2019 v19n8 - THE ROAD TRIP ISSUE : Bataan by Gadgets Magazine

The last of the cold weather has left us, and the heat of the summer sun welcomes the change in seasons. This can only mean one thing: it’s time for a road trip! Join the Gadgets team as we explore the many sights Bataan has to offer. Bataan has a lot going for it, and if you haven’t been up north in a while, we’ve got the lowdown on what you can expect. Tech companies are going overtime releasing new devices to start the year strong, so head over to the Parades and GadgetsLabs to see the latest in the world of tech, and we’ve of course got a great selection of automotive news and reviews for you to enjoy as well. If you’re online a lot, we’ve also started a great new video series explaining tech in various industries, so head over to Gadgets Magazine on social media to learn more. Have a great summer, everyone! Ren Alcantara Managing Editor

MARIBELLE M. ALBA

REN ALCANTARA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

#GIRLBOSS

Être fort pour être utile

@bellealba

@hisnameisren

PRESY ALBA

MIA CARISSE BARRIENTOS

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

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

@presy1121

@miaissocoollike

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

RONEL BAUTISTA

JEWEL STA. ANA

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Rupaul: My dear, your time at gadgets may have been short, but I’m pretty sure you enjoyed it. Now, Sashay Away. @sailorapollo11

STAFF WRITER

Nope, I don’t have a pawnshop @monsterjewfloat

ARNEL DORIA

CHINI YU SORIANO

GRAPHIC ARTIST

CONSULTANT, MOBILITY SECTION

I love dogs.

Marketing guru. Automotive industry veteran. Road safety advocate.

@chinisoriano

JOSE ALVAREZ

ZEIL ROMERO

CONTRIBUTOR

Let it be.

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

GRAPHIC ARTIST @zeil_heyo

@josealvarez

MARK SIMON ENGRACIAL

GRAPHIC ARTIST

MARLET SALAZAR

“I said peace to my dirty water drinkers, nobody tryna get it clean.”

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

@mark_siomai

@marletds

PRESIDENT & CEO

Maribelle Alba

SALES AND ADVERTISING MANAGER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Marisa Consuelo

ACCOUNTING MANAGER ACCOUNTING STAFF

Maritess Pascua-Maulion Lorie Bernardo

Carol Agabin

HR & ADMIN MANAGER ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Amy Christine Giray Ramil Almojano Clifford Dela Paz

PR & MARKETING STAFF DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

Paula Candoy Jerico Lutrania

LEGAL COUNSEL

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

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GERRY GAVIOLA

CONTRIBUTOR

Cineaste. Audiophile. Gadget addict. @gerry.g626

APRIL 2019

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CONTENTS

APRIL 2019

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APPS

A New Way to Pay Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos

Technology has taken away a lot of the inconveniences brought about by repetitive, boring tasks. Where in the past paying bills demanded going from one payment center to another, now the chore can be done on your phone, all with a few swipes and taps. The immediacy of digital payment platforms has afforded us more time to do productive things rather than spending hours queued up for a single brick-and-mortar transaction. This solution is available to us via app marketplaces for free. But with the playing field rife with choices, selecting a service to trust is a challenge. GoDigital, a Philippine-based startup, wants to be the top-ofmind choice with OKTO Pay.

merchants; and a newly rolled out rewards feature which will incentivize customers through promos and exclusive perks. Users will also soon be able to cash in funds in their OKTO Pay wallet. GoDigital is also gearing up for the release of OKTO POS, a simple and all-in-one POS system designed for SMEs that would help them automate and streamline inventory management, sales, and cash flow.

OKTO Pay is a branch of the company’s costeffective OKTO system of digital solutions aimed at end-users and SMEs. The service is a secure payment solution that enables consumers to conveniently do cashless transactions through an easy-to-use app.

The OKTO system enable SMEs and customers to take the next step into digitalization. GoDigital continues to better the OKTO platform to serve the varying needs of customers. The company will also be introducing its partner retail stores in a grand launch event happening soon.

To start transacting, users must simply download the OKTO Mobile app via the Google Play Store or Apple app store. Upon start up, users will be asked to register or login if already an existing user.There is no sign up fee and maintaining balance required, which makes it a great option for those hesitant to get a credit card or open a bank account. For offline transactions, users can link their account to an OKTO NFC card and begin purchasing at establishments accepting tap-topay. Currently the services available within the app include: sending and receiving money via phone and email or scanning a QR code; prepaid load for Globe, Smart, and Sun subscribers; payment of bills for various utilities and services; ePIN purchasing for different game platform credits and other services; scan-to-pay for partner

February 2018

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February 2018

RELIC

volkswagen type II Words by Jose Alvarez

Volkswagen (German for the people’s car) was founded in 1937 by the German Labor Front and was tasked with building an affordable car for the people, much like Henry Ford did with his Model T in the United States two decades ago. The trend of a “people’s car” was not just unique to German automakers. Austro-Hungarian engineer Bela Barenyi came up with the current shape of the Volkswagen Beetle in 1925, while Ferdinand Porsche created the Volksauto around five years later. The rise of Volkswagen is often associated with the rise of Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. However, after World War II, a new car was needed: the Volkswagen Type 2. Ben Pon, a Dutch importer of Volkswagen vehicles, was credited for the design of the Volkswagen Type 2. He was also the first businessman to sell Volkswagen cars outside of Germany. The Volkswagen Type 2 had two nicknames: the “VW Bus” and the “hippie bus”. It eventually made its way around the world and became known as the vehicle of choice for the hippie generation of the 1960s. The vehicle also had an ambulance variant. In other parts of the world, it was used as a refrigerated van, Hearse, police van, fire engine, ladder truck, and even as a camping van. The T1, the first VW Bus, was produced from 1950 to 1967, although Brazil produced the T1 as late as 1975. The T2

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APRIL 2019

was made from 1967 to 1979, but production continued as late as 1986 in Argentina, 1994 in Mexico, and 2013 in Brazil. While the Type 2 is still made today, the newer models look nothing like the “hippie buses” of the 1960s, opting for newer looks and designs. By 1990, the fourth generation of the Type 2 moved the engine to the front and had water cooling. The van was even used as a draisine (an auxiliary rail vehicle used to maintain railway infrastructure), showing it had uses even off of the road. The VW Bus was known for being cheap (much like Volkswagen and Ford intended to produce a “people’s car”) and easy to maintain, giving it the nickname “hippie bus” as previously mentioned. It was not only big enough for groups, but people even lived out of these cars. They were

painted with bright colors and designs, making them stand out even more. The “hippie bus” is featured on album covers of Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys. The Grateful Dead, another iconic American rock band, used the “hippie bus” while touring as well. The 1969 Woodstock festival had a slew of “hippie buses” appear in New York. While the Volkswagen Type 2 is something from our parents’ time and largely associated with the hippie counterculture movement of the 1960s, it is also a major breakthrough for automobile transport as people were able to use it as a makeshift mobile home and also encouraged people to take cross-country road trips.

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APRIL 2019

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PARADE

Cor2

Bip

APRIL 2019

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Verge

Realme 3

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APRIL 2019

Samsung Galaxy M20

Samsung Galaxy Buds

APRIL 2019

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Morphy Richards Supersteam Pro 720520

Morphy Richards Steam Cleaner 720020

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APRIL 2019

Canon EOS RP

Canon Mini Photo Printer

APRIL 2019

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Vivo V15 Pro

Vivo V15

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APRIL 2019

Samsung Galaxy A30

Samsung Galaxy A50

APRIL 2019

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Plantronics BackBeat FIT 2100

Plantronics Backbeat FIT 3100

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APRIL 2019

Nokia 210

Nokia Portable Wireless Charger

APRIL 2019

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Lenovo Legion Y740

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless

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APRIL 2019

Coocaa S5G Explore

Coocaa Innovate S3N

APRIL 2019

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Coocaa Change

Konzert Portarray 15 Sound System

Bringing in a complete entertainment package, the new speakers from Konzert provide an immersive audio experience like no other. It boasts a 15-inch active subwoofer that delivers crystal clear sound, and two 4-inch line arrays that include the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mid-range speaker and tweeter. Perfect for rooms with large spaces, the Konzert Portarray 15 offers variety of audio input options through its USB port, SD card slot, and a 3.5 mm jack. The sound system also supports wireless streaming of music from other mobile devices through Bluetooth connection. It also comes with 1.8 m tripod stands, assembly brackets, array and speaker link cables, and two ports for microphones.

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APRIL 2019

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7

Mi Guard Smart Security System

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APRIL 2019

Storing your World In a society like ours, data is one of the most precious commodities. From priceless personal photos, to office documents, all the way to business-critical files, data is something we can’t afford to take for granted. Kingston, a global leader in storage and memory solutions knows this better than anyone. From simple USB storage solutions, to memory modules, all the way to secure flash storage, they have a complete lineup for all of your storage needs. In-device storage is a premium that manufacturers charge an arm and a leg for. While internal storage can be a bit pricey, Kingston offers storage expansion options that deliver great value per gigabyte, and transfer rates that can keep up with the demands of modern smart devices, portable gaming consoles, and cameras. Devices, particularly cameras, that record high frame rates at 4k resolution and above require cards that have transfer rates to match. Errors such as corrupted files, mysteriously downscaled footage, and clipped footage all point to a slow card. Kingston’s Canvas line of memory cards

Canvas Cards Family

Server Storage Solutions

come in a variety of capacities and speeds, all the way up to their Canvas React, with 100 MB/s read and 80 MB/s write speeds for reliable 4K video recording, and peerless reliability. From full-sized SD cards, to microSD cards for your mobile phones, gaming devices, action cameras, Kingston has you covered. Data security is something that we all need to take more seriously. Techniques employed by hackers are getting more and more sophisticated, and devices are getting increasingly more connected. Users have several options: the cloud might be a convenient place to store all sorts of data, but it’s hardly the most secure, while standard flash drives might be ok as long as you have them on your person, but are prone to falling into the wrong hands. Kingston has your security in mind, with physical, flash-based drives that not only store your data, but encrypt it. Kingston’s popular DataTraveler line of flash drives has a series of devices that feature encryption down to

the hardware level. The DataTraveler 2000 in particular, requires a PIN to be entered on a physical keypad before flash storage can be accessed. More secure variants are also available, offering remote access, device management, and anti-virus protection. From Fips 197, all the way to FIPS 140-2 level 3 for tamper-resistant, tamper-evident, and selfdestructive protection against physical attack, Kingston’s offerings are created from the ground up to provide unparalleled security for the most sensitive data storage applications. Kingston has also invested time and resources into building its dealer network in the country. Kingston now has over 300 authorized stores all over the Philippines. Each authorized dealer has trained staff to assist customers in selecting the best storage solution for them. Seasonal promotions, free technical support, and guaranteed genuine hardware covered with warranties make these stores the best place to search for, and purchase your next storage solution. Head over to www.kingston. com to find the closest partner near you.

Portable Storage Solutions

Security Solutions

Mobile Solutions

GADGETS LAB

SPECIFICATIONS: Image Sensor: 1/5-in., CMOS with primary color filter Aperture: F2.4 Focal Length: Fixed as 33.4 mm (35-mm format equivalent) Shutter Speed: 1/7500 sec. to 1/2 sec. (Auto), maximum 10 sec. in Bulb mode Sensitivity: ISO 100 to 1600 (Auto) Film: Fujifilm Instant Film“instax SQUARE”/ 86 mm x 72 mm in size Display: 2.7-in. (6.9 cm) TFT color LCD monitor, Pixels: Approx. 230k-dots Connectivity: micro-USB Storage: Built-in memory, microSD/microSDHC memory card Colors: Matte Black, Beige What’s Hot: - Zoom lens + selfie mirror - Frame grab - Different shooting modes What’s Not: - Low quality image - Pricey film

APRIL 2019

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SPECIFICATIONS: Display: Infinity-O design 6.1” Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED with 3040 x 1440 resolution, 550 ppi, HDR10+-certified, Infinity-O Cameras: Front: F1.9 10 MP, Dual Pixel AF with live focus; Rear: F2.4 12 MP telephoto with PDAF and OIS + Dual aperture (F1.5/F2.4) 12 MP wide-angle with super speed dual pixel AF and OIS + F2.2 16 MP ultra-wide Video Resolution: 4K UHD at 60 fps, 1080p FHD at 60 fps, 720p HD at 30 fps Processor: Exynos 9820 octa-core Operating System: Android 9 Pie RAM: 8 GB Internal Storage: 128 GB expandable up to 512 GB via microSD Connectivity: Enhanced 4X4 MIMO, 7CA, LAA, LTE Cat.20/Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz),VHT80 MU-MIMO,1024QAM/Bluetooth 5.0, ANT+, USB type-C, NFC, Location (GPS, Galileo, Glonass, BeiDou) Battery: 3400 mAh/wireless, Fast Wireless Charge 2.0 Security: Knox protection, biometric lock: face recognition and on-screen fingerprint scanning Water Resistance: IP68 What’s Hot: -Surround sound -Stunning ultra-wide angle photos -Nice to hold form factor What’s Not: -Fast-draining battery -Front camera quality could be better

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APRIL 2019

SPECIFICATIONS: Display: 5.8-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 1080 x 2280 resolution, (with 19:9 aspect ratio and notch) 2.5D Glass, Rounded Corners and Notch Rear Camera: 16 MP main + 5 MP depth sensors with f/2.0 and f/2.4 apertures, two tone LED flash, 4K30 video, EIS (1080p only), with advanced AI Imaging Front Camera: 16 MP with f/2.0 aperture, fixed focus, 1080p video Battery: 3060mAh, supports quick charging Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, octa-core RAM: 4 GB Internal Storage: 64 GB, expandable up to 400 GB via microSD Operating System: Android 9 Pie SIM Slots: Combo SIM slot (dual nano SIM or nano SIM + USD) Colors: midnight blue, black, and white What’s Hot: -Fast-charging battery -Very elegant design -Android One out of the box What’s Not: -Fingerprint scanner is sometimes unresponsive -Average camera performance in low-light environment -Difficult to grip with one hand

APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot: - Amazing companion software - Superb, simple control - Great connectivity, with Mesh Network compatibility

APRIL 2019

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MESH NETWORKS: KEEPING YOU COVERED all the time

ROAD TRIP

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APRIL 2019

NBATA BA TA AN A ANBA Where Culture, History, and Natural Attractions Meet

APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

BATAAN TECHNO PARK

APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

A TASTE OF HOME Words by Mia Barrientos

We feel the comfort of home wherever there is good food. Nothing compares to the taste of home cooking, and dining at Ima Flora’s Pamangan gives you exactly that experience. Ima Flora’s Pamangan had its humble beginnings as a food stall in the 1970’s. Third generation owner Darlene shares that the food business was started by Flora, the matriarch of the family. Ima, Kapampangan for mother, would cook local favorites and serve them turo-turo style. As Bataan tourism started to gain momentum in 2010, more and more travelers made Ima’s eatery part of their itinerary. Moving with the times and with a growing customer base, the small food business became a full-blown restaurant and a significant part of the province’s tourism. Ima Flora’s Pamangan, which translates to mother Flora’s food, serves Filipino cuisine short order from as low as PHP 70 up to PHP 300, or buffetstyle for only PHP 230 per head. The restaurant’s specialties include sinigang, sinigang na isda, binagoongang lechon kawali, and pako salad. The buffet, meanwhile, serves over 40 viands, as well as a selection of local desserts every day. The restaurant’s food selection is wide-ranging, with something to satisfy even the most discerning palate. For those craving savory delights, the restaurant serves fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs in a sweet sauce, binagoongang lechon kawali that’s crunchy, with just the right saltiness, kare kare with a tasty, rich peanut-based soup and a shrimp paste side, as well as an appetizing ginataang laing. The restaurant’s bulalo is perfect for warming up the stomach, while pako salad cleanses the palate and prepares you for more eating. If your cardiologist allows it, Ima Flora’s Pamangan also serves chicharong bulaklak. As it is situated along Bataan’s major thoroughfare, Ima Flora’s Pamangan has become the hungry travelers’ go-to stop, and rightly so. Customers would begin to come in as early as 7 AM, the store’s opening, and continue to visit until it closes at 9 PM. Its main dining area can accommodate up to 100 customers, while its function space, which shares the same capacity, most often serves as an overflow area. The function area can also be rented out for events. Ima Flora’s Pamangan is located at Gov. JJ Linao highway AlaUli Pilar Bataan, and is open from Monday to Sunday.

APRIL 2019

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Bataan is generally classified as having rugged terrain, with steep mountains stretching across the province and large portions still covered by lush jungle. A peninsula jutting into the West Philippine Sea to shelter the northern portion of Manila Bay, much of the Bataan coastline consists of ridges, cliffs and headlands. Our road trip itinerary required us to take off from our office in Quezon City, traverse the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and proceed through the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) exiting at Dinalupihan to arrive at the capital city of Balanga. The 3-day itinerary prepared by the Bataan Tourism Office took us to different destinations in the province. In all, we drove over 330 kilometers across some very challenging terrain. While the roads were generally well-paved and in good condition, much of these were winding mountain roads with some very steep inclines and sweeping curves. Luckily, our Road Trip partner-vehiclesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a Suzuki Ertiga, a Mitsubishi Xpander, and a Ford Everestâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all proved very capable of taking on the challenge. Words by Maribelle Alba Photos by Gadgets Team

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april 2019

Driven by Marisa Consuelo

APRIL 2019

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At the outset, the Mitsubishi Xpander has a tough act to follow, as it is the replacement model for the Adventure, an immensely popular Asian utility vehicle that served Filipino motorists for about two decades. Debuting in the Philippines last March 2018, the Xpander, a totally new 7-seat people-mover, quickly proved its mettle by outselling its competitors and emerging as the best-selling small MPV for 2018, with just less than 10 monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market presence. This comes as no surprise as the Xpander ticks all the boxes: dynamic styling, interior comfort and convenience, driving pleasure, superior safety, and an excellent price point for all four variants. Conceptualized to be a head-turning, futuristic vehicle like no other in its class, the Xpanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front fascia adopts Mitsubishiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dynamic shield concept with bumper-embedded headlamps. The overall impression is aggressive and bold, yet sleek and tasteful. LED position lights in front and LED combination tail lights further enhance the dynamic exterior, as do the 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels on the more premium variants. Despite its compact dimensions, the Xpander seats seven adults in three rows of

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ergonomically-contoured seats. The spacious interior offers enough shoulder and leg room so passengers can travel in comfort. Neatniks will appreciate the smart storage solutions, like underfloor storage with dividers in the trunk, the front passenger seat undertray, and various pockets and bottle holders on all three rows. Ceiling mounted rear aircon vents ensure that everyone stays cool through the entire trip. A newly developed 1.5L DOHC engine is matched to a four-speed automatic transmission to deliver up to 105 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The suspension system, consisting of MacPherson struts with coil spring and stabilizer in front and torsion beams in the rear offer driving stability and comfort, while its 205 mm high ground clearance inspires confidence when traversing rough terrain and the occasional city flood. The GLS AT variant that we used for the road trip features a keyless start/stop engine button for driver convenience. Its 7-inch multimedia entertainment system includes GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB and aux-in ports. The Mitsubishi Xpander comes in four grades GLX MT at PHP 999,000; GLX Plus AT at PHP 1,075,000; GLS AT at PHP 1,110,000; and GLS Sport AT at PHP 1,175,000. There are three standard color options: sterling silver metallic, titanium gray, and diamond black. Quartz pearl white is offered only for the AT models, while red metallic is reserved for the GLS and GLS Sport.

APRIl 2019

Driven by Amy Christine Giray

april 2019

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During its Philippine launch in January of this year, the secondgeneration Suzuki Ertiga was very well-received by motoring media, who applauded its much-improved exterior looks and interior amenities. A seven-seater mini MPV, the 2019 Suzuki Ertiga is stylish and elegant, with well-placed character lines for a distinctive look. The all-new exterior features a taller and wider nose, a dynamic shoulder line, pronounced curves, refined chrome accents, and a more aerodynamic body. The Ertiga is powered by a 1.5L multipoint injection engine that produces a maximum 103 hp at 6,000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, it gamely handled the climb to the summit of Mount Samat National Shrine, which has an elevation of about 545 meters. Front MacPherson www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

strut and rear torsion beam suspensions with coil springs along with its new, highly-rigid frame made for a smooth, comfortable ride with minimal body roll. Safety features such as anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera add to driver confidence. Riding comfort is an important consideration for long, out-of-town road trips, and the Ertiga does not lack in such amenities. The flexible 3-row seating can be adjusted to accommodate passenger and cargo needs. The aircon system includes vents and controls for the rear seats to keep all passengers cool even on the hottest summer day. Tech geeks will appreciate the 12-volt accessory power outlets on both the first and second row consoles, enough to keep several mobile devices charged. The doors have built-in smartphone holders, while the front console also has a USB and aux-in port.

The top-of-the line GLX AT variant that we used for the road trip has a 10-inch touch panel multimedia audio system with control buttons conveniently located on the leather steering wheel. It also features an offline navigation system to help you find the best route to your destination, while Bluetooth connectivity allows you to safely answer phone calls or access your Spotify playlist for nonstop entertainment. The Suzuki Ertiga is available in seven colors: pearl glorious brown, metallic magma gray, pearl burgundy red, prime cool black, metallic silky silver, pearl snow white, and pearl radiant red, the color of our Road Trip vehicle. It is offered in four variants, namely: the base GA MT priced at PHP 728,000; GL MT at PHP 848,000; GL AT at PHP 888,000; and the premium GLX AT at PHP 978,000.

april 2019

GADGETS LAB

Driven by Maribelle Alba

MARCH April 2019 2019

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Rugged luxury—that’s how I’d describe this four-wheel drive SUV that’s capable of taking you through the roughest terrain with utmost confidence and comfort. It was the perfect vehicle for taking on the steep uphill climbs, long downhill stretches, sweeping curves and twisty roads of Bataan. Designed to deliver best-in-class experience, the Everest is best appreciated from the driver’s seat, particularly on its top-ofthe-line Titanium 3.2L 4WD. The powerful 3.2L diesel engine’s maximum power output is 200 PS at 3,000 rpm while maximum torque is 470 Nm at 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. With so much power on tap, the expressway’s speed limit seemed too slow, and even with a full load of various travel gear, the mountain roads hardly strained the engine. Although we had no occasion to use the other modes on the Terrain Management System, knowing that one could easily shift on the fly to tackle difficult terrain like mud/ruts, sand, or grass/gravel was reassuring. The Hill Descent Control button did see quite a bit of use, particularly on the 7-kilometer downhill stretch from Mount Samat. Independent, double wishbone front suspensions and leafspring rear suspensions cushioned our ride while disc brakes all around delivered safe stopping power. There are six trim levels for the Ford Everest, starting with the Everest Ambiente 2.2L 4x2 MT and AT at PHP 1,518,000 and PHP 1,578,000, respectively; the Everest Trend 2.2L 4x2 AT at PHP 1,718,000; the Everest Titanium 2.2L 4x2 AT at PHP 1,918,000 and its Premium Package at PHP 2,058,000; and the top-of-the-line Everest Titanium 3.2L 4x4 AT Premium Package at PHP 2,288,000. Three colors—cool white, jet black, and aluminum metallic—are standard. True red is offered only for the Ambiente and Trend variants, while sunset red is exclusive to the Titanium range. Other exclusive Titanium colors are meteor grey and blue reflex.

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MARCH april 2019

APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

PHOTO FEATURE

APRIL 2019

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t h e U lt i m a t e

ROAD TRIP gear

Extraordinary journeys await as the summer breeze begins to blow. Giving everyone a fresh chance to create new memories, the summer season has always been about chasing the sun, getting a nice tan, strolling along the shore, and listening to the soothing sounds of the sea. The road ahead may be long and difficult, but everything can be made easier with technology. These road trip essentials will surely keep you covered as you explore one destination after another.

ART DIRECTION PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR AND MAKE-UP STYLING ASSISTED

BY BY BY BY BY

Simon Engracial Rap Yu Patricia Aquino Paula Candoy Jezeil Romero Chini Soriano Jewel Sta. Ana

MODEL Maja Kirner of Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Folio Managment COVER CREDITS Dress by Forever 21

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APRIL 2019

Instax Square SQ20 Smarter, faster, and bolder

Go Pro Hero 7 All it shoots is everything

APril 2019

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White Jumpsuit by Miss Selfridge

Fujifilm X T30 Captures special moments like a pro

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APRIL 2019

The Bohemian Babe for all Seasons

Interviewed by: Jewel Sta. Ana Most Wordswomen by Jewel in Sta.their Ana 20s still struggle to figure out where they’re going in life, but Maja Kirner is not most women. At 22, she knows exactly the path that she’s taking. Everyone, the ones are the currently inlass their early twenties, With a deepespecially passion for fashion andwho the arts, outgoing continues to chase is adreams work in progress. Thetojourney her from one season another.to greatness is not easy, it has a

lot of twists and turns, self-doubt and frustration. But if you are brave

more than a pretty face, the bilingual lady Getting intoto theget glamorous enough out ofworld yourofcomfort zone andjust face new challenges with can speak German and English fluently, but by she modelling has been a dream come true for resilience, you’ll be able to conquer the world. Eva Gorshkova lives can also understand a bit of Spanish. the German muse. Her first modelling stint this mantra. was in 2016 when she moved to Sri Lanka for Adventurous and sociable, this Hailey Bieber an internship program. She was then taking and Kendall Jenner fan loves to walk around and up Fashion Management when her friends convinced her to audition as a runway model explore new places. She finds art in everything, and has a very deep connection with nature for the Colombo Fashion Week. After her having used to live near The Alps. Now that successful time on the catwalk, she decided she’s in a tropical country, Maja has ensured that to take the leap and become a full-time she gets to attend a surf camp in Siargao. The model. Leaving her education and family in Munich, she embarked on a colorful journey beautiful beaches of La Union and Palawan are also on her destination list this summer season. that is equal parts work and play, landing gigs with such international brands such as In May, she is set to fly to London for another Estee Lauder. fashion project. With only two months left in the Philippines, she’s looking forward to meeting Maja’s height and angelic face makes creative and professional Filipinos who are very more than a few heads turn. With a beauty easy to work with, and eat more chicken adobo comparable to Captain Marvel’s Brie Larson, and fresh lumpia. Maja also happens to be a former soccer player and avid skier. Proving that she is

Outfit by Forever 21 56 56

FEBRUARY APril 20192019

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MOBILITY

KTM On The Road Launched at IR Bikefest 2019

From upper left to right: Paco Milan, Group HR head of AC Industrials; Dino Santos, president & COO of ACPI; Julian Legazpi, managing director of KTM Asia; Carl Decloedt, VP for General Enterprise of ACPI; From lower right To feft: Ana Lumban, marketing head of ACPI; Mike Mendoza of BPI Family Savings Bank – Auto Loans; host Sam YG; Nani Juarez, head of aftersales of ACPI and Israel Cruz of BPI Family Savings Bank – Auto Loans.

From Right to Left: Dino Santos, president & COO of ACPI and Julian Legazpi, managing director of KTM Asia

To promote the KTM experience to the growing number of motorcycle riders in the country, KTM On The Road was launched during the 13th Inside Racing Bikefest and Trade Show. The mobile showroom and service van, which carries certified KTM experts, is slated to travel across the Philippines and stop over for KTM pocket events at dealers nationwide, to meet customers on the ground. Aside from the KTM On The Road initiative, the brand also kicked off the second generation of its Dukehana motorsport event. The Dukehana

april 2019

KTM’s Inside Racing (IR) Host Sam YG mounts on the KTM 790 Duke SpinCam for a unique KTM experience.

celebrates the pride of KTM Duke ownership and competitive excellence. In partnership with the Inside Racing Super Series, the six nationwide legs began on March 30, and is open for beginners and advanced riders. At present, KTM is the largest global manufacturer of ready-to-race European motorcycles and fast-growing, not only in the Philippines, but also in Vietnam, Thailand and China. “We are proud to say that the Philippines has now manufactured 10,166 bikes born

from the joint venture between Ayala and KTM. It all started with a dream. We wanted Filipinos to ride KTMs and that’s why we want to build them. Now that we’re building them, we not only want the Filipinos to ride them, but we want the ASEAN market, the Asian market and maybe even the rest of the world to ride KTMs that are built in the Philippines,” announced by Dino Santos, president and COO of Adventure Cycle Philippines, Inc. under AC Industrials of the Ayala Group of Companies.

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Total Corporation Announces "Startupper of the Year" Winners Total Corporation named Mark Gersava, chief executive farmer of social enterprise Bambuhay, as the country’s first-ever Startupper of the Year. Coming in second is Antipara Exploration Inc. co-founder Aaron Hilomen, who also received the Startup for Better Energy Award. UPROOT Team Lead Robi Del Rosario placed third, while Shift School Armchair designer Cecilia Comia was named Top Female Entrepreneur. The winners will receive financial support of up to PHP 750,000 for the first prize, personalized support and coaching from Impact Hub, and a communications campaign to publicize their project from Total Philippines. The 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge reaffirms Total’s commitment to social and economic development in host countries worldwide.

From Left to Right: Startupper of the Year Ambassador Natasha Bautista, Second place winner Aaron Hilomen, Top Female Entrepreneur Cecila Comia, Startupper of the Year Winner Mark Gersava, Third place winner Robi del Rosario, Total (Philippines) Corporation president and managing director Laurent Stouffe

Honda Launches the New BeAT

Just last month, Honda launched the latest iteration of their popular BeAT scooter. “Different color variants and now, a new streettype Honda BeAT makes the dull city commute a fun and colorful experience,” said Mr. Hervic Villa, Department Manager for Motorcycle Planning. “We at Honda, are pleased with the release of this new model that embodies our drive in setting the trend for new products that appeal to the changing tastes of Filipinos, especially among the younger generation.” The New Honda BeAT comes with a CombiBrake System (CBS) that optimally balances

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the braking between the front and rear tires, allowing ease of use and safety on the road. It also has an Idling Stop System (ISS), a technology that Honda originated, which automatically turns off the engine after three seconds of being stationary and automatically turns on again once the throttle is twisted. This prevents fuel wastage and delivers the most enhanced, fuel-efficiency of up to 63 km/liter, so you can ride farther. Equipped with Programmed Fuel Injection or PGM-Fi, a fuel system capable of supplying the perfect mix of fuel and air to the engine, the New Honda BeAT gives power efficiently, and keeps emissions low. The hip scooter also

has the following product features such as an ACG Starter System, CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission with V-Belt), secure Key Shutter, Enhanced Smart Power (eSP), Tubeless Tires, Park Brake Lock, and a Side Stand switch. For a comfortable and easy ride, the new Honda BeAT has been designed with a wider stepboard, a convenient 11-liter utility box, and Informative Semi-Digital Meter Panel with Eco-Indicator. In addition, it has a larger headlight that’s now equipped with Automatic Headlight On (AHO), and a multi-reflector for wider illumination, as well as a more stylish, modern look.

april 2019

Kymco Unveils New Motorcycles for City Riders

Kymco, a global brand of innovative motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, and utility vehicles, has recently launched two motorcycles at the 13th IR Bike Festival held at World Trade Center. Good for going around the city, the latest addition to Kymco’s growing portfolio of twowheelers aims to provide an environmentally friendly ride to Filipinos. Spearheading the lineup is the Xciting S 400i, a big bike powered by a smooth and quiet 400 cc Fi 4 Valve engine. Surpassing the performance of its predecessor, the motorcycle showcases the brand’s futuristic technology through the rider-centric navigation system called Noodoe Navigation. Installed on the two-wheeler’s dashboard, it has an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface that allows riders to focus on the road. Among its special features include a street countdown indicator, pre-ride destination entry that transfers the address from their phones

april 2019

straight to the dashboard, and personalized journey navigation that can keep track of up to five destinations. Matching the brand’s philosophy of simplicity and power, its bold design includes a Daytime Running Light to increase visibility. It also has a hanger axle and double bridge front suspension for rigidity that offers better handling even at high speed. The Xciting S 400i has a maximum horsepower of 26.5 kW/ 7500 rpm, runs on a Euro 4 engine, has a two-stage seat compartment that can store a full-face helmet, a redesigned V-shape handle bar, adjustable windscreen, two glove compartments in front, a USB port for charging, and brake system with Bosch 9.1M ABS. Meanwhile, the Many 110 EV is an electric scooter under Kymco’s IONEX lineup. Boasting a retro look, it is powered by the IONEX charging system composed of standardized batteries,

home chargers, and a charge point network and energy stations. To keep you going, it has an internal core battery that works for short distance trips when the standard batteries run out of power. Combining stylish design and green technology, the scooter runs on a powerful 3,200 watt electric motor with an average speed of 60 km/h. It can fit two removable batteries that can be easily stowed to its floorboard and carry two more in its underseat storage, effectively extending its range up to 200 km. Weighing in at just 87 kg, the Many 110EV gives agile handling to riders and is equipped with a special reverse button which conveniently moves the vehicle. Other remarkable specifications in this model includes the addition of a USB port in the key slot, LED-powered head and tail lights, and an ergonomically designed compartment for a larger storage space.

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APRIL 4 - 7, 2019 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

WORLD TRADE CENTER METRO MANILA SUPPORTED BY manilaautoshow.com + 632 656 9239 inquire@worldbexevents.com

Suzuki Philippines Unveils the All-New Jimny AllGrip Pro

Suzuki Philippines has unveiled the All-New Jimny All-Grip Pro. The fourth generation of Suzuki’s trademark 4x4 boasts a simple, rugged design that exudes strength and guarantees real off-road performance across any terrain, trail, and even thick forests. This Suzuki SUV uses a ladder frame that is more resistant than a monocoque body to torsion and is therefore better suited for rough, off-road terrain. Unlike many SUVs today with independent suspension, the Jimny utilizes a long-stroke 3-link suspension and rigid full wheel axles on both front and rear for strong traction on uneven terrain. The Jimny can climb over obstacles and steep hills without scraping its bumpers or underbody. The vehicle’s 37-degree approach angle, 28-degree ramp breakover angle and 49-degree departure angle allow it to maneuver over ridges and steep obstructions with ease. With its part-time 4WD with low-range transfer gear, the Jimny can switch between 4WD and 2WD to achieve optimal off-road performance

april 2019

and better fuel economy, and enhanced cornering on paved roads, respectively. The SUV also has extra torque in the 4L mode for rough terrain. The all-new Suzuki Jimny combines hill hold control, hill descent control, and brake limited slip-differential (LSD) traction control to allow both wheels to maintain speed and better control in rough road conditions Powerful Performance and Guaranteed Security The all-new Jimny uses a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder K15B engine that delivers more torque at all rpm than the previous Jimny. It features a specially designed flywheel for engine flexibility and improved NVH as well as a lightweight resin belt cover and fuel tank. The optimized intake system and long nozzle injector enhance fuel efficiency. The Jimny All-Grip Pro also features Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), which scatters collision energy across the vehicle frame to mitigate damage to the cabin and passengers.

To reduce driver stress and fatigue, one of the top design considerations for the new Jimny, the SUV’s ladder frame rigidity was increased and the body mounts redesigned for lower vibration. The front seat cushion frames are 70 mm wider and 50 mm taller for better shock absorption. Unpleasant noise inside the cabin was reduced through the strategic placement of soundabsorbing material throughout the body. For greater dependability, the Jimny All-Grip Pro uses zinc-coated steel extensively, and has a more effective floor undercoating and seater coatings at panel edges to protect it against rust caused by salt from river crossings. The Suzuki Jimny All-Grip Pro starts at PHP 975,000 and is now available for reservation through all authorized Suzuki Auto dealers. The Suzuki Jimny All-Grip Pro comes in two variants: the GLX and GL. Those who want to experience real 4x4 adventure can choose from solid kinetic yellow, metallic brisk blue, metallic chiffon ivory, pearl bluish black, solid medium gray, metallic silky silver, superior white and solid jungle green.

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IPC Announces 'Upgrade Your Drive' Promo Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) makes its easy for Isuzu private vehicle owners to upgrade to a new D-MAX or mu-X with its newest promo. To "Upgrade Your Drive," customers must be an owner of any of the following vehicles, regardless of year model or variant: Gemini, Hi-Lander, Fuego, Trooper, Alterra, Crosswind, D-MAX and mu-X. At any Isuzu dealership, owners must present a copy of the following documents: accomplished Isuzu "Upgrade your Drive" application form; valid LTO Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) that reflects your name as original owner of the vehicle; and two valid IDs. If the Isuzu vehicle was bought from a previous original owner, they must bring a valid OR/CR of the vehicle that already reflects their name, or a notarized deed of sale/transfer if the vehicle's OR and CR is still under the original owner's name. Upon verification of documents, the Isuzu dealership can then qualify owners for a PHP 10,000 cash discount on their next purchase of any brand-new variants of the Isuzu mu-X and /or Isuzu D-MAX (except Cab & Chassis). The cash discount can be applied on top of any other existing promo or discount schemes the dealership may give during the promo period. The IPC "Upgrade Your Drive" promo ends on September 30, 2019.

Yamaha Showcases the “Dark side of Japan” at the 2019 IR Bikefest At this year’s IR Bikefest, Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. introduced a whole new side of Japan with its design concept for the Master of Torque (MT), a series of motorcycles that filled the World Trade Center with excitement and anticipation. The Yamaha display booth "Rev of Dawn" was patterned after Japan’s night cityscape complete with a façade of buildings and glowing LED signages. Spread across the spacious floor were the brand’s well-loved motorcycles: the Yamaha MIO; the MAX series, the Blu, the R-Series Sniper 150, Mio Aerox, and the classic Vega Force i. The MT series debuted with a bang. First to be revealed were the MT-09 and MT-07, followed by the much-anticipated MT-15 at the center, with the Rev of Dawn serving as its backdrop. It symbolized the arrival of a machine that will be the vessel to a new culture of torque and agility. The displacement of the MT-15 is perfect for beginning your journey to the “dark side.” The MT-10, a supreme demonstration of power and torque at its finest, was also revealed. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

It was a full circle for the MT series with the MT15 as a presentation of Yamaha’s design and the MT-10 as the pinnacle of the brand’s ingenuity.

and accredited multi-brand stores nationwide. It has a suggested retail price of PHP 159,000 and comes in ice fluo, matte blue, and tech black.

The MT-15 is now available at the Yamaha Flagship shop, the Yzone; Rev Zones, 3s shops, april 2019

Suzuki Previews the New Katana at the 13th IR Bike Fest

Suzuki Philippines heated up the 2019 IR Bike Festival with its reveal of the new Katana, the iconic motorcycle that stole the hearts of riders the world over in the 80s. The new Katana is set for official rollout in 2020, and has been revealed to be powered by a fourstroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four 999cc engine. Sharing the stage with the Katana during the 3-day event were Suzuki favorites the Skydrive Sport and Smash featuring their new color variants, as well as other motorbikes from the brand. Visitors had the chance to see the

April 2019

motorcycles firsthand. Suzukiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s booth was packed with activities, spare parts counter, design elements that are on brand, as well as accommodating staff that would help interested parties in purchasing a Suzuki motorcycle of their liking.

and Marcus Adoro of Ultracombo. Capping off the festivities, Suzuki held a fashion show in partnership with Bench and invited ABS-CBN primetime actress Yassi Pressman for a special performance.

Entertainment was also on top of Suzukiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priorities with Jaki Gonzaga of Showtime launching the Suzuki Fashion and Style Booth on the first day of the trade show. The second day saw visitors marvel at the Skydrive Sport Dance Contest Grand Finals contestants and sing along rock icons Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala

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Suzuki Philippines and Keymotors Open Suzuki Marine 3S Shop in Aklan

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), in partnership with Keymotors, Inc. has just opened its first Suzuki Marine 3S shop in the Philippines. The exclusive Sales, Service and Spare-parts (3S) shop for Suzuki Marine sits at the beachfront of Brgy. Union, Nabas, Aklan. At the 3S Shop, customers within Aklan, as well as other parts of Panay island, now have access to quality Suzuki boat engines, avail of efficient servicing, and purchase authentic spare-parts while marveling at the beautiful Boracay island just across. The grand opening event was kicked off with a Suzuki Marine’s Clean-Up the World Campaign www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

participated by the SPH Marine team along with the local residents of Brgy. Nabas. During the cleanup, 53 participants collected a total of 97 bags of litter, segregated into organic and non-organic wastes. The cleanup drive was followed by the blessing of the shop, and soon the festive opening ceremony of the Suzuki Marine Boracay 3S Shop. The opening was graced by Robert Po, Keymotors, Inc. president, Norminio Mojica, SPH managing director, Honorable mayor James Solanoy, Nabas, Aklan, as well as VIPs, government and police officials, Suzuki Philippines and Japan management, visitor and media partners, barangay officials, and local residents of Brgy. Union, Nabas.

Another clean-up activity was held the day after the opening, and was participated by the Keymotors, Inc. Mandarin Island Hotel family and SPH media partners at the Boracay Island. Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH) donated 12 trash cans for the island as part of The Suzuki Marine Clean-Up Campaign activity. Tamotsu Shimizu, SPH general manager for Marine and After-Sales closed the celebration by thanking everyone for their efforts and with an important message: “Suzuki’s objective is to deliver better quality kind of service and spare parts operation to our dear clients, especially in Boracay.”

April 2019

GAMING

Developer: Arika Publisher: Nintendo Platform: Nintendo Switch Words by Jose Alvarez

Many of our older readers may be familiar with Tetrisâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the game that took the world by storm in the late 1980s. The game was created in 1984 at the Soviet Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Alexey Pajitnov created the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name as a portmanteau of the Greek tetra (four) and his favorite sport, tennis. The simplicity and addictive nature of the game has kept it popular for over four decades. Players were tasked with clearing lines from the Tetris board before the screen filled up. Pajitnov and his colleagues played the games on an Electronika 60, which had an old text-based display. Eventually, the game made its way to the IBM PC and made its way past the Iron Curtain in Budapest, Hungary. There were loads of licensing issues surrounding the game by the time it arrived to the United States in 1987. The game eventually made its way to a lot of platforms in the mid-to-late 1980s: the Commodore 64, Amiga, and the Atari ST. Tetris was a smash hit and part of the video game revival following the North American video game crash of 1983.

april 2019

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Pajitnov himself gave the rights to the game to the Soviet government in 1988—after all, it was created in the Soviet Academy of Sciences. There was still a growing confusion over the game rights. Atari, Nintendo, Tengen (a subsidiary of Atari), and more claimed various rights to Tetris—the rights to the PC version, home console version, arcade version, and handheld versions were all in dispute from 1984 to 1989 as the game’s popularity skyrocketed. Undoubtedly, the Game Boy version of Tetris was the most popular as each Game Boy came with a copy of Tetris when it was released 30 years ago in 1989. The game came out in Japan and North America. The fall of the Soviet Union allowed Pajitnov to collect royalties from his creation, and by 1996 Pajitnov created The Tetris Company. By this time, he had already immigrated to North

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America. Tetris made its way onto the platforms such as the Apple II, and became a popular smartphone game as well. Tetris 99 offered a new playing style that brings the game into the modern era: fusing a timeless puzzle game classic with the battle royale genre that is seen from PLAYERUNKNOWN’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), Fortnite, and Apex Legends. The game was revealed at a Nintendo Direct presentation on February 13, 2019 and is free-to-play for those who have subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online service. The game plays like regular Tetris but you can choose to send “garbage” lines to other players to force them to clear lines in addition to the pieces already on their boards, or force them to top out. The intense gameplay allows players and

the computer to target one or more individuals. You can target random players, those targeting you, those who are close to topping out, and even those who have badges that have already knocked other players out. The more badges one has, the more “garbage” lines they can send to other players. Fusing the puzzle and battle royale genres seems to be a risk, but overall, it is a unique twist on people who like a timeless classic like Tetris and want to play it against other players around the world. Gamers of all ages will enjoy the competitive playstyle that Tetris 99 provides due to the inclusion of online multiplayer and battle royale elements.

april 2019

GAMING

Publisher: Google Earth and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Platform: Chrome, iOS, Android Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos

Detective- and spy-themed shows featuring strongwilled characters with cool hardware isn’t new to kids who grew up in the 90’s. While mostly revolving around solving mysteries, these shows were also low-key educational. One of the famous characters to come out of this age of gaming is Carmen Sandiego. Donning her iconic red trench coat and fedora, ACME Detective Agency nemesis and V.I.L.E cooperative, Carmen is the lead of a multimedia franchise that teaches geography in fun, brain-teasing ways. Recently picked up by Netflix and produced as an animated series, the thieving heroine continues to spread world knowledge as it invades Google Earth. A spin on its cartoon version that ran from 1994 to 1999, “Where On Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego?” has players unleash their inner gumshoe as they chase after the elusive Carmen. In the game, you are tasked by ACME to bring back the stolen Crown Jewels of London from V.l.L.E. To track down Carmen, you get a ‘magnifying glass’ to search for clues from world-famous landmarks. At these stunning destinations, you interview bystanders who detail their sighting of Carmen. From the witness accounts, which include languages, cultures, and currency Carmen is allegedly learning, you narrow down options and choose the next destination you think Carmen may be at. Aimed at scratching your geography itch, the game utilizes Google Earth’s sophisticated interface. Players get to virtually explore and pick up facts on historic locations such as Buckingham Palace, Tokyo Tower, Burj Khalifa, the Sydney Opera House, and more with just a few clicks. The Crown Jewels Caper is only the first of many Carmen Sandiegothemed Google Earth games set for release. In the titles to come we will find out Carmen’s true identity: has she crossed over the dark side or is she a Robin Hood thieving for good? To play “Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego?” just log on to google.com/earth and hit Catch Carmen Sandiego. You can also play the game via its mobile application on iOS and Android.

APRIL 2019

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VISUAL SPACE

A Visual Artist with a Cause Words by Jewel Sta. Ana | Photos by The Gadgets Team

APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

TRAVEL

APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

APPS

A New Way to Pay Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos

OKTO Pay is a branch of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costeffective OKTO system of digital solutions aimed at end-users and SMEs. The service is a secure payment solution that enables consumers to conveniently do cashless transactions through an easy-to-use app.

To start transacting, users must simply download the OKTO Mobile app via the Google Play Store or Apple app store. Upon start up, users will be asked to register or login if already an existing user.There is no sign up fee and maintaining balance required, which makes it a great option for those hesitant to get a credit card or open a bank account. For offline transactions, users can link their account to an OKTO NFC card and begin purchasing at establishments accepting tap-to-pay Currently the services available within the app include: sending and receiving money via phone and email or scanning a QR code; prepaid load for Globe, Smart, and Sun subscribers; payment of bills for various utilities and services; ePIN purchasing for different game platform credits and other services; scan-to-pay for partner

april 2019

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WELLNESS

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APRIL 2019

FEATURE

April 2019

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APRIL 2019

ENTERPRISE

APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019

The leading online shopping destination in Southeast Asia, Lazada, has shared its roadmap in firing up the growth of its brands and sellers in the region. With the aim of transforming them into “Super eBusinesses”, the eCommerce leader focuses on improving the branding, marketing, and sales of their partner brands and sellers to ensure that they are prepared for the growing demands of the market. Known as “super solutions,” these features have been rolled out in line with the company’s 7th anniversary. These include a series of “super campaigns” where local and international brands under LazMall, a dedicated space for shoppers that offers top-rated and authentic products, can participate to leverage their brand awareness and customer engagement; a new and improved customer marketing solutions package and business advisory dashboard that gives them a glimpse of their performance under the platform, and better tech tools like the Store Builder for customizing their storefronts and changing the way they interact with consumers. Among the new features in the Store Builder is the Image Search that boosts traffic to LazMall and increases product visibility. The introduction of social tools like the Live Stream, and in-app consumer games also allow brands and sellers to connect socially at a deeper level. To discuss the growing trends in eCommerce among its partner international brands, Lazada has also organized the first LazMall Brands Future Forum, which was recently held in Singapore. Lazada Group’s CEO, Pierre Poignant, shared: “No seller is too small to aspire, and no brand is too big to be a Super eBusiness. That is why we are thrilled to roll out super-solutions to help our brands and sellers become more nimble in digitizing their businesses and reaching their customers better.” The online shopping company has also inked an agreement between 12 global leaders in lifestyle, technology, and fashion to strengthen their online retail presence. These include mobile phone brand Realme and television manufacturer Coocaa, which are exclusively available in Lazada. Backed by Alibaba’s technology and logistics infrastructure, Lazada has been able to launch industry-leading innovations over the past years. The super-solutions make authorized dealers and other local brands to open up stores on LazMall with the new simplified signup process. This is in line with the company’s

APRIL 2019

goal of enabling SMEs to become globally competitive. Recognizing the efforts of its partner brands under LazMall, Lazada has awarded topperforming brands that has brought innovative online shopping experience to the Southeast Asian consumers. Unilever receives the Best Marketing Innovation award while Pampers get the plaque for Best Social Media Activation. Coocaa, on the other hand, is hailed as the fastest growing brand. The Customer’s Choice

and Best Product Launch awards, however, goes to Philips and Indonesian cosmetic brand Wardah. Lazada recently hosted a first-of-its-kind concert for its 7th birthday celebration. Driving “shoppertainment” in the region and as a prelude to its one-day sale, they held a Super Party in Jakarta that features a star-studded lineup including the British popstar Dua Lipa, and Philippines’ very own Nadine Lustre and Sam Concepcion.

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CYBER SECURITY

Kaspersky Lab Rolls Out On-Demand Security Service in PH

april 2019

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april 2019

Fortinet Threat Landscape Report Reveals Half of Top 12 Global Exploits Targeted IoT Devices

april 2019

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BITS & BYTES

Iflix Partners with Twitter for the Premiere of Mystified Southeast Asia’s leading entertainment streaming service, iflix, has recently collaborated with Twitter for the premiere broadcast of the first Filipino iFlix Originals movie called Mystified. Twitter users has enjoyed watching the feature film directly through the platform on iflix’s Philippines’ official Twitter account. Bearing an official hashtag, #MystifiedonIFLIX, the video-ondemand service has given the fans a treat of by holding an interactive Twitter party with the film’s main stars. The movie is also now available for viewing on iflixFREE and iflixVIP. Starring Encantadia’s Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Karylle, and Diana Zubiri, Mystified is an action-fantasy movie about four sorceresses who banished the evil witch Hellga with the Portalis. They were then sent to the real world to protect the magic portal. Without their powers, they must come together to protect mankind from greater evil. Co-founder and country manager for iflix Philippines, Sherwin dela Cruz, shared that the whole team is proud of its latest project. Its partnership with Twitter has allowed them to reach and engage with a wider scope of audience.

“Entertainment is a big conversation driver on Twitter in the Philippines. As the first of its kind in the region, we are excited to collaborate with iflix to help as many fans as possible to be part of this exciting launch. Through Twitter, everyone can join in the discussions and find out what’s happening as they unfold during the premiere. It is like attending the premiere night in the comfort of one’s home,” Carl Cheng, Twitter’s head of Entertainment Partnerships for Southeast Asia & Greater China, said.

Smart Backs Mobile Legends Pro League Season 3 Smart Communications announces its support for the upcoming season of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL-PH). The country’s biggest professional Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tourney, participants are in for a chance to win a cash prize of USD 100,000. MPL-PH Season 3 will feature the previous season’s top contenders, including Cignal Ultra, BREN Esports, Sterling Global Dragons (formerly Finesse Solid), Evos.PH Gaming (formerly SXC Imba), Aether Atlas (formerly Aether Main), and Execration. New teams that have made it through the open and main qualifier stages include Finesse Phoenix, ArkAngel (formerly ArkAngel Wicked Minds), Arkangel Ownage, and No Limit. The massively popular multiplayer online battle arena game is the first eSports title to be included in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games set to be held in the country. This is also the first time that eSports will be a medal sport in a regional sporting event accredited by the International Olympic Committee. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Lenovo with co-sponsor Intel, and partners Microsoft and NVIDIA at the Legion of Champions opening ceremony

PLDT and Smart have been constant supporters of the Philippines’ rapidly growing and highly competitive eSports programs. Most recently, the telco giants launched their official professional eSports team Omega, which will represent PLDT-Smart in The Nationals, the country’s first-

franchise based esports league featuring top games DOTA 2 for PC, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang for mobile, and Tekken 7 for PS4. The MPL-PH Season 3 started last March 23 and will end on May 5, 2019. april 2019

Taiwan Excellence Shares ‘Excellent Lifestyle’ in Davao

Taiwan Excellence has recently brought its cutting-edge Taiwanese technology to Davao City as part of the 2019 Davao International Marathon (DIM 2019). Executive vice president of TAITRA Simon Wang, expressed the brand’s desire to build a harmonious relationship with city, and advance bilateral growth for both Taiwan and Davao. Having similar “vibrant environment and populations, TAITRA is excited to introduce the Taiwanese tradition of innovation to more Filipinos. For the past six years, Taiwan Excellence has steadily built a strong reputation in Manila. After receiving positive feedback for their efforts, they are now expanding their reach to 88

april 2019

drive greater awareness in the Davao market, and power its second marathon. An array of top-notch Taiwanese brands and products were on display at the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone at the DIM Race Village, with more than 30 pioneering products that have won the prestigious Taiwan Excellence Award available to interact with. Taiwanese brands that participated in the event include: Asus, Transcend, Adata, Zyxel, KYMCO, Tern, Alya, Comeup, Deya, Saeko, and Johnson Fitness. DIM race director Roel Ano expressed his gratitude for Taiwan Excellence’s support for the race.

“The event’s success could not be possible without the support of Taiwan Excellence,” Ano said. “I hope after this event, more people will feel the power of Taiwan Excellence.” TAITRA revealed that they will be actively participating in more events in the country as well as organize activities to elevate Taiwanese prowess. In 2019, Taiwan Excellence is launching the Taiwan Excellence 3 on 3 Hoop Challenge at SM Megamall, slated for June 29-30, and the Taiwan Excellence E-sports Cup in Manila, October 4-6. It will also join the Internet-of-Things Business Platform at the Marriott Manila taking place July 24-25, as well as the Taiwan Expo in Davao sometime in November.

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Uniqlo Releases Michelin UT T-Shirts Michelin Tire PLC has collaborated with UNIQLO Co Ltd for The Brands Masterpiece series from the Spring & Summer Collection of the UT T-shirt brand. The Brands Masterpiece series is a brandcollaboration project that uses logos or remarkable products from some of the world’s most famous companies as motifs. T-shirts featuring the Michelin Man will be sold at UNIQLO stores nationwide and via the UNIQLO Online Store, under license from Michelin Lifestyle Limited. UNIQLO items featuring The Michelin Man include men’s and children’s T-shirts. Men’s shirt sizes are in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large which are available in stores. Extra Small, 2XL, 3XL and 4XL sizes are only available online. Children’s sizes come in 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 at UNIQLO stores, with sizes 100 and 160 available from the online store only. The shirts will have two designs and will be available in blue or grey.

loved by people the world over, as a motif for its UT collection.

Born in 1898, the Michelin Man turned 120 last year. Michelin is greatly honoured that UNIQLO has once again chosen this character, known and

Countries and territories that will carry the T-shirts are: Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong, France, Singapore, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, the

Philippines, Indonesia, USA, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Holland.

Lenovo Opens First Legion Gaming Store in PH Lenovo, the world’s number one PC developer, has just opened the doors of its first Legion Concept Store located at the 4th floor of the Annex Building of SM City North EDSA. Giving more Filipinos access to powerful gaming devices that would up their game, the store features a wide range of Legion products visitors can interact with. “As the gaming market grows exponentially every year, we at Lenovo would like to maintain our commitment in providing best performing and top of the line devices to the Philippines, which includes the Legion line of gaming notebooks. The exclusive Legion store was conceptualized to support the local gaming culture and provide virtually everything that a gamer needs,” said Lenovo Philippines Country general manager Michael Ngan. As a move to further engage the local gaming community, the store will also be a venue to mini gaming tournaments in the coming months. Complementing the store opening is the unveiling of Legion’s Y740 gaming laptop which is the first from the brand to sport an NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card. Powered by the GeForce RTX 2060, Intel Core i7-8750H processor and 16 GB RAM, the Legion Y740 makes easy work of graphics-intensive games at either 1080p or 1440p resolution. The www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

In photo from left to right: Sheilla Valencia, Lenovo Philippines Channel account manager; Charm Bautista, Lenovo Philippines retail manager; Emma Villaroman, Villman area manager; Eric Villaroman, Villman purchasing head; Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines country general manager; Manuel Villaroman and; Girlie Villaroman, owners of Villman; Sally Yu, Lenovo Philippines consumer lead; Tristan Gonzales, Lenovo Philippines 4P manager for Legion and Desktop.

Legion Y740 with 1 TB + 256 GB SSD memory and a 15.6-inch FHD IPS 144HZ display is for PHP 119,995 at the Legion Concept Store, Lenovo Concept Stores, and at major electronics stores nationwide.

The SM City North EDSA Legion store is just the first of many planned Legion Concept Stores set to open across the Philippines.

april 2019

ILO Holds First Filipina STEM Leaders Forum Seeking to inspire and encourage more women to break barriers as they take the path towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning and careers, the International Labour Organization (ILO) with the support of JP Morgan Chase Foundation and in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States in the Philippines and American SpacesPhilippines, successfully held the first Filipina STEM Leaders Forum. The event celebrated and featured the achievements of four distinguished Filipina leaders in the IT-BPM sectors and how their triumphs in life and career proved #WomenCanDoIT. Aside from inspiring the participants, the forum, held recently at the JP Morgan Chase & Co. Office at the Net Plaza Building in Taguig City, was a timely celebration of the International Women’s Month and which also marked the UN International Day of Women and Girls in STEM – underscored the need and call for more equal opportunities for women in Science and Technology. Present to signify their solid support for the need for more women to be involved in STEM-related industries are the ILO’s key partners from private organizations and government institutions. Among them are Carlos Ma. Mendoza, head

of Banking and Deputy SCO of J.P. Morgan Philippines; deputy director general Rosanna Urdaneta from the Office of the Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning of TESDA; undersecretary John Henry Naga from the Office of the Undersecretary for Management and Operations of the DICT; Ola Almgren, resident coordinator of the United Nations; and Philip Roskamp, public affairs counselor of the Embassy of the United States in the Philippines.

With support from JP Morgan and the TESDA, the ILO program in the Philippines opened 175 scholarships which targeted at empowering, connecting, and supporting career development of women in the IT sector. To date, over 25 women completed the bootcamp training andworkshop in November 2018.

Globe Telecom Launches Globe Future Makers 2019 Globe Telecom, in partnership with The Spark Project, opens the Globe Future Makers (GFM) 2019 for entries. Globe Future Makers (GFM) is a social innovation program of Globe launched in 2017. The program aims to help build the ecosystem of support for startups utilizing technology to solve the Philippines’ most challenging social problems. GFM 2019 is open to Philippine-based individuals, groups, or organizations with solutions that use technology such as a device, platform, hardware, or software, to achieve wide-scale positive impact. Entries must be beyond the ideation and conceptual stage, with a solution that has been working for at least two (2) years and a functional product or service with actual users. It must also address any of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Chosen GFM finalists will each receive technology support from Globe and dedicated mentorship from industry leaders. The finalists will also have access to a robust ecosystem of passionate peers,

april 2019

partners, and potential investors both locally and internationally, plus increased brand awareness with access to nationwide communications channels and potential for regional visibility. This year, the implementing partner for GFM is The Spark Project, which will also help create the ecosystem of social innovators through their community. The Spark Project is a Philippinebased crowdfunding website and community that

helps entrepreneurs and changemakers launch their creatively conscious ventures to market. GFM brings to life the company’s sustainability commitment in response to UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 9 which calls for investment in infrastructure and innovation to find lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

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