 kph using a steady engine rpm of 1,000. This significantly boosted the hypermiling technique of a steady crawl at a thrifty rpm in urban areas where stopand-go driving and spiking rpms are the greatest factor "in losing fuel efficiency.”
The six-day run saw the test teams driving up to Ilocos Norte and then all the way down to Sorsogon, before turning back to return to Metro Manila. For the hypermilers, the challenge was to see how far they could go on one full tank of Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6. In normal mode, the cars were heavily loaded with luggage and other equipment, and drivers were asked to drive as they saw fit depending on the terrain and traffic conditions. Driving a Honda City 1.5 L E CVT, the hypermiling team of Raymund Dimapilis and Enrico Mabunay were able to travel an impressive 33.69 kilometers for every liter. According to Dimapilis, their team did not expect to go the distance, saying: “There are a lot of write-ups that say there is no need to get a high-octane fuel beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation. However, this run proved that having a high-performance fuel has its benefits— in our case, fuel economy—when used properly. 60
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On another Honda City 1.5 L E CVT, hypermilers James Benjamin Gaston and John Abraham Zayco achieved 33.19 km/L.
Further, he notes that while this was not so obvious to the driver at higher speeds and rpm, the engine computer continued to show good fuel economy. “This can be attributed to the better power delivered by Blaze as the engine does not need as much fuel to achieve the same power necessary to maintain cruising speeds,” he explains. Meanwhile, Antonio Siddayao and Lester Constantino, on-board a Honda CR-V 2.0 L AT were testing the new Blaze formulation in normal driving mode. Over the course of the six-day run, Siddayao reports: “At our first fill-up, we did not notice any significant change. After our second refill, the engine response was noticeable and we took note of our fuel consumption from thereon.
From Laoag, Ilocos Norte, to San Fernando, La Union, we only consumed 12 liters, despite some sudden accelerations and averaging highway speeds of 60 to 90 kph.” Driving through the varying terrains and traffic conditions in the southern corridor of Luzon until the finish in Naga, driver logs showed that the team used about 185 liters on 2,367-kilometers. That’s like traveling from Manila to Baguio 9 1/2-times on just three fill-ups of the Honda CR-V’s 58-liter fuel tank. “Not bad for a two-liter SUV,” Siddayao concludes. According to Petron R&D, due to its pure formulation and very high octane, Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 gives motorists six advantages and benefits, namely: improved fuel efficiency; powerful engine performance and acceleration; guaranteed cleaner engines on just one full tank; improved combustion with its unique fuel and additive formulations; significantly reduced harmful emissions; and reduced maintenance costs (e.g., longer catalyst life for emission system). Based on the fuel efficiency results and driver feedback, these are tangible benefits that ordinary motorists can experience with Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6. These also confirm the results obtained in tests conducted by leading global laboratories in Singapore, the United Kingdom and Germany.
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Samples of Blaze 100 Euro 6 were taken from Petron’s Bataan refinery and from random fuel stations by SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company. The samples were then sent to SGS laboratories in the United Kingdom, Singapore and the Philippines. All samples tested met specifications (EN 228:2012) for Euro 6-technology vehicles. Petron also sent samples of this innovative product to ISP The Testing Institute, a leading engine and vehicle testing laboratory for fuels and lubricants development. ISP conducted a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) test with Blaze 100 Euro 6 and found it did not cause carbon deposits in GDI engines. GDI is a more advanced engine technology that addresses fuel economy and emissions. It is being used in newer European, American, and Asian car models. Millbrook Proving Ground, which provides validation and engineering services in the automotive, transport, and defense industries,
also tested Blaze 100 Euro 6. It conducted an Intake Valve Deposit (IVD) test and found Blaze 100 Euro 6 cleaned over 70 percent of engine deposits in 60 hours. Millbrook UK said Blaze 100 Euro 6 passed the “Euro 6b” emission standard— the strictest emission standard in the world. IVD tests apply to Port Fuel Injection engines which are widely used the Philippines. “We are proud that Blaze 100 Euro 6 meets the world’s best environmental and fuel technology standards. With the highest octane rating but the lowest sulfur content, it is the best gasoline in the market by far in terms of power, efficiency, engine protection, and reduced emissions,” Petron president & CEO Ramon S. Ang said. “Since our fuels are locally-produced and formulated in our refinery, we can guarantee the quality and consistency of Petron fuels. We will continue to innovate and lead in fuels technology so we can put more savings in our customers’ pockets while improving air quality across the nation,” he concluded.
The hypermiling team of James Benjamin Gaston (right) and John Abraham Zayco (left) achieved 33.19 km/L with Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 on another Honda City 1.5 E CVT.
Fueled by Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6, hypermilers Raymund Dimapilis (right) and Enrico Mabunay (left) traveled an impressive 33.69 kilometers per liter on a Honda City 1.5 E CVT.
The 2017 Petron TriAction Performance Run flagged off from the Petron NLEX-Marilao service station on its northward journey to Ilocos Norte before traversing the entire length of Luzon down to Sorsogon and back to Manila. Eighteen vehicles of various makes were tested under hypermiling and normal driving mode. More than 50 participants were involved in the run, including official observers from the Department of Energy (DOE) and Automobile Association Philippines (AAP).
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APPS
g n i v a H h t i w Fun r e g n e s s e M Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos
Facebook Messenger is technology’s gift to mankind. This platform seamlessly connects people regardless of distance in more ways than one. What started as a private messaging feature of Facebook has turned into a standalone service that goes beyond its initial capabilities.
Since its ‘independence’ from Facebook, the instant messaging platform has come out with plenty of updates that improve the communication experience. From video calling, sending gifs and stickers, customization options, to group chats, there’s no end to the fun things you can do with your friends and family on Messenger.
or the App store to gain access to games—and beat your friends for bragging rights or whatever purpose.
One feature rolled out recently, has friends turn against each other, in a sense. Instant Games is an integrated feature on both the Messenger app and its desktop version that allows you to play several HTML5 games—no need for a trip to or a redirect to certain websites, the Playstore,
The list of currently available games is quite overwhelming. To get you started, we picked five titles you can easily jump into while waiting for a friend to message you back, looking to start a conversation, or plainly making a ruckus in your group chat.
You can simply pick a game, choose a friend or a group of friends to challenge, or take on the ultimate challenge of beating out your highest ranking friend on the leaderboard.
Everwing If you don’t know EverWing, you haven’t been scrolling through your Facebook feed enough to see your friends gushing over this game. This endless side-scrolling shooter game is highly addictive due to its simple gameplay and easy rewards earning system. You start by playing the default Guardian Alice. There are five other Guardians to unlock which you can play as you level up and obtain coins. You get by defeating monsters and completing quests. In-game, you also have a dragon sidekick that will help you defeat monsters when the going gets tough.
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NomCat Some games have high replay value for their stimulating format, while there are games that rake in players plainly because they’re frustrating. Belonging to the latter is NomCat. This game combines one of the elements that rules the internet, cats and the single most important human activity, eating, in one endless feeding frenzy. The game sees you feeding fish to two cats. Easy, right? The challenge is in keeping up with the fishes flying rapidly all over the screen. If one of the cats misses a fish, the game is over. You also have to avoid the sporadic bombs that will appear just when you think you’ve got the game all figured out.
Pac-Man What better way to trigger nostalgia than challenging your friends to a game of Pac-Man? This iconic game which most of us, and our parent’s parents, have played is back and is set to chomp its way to your chat window. Though there isn’t really a need to describe this game, we’ll do so in case you’ve been spending your years under a rock. Pac-Man is a no fuss game where you are tasked to munch all orbs and keep haunting ghosts at bay. The game pivots when you consume a power pellet. This reverses the Pac-Man and the ghosts’ roles--ghosts become edible for a limited time and you can chase after them instead of running away.
Endless Lake Pleasant graphics and easy gameplay make Endless Lake stand out in a sea of auspicious games. You are a runner in an endless, complex maze, minding every step as one wrong move will have you falling into the lake. No worries, though, you can start the game all over again and do a better run. What makes the game exciting is the illusion of a narrow walkway and the unpredictable gaps you have to jump over to progress. It offers a similar experience to the famous runner game Temple Run, but with more colors and an adorable character to boot.
Basketball FRVR In a country where there’s a basketball court in every corner, it’s only natural for people to love all forms of the sport, including a virtual version of it. When the basketball easter egg game on Facebook became known to many, it started a frenzy and there’s no questioning it. While the basketball emoji still prompts the game, Instant Games’ Basketball FRVR makes shooting hoops and playing against friends extra fun. The game presents a single basket that doesn’t look too menacing, albeit comes to life as you score points. Basketball FRVR, as with other Instant Games, offers a straightforward gameplay but will keep you playing repeatedly until you become the all-time points leader.
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VISUAL SPACE
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DOODLES TO REALISTIC IMAGES
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ENTERPRISE
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BITS & BYTES Digital Citizen App, MAKATIZEN, Furthers Makati’s Digital Transformation
The City Government of Makati recently launched its digital citizen app, MAKATIZEN that brings various local government services closer to people. Rolled out in time for its 347th founding anniversary, this first-of-its kind app is a product of the groundbreaking collaboration between proof-of-concept public-private partnership (PPP) proponent Neo-Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. and Voyager Innovations. MAKATIZEN is initially available for Android phones via Play Store. The app brings important information and civic services closer to Makati residents in a more engaging, rewarding, and convenient way through the help of their mobile phones, super-charged by Voyager’s innovative digital platforms.
The MAKATIZEN app will initially feature the following benefits for Makati City residents: • “MakaGimik” - up-to-the-minute advisories and announcements about Makati Cityprograms and events • “MakaRide” - instantly book a ride on board Makati’s point-to-point shuttle service, initially available for Makati City government employees • “MakaShopping” - an in-app online marketplace where citizens can instantly shop for must-have items and receive exclusive discounts • “MakaNegosyo” - important information about how and why to invest and start a business in Makati City
Through Voyager’s customer engagement platform freenet, Makati is super-charging its digital transformation efforts by allowing its residents to use the MAKATIZEN app without incurring any data charges. Makati residents can also have instant access to the MakaShopping online marketplace, powered by Voyager’s E-commerce platform, Takatack. Makati residents can get exclusive discounts and privileges on must-have items that they can order through their mobile phones and have them delivered straight to their doorsteps. More innovative and citizen-enabling features will be in the MAKATIZEN app soon.
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Fujitsu Promotes Green ICT
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Continent 8 Partners with IPC for World-class Cybersecurity
New Globe At Home GoBIG Broadband Plans Offer Bigger Data and Free YouTube
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RELIC
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