HONOR X9b 5G: THIS BEAUTY IS A BEAST

As I am writing this review, I've just taken a couple of pain relievers and smothered myself with muscle liniment. Today was no ordinary day - it was an adventure, a rigorous test of endurance, not just for us but for the HONOR X9b 5G. 

I was among the few invited to the Ultra Tough Challenge at the Alpadi Estate in Rizal, a sort of prelude to the phone's grand launch scheduled for January 12th, which will be live on Facebook.

The HONOR X9b 5G is the successor to the wildly popular and best selling HONOR X9a 5G, so our expectations were sky-high. Together with team Light Green, we put this smartphone through a series of extreme tests - run over by a Hummer, subjected to a smash test relay where tiles, and concrete blocks were smashed in an attempt to crack its ultra-tough display. The challenges didn't stop there. We even tried paintball, a punching bag challenge, and even archery, all aimed at testing the durability of the HONOR X9b 5G. In probably one of the scariest, we even used the phone as a dart for a 50-ft Drop Test trying to land the phone on the bullseye.

But that isn’t even the most extreme as HONOR has been teasing an even higher-- 100-ft drop that will be shown at the launch.

But this beast isn’t just the toughest phone, it also is a beauty to behold with a lot of improvements from its predecessor. Besides its 'Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display' and 360-degree protection, the HONOR X9b 5G impresses with a 120Hz curved AMOLED screen, a top-notch camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, and a 5800 mAh battery promising extensive battery life.

As I nurse my bruises and reflect on the day's events, I'm struck by the contrast - my exhausted self versus the still almost pristine HONOR X9b 5G.  

So, if you’re like me who’s experienced the heartbreak of a shattered phone screen, durability would probably be the most important feature of your next smartphone—is the HONOR X9b 5G your perfect companion? 

Build and Design: What makes the HONOR X9b 5G so tough? Utilizing advance cushioning technology and newly developed materials the HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop technology increases the shock absorption capacity by up to 1.2 times, ensuring utmost durability even when subject to drops from a height of 1.5 meters and not just the screen but all angles. The screen also has a triple layer protection which is why it can withstand those smash tests we did. 

Because of its Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display, the HONOR X9b 5G is the first smartphone to get a Five Star Overall Drop Resistance certification from the SGS Switzerland, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. 

The moment I laid eyes on the Sunrise Orange HONOR X9b, it was love at first sight. The color is not just striking; it's a statement - bold, vibrant, and unapologetically vivacious. It's a refreshing departure from the usual phone colors and the vegan leather finish just feels so good in the hand. Holding the phone (163.6mm x 75.5mm x 7.98mm, weighing 185g), I appreciated its elegant yet robust feel. Perfect for someone like me, who tends to be a bit clumsy, plus it even has an IP53 rating offers a sense of security against those accidental spills and dust.

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DISPLAY: The HONOR X9b has a 6.78-inch AMOLED Curved Display with a 2652x1200 resolution, every image bursts with life - a true delight for someone who loves vivid colors and contrast. The smoothness of the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through social media a seamless joy. And as a late-night browser and binge-watcher, the TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification and Circadian Night Display technology are gentle on my eyes, a feature I've grown to cherish. If you love to watch videos or even just reading articles or browsing the internet, the HONOR X9b’s screen is a sight to behold.

Performance and Storage: Another big improvement is its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor. This is paired with 12GB RAM coupled with 256GB storage is a game-changer for those who multitasks (or forgets to closes apps) as much as I do. Apps launch quickly, and the phone handles multiple tasks with ease - a boon for my busy lifestyle. I’m not much of a gamer although for the casual games I’ve tried, it never hanged, or lagged or closed unexpectedly. 

Camera: Who doesn’t love to take pictures? With the HONOR X9b 5G’s improved 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera you can level up your social media posts with better and clearer photos. This is a big upgrade from the HONOR X9a’s 64MP shooter. But more than just the megapixels it also shows in the photos which has more details and vivid colors. 

Complementing the main camera is the 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera with an f/2.2 aperture. This camera extends the field of view significantly, making it useful for capturing expansive landscapes, cityscapes, or even group shots where you want to include as much context as possible. 

Completing the triple camera setup is a 2MP Macro Camera, with its f/2.4 aperture. It allows users to capture the smaller subjects - be it the texture of a leaf, the intricate patterns on a fabric, or the delicate features of a small insect. This camera opens up a world of possibilities for those who love exploring the smaller, often overlooked aspects of their environment.

For selfie enthusiasts and vloggers, the 16MP front camera is also quite capable delight. It offers nice color accuracy and detail, ensuring that selfies are not just high-quality but also true to life. The camera's software enhancements, like portrait mode and various filters, add an extra layer of fun and creativity to the selfie-taking experience.

Video capabilities of the HONOR X9b 5G are okay as the phone can capture high-quality videos, with options for 4K recording, slow-motion, and time-lapse. You might just need to keep still as stabilization can still be improved.

BATTERY LIFE:

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The large 5800mAh battery is another highlight. It easily lasted me a full day with my usual daily usage of email, browsing, blogging and watching Facebook Live videos of my favorite bag sellers. Now when it comes to charging it comes with a 35W charger which takes about an hour and a half to fully charge the device.

CONCLUSION: Accidents happen, but as much as we hate to admit it, sometimes we can also be a bit clumsy or careless about our phones. A lot of us also probably experienced that mini heart attack when our phone falls and hits the ground. If you’re someone who is looking for a smartphone that is tough, durable and doesn’t need a lot of care then the HONOR X9b 5G is a good option. It’s an overall good phone with a nice screen, good cameras and a battery life that won’t require you to bring a powerbank everywhere.

And the best part? The HONOR X9b 5G retains the same launch price of its predecessor at P16,999. 

Pre-order starts from January 12 to 19, 2024 and you can even get a FREE HONOR Gift Box and HONOR Choice X5 Earbuds worth Php 4,000 at select HONOR Experience and Partner Store or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9b_PressRelease). 

Good news for HONOR Fans! You can get your own HONOR X9b 5G with Home Credit and Skyro for 0% interest! Also for Globe Postpaid Subscribers, you can apply or upgrade with GPlan 1299 to enjoy an Unli All-net Calls and Text and 8GB All-access Data for a one-time cash out of Php 3,300 only! Get it online or head over now to any Globe physical store! 

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Experience Limitless Entertainment with LG Smart TVs

 

LG Electronics (LG) presents an array of new apps available on the company’s smart TVs to meet users’ individual preferences and interests. The extensive selection of services is convenient and easily accessible on the big screen at home, enhancing various lifestyles with fun and enjoyment. 

 

Supporting individuals of all ages on a lifelong journey of learning, the new LG smart TV services recognize unique learning needs and the desire for knowledge and personal growth. A notable addition to the services is Udemy, a leading online skill development marketplace and learning platform. Marking its first TV product appearance with its debut on LG TVs, Udemy empowers individuals and organizations with flexibility and effective skill development by offering access to over 200 thousand courses across more than 3,000 subjects in over 75 languages. With a track record of benefiting 67 million learners, Udemy allows users to validate their achievements and celebrate their success with the knowledge they have gained. The platform consistently achieves high user satisfaction scores, providing a wide range of courses created by more than 70,000 global instructors tailored to users’ personal growth and professional development, from programming and data science to leadership and team building. The lecture recommendations are personalized to each individual, using the power of AI systems that analyze and match learners’ unique interests and goals.

LG smart TVs also provide engaging learning platforms for children. ABCmouse is a comprehensive, research-validated digital learning solution for children ages 2 to 8, offering thousands of individual learning activities for young learners. Designed by leading education experts, children can explore a curriculum that encompasses all key academic subjects, including reading and language arts, math, science, health, social studies, art, and music on an LG smart TV, diving into a dynamic world of engaging learning experiences. Young learners can also delight in interactive learning with digital educational content from The Pinkfong Company, which presents engaging songs and stories featuring the globally-beloved characters Pinkfong and Baby Shark. What’s more, the upcoming Baby Shark World for Kids app on LG’s webOS platform promises diverse experiences, including English learning, cultivating healthy habits, singing and dancing to the rhythm, and enjoying cinema versions of movies – all within an interface optimized for TV. 

 

LG smart TVs further elevate the entertainment experience with the ability to delight in a variety of casual games. Volley, a leading creator of voice AI games, brings its top games directly to the big screens of LG Smart TVs, including ‘Jeopardy!’, enjoyed by more than 20 million players worldwide. Anipang Match, a web3 casual puzzle game developed by Wemade Play, integrates a play-to-earn model within the WEMIX PLAY blockchain game platform, delighting users with its cute characters and offering valuable coin rewards. Making its TV product debut, the larger screen will create a more immersive gaming experience, with intuitive play via the LG Magic Remote. 

 

The most recent services and features available on LG smart TVs cater to various lifestyles and individual preferences. Users can prioritize their health and wellness with Alo Moves, the award-winning holistic wellness platform by popular athleisure brand Alo Yoga that provides expert-led yoga, fitness, mindfulness, self-care, and nutrition programs for all levels. The platform is hyper-personalized and provides class recommendations based on users’ goals and interests. With Saatchi Art and Daily Art Story, a home will effortlessly transform into a captivating art gallery with professionally curated collections. What’s more, thanks to technologies developed by leading digital art platform company DASVERSE, LG Smart TVs deliver visually stunning quality that brings artwork to life.

 

LG’s latest innovations and achievements in creating a smarter, better life will be on show at CES 2024 from January 9-12 in the company’s booth (#16008, Las Vegas Convention Center). To keep up with every LG CES announcement, follow #LGCES2024 on social media.

 

Life’s about more than having the latest technology, rather, it’s about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. LG Electronics Philippines delivers consumer electronics through top-of-the-line home entertainment, home appliances, and air solution products that prepare Filipinos for their greatest moments. LG promises to bring “Innovation for a Better Life” nationwide – from Luzon, to Visayas, and Mindanao. For more details, follow LG Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok. LG products are available in all authorized dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Visit lg.com/ph for a complete list of our retail partners. You can also visit LG’s Official Flagship Stores in Lazada and Shopee.

 

Here’s what you need to know about the added features in the OPPO Find N3 Flip

Flip phones are often branded as cutesy phones, but people adore them for various reasons! One big draw is the nostalgia they bring—something is charming about that satisfying snap when you close them. Plus, they're super pocket-friendly when folded, making them really convenient to carry around. 

 

Beyond nostalgia, flip phones offer a break from the usual candy bar-style smartphones, giving users a unique and stylish alternative. They can be more durable, too; that foldable design protects the screen like a secret weapon against scratches and cracks. 

Blending sophistication and functionality, OPPO offers its second-generation flip phone, the OPPO Find N3 Flip. While it has several new upgrades, it's the camera advancements that are one of the main highlights. 

 

Here’s what you need to know about the added features in the  OPPO Find N3 Flip to bring out style and quality in your photos.

Pioneering Camera Features in a Flip Phone

The camera system in the OPPO Find N3 Flip introduces a wave of innovations, marking several groundbreaking firsts: it pioneers the premier flagship triple-camera setup on a flip phone, includes the flagship telephoto camera lens on a foldable device, and proudly holds the title of being the first flip phone to have expansive camera sensors. 

 

Step into a world of photography wonders with the phone’s extraordinary range of camera lenses designed to transform your photography experience. The OPPO Find N3 Flip has a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP ultrawide-angle lens and a 32MP portrait camera with a telephoto sensor. 

 

First Flip Phone with Telephoto Portrait Camera Capability

OPPO takes pride in having the first flip phone embracing optical zoom magic, seizing subjects with a focal length that defines perfection using a telephoto portrait lens in its camera system. The OPPO Find N3 Flip has a 32MP, RGBW IMX709 sensor and an f/2 aperture. It signals a breakthrough in high-resolution imaging, enabling virtually lossless hybrid zooming up to five times, marking a watershed moment for versatile camera systems in flip phones. Paired seamlessly with portrait mode, its focal length beautifully immortalizes subjects, rendering a natural, flattering charm. When it comes to night portraits, it expertly tames noise, keeping a balance in every intricate detail.

 

More to Love in the Camera Setup and Modes

One camera feature that entices users is the ability to make taking photos easier. The OPPO Find N3 Flip reveals the FlexForm Capture feature that will allow you to take a selfie using its main camera and use its outer display as a viewfinder. 

 

When capturing that perfect selfie moment, users can now preview it effortlessly on the cover screen while holding the OPPO Find N3 Flip. Easily transition to the main display by folding the flip phone halfway to activate FlexForm Mode. This mode reconfigures the preview to the top half of the screen and the camera controls to the bottom, creating an ideal setup for steady tripod-assisted captures.

 

Keeping the features previously introduced in its predecessor like the waist-level capture and FlexForm time-lapse.

 

Experience Flagship Photography and ProXDR Screen

If you’re someone who enjoys taking landscape photos or aiming to capture photos in vivid details, you’d love these added OPPO Find N3 Flip camera features. With the OPPO Computational Photography, one can now capture images in detailed highlights and shadows and exhibit them in perfection with the ProXDR Screen.

In traditional HDR fusion, commonly adopted in smartphones, photos tend to have an unnatural vibe like subjects that appear too bright against the backdrop or noticeable halos around objects, and photos lacking depth and vitality due to limitations in the HDR process. Through OPPO’s cutting-edge technology, the initial brightness remains captured in the moment. The intricate pixel-level adjustments meticulously fine-tunes HDR images, giving rise to visually stunning photos that authentically display rich contrasts in highlights and shadows. The result? A more natural and captivating image experience.

With the ProXDR innovative screen in place, photos dazzle, offering up to eight times more dynamic range compared to displays without ProXDR. Enjoying photos results in the richest display experience, whether reliving selfies, capturing lively parties, cherishing your pets, revisiting holiday memories, or embracing any treasured moments that fill your gallery.

 

Level Up Your Flip Phone Photography Experience with the OPPO Find N3 Flip

Ready to take your best shot? Get your own OPPO Find N3 Flip at its retail price of Php 64,999 today. 

New OPPO Find N3 Flip users can redeem exclusive benefits via the MyOPPO app from partners such as Philippine Airlines (Mabuhay Miles), PAGSS Premium Lounge, Estée Lauder, Origins, or Clinique, The Spa, Cul De Sac and Akimbo.

 

Stay updated for more information about the OPPO Find N3 Flip by visiting OPPO Philippines’ official website atwww.oppo.com.ph/ or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

"LG Unveils 'Reinvent Your Future' Vision with AI-Powered Innovations at LG World Premiere

LG Electronics (LG) today held its LG World Premiere press conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, introducing its new vision and exhibition theme for CES 2024, ‘Reinvent your future.’

 

CEO William Cho opened the proceedings by restating the company’s ambitious goal – first announced last year – to transform into a Smart Life Solution Company. Having gained a rich understanding of global consumers and their living spaces for close to seven decades, the company is now going beyond the home, expanding its business into diverse spaces including mobility, commercial and virtual. In every arena, the company aims to improve the customer experience by focusing on five key elements dubbed 3C2S: Care, Connectivity, Customization, Servitization and Sustainability.

AI Redefined as ‘Affectionate Intelligence’

In its journey to innovate and elevate the customer experience, LG has identified AI as one of the most essential enablers of success. Rather than fixating on the evolution of the technology itself, LG is dedicated to demonstrating how AI can provide tangible benefits in the real world. 

 

The company redefined AI as “Affectionate Intelligence,” revealing a belief that AI can foster a customer experience that is more caring, empathetic and attentive. 

 

Real-Time Life Intelligence

During the press conference, CEO Cho highlighted the unique characteristics of LG’s AI solutions, starting with its capacity to harness a wealth of data, in both scale and quality. Among the 500 to 700 million LG products currently in use worldwide, there are many smart devices equipped with AI-supported intelligent sensors that are optimized to learn and analyze users’ ‘physical’ and ‘emotional’ life patterns.

 

Whereas many companies rely on internet-based data to train their AI, LG has the advantage of being able to draw on ‘real life’ data gathered from billions of connected devices, encompassing LG smart products and a wide range of IoT devices. This dataset can provide valuable insight into customer-device interactions, as well as customers’ environments, behavior patterns and emotional states. This multi-faceted data can also give the company a more complete picture of its customers’ lives at home, enabling the delivery of better and smarter lifestyle solutions.

 

Orchestrated Intelligence with LG AI Brain

CEO Cho went on to explain the integral role played by the LG AI Brain, a powerful processing engine driven by LG’s large language model (LLM). Leveraging the company’s vast repository of user data, the AI Brain forecasts customers’ needs based on user-product interactions and contextual learning, performs advanced reasoning processes, and generates optimal solutions through orchestrating the actions of physical devices.

 

Ultimately, this allows the company to provide intelligent services and experiences for the various spaces in customers’ lives, all delivered in a more intelligent  and efficient manner, showcasing the attentiveness embedded in LG’s concept of Affectionate Intelligence. 

 

Commitment to Responsible Intelligence

LG is acutely aware of its responsibility to employ AI in an ethical manner and is dedicated to being accountable for the impacts and consequences of its decisions and actions. The company aims to develop AI systems that benefit all users, promote safe behavior and ensure the security of all collected personal data. 

 

Highlighting this commitment is the company’s robust data security system, LG Shield, designed to protect personal data and information at every stage of the process, from collection and storage to utilization. Dedicated to realizing Responsible Intelligence, LG aims to surpass required industry benchmarks for the implementation of AI.  

 

In his concluding remarks at LG World Premiere, CEO Cho emphasized that LG's approach to AI is firmly rooted in the belief that customers should have full control. He also added, “Life's Good. This is our solid and uncompromising promise that motivates us to create a better life for our customers, even in the age of AI.”

 

At the event, CEO Cho was joined on stage by Jung Ki-hyun, vice president and head of LG’s Platform Business Center, and Eun Seok-hyun, president of LG Vehicle component Solutions (VS) Company, who introduced AI-based innovative technologies and strategies. 

 

Starting with the home, vice president Jung presented a blueprint for LG’s AI-based smart home. In line with the vision to transform into a smart life solution company, the company is incorporating LG’s unique ‘Affectionate Intelligence’ technology into the ThinQ platform. Mr. Jung not only unveiled innovative new services, such as ‘ChatThinQ,’ a generative AI chatbot that enables natural conversations with customers, and ‘3D Home View,’ a 3D visualization of the home for integrated control of spaces in an intuitive way, but also revealed plans to launch a new smart home hub. 

 

And, in mobility, the company shared its vision for cars as a ‘living space on wheels’ powered by software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions. In line with this vision, Eun Seok-hyun, president of LG VS Company, introduced LG αWare, the company’s suite of software solutions for SDV. LG αWare includes versatile software modules to enhance existing vehicle operating systems and to assist in building new platforms; operation solutions to help software developers throughout the SW development process from design to deployment; in-cabin entertainment solutions that enable high definition content viewing and high quality sound; and human-machine interface solutions that utilize AR/MR and AI technologies to provide an immersive in-vehicle experience. The company also introduced LG ‘Alpha-able,’ a mobility concept embodying its hardware and software solutions that bring together the company’s vision of future mobility, which will be on display for the first time at CES 2024.

 

Visit LG’s dedicated CES site (www.LG.com/CES2024) and the LG Global YouTube channel for more information on what the company has in store for CES 2024, and to keep up with all the latest news during the event (January 9-12).

 

Life’s about more than having the latest technology, rather, it’s about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. LG Electronics Philippines delivers consumer electronics through top-of-the-line home entertainment, home appliances, and air solution products that prepare Filipinos for their greatest moments. LG promises to bring “Innovation for a Better Life” nationwide – from Luzon, to Visayas, and Mindanao. For more details, follow LG Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok. LG products are available in all authorized dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Visit lg.com/ph for a complete list of our retail partners. You can also visit LG’s Official Flagship Stores in Lazada and Shopee.

'Beef' and 'The Boy and the Heron' Make History at the 81st Golden Globe Awards

Asians Win Big:The 81st Golden Globe Awards made history as Asians won top awards. The awards showcased a more diverse Golden Globe Awards, which has embraced a wider variety of talent, including Asian actors, writers, and filmmakers.

Beef sweeps Limited Series awards

Ali Wong, known for her comedic roles, won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Limited Series for her dramatic turn in Netflix's Beef. This marks the first time an Asian actor has won in this category since its inception in 1982. Wong, who is of Chinese and Vietnamese descent, also served as executive producer for the series.

Beef also won the Golden Globe for Best Limited Series. The series kicks off with an amusing road-rage encounter between Steven Yeun and Ali Wong's characters and gradually transforms into a complex and emotionally impactful story, exploring darkly comic themes and existential meditations.

Wong's Beef co-star, Steven Yeun, also won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited Series, anthology series, or motion picture made for television. This is Yeun's first Golden Globe nomination, but he has previously gotten critical acclaim for his performance as a Korean-American father in the 2020 film Minari.

The Boy and the Heron wins first Golden Globe for Studio Ghibli

Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron took home the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Animated in another historic milestone. This marks the first Golden Globe win for Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. It is also the first time an animated feature not made in English has won in this category.

The film’s producers were not personally present at the awards night. However, Toshio Suzuki, producer and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, issued this moving statement following the win:

"This is the first Golden Globe awarded to a Studio Ghibli film and it is a very special feeling. Since the beginning of this year, Japan has been hit by a series of tragic earthquakes and accidents. When I hear the reports of many people still waiting for rescue in the disaster areas, I am filled with a sense of despair. In such a situation, I hope the bright news of winning an award can bring a smile to everyone's face, even if only a little."

Where to watch awards shows in the Philippines

The 81st Golden Globe Awards was broadcast live on Lionsgate Play on the morning of January 8, 2024. In case you missed the livestream, you can still watch the awards exclusively on Lionsgate Play.

Lionsgate Play, the Home of Awards, will also be livestreaming the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and 29th Critics Choice Awards later this month. Aside from streaming historic events, Lionsgate Play also offers a wide selection of award-winning films and series, featuring diverse stories and talented actors from all over the world.

Don't miss out and subscribe to Lionsgate Play now for exclusive access to awards shows and a diverse library of entertainment

ZTE Devices Philippines opens First Nubia Concept Store

ZTE Devices Philippines marked a significant milestone last month, December 16, 2023, with the much-anticipated grand inauguration of its additional kiosks and the first-ever nubia Concept Store in 3/F Cyberzone of SM North Edsa, Quezon City.

The event was attended by esteemed personalities including Mr. Gavin Lian, General Manager of ZTE Philippines (Terminals), Mr. Paul Mike Olivar, Assistant General Manager for Sales Operations at Cellboy and Ms. Mary Rose Llevado from Cirebon Trading. Notably, the event also welcomed Mr. Giovanni Arandilla, Property Manager of SM North Edsa, and featured a special appearance by influencer and cosplayer Prince De Guzman, captivating attendees with a stunning portrayal of Buggy from One Piece.

 

"We're thrilled to open our very first nubia Concept Store! It's been an exciting year – we've opened 8 kiosk stores, and this concept store is a big step forward," said Mr. Gavin Lian, General Manager of ZTE Philippines (Terminals), during his opening speech.

 

He also added that the goal is to bring new technologies closer to people all over the Philippines, whether you're a gamer, a mobile photography lover, or the person seeking budget-friendly but quality gadgets. ZTE is eager to open more branches nationwide, reaching out to every corner and making top-notch tech accessible to all.

 

The grand launch was buzzing with engaging activities and amazing prize giveaways, echoing the dynamic spirit of ZTE's innovative offerings. Guests were given an exclusive tour of the newly opened nubia Concept Store, a haven for tech enthusiasts exhibiting an array of cutting-edge devices. Among the items on display were the nubia Z50s Pro, RedMagic 8S Pro, V50 Design, V50 Vita, nubia Neo, and an outstanding lineup catering to a wide range of user preferences.

 

Furthermore, ZTE Kiosks are now conveniently available at multiple locations of SM Malls all over the Philippines, including SM Grand Central, SM Trece Martires, SM Dasma, SM San Pedro, SM Clark, SM Southmall, SM Lipa, and SM North Edsa, allowing a broader audience to access to ZTE's exceptional range of products and services.

 

The event highlighted ZTE Devices Philippines' commitment to enhancing accessibility as well as the company's innovation, customer engagement, and building of long-lasting relationships within the tech community.

 

For more information on ZTE Devices Philippines and its latest offerings, visit on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok: @ztedevicesph.

 

Berlin has consistently claimed its spot in Netflix’s top series category since its launch

Money Heist spin-off Berlin has consistently claimed its spot in Netflix’s top series category since its launch on December 29, 2023 and for good reason: it stars none other than fan-favorite Berlin (Pedro Alonso) and introduces his “old” thrilling crew consisting of code virtuoso Keila (Michelle Jenner), engineering and physics academic Damián (Tristan Ulloa), locksmith Roi (Julio Peña Fernández), gadget and weapon expert Bruce (Joel Sánchez), and enigma Cameron (Begoña Vargas).

While set years before the daring heist at The Royal Mint of Spain, Berlin has orchestrated a captivating reunion of sorts for fans by bringing back some iconic characters from the original series including Raquel Murillo (Itziar Ituńo) and Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri).

Showrunners Álex Pina and Esther Martinez unveil a fresh perspective regarding this prequel and share that while Berlin’s a “lighter” take on the beloved series, its emphasis on "love" is what makes it unique from the original material: “We always look for elements that really connect with the viewer, and love is one of those elements. And there are so many facets to love. In fact, the story shows a range of types of love in which the characters vie to show different moments of love, to show different situations.”

Echoing the showrunners’ sentiments, Berlin titular character actor Pedro Alonso has this to say about the project and his character in this prequel: “I've often heard that Berlin is a cynic. Not at all. He's sarcastic, he has a diabolically dark sense of humor, and he can be fascinating, a real prick, whatever you want, but not a cynic. He's a man who's committed to rediscovering a great life, falling in love in the face of common sense and logic. A man who's made to love, in spite of everything.”

In addition to the fresh and gripping narrative, Berlin captivates audiences with its breathtaking scenic spots, with the series being shot in 146 locations within numerous provinces of Spain like Madrid, Almeria, and León and in the romantic city of Paris. The show dazzled with scenes filmed in iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Church of Saint Julien Le Pauvre, Château d’ Ormesson-sur-Marne, Sacré Coeur, and other streets of Montmartre.

Aside from these beautiful locations, the show charms with its curated music, including tracks originally recorded for the series like its opening theme “Bullets and Flowers” by Francis White and Nikki García, “No me mires” by POL 3,14., and “Tout Ou Rien” by Pipo Romero.

SYNOPSIS

There are only two things that are sure to turn a bad day into a great one: love, and a payday worth millions. They're what keep Berlin going through his golden years, a time when he still has no inkling of his illness and hasn’t gotten trapped like a rat in the Spanish Mint. This is where he starts preparing one of his most extraordinary heists: making jewels worth 44 million disappear like some sort of magic trick. To do it, he’ll enlist the help of one of the three gangs he’s ever stolen with.

SERIES CREDITS

Created by: Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato

Scriptwriters: Álex Pina, Esther Martínez Lobato, David Barrocal, David Oliva, and Lorena G. Maldonado

Executive producers: Álex Pina, Esther Martínez Lobato, Albert Pintó, Cristina López

Ferraz, David Barrocal, and Migue Amoedo

Directors: Albert Pintó, David Barrocal, and Geoffrey Cowper

Produced by: Vancouver Media

Starring: Pedro Alonso, Michelle Jenner, Tristán Ulloa, Begoña Vargas,

Julio Peña Fernández, and Joel Sánchez

Pics "Courtesy of Netflix"

Have a Long-lasting Fresh Year with Tide in 2024

As homemakers set their New Year's resolutions for 2024, Tide, the leading laundry detergent brand from Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, continues its commitment to helping them achieve enduring freshness. Going beyond its typical role as a detergent, Tide is dedicated to assisting discerning Moms in keeping their family’s clothes impeccably fresh this 2024. 

 

As we embrace the New Year, P&G Philippines, the force behind Tide, reaffirms its commitment to providing every mom and housewife with a brand that listens to their needs. Tide is your partner in making 2024 effortless, ensuring your family's clothes are fresh and ready for whatever life brings.

 

As you set your New Year's resolutions for 2024, consider keeping your family's clothes fresh  all-day a top priority, and Tide is here to support you in achieving that goal. Let Tide be the fresh start your clothes and your family deserve in the year ahead.

 

Achieve Enduring Laundry Freshness

 

This year, choose a laundry companion that makes your family's clothes not only brilliantly clean but also infused with a delightful, long-lasting fragrance. Unlike fleeting scents that vanish quickly, Tide's unique formula gives you the best of both worlds– ensuring that your clothes remain infused with a delightful fragrance that lingers, and a cleaning agent that lets you feel fresh all day long, creating a lasting impression.

 

As you dress your loved ones for the year, you'll notice that invigorating scent that makes everyone feel ready to conquer the world. No more compromising on freshness or enduring bad odors that resurface by the day's end. Tide's cleaning power ensures that the pleasant scent becomes an enduring part of your family's clothing experience, making each day a fragrant and confident journey.

 

Conquer "Kulob" with Tide's Power

 

In the battle against “kulob”, Tide emerges as your unwavering ally, particularly in the humid climates of the Philippines. Its powerful cleaning action not only eliminates dirt and stains but also tackles the dreaded musty odors head-on.

 

Imagine the disappointment when your family members encounter clothes that emit that dreadful "kulob" smell. With Tide, you can avoid such unpleasant experiences, ensuring your family always enjoys fresh, odor-free clothing. Its advanced formula penetrates deep into the fibers, not just eradicating dirt but also ensuring a crisp, revitalized scent that defies the challenges of humid climates. 

 

Restore Brilliance to your Family’s Wardrobe

 

We understand the importance of vibrant and fresh attire, which not only boosts confidence but also reflects our commitment to our loved ones. As Moms, we always strive to take the best care of our family's clothes, ensuring they not only look their brightest and newest but also feel their best. 

 

Tide's advanced technology goes beyond just scent and freshness; it delivers superior cleaning capabilities that can rejuvenate even the dullest of garments, restoring them to their original, vivid whiteness. With Tide, you no longer need to fret about lackluster, lifeless clothing. Your family's clothes will not only look like new but also feel refreshingly crisp, supporting your dedication to keeping your loved ones looking and feeling their best.

 

Make your daily routine this 2024 effortless and revel in the comfort of knowing your family's clothes are cared for by the best. From morning to midnight, Tide is your partner in keeping your family's clothes fresh and ready for whatever life brings.

 

Stay at the top of your homemaking game and feel the brilliance of a fresh wardrobe every day with Tide. Embark on a long-lasting fresh year by embracing confidence and ease in every aspect of your daily life – one laundry at a time. 

 

Check out Tide’s Facebook and Instagram to know more! 

Bayad partners with Pisopay.com a cloud-based financial application provider

Bayad, the pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system in the Philippines, beefs up its partnership with Pisopay.com Inc., a cloud-based financial application provider taking a more aggressive stance in the e-commerce industry through its remittance and bills payment services.

 

Under the partnership, Pisopay.com will integrate its biller brands with Bayad, allowing Bayad’s physical and digital touchpoints to accept payments for government institutions like Bureau of Quarantine, LTFRB, and selected LGUs nationwide, academic institutions like Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, National Maritime Polytechnic, Baliwag Maritime Academy and Scuola Maria in Batangas, e-commerce business like Palengke.PH, and many others.

CHAMPIONING DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION: In photo from left to right are Pisopay.com CEO Ariel Surca, Pisopay.com Chairman Jae Jung Jang, Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer, and Bayad Chief Marketing Officer Dennis Gatuslao.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer shares “We value the way people do payments, and we make sure to highlight security and convenience in our collection service. This is why we are constantly maximizing our cybersecurity measures and upgrading our real time posting features to enhance end to end transaction processing. Through our partnership with Pisopay, we believe that we will be able to serve Filipinos from all walks of life as we elevate their payment experience”

 

Pisopay.com Chairman Jae Jung Jang also shares: "Pisopay is your worry-free financial partner, powering businesses with fast, secure payments, collection, and remittances.We're a one-stop shop, simplifying complex finances through trusted technology. Let us handle your money worries so you can focus on what matters. We respect the value of your hard work, and the least of your worries will be how your transaction is treated, and with our partnership with Bayad, we are assured of double security and a wider reach to our clients nationwide, especially to communities that are unbanked, providing a seamless service, wherever and whenever.”

 

For fintech institutions like Pisopay.com that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive bills payment collection network, you may send an email topartnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing. 

 

Brace yourself for Arcane Season 2, coming to Netflix on November 2024

 

 

 www.netflix.com/arcane

• Studio: Riot Games

• Animation: Fortiche Productions

• Created by: Christian Linke, Alex Yee

• Executive Producers: Christian Linke, Marc Merrill, Brandon Beck

• Hailee Steinfeld (Vi), Ella Purnell (Jinx) and Katie Leung (Caitlyn Kiramman) will reprise their voice roles. Additional voice cast to be announced.

Season One of Arcane received four Primetime Emmy Award wins including Outstanding Animated Program, making it the first streaming series to win this Award. The series in its first season also earned Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - Color; Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - Background Design and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - Production Design. ARCANE also swept all nine ANNIE AWARDS categories it was nominated for, leading all titles overall with wins for Best TV/Media - General Audience; Best FX - TV/Media; Best Character Design - TV/Media; Best Direction - TV/Media; Best Production Design - TV/Media; Best Storyboarding - TV/Media; Best Voice Acting - TV/Media; and Best Writing - TV/Media. The series also won the inaugural Best Adaption category at The Game Awards.