2020 v20n7 - THE FINTECH ISSUE by Gadgets Magazine

The common saying “money makes the world go ‘round” seems as true as ever, but increasingly less and less actual money seems to change hands. With the advent of all sorts of digital methods of exchange, gone are the days when we’d go around with a bunch of cash in our pockets. This month, we look at the wide world of finance, and the ways technology is changing how we pay and get paid. From our everyday tasks, to how the rest of the world is doing business, financial institutions and money technologies are making waves we didn’t see coming just a few years ago. Where we put our money might never change, but how it gets there is, and at quite a pace. Consumers and businesses have to keep up or get left behind.

Ren Alcantara Editor-at-Large

MARIBELLE M. ALBA

PRESY ALBA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

#GIRLBOSS

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.

@bellealba

@presy1121

REN ALCANTARA

ARNEL DORIA

Question EVERYTHING. @hisnameisren

Marketing guru. Automotive industry veteran. Road safety advocate.

JEWEL STA. ANA

GABRIEL JOHN PE

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

People say you can’t live without love, I think oxygen is more important. @monsterjewfloat

MOBILITY CONSULTANT

STAFF WRITER

Let the scarlet moon guide you.

CARMELA BIRAO

“Ceeeeeeeeeeeb!”

Stay hydrated.

@_easyo

@carmelabirao

ZEIL ROMERO

CHINI YU SORIANO

Let it be.

I love dogs.

@zeil_heyo

@chinisoriano

JOSE ALVAREZ

JEFF DANIEL RINGON

CONTRIBUTOR

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

Self-proclaimed marketer. Pop culture fan. Sleeper, er, sleeping agent.

GRAPHIC ARTIST

@josealvarez

PRESIDENT & CEO

Maribelle Alba

SALES AND ADVERTISING MANAGER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Marisa Consuelo

ACCOUNTING MANAGER ACCOUNTING STAFF

Maritess Pascua-Maulion Lorie Bernardo

HR & ADMIN MANAGER ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Amy Christine Giray Ramil Almojano

LEGAL COUNSEL

@pe_gab

JERICO LUTRANIA

DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

Carol Agabin

Jerico Lutrania Alba Law Office

VIDEOGRAPHER

GRAPHIC ARTIST

@hefedanyel

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GERRY GAVIOLA CONTRIBUTOR

Cineaste. Audiophile. Gadget addict. @gerry.g626

MARCH 2020

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MARCH 2020 | Volume 20 No. 7

27. Cover Story

Parade

Gadgets Lab

Cover Story

Take a look at this month’s new gadgets

Here are the test results

From Coins to Bits

MARCH 2020

Photo Feature

Mobility

Bulletpoints

Paula Antero shows us how to take on the financial world

Driving news and more

Own the night

Everything Apple

Apps

Feature:

Here’s what we think Apple’s newest products will be

Financial Apps in the app stores

Chubbsafes Keep your things secure

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74. Music Corner

Feature:

64 6

Pru Life UK’s Pulse Promoting universal healthcare for all

Fintech

Fintech for the Poorest of the Poor

Feature:

Financial Services for the Unbanked Reaching the Unbanked

MARCH 2020

Gaming

Music Corner

Enterprise

Level up!

Five UP Fair Acts we’re glad we’ve gotten to know

The Business Side of things

Cybersecurity

Bits and Bytes

Relic

The newest trends in keep you safe on the net

Tech News!

Remember this?

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PARADE

HP Spectre x360 Laptop The HP Spectre x360 is the world’s smallest convertible laptop, yet it still packs a punch. The HP Spectre x360 runs a 10th gen Intel Core processor mated with Intel’s Iris Graphics. It can have either a 13.3-inch FHD IPS display or a 13.3-inch 4K AMOLED display. The HP Spectre x360 also has 16GB DDR4 RAM and up to 2TB of internal storage. The HP Spectre x360 delivers spectacular battery life with almost 22 hours of use per charge. It also has all the HP security features to protect your data.

PHP 79,990

HP Elite Dragonfly Laptop The HP Elite Dragonfly is the world’s lightest business laptop weighing in at barely a kilogram. The HP Elite Dragon is powered by an 8th gen Intel Core processor mated with Intel’s UHD 620 graphics. Its 13.3-inch FHD IPS touchscreen display is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5. Storage-wise HP will fit the HP Elite Dragon with 16 GB of DDR3 RAM and up to 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, with 32GB of Intel Optane memory for ultrafast memory processing. Made for businessmen on the go, the HP Elite Dragonfly also has a myriad of HP security features that makes sure you’ll be protected wherever you go.

PHP 81,440

MARCH 2020

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Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Camera Fujifilm recently announced its latest compact mirrorless camera made for content creators of all levels. Now equipped with a new sensor, processor, and a larger screen, the X-T200 provides professional-level features in one compact package. Lighter than its predecessor by 80 g, the X-T200 weighs only 370 g, and is now equipped with a 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen display for more intuitive controls and a high-speed APS-C 24.2 MP CMOS sensor for better performance. It can process images 3.5 times faster than its predecessor and improves its autofocus through the use of phase detection. The X-T200 now has 20 advanced filters, together with the standard 11 Film Simulation modes, which gives more creative freedom to users. To capture clearer images even with a large group of subjects, it has updated the Face and Eye AF detection. It allows main subject recognition, burst mode up to 8 fps, 4K and Full HD video recording, electronic stabilization mode for recording stable and smooth videos, and HDR Video mode easier video recording in high contrast environments.

PHP 45,990

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MARCH 2020

Lenovo ThinkVision S22e Monitor The Lenovo ThinkVision S22e is a 21.5-inch monitor meant for high-performance use in offices. It has an FHD VA panel that lets you enjoy a 178-degree viewing angle. It provides crystal clear details, vivid colors and a high contrast ratio at 3000:1. It’s also TÜV certified so you can be sure that it’s safe for your eyes. You’ll also enjoy the S22e with its near-borderless design, with a bezel just 2.0 mm thick. The Near Edgeless FHD In-Plane Switching display is also an effective solution for multi-display applications.

Lenovo ThinkVision S24e Monitor The Lenovo ThinkVision S24e is the bigger sibling of the S22e. It has a 23.8-inch FHD VA display panel for high-performance office use. You can also enjoy a wide 178-degree viewing angle with the ThinkVision S24e. Just like S22e, the S24e offers crystal clear details and vivid color, as well as a high contrast ratio at 3000:1. What makes the S24e stand out is its support for AMD’s FreeSync technology which minimizes motion blur and screen tearing. Like the S22e, the ThinkVision S24e has a Near Edgeless FHD In-Plane Switching display for easy multi-display applications.

MARCH 2020

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Nokia C1 Smartphone Nokia C1 is Nokiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest foray into the budget smartphone line. It has a 5.45-inch FWVGA+ IPS screen, a quad-core processor capable of reaching 1.3 GHz mated to 1 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of internal storage that is expandable up to 64 GB via a microSD slot. The Nokia C1 still packs a punch thanks to the light Android 9 Go OS. The OS lets it run all the usual Android goodies such as YouTube, Maps, and even navigation, albeit on a lighter and more data-friendly version. The Nokia C1 also has a 5-megapixel front camera and a 5-megapixel main camera at the rear. It even has a dedicated Google Assistant button for easy access to your digital assistant. The Nokia C1 also boasts long battery life, thanks to its removable 2500 mAh battery.

PHP 2,990

Nokia 2.3 Smartphone The Nokia 2.3 has a MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core processor mated to 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. It has a 6.2-inch HD+ screen with a selfie notch that houses the 5-megapixel selfie camera. At the back, it has a 13-megapixel main camera with a 2-megapixel depth sensor. HMD Global also pointed out that Nokia 2.3 is fitted with more AI capabilities compared to its predecessor. It has the recommended shot feature which lets the phone AI decide which image is the best after shooting your photo. The Nokia 2.3 also has the dedicated Google Assistant button and a non-removable 4000 mAh battery.

PHP 5,990

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MARCH 2020

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite Smartphone The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite takes the effective formula of the Note series and makes it affordable. It has a 6.7-inch, FHD+ Super AMOLED screen with an Infinity-O Display design. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite is powered by Samsungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Exynos octa-core processor. It has 8GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage expandable up to 1TB via MicroSD slot. Its front camera is a 32-megapixel shooter while the back has a triple camera setup. It has a 12-megapixel main shooter, 12-megapixel Ultra-wide angle lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. What makes the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite perfect for multi-tasking individuals is the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen which is the same as the one on the regular Note 10 and Note 10 Plus.

PHP 29,990

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Smartphone The newest flagship from Samsung, the Galaxy S20 Ultra takes mobile photography to new heights thanks to its 108-megapixel main camera and improved sensor. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra has a quad-camera setup at the back, the main shooter has a 108-megapixel sensor, while the secondary ultra-wide angle lens is a 12 megapixel sensor, and the telephoto lens is 48 megapixel deal capable of 10x optical zoom. The last lens is a depth sensor. It is capable of taking 8K videos thanks to its new Exynos 990 chipset. Experience zoom like no other with the S20 Ultraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Space Zoom capable of reaching up to 100x digital zoom. Apart from the upgraded cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is a powerful device. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and the new Exynos 990 processor working together to provide blazing speed and processing power. The S20 Ultra also has either 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage expandable up to 1TB via microSD slot. Battery life is also a non-issue as the S20 Ultra is fitted with a 5000mAh battery capable of 45W fast charging.

PHP 69,990 (12GB + 128GB)

MARCH 2020

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Jabra Elite 75t True Wireless Earbuds The Jabra Elite 75t is Jabraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth-generation flagship true wireless earbuds. The Jabra Elite 75t is better than ever, thanks to its improved fit which Jabra claims came from scanning thousands of ears. Calls on the go are also clearer new four-microphone system within the earbuds. The Jabra Elite 75t also offers improved battery life from its predecessor which is made possible by the 7.5 hours for the earbuds and up to 28 hours with the charger case. It now also has one-touch access to voice assistants. With its IPX 55 rating, you can feel secure from any spills or dust on the earbuds. Jabra also promises a personal feel for the buds thanks to the Jabra Sounds+ companion app. The apps allow users to create their own music profiles to suit their own tastes.

PHP 9,999

Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Earbuds The Jabra Elite Active 75t is the sporty sibling of the Jabra Elite 75t. It shares the majority of the specs of the regular Elite 75t, such as the improved fit and the new four-microphone system. The major difference between the two buds is its IPX 57 rating, making it the perfect companion to your workout routine. Another difference is its active secure fit which allows it to remain on your ears even through tough workouts. Like the Elite 75t, the Jabra Elite Active 75t has a battery life of up to 7.5 hours for the buds and up to 28 hours with the charging case. You can also create personal music profiles for the Elite Active 75t via the Jabra Sound+ companion app.

PHP 10,999

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MARCH 2020

Jabra Elite 45h Bluetooth Headphones The Jabra Elite 45h is the latest wireless over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones from the brand. Among the best in its class, it is equipped with powerful 40mm drivers for crystal-clear audio. It is also among the longest-lasting, with a promised 40 hours of battery life. You also won’t have to worry about long downtime as Jabra has equipped the Elite 45h with fast charging technology, providing up to 8 hours of battery life with as little as 15 minutes of charging. Get clear audio for calls on the go via its specially designed two-microphone call technology. Like Elite 75t, the Elite 45h also has a one-touch voice assistant feature. Customize the headphones to your own preference with the Jabra Sound+ companion app. You can also be assured these headphones won’t hurt since Jabra has also designed them ergonomically and fitted it with memory foam ear cushions.

D-Link EXO AC1300 Smart Mesh Wi-Fi Router Wi-Fi Router The D-Link EXO AC1300 Smart Mesh Router Wi-Fi Router brings fast AC1300 Wi-Fi to your home. It has superfast combined Wi-Fi speeds of up to 400 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 867 Mbps for 5.0GHz. The D-Link EXO AC1300’s dual-core processor enables it to keep up with even the most demanding tasks. It is also protected with built-in McAfee for security for every device on your network. The D-Link EXO AC1300 is great for smart home integration, being able to work with either Google Assistant or Alexa.

MARCH 2020

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D-Link AC1300 (DRA-1360) Wi-Fi Range Extender Eliminate dead spots from your home with the D-Link AC1300 mesh-enabled Range extender. It has fast AC1300 Wi-Fi with combined speeds of 400 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 867 Mbps for 5.0GHz. The D-Link AC1300 Wi-Fi range extender is the perfect companion for the brand’s EXO router to completely eradicate your home’s Wi-Fi dead zones. The D-Link AC1300 Wi-Fi Range Extender is easy to set up with its single-button setup. Aside from being a range extender, the D-Link AC 1300 Wi-Fi Range Extender can also function as a router with its gigabit RJ45 port to turn your wired setup into a wireless one.

D-Link AC2000 Mesh (DRA-2060) Wi-Fi Range Extender The upgraded sibling of the DRA-1360, the D-Link AC2000 Mesh Range Extender is a Wi-Fi range extender with blazing-fast AC2000 speeds. It has a combined speed of up to 300 Mbps for 2.4 GHz and 1733 Mbps for 5.0 GHz. Like the DRA-1360, the D-Link AC2000 is the perfect companion for the brand’s EXO series Wi-Fi routers to create a home mesh network. It is also easy to set up with its one-button setup, or via the MyD-Link companion app. Like the DRA-1360, the AC2000 Mesh Range Extender can also turn a wired network into a wireless one via a gigabit RJ45 port.

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MARCH 2020

Synology DiskStation DS420j Network Attached Storage The DS420j is a 4-bay NAS server designed for home and personal users to efficiently manage and share their multimedia files. It is the ideal choice when it comes to photo storage and video streaming. The DS420j is powered by a 64-bit 4-core CPU to ensure smooth photo management and browsing. It has over 112 MB/s encrypted reading and writing performance and has a maximum storage of up to 64TB. It is also running on Synology’s DiskStation Manager, a platform designed for data management that features data security and work efficiency.

Plantronics Backbeat PRO 5100 True Wireless Earbuds The Plantronics Backbeat PRO 5100 is the brand’s premium true wireless earbuds. You can forget the wind and background noise and hear and you only want to hear. These earbuds have powerful 5.8mm drivers which deliver deep bass, natural mid tones, and crisp highs. The noise isolation ear tips provide a snug fit throughout the day, and the built-in smart sensors know when it’s in your ear or when you take it out. Expect the Plantronics Backbeat PRO to last you the whole day with its 19-hour long battery life. You also won’t need to worry about the elements with its dust and sweat protection and IPX4 water-resistant rating.

PHP 8,995

MARCH 2020

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR Camera The Canon EOS-1D Mark III is the brand’s latest flagship camera. Dubbed as the “Ultimate EOS,” the EOS-1D X Mark III is fitted with all the good stuff Canon has to offer. It has a 20.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and Canon’s latest DIGIC X processor. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III provides the sharpest pictures in an EOS ever, thanks to its new and improved AF system. Canon has fitted 191 AF points in the EOS-1D X Mark III and even placed a dedicated DIGIC 8 processor for its AF system. You can capture every moment with its 16 fps (viewfinder) and 20 fps (live view) burst shots. Not just made for photographers, Canon also made its latest flagship a videographers dream with its 5.5K RAW video recording resolution and 4K movie recording at 60 fps. To keep up with its massive data output, Canon has also fitted the EOS-1D Mark III with two CFExpress card slots.

PHP 399,998

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MARCH 2020

Astro A40 TR Headset The Astro A40 TR is made for serious gamers who want a complete and fully customizable soundscape. The Astro A40 TR provides a robust gaming environment while delivering crisp and clear audio for voice chat, thanks to its Astro Audio V2 audio. The swappable boom mic also lets the headset deliver clear audio for clear comms with your teammates without any issues. You can use the A40 on different devices, thanks to the 3.5mm audio jack. To fully enjoy the A40, the bundled MixAmp Pro provides Pro-grade audio that simulates official gaming tournaments.

Astro MixAmp Pro TR MixAmp The Astro MixAmp Pro TR is made for serious live streamers and content creators who want great audio control for their work. The Astro MixAmp Pro TR provides a plethora of inputs and outputs for lag-free and interference-free operation. Its input includes TOSlink, a USB Micro-B for its audio and power, a 3.5mm Stream output, a 3.5mm audio port for the headset, and two digital daisy chain ports. With its daisy chain port, the Astro MixAmp Pro TR can be connected to other MixAmp Pro TRs to form a local chat network for optimal team communication that simulates tournament setups.

PHP 13,990 (A40 TR + MixAmp Pro Combo)

MARCH 2020

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Olight Perun Flashlight

Never get caught in the dark with the Olight Perun multi-functional light. The Perun is the latest in the line of Olights much-beloved pocket torches. With an emitter angled 90 degrees from the flashlight body, it makes handheld and head-mounted illumination that much more convenient. The light is capable of a maximum output of 2000 lumens, with a throw of 120 meters, and a wide enough beam for even detailed work at closer ranges. With multiple lighting levels all the way down to 5 lumens, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great choice for EDC use, taking outdoors, or as a utility light.

PHP 4,950

Xtreme MF-5500s 55-inch 4K Smart TV Smart TV

The Xtreme MF-5500s is a 55-inch smart TV with a 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160). The Extreme MF-5500s provides sharp images, thanks to its backlit DLED IPS panel. Sound quality is great as well as with its built-in soundbar-like speakers. As a smart TV, the Xtreme MF-5500s has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and a web browser. Physical connections is bountiful as well with three HDMI ports, a USB port, an AV port, and even an RJ45 port for LAN connection.

PHP 30,990

MARCH 2020

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Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5BT-K Bluetooth Headphones The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5BT produces great high-quality sounds, thanks to its 40mm dynamic drivers and a closed-back design. You can enjoy your music wirelessly thanks to its Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, or wired when you run out of juice through the included 1.2 m coiled cable. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about the headphoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battery life as it is rated for 20 hours of playback time in three hours of charging.

Konzert WM-44UBT Wireless Microphone

The Konzert WM-44UBT are UHF Wireless Microphones with Bluetooth connectivity perfect for events and get-togethers. It has two channels of wireless microphones that are powered by AA batteries. The WM-44UBT also has Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity.

PHP 4,499

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MARCH 2020

GADGETS LAB

Samsung Galaxy A71 Reviewed by Jewel Sta. Ana

Samsung has always been known for its flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S-Series. However, it started to revive its midrange models in the local market last year with devices boasting rotating triple cameras. The Korean smartphone brand consistently offers more as it launches its first mid-ranger with quad cameras, in the form of Samsung Galaxy A71. Does it tick off the right boxes on our checklist? Let’s find out. DESIGN

USER EXPERIENCE

Arriving with a new back design and fresh colorways, the Samsung Galaxy A71 is a stylish phone that can easily match neutral and pastel color schemes. This is made possible with the Prism effect on its back panel featuring thin, linear patterns. It combines the glossy feel of plastic and the premium look of metal. We got our model unit in Prism Crush Black.

As a multimedia daily driver, the latest addition to the A-series ticks off some of the things that consumers want to find in a smartphone. With its larger screen size and Super AMOLED Plus technology, it delivers games and digital content with great vibrance. Also, we didn’t encounter any trouble using the smartphone under direct sunlight. Placing just a camera on the top middle part of the screen provided more control for games, especially while playing FPS and MOBA titles. To improve audio quality when using wired and wireless earphones, the Samsung Galaxy A71 is Dolby Atmos enabled. It delivers crystal-clear audio despite having a single downward speaker. However, it can be a bit distorted when you max out the volume. Both rear and front cameras are exemplary in natural lighting, capturing every detail brilliantly. The story is different during night time. I brought the phone to the UP Fair and the camera performance was a bit underwhelming. Subjects can be blurry and noise is evident when you take photos in environments with bad lighting. The camera app has a number of new features including live focus, ar emoji, food, macro, and super slow-mo. Thanks to its super steady video mode, it can shoot less stabilized videos up to 1080p. It can, however, capture ultra high definition videos in 4K without video stabilization and effects.

Replacing the triple camera sensors on its rear are a rectangular camera module with LED flash that is slightly raised off the surface. A grey version of the Samsung logo is placed at the bottom. The control buttons, like the volume rockers and power button are on the right, opposite to the dual SIM tray and micro-SD slot. Below are a single grille speaker, noise-canceling microphone, USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

HARDWARE Samsung has managed to keep their smartphones lightweight despite large screen sizes. As an upgrade from its predecessors, the A71 features a massive 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that comes with very slim side bezels. This is good news for both gamers and cinephiles who look for something immersive. Instead of a chunky top notch, the phone only has a hole-punch 32MP front camera. Its quad camera setup includes 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP depth, and 5MP macro sensors. Enough to power through your day, the Samsung Galaxy A71 boasts a massive 4500mAh battery equipped with 25W fast charging capabilities. It lets you do more, delivering seamless and efficient performance powered by its octa-core Snapdragon 730G processor. This is mated with a large internal storage of 128GB that’s expandable up to 512GB via microSD slot, and 8GB RAM. Moving forward from its predecessors, the Samsung Galaxy A71 upped the ante of security with its on-screen fingerprint scanner.

MARCH 2020

Built for busy bees, the smartphone runs Samsung’s latest user interface, the One UI 2.0, based on Android 10. It gets Google and Samsung apps out of the box, including Samsung Knox for multi-layered security from receiving the latest security updates to defending your most sensitive information. This year, Samsung also brings another flagship phone feature, the on-screen fingerprint scanner, to the A-series.

elegant packaging. So if you have a few bucks to spare in your bank account, this smartphone is worth spending on. SPECIFICATIONS: • Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Plus Infinity-O • Cameras: 64MP f/1.8 (main), 12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide), 5MP f/2.2 (depth), and 5MP f/2.4 (macro) rear quad camera, 32MP front camera • Processor: Snapdragon 730G 2.2GHz, octacore • RAM: 8GB • Internal memory: 128GB, expandable up to 512GB via microSD slot • OS: One UI 2.0, based on Android 10 • Battery: 4500mAh, 25W Super Fast Charging • Other features: Game Booster, Dolby Atmos, Bixby, Samsung Knox, On-Screen Fingerprint Scanner What’s Hot: • Exceptional battery life • Good for multitasking • Larger display for an immersive experience What’s Not: • Cameras are lackluster on environments with bad lighting • Facial unlock is quite slow • Lacks wireless charging and IP rating

VALUE Spending over PHP 20,000 for a mid-ranger phone can a bit of a difficult proposition. Certainly, there are a lot of things that Samsung should work on. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A71 proves that you can bring top-notch specs in simple yet

BOTTOMLINE It’s an A-lister in its price range.

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Fujifilm X-A7 Reviewed by Gabriel Pe

Camera technology has rapidly progressed throughout the years from the once bulky DSLR to the portable, but equally versatile mirrorless camera. Fujifilm has been at the forefront of the mirrorless revolution for quite some time now, but will their latest mid-range camera, the Fujifilm X-A7, hold that front? DESIGN To be honest, I’m a sucker for Fujifilm’s camera aesthetic. The simple dual tone of their lineup really strikes my visual senses. It’s simple yet the buttons and dials aren’t merely for design. There are three dials on top of the camera: the shutter, aperture, and mode selection dials, with two programmable buttons on the top of each of the first two. By default, the smaller button is the dedicated shutter button while the bigger button is for video recording. At the front is the lens mount while on the sides are the input ports and the button to bring up the flash. At the bottom are the battery and SD card slots. At the back is the 3.5-inch LCD touch screen about which I’ll go into more detail later.

HARDWARE The Fujifilm X-A7 is rocking a newly designed 24.2-megapixel APS-C from Fujifilm, which the brand claims adds a significant performance boost to its auto focus capabilities. The new sensor also has what the brand calls “memory color” which they claim produces near-perfect color replication. Fujifilm has also upgraded the X-A7 with quicker phase detection and autofocus. Fujifilm has equipped the X-A7 with what they call advance face/eye detection autofocus. The X-A7 also has better night mode capabilities thanks to the upgraded sensor. Just like most Fujifilm cameras, the X-47 has an abundance of film simulation filters. Video-wise, the X-A7 can now shoot 4K resolution videos in 30fps, a huge upgrade from the X-A5 and X-T100’s 15fps. Like the two, HD videos are still shot on 60fps which is great, if you ask me.

USER EXPERIENCE Right off the bat, I was disappointed that the camera came at a time when I was not going on vacation or anywhere interesting. I really wanted to test its full potential on the beach

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somewhere, but alas, the concrete jungle sufficed. As someone who’s used to shooting with a DSLR, the X-A7 was a huge quality of life improvement. Let’s just say that carrying a brick of an SLR camera was a nightmare whenever I was going to events. One of the things I loved about the X-A7 is its video recording. While the camera had no mechanical stabilization, the electronic stabilization was fairly decent and made me look like a decent videographer. With its improved facial autofocus, videos were absolutely clear. One qualm I had was the time limitations. 4K had a limit of 15 minutes per recording while 1080p had a 30-minutes cap. Photography-wise, the X-A7’s 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor was great. Images were crisp and sharp. The hybrid phase autofocus system was absolutely amazing, I was shooting an event and the camera was quick to lock on to the speakers’ faces. But the thing I loved most was the 3.5-inch LCD screen. The screen made everything extremely easy, the screen menu was easy to navigate and features were quick to access. I absolutely loved the film simulation feature which made for some creative shots; just ask my unfortunate test subjects at the office. I also didn’t have any problems with the camera’s battery life. After a day’s worth of shooting at the office, the camera still had a bit of juice for an event the next day. You also won’t have any problem when you run out of power as the X-A7 has USB-C charging, so you can just plug it in a power bank and you’re good to go.

SPECIFICATIONS: • Image Sensor: 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor • Storage: SDXC up to 256GB • ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200 - 12800 extended up to 51200 • Shutter speed: Mechanical Shutter: 4sec. to 1/4000 sec.(P mode), 30sec. to 1/4000sec. (Other modes) Bulb mode(up to 60 min) • Burst shooting: Approx. up to 6fps • Autofocus Points: 117 selectable points • Video resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160): up to 30fps, Continuous recording: up to 15 min, Full HD(1920 x 1080): up to 60fps, Continuous recording: up to 30 min. • File Format: Still Image: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3)/ RAW (RAF format) / RAW+JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOFcompatible), Video: Movie File Format: MPEG-4 • LCD Monitor: 3.5inch, aspect ratio 16:9, Vari-angle type, TFT color LCD monitor • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI Micro connector, USB Type-C • Battery Life: approx. 440 shots • Extra Features: Film simulation mode, Scene position modes including multiple exposures and light trail mode, advance filters What’s Hot: • Great image quality • Easy to use screen • USB-C charging What’s Not: • Short video recording • No built-in stabilization

VALUE Coming at under PHP 40,000 the Fujifilm X-A7 is a great camera not only for beginners but also for individuals who need a decent shooter with plenty of features.

BOTTOMLINE The Fujifim X-A7 is definitely a camera to consider.

MARCH 2020

Plantronics Backbeat Pro 5100 Reviewed by Maribelle M. Alba

Judging by the test units being sent over to our lab for review, it looks like wireless earbuds are the next wave of Bluetooth accessories. Plantronics, well-known for its audio and communications equipment, recently introduced the Backbeat Pro 5100. Let’s see how it sounds.

DESIGN The Backeat Pro 5100 from Plantronics is another pair of true wireless earbuds. Made mostly of plastic materials, they are light and compact, weighing only 5.8g each. Meant to be worn in-ear, the buds come with small, medium and large eartip options to fit comfortably in different ear shapes. The button controls are glossy with a PLT logo and a LED indicator. The earbuds fit into a black plastic charging case that has magnets near the charging pins to hold the earpieces securely in place. The case’s lid isn’t magnetized. Instead there’s a catch and you press a button on the side of the case to unlock. The micro-USB charging port is found on the case bottom.

HARDWARE Plantronics’ tiniest and lightest earbuds use small but powerful 5.8mm drivers to produce an immersive sound experience. For call clarity, it uses four noise-canceling microphones and their WindSmart technology that’s supposed to tune out background noise. Smart sensors turn the earbuds on when you put them in your ear, pause your music when you remove them, and resume playing when you put them back on, and you can opt to use just one or both earbuds. Lithium-ion polymer batteries on the earbuds deliver up to 6.5 hours of listening and 4 hours of talk time. The charging case gives you an additional 13 hours of power. It takes about 3 hours to fully charge both earbuds and charging case.

USER EXPERIENCE The pairing process was a little bit of a challenge because it seemed like each earbud established the Bluetooth connection separately, requiring you to first pair the right and then the left side. It took me some tries to get It done. Then, I downloaded the Backbeat app and saw that

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there was a firmware update available. Since the earbuds needed to be on while installing the update, I had to keep them in my ears and within one meter of my phone for over 30 minutes, during which time they disconnected/connected intermittently. The Backbeat Pro 5100 has good noise isolation, so you can shut out the world and concentrate on your music. Audio output is crisp and precise, with good stereo separation. Voice is particularly clear as are the highs and mid-tones with an understated bass. I personally prefer to boost treble over bass, so this preset is good for me. However, if you’re the type who prefers a more vibrant listening experience, don’t expect thumping bass from these earbuds. I expected to be able to configure my listening preferences in the accompanying Backbeat app, but found that while the app lets you select your primary earbud, tap options, system volume, and other settings, it’s missing an equalizer function so you can’t actually adjust audio output to your listening style. Also, while you can pair the Backbeat Pro 5100 to several devices, it can actively connect to only one device at a time.

SPECIFICATIONS: • Wearing style: True wireless in-ear • Speaker size: 5.8mm • Battery life: Up to 6.5 hours listen time, up 4 hours talk time, additional 13 hours with charging case • Charging time: Up to 3 hours for full charge of earbuds and case • Standby time: • Weight: 5.8g each earbud, 38.6g charging case • Noise cancellation: Digital signal processing • Microphone: Four microphones • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 • Operating range: Up to 10m • Connection: Micro-USB • Controls: Play, pause, forward/back, voice assistant • IP rating: IPX4 sweat and water-resistant What’s Hot: • Compact and light • Long battery life What’s Not: • Connects to only one device at a time • Took several tries to successfully pair headset and update firmware

With regard to call clarity, voice calls came through loud and clear, although the person I was talking to commented that I sounded a bit tinny on her end. Overall, though, there were no crackles and no choppy moments.

VALUE The Backbeat Pro 5100 is slightly more affordable than the benchmark Apple Airpods and the Jabra Elite 75t, at PHP 8,995. At that price range, though, you’re not going to be pinching pennies so the purchase decision will depend solely on personal preference. With Plantronics’ solid reputation as a headphone brand for professional use, you have the assurance that this is an expense that will be well worth your money.

BOTTOMLINE You can wear them comfortably and enjoy listening to music the whole day.

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Realme 5i Reviewed by Gabriel Pe

Over the past few years, smartphone technology has seen a rapid rise in advancements, as well as a drop in pricing. It wasn’t that too long ago when quad-camera smartphones were exclusive to flagships and upper mid-rangers. Welcome the 5i, Realme’s first budget quadcamera smartphone. How does it compare to its bigger brothers in the mid-range category?

DESIGN One look at the Realme 5i, and it took me back to its older brothers the Realme 5 and Realme 5 Pro. It has the same layout and design. What’s different is its back, with a new Sunrise design and carved detail. The Realme 5i has a 6.5-inch Mini-Drop IPS screen display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. Holding the phone you’ll immediately notice the 8-megapixel front camera. The side of the phone has the buttons and the sim card and microSD card slot. Beneath the phone is the micro USB charger and the 3.5mm audio jack. At the back is the quad-camera setup and the fingerprint scanner.

HARDWARE Unlike its older brothers, the Realme 5i is not the hardest hitter in the family, but it does get the job done. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor mated to an Adreno 610 GPU and could run lighter games such as Mobile Legends on recommended setting and heavier games such as PUBG and Asphalt 9 on medium to low graphics. The Realme 5i is the first smartphone to feature a quad-camera setup with the main shooter sporting a 12-megapixel lens. It has an 8-megapixel ultrawide-angle lens with a 119-degree POV. It also has a dedicated 2-megapixel macro lens and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The Realme 5i has 3GB of RAM with 64GB of internal storage, enough for most of your daily needs.

USER EXPERIENCE One of the first things I noticed upon receiving the Realme 5i was the phone’s design and how gorgeous the carved back was. The device did feel slippery so a rubber case is a must-have. The Realme 5i was one of the speediest phones in its class that I have handled. The Snapdragon

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665 was blazing fast especially with the 3GB of RAM paired with it. As for the internal storage, you won’t fill the 64GB easily, so you don’t have to grab a microSD card. One of the things I really liked about this phone was its battery life. The 5000mAh battery was a beast, lasting me more than a day with constant use, and more than a week in standby. I actually left the phone inside my desk for more than a week without bothering to play with it. Upon checking, I found that it still had about 15 percent battery remaining. Now to the phone’s main selling point: the cameras. Phones at this price point usually have not so great cameras, but for the Realme 5i, it was fairly decent. The 12-megapixel camera performed as expected, so temper your expectations. It was also great having 4K video recording on the device, but you can’t fully utilize it using the phone’s 720x1600 resolution screen. The screen resolution also hit the phone’s gaming performance since games such as PUBG and Asphalt defaulted to the phone’s native resolution instead of running at the full potential of the processor. Another thing that I found lacking in the Realme 5i was dual-band Wi-Fi support. It doesn’t make much of a difference in terms of browsing speeds, but it would have been great to have it in.

SPECIFICATIONS: • Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD Mini-drop display with Corning Gorilla Glass Protection • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 • GPU: Adreno 610 • OS: ColorOS 6.1 • RAM: 3GB • Internal Storage: 64GB • Camera: Rear: 12-megapixel, 8-megapixel ultrawide-angle, 2-megapixel macro, 2-megapixel depth; Front 8-megapixel • Battery: 5000mAh with 10W fast charging • Connections: MicroUSB, 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi • Features: 4K video recording, Super Nightscape, Fingerprint reader • Dimensions: 164.4 x 75 x 9.0mm • Weight: 195g

What’s Hot: • Snapdragon 665 • Quad-camera setup • Amazing battery life • Great price • 4K Video recording What’s Not: • No 1080p resolution support • No dual-band WiFi • A bit slippery

VALUE Coming in at PHP 6,990 the Realme 5i does have its shortcomings but it is still a seriously great budget phone for people looking for an upgrade from an older device.

BOTTOMLINE It’s a phone that’s superbly built for its price

MARCH 2020

Jabra Elite 75t Wireless Earbuds Reviewed by Maribelle M. Alba

I’m a sucker for Bluetooth headsets of virtually all types of form factors—over the ear, in-ear, earbuds, sports, bone conduction… Right now my phone is paired to about 8 different brands ranging from entry to premium, but over the years one of the brands that’s been on my must-have list is Jabra, for their reliability and sound quality.

DESIGN The Elite 75t is a new pair of wireless earbuds which Jabra claims was designed after having scanned over a thousand ears to discover the best size and fit for most ears. Using plastic and rubber, the earbuds are certainly tiny and light, weighing only 5.5g in each ear. The button on each earpiece is a real, physical button that you press for more accurate control. The earbuds have magnets to keep them in place in their compact carrying case that also doubles as a charging base. At the back is a USB-C port for charging, beside which is a tiny LED indicator. The package comes with a USB-C charging cable and two extra pairs of silicon eargels so you have a choice of small, medium, or large to get the most secure and comfortable fit.

HARDWARE The Elite 75t’s four-microphone call technology filters out ambient noise for superior call clarity even in windy or noisy environments. The earbuds have 5mm speakers and can be used for up to 7.5 hours of music and talk time. With the charging case, you can get up to 28 hours of use on a single charge. It takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to fully charge the battery, which can then last up to 6-months on standby mode. With Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the Elite 75t has the usual 10m operating range. it can be paired with up to 8 devices while maintaining a simultaneous connection with two devices at any given time. It automatically powers on when taken out of the case and turns off after 15 minutes without a connection, or an hour of inactivity.

USER EXPERIENCE Jabra has a Sound+ app to help you manage the Elite 75t, and I suggest you download the app before pairing the earbuds with your devices. One of the features that I love best about Jabra headsets is that they can be connected to two devices simultaneously—in my case, to my iPhone and iPad. Each time I put on my earbuds, I like hearing that it’s “paired with two devices.” I could listen to an audiobook or watch a movie on my iPad and

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then answer a call on my phone without having to connect/disconnect the other device. After ending the call, the audio would then switch back to the audiobook or movie. Perhaps I haven’t spent enough time figuring out the controls on the Elite 75t, but it sometimes happens that although the paused device resumes where it was interrupted, the audio does not resume on the headset. Quality on voice calls are generally so clear I could actually hear the television in the background. Occasionally, though, when I was moving around, the person I was talking to would complain about not being able to hear me until I moved to a better spot. The Jabra Sound+ app is a great complement to the Elite 75t as it allows you to personalize and configure the earbuds to your preferences. For instance, if you don’t want to totally shut out the world and would like to hear what’s going on around you, you can opt to turn on the Hearthrough mode, for which you can further decide if you want the audio to keep playing or turn it off. The app has a music equalizer where you can choose from six preset modes: default, speech, bass boost, treble boost, smooth, or energize. Or you could adjust the equalizer manually to your preferred settings and then save it as a new preset. I like to have higher treble settings when listening to music but prefer clearer speech when watching video—all I need to do is choose the appropriate equalizer setting to suit my mood.

a pair of wireless earbuds at really low prices from Lazada, but if audio quality is important to you, then consider this as an investment that’s going to give you many hours of listening pleasure everyday. It also comes with a two-year warranty. SPECIFICATIONS: • Wearing style: True wireless in-ear • Speaker size: 6mm • Battery life: up to 7.5 hours, 28 hours with charging case • Charging time: 2h 20m • Standby time: 5 months • Weight: 5.5g for each earbud, 35g charging case • Noise cancellation: Passive, hearthrough • Microphone: 4-microphone technology • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 • Operating range: Up to 10 meters • Connection: USB-C cable • Controls: Calls and music, voice guidance • IP rating: IP55 water and dust protection What’s Hot: • Light and compact • Good fit • Personalization through the Sound+ app What’s Not: • Some issues when switching between connected devices • Can’t use just one earbud

And, if you just want some ambient noise to focus on work, you can choose from soundscapes like white noise, nature sounds, or even crowd sounds. Since the Elite 75t is so small, it’s comforting to have the headphone locator in the app which shows you its last known location. I thought this was neat, as I often misplace stuff.

VALUE Priced at PHP 9,999, the Elite 75t is not cheap but certainly more affordable than the both the Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro. For sure, you can get

BOTTOMLINE You can’t go wrong with a Jabra, and the Elite 75t is a great addition to the line. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

COVER STORY

from coins to bits: the digitalization of transactions Words by Gadgets Team | Art by Jezeil Romero

Money is an important part of how the world works. Whether it’s to buy lunch, a car, or a house, money makes the whole business of buying and selling much simpler. As technology progresses though, more and more methods of exchange have come into existence. In this month’s CoverStory, we look at some of the newer ways the world can go ‘round.

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CRYPTOCURRENCY Words by Ren Alcantara

n a previous CoverStory, we discussed just how blockchain works. The technology, which is a decentralized, secure, anonymous way to keep reliable records, isn’t the same as cryptocurrency, but it is an application of blockchain. If you want to know how blockchain works in general, find a copy of the February 2019 issue, and give that a look. Today though, we’re going to take a look at cryptocurrency in particular. Cryptocurrency is the most visible, best-known application of blockchain technology. If you’ve ever heard of Bitcoin, Etherium, or Litecoin, then we’re on the same page. The explanation is cryptocurrencies are internetbased forms of currency that use blockchain technology. The benefits of blockchain, basically that it’s decentralized, open, and virtually impossible to tamper with, make it great as a means of paying for goods and services, particularly if you want to do it discreetly.

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What’s the point though? There are advantages to using Bitcoin over traditional means of exchange, with most of the advantages being innately due to their being blockchain-based, so if you’re interested to look at what those are, refer to that previous issue we mentioned. As a financial tool though, there are a few marked advantages over traditional currency. Speed As an application of blockchain, the execution of funds transfers is practically instant across the system. Everyone is working on it at the same time, you don’t have to wait for banking hours to process, verify, and apply the changes. No single entity holds the keys Again, as a consequence of being decentralized, it’s not tied to a particular state or entity. There is no foreign exchange to deal with, and it’s not tied to any one state’s gold reserves. In fact, there really is only a certain amount of Bitcoin that can be mined. It’s also immune from the political tides that make currencies volatile (though yes, it is

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itself volatile because it’s so new.) This also gives it absolute security. There’s no one ledger where amounts are held, and unless you can change the records on more than half of everyone making changes to the public ledger, you can’t change the numbers. Permanence Once a transaction goes through, is logged, and propagated, there’s no going back. Nothing, nobody, anywhere can reverse it. That’s just how blockchain works. If any amount of cryptocurrency goes anywhere, whether intentionally, or by theft, there’s no calling a bank and saying “wait, i’ve been robbed,” there’s no “oops,” there’s just cryptocurrency that’s no longer where it used to be. This is good and bad, as it avoids double spending (something like issuing a check from an account with no funds), but can also be disastrous, for obvious reasons. It’s totally anonymous Yes, you can trace where the money goes, but there’s just no real way to see who is connected to what address. These addresses, the closest

analogue is to an account, exists on its own, and again, since there is no central table that holds real-world information against a list of these addresses, there’s no way to trace who really owns what. This is obviously good and bad, depending on the application, and plenty of ne’er-do-wells rely on this property of cryptocurrencies to run their scams. Add to this increasing global acceptance, and you have a recipe for a very convenient way to do business whether clean or otherwise. What does it all mean? There are a lot of highly technical, very academic papers on the impact of the existence of cryptocurrencies, their impact on trade, and their use, but at the end of the day, it’s a thing that exists now, and it’s challenging how we view money and finances. Things are going to change over the next few years as interest grows, and more people dabble in cryptocurrency, but it does seem that cryptocurrencies are here to stay. Unless someone finds a way to break the system, or some advancement in computing makes mining a lot easier than it is now, cryptocurrencies are here and they’re holding fast, whether we understand it or not.

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Tap and Go

The The wonders wonders of of cashless cashless payments payments Words by Jewel Sta.Ana

t was 2007 and my 12-year-old self was watching Disney’s sci-fi classic Meet the Robinsons. A few years later, almost everything that was shown in the movie has become true: robots aiding people on a daily basis, smart appliances that work with various sensors, and animated billboards. There’s one concept though that it didn’t foresee and it has been revolutionizing consumer and business transactions. Whether it comes in the form of RFID tags, or mobile apps, the traction of cashless payments have been growing through the years and have been appealing to both young and old.

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The birth of cashless payments Around 2010, the convenience of online shopping was starting to get a foothold in the Philippines. At that time, only those who had credit or debit cards could enjoy the perks. However, a large number of Filipinos were still reluctant to put their debit and credit card information online. Phishing scams and website hacking were commonplace even then, which make online shopping websites such as Lazada and Shopee a hard sell. To address this issue, financial services and even the telcos started to develop e-wallets: virtual wallets that store payment information in a user account. This allows users to do more than accomplishing online purchases which we’ll discuss later. E-wallets vs. digital banking Cashless payment, by definition, does not involve the actual exchange of cash. However, there’s a fine line between mobile wallets and digital banking. The former can store credit and debit card value, while the latter is a mobile platform that allows users to view their balance and monitor transactions in their own bank accounts and transfer funds to other bank accounts. To simply put, e-wallets can be funded with money from either the account holder’s existing bank account via digital banking, over the counter reloading, or by going to your mobile wallets’ remittance partners. Applications and types of e-wallets Should you be looking for an alternative, these virtual wallets grant in-store purchases of goods and services like groceries, quick-services restaurants, and other partner merchants either by tapping an RFID card on the physical store’s terminals or by scanning the store’s corresponding QR code from its mobile app.

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E-wallets usually have exclusive coupons, loyalty credits, or cash back promos to the users as rewards for completing transactions. Members can also pay utility, postpaid, and credit card bills; prepaid loads, loans, airline tickets, insurance, loans, tuition fee, government fees, and HMOs without lining up in a physical payment center. The cash-in, fund transfers, and payment features usually reflect real-time in the system’s servers which makes it more convenient for busy bees. Locally, there are four major mobile wallets available in the country. Each of which differs by their usage and the openness of the accounts. There are closed wallets which only offer exclusive purchases at specific establishments, semi-closed wallets for registered merchant stores, and open wallets that are accepted by any merchant with a credit card terminal. To get more points and discounts from GrabCar rides, GrabFood orders, and GrabExpress deliveries, there’s GrabPay. What’s special is that the account can be used across Southeast Asia at low exchange rates by getting a GrabPay Card powered by Mastercard. However, its partners are still very limited. For frequent LRT and MRT commuters, there’s Coins.PH that permits reloading of Beep cards via NFC from smartphones and allows the purchase of digital currency. Unlike its competitors, Coins.PH grants its users the ability to buy and sell Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, and even withdraw cardless via Security Bank ATMs. The only downside is the exchange rate from cryptocurrency to peso may vary from international rates because of the fixed exchange rate of the mobile wallet. GCash and PayMaya, while both considered rivals in the e-wallet industry, boast common features of e-wallets with a few perks. Globe Telecom’s GCash enables

account holders to open their own savings account with CIMB, invest money, donate a tree via GCash Forest, book movies through GMovies, buy game credits, and topping up and borrowing prepaid load. PLDT’s PayMaya, on the other hand, gives online shopaholics a virtual Mastercard that they can use for online shopping upon activation of the e-wallet, cash backs from partner merchants, and up to a 5 percent rebate from load purchases. Both give consumers the purchasing power by QR Code scanning in their respective partner establishments. The future of e-wallets According to the latest Financial Inclusion released by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the e-wallet account penetration in the Philippines has increased over the years jumping by 22 percent to 33 million in 2018. This has surpassed the record of credit card holders. For every 100 Filipinos, there are 31 e-wallet accounts as compared to nine credit cards per 100 individuals in the fourth quarter of 2018. Based on the 2019 Consumer Brand Study of PayMaya, the financial services arm of PLDT’s Voyager Innovations, the inflation rate for the demand of e-wallets are due to the convenience of opening an account, absence of fees, and easy Add Money features which garnered 60 percent, 54 percent, and 36 percent respectively. This only strengthens how e-wallets change the game of the fintech industry. Now more than ever, people from all walks of life are being encouraged to open conventional accounts through e-wallets. This enables people to manage and control their finances. And with the current spending trend of consumers, it’s a no-brainer that everyone will go cashless a few years from now.

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Digital Banking: Banking on the web Words by Gabriel Pe

n the late 1960s, Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) were invented to cater to the growing needs of extremely busy businessmen. The arrival of these ATMs also heralded a new form of banking, one that is customers first and extremely time-efficient. After the ATM, the proliferation of broadband internet to commercial establishments in the 1980s started the digital revolution in banking sparking the digital banking rush. And as the Internet became readily available in most homes, so does the need for a more efficient banking method to reach more tech-savvy clients.

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What is digital banking? When we say digital banking, it means the digitalization of banks or moving most of the bank’s resources online. Most of the country’s large banks already have their digital platforms to cater to the needs of their customers. Digital banking initially offered simple features such as balance inquiry and money transfers, but developments in technology have added new features to banks’ online platforms.

features to fully embrace the digital world. The goal is to create a banking experience that can be done in the safety of your home and at the most convenient time. In 2018, the first all-digital bank was launched in the country. November of that year saw European banking firm ING launch their fully digital bank with their app being its gateway. In December of that year, CIMB also launched its fully digital bank to further their growth, CIMB partnered with e-wallet GCash to launch its saving feature. Lastly

this coming year, Tonik, a fintech startup, will open its digital bank in the country. Digital banks offer everything a normal brick-andmortar bank could. They offer saving accounts with deposit and withdrawal using your e-wallets. These banks also offer loan services provided that they have fully verified the loaner. All-digital banks are the gateway to a fully cashless future. With the rise of e-commerce and fully online transactions, digital banks seem like the way to go.

New technologies in digital banking Digital banking is now better than ever, thanks to improved and accessible technology. As digital banks increase security, customers can rest assured that their money remains secure. Another neat feature banks are slowly offering is fund investments as they partner with the Philippine Stock Exchange. And in the consumer front, banks are now using smartphones for further convenience, an example of this is cheque deposits using your phone’s camera. As technologies evolve, so does banking. In recent years, “blockchain” has been floated around as the next big thing for online banking. In simple terms, blockchain is the next generation of secure transactions via the Internet. With its promise of anonymity, blockchain might be the next big step in securing user’s privacy. Speaking of privacy, digital banking is also taking steps in ensuring customers’ security especially of their sensitive information from the threats that might haunt them. The new risks from digitalization With the rise of digitalization, there also come new risks in banking. Prior to digitalization, a major threat to any depositor is physical theft. With digitalization, criminals have found a new dimension in which to conduct their crimes. Cybercrimes have become rampant especially towards online banking with cybercriminals constantly upgrading their arsenal to get your money. Phishing is one such tactic cybercriminals use to get your information from right under your nose. Phishing is the method of extracting a person’s personal information through fraudulent means. Examples of these are fake websites that ask for your sensitive information. Another example is cyberattacks on banks that target bank systems. If a bank has an unsecured system you can expect hackers to infiltrate it and gather sensitive data. Not all is bleak; cybersecurity is also priory for most digital bank systems, with innovations constantly coming in. The rise of all-digital banks With the rapid growth of the Internet, it is no surprise that most establishments, banking included, sought to harness its full potential. Globally, banks have started focusing their efforts on their online platforms adding features after

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MARCH 2020

PHOTO FEATURE

The past few years have seen tech rapidly improve and become more accessible to many. It’s no surprise that tech has penetrated the realm of finance and made it more ready for practically everyone. For this issue, we take a look at the next-generation technologies in the financing sector.

ART DIRECTION BY Chini Yu Soriano and Jezeil Romero PHOTOGRAPHY BY Raphael Yu ASSISTED BY Jerico Lutrania Jewel Sta. Ana

Carmela Birao Gabriel Pe

HAIR AND MAKE UP BY Ayra Salvador STYLING BY Chini Yu Soriano and Jezeil Romero MODEL Paula Antero of Women’s Folio Management

COVER CREDITS White Blazer Leli and White Trousers Leo by MANGO

FEBRUARY MARCH 2020 2020

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FEBRUARY MARCH 2020

Black Blazer Leli, Sweater Alma, Black Trousers Marcus and Audrey Shoes by MANGO

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White Shirt Bima and Trouser Marcus Pants by MANGO

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MARCH 2020

Dark Blue Blazer Boreal and White T-shirt Revoper by MANGO

Interviewed by Gabriel Pe

One look at Paula Antero and the word “femme fatale” immediately comes to mind. This 20-year old Brazilian model oozes confidence wherever she goes. She may not look like it, but according to Paula, she is fairly new in the industry having just started six months ago. Even though she’s a newbie, Paula is already making great strides working with various fashion brands in different countries. She has been to China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Korea before landing in the Philippines just a few weeks before our shoot. She says she likes the country because of how friendly and happy Filipinos are. Our Fintech issue honors all the diligent ladies out there, and no other model fits that description than Paula herself. Every pose she exudes is full of confidence and poise. She is ready to conquer the world.

Bea Dress by MANGO

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MOBILITY

Volvo XC40 R-Design T-5 Reviewed by Maribelle Alba | Photos supplied by Volvo The Volvo XC40 is the Swedish marquee’s entry to the premium compact SUV category. It earned the prestigious European Car of the Year 2018 and Japan Car of the Year 2018-2019 awards when it was first launched. Let’s find out what makes this car a winner. DESIGN Street fashion was the inspiration for the Volvo XC40, designed to be tough and vibrant yet fresh and playful. The two-tone color scheme with the solid black roof top, roof rails, side mirrors, and skid plates complement the R-Design front grille and 19-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels for a striking visual impact that is muscular yet sleekly Scandinavian. It has a panoramic sunroof, for those who want to let in some sun and wind. The R-Design interior trim is similarly pleasing, with that level of attention to detail that marks this car as above the ordinary. The décor inlay is bold and different, towards which I initially had ambivalent feelings until familiarity turned into liking. I love the combination of leather and Nubuck upholstery on the seats as pure leather seats can

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turn uncomfortably warm and can be slippery so you’re always trying to slide back up to a more upright seating position. The driver seat can be programmed to remember settings including the exterior mirrors, so if you’re sharing the XC40 with another driver in the family, you can just press a button to quickly adjust the seat and mirrors to your ideal position.

wireless charging for your smartphone—neat! The rear cargo area can be accessed hands-free with its power tailgate. Inside, the spacious trunk space, with its foldable load floor with bag holder, can be configured so smaller bags or boxes don’t slide around.

Clearly, a lot of thought also went into the design and location of storage spaces. For instance, the door pockets are deep and large enough to accommodate my 12-inch iPad which, in other cars, I would usually slip into the space beside the front seat and the center console. The compartment under the front center armrest has room for a small bag. There’s also a smaller bin in front of the armrest for trash or other small items. Below the center display is a tunnel console with

The Volvo T5 engine mounted on this variant is a 2.0-liter turbo-charged gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with geartronic. With an all-wheel drive powertrain, it is able to accelerate to 100kph in 6.5-seconds, thanks to a maximum output of 252hp and maximum torque of 350Nm.

EQUIPMENT

The R-Design’s sport chassis is tuned to have stiffer shock absorbers and springs. Additionally, drive

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mode controls—Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off-road, and Individual—let you choose the powertrain and steering behavior to suit your driving preferences. Volvo is renowned for its superior safety, and the XC40 is certainly overloaded with a plethora of safety features. Here’s a quick rundown: For preventive safety, there’s collision avoidance and mitigation with intersection support; pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection; front and rear collision warning; driver alert control; lane keeping aid; run-off road mitigation with road edge detection; oncoming lane mitigation; blind spot information with steer assist; cross-traffic alert; seat belt detection for all seats; anti-lock brakes; and emergency brake assist. For protective safety, the XC40 has pre-prepared restraints; run-off road protection; driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; driver’s side knee airbags; side impact protection with dual-chamber side airbags; full-length inflatable curtains; whiplash protection system for front seats; post-collision auto braking and unlocking; collapsible steering column; brake pedal release; and energy absorbing seat cushions. Finally, child safety features include power child safety lock; passenger airbag cut-off switch; ISOFIX attachment rear outer seats; power windows with pinch protection; and integrated two-stage booster cushion on the rear center seat. For me, the centerpiece of the XC40 is, without doubt, the huge 9-inch touchscreen center display that is the control center for all the technology features packed into the car. With support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you have access to essential smartphone functions without sacrificing safety. Eight high-performance speakers deliver outstanding audio. Techies will appreciate Bluetooth connectivity as well as two USB ports, one USB Type-C port, and two 12V sockets for all their gadgetry. In addition to its two-zone electronic climate control system, the XC40 protects occupants from unhealthy air with its clean zone interior air quality system. USER EXPERIENCE With all the equipment packed into the XC40, all you have to do when you get behind the wheel is drive. Wait. Like any gadget, you first have to configure the XC40 to your personal preferences— driver seat position, exterior mirrors, drive mode, etc. Then you pair your smartphone via Bluetooth for audio streaming and other phone functions. Download and update additional apps like Spotify and other on-board apps. There’s even a Volvo On Call app that’s supposed to let you control major vehicle functions, such as turning on the aircon, from your smartphone or wearable. Having done all that, then you can get behind the wheel, push the Start button, wait a few seconds as the dashboard display lights up and runs through a checklist indicating that all systems are working properly, and then drive off.

However, directions can be iffy, and you don’t get real-time traffic updates. If I had more test drive time, perhaps I would have been able to figure it out eventually. In any case, navigation wasn’t really an issue with access to Google Maps on my phone. Weather was bad during my test drive days and I was often driving through unceasing rain, overcast skies, and heavy stop-and-go traffic. Thankfully, the XC40 is packed with features that address many driving woes. For instance, I really appreciated the auto brake hold when stuck in traffic since it allowed me to take my foot off the brake pedal and stretch my knee without fear of accidentally hitting the car in front. My commute home requires me to go through a tight, twolane municipal road that’s often congested with bikes, tricycles, jeepneys, and pedestrians. Volvo’s intelligent preventive safety features give me the extra reassurance that I can safely avoid any untoward incidents involving other road users. Regrettably, I did not have the opportunity to take the XC40 out on the expressways for a more

extended road trip which, I am sure, would have been a most enjoyable experience. Sigh. I was not quite ready to say goodbye to the XC40, and I’m afraid Brigitte, my trusty 6-year old B-Class, has developed an inferiority complex to the superior tech features of the XC40. When I picked her up from the Volvo office in Makati, she was feeling really sorry for herself and it took a while to reassure her that we still had many road trips ahead of us. VALUE The price tag on the Volvo XC40 R-Design T5 is PHP 3,895,000—hefty, but in the same price range as its competitors. Taking into account all the good stuff packed into the vehicle, it’s a price worth paying if you have the funds available. Moreover, with Volvo’s solid engineering and technology, it’s safe to say that the XC40 will hold its value and functionality for many years, particularly with access to firmware and software updates to future-proof the car.

What’s Hot: - So much tech stuff - Great attention to details

What’s Not: - Pricey!

Bottomline: Great looks, great performance, great tech—what’s not to love?

The Sensus navigation system installed in the XC40 is actually quite precise for location tracking. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

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Suzuki launches the new Raider J Crossover

uzuki Philippines has launched its latest motorcycle offering, the Suzuki Raider J Crossover during its Suzuki 2020 Perfect Vision Dealers Convention.

Suzuki Philippines executives with the new Raider J Crossover

The new Suzuki Raider J Crossover is a dual sport bike specially made for local roads. According to Suzuki Philippines, its mother company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, sent designers and engineers to the country to specifically determine the right motorcycle for the country’s developing roads. “The Philippines has many islands. We visited many of them and surveyed the conditions of the roads, what they were for, and how they were used and so on. We used that information to guide the direction of our development work,” said Hideshi Morii, the chief engineer for the Suzuki Raider J Crossover. “We made this product by taking prototypes to the Philippines, having local riders test-ride it, and improving it over and over,” Morii added. The new Suzuki Raider J Crossover is made to conquer both paved and unpaved roads especially in the countryside. The new Suzuki Raider J Crossover has both looks and power with its motocross-like frontal appearance with its raised fenders and 60mm off-roader type handlebars. The Suzuki Raider J Crossover has a 113cc SOHC engine that tops at 102kph. It has a maximum power of 6.8Kw at 7,500rpm and a maximum torque of 9Nm at 6,500rpm. It also claims an impressive 66km/l. The Raider J Crossover is equipped with petal disc brakes (front) for easy braking, a large diameter front fork for better handling and stability on unpaved roads, and rear suspension with double cylinder damper for a smooth ride. The Raider J Crossover is also fitted with semi-blocked tires for better tire performance. Since the bike is made for a bit of off-roading, Suzuki manufactured the body with polypropylene, a tough plastic resin. Suzuki has also equipped the Raider J Crossover with elevated seats, engine heat guard, and an easy to read panel.

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Suzuki Philippines’ network of dealers in a family photo with the Raider J Crossover

The Suzuki Raider J Crossover has a retail price of PHP 63,900 and is available in four colors: black, red, blue, and the iconic Suzuki yellow and blue off-road color scheme. The Suzuki 2020 Perfect Vision Dealers’ Convention is part of the brand’s 100th global anniversary and SPI’s 35th anniversary celebrations. Aside from the Suzuki Raider J Crossover launch, SPI also announced a milestone as they

unveiled the 2-millionth motorcycle unit sold in the Philippines, a Suzuki Raider 150, which they raffled to their dealers. The brand also launched its new campaign, “This Is How We Ride” to attendees. The new campaign showcases the pride of Suzuki riders in owning a Suzuki motorcycle. Lastly, Suzuki conducted its Dealer Awards Night as a way of showing gratitude to their hardworking dealers as the driving force behind the brand’s success.

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Ford Philippines announced the winners of the annual Henry Ford Awards (HFA) at ceremonies held last February 20 at One Canvas Event Place, Makati. Gadgets Magazine’s editor-at-large Ren Alcantara was awarded the Best Automotive Print Feature with his article Ride and AI, while mobility consultant Arnel Doria’s article on Innovations in the Automotive Industry was chosen as one of the Top 3 finalists in the same category. Another article published in Gadgets Magazine, Bataan: Where Culture, History, and Natural Attractions Meet, written by Mia Barrientos for the April 2019 Road Trip issue was also a finalist in the Automotive Print Lifestyle category.

The winners of the 19th Henry Ford Awards

Awardees for the special categories

Awardees for the regular categories

Gadget Magazine’s editor-at-large Ren Alcantara (right)

Now on its 19th year, the HFA has served as a platform in recognizing the important role of journalists in taking the country’s automotive industry forward. The HFA has become an institution in the industry with its continuing efforts to help uplift the state of motoring journalism in the country and give outstanding media practitioners the recognition they deserve. This year, the HFA welcomed two innovations in the advent of the digital revolution. Firstly, it introduced an all-digital submission for all entries, harnessing the speed and precision in using a fully-digital platform to submit, accommodate, and even evaluate entries without the need for paper submissions. Secondly, the HFA launched the new Best Automotive Website category which recognizes the power of digital platforms in informing, educating, and influencing the Filipino motorist. Below are the winners in the 16 categories:

Best Automotive Online Lifestyle Feature Pay Check: Can I Really Afford a Car? Things to Consider Before Making an Auto Purchase Eric Tipan of AutoIndustriya

REGULAR CATEGORIES

Best Automotive Photograph Wolf Pack Jenna Genio of AutoIndustriya

Best Automotive Column 10 Guidelines: Proper Parking Etiquette for Riders Aristeo Ilagan of Top Gear Philippines

Best Automotive Print Feature Ride and AI Ruben Alcantara Jr. of Gadgets Magazine

Best Automotive Green Feature Are Filipinos Ready for The Electric Vehicle Lifestyle? Isaac Atienza of Go Flat Out

Best Automotive Print Lifestyle Feature Finding Your New, Pre-Loved Ride Kristoffer Lim of Speed Magazine

Best Automotive Industry Feature Philippines: The Next Battleground for China’s Gargantuan Auto Industry? Vince Pornelos of AutoIndustriya

Best Automotive Road Safety Feature 6 Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road Kristoffer Lim of AutoCar Philippines

Best Automotive Online Feature First Drive: The Toyota Hiace Grandia Tourer Takes on Manila’s Tight Streets Andrei Laurel of Top Gear Philippines

Best Automotive Technology Feature Waze Map Editors are Unsung Heroes of PH’s Fight Against Traffic Andrei Laurel of Top Gear Philippines

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Best Automotive Video Feature Driving Schools in Japan Mark Francis Jesalva of Top Gear Philippines SPECIAL CATEGORIES Best Ford Automotive Feature Raptors in the Desert: Pushing the Ford Ranger Raptor to the Limit Carl Christian Van Hoven of C! Magazine Best Ford Automotive Video Feature Adventures Await: What Makes the Ford Everest a Perfect Road Trip Vehicle Vince Pornelos of AutoIndustriya Best Ford Automotive Photograph Up Kelvin Christian Go of AutoIndustriya Best Broadsheet Motoring Section Philippine Daily Inquirer Best Automotive Website Top Gear Philippines

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2020 Alphard features Toyota Safety Sense Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has announced that the 2020 update of the Toyota Alphard will feature the brand’s safety features, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). The TSS is a suite of modern, active safety features designed to assist the driver and provide greater peace of mind. These TSS features were previously introduced in the 2019 Corolla Altis Hybrid and the 2019 Hiace Super Grandia Elite. The TSS is also meant to complement available passive safety features such as seatbelts, airbags, and the vehicle’s impact-absorbing structure.

“The Toyota Alphard prides itself on the luxurious first-class experience it provides its passengers. Staying true to this image, we have introduced additional features that will further enhance the ride experience and safety of its passengers,” says TMP first vice president Cristina Arevalo. Pre-collision system (PCS) alerts drivers on the possibility of collision and, depending on the need, assists in the prevention of accidents as well. It works by using sensors and cameras to detect the possibility of a collision and reacts with consideration of the driver’s actions. When the possibility of a collision is detected, the driver is alerted through beeps and visual warnings. When the possibility of a collision is high and the driver steps on the brakes, the brake assist system will provide additional pressure as needed. If an even greater possibility of collision is detected and the driver did not step on the brake, automatic brakes will be activated. Another neat feature of the TSS is the Automatic High Beam (AHB) which makes it easier to drive at night by intuitively adjusting the headlight’s beam setting. When the high beam setting is used, the system automatically switches to low beam upon detection of vehicles at a certain distance in front or at the opposite lane, and revert back to high beam setting once the path is clear. Cruising is also safer and easier with the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) plus Steering Assist. When these are activated, the vehicle drives at a constant preset speed and will adjust within the set cruise speed when there’s a vehicle in front to maintain an appropriate distance. Full speed range following

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function enables the vehicles to decelerate to 0 kph when the vehicle in front comes to a full stop. While the DRCC is active, LTA will keep the vehicle centered when there are clear and visible markings on the road. This function applies force on the steering assist to help the driver in avoiding lane departure. DRCC is a variation of the Adaptive Cruise Control which is included in the High Ace Super Grandia Elite.

TSS features function under certain driving and road conditions and should only serve as support to the driver. The 2020 Toyota Alphard is priced at PHP 3,910,000 for the steel blonde metallic and raven black color variants, and PHP 3,925,000 for the luxury white pearl color variant. Retail starts February 18, 2020, in all of TMP dealerships nationwide.

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Toyota Motor Philippines welcomes new president Mr. Atsuhiro Okamoto was introduced as the incoming president of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, with outgoing president Mr. Satoru Suzuki handing over the helm of the country’s top car brand in formal ceremonies held at the Grand Hyatt Manila last February 17. At the end of a highly successful four-year term as TMP president, Mr. Suzuki recalled significant challenges and achievements, particularly the approval of TMP’s participation in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy or CARS program saying, “TMP as a vehicle manufacturer, together with our network of auto parts makers, was given the opportunity to take part in revitalizing local manufacturing capabilities and boosting regional competitiveness.” For his part, Mr. Okamoto described his first few weeks in the Philippines as “unforgettable,” starting with the eruption of Taal Volcano. He remarked on the strength and bayanihan spirit of Filipinos and how the value of malasakit is clearly manifested in the concern for their fellowmen.

Outgoing TMP president Satoru Suzuki (left) welcomes his successor incoming TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto (right)

“As TMP’s new president, I would like to reiterate to all TMP team members, dealers and suppliers, the importance of dedicating our work to contribute to society. We would like to continuously provide ever better cars, ever better mobility services and solutions to enhance th quality of life of Filipinos,” he added.

The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from TMP chairman Mr. Alfred Ty, followed by special messages from Mr. Tatsuji Hidaka, Mitsui & Co. Ltd. general manager for 1st motor vehicles division; and Mr. Yoshiro Nakata, Toyota Asia Region CEO. The Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez delivered the keynote address.

AVID ends 2019 strong The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) ended the year with a bang with 8,089 units sold in December 2019, a 12 percent increase versus the same month in 2018. For 2019, the group association recorded 87,984 units sold versus the 88,430 units of the previous year, or a marginal dip of 0.5 percent. AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said, “AVID’s performance in the last month of the year augurs well for the automotive industry as we begin the Year of the Metal Rat and the new decade. The continued easing of inflation rates, lower fuel prices, and increased government spending will only bolster sales for the group. We will complement these positive indicators with new models, value-packed service offerings, and easier ownership schemes.” For 2019, the Passenger Cars (PC) segment declined by 0.5 percent from 30,876 units sold in 2018 to 30,726 units in 2019. Hyundai sold more vehicles in this segment than all reporting members combined with a total of 17,761 units in 2019. Suzuki follows with 8,621 units. The PC segment climbed 5 percent in December 2019 alone with 2,608 units versus the same period in 2018. In the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment, AVID recorded a 1.1 percent dip in 2019 sales from 56,999 units sold in 2018 to 56,351 units in 2019. However, performance of this segment increased by 16 percent in December 2019 alone with 5,362 46

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units sold versus the same period last year. Ford leads this segment with a total of 19,993 units sold, followed by Suzuki comes after with 15,298 units and Hyundai, a close third, closely followed by Hyundai with 15,095 units sold in 2019.

shares of the budget, it is expected that industry performance will gain traction in the new decade with the help from its importers to bring in more models that meet the requirements of various markets for the Filipino people.

In the Commercial Vehicles (CV) segment, AVID recorded a 63 percent increase in sales or a total of 907 units in 2019 versus 2018. In December alone, CV sales increased soared by 98 percent with 119 units sold versus November 2019. This segment is dominated by Hyundai Trucks and Buses.

“It is appropriate that the recent budget carries the theme ‘Continuing the journey to a more peaceful and progressive Philippines’ since it focuses on critical infrastructure, human capital development, and peace and order initiatives. AVID hopes to contribute to this aim by giving offering better mobility solutions to both public and private for both the private and business sectors,” Ms. Agudo ended.

With the approval of the PHP 4.1 trillion national budget for 2020, and with the Public Works and Highways Department having one of the largest

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Volvo’s plug-in hybrid line now in the Philippines Ride into 2020 with a greener vehicle with Volvo’s range of sleek, smart, and sensible range of plug-in hybrid vehicles — the stately Volvo S90 sedan, the nimble XC60 compact SUV, and the dynamic XC90 mid-size SUV. All three models promise a ride that is as electrifying as the coming year’s promise of new adventures. The recently launched trio of vehicles offer Filipino motorists an option to switch to a pure driving experience. These plug-in hybrids allow Volvo drivers and their passengers to enjoy a clean ride and drive. Volvo’s no-compromise combination of plug-in battery electric power and an efficient petrol engine provides low to zero tailpipe emissions, excellent flexibility, and a powerful driving experience to make everything driving as comfortable and as environment-friendly as possible.

Volvo’s line of the hybrid electric vehicles are now in the country.

Volvo’s plug-in hybrid range runs with its powerful T8 Twin Engine. Each Volvo plug-in hybrid vehicle available in the country has over 400hp and 640Nm of torque. It combines both electric and petrol power to seamlessly provide the most efficient driving experience. This combination delivers all the benefits of high performance, low emission petrol engine with an electric motor that delivers power on demand with ultralow CO2 emissions and more than 40km of pure electric range. Volvo’s promise of an electric future started back in 2019, where all newly produced Volvo cars are available with plug-in hybrid technology. This will continue until Volvo reaches its ambitious goal to be climate neutral across their full value chain in 2040, in line with the goals of the UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

NLEX and San Fernando LGU sign new traffic memorandum Officials of NLEX Corporation and city officials of San Fernando, Pampanga recently signed an agreement to address traffic concerns and keep up with the developments at the San Fernando Interchange, one of the busiest NLEX interchanges. Both parties will establish measures for efficient traffic management to further improve the safety and security of the public. The agreement includes the management of traffic flow, enforcement of traffic rules, and security control within the San Fernando Interchange. It will also involve regular consultation between the two parties on projects and programs that may affect the area. NLEX Corporation and San Fernando LGU first entered into this deal back in May 2009. The tollway company had undertaken several improvement projects in the interchange which necessitate changes in the previous agreement. Such enhancements were the expansion of www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Leading this new signing were (L-R): NLEX Corporation senior vice president for communication and stakeholder management Romulo Quimbo, NLEX Corporation chief operating officer Raul Ignacio, NLEX Corporation president and general manager Luigi Bautista, San Fernando City mayor Edwin Santiago, city administrator Atty. Atlee Viray, and public order and safety officer-in-charge Louie Clemente.

the interchange bridge and San Fernando Northbound Exit, the construction of additional

toll lanes at the San Fernando Southbound Entry and Exit, and installation of traffic signals. march 2020

Isuzu Philippines is PH’s number one truck assembler for 20 straight years According to the latest figures from the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), the assembler, importer, and distributor of brand-new Isuzu commercial vehicles (CV) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the country, has emerged anew as the overall leader in the CV (truck) category. This marks the 20th straight year that IPC has emerged number one overall in truck sales. From January to December 2019, IPC sold a total of 6,279 Category 3, 4, and 5 trucks, representing a strong 45 percent market share of the total 14,049 brand new trucks sold during the year, increasing by 2 points from the previous year. IPC dominated the Category 3 (light-duty truck) sales with 4,241 units sold, while also holding the number one spot in Category 4 (medium duty truck) with 1,566 units sold. In the category 5 (heavy-duty truck) IPC landed a strong 2nd with 472 units sold. IPC president Hajime Koso attributed the brand’s continued success to Isuzu’s global reputation as a leading truck maker, the durability and reliability of its trucks, and the full aftersales service of an extensive nationwide dealership network. These comprehensive product lineup and services embody IPC’s commitment as a “your responsible partner” to its customers.

“By being your responsible partners, IPC does not just supply world-class vehicles, but we also provide solutions to meet their business needs. Their growth is essential to IPC’s growth, the development of the Philippine transport sector and of the economy in general. Hence, we provide total support to our partners’ businesses with great products and after-sales support,” said Koso.

The first advantage is IPC’s roster of durable, reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles. The second is its nationwide dealer network that now counts 43 outlets complete with servicing facilities. The third is the reliable and prompt nationwide parts availability. Finally, IPC’s team of expert service technicians and field support personnel are on call to provide technical assistance whenever and wherever needed.

Reinforcing IPC’s sales is its Isuzu Advantage– the sum of IPC’s different customer support programs bolstering its world-class trucks.

To know more about Isuzu’s roster of light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks, log on to www.isuzuphil.com.

Volkswagen PH launches ‘We Move You Campaign’ Volkswagen Philippines celebrated the launch of its newest campaign, “We Move You”, with a two-day car-showcase and a special performance featuring “Mr. Pure Energy”, dancer and singer, Gary Valenciano last February 22 to 23 at the Activity Center of Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. Gary Valenciano was recently signed as Volkswagen’s newest brand ambassador and was the ideal personification of the carmaker’s “We Move You” campaign. Aside from the special performance, the launch also featured Volkswagen’s current portfolio of vehicles in the country: the sub-compact variant of the Santana, the Lavida sedan, and the Lamando sedan. “The Santana, Lavida, and Lamando were all designed and built utilizing the 83 years of accumulated automobile knowledge of Volkswagen. This automotive know-how has been combined with more than 30 years of experience in building millions of cars per year in Asia’s largest automotive market. These cars are made in automotive plants that have done the process of building cars millions of times per year for more 48

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Volkswagen Philippines’ president Filipe Estrella with celebrity performer Gary Valenciano

than 30 years. It is a tried, tested, and proven manufacturing process that has given birth to the Santana, Lavida, and Lamando cars that you see here. These VWs truly and absolutely embody the “Heart and Soul” that Volkswagen is known for and the Philippines is fortunate to be the only other market in Asia with access to these vehicles,” said Felipe Estrella, president, Volkswagen Philippines.

less on the Santana AT S variant, PHP 66,000 off the Santana MT, and PHP 85,000 discount on the Lavida. This was on top of the Seda Hotel voucher given to every customer who secured a reservation during the event. Fun games and activities were also held during the two-day event to keep visitors and audiences engaged.

To move would-be buyers and mall goers to make that first step to owning their own Volkswagen vehicles, special discounts were offered exclusively to the event, such as an automatic PHP 90,000

As Volkswagen Philippines kicks off what promises to be an exciting 2020, the Filipino motorist can look forward to the introduction of even more premium models . www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Suzuki holds victory party for Team Suzuki VMan Racing Suzuki Philippines started the year by rewarding its satellite racing team, Suzuki VMan Racing, for its great performance in 2019. The Suzuki VMan Racing team participated in four different motorcycle races in the country namely: Super Series Nationwide Championship, Inside Racing Grand Prix, FIM Asia International, Philippine National Motorcycle Championship (Underbone King 150), and Moto IR Championship. The team brought home numerous national and regional awards and an international title using the Raider R150, Skydrive Sport, and the GSX-R150. Suzuki also maintained its title as the “Undisputed Underbone King” for the Raider R150. Team Suzuki-VMan Racing swept finishes and the fastest lap awards in the majority of the legs of the Super Series Nationwide Championship using the Raider R150. Leading the wins was team frontrunner April King Mascardo.

Members of the Suzuki VMan Racing team with their awards for the 2019 racing season.

Eane Jaye Sobretodo and Djereck Ondillo’s strong finish sealed the overall championship title for the Philippines at the FIM Asia Cup of Road Racing. Suzuki Philippines also gave cash incentives to the team in recognition of their hard work for the past year.

April King Mascardo receives his cash incentive for his performance in 2019.

Suzuki Philippines executives with member of the Suzuki VMan Racing team.

Mitsubishi Philippines opens new office in BGC

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has formally announced the assignment of some of its key departments to its new office in the country’s premier business district. Personnel from MMPC’s sales and marketing, government affairs, service, parts and accessories, and finance units have been

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transferred from the Santa Rosa plant to their new location in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). “MMPC’s decision to transfer some of its employees to BGC will make us more accessible to our dealer and business partners now that we are located in the central business district of the metro,” said Alvin Dalida, sales and marketing first vice president, MMPC.

The MMPC BGC office is located at the 21st floor of the EcoTower Building, 32nd cor. 9th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. With its new office, MMPC will also adopt similar policies from its mother company in Japan, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), to enhance and improve productivity and mobility of the company.

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Ford Philippines kicks off construction of 50th dealership facility in Talisay, Cebu Ford Philippines, together with Fairlane Automotive Ventures Inc. (FAVI), kicked off the construction of its 50th dealership facility in Talisay City, Cebu with a ceremonial groundbreaking event. “The construction of Ford Talisay is yet another milestone for Ford Philippines as we build our 50th dealership facility in the country, which is a testament to the growing preference for the Ford brand nationwide,” shares PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines. “This is in line with our commitment to expand our reach to new customers in the province of Cebu and in the greater Visayas region and give them access to our segment-defining vehicles and after-sales services.” The construction of the new Ford Talisay dealership facility signifies the expansion of the Ford brand in Cebu to cater to the growing demand for automotive products and services in the province. With a total floor area of 1,397 square meters that can accommodate a 6-car showroom display and 12 service bays, the new Ford Talisay dealership promises to be the benchmark when it comes to automotive sales and service delivery. Ford Talisay will follow the new global dealership branding guidelines of Ford, showcasing a more globally-aligned exterior and interior look and feel, called Ford Signature, to offer customers a better dealership environment and experience.

Present at the Ford Talisay groundbreaking ceremony are (L-R) Hon. Marietta Bucao, Councilor of Talisay City, Cebu, Mr. Jose Daniel Borromeo, corporate planning officer, FAVI; Hon. Alan Bucao, Vice Mayor of Talisay City, Cebu, Mr. Andre Borromeo, general manager, FAVI; Mr. PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines; and Mr. Jonathan Legaspi, sales director, Ford Philippines.

The new dealership facility will also be enabled by new technological features that will help facilitate a faster and more customer-focused sales and after-sales delivery. It will also aim to connect the customer’s purchasing journey with the on-ground, in-store environment—paving the way for a more connected, seamless, and best-in-class automotive retail experience.

“We thank our partners from FAVI for their collaboration in bringing the Ford brand to more customers and building a world-class retail environment with this new dealership facility,” added Umashankar. Ford Talisay will be located at Cebu South Road Properties Road, Cansojong, Talisay City, Cebu.

Caltex partners with Lalamove to give drivers fuel savings Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer of the Caltex brand of fuel and lubricants has announced its partnership with the country’s leading on-demand delivery app, Lalamove Philippines to enable more than 50,000 Lalamove partner drivers in Greater Manila and Cebu to enjoy fuel savings when they fuel up at a Caltex station. The partnership, which gives Lalamove drivers a Caltex SavePlus-Lalamove card, lets cardholders enjoy exclusive, outright discounts namely: PHP 3 off per liter for Silver or Platinum with Techron, PHP 1.50 off per liter for Diesel with Techron, and PHP 10 off per liter for lubricant products. “Besides providing world-class fuels, we appreciate how Caltex stays true to its promise of understanding its customers by giving what our partner drivers want and need — making their journey so seamless and hassle-free and also more enjoyable,” shared Lalamove managing director Dannah Majarocon.

Lalamove drivers will have easier access to the new and improved Caltex with Techron —an active ingredient containing powerful detergents that clean the vehicle’s engine from the inside. This 5-star fuel offers five benefits including maximized power, better fuel economy, lower emission, a smoother drive, and reliable performance.

“We are also proud to announce that our team up with Caltex is regional, with Singapore being the first Lalamove country to launch and go live. The Philippines has followed suit, and we’re highly positive that this will also take off given Caltex’s well-thought-out and personalized offering to our partner drivers,” she adds.

Lalamove’s top drivers were the first to receive their SavePlus-Lalamove cards during the company’s third-year anniversary celebration held last November 2019. To date, more than 5000 drivers in selected areas have already claimed their Caltex Saveplus-Lalamove cards.

march 2020

“This team- up with Lalamove Philippines reinforces Chevron’s commitment in encouraging business growth in the country. It also allows us to be of greater service to our motoring clients, empowers more businesses to prosper, and provides employment opportunities to more Filipinos. This is also a great opportunity for us to offer value for money and quality products that will truly benefit Lalamove’s partner drivers,” CPI country chairman Louie Zhang said. For those who haven’t claimed their cards, Lalamove riders may head to the nearest Lalamove office located in Makati, Quezon City, Alabang, and Cebu to get their own SavePlus-Lalamove cards and enjoy big savings from Caltex.

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Hyundai bolsters PUV modernization with of Class 2 modern jeepneys in Mindanao

HARI CV executives turned over the ceremonial key to PTAG at the General Santos City Oval Plaza. (L-R) LTFRB Region XII director Col. Paterno Reynato Padua,, LTFRB chairman Atty. Martin B. Delgra III, Department of Transportation (DOTr) assistant secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Atty. Mark Steven Pastor, PTAG president Robert Cang, and General Santos City mayor Ronnel Rivera.

Gawang Pilipino, para sa Pilipino! The Hyundai HD50S Class 2 Modern Jeepney is part of Hyundai’s strong commitment to support the national government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization (PUVM) Program.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), in its unflagging support for the country’s PUV Modernization Program, officially turned over the initial batch of Hyundai HD50S Class 2 Modern Jeepneys to the Public Transport Alliance of Gensan (PTAG), led by PTAG president Robert N. Cang. Fifteen out of the 326 units ordered by PTAG were turned over during the event. PTAG, one of the country’s major transport cooperatives comprising 11 groups and around 2,000 individual members, is the first Mindanao transport cooperative to comply with the national Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). The turn over ceremony took place in General Santos City Oval Plaza in the presence of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Atty. Martin B. Delgra III, Department of Transportation (DOTr) assistant secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Atty. Mark Steven Pastor, LTFRB Region XII director Col. Paterno Reynato Padua (Ret.), PTAG president Robert Cang, and representatives from Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) Commercial Vehicles Division. In his speech, DOTr Asec. Pastor expressed confidence that the government program is gaining traction as operators, drivers, and commuters alike are realizing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Ready to roll. The first batch of Hyundai HD50S Modern Jeepneys Class 2 will operate under the Lagao Drivers Operators Transport Cooperative (LADOTRANSCO) and is expected to be a familiar sight on three routes-- Doña Soledad to Lagao Public Market, Calumpang to Lagao Public Market, and Calumpang to San Jose.

modernizing the local public transport system. Asec. Pastor further reported: “Sa huling datos natin nitong Disyembre 2019, lumalabas na 1,030 na mga kooperatiba na binubuo ng 104,000 na miyembro ang accredited ng Office of the Transportation Cooperatives (OTC). Umabot na rin sa 562 ang authorized routes sa ilalim ng programa na may 15,650 authorized units. Sa bilang na ito, 4,120 ang operational na.” He ended with a rallying call to continue supporting the widespread implementation of PUVMP. Echoing the DOTr’s call, PTAG president Cang confirmed, “Dati nasubukan namin ang e-jeep at nakita namin ang epekto nung paggamit ng bagong unit. Pero sa modernized jeepney units, nakikita namin na bukod sa maayos na public transport system at mas convenient ito sa mga commuter, malaki ang benepisyo nito sa mga kooperatiba kaya buo ang suporta namin sa programa ng LTFRB.” The event also saw strong support from the local government with the presence of General Santos City mayor Ronnel Rivera who hailed the progress of PUVMP in his city, while LTFRB chairman Delgra expressed hope that the program would reach the farthest corners of the country. The 15 Hyundai HD50S Class 2 Modern Jeepney units will operate under Lagao Drivers Operators Transport Cooperative

(LADOTRANSCO) and will traverse three routes— Doña Soledad to Lagao Public Market, Calumpang to Lagao Public Market, and Calumpang to San Jose. HARI president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo sent her warm congratulations to the PTAG and reaffirmed solid support for the PUVMP: “We are happy to start 2020 strong in our commitment to support the PUVM. We made sure that the units reached GenSan safe and sound through their 1,230-kilometer journey from the Hyundai Logistics Center in Laguna. Kaya ang ating King of the Road ay maari na ring mabansagang King of the RORO—now at the service of this region. Gawang Pilipino, para sa Pilipino!” The Hyundai Class 2 Modern Jeepney is built on Hyundai’s HD50S platform and is powered by a 2.9-liter Euro 4-compliant CRDi engine that provides better fuel efficiency, reliability, and cleaner emissions. It is designed for enhanced stability and power-to-weight ratio, boasting a 3,415-millimeter wheelbase. The Class 2 vehicle also features roof-mounted air conditioning, AFCS, Wi-Fi, GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, 7-inch monitor, and speed limiter. It can accommodate 22 seated passengers as well as up to ten standing commuters. Both units have figured prominently in numerous PUV caravans in 2019 and were granted their DOTr Certificate of Compliance (COC), signaling that they are ready for deployment across the country. march 2020

Honda PH holds Riders Convention in Cebu Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) recently held a Riders Convention at the Tent at Mandani Bay, in F.E. Zuellig Ave, in Mandaue City, Cebu. The rider convention gathered motorcycle riders from the city to enjoy fun-filled activities and celebrate the camaraderie and support of Honda riders to HPI. The convention was also the first in 2020 and the third time the event was held in Cebu. The Honda Rider Convention is one of the many activities HPI holds under the ONE DREAM campaign, which imparts the accomplishment of the Filipino’s dreams through their products along with the fun and excitement of being a Honda Rider. Highlighting the event was the regional launch of the All-New Honda Air Blade 150, designed with the “The Cutting Edge”, aimed to bring a new level of riding experience for young riders looking for an AT bike with a standout look, power and cutting-edge comfort in shared riding.

The Honda Rider’s Convention was held in Mandaue City, Cebu

“We are happy to be here in support of our Honda Riders since they are the ones who drive us to innovate and evolve our products. This is in line with Honda Philippines’ vision of helping Filipinos realize that ONE DREAM of mobility and freedom,” said Susumu Mitsuishi, president, Honda Philippines, Inc., about the latest models launched during the convention. “These new products stand as a testament to our commitment to give only the best motorcycle products that the riding public deserve.” The All-New Honda Air Blade 150 is the latest motorcycle to join a growing list of the latest products of Honda such as the Honda Genio, the Honda ADV 150, and the Honda Supra GTR150. The All-New Honda Air Blade 150 is fitted with a powerful 150cc SOHC liquid-cooled engine. It also has features such as Smart Key, a power socket for recharging devices, and a front-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) which prevents wheels from locking up.

Honda Philippines, Inc president Susumu Mitsuishi addressing the attendees.

The All-New Honda Air Blade 150 is built to be enjoyed by both driver and passenger, it also has new features that bring advance specs at a very reasonable price point. It boasts of its lightweight precision and superb engine that delivers maximum power performance and fuel efficiency and a 4.4-liter fuel tank capacity that gives 47km/l consumption. The All-New Honda Air Blade 150 comes in three unique colors: candy caribbean blue sea, matte galaxy black metallic, and candy rosy rded. It will be available in Honda dealerships starting March 2020. The Honda Rider Convention also included a test ride activity, Riders Skills Challenge, a motor show, “Riders Got Talent” competition, and the “Miss Honda Riders Con 2020” segment.

march 2020

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Nissan launches nationwide Car Care Support promo

Nissan in the Philippines brings ease and convenience closer to its customers with the introduction of the Car Care Support promo. Until March 31, 2020, customers can receive free checkups for air conditioning, brakes and suspension in participating Nissan dealerships nationwide. Customers who purchased a Nissan Navara, Nissan Terra, Nissan Almera, Nissan Urvan, Nissan Sylphy, and Nissan Juke beginning in 2014 can also enjoy

a 10% discount on labor and spare parts including cabin filters, evaporators, brake pads, and shock absorbers. In addition, customers who bring in any of the abovementioned vehicles and avail of any repair services are entitled to a free car wash of their unit. “Buying a Nissan vehicle means a partnership for life, and this promo is part of our commitment to serving our clients through our key pillars: Products, Service, Customer Experience, and People,” says Nissan in

Philippines president and managing director Atsushi Najima. “This timing is also beneficial to support those whose vehicles have been affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. We want people to know that Nissan’s support continues long after they purchase their car.” For more information on the Car Care Support promo, visit www.nissan.ph

Goodyear Autocare wins 2020 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards for Car Servicing Goodyear Philippines’ retail and servicing center, Goodyear Autocare chain of stores, was awarded Silver in the Car Servicing category at the Reader’s Digest 2020 Quality Service Awards. The Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards aims to recognize companies that deliver exceptional customer service in the Car Servicing category. This is the first year that Reader Digest recognizes companies based on their quality service. “Goodyear’s success at the Reader’s Digest 2020 Quality Service Awards is undoubtedly a result of our collective efforts in partnership with more than 100 Goodyear Autocare retail network,” said Jong Sumpaico, branded retail development manager, Goodyear Philippines. “At Goodyear Autocare, we always strive to deliver the best quality service for our customers by offering one-stop quick automotive services. We are honored and proud to be one of the first recipients of this award. We’d like to thank our Goodyear Autocare retail network nationwide for their hard work and dedication to the Goodyear brand, not just for the tires we sell but also for the quality services that we offer,” Sumpaico adds.

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Goodyear Philippines branded retail development manager Jong Sumpaico

The Reader’s Digest survey was completed by 1000 Filipino consumers. In the survey, the respondents rated Goodyear Autocare highly, and positioned Goodyear Autocare as one of the leaders in the Car Servicing category. “Winning this award really sets the Goodyear brand apart from its competitors. It reflects the opinions and feedbacks of Goodyear’s customers, and

demonstrates that Goodyear understands their business success is not just about offering great products, but also having great staff who are focused on ensuring their customers are fully satisfied. Goodyear knows that quality customer service is a smart yet curial way of doing business and ultimately wins itself competitive advantage in the market,” said Louise Waterson, editor-in-chief, Reader’s Digest Asia-Pacific.

march 2020

Malolos City LGU and XentroMall open new terminal hub in Bulacan

The local government of Malolos City, in partnership with community lifestyle mall developer XentroMall, recently opened the doors of its local terminal hub. Located at the center of a two-story mall featuring a Filipino heritage-inspired architectural design, the Malolos City Terminal Hub provides accessible transport services going to and out of the city while offering the community a convenient place to hang out and celebrate special occasions. Available jeepney routes can go as far as Muzon, Marilao, Malinta, Meycauayan, Hagonoy, among others. There are also tricycles which conveniently bring the passengers to their destinations within Malolos City. Meanwhile, the UV Express services offer routes as far as Trinoma, MRT North Terminal, and Dau and San Fernando, Pampanga.

Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, together with top officials from Malolos City, and Alexander Cruz, CEO and Chairman of XRC Mall Developer, Inc. led the inauguration, which began with a Holy Mass officiated by Father Boyet Atienza and Father Cris Nombres

Merchants that can be found on the mall include SaveMore Supermarket, Black Scoop, Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Golden Baboy, Daiso Japan, Mr. DIY, Handyman, Bibo Shoes, El Torogi, along with a wide selection of food options available at the Xentro Food Hall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The terminal is strategically located in a spot that is very accessible to students, employees of the local municipality of Malolos, as well as the residents of Barangay Bulihan and Malolos City. Its convenient location makes it easier for the residents of Malolos and nearby cities to go from one place to another using the Malolos City Transport Terminal,â&#x20AC;? said XRC Mall Developer Inc. CEO and chairman Alexander R. Cruz. To provide comfort for the guests and passersby, the terminal also has regularly maintained and fully-sanitized restrooms. The facility also houses the Consular Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for easier passport applications and other consular services in Bulacan. Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, together with top officials from Malolos City, and XRC Mall Developer Inc. chairman and CEO Alexander R. Cruz spearheaded the inauguration of the said facility.

march 2020

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BULLET POINTS

Words and photos by Ren Alcantara

hile knives can certainly cost an arm and a leg, unless you’re literally splitting hairs, or are particular about steel, I’d wager you’d be able to get away with a reasonably cheap one from a reputable manufacturer. Lights, on the other hand, are significantly more complicated, and have options whose prices wildly across the spectrum. In this finance issue, I’d like to go a little bit into getting your money’s worth when it comes to lights, as the options are plenty, and blinding, in more ways than one. This is meant to be a multi-part dive into the various options available, so keep watching this space for more information over the next few issues. The main question you should ask yourself, perhaps aside from price, is: what is your intended use? Is it an EDC light? Are you in search and rescue? Do you need a backup light, or something to toss into a bag and forget? Your most likely use case should be the first thing to consider when making a purchase. If it’s for EDC, you’re going to want a small light, that’s as unobtrusive as possible, as it’ll likely be residing in your pocket, taking up precious limited space there. Something small and thin, maybe an LED deal powered by an AA or AAA battery should be enough for general flashlight use—searching for something under a table, or momentarily illuminating a dark room, path, or hallway. Should greater output or a shorter footprint be desired, a light that runs a CR123a cell should do great, at once offering much more brightness, generally better burn times, and a shorter (though possibly fatter) footprint. Whatever your choice, bear in mind that rechargeable batteries are a great option to keep the lights fed, as primary cells tend to start to get pricey as they burn through batteries. Light output might decrease though, particularly for the AA or AAA lights. If you want something for a bug-out bag, or something to just toss into a pouch and check periodically, the kind of battery matters a little more. It’s assumed that these lights will be used in some sort of emergency, and trading output for a light that’s much easier to feed might be a better priority. My emergency bags have lights that take a single, commonly available AA battery. In the event

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of an emergency, cells will be much easier to find than 18650 or CR123 cells, meaning I at least have a chance of keeping the thing going should things get sketchy for a longer period of time. A flashlight with super bright output but dead batteries is infinitely more useless than a dimmer light with salvaged but usable batteries. Got camping in mind? Lights that work in combination with head straps make for great camping companions, allowing you to keep your hands free to perform tasks at camp. Batteries might as well be more exotic cells, since spares can be packed ahead of time. You’ll also want a light with more of a wider, flood-like beam that a focused, long-range light pattern, as that makes close-in, short-distance work much easier to accomplish. An extra light with some form of diffuser attachment will also be extremely handy for general camp illumination purposes, and something you’ll be thankful for if you have a larger group. If your purpose requires long maximum burn times, look for a light with multiple lighting levels, so you can squeeze out more time from a single set of batteries or a single charge. Larger capacities will however mean larger overall footprints, so make sure you try to handle a few options to see if you’re going overboard with size and weight. You’ll want to have some kind of holster too, and maybe a lanyard, if you expect it to see some more rugged use.

If you’re the kind who tends to forget lights, but finds that one is handy a lot of the time, there are a number of keychain lights available. They offer neither the best burn times, nor the brightest lights, but in the dark, something is better than nothing. True to their names, keychain lights are small enough to act as a keyfob, and while you still need to remember to charge them now and again, the fact that they’re literally bound to your keys means that you might actually remember to top them up when you grab your keys—hopefully. For the most part, LED lights are where it’s at now. Except for a very specific, almost post-apocalyptic set of use cases, I would recommend LED lights, as they offer better color temperatures, vastly better burn times, and great overall lifespans. Things to avoid are lights that allow you to focus them, as they hardly ever offer great brightness, throw, or quality for some reason, and always remember that you get what you pay for. I have had good quality lights from various brands, with EDC options ranging from sub PHP 2000, to about PHP 5000. As with any responsible purchase, read the reviews—simply use the above tips to narrow the options down to a manageable number. Choosing lights have other considerations as well. In the next issue, we’ll cover a few more details including battery options and performance, so stay tuned.

MARCH 2020

EVERYTHING APPLE

Everything to Expect in Apple’s March Event Words by Gerry Gaviola

Watch out, fresh Apples are coming your way in the tech behemoth’s upcoming keynote. Something to look forward to come early spring is Apple’s annual first Keynote of the year which usually kicks off their sales for the first quarter. Rumors here and there have already been tossed around, and if history is any indication of a pattern, we’re bound to already know some news and features that are to be released. Unlike last year where Apple merely announced services, this year is rumored to be an extraordinary one with the introduction of both new products and updates to existing ones. Hoping that Apple’s research and development team have maintained their vision, we should be seeing products that are astounding but just “simply work”. Here, we take a look at five products, some of which have been long due.

The Refreshers iPhone SE 2

New Macbooks

Ever since the first iPhone SE came out, it has created a huge following for its ultra lightweight and portable design. Many who preferred a phone whose whole screen real estate could be navigated with one hand, and with one thumb even, have stuck with their 4-inch phones for years, patiently waiting for its successor. Unfortunately, rumors are pointing to a phone that’s slightly bigger. Rather than being similar to the OG SE, rumors suggest that it would most probably be more similar to the iPhone 8’s 4.7-inch size. Cost would approximately be USD 399, and it is said to be equipped with Apple’s A13 processor.

To date, many still dread Apple’s failed butterfly keyboard design. Having finally waved the white flag, they’ve incorporated a new scissor designed keyboard to their 16-inch Macbook Pro offering. Apart from new processors, we may be seeing the new keyboard design in the upcoming 13-inch Macbook Pro and Macbook Air refresh.

MARCH 2020

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iPad Pro 2020 Unlike other Apple devices’ usual annual refresh cycle, the iPad Pro actually skipped a year. Despite that, the 2018 variant has actually held up pretty well, and continues to be a productivity beast. With iPad OS, things no longer seem as if the iPad were merely an iPod with a larger screen. Multitasking, desktop class apps, and a functional Files app with external storage support has definitely changed the game, making mobile computing more functional than ever. The iPad Pro 2018, by far, is still a beast and can still handle everything and anything thrown at it so it’s hard to imagine what else could be added on besides a new processor and camera. Rumors suggest that it would have a similar three-lens rear setup as the iPhone 11 Pro, with the third lens being a time-of-flight camera to help with tablet’s AR and 3D modelling capability.

Fresh Apples AirTags

has brought cellular networking and device linking to a whole new level.

Tile has been around for a while now, offering convenience when tracking small items such as keys, wallets, and accessories. Apple is said to be soon entering the same market with its own variant dubbed, the AirTags. With AR and Bluetooth integration, finding a lost device could soon be as simple as pulling up your phone to guide you towards the direction of your missing item. Last year, Apple announced new updates to its Find My application. The update was deemed cleverly engineered for devices with or without any internet connection. Recognizing the fact that millions of iPhones are literally out there, Apple

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Currently, it's fairly easy to find a lost device when it’s connected to the Internet since its coordinates could easily be retrieved. However, for devices with no internet connection, it could be a nightmare. With the Find My network introduced last year, Apple devices with no Wi-Fi capabilities anonymously latch onto Apple devices with one using Bluetooth low energy. To keep battery and data usage minimal for those device’s that help in the searching process, the lost device would only piggyback when the devices antenna would be used by the host, such as when a user sends a message or uses an application with GPS location access. The same technology would hypothetically be applied to the upcoming AirTag. By then, it would be nearly impossible to lose anything, if tagged. Applications would be numerous — from finding simple everyday items, to tracking bicycles/ cars, to putting them on your pets, to retrieving prototypes in an office. The possibilities are infinite, and if customized access were to be implemented, then your friends, family, or co-workers could help in either finding or tracking certain items.

A Mini Wireless Charging Mat

Apple became the laughing stock when, for the first time in years, it promised a product that never made it to fruition. The AirPower has yet to be seen and has officially been abandoned by Apple indefinitely. Apple, however, continues to sell other 3rd party wireless chargers in its store. In the hopes of redemption, Apple is said to release a much simpler mini wireless charging mat, one that is similar to its third party offerings. Tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has hinted that this would be announced in the first quarter of 2020 as well. If further rumors are true that Apple would be releasing a totally portless iPhone by 2021, it is only fitting that they traverse the wireless charging technology as early as now.

MARCH 2020

APPS

Finance apps in apps stores Words by Gabriel Pe

PayPal

Words by Gabriel Pe

The second-largest e-wallet solution in the country, Paymaya offers some of the same features of GCash and some that it doesn’t. One such feature is the virtual debit card which can be used to securely pay for online transactions. Most fast-food chains also accept Paymaya in their self-service kiosks which can be a great time saver for people in a hurry.

The world’s premier e-wallet, Paypal sits atop of the global charts when it comes to e-wallets. It was the first online alternative payment method and remains so. While PayPal is not as popular as GCash and Paymaya for local brick-and-mortar stores, the fintech giant is still a go-to for online transactions here in the country being readily accessible via their website or app.

GCash

Tala

ING

Globe’s e-wallet solution has remained atop the finance charts in the country. It is accessible, easy to use, and readily available in most merchants. The app has a ton of features such as mobile loading, e-wallet payment, bank deposit (via your balance), and allows opening of savings account in partnership with digital bank CIMB.

Tala is among the latest trend in financial apps, the personal loans app. Currently, it sits atop the charts over its competitors. Among the selling points of Tala is single ID verification system which makes borrowing money easier. The app also partners with remittance centers and banks, allowing borrowers to cash out within 24 hours.

ING bank has been in the country for over 28 years and with that two decades of experience, they have launched the country’s first alldigital bank in 2018. You can open an account app as fast as 10 minutes and use PESONet transfer to transfer funds from other banks to your ING account and vice versa.

Recent technological development in finance has paved the way to access money right from your fingertips. The last couple of years saw the rise of not only e-wallets and digital bank apps, but also of loaning apps in the google play store and iOS. Here some of the top financial apps currently available in the app stores.

Paymaya

MARCH 2020

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FEATURE

Our homes and offices are places where we keep some of the most valuable, most important things in our lives. Things that are important to us, whether they be money, documents, or other valuables, often also need to be kept close by. In these cases, you can never be too safe, and security must be kept at as high a level as is reasonable. Limiting access, setting up monitoring devices, and keeping things discreet are all great first steps, but when even those fail, nothing beats the iron-class reliability of a physical safe.

There are a lot of safes available in the market today, so much so that you could go online and order one to be sent to you the next day. The question though, is if you’re willing to put the security of some of your most important worldly possessions in just any lockbox. Chubbsafes is a name that is recognized the world over, and for good reason. With a history that goes all the way back to 1818, Chubbsafes has the distinction of being the oldest manufacturer of safes in the world, and through the years, has remained one of the leading suppliers the world over. From security for cash, to valuables, data and documents, Chubbsafes is a solid, dependable name. Chubbsafes offers safes that are certified by globally recognized, third-party test houses, to ensure that customers get products that meet or exceed their individual security requirements, as well as recognized insurance standards. Burglary, or any attempts to breach

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the safe are tested, with improvements being made constantly to deliver increasingly more robust products, at lower weight, and better prices. The brand offers entire lines to cater to the needs of their clients, with products that deliver exactly the security needed for the application, whether it’s a simple safe to store a little cash under your desk, all the way to full-on vaults that deliver maximum protection for larger institutions. Tests include resistance to manual attacks involving drills, electric tools, and even attacks from firearms. Burglary isn’t the only concern when choosing a safe. Fires are a real threat to the kind of valuables that one would want to keep secure. Testing on Chubbsafe products involves fire testing in environments that simulate an actual raging office fire. Aside from the fire itself, testing also involves checking the ability of the safe to withstand falling through a building, should a fire affect the actual structural integrity of the building itself. Depending on your needs and conditions, the

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brand offers safes that can keep even digital media safe from destruction, giving you additional peace of mind. With certifications from testing facilities all over Europe and around the world, Chubbsafe products are available to meet the requirements of customers, as well as those of insurance companies that require a certain level of protection to provide coverage. More than that, the testing, innovation, certification, and name, all come together to deliver safes that give you the knowledge that your most important belongings are protected. For smaller applications, Chubbsafes offers the Minibanker Mk II, with a body barrier thickness of 65mm of welded steel, and filled with Chubbsafes’ proprietary F60 barrier material. The Minibanker MK II is certified by ECB.S to european standards, and offers fire resistance of up to 60 minutes. Chubbsafes is now available in the Philippines through its exclusive local distributor, Co Ban Kiat Hardware, Inc.

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MARCH 2020

Pru Life UK’s Pulse

Promoting universal healthcare for all, one tap at a time Words by Jewel Sta. Ana | Photos by Carmela Birao

or millions of people in the Philippines, the rising cost of medical care is a daunting challenge. Medical costs in the country are the second-highest in Southeast Asia, according to data from Mercer Marsh Benefits, threatening families with financial ruin if they require treatments far beyond what they can afford. In an effort to help make healthcare affordable and accessible to all, Pru Life UK is introducing a ground-breaking health app that will support Filipinos in preventing, postponing and protecting themselves against the onset of disease.

What is Pulse? A free-for-all health app, Pulse delivers holistic health management and wellbeing information straight to consumers’ smartphones. This is made possible through innovative, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools integrated into the app, leveraging cutting-edge technologies. This breaks the barrier of time and geography between medical professionals and patients, offering 24/7 self-help tools and real-time personalized services while reminding them to seek immediate health consultation. To provide a digital-first healthcare gateway for users, Pru Life UK’s mother company Prudential plc partnered with healthcare tech companies, such as Babylon, to deliver value-added services to customers. Babylon is a UK-based company that ties up with National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom, to make British healthcare services mobile and more accessible. Babylon’s AI technology focuses on a knowledge graph, comprehensive health record, and the probabilistic graphical model which puts patients in control of their health.

Pru Life UK’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig has a cozy lobby for its clients.

Pulse was launched in Malaysia, and has been introduced in the Philippines and Indonesia in February. Its debut in Malaysia last year received initial positive responses, recording more than 700,000 downloads. To tailor the app for Filipinos, Pru Life UK senior vice president and chief customer marketing officer Allan Tumbaga shared that they put the English version into a local context for accurate data assessment. “It will get further

MARCH 2020

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localized the more people use it. It had been localized at least for the Symptom Checker, where the AI had been fine-tuned to be cognizant of the local conditions,” he said. Special features At present, the current features of the app focus more on providing immediate information and early prevention of diseases. Among the key features of the app is the Symptom Checker, a chat-based service that analyses users’ initial inputs and guides them to the most appropriate form of healthcare service based on their medical symptoms, Healthcheck for educating users about their body and how they can lead a healthy lifestyle, Wrinkle Index for checking the percentage of wrinkles on

your face, and Digital Twin that shows important health information such as medical history, daily activities, and nutritional intake. This presents the user with three digital views of themselves: skeletal, muscular, and organ.

roll out in April. This means that questions on the Symptom Checker will be asked in Filipino,” he shared.

Traction in the next few years

Pru Life UK also wants to optimize the user experience of the app by partnering with thirdparty companies locally and regionally. It aims to tap healthcare providers like hospitals and clinics, health and wellness centers including gyms and nutritional facilities. To make the app more holistic, useful, and attractive for millennials, Pulse is reaching for smartphone and wearables manufacturers.

Further localization of the app gives an essential insight on how Filipinos use its other features. “There will be a Filipino version that is slated to

Pru Life UK’s Pulse is now available for download in the Google Play Store. A version for iOS devices is scheduled to be released soon.

As an evolving platform, the mobile app will add other health services such as Chronic Diseases Management, telemedicine or online consultation with doctors, e-prescription, and medication delivery in the near future.

Pru Life UK’s Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Marketing Officer Mr. Allan Tumbaga

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MARCH 2020

FINTECH

for the poorest of the poor

How NWTF has committed to invest in technology to create a stable and robust FINTECH infrastructure for the poor.

Words by Presy Alba

NWTF—Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation—is a microfinance non-goverment organization headquartered in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Founded in 1984 at the height of the sugar crisis to address the problem of poverty by enabling the women to harness their innate skills to earn a living to support their families, this non-profit NGO has quietly moved thousands of families out of poverty. Now on its 36th year, NWTF was the one of the first microfinance replicators in the Philippines, adopting the Grameen method developed by Nobel Laureate, Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh in 1989. Its flagship microfinance program, PROJECT DUNGGANON now has 197 branches spread mostly across the rural parts of the islands of Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Panay, and Palawan; and the Luzon Provinces of Laguna, Batangas, Albay, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Rizal, with plans to open 55 more branches this year.

HOW MICROFINANCE WORKS The Grameen method of microfinance organizes five unrelated women, ideally friends or neighbors, who could vouch for one another into one group. Before they are accepted into the program, the women must go through a short orientation where they are instructed on how the microfinance program works and what their rights and obligations are. This includes a workshop that helps them identify their marketable skills and decide on the business activity they can engage in using existing skills and talents. The initial loan can be as small as a thousand up to five thousand pesos. Because they are not required to provide asset collateral, it is the group’s responsibility to make sure that each member pays their weekly installment. Ten groups make up a center, which meets once a week for about an hour to pay their weekly installment. The Center Meeting also serves as venue for knowledge sharing where the

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Project Dungannon beneficiaries.

women share their stories and experiences, providing each other with moral support and encouragement. It is in these meetings that the women build strong bonds of community. INNOVATIONS Over the years, NWTF learned that providing access to financial assistance is really not enough to help the poor move out of poverty. One illness, one calamity—such as a typhoon, earthquake, or flood—can totally wipe out everything that the family has built over several years. This is why, in addition to the usual micro loans for their business activities and access to micro-insurance, NWTF offers its clients low interest higher-education loans so their children could go to college. They can also avail of special loans so they could improve their houses, build sanitary toilets, and have safe water access and environment-friendly light sources and cookstoves.

To improve the quality of life of its clients, NWTF also provides free non-financial services such as financial literacy, skills trainings, and capacitybuilding workshops. It conducts medical, surgical and dental missions with free medicine in all its branches, at least twice a year. To protect the family unit, NWTF even organizes mass weddings for its clients, so they could legally name their spouse and children as the beneficiaries of their insurance policies. In recent years, NWTF started to retain local doctors so that clients can have a medical check-up without waiting for the next medical mission. To help clients even further, NWTF partners with pharmacies and laboratories in the localities so that its clients could enjoy discounted rates. The client’s family is also protected against huge funeral fees, as the clients can get a memorial package for themselves, saving the family from paying for expensive funeral services.

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PROJECT KASANAG As Project Dungganon clients climb the economic ladder, they usually need more working capital for their growing business activities, with a longer payback period. These clients are graduated into Project Kasanag as individual borrowers. Under this project, clients can access bigger micro-loans while still enjoying the same non-financial services they had access to with Project Dungganon. Additionally, they now have access to Business Development Services for when they want to start formalizing and registering their business with government agencies such as the BIR, DOLE, DTI, SSS, and the like. DUNGGANON BANK INC. (A MICROFINANCE RURAL BANK) In 2005, NWTF realized that clients who expand their businesses would ultimately need mainstream banking services, and thus was born DBI—Dungganon Bank, a fully-owned subsidiary of NWTF.

Project Dungannon follows the Grameen method of microfinance where women vouch for each other.

ATM SWITCH

Although DBI is only in two locations, at the head office in Bacolod City and Bantayan island in Cebu, its ATMs – automatic teller machines are located in many towns in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Iloilo where there are no ATMs in the town.

In addition, unlike other banks that outsource management of its ATM network to third party providers, NIS hosts DBI’s ATM Network including the Switch, HSM – Hardware Security Module, which securely encrypts data when connecting between ATM and the switch.

NWTF INTEGRATED SYSTEMS CORPORATION

DISASTER RECOVERY SITE

The NWTF Integrated Systems Corporation was established to support the technology needs of both NWTF and DBI. As the technology arm of the NWTF group, it manages the network infrastructure that connects the branches to the head office in Bacolod where the main data center is located, and the back-up site in Cebu.

As a failsafe, NWTF put up a remote disaster recovery site in Cebu. The backup site contains one rack of servers and network equipment containing backup servers, firewalls and redundant storage data for NWTF and DBI. It is protected from data loss due to power outage by a 3KVA UPS and is located in a secure building with 24/7 Generator. There is also a 24HR CCTV that is remotely monitored for added security.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TEAM It also has a dedicated team of software developers who custom-build solutions that enable the loan officers to be more efficient and more customercentric in their delivery of products and services to more than 500,000 clients. Because of their in-depth understanding of the microfinance processes and constant communication with operations, the software development team is able to continuously innovate and improve the systems with agility and fast turnaround. DEDICATED DATA CENTER To sustainably provide world-class technology for its clients, NWTF built its own secure data center that is designed following international standards including raised floors, 7.5 ton precision air conditioning, 30KVA parallel UPS backed up by 400- and 250-KVA generators. The data center currently has 5 racks of servers, storage and network equipment. The servers are virtualized using VMWare, the world-standard for server-usage efficiency. SECURE NETWORK CONNECTIVITY The data center is connected to all branches using SD1 Software Defined Wide Area Network using Riverbed appliances, which assures more secure connection than regular VPN (Virtual Private Network) plus an enterprise Firewall for even higher network security. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

USING TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER SERVICES To deliver the wide array of products and services to the clients, each loan officer is equipped with an android tablet with a long battery life. Because most centers are located in rural areas where there is usually no cellular signal, the custom-built software contained in the tablet is designed to work offline. The tablet works as an all-in-one service delivery device. 1. ID CAPTURE. It is used to take the client’s photo and personal data so they could be issued their very first identification card. The Dungganon ID issued to them is then submitted to DBI so they could be issued their own ATM Debit Card.

(Income-Generating Survival Skills) module, the loan officer is able to identify what products and services are best suited to the client and her family. 5. CLIENT LOAN APPLICATION. Filling the loan application directly into the loan officer tablet assures the client that her loan application immediately goes through the system and is processed and given proper attention by the loan officer. The result is proper loan evaluation with a faster approval turnaround, allowing the client to receive her loan on time. The tablet also works as the center’s transaction registry, where all loans and payments are recorded and processed, and where each client’s profile is updated. The data collected by the loan officer is automatically uploaded to the head office data center in Bacolod as soon as the loan officer returns to the branch. Each NWTF branch has a Wi-Fi access point that is connected to the internet either by wired DSL or LTE, depending on availability in the area. Using Riverbed VPN and switch appliances at both ends guarantees safe, secure, fast and stable data transfer. When asked for feedback on the tablet, loan officer Rachel said: “The tablet has become an essential tool because it helps me perform my work better and faster. Everything I need is at my fingertips.” The tablet also benefits the clients because it allows them to have all their needs addressed faster, as well as a source of information and learning.

2. PROGRESS OUT OF POVERTY TRACKER. The loan officer fills up the survey form for each client every time she takes out a new loan. Using the PPI (Progress Out of Poverty Index) for the Philippines, NWTF is able to track the client’s progress as she journeys out of poverty.

For NWTF as a whole, the tablet makes for a seamless process from the front-end to the back-end, improving productivity and efficiency, reducing possible human errors as the data source is from the original data entry only.

3. POVERTY MAPPING. Using Google Maps on the tablet, the loan officer is able to identify potential clients in the community as well as identify expansion areas within the locality.

Today, NWTF is known within the industry for its innovative and pioneering capabilities. Without much fanfare, it continues to improve not only its products and services that the poor need to take themselves out of poverty, but it is also committed to using technology to make financial inclusion a reality for those who do not have access to the mainstream economic ecology.

4. CLIENT PROFILE. By filling up the client’s information, including her skills and talents and that of her family members using the IGSS

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Financial Services for the Unbanked Words by Presy Alba

n most rural areas, if you ask residents, especially women, to provide identification cards, many of them admit that they do not have one. Those who need identification for some compulsory reason get a postal ID which costs around PHP500, way too expensive if your option is to use that PHP500 to get an ID or buy 10 kilos of rice that could feed your family for several days.

Beneficiaries of Project Dungannon with their ATM debits card from Dungannon Bank.

No ID means that they could not open a bank account because it is one of the KYC (Know Your Clients) documents required by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas when opening a bank account. It is one of the main reasons that NWTF issue clients their first ID Cards as proof of identity. Using their Project Dungganon ID, clients can then apply for an ATM debit card from Dungganon Bank, a microfinance rural bank owned by NWTF. With the Dungganon ATM debit card, instead of issuing the client a check for her loan, NWTF deposits the full amount into her ATM account, which she can then withdraw as needed. This eliminates the need for her to encash her check in commercial banks that often charge encashment fees, or to rediscount the check at a local merchant who also charges a percentage of the check amount. In both cases, the client ends up carrying out a large amount of money, which she either spends right away or carries home.

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With the Dungganon ATM debit card she has access to a wide array of technology-based financial services: 1. Automatic Teller Machines. Because Dungganon Bank is a member of BancNet, clients have access not only to the 21 DBI ATM machines strategically located in NWTF Project Dungganon branches where there are no other automatic teller machines in that town, but also to the wide network of ATMs of BancNet member banks. 2. Point of Sale (POS) Machines. Clients can also use their ATM debit cards to pay for products and services at establishments that accept debit card payments. This allows them to restock their sari-sari stores from big wholesalers without carrying large amounts of money. When they need cash, they can also withdraw money through the POS machines located in NWTF Project Dungganon branches if there are no ATMs nearby. Cris, a Project Dungganon client, proudly showed her ATM Card saying, “ Even though I live in Silay, I always stop by the Talisay branch of Project Dungganon where there is a DBI ATM because I am so proud that we have our own ATM, and I can withdraw money any time day or night. I have also used my ATM card to pay for supplies in town even when I did not have cash.” Giving clients access to ATM debit cards is part of NWTF’s financial inclusion strategy. It not only allows the unbanked access to mainstream banking services, it also protects them from exorbitant fees that opportunistic merchants charge to rediscount their checks. As for the Dungganon Identification Cards, aside from giving the clients proof of identity that allows them to get a DBI ATM card, clients also use the Dungganon ID to avail of discounts from NWTF partner pharmacies and laboratories in their town.

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MARCH 2020

How I went cashless for 2 months Words by Gabriel Pe

oday, technology has progressed to the point where some of our usual everyday things have become obsolete. Our traditional landlines are slowly being replaced with smartphones; pens and paper are slowly giving way to styli and tablets; and cash is just one tap away on your smartphone.

While discussing what to feature for this FinTech issue, we really wanted to write about how tech has changed banking. Sure, blockchain may be the future, and data privacy will be as important to banks as ever, but digital wallets have started the revolution that will change how we see and use money. For this issue, I had the idea of going cashless for a few days. I initially wanted to do it for a week as I knew for sure I wouldn’t survive without my wallet and cash around the metro. But lo and behold, I forgot my own ATM PIN and was forced into committing more to this experiment. In case you’re wondering, it’s been almost two months since I started in January. Going cashless meant I needed to use e-wallets. For the experiment, I used three, the first being G-Cash, Globe Telecom’s very own e-wallet. The second was PayMaya, a subsidiary of Smart Corporation. And lastly GrabPay, Grab’s e-wallet solution that is slowly becoming the second most accepted e-wallet payment in the country. Aside from the e-wallets, I also needed to subscribe to my banks’ online services which was pretty easy. All three wallets were easy to top up, just open your respective online bank accounts and use the suggested reloading method. For the past two months, this was how I reloaded all three e-wallets. The last two months of being cashless was hard but not for reasons you’d expect. All three e-wallets performed their tasks well to the point where I slowly became accustomed to just bringing out my phone in restaurants and leaving my wallet inside my bag or pocket. Still, it did not mean I had to forgo having extra cash on me all the time.

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In terms of accessibility, GCash was by far the most accepted with the most establishments offering it during my experiment. The app itself is fairly easy and straightforward to use. It has over a hundred partner merchants around the country. This was, not surprisingly, my go-to e-wallet for the duration of my experiment. While GCash was my go-to e-wallet, Paymaya was my online payment method of choice. Unlike GCash, Paymaya offers a digital Visa debit card that can be used for transactions. With Valve’s Steam Winter Sale and Epic Games’ holiday sale happening during the duration of my experiment, I can safely say that Paymaya’s digital card served me well during those times. Paymaya is also accepted in most Jollibee and Mcdonald’s branches so lunch and dinner time was when this app shone the brightest. These were the two major e-wallets I used. They had countless features that I needed, such as mobile load reload and cash transfers. The two can also be easily reloaded with your digital banks or via convenience stores and malls help centers. Mostly, I reloaded via online banks, but thankfully there is a 7-11 near our office during times when I had no internet to reload them. Lastly, GrabPay, Grab’s e-wallet solution. Initially, I was hesitant to use this because there was no need to. You could enroll your own credit card in the app so there was no need to reload another e-wallet. Upon using it, however, I found that using GrabPay has its own benefits. You earn more points (which can be converted to discounts) and most of all you can control your spendings on the app. GrabPay is also slowly being utilized by merchants in malls, so it is not just for rides or deliveries anymore. The major issue with GrabPay is that you’ll either need to use your credit card or use DragonPay to reload it. I got around this issue by using my Paymaya digital card to reload it every now and then. Of the many problems I expected to encounter, it was always internet connectivity that hindered my payments. Some establishments had neither free internet connections nor great data coverage. Then there were times when the displayed QR code was unrecognized by the app. So like I said earlier, you’ll still definitely need cash-on-hand. As for whether I could recommend living off e-wallets entirely, the simple answer is no; well, at least for now. Much more work needs to be done before we can fully enjoy the cashless lifestyle. The cashless revolution is great. It’s fast, efficient, and, most importantly, easy. However, infrastructure, customer support, and even greater accessibility need to be enhanced before it becomes the main method of payment.

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MARCH 2020

Google Philippines promotes online safety through Cyberpeace campaign Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

iving in a technologically-driven society has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. People are now more connected through social media, which leads to easier communication and sharing of information. However, the Internet has a dark and dangerous side that can adversely affect one’s emotional and mental well-being.

The recent findings from Google’s Digital Wellbeing of Families report show the Philippines has the highest number of households that heavily rely on digital technology to connect with their loved ones at least once a day. However, about 85 percent of Filipino parents worry when their children are online. They are concerned about exposing their kids to dangerous content on the Internet. “At Google, we believe kids and the youth should be able to experience the best of technology—and that parents should be able to feel confident letting them explore online. Through the Cyberpeace campaign, we hope not to only help Filipino families stay safer online but provide a springboard for a shared, nationwide commitment to a more peaceful internet, at the heart of a vibrant digital economy for all Filipinos,” said Bernadette Nacario, country director, Google Philippines.

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From L-R: YouTube content creators Janina Vela, and Lyqa Maravilla of Team Lyqa, Google Philippines head of Public Policy and Government Relations Yves Gonzalez, TPBPM founder and chief peace mission keeper Bai-Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, Department of Education Undersecretary Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., Google Philippines country director Bernadette Nacario, and head of Communications and Public Affairs Mervin Wenke.

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How to become responsible online citizens As part of its Cyberpeace campaign, Google Philippines partners with NGO Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, YouTube creators, teachers, employees, and volunteers to promote online safety in private and public schools in the Philippines. The tech giant’s latest initiative involves the localizing of teaching modules based on the Be Internet Awesome Curriculum, Google’s very own formulated course outline to guide educators in educating responsible use of the Internet to their students. Grounded on being smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online, the modules tackle five core concepts and values: online reputation, critical thinking to fight scams and misinformation, privacy and security, cyberbullying, and reporting inappropriate online behaviors. For the Philippines, Google aims to address relevant and prevalent issues like catfishing, or the fabrication of online identities to trick people in starting a romantic relationship, and cancel culture or a form of trial by publicity and boycott of influencers and celebrities who are deemed to be problematic. The company has started training its partners for the curriculum, including teachers, YouTube content creators, and volunteers all over the country. Spearheaded by local education YouTuber Lyqa Maravilla and vlogger Janina Vela, it kicked off its first session at San Francisco High School in Quezon City. The program, which aims to reach at least 10,000 students at public and private academic institutions nationwide, calls an urgency for a safer

and peaceful digital environment for everyone. Among the recipient schools for the program are Commonwealth High School, Benigno Aquino High School, Abellana High School, Marawi City National High School, University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines-Visayas High School, West Visayas State University, Ateneo de Ilollo-Santa Maria Catholic School, and more. Google tools for online safety Google also introduces tools that can be used in protecting every Filipino from online threats. There’s the Family Link mobile app that enables parents to supervise and control their kids’ online activities, screen time, and real-time location; SafeSearch to filter out browser results, Incognito for private browsing, Google 2-step Verification for protecting passwords and devices, and YouTube Kids for monitoring and playing curated videos for kids according to their age. “Digital responsibility and online safety are key Google priorities, and we believe that the youth will only be able to reap the benefits of the digital economy if they will thrive in a peaceful online environment. We strive to further strengthen this commitment by continuously creating programs and tools that help enable a safer internet and empower families to build healthy digital habits together,” shared head of public policy and government relations of Google Philippines Yves Gonzalez. To be a volunteer in the Cyberpeace campaign, feel free to visit https://www.facebook.com/ googlephilippines/ and https://www.facebook. com/tpbpm/. YouTube creators Team Lyqa and Janina Vela led the pilot class of Cyberpeace at San Francisco High School, Quezon City.

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MARCH 2020

GAMING

Words by Jewel Sta. Ana Developer: NetEase Games | Publisher: Marvel Entertainment | Platform: iOS and Android

People always say never meet your heroes. For one, they might only disappoint and not meet your expectations. However, I chose to do otherwise. I opted to meet my favorite Marvel characters in the best way I know—and that is through mobile gaming. NetEase Games recently partnered with Marvel Entertainment to give its fans an action-packed gaming experience right in their smartphones.

The basics If you’re the kind of gamer who likes to explore various characters, work with a team, enforce a strategy, and high-quality graphics, then the Marvel Super War is for you. Initially launched in the second half of December last year, the game has now recorded over 5 million downloads and is a chart-topper free game in the app markets. It does eat quite a lot of memory though, getting a total of 1.30 GB on your phone’s internal storage. It’s a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, so it requires a stable mobile connection for seamless gaming.

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The GAMEPLAY The whole game is generally filled with Marvel Easter eggs. Newbies would be guided by Tony Stark’s F.R.I.D.A.Y, the user interface he designed to work with his Iron Man armor. The whole arena reflects the Wakandan battlefield from animal spirits on the jungle up to the defense towers powered by Vibranium. Even the special skins and character’s skills of the superheroes are based on Marvel comics and movie franchises. Fans can gush over a bunch of Marvel’s original characters including notable villains like Thanos, Magneto, and Proxima Midnight, backed up with amazing skins and graphics which upgrades MOBA experience on smartphones. To take the crown as, you have to play either as a fighter, energy, marksmen, assassin, tank, or support in a team of five. The aim is to wipe out all the defense towers of the other team and brawl against your opponents and their minions while defending your team’s base. Players level up in the game as they collect coins and experience to buy special items. They also get to enjoy the Rank and Arcade modes in two forms: Free For All and Battle For Vibranium. The latter mode has a faster pace which determines the winning team based on the amount of Vibranium collected while accomplishing the basic objectives of the game. Meanwhile, the former only has a single lane with only two towers to protect. It is more intense as the healing of players depends on the random drops of enemy mobs. There’s Training, PvE Clash, and Match Rooms for practicing and enhancing in-game performance.

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The tactics Jungling will boost your team’s skills during clash and making the enemy’s turrets fall down. Capturing the Black Panther’s spirit grants rewards for the entire team’s stats while The key to victory is balance, teamwork, and strong communication between teammates. Apart from choosing the right character, players should know the correct combination of attacks of their chosen avatars and partner the most efficient Tactics (special skills like Leech for jungling, Dispel for removing negative debuffs, Blink for escaping enemies, Paralyze for stunning enemies over a period of time, Wound for damaging rival heroes, and First Aid for gaining health) Gear, and Power Core. Crystals, coins, and, star credits are the in-game currencies needed for acquiring

new hero, skins, and items. Should you want to collect rare objects, there’s the Interstellar Museum that allows opening of Dark Stars and Brilliant Caskets from The Collector. Inapp purchases also include Star Membership privileges which gives universal skin and hero discount, weekly use of free heroes in Ranked Game mode, exclusive member’s avatar and chat bubble frames, free upgrade of hero proficiency bonus, and usage of monthly skin and hero. As a daily mobile player, Marvel Super War has raised the ante of MOBA games. Sure, it may have a number of things to improve, but it certainly delivers when it comes to aesthetics and gameplay. Offering a more immersive experience, Marvel Super War is a fun and addicting game that is especially made by Marvel for its die-hard fans of all ages including myself.

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Words by Jose Alvarez Developer(s): Blizzard Entertainment, Lemon Sky | Publishers: Blizzard Entertainment | Platforms: PC, Mac

In 2002, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos was one of the premier real-time strategy games and its expansion, The Frozen Throne, helped solidify Blizzard Entertainment as a quality game developer. These games would be later used to create the most popular MMORPG of all time, World of Warcraft. In recent years, Blizzard promised to remaster some of its old games, and Warcraft III: Reforged is a remaster of both the original game and the expansion.

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While the game plays much like the 2002 release, it is a graphical update to the game. Producer Brian Stillwell mentioned that players did not want changes to the game other than graphical updates and a modern matchmaking system. The game takes place on Azeroth, with three different heroes: Arthas Menethil, the human crown prince of Lordaeron; Thrall, the orc warchief; and Tyrande Whisperwind, the leader of the night elves. The expansion also includes new factions such as the blood elves, naga, and draenei. There is also the introduction of Maiev Shadowsong, a night elf hero, Illidan Stormrage, a renegade halfdemon elf, and orc hero Rexxar. The game plays like a typical real-time strategy game, where players must build units and buildings to achieve certain objectives. All the original single-player content is still available, but the multiplayer is somewhat lacking. For

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those who are new to the game, they can play on Story Mode difficulty to experience the story from Reign of Chaos and The Frozen Throne. For those who want to experience the true Warcraft III or may not have the specs to play a high-graphics game, there is even an option to keep the graphics from the original game. Some of the promised new features, such as the competitive ladder and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clansâ&#x20AC;? social system, were not delivered as promised and Blizzard has kept silent, despite its strong emphasis on the social aspect of their games. This has led to massive criticism from fans. While the single-player game is not bad, there have been numerous issues (both technical and otherwise) that have led to fans review bombing the game to the point where it was the worst user-scored game on Metacritic.

be a prevention of another issue that eventually resulted in the 2003 Valve spin-off game Defense of the Ancients (commonly known as DOTA). The game was created through the World Editor that is also featured in the remaster, and has arguably become one of the most popular mods of all time, second only to Counter-Strike (which is itself a mod of another Valve game, Half-Life). While the game is still Warcraft III with a few graphical upgrades, the game has a lot of improvement ahead of it. Players reported bugs and other technical issues at launch. While it is a solid game for the real-time strategy (RTS) fan, it will have a lot of improvement to do before it can convince its passionate fan base that it is a true remaster and not just the same old game with a new coat of paint added on.

In addition, any custom games created by fans fell under the ownership of Blizzard itself. This may

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MUSIC CORNER

Words by Daniel Ringon | Art by Jerico Lutrania

It’s always difficult integrating advocacy and a fun time. Of course, anyone can just slap on a cause on any trending gimmick and call it a day, but it takes a lot of creativity, passion, and effort to wrestle certain narratives to the desired shape. History has given us examples where music was used as both an avenue and vehicle for change. The legendary Live Aid concert and USA for Africa’s We Are The World sought to solve the Ethiopian famine, the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert raised money for AIDS research, and for a couple of years now, our local Iskos and Iskas from the University of the Philippines Diliman have been doing the same thing with the annual UP Fair for various causes. This year changes the usual status quo as UP Fair went on for SIX days starting on Monday (February 10) until Saturday (February 15) with six different timely themes that would surely put the fire in everyone’s hearts as they jammed with their favorite artists. Staying woke while keeping up with cultural developments is the millennial way, after all.

Playing against a backdrop of trippy images that looks like a mixture of Junji Ito and old English art, Bita and the Botflies played songs that are uncomfortable. Uncomfortable is a compliment as the band belts out songs with dark stories that is unfortunately not that far from what women often experience. With groovy music that perfectly compliments the dark topics, one can get easily lost in the music if you don’t listen closely to the words. Know Them Better Through: Peklat Cream (2019) Who would make a song about a predatory agent? Bita and the Botflies did. The song Sisikat Ka Iha is written to take the perspective of a sleazy agent out to prey on the young. The track makes you bop your head to the groovy melody but will make you shudder as you listen closely and hear his advances play out. The eponymous song Peklat Cream talks about the cycle of abuse starting from an abusive father to an abusive boyfriend. An unfortunately common tale even in our era, the track will have you wincing due to its familiarity with the accompanying guitars stringing you along for the ride.

Teenage rapper Because has gained a following because of his chill approach to hip-hop. Mixing low-energy EDM elements with rap, R&B, and soul. The young artist has been making a buzz since the release of his single Marlboro Black, with its melancholic narrative of refusing to accept the fallout of a failed relationship. Releasing two albums since 2018, consistently gaining followers with every new track, Because is fast becoming a positive new face of the Pinoy hip-hop stable amidst the problematic issues surrounding the genre. Know Him Better Through: Heartbreak SZN (2018) What better way to know Because than through his first album? With the aforementioned Marlboro Black being about a breakup, other tracks in the album highlight the low-key youthful energy of being, well, part of the youth. With the naughtiness of Sandali, Halili, and Hard to Get to the all-too-familiar sadness of a relationship going downhill in Puyat, the album is a great introduction to the rising rapper. 74

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Old soul Iego Tan is all of us, or at the very least, what most of us aspire to be or root for. He thinks of himself as a displaced Hobbit, and like Glen Hansard’s character in Once, tried his hand at busking. Of course, who wouldn’t want second breakfasts to be a thing or meet a person, make a hit song, and be on the way to stardom, right? However, the similarities stop at feeling like a displaced Hobbit and busking. As it says on his bandwagon page, the homegrown isko is notorious for songs about love, katorpehan, and John Lloyd Cruz. And really, need I say more? Know Him Better Through: For Princesses, By Thieves (O Mga Awit ng Hiraya Para sa Guni-guning Sinta) (2019) Listening to the album will have you wanting to protect Iego Tan at all costs. Presented like a thesis with its plain writing on paper, it’s a delight that the album is anything but. The first track, Miss Mosh, leads the charge and is fully equipped with hopeless romantic adorableness. Featuring the musings of a man who becomes infatuated with a stranger he bumped into at a mosh pit. The album serves as a great introduction to his brand of music.

Sound Break 19 or SB19, as they’re more commonly known, is the first ever Filipino idol boy group trained under the same system that made KPop a global phenomenon. It’s easy to brush them off as generic given that the boyband trope is already played out. However, SB19 is not just a group you can hear, but watch as well. The idol training system is an intense way of living, but the results are apparent upon watching the group perform. With a rapidly growing fanbase, it’s only a matter of time until their debut album comes and blows the charts away. Know Them Better Through: Alab (Burning) (2019) If you’re listening closely, it’s easy to mistake the song for a Korean track. Then you suddenly hear Filipino words and voilà. It’s a delightful surprise that the group has captured the magic of KPop in small doses, injected with their own flavor. The high energy EDM mixed with the fast verses make for danceability which the group then performs in spades. If this trend continues, PPop will definitely grow to become its own genre with more artists following suit.

The announcement that area25 would be present at the Fair made people shrug mainly because they aren’t that popular yet. However, upon closer inspection, the band is made up of sleeper hitmakers. Lead vocalist April Hernandez is known as TheSunManager, drummer Charles Villanueva of electropop trio MOONWLK, and guitarist Clarence Garcia of tide/edit teamed up to make sappy songs disguised as dance beats. No more needs to be said, this band is A+. Know Them Better Through: You Were Once Here (2018) Bringing the sensitivities that all three musical acts are known for, it’s a surprise that only a few people heard ever of the band. However, upon listening to their first EP, it is made more confusing why. The EP includes five mood tracks that feel right at home in a chill Sunday afternoon mix or date night. (You and) I describes a budding relationship being tested by reluctance to fully dive in. The moody lyrics are being watered perfectly by the atmospheric music that will make you go mmm-mmmmmm.

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MARCH 2020

FOOD

EAT. SHOP. LEARN. Words by Maribelle Alba

or the past eight years, the National Food Fair has been a much-anticipated event because it celebrates the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top two pastimes; eating and shopping. For Metro Manila food lovers, this is an annual event where they not only eat and shop, but also learn. Last year, the National Food Fair brought in almost 44,000 visitors and generated PHP 73.64-million in revenue for 236 exhibitors from all over the country. This year, the 2020 National Food Fair, billed as the Philippine Cuisine and Ingredients Show, is bigger and better, with over 280 food entrepreneurs from the regions. The participating MSMEs are showcasing processed food, beverages, halal products, cooking ingredients, health and wellness products, as well as the best cuisines from the regions. There are special settings and pavilions for the Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth focusing on cocoa, coffee, processed fruits and nuts, and coconut industries; fresh produce from the Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Project (INREMP); and the Brunei DarussalamIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). In addition to the usual KAPEtirya Coffee Pavilion, there is a Halal Food Plaza with the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) operating a halal kitchen, while local wines are featured in the Philippine Island Bar. There are also booths promoting farm tourism and culinary tour packages, as well as on-site cooking demonstrations by featured chefs in the Kusinang Filipino. For aspiring food entrepreneurs, the Department of Trade and Industry has a one-stop Negosyo Center to provide assistance with their business requirements and other start-up concerns. There are representatives from various DTI bureaus and attached agencies such as the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), Bureau of Import Services (BIS), Export Management Bureau (EMB), One Town, One Product (OTOP), Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Philippine International Trading

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Corporation (PITC), Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPhil). Other related government offices also have a presence, including the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) under the Department of Agriculture (DA). The daily program of activities includes business talks and lectures from these government agencies to provide guidance not only to the exhibitors but also to those aspiring to start their own food business.

Organized by the DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) in partnership with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, the 2020 National Food Fair runs from March 12 to 15 at SM Megatrade Halls 1-3, located at the 5th level of Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Fair hours are from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Admission is free. To support the sustainability initiative, fair-goers are strongly encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags. Precautionary measures are also being taken to keep the exhibit hall a sanitized area, in accordance with the procedures already in place at all SM Malls. For more information, please contact DTI-BDTP at telephone numbers (02) 7751-3223 and (02) 7791-3102, or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. Follow DTI-BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to get the latest news and updates. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

ENTERPRISE

Monster Employment Index reports doubledigit online hiring growth in PH for Q4 2019

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E-hiring sentiment in the Philippines experienced a bump in Q4, in line with the uptick in overall economic growth. Charting strong growth numbers of 15 percent for October, 15 percent for November, and 14 percent for December year-on-year, the online recruitment sector performed better this quarter as compared to Q3.

IT, Telecom/ISP led growth in e-recruitment activity among industry sectors, up by 28 percent year-on-year between December 2018 and 2019 — its steepest annual growth in 2019. The sector performed well in the short-term as well, up by 4 percent monthon-month and 9 percent over a three-month period.

“The upward trajectory of online hiring growth in the Philippines is a reflection of last quarter’s economic recovery and is likely to accelerate even further given the current landscape. Consumer spending is expected to rise, driven by robust infrastructural developments, easing monetary conditions and a growing tourism sector, and this will help the economy maintain resilience,” said Krish Seshadri, CEO of Monster. com – APAC and Middle East.

Not far behind was the BFSI sector, which also continued to chart strong double-digit numbers and recorded its most notable growth of 27 percent year-on-year for the month of December 2019.

“This is a good time for businesses and employers to start thinking ahead and take steps to future-proof their workforce, so that they are prepared to compete with the expected future demand and maintain their relevance in the global landscape.”

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The BPO/ITES sector has been one with longterm growth momentum in the Philippines and it maintained that in Q4, rising marginally from 17 percent annual growth in November to 19 percent in December. The MEI is a gauge of online job posting activity compiled monthly by Monster.com. It records the industries and occupations that show the highest and lowest growth in local recruitment activity.

When looking at specific job roles, HR & Admin professionals continued to lead annual growth in online demand among occupation groups with an impressive 36 percent year-on-year increase for October, which then dipped slightly to 35 percent and 32 percent in November and December, respectively. Finance & Accounts talent experienced surging demand during the quarter and continued to chart double-digit annual growth numbers of 26 percent in both October and November, and 24 percent in December. Software, hardware and telecom professionals also experienced notable growth in Q4, with December witnessing the highest rise in demand for the occupation in 2019. The Monster Employment Index is a monthly gauge of online job posting activity, based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large representative selection of career websites and online job listings across the Philippines. The index does not reflect the trend of any one advertiser or source but is an aggregate measure of the change in job listings across the industry.

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CIMB Bank hailed as the fastest growing bank in PH Recognizing its efforts in financial tech, International Finance Magazine recently named CIMB Bank as the fastest-growing digital bank in the Philippines at the 2019 International Finance Awards. The CIMB Group’s first all-digital, mobile-first bank within the ASEAN region, CIMB Bank Philippines reaches Filipinos from all walks of life. Its digital banking platform brings banking directly to the who may not have access to traditional banking services. As of this writing, the bank has signed on about 2 million Filipino clients since its establishment in December 2018. Thirty percent were newbies in banking. “We are happy to be part of the Philippine administration’s push to substantially increase the number of Filipinos with bank accounts,” said CIMB Bank Philippines chief executive officer Vijay Manoharan. Manoharan also credits the win to the company’s persistence in becoming a platform bank in the country.

CIMB Bank Philippines’ People Hub in BGC

“Understanding that our market is not yet fully transitioned to digital banking, CIMB Bank Philippines has undertaken strategic partnerships with local payment gateways and e- wallets for our customers to adapt better to the digital platform,” he said. Apart from giving customers easier access to their money, CIMB Bank Philippines also provides other financial services that fit flexible lifestyles, such as best-in-market savings interest rates of 4 percent

per annum, free PHP 2 million insurance benefit, a VISA payWave debit card that can be used in over 25,000 ATM machines for free, and 10-minute approval response for personal loans up to PHP 1 million. In line with their goal of bringing more Filipinos towards financial inclusion, CIMB Bank Philippines aims to continue growing their customer base with a target of 3.5 million sign ups by 2020 and to expand their reach through more strategic partnerships.

Visa’s Financial Literacy program educates more than 36,000 students and teachers Visa’s financial literacy program, launched in 2017, has educated more than 36,000 students and teachers in 30 cities. Three years ago, Visa teamed up with Tanghalang Pilipino and Teach for the Philippines in launching the Tagalog skit Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog. The play is also supported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The interactive play focused on Gwyneth, a young student faced with several money management decisions throughout the story. With the help of her friends, family, and national heroes who came to life from the money she held, Gwyneth had to make informed financial decisions. The play’s third and current run completed several showcases in Malabon and Bulacan last year. Lukotlukot, Bilog-bilog had over 30 performances around Metro Manila and nearby municipalities including Rizal, Bulacan, Malabon, and Navotas. In addition, a digital version of the play and a teacher’s manual with inactive activities were distributed nationwide through Teach for the Philippine’s network. The non-profit organization collaborated with Visa to bring the play to other 64 schools in 21 cities, including Laguna, Tarlac, Negros Occidental, Aklan, Surigao, and Zamboanga. More importantly, Teach for the Philippines taught the teachers how to infuse money management knowledge through lessons conducted in schools.

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“Proper money management habits should be formed when children are young to better prepare them for their responsibilities in the future,” said Dan Wolbert, Visa’s country manager for the Philippines and Guam. “For two decades, our global financial literacy programs have educated millions, empowering children and adults in over 30 countries.” “We saw the importance here in the Philippines to create a scalable and sustainable program that could impact local Filipinos in our country. Since the launch of our program, we are extremely pleased that crucial knowledge and skills on money management have been shared with students and teachers in the country. We will continue our partnerships with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Teach for the Philippines and Tanghalang Pilipino to expand our efforts and promote the importance of financial literacy to more Filipinos,” added Wolbert.

Beyond that, Manuel shared that they were pleasantly surprised about the show’s impact on students and aimed for it to be more interactive going forward. “We encourage kids to share their learnings and ask questions after each show. Many of them do this, and everyone including the audience, performers and showrunners are excited to be part of this program.”

“Kids who watch the musical thoroughly enjoy the production. They laugh along with the lead character Gwyneth when she gets excited about a new purchase. They gasp when Apolinario Mabini comes to life to give Gwyneth spending advice, and they join her grandfather Sally in the search for his saved money, even pointing and shouting at the stage,” said Carmela Manuel, company manager of Tanghalang Pilipino.

Patricia Feria-Lim, Teach for the Philippines’ chief strategy officer, said that their organization’s goal is to provide access to inclusive, relevant, and excellent education. “By making financial literacy both entertaining and interactive, the lessons become more relevant to students and they are able to learn better. We are happy to bring this approach to more kids across the country.”

A scene in Visa’s financial literacy play Lukot-lukot, Bilog-Bilog

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Government agencies, private corporations organize Philippine Fintech Festival Various government agencies including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology(DOST), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), are partnering with private corporations and organizations such as Distributed Ledger Technology Association of the Philippines (DLTAP) and FinTech Philippines Association (FPH) for the first-ever Philippine Fintech Festival. The two-day event, which will feature plenary sessions and exciting activities, will tackle three major tracks: the future of finance, transforming industries, and blockchain for enterprise. Other highlights include a hackathon, business matching, lightning round pitches from startups, and fintech companies in partnership with CNN Philippines’ The Final Pitch with a panel of industry leaders as judges, and awarding ceremony for the top and innovative companies from Southeast Asia. With telecommunication companies and traditional banks participating in the growing digital economy by offering millions access to formal credit products, SMEs, farmers, and consumers are now being given alternative finance options. The continuous trend in

Philippine Fintech Festival organizers during the press conference.

modernizing remittances, creation of mobile wallets, and the use of cryptocurrencies cite how fintech companies and products have largely contributed to the government’s relentless drive for financial inclusion. “We strongly believe that this is a pivotal moment for us to become more relevant and competitive in the global marketplace. DTI has always been supportive of the growing fintech industry because of its massive potential for financial inclusivity for our people. With all the work and tech innovation building up in the country in recent years, we are

ready to expand our horizons,” shared Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Dr. Rafaelita “Fita” Aldaba. Aiming to empower enterprises in the digital revolution, the Philippine Fintech Festival features key-players in the industry. Among the confirmed speakers are Mynt CEO Anthony Thomas, Home Credit CFO Zdenek Jankovsky, Coins.PH founder and CEO Ron Hose, World Bank chief technology officer Lesly Goh, Department of Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua, and angel investor of Uber Jason Calacanis. It will be held from May 20 to 21, 2020 at the Shangri-La at The Fort.

FPG Insurance fetes top brokers, welcomes new leadership FPG Insurance, a major player in the general insurance industry, recognized its top brokers for 2019 at the annual Brokers’ Night held recently at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. AON Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers Philippines Inc., one of the leading risk insurance advisors in the world and in the Philippines, aced the list as the Top Broker for gross premiums written for 2019. Meanwhile, BDO Insurance Brokers, Inc. (BDOI), an SM Group member and BDO subsidiary, and Marsh Philippines, Inc., a global brokerage leader and among the two largest in the country, bagged second and third spots, respectively. Other awardees who made the list were Lacson & Lacson Insurance Brokers, Inc., Chinabank Insurance Brokers, Inc., Unicon Insurance Brokers Corporation, Gotuaco del Rosario Insurance Brokers, Inc., Bonifacio Insurance Broker Corporation, Trinity Insurance Brokers, Inc., Eastwest Insurance Brokerage, Inc., Philpacific Insurance Brokers and Managers, Howden Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Philippines, Inc., and K&A Insurance Brokers, Inc. “We have nothing but gratitude towards our valued partners in the business. The support that we receive from these companies is immense and that is why it is only right that we celebrate the fruit www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

AON Insurance commercial risk solutions & affinity vice president Sonny Ang (third from left). With Ang are (from left) FPG regional managing director Stephen Blasina, AVP Alodia Fernandez, new FPG President and CEO Gigi Pio de Roda, corporate business group head Beth Villamil, and outgoing president Ramon Dimacali.

of everyone’s hard work and dedication,” said Beth Villamil, FPG Insurance corporate business group senior vice president and regional brokers relations head. New leadership The brokers and agents present also witnessed the ceremonial change in leadership as outgoing president Ramon Yap Dimacali passes on the baton to Gigi Pio de Roda as FPG Insurance’s new chief executive. Dimacali will be retiring from the CEO position after 18 years with the Group. “I am honored to take the reins of an insurance company that remains to be one of the largest in

the industry. With the strong partnership we have with our esteemed brokers and agents, I know that the future of FPG Insurance is looking bright. Our clients should be excited about what lies ahead,” said FPG Insurance president and CEO Gigi Pio de Roda. Gigi officially started her appointment last January 6, 2020 coming from her previous role as Philam Life/AIA’s chief operations officer (COO). FPG Insurance offers a comprehensive suite of corporate insurance products from motor fleet insurance, business travel, property, marine, casualty, financial lines, health and accident, surety bonds, and engineering. MARCH 2020

CYBER SECURITY

There could be malware hiding behind your favorite artist

Cybercriminals are actively exploiting the names of artists and songs nominated for Grammy 2020 awards to spread malware. Kaspersky protection technologies detected a 39 percent rise in attacks (attempts to download or run malicious files) under the guise of nominees’ works in 2019, compared to 2018. Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Post Malone were attackers’ favorites, with these nominees’ names used most often in 2019 as a disguise for malware. Music has universal appeal — it is not just entertainment, but a form of therapy and education, as well as providing an atmosphere and message platform. Its popularity and widespread availability is the reason why, even in the age of streaming services, music is not free from malicious activity: criminals use popular artists’ names to spread malware hidden in music tracks or video clips. In light of the biggest music awards of the year, to show the extent of the problem, Kaspersky researchers analyzed Grammy 2020 nominated artists’ names and song titles for malware. As a

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result, Kaspersky found 30,982 malicious files that used the names of artists or their tracks in order to spread malware, with 41,096 Kaspersky product users having encountered them. Analysis of the nominated artists showed that the names of Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Post Malone were used most to disguise malicious files, with over half (55 percent) of detected malicious files named after them. “Cybercriminals understand what is popular and always strive to capitalize on that. Music, alongside TV shows, is one of the most popular types of entertainment and, as a result, an attractive means to spread malware, which criminals readily use. However, as we see more and more users subscribe to streaming platforms, which do not require file download in order to listen to music, we expect that malicious activity related to this type of content will decrease,” comments Anton Ivanov, Kaspersky security analyst. To avoid falling victim to malicious programs pretending to be popular music

files, Kaspersky recommends taking the following steps: • If you want to listen or download famous artists’ songs, use reputable services like Apple Music, Spotify Premium, and Amazon Music. Or try to find a recognized free music site that allows you to download songs legally. • Try to avoid suspicious links, promising exclusive music content. Check musicians’ official social media accounts or read reputable music blogs like Pitchfork, to make sure that such content exists. • Look at the downloaded file extension. Even if you are going to download an audio or video file from a source you consider trusted and legitimate, the file should have an mp3, .avi, .mkv or .mp4 extension among other music and video formats, definitely not .exe or .lnk. • Use a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud, for comprehensive protection from a wide range of threats.

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Sophos launches “Xstream” version of XG Firewall

Sophos, a global leader in next-generation cybersecurity, has introduced a new “Xstream” architecture for its XG Firewall with high performance Transport Layer Security (TLS) traffic decryption capabilities that eliminate significant security risk associated with encrypted network traffic, which is often overlook by security teams due performance an d complexity concerns. “As SophosLabs’ research demonstrates, cybercriminals are boldly embracing encryption in an attempt to bypass security products. Unfortunately, most firewalls lack scalable TLS crypto capabilities and are unable to inspect encrypted traffic without causing applications to break or degrade network performance,” said Dan Schiappa, chief product officer at Sophos. “With the new Xstream architecture in XG Firewall, Sophos is providing critical visibility into an enormous blind spot while eliminating frustrating latency and compatibility issues with full support for the latest TLS 1.3 standard. Sophos’ internal benchmark tests have clocked a two-fold performance boost in the new XG TLS inspection engine as compared to previous XG versions. This is a game changer.”

survey titled, “The Achilles Heel of Next-Gen Firewalls” reports that while 82 percent of agreed TLS inspection is necessary, only 3.5 percent of organization are decrypting their traffic to properly inspect it. Key new features of XG Firewall include: • Inspection of TLS 1.3 to detect cloaked malware: New port-agnostic TLS engine doubles crypto operation performance over previous XG versions • Optimized critical application performance: New FastPath policy controls accelerate performance of SD-WAN applications and traffic, including Voice over IP, SaaS and others, to up to wire speed • Adaptive traffic scanning: The newly enhanced Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) engine dynamically risk-assesses traffic streams and matches them to the appropriate threat scanning level, enhancing throughput by up to 33% across most network environments

Sophos also published an article entitled “Nearly a Quarter of Malware now Communicates Using TLS” which explains how 23 percent of malware families use encrypted communication for Command and Control (C2) or installation.

• Threat analysis with SophosLabs intelligence: Provides network administrators with the SophosLabs AI-enhanced threat analysis needed to understand and adjust defenses to protect against a constantly changing threat landscape

Latency too often deters IT admins from using decryption, an seen in an independent Sophos survey of 3100 IT managers in 12 countries. The

• Comprehensive cloud management and reporting in Sophos Central: Centralized management and reporting capabilities

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in Sophos Central provide customers with group firewall management and flexible cloud reporting across an entire estate without additional charge • Integration with Sophos Managed Threat Response (MTR) service: Customers of XG Firewall who also subscribe to the Sophos MTR Advanced service will have deeper actionable intelligence to prevent, detect and respond to threats, as a result of the integration “Sophos’ new XG Firewall offers a wide array of enterprise-caliber features, with a growing installed base that is now one of the industry’s most widely deployed next-generation firewalls,” Eric Parizo, senior analyst for enterprise IT strategy, Omdia. “XG Firewall can win against industry competitors in large part because of Sophos Central, its SaaS-based, single-pane-of-glass management system for overseeing deployment, management, policy, updates, and response, with optional log management and analytics. This cloud management platform with the Firewall Management and Reporting feature, plus the TLS inspection, position Sophos XG Firewall as a compelling option for a wide variety of organizations.” Sophos XG Firewall is available in the cloud-based Sophos Central platform alongside Sophos’ entire portfolio of next-generation cybersecurity solutions. Sophos’ unique Synchronized Security approach empowers these solutions to work together for real-time information sharing and threat response.

MARCH 2020

TransUnion Philippines launches advance identity verification and fraud prevention solution

TransUnion has recently announced the launch of its fraud and identity suite of solutions, IDVision with iovation, in the Philippines. IDVision with iovation enables businesses and consumers to safely and seamlessly transact through the verification and authentication of identities online. Globally, IDVision with iovation contains over 1 billion consumer records and intelligence based on experience with over 6.5 billion devices to provide a comprehensive picture of each person. “While technology has made transacting digitally more convenient and instantaneous, it has also provided another channel for fraudsters with schemes like loan applications using fake documents, identity theft, money laundering and synthetic fraud,” said TransUnion Philippines President and CEO, Pia Arellano. “By combining technology and the power of information, we are able to bring together and validate peoples’ real-world and digital identities to help combat cybercriminals while providing a friction-right experience for good consumers.” Identity verification and fraud prevention is an increasingly important priority for businesses.

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A recent global study commissioned by TransUnion revealed the challenges faced by the financial services and insurance industries. More than a third (36 percent) of respondents surveyed said one of their company’s top priorities in the next 12 to 24 months was to, “Improve new customers’ or members’ account-opening and onboarding digital experience.” In addition, almost half (44 percent) said it was to, “Reduce the risk of fraudulent accounts being opened.” IDVision with iovation leverages deep learning technologies and validates a consumer identity through a broad mix of data sources, including credit and public records, allowing businesses to enable meaningful experiences with consumers. IDVision with iovation can also help increase financial inclusion by evaluating a broad set of data to make a transaction decision and through digital authentication methods that allows for consumer access from anywhere, including remote locations. IDVision with iovation analyzes unique identifiers like name, date of birth, ID document numbers, address, phone number, device, email and IP address. For instance, IDVision with iovation’s device intelligence helps prevent more than 200 million fraudulent transactions annually worldwide

by evaluating associated accounts and devices, past device history and suspicious device behavior. IDVision with iovation can also use a device as a consumer authenticator by ensuring it is authorized to access an account. In the Philippines, IDVision with iovation enables consumers to use their smartphone devices to take a picture of their Photo ID during the digital onboarding process. A live selfie is then required of the applicant, all of which are verified to ensure that the consumer is actually who they say they are and not an impostor using another person’s identity. IDVision with iovation has the capability to authenticate a majority of the official government IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports of over 200 countries. “In an increasingly digital world, businesses that make it easier for consumers to interact with them, and access their goods and services, will be the ones that succeed,” continued Arellano. “By verifying a transaction against a broad set of personal and digital identity data through the combination of traditional data science with artificial intelligence and machine learning, we can stay one step ahead of criminals.”

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BITS & BYTES

Lenovo reaches out to Cebuano gamers with exclusive Legion Store

The newly-opened Lenovo Legion Concept Store Cebu

The Lenovo Legion team led by General Manager Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines (5th from left).

Lenovo Philippines General Manager Michael Ngan during his welcome remarks.

The newly-opened Lenovo Legion Concept Store Cebu are jampacked on its grand opening.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting year for gamers in the Queen City of the South as Lenovo, the world’s leading PC maker, opens its Legion concept store in SM City Cebu. Legion is Lenovo’s dedicated gaming brand which offers a wide range of products designed to provide a complete and immersive experience. Launched in 2017, the Legion line has established a significant foothold in the Philippines and was even recognized by global market research company GFK as one of the fastest-growing PC gaming brands. Legion Store SM Cebu is located at the 2nd floor of the mall’s Cyberzone area and will showcase Lenovo’s top-of-the-line gaming devices such as monitors, towers, laptops, and peripherals and accessories. Mall-goers can come and visit to try out Legion devices and see how they handle the latest PC games. According to Lenovo, they will be

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organizing monthly gaming tournaments in the store so that’s something to look forward to. Legion Store SM Cebu is the first exclusive Legion concept store in Visayas and second in the Philippines after Legion Store SM City North EDSA. This expansion is part of Lenovo’s thrust to make its products even more accessible to the gaming community outside Metro Manila. “Putting up a Legion store in one of the Philippines’ major cities is a significant stride for Lenovo. We work very hard in developing bestperforming devices and part of the goal is to make these products accessible. You can expect to see more Lenovo and Legion stores across the market and more of our presence in local events. In fact, we have something special for our gamers based in the North shortly so stay tuned,” said Michael Ngan, general manager, Lenovo Philippines. Ngan led the grand opening of Legion Store SM Cebu held last January 31. As part of the opening

celebration, Lenovo hosted gaming tournaments which saw players battle it out on Tekken 7, Mortal Kombat X, and Left 4 Dead 2. Winners of the tournaments were given exclusive Lenovo and Legion merchandise and accessories. In celebration of the store’s opening, the Legion Store SM Cebu held a special hardware promo on its first day. Some of the latest Legion products available at the store which were part of the promo included the Legion Y740, Legion Y730, and Legion Y540. Those who bought any of the three devices came home with a free Legion K200 Keyboard and Legion M200 Mouse. Meanwhile, those who purchased the IdeaPad L340 Gaming device got a free Seagate Slim 1TB HDD. Legion Store SM Cebu is open daily, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. To learn more about the store and its current offers and promos, visit https://www.facebook. com/lenovophilippines/ and https://www. facebook.com/lenovolegionPH/.

MARCH 2020

Sun Life brings back ‘Make it Mutual’ campaign to educate more Filipinos on investing

Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc. president Valerie Pama.

Sun Life Ambassador Matteo Guidicelli is featured in the company’s Make it Mutual campaign.

Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI) brings back its ‘Make It Mutual’ campaign to encourage more Filipinos in making mutual funds their choice of investment, as they strive to achieve their financial goals. “SLAMCI has been working hard to make investing more accessible and affordable to investors, and our latest initiatives will be featured in the latest ‘Make It Mutual’ campaign,” Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. president Valerie Pama said. “Moreover, we hope to promote a long-term mindset when it comes to their financial journey, so they can fully enjoy the benefits of their investments.” A series of four digital videos in social media, the ‘Make It Mutual’ campaign educates Filipinos in

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starting opening an account online through the Sun Life portal or mobile app for only PHP 1,000; the importance of choosing the right fund to suit the investor’s personality and priorities, and the need to invest regularly for the long-term in order to stay on track one’s financial goals.

“Make It Mutual” is one of SLAMCI’s many offerings this 2020, as the company marks its 20th anniversary.

PHP 80-billion in Assets Under Management (AUM) as of January 10, 2020. The company manages ten peso-denominated funds and five dollar-denominated funds, which are distributed by over 2,500 licensed mutual fund advisors nationwide, 10 bank partners including BDO Private Bank, EastWest, and Maybank, and six brokers namely COL Financial Philippines, First Metro Securities Brokerage Corporation, AB Capital Securities, Inc., Rampver Financials, Unicapital Securities, Inc., and Wealth Securities, Inc.

The Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc. is the largest non-bank affiliated asset management company in the country, with

For more details on Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc.’s upcoming offerings, visit its official website.

The campaign, which will be released on social media will once again feature brand ambassador Matteo Guidicelli.

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Bose Professional kicks off 2020 with business gala Bose Professional started 2020 on a euphoric note with their business gala party at Revel in Taguig. Over 300 industry professionals attended the event held last February 5. “Enterprising initiatives that promote improved collaborations with the marketplace will continue to be the focal point of Versatech and Bose Professional’s user-centric strategy for the region,” shared Christian Liebenberg, regional manager of Bose Professional. Bose Professional’s new line brings in the ‘Installed Sound Expansion’ that aims to enable designers, consultants, and integrators, to create comprehensive Bose Professional sound system for a variety of greater spaces across its target market like corporate offices, government, education, entertainment, broadcast, and hospitality sectors. Other additions to the brand’s lineup of professional audio solutions are the DesignMax, PowerSoft amplifiers, and PowerShare which provide clients with a comprehensive Bose Professional system for diverse larger venues that many professionals are keen to use. “Versatech enjoys unprecedented presence of key primary markets, including retail, education, transportation, hospitality, enterprise, government, and house of worship. We were thrilled to see several major players present at our event. Our guests were particularly impressed with Bose Professional’s new ‘Installed Sound Expansion’, and we are optimistic that 2019’s

Versatech International Incorporated executive vice president Stephen Yu

positive business momentum will continue well into 2020,” said Stephen Yu, executive vice president of Versatech. The networking event hosted by Bose Professional and its regional distribution partner, Versatech International Incorporated, saw executives from Bose Professional exchange thoughts and ideas on product applications, business and marketing strategies, growth opportunities, and the brand’s direction in the region with notable guests comprised of dealers, architects, consultants, leading systems integrators and installers, sound rental companies, and even end consumers. “Partly our invites are end consumers and SI partners. So end-users are the people who need the equipment, and the SI partners are the ones

who will integrate the system for them. And I saw somebody from the DOST here, so there are a lot of end users here tonight,” said Frederick Cubacob, AV Business Unit Manager, Versatech International. “This was the perfect start to 2020 as it gave us a lovely opportunity to celebrate partnerships and welcome a promising future. Bose Professional’s extended range of products and systems will provide the growing market in the Philippines with a more comprehensive portfolio of audio solutions than ever before. Through our partnership with Versatech, we are confident in enhancing our presence in the market and consolidating our position as a globally respected audio brand that users in the Philippines already know and trust,” added Liebenberg.

UPMG formally inducts its 2020-2022 officers United Print Media Group Inc., a progressive organization of print media and publication companies in the Philippines, recently held its induction ceremony at the Senate of the Philippines. It was spearheaded by Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Present at the event were UPMG president Barbie Atienza of Manila Bulletin, UPMG vice president Jay Sarmiento of PhilStar Media Group, UPMG treasurer Vivienne Motomal of Journal Group of Publications, UPMG secretary Jeanette Dominguez of BusinessWorld , UPMG auditor Annie Grefal of Manila Standard, UPMG director Sherly Baula of Chinese Commercial News, UPMG public relations officer Jong Arcano of Philippine Daily Inquirer, UPMG director Marisa Consuelo of Gadgets Magazine, UPMG director Marvin Estigoy of Business Mirror, and UPMG chief of staff Badette Cunanan of Manila Bulletin.

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Senate President Vicente Sotto III inducts the 2020-2022 officers of the United Print Media Group (UPMG), the association of major publication companies

MARCH 2020

Student ‘technopreneurs’ vie for SWEEP innovation awards

Aspiring student ‘technopreneurs’ from various universities and colleges nationwide will soon get a chance to further develop their data analytics innovations all while competing for PHP 1 million worth of prizes as Smart announced the Top 20 teams that will on to the semi-final round of the annual SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards. Now on its 16th run, this year’s competition has the theme #DrivenByData: Data Analytics in Action. Considered by many industries as the “modern oil” data analytics involves the collection and processing of data to aid decision-makers in creating businesses, minimizing costs, improving service and productivity, and boosting revenues. Representatives from the wireless service provider and its parent company PLDT, as well as partners from Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), Eskwelabs, and Timefree Innovations judged over a hundred entries submitted by colleges and universities nationwide where contestants used data analytics to help address real-life problems.

MARCH 2020

The top 20 entries include bids from Ateneo de Manila University, Bicol University–Polangui Campus, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, De La Salle Lipa, Malayan Colleges Laguna, Polytechnic University of the Philippines–Sto. Tomas Batangas, Technological University of the Philippines, University of the Cordilleras, Asian College, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, La Salle University–Ozamiz, University of Immaculate Conception, University of San Jose–Recoletos, and University of Southeastern Philippines. Team members from the 20 shortlisted innovations will be trained further at a boot camp in Manila this March. After the boot camp, the semi-finalists will undergo a validation to trim down the selection to 10 grand finalists. Final judging and awarding will be held in May. Launched in 2004, the SWEEP Awards is an annual competition that encourages innovation and excellence in wireless applications development among students of tertiary schools. It is open to students who are currently enrolled in Information Technology,

Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and other related courses. With a maximum of five members, team composition is highly suggested to represent various disciplines of Engineering, IT, Business, and Marketing, as each entry should have a supporting business plan. Short for Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program, SWEEP is an industry-academe linkage program with a network of 36 colleges and universities all over the country that offer ECE and IT courses. For 17 years, Smart has partnered with these schools to help them produce industry-ready graduates or technopreneurs by leveraging on its network, infrastructure and technologies. To-date, SWEEP has trained more than 36,000 students and teachers, with over 1,000 graduates directly hired by Smart. For more information on SWEEP, visit facebook. com/sweepschools or facebook.com/ smartcommunities.

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Converge partners with BTI Payments to deploy payment kiosks nationwide

BTI Payments director and general manager for Strategic Development & Asia, Converge ICT Solutions Inc chief operating officer Jesus C. Romero, and BTI Payments Philippines country manager Dan Ibarra

To improve the customer experience, fiber internet provider Converge ICT partners with BTI Payments to deploy 500 self-service payment kiosks nationwide. A top provider of ATM and payment technology in Australia and Asia for the past 25 years, BTI payments is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BANKTECH. It has partnered with various billers in the country including the largest telecommunications, utilities, transport, and loan companies including Globe, Smart, Bayan Telecommunications, PLDT, Converge, Sun Cellular, GCash, PayMaya, Coins.PH, Maynilad, Manila Water, Meralco, Sky Cable, Cignal TV, CableLink, Grab, Home Credit, and Aeon Credit Service. Allowing Converge customers to pay their bills 24/7, the Pay & Go kiosks promote the convenience of paying bills by adding more

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locations and providing shorter queues. Apart from bills payment, the Pay & Go kiosks accept top-up for e-Money providers, electronic and retail load, and transport RFID. This endeavor intends to deliver an improved end-to-end customer experience.

allow more Filipinos to enjoy a premium fiber internet experience. And just recently, Converge has been recognized by the London-based International Finance Awards Group as the fastest-growing fiber Internet service provider in the Philippines.

“Our growing portfolio of kiosks is located nationwide and will be in more places relevant and synonymous to where paying customers are at. We want to seamlessly integrate it into their fast-paced lifestyles, making payments without a hassle–whether you are in the office, supermarket, pharmacy, mall or at home. As our service is realtime, anytime–we ensure Converge transactions through Pay & Go will be no different from doing it at their stores or business offices,” said BTI Payments country head Dan Ibarra.

“Converge ICT is about giving Filipino consumers the kind of connectivity that is simple, fast, and easy. As we grow our presence in the Philippines, we are turning to credible and capable partners who will help us deliver the kind of customer experience we promise. In terms of bills payment, Pay & Go has the expertise and nationwide presence that complement our goal of delivering that seamless experience,” said Dennis “J3” Uy, Converge ICT president & CEO.

Innovative customer-centric programs as such have enabled Converge ICT to grow its base and

The Pay & Go kiosk also enables customers to reload their Beep cards.

MARCH 2020

Canon showcases documentary on the endangered tamaraws and their protectors Canon Philippines continues to strengthen its biodiversity conservation programs as they once partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN). The partnership was made possible by a compelling expedition to Mount Iglit-Baco National Park (MIBNP), the last frontier of the Tamaraws, in a bid to protect the life and livelihood linked to the endangered animal. Footages of this expedition are woven into the 60-minute documentary titled, Suwag o Suko (Strike or Surrender), scheduled for nationwide release March 2020. Considered as one of the world’s critically endangered animals, the Tamaraws are closely watched by a band of 23 rangers from the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP). The joint initiative of the UNDP and DENR’s BIOFIN and Canon Philippines sheds light on TCP’s conservation efforts and the many harsh realities faced by the rangers in the call of duty. “Hidden from sight, the challenge of conservation becomes all the more difficult. That’s why Canon Philippines and our partners are pooling our resources together to share the cause of the rangers to a wider audience,” said Canon Philippines vice president Anuj Aggarwal. “Suwag o Suko is a call for solidarity, for us to collectively stand with the rangers and show our support for the Tamaraw’s and country’s biodiversity conservation efforts.” The film follows the trail of rangers themselves, from when they leave camp to when they overcome external threats of weather, tensions arising from cultural practices, and come home to choose to strike or surrender their cause for another day. Strike or Surrender: Making the Choice for Conversation The documentary already premiered at the National Museum back in October in celebration of the National Tamaraw Month. It is scheduled for nationwide screening, including campus caravans, starting March of this year. Suwag o Suko is intended to reach as many local viewers as possible and its narrative is told in the language of the rangers (Filipinos) but will be translated for native speakers of Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Visayan, Chavacano, and Bicolano. “We do not want to simply raise funds for Tamaraw conservation through this film. We also want to spread awareness on the plight of the largest land mammal in the Philippines, similar to our very own Philippine Eagle, which is well known by Filipinos and people around the world,” said Assistant Secretary for Climate Change and concurrent Director of the Biodiversity 88

MARCH 2020

Management Bureau of DENR Ricardo Calderon. The DENR is currently reviewing the Tamaraw Conservation Program in order to strengthen the conversation of the critically endangered tamaraw. “Found nowhere else in the world, the Tamaraws are a source of pride for Filipinos. As the film’s viewers of the film will discover, the survival of these animals is closely linked to the lives of rangers and communities surrounding the conserved area,” adds Aggarwal. Biodiversity conservation is one of Canon Philippine’s priority areas for outreach. Last May,

the company joined DENR-BMB and BIOFIN to raise awareness on biodiversity’s role in upholding food security, in celebration of the International Day of Biodiversity. Likewise, the partnership gave rise to a video contest in June to help generate online resources on the importance of biodiversity on the nation’s health and food security. Learn more about how to support TCP’s conservation efforts by e-mailing BIOFIN at biofin.ph@undp.org. Meanwhile, catch a glimpse of Suwag o Suko by watching the trailer on the program’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/suwagosuko/). www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Oppo tops the local market for smartphones for 2019 Garnering 27 percent of the total market share for the fourth quarter of 2019 according to the recent Canalys report, Oppo remains unbeatable as the top smartphone brand in the Philippines. This reflects about 44 percent of year-on-year growth for the brand. Shipping more than 30 million Oppo smartphones in the same quarter, the brand had seen a 28 percent increase in the total smartphone shipments during the fourth quarter of 2019 in the Philippines which signifies the country as one of the key markets of Oppo in Southeast Asia. It was followed by Vivo which landed in second place, increasing its production by 25 percent. Third and fourth placers Samsung and Realme gained 9 percent in their shipments, with -32 percent and 709 percent year-on-year growth respectively. “We’re extremely happy to have achieved such a feat, considering how young OPPO is in the Philippines. With such a competitive landscape dominated but many strong and well-established smartphone brands, we are truly humbled to know that we are very much loved and trusted by the Filipinos,” shares Oppo Philippines marketing director Raymond Xia.

2020 is an even more interesting and exciting year for the brand with the slated release of its latest flagship smartphone, the Find X2, which claims to pack unparalleled technological innovations including a revolutionary smartphone display. The smartphone brand also remains steadfast in providing the best and the latest technology

innovations beyond smartphones as it expands its product portfolio in IoT starting with the Oppo Enco Q1 wireless noise-canceling headphones. To know more about the latest news and updates about Oppo, visit their official website.

Samsung partners with Art Fair Philippines for a one-of-a-kind cinema experience Art Fair Philippine recently kicked off the “10 Days of Art” with a dedicated film exhibit to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Philippine cinema this year. The display showcased at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati was made in partnership with Samsung. The exhibit entitled “The Unconfined Cinema: An Outdoor Cinema Experience” was curated by film critic Philbert Dy, award-winning writer and editor Erwin Romulo, and film archivist and historian Teddy Co. Attendees were treated to a different kind of film viewing. The venue was decorated with carpets and pillows, allowing guests to lay down and blockbuster movies such as One More Chance which was projected on the ceiling of the dome. Guests were also given the option to stream the audio directly to their smartphones via the CiNet.com app.

Antoinette Jadaone and the lead stars of One More Chance John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, with the help of a Samsung 82-inch Premium UHD 4K TV.

Fans were also treated to a live script reading of That Thing Called Tadhana with director

The Unconfined Cinema experience continues with runs of QCinema 2019 Shorts, Sunday

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Exhibit curators Philbert Dy, Erwin Romulo, and Teddy Co.

Beauty Queen, and Never Not Love You. The Samsung 82-inch UHD 4K TVs offer real 4K picture quality, and smart access to online content streaming services and apps to enjoy the best of one’s home viewing experience.

MARCH 2020

Accenture shares five emerging trends for 2020 Global professional services company Accenture presented its annual report of key technology trends that will redefine businesses over the next three years. The trends are formulated by an external advisory board with esteemed members from the business, academe, and other sectors. Accenture also conducted a survey on 6,000 C-level executives and business leaders in IT, as well as 2,000 consumers across India, China, UK, and the US about their perspective on new emerging technologies. This year, the report highlights tech-clash or a clash between business and technology models and people’s needs and expectations. This shows that people’s perceptions of and relationships with technology are changing. 83 percent of the respondents from the Technology Vision report saw that technology has become an inextricable part of the human experience. 70 percent of the consumers expect their relationship with technology to be more or significantly more prominent over the next three years. However, the report suggests that continuing with existing models doesn’t just risk irritating customers or disengaging employees, but could permanently limit the potential for future innovation and growth. Trust, data, and deep experiences are the most important factors that drive success to enterprises.

JP Palpallatoc discusses Innovation DNA trend

Accenture’s Technology Vision report identifies five key trends that companies must address over the next three years to defuse tech-clash and form new business models that will build trusting relationships with stakeholders: The “I” in Experience Organizations will need to design a humancentric model based on the client’s personalized experiences. This will give and amplify agency and client choice, turning passive audiences into active participants and true collaborations. Five in six business and IT executives surveyed or 85 percent of the respondents believe that competing successfully in this new decade requires organizations to elevate their relationships with customers as partners. AI and Me The second trend encourages the collaboration of humans and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in improving how people perform their work efficiently. Enterprises must rethink the work they do by putting trust and transparency on the AI at its core. At present, organizations are still reluctant with only 37 percent of the respondents report using humancentric design principles to support human and machine collaboration. The Dilemma of Smart Things The third trend puts emphasis on shared ownership of smart products between the manufacturer and the consumer. As enterprises seek to introduce a new generation of products driven by digital 90

MARCH 2020

JP Palpallatoc presents the Accenture Tech Vision 2020

experiences, addressing this new reality will be critical to success. Updating the devices, which are regularly used in the business, helps in overcoming the data burden. 74 percent of the executives believe that their organization’s connected products and services will have significantly more updates over the next three years. Robots in the Wild Gone are the days robots were being feared due to manpower issues. To grow the enterprise’s reach and responsibility, robots are much more needed now for efficiency and productivity. With 5G poised as the future of connectivity, every enterprise must rethink its future through the lens of robotics. However, executives have a split view in terms of how their employees will embrace robotics. 45 percent say that their employees will be challenged to figure out how to work with robots while 55 percent believe that their employees will easily figure out how to work with them. Innovation DNA As enterprises have access to innovative technologies, they should make use of distributed

ledgers, AI, extended reality and quantum computing. Organizations need to create an engine that would identify them from their competitors and could evolve along with the market’s demand. According to the report, 76 percent of executives believe that getting things done right will require new ways of innovating with the ecosystem and third-party partners. “Dazzled by the promise of technology, many organizations created digital products and services just because they could, without fully considering the human, organizational and societal consequences,” said Paul Daugherty, Accenture’s chief technology and innovation officer. “Today we’re seeing a tech-clash caused by the tension between consumer expectations, the potential of technology, and business ambitions — and are now at an important leadership inflection point. We must shift our mindset from ‘just because’ to ‘trust because’ — reexamining our fundamental business and technology models and creating a new basis for competition and growth.” www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Mobile Legends Pro League Philippines returns for Season 5 The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) is back for its fifth season. The top eight teams from the MPL season 4 will make a return along with two teams from the open tournament. Teams competing in the new season are season four champions Sunsparks, runner-up Onic PH, SGD Omega, Execration, Bren Esports, Geek Fam, Blacklist International (former EVOS PH), STI (former Ownage), and qualifier winners GOSU, and BSB. Fans are up for an exciting new season after a chaotic roster shuffle sees former teammates at the opposing side and previous rivals on the same side. The new season started February 29 and will run all weekends until April 5, 2020. The first weekend matches were played from February 29 to March 1, while succeeding games will be played from Friday to Sunday. The games will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube every 6 PM. Fans who want to see

the players in action can also watch the matches live at Illumination Studio in Makati City. After the six weeks of regular-season action, the top eight teams will advance to the playoffs from May 2 to 3, to play for the lion’s share of the USD 100,000 prize pool. The grand finals will be played at the Le Pavillon Metropolitan Park in Pasay City.

The MPL-PH Season 5 champions will receive USD 25,000 with the grand finals MVP grabbing an additional USD 1,000. Second place will net the team USD 13,000 way above the USD 6,000 for the third place. Fourth place will earn USD 4,000, 5th-6th teams will win USD 2,000 each, and 7th-8th will take home USD 1,000 each. Another USD 45,000 is distributed for the regular season.

Tier One Entertainment and LPU working on country’s first esports degree Esports management company Tier One Entertainment has announced that they are working with Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) to create the country’s first esports college degree. The announcement was first made on Tier One’s Instagram page with a picture of the first draft of the curriculum. The announcement was later confirmed by Tier One’s CEO Tryke Gutierrez on his Facebook page. “In partnership with LPU, Tier One Entertainment is finalizing the drafted curriculum for a four-year program called Bachelor of Science in Esports. The 4-year course will have two tracks for students to choose from its either game design or esports management. I can’t disclose the full subjects yet but we are 80 percent done,” said Gutirrez in his post. According to the post, there are two tracks in the draft, a four-year Bachelor of Science in Esports and a two-year associate course in esports and game design. “The goal has always been to create more opportunities for gamers in Asia. If this curriculum gets approved, we won’t just www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

be providing post career opportunities for gaming but we will have a new generation of graduates ready to work in the esports industry,” said Gutierrez in another post. The proposed draft will be first submitted to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

on March 4 to be reviewed. Once approved a full curriculum will be available as early as this year. Esports as a collegiate degree isn’t a fairly new program. Universities and colleges around the world have already started offering esports degrees with a majority focusing on the management side of it. MARCH 2020

RELIC

Words by Jose Alvarez

Are you browsing the Internet from a computer or a mobile device? Are you old enough to remember browsing the World Wide Web in the early 1990s? You might remember Mosaic Web Browser, the very first web browser that popularized the World Wide Web and the Internet. While there are a multitude of browsers one can use to surf the Web today, there were very few solutions 30 years ago. Tim Berners-Lee, who is known as the inventor of the World Wide Web, invented the web browser WorldWideWeb/Nexus in 1990 for the NeXTSTEP operating system. NeXT is known as the company that Steve Jobs founded when he was originally forced out of Apple in 1985. Other browsers soon followed, such as the Helsinki University of Technology’s Erwise in 1992 and Pei-Yuan Wei’s ViolaWWW in the same year. The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was impressed by ViolaWWW and inspired Marc Andreessen and Eric Bina, two NCSA employees, to create Mosaic. The NCSA was helped by then-Senator and future Vice President Al Gore’s High Performance Computing Act of 1991, also known as the Gore Bill, which was a continuation of previous efforts to create an information superhighway in the United States. The Gore Bill was not only instrumental in funding Mosaic, but also helped to lay the foundations for a high-speed fiber optic computer network. Gore himself coined the term information superhighway, which Mosaic would help

MARCH 2020

deliver into homes as the Internet became popular. Development began in 1992 and the first iteration of Mosaic was released in 1993. The web browser was ported to Unix, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, and even the Commodore Amiga by the end of 1993. One of the major selling points of Mosaic is that it added graphics to supplement text-based software, which was previously the only way to browse the Internet. It was then ported, as previously mentioned, to Microsoft Windows, which held 80 percent (if not more) of the share of the operating system market at the time. It also supported File Transfer Protocol, Network News Transfer Protocol, and Gopher, which were all previous ways to access the Internet. According to Robert Reid, author of the 1997 book Architects of the Web, “Their work transformed the appeal of the Web from niche uses in the technical area to mass-market appeal.” Andreessen, who led the development of Mosaic, left NCSA and partnered with James H. Clark, one of the founders of Silicon Graphics, Inc. (at the time one of the most prominent hardware and software producers in Silicon Valley), as well as other students and staff from the University of Illinois, to create the Mosaic Communications

Corporation. This eventually evolved into Netscape Communications Corporation and the creation of Netscape Navigator in 1994, one of the most popular early Web browsers. By 1997, Mosaic had been discontinued, while Netscape Navigator had taken over in the mid-90s and held a sizable share of the browser market in the early 2000s. However, Internet Explorer and other browsers had supplanted Netscape Navigator, with other browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome entering the Web browser arena in the 2000s. Support for Netscape Navigator itself lasted until 2008, making it one of the longestlasting Web browsers. Andreessen is still very involved in technology to this day: he co-founded Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz in 2009 in Menlo Park, California. As of 2019, he also has a net worth of US$1.3 billion. Some projects that have been funded by Andreessen Horowitz include Skype, Facebook, Groupon, Twitter, Zynga, Airbnb, GitHub, Lyft, Oculus VR, and BuzzFeed; more recently, Andreessen has also expressed interest in investing in cryptocurrency. As someone who invented one of the earliest methods of accessing the Internet, Andreessen continues to play a role in its development to this day, almost 30 years later.

2020 v20n7 - THE FINTECH ISSUE

Articles inside

TEST DRIVE: Volvo XC40 R-Design T-5

GADGETSLAB: Realme 5i

GADGETSLAB: Plantronics Backbeat Pro 5100

GADGETSLAB: Fujifilm X-A7

GADGETSLAB: Samsung Galaxy A71

Financial Services for the Unbanked

FINTECH for the Poorest of the Poor

RELIC: Mosaic

GADGETSLAB: Jabra Elite 75t Wireless Earbuds

FROM COINS TO BITS: The Digitalization of Transactions

Pru Life UK's Pulse: Promoting universal healthcare for all, one tap at a time