Garmin Launches Edge 1050: The Brightest and Smartest Cycling Computer Yet

 Garmin has unveiled its brightest, smartest, and most connected cycling computer to date with the new Edge® 1050. Boasting a vibrant touchscreen display, the Edge 1050 combines superior navigation, performance tracking, cycling awareness and smart connectivity—all while impressively delivering up to 20 hours of battery life in the most demanding use cases and up to 60 hours in battery saver mode. Packed with features to help foster a more cohesive cycling community, cyclists can receive road hazard alerts reported by fellow cyclists and see in-ride messaging and leaderboards during group rides1. Plus, new additions like on-device course creation, Garmin Pay™, a built-in speaker and more help make every ride better.

“We are excited to introduce our most capable, high-performing bike computer yet with the Edge 1050. Delivering an exceptional in-ride experience, superior navigation and community-focused features, our latest cycling computer is made to keep cyclists motivated—whether they’re planning a group ride with friends or a long, solo adventure.” –Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales.

 

Never stop cycling (together)

Make rides even more fun with features designed to bring the cycling community together.

 

● New improvements to GroupRide1 let riders stay connected with in-ride messaging, live locations, and incident detection alerts2 that can notify and route fellow riders to a cyclist in need of help. Cyclists can also add some competition to their ride with in-ride leaderboards for climbs, plus witty post-ride awards, including Speed Racer (highest max speed), Chatterbox (most heavily using the GroupRide messaging feature), Worker Bee (most time spent pedaling) and more3.

● Receive road hazard alerts on-screen that are reported by fellow cyclists – like potholes or fallen trees – and even contribute hazards to help alert other riders1. 

 

These features aren’t exclusive to the Edge 1050, allowing people to create their own communities. GroupRide updates and road hazard alerts will be available on Edge 540, Edge 840 and Edge 1040 series cycling computers soon! 

 

What else is new

 

● Refreshed Design: Angled casing and discrete, all-metal buttons, plus a replaceable quarter-turn mount are complemented by a vivid, 3.5” liquid crystal display.

● Garmin Pay Contactless Payments: Don’t worry about digging into your pocket to pull out cash; breeze through mid-ride café or snack stops with a tap of the Edge.

● Built-In Speaker: Hear workout and navigation prompts and alert riders and pedestrians ahead using an on-device bike bell.

● On-Device Course Creator: Easily create courses right on the device using the responsive touchscreen and toggle different map overlays on or off.

● Surface Type: See paved or unpaved roadways on the Edge while riding and get alerts for upcoming unpaved sections.

● Ride-Specific Routing: Get routing suited to a specific ride–whether it’s mountain, gravel or road

● Map Manager with Wi-Fi Connectivity: Add, swap, or update additional maps via Wi-Fi right on the cycling computer

 

“I’ve seen a lot of Edge iterations over the years and none have ever had me as excited as the 1050. The user interface on the new Edge is amazing. Whether it’s messages, the weather or Strava segments, everything is quickly available,” shared by Timothy O’Donnell, professional triathlete and Garmin-sponsored athlete. “As an experienced rider, I really appreciate the ease of use of the new Edge 1050. Honestly, new features and tech get harder to use for us old-timers, but the Edge 1050 integrates them perfectly and makes them easily accessible.”

 

VIDEO: See how Edge 1050 can help make every ride better.

 

Prepare for your next big ride

Loaded with advanced training tools, Edge 1050 is ready to help cyclists crush every ride4. Free Garmin training plans – like event adaptive training plans – deliver personalized workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery, while daily suggested workouts provide ride suggestions based on a cyclist’s current training load and VO2 max.

 

Insights from Firstbeat AnalyticsTM like VO2 max, training status, heat and altitude acclimation and more can help cyclists evaluate their performance and see how their body is holding up, while features like cycling ability and course demands allow cyclists to compare their abilities to the demands of a specific course so they can focus their training in the right areas.

 

Before heading out, use TrendlinTM Popularity Routing to find the best routes most traveled by other Garmin cyclists, or use preloaded Garmin Cycle Maps that include worldwide mountain bike trail data from Trailforks. Cyclists can also use pin drop navigation to send a POI (“pin”) from Apple® Maps and automatically receive navigation to that location.

 

Perform at your best

Edge 1050 includes premium performance metrics to help cyclists ride smarter. Real-time stamina insights can help cyclists closely monitor and track their exertion levels to help influence training efforts or see how much further the current pace can be maintained. 

 

Meanwhile, Power Guide now takes wind data and a cyclist’s current stamina into account to make real-time adjustments to power targets. ClimbPro lets riders see the remaining ascent and grade for each climb – whether riding a course or not – while Climb Explore lets cyclists see nearby climbs on-device or in Garmin Connect. Advanced cycling dynamics provide riders with insights into their performance and mountain bike metrics, including jump count, jump distance, Grit® and FlowTM, help track every epic ride.

 

Stay aware, stay connected

For added confidence during a ride, the Edge 1050 includes safety features like LiveTrack and incident detection and is compatible with the VariaTM line of cycling radars and smart lights, as well as inReach® satellite communicators.5 For year-round riding, Edge 1050 easily pairs with Tacx® indoor smart trainers. It can also be customized with data fields, apps and widgets from the ConnectIQTM Store smartphone app.

 

Available now in all Garmin Brand Stores, Garmin Specialty Stores, Official Lazada and Shopee Stores, Kinetic, and through select authorized Garmin distributors, the Edge 1050 has a suggested retail price of PHP 43,990. 

 

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for runners, cyclists, swimmers and athletes of all levels and abilities. Committed to developing technology that helps people stay active and elevate performance, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. 

 

1 When used with your compatible smartphone and the Garmin Connect™ app

2 When paired with a compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble. For safety and tracking features requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety.

3 Postride awards are dependent on a cyclist’s connected sensors

4 When paired with compatible sensors

5 Active satellite subscription is required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.

 

Netflix announces cast members of the second season of One Piece

Netflix announced that the following cast members will appear in the upcoming second season of ONE PIECE: 

• Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy, The Conners, Married with Children, Futurama) as Dr. Kureha

• Mark Harelik (Presumed Innocent, Preacher) as Dr. Hiriluk 

• Sendhil Ramamurthy (Never Have I Ever, Do Aur Do Pyaar) as Nefertari Cobra

• Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton) as Miss Wednesday

  Sagal, Harelik, Ramumurthy, and Chandran joins previously announced new cast members Brendan Sean Murray  as Brogy, Callum Kerr as Smoker, Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5, Clive Russell as Crocus, Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9, David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3, Jazzara Jaslyn as Miss Valentine, Julia Rehwald as Tashigi, Rob Colletti as Wapol, Ty Keogh as Dalton, Werner Coetser as Dorry and returning cast members Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy,, Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, Taz Skylar as Sanji, Ilia Isorelys Paulino as Alvida, Jeff Ward as Buggy, and Michael Dorman as Gold Roger. 

  
  

• Additional cast to be announced at a later date. 

• Season two is currently in production in Cape Town, South Africa

• ONE PIECE is a live action pirate adventure created in partnership with Shueisha and produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) and Netflix. 

• Co-Showrunners / Writers / Executive Producers: Matt Owens & Joe Tracz

• Executive Producers:  Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements through Tomorrow Studios, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes and Steven Maeda    

  
  

  Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series in history by Eiichiro Oda, ONE PIECE is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other. Monkey D. Luffy is a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember. Luffy sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find the legendary fabled treasure, ONE PIECE, to become King of the Pirates! But in order to find the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he’s always wanted before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn.

For more info:

Visit www.netflix.com/onepiece and TUDUM.com/one-piece 

For press materials, please visit: media.netflix.com

Follow ONE PIECE on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook

Talk with Heroes: Gemini Channels Rizal, Bonifacio, and More

 Learning history is crucial for building a better future. Students can watch documentaries and films, and read books and articles, but what if there is a more immersive and personalized approach to learning history through advanced technology?

 

With the power of generative AI, you can now learn from the heroes and speak as though they were still here. Gen AI and its capabilities can take on the perspective of well-known people, such as historical figures, and simulate what it would be like to talk to them. 

 

This National Heroes' Day, National Language Month, or for any schoolwork or research, consider using Google's Gemini to delve deeper into Philippine history. Interacting with historical figures through AI-powered conversations can bring lessons to life, providing learners with insights from the heroes themselves.

 

It’s simple: you can ask Gemini to speak and reply as though they were a historical figure such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Gabriela Silang, and more. You can ask them about their lives, the events they’ve lived through, and what things were like when they were alive, and they’ll respond based on available historical data and accounts. You could even get their opinion on what things are like now, based on their public beliefs and ideals. (Try out prompts like “Can you answer like you were Jose Rizal?” and “Why did you fight for the Philippines?”) 

 

Of course, this exercise is fun, but it’s also good to remember that there are some limitations. Gemini is only “speaking” based on available information in the world, and if you’re asking them for school or other research work, it’s always best to double-check any facts you’ve gotten on Google Search.

 

Still, it’s a great way to learn more about history and important people, as well as what Gemini is capable of. Try it out now by heading over to Gemini at https://gemini.google.com/app.

9 Budgeting Tips for First-Time Travelers Abroad

Embarking on your first trip abroad is an exciting milestone but it comes with a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing your money. It’s crucial to manage your financial resources so that you can enjoy your trip without the worry of overspending or the stress of running out of money.

Here are some of the budgeting tips that you should consider before and during your first trip abroad: 

Plan Ahead

One of the most crucial steps in preparing for your trip is planning ahead. Start by researching your destination well in advance. Specifically, look into the average costs of flights, accommodations, food, transportation, and activities, as well as the exchange rate between your country and your destination. By doing this, you can set a realistic budget that covers all your major expenses. Planning ahead also gives you time to save up for your trip, allowing you to avoid last-minute financial stress. 

Aside from researching costs and currency exchange rates, verify if you can use your payment cards and access your online digital banking services provider upon arriving at your destination. For instance, Maya offers its users a free physical card when you open a Maya Savings account. You can then fund the card using the money in your digital savings account. If you aren’t able to use your bank accounts in your destination abroad, now would be a good time to think of alternatives to how you can access your funds during your trip.

Set a Budget

A realistic budget is the foundation of any successful trip. Early into the planning phase, determine how much you can afford to spend and then allocate funds for different categories such as transportation, lodging, meals, and entertainment. Make sure you understand your financial limitations and prioritize your spending so that you’re less likely to run out of funds. Having a clear budget helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensures that you have enough money for the entire duration of your trip. Additionally, it allows you to plan for special experiences without compromising your overall financial stability.

Once you’ve figured out how much money you need to save, it’s easier to start building your funds for the trip. For convenience and bigger savings, you can open digital accounts like Maya Savings, which offer higher interest rates compared to traditional banks.

Track Your Spending

Keeping track of your expenses while traveling, whether locally or abroad, is essential to staying within your budget. Make a habit of listing down the items that you are buying or paying for, be it meals, souvenirs, or towel rentals. This practice helps you identify areas where you might be overspending, thus allowing you to make adjustments as you go. Tracking your spending also provides a sense of control and prevents financial surprises. You can use a simple notebook, a spreadsheet, or even budgeting apps to log your expenses daily, depending on what you’re comfortable with. 

Use Budgeting Apps

Digital wallets and budgeting apps are handy tools for managing your finances on the go. You can use these to input your expenses in real time, categorize your spending, and compare it against your budget. These apps often come with features that support multiple currencies, making it easier to handle foreign exchange rates. 

Look for Discounts

Taking advantage of discounts can significantly reduce your travel costs. Many attractions, museums, and transportation services offer discounts for students, seniors, or those who make advance bookings. To make the most of these, research available discounts before your trip and carry any necessary identification to prove your eligibility. Booking tickets online can also provide savings, as many sites offer lower prices compared to on-site purchases. 

Avoid Peak Seasons

It’s much cheaper to travel during off-peak seasons, with many hotels and airlines offering promos and discounts during this period. Peak seasons often coincide with school holidays and major festivals, leading to high demand and thus higher prices and crowded tourist spots. By choosing to travel during less popular times, you can enjoy lower costs and a more relaxed experience. 

Use Public Transportation

If you’re traveling to places with excellent public transportation systems, then opting for trains and buses over taxis or car rentals can save you a lot of money. Many cities offer day passes or travel cards that provide unlimited travel for a set period, which can offer you a lot of bang for your buck. In addition, using public transportation gives you a chance to experience the local way of life and explore off-the-beaten-path areas.

Eat Like a Local

In many places, street food markets, local cafes, and family-run restaurants often offer delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of popular or high-end dining establishments. Additionally, consider booking accommodations with kitchen facilities. Doing so gives you the option to prepare some of your meals and save on food expenses. Exploring local grocery stores can also be a fun and budget-friendly way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Limit Souvenir Shopping

Souvenirs can quickly add up and blow your budget if you're not careful. So, even before you leave for your trip, set a limit on how much you’ll spend on souvenirs and stick to it. Moreover, instead of buying numerous trinkets, focus instead on meaningful items that capture your travel experience. Consider practical souvenirs that you can use, like local spices, textiles, or handmade crafts. By being mindful of your souvenir spending, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your luggage weight in check.

Proper budgeting is crucial for having a more enjoyable and stress-free trip. With careful planning and mindful spending, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories and fully enjoy your first international adventure. 

Check out barenbliss must-have products this August

 As the 'ber months approach, the daily grind is back in full swing. Be it students heading to school or professionals navigating the busy streets, a great makeup routine isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling unstoppable. For those who hustle hard, having a few beauty essentials that can keep up with the pace is key. From that perfect flush of color to a lip balm that shines just right, every moment calls for a touch of bliss.

Korean makeup brand barenbliss has become a favorite among Filipinos who demand more from their beauty products. With its blend of style and skincare, barenbliss offers essentials that work as hard as you do. 

Celebrating its 2nd birthday in the Philippines this August, barenbliss continues to be the go-to for beauty lovers who want products that not only enhance their features but also take care of their skin. Whether it’s girls or boys, everyone deserves a beauty routine that brings out their best with a touch of care.

To help you embrace your everyday hustle and showcase your unique style, here are some must-have products this August from barenbliss:

barenbliss Gold Makes Gorgeous Lip Balm & Silver Makes Stunning Lip Balm
Bare essentials with a twist—these lip balms are all about nourishing your lips while adding that subtle shimmer. Choose between a golden glow or a sleek silver finish to elevate your everyday look.

barenbliss Moist Mochi Paste Powder Blush
Bliss moments start with a natural, healthy flush. This mochi-textured blush delivers a seamless pop of color, perfect for brightening up your face, whether you’re headed to class or the office.

barenbliss Bloomatte 6-in-1 Foundation Stick (LN0)
A true multitasker, this foundation stick offers flawless coverage on the go. It's your bare essential for a smooth, radiant complexion that lasts all day.

barenbliss Bloomatte Hi-cover Foundation Balm
For those who prefer full coverage, this balm is a game-changer. It evens out your skin tone with a lightweight feel, making it a blissful choice for those long, busy days.

barenbliss, a professional clean beauty brand born out of Seoul, Korea, believes in the philosophy that everyone has the right to "Joyful Clean Beauty." With products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic, barenbliss ensures that beauty is as kind as it is effective. Learn more about their products by visiting the official website, and stay connected through their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and promos.

The National Trade Fair 2024 brings the best of the regions to Metro Manila

The much-awaited 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair (NTF) is set to happen from August 21 to 25, at the Megatrade Halls 1-3 of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

The NTF is a flagship initiative organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO). It aims to promote the efficient marketing of local products and provide a platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their unique and innovative products to a wider audience. Building on the success of the 2023 Hybrid National Trade Fair, which generated Php 42.06- million in sales and attracted over 23,000 visitors, this year's event promises to be even bigger and better.

The 2024 NTF will highlight a diverse range of artisanal and non-food products crafted from the country's sustainable raw materials, such as bamboo, natural fibers, and native grass. It will also feature unique food items, Halal products, coconut-based innovations for medical use and personal care, novelty items, holiday decor, home furnishings, and many more.

In addition, the NTF will facilitate business matching and networking activities between MSMEs and institutional buyers, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth. The event will include the Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, the Coconut Philippines Pavilion, the KAPEtirya Coffee Pavilion, the RAPID Growth Project, and the Innovation and Services Cluster for government and private sector partners.

“The DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair is a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines,” said DTI Acting Secretary Cristina A.

Roque. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the ingenuity and creativity of our local entrepreneurs and discover the best of what the Philippines has to offer.”

The NTF is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, please follow the social media pages @BDTP on Facebook, @DTI_BDTP on X, and @dti.bdtp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can join future DTI-BMDPO fairs through their local DTI Office. They may also reach out to the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP by sending an email to Director Marievic Bonoan at BDTP@dti.gov.ph.

The BMDPO is mandated to promote the efficient marketing of local products through various programs and strategies. It is committed to supporting the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines and helping them reach their full potential.

Taters Goes Trentastic: Celebrating Three Decades of Snack Time Excellence

Whenever we watched a movie at Trinoma or Glorietta, we always grabbed a bag of Taters buttered popcorn. We loved it drench in butter, so much that our hands would get greasy. Paired with a hotdog sandwich, we were all set for the perfect movie experience. 

We learned later that Taters celebrates its 30th year! 

The brand stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep understanding of what Filipinos love.

What began as a simple stand offering snacks to moviegoers of all ages is now, three decades on, one of the Philippines’ best-known names in the food and beverage sector.

Now celebrating its 30th year, Taters continues to pursue product and service excellence by keeping abreast of the rapidly evolving demands of its highly dynamic market.

From just popcorn and chips, Taters now caters to the diverse tastes of the Filipino public. While light snacks to munch on remain its primary stock in trade, the company has diversified its offerings to include heartier fare: practically everything from hotdogs garnished to one’s liking, to crispy chicken or fish, and to sandwiches to enjoy alone or with a buddy.

The brand’s evolution from a niche cinema snack provider to a versatile and widely accessible purveyor of great food is the secret to its ongoing success - and the rewards are totally TRENTA-stic.

Changing With the Times

When the world found its bustling activities put to a grinding halt by the onslaught of COVID-19 in 2020, businesses throughout the globe needed to adapt in order to remain afloat and relevant.

Taters did so with great aplomb, considering and applying innovative thinking and diversification to ride out the pandemic and come through shining. As a result of this, the brand embraced numerous formats in order to cater to the suddenly evolving needs of its customer base.

Given the challenges faced by the cinema industry during the pandemic, Taters remained a staple for movie lovers. With safety protocols in place, the brand continued to offer its classic snacks, ensuring that the magic of the movies was accompanied by the familiar crunch and flavor of their favorite treats. 

For those who used to attend sporting or leisure events onsite, options were also considered. As more people sought out entertainment in safe, controlled environments, Taters expanded its presence in game parks and sports centers. These venues became hotspots for those looking to combine physical activity with tasty snacks, and Taters showed up to meet that demand.

The pandemic was also the boom-time for the streaming media sector as people found ways to stay entertained even as they sheltered in place. To meet the snacking needs of this emergent market, Taters made its products available through community outlets and delivery services, enabling patrons to enjoy their favorite snacks even in the comfort of their homes.

When pandemic restrictions relaxed, Taters gained ground with regard to those patronizing amusement centers and malls. Having kiosks or stalls in these venues gave the public a way to grab and enjoy their favorites from light crunchies to more substantial fare. 

Likewise, having a presence in these places enabled Taters to bring their signature snacks to commuters who can now enjoy everything from popcorn to sandwiches even on the go. 

“Adapting to the evolving needs of the market keeps us on our toes,” company CEO Ana Maria Tanchanco says of how the brand has changed since 2020. “By looking into what customers want, we can calibrate our offerings, do the necessary research and development, and consider innovative additions to satisfy the public.”

Teaming Up With the Best

This drive towards innovation in product offerings would not, of course, be successful if Taters didn’t join forces with some of the biggest names in the country’s retail scene.

On its 30th year, Taters marks the beginning of an exciting new era in its history as it collaborated with SM Gamepark, the SM Group’s own amusement facilities arm.

“Tying up with SM Gamepark gives us the opportunity to expand our reach to mall-goers who are out for a good time,” says Taters COO Joseph Brian Tanchanco. “Whether they’re throwing a party, having a night out with friends, or need snacks to add to the fun while they’re at play, our extensive menu is bound to have something to satisfy their cravings.” 

Through this collaboration, Taters and SM Gamepark will offer exclusive promotions, and a host of events that promise to make the TRENTA-stic celebration truly unforgettable. 

Note that this partnership is exclusive to the following SM Gamepark branches: Taters SM Mall of Asia Gamepark; Taters SM Megamall Bowling; Taters SM North EDSA Bowling; Taters SM Fairview Bowling; Taters SM Southmall Gamepark; Taters SM Sta. Rosa Gamepark; Taters SM Cebu Bowling; Taters SM Seaside Bowling; Taters SM Lanang Bowling; and Taters SM CDO Bowling.

Get Your Game On!

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Taters encourages loyal customers to join the Trentastic Game On Sport + Snack Tournament which pays homage to the brand’s long-standing commitment to excellence. 

Drawing inspiration from the Olympics, Trentastic Game On is designed to highlight the best in competitive gaming, whether in basketball, billiards, and table tennis among others. 

The tournament goes beyond mere competition. Indeed, it celebrates the spirit of perseverance, skill, and the relentless pursuit of being the best: the values that Taters upheld for three decades.

Be a TRENTA-stic Champ!

Taters is also spotlighting individual achievements with the Trentastic Champs promo. 

This exciting initiative allows participants to showcase their skills in specific games and be rewarded with delicious prizes.

Activities include: 

The Bow Blitz Champ: In this archery-themed challenge, players who score 30 points inside the yellow ring in a single game will receive a FREE Minor Superpop. This promo is all about precision and rewarding those who hit their mark; and

The Turkey Striker Champ: For bowling enthusiasts, this challenge offers a FREE Classic Churkey Hotdog to any player who strikes a Turkey (three consecutive strikes). It’s a tasty way to celebrate consistency and skill. 

Both challenges put an emphasis on the spirit of competition and excellence that has driven the brand to success and recognition.

A Bundle of Good Cheer

Central to Taters' enduring success is its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, which is presented in the new Trentastic Bundles.

These specially-curated sport+snack packages were created to enjoy  with a variety of leisure activities.

Offered at a discount, these sport+snack combos are the right stuff to enjoy during bowling nights, karaoke sessions, darts games, or simply enjoying a day at an amusement park or gaming arcade. 

Through these value-packed bundles, Taters not only enhances the overall experience for its customers but also reinforces its reputation as a brand that consistently delivers excellence in both product and service.

With all these - and more - one can be sure that TRENTA-stic Taters has won the hearts of the Filipino public, and will continue to do so for years to come.

realme is back with the annual FanFest on August 28!

Immerse in a day of music, tech, exciting games, and star-studded performances at Gateway Mall 2 Activity Center

Global smartphone brand realme celebrates its sixth anniversary in style, kicking off with the Cool Tech Tour in Shenzhen, China where Vice President Chase Xu announced two major developments for the brand: the 320W SuperSonic Charge and the Low Carbon Development White Paper. 

Fans and representatives from realme's global offices were treated to a rare experience, touring the brand's state-of-the-art factory and witnessing the marvel of the 320W SuperSonic Charge firsthand. This cutting-edge technology, dubbed the "4-Minute Miracle," redefines industry standards, achieving 26% charge in just one minute and surpassing 50% in under two.

Simultaneously, the Low Carbon Development White Paper was introduced, highlighting realme’s ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Central to this initiative is realme’s 3R+1D Design philosophy, Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, and Degradable, which is now part of the brand’s product development process and is set to roll out in the GT Series.

Celebrate with FanFest 2024

The celebration extends to the Philippines with FanFest 2024, realme Philippines’ premier event for the Filipino Squad, set on August 28. Among the highlights is the highly anticipated launch of the realme 13 Pro Series 5G, alongside two new AIoT products that are certain to captivate tech aficionados. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn the impressive camera and AI capabilities of the new realme 13 Pro Series 5G during the Ultra Clear Photography workshop led by renowned photographer and director John Manalo.

But that’s not all - the excitement continues with the real Craze Dance Competition and the real You 2024 Ambassador Search, where exceptional talents will compete for cash prizes of P50,000 and P100,000, respectively.

For music lovers out there, FanFest 2024 will culminate in the Real Mix FanFest Concert, featuring performances by two of OPM's most promising new artists, Dionela and Cup of Joe.

realme is also rolling out exciting product promos during FanFest 2024, because the Squad can get FREE TechLife Power Bank 10000mAh for every phone purchase during the event, while stocks last! Plus, catch TikTok’s Super Brand Day on August 25-31 to get exclusive deals, including P3,500 off on the realme 13 Pro 5G with a free TechLife Portable Steam Iron worth P1,499.   

Don’t miss the festivities, and head to Gateway Mall 2 Activity Center on August 28 at 1 PM. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure a spot. For those who can't attend in person, FanFest 2024 will be livestreamed on realme's official Facebook page, ensuring that everyone can join in the excitement from anywhere.

For more details and announcements about FanFest 2024, head over to realme’s official Facebook page.

Legarda’s Blue Economy Bill Clears Third Reading, Paving the Way for Sustainable Marine Development

Senator Loren Legarda lauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of Blue Economy Bill on the third reading on Monday.

Legarda, the principal author and principal sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2450, emphasized the importance of the proposed law since it provides more ways to protect and strengthen the Philippines' marine biodiversity.

“I welcome the support of our colleagues in voting to approve the Blue Economy bill on the third reading. This proposed measure establishes a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and stewardship of our coastal and marine resources, which are vital to our nation's economy, environment and heritage,” Legarda said. 

“The Blue Economy Act aligns with the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably managing the oceans, seas, and marine resources,” she added.

Once the bill is signed into law, the potential of the Philippines' marine resources could be maximized through the adoption of more holistic approaches in coastal communities. This could be achieved through the promotion and adoption of sustainable practices and the protection of the country's rich marine biodiversity.

Blue bonds shall also be issued by the government, in which the proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance or refinance eligible blue programs, activities, and projects catering to the maritime industry.

“The Blue Economy Act represents a porthole, if you may, from which we can see what surrounds us. It is like the biblical talents left by the master for the servant to enrich. We are all given this wealth so we may be worthy stewards,” remarked the lawmaker. 

“With the bill’s approval on the third reading, we fulfill our sacred duty to the planet and our people to protect the health and resilience of our coastal and marine ecosystems, while maximizing their potential to foster inclusive economic growth and enhance the well-being of present and future generations of Filipinos,” she concluded.