Power Mac Center Honors Educators with Heartfelt “To My Teacher” Campaign for Teachers’ Month

 They say a good education can spark change in anyone, but a great teacher can ignite change in everything. For Teachers’ Month, premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) is turning this wisdom into action through “To My Teacher,” a gratitude-driven campaign inviting everyone to celebrate the teachers, professors, and mentors who have guided us like parents.

The initiative involves on-campus activations, an online contest, and exclusive promotions for students and educators, reflecting PMC’s commitment to equipping the academe across the country with the technology and solutions they need for the classrooms of today and the future.

“‘Thank you’ is a powerful message, and we want more teachers to receive it and realize the ripple effects of their efforts and sacrifices. At Power Mac Center, we amplify that message by empowering educators and students with the technology, training, and support that extend learning’s reach,” said PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez.

A freedom ‘Wall of Thanks’

PMC will kick off on-campus Wall of Thanks activations in its campus stores, inviting students to write short messages of gratitude on sticky notes to be posted on a dedicated board for their teachers. Those who share their messages can also take home special PMC merchandise.

The photo wall will be open to the public from October 1 to 4, 2025 at the University of Santo Tomas, UP Shopping Center, and De La Salle University Manila stores. Alongside this, PMC will set up a Mac Clinic booth offering students and faculty free external device cleaning, assessment, and consultation on the following dates:

●       University of Santo Tomas — October 1, 2025

●       UP Shopping Center — October 2, 2025

●       De La Salle University Manila — October 3, 2025

Join the fun online

All students can join the fun online through a photo contest. To participate, post a photo with your teacher on Facebook along with a heartfelt message that completes the statement, “To my teacher, ___,” answering the question: “How does your teacher improve your learning experience with the help of technology?”

Include the official hashtag #PMCToMyTeacher, set your post to Public, then submit your entry via <https://forms.gle/bmcEFxKPCF26pQLF8> to qualify. Only one entry is allowed per person. The submission period runs from October 2 to 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Entries will be judged based on the strength of the narrative and overall creativity.

Six (6) winners will each receive P3,000 Power Mac Center Gift Certificates plus accessory bundles worth P6,000. Winners will be announced on PMC’s official Facebook page <fb.com/powermaccenter> and notified through their registered email.

Celebrate teachers, earn rewards

Tie your Teachers’ Month tribute to everyday rewards. Download the new 1 Infinite app from the App Store <http://bit.ly/4hljdr2> or Google Play <https://bit.ly/42ovsyK> and earn points on every purchase. Members in Connected, Lunar, and Stellar tiers earn 1 point per P200 spent, while Astra and Cosmos members earn 1 point per P100. Points can be redeemed for premium devices, accessories, and select services and training courses (1 point = P1). Members also get up to 50% off Apple training and exclusive perks from Basecamp and Mobile Care, PMC’s training and service arms.

Power Mac Center is an Apple Authorized Education Reseller and Apple Professional Learning Provider. It assists schools and universities in completing Apple integration and maintaining systems to achieve learning results apt for the 21st-century education paradigm. To get started on your journey, visit any Power Mac Center or The Loop store nationwide or learn more at <https://powermaccenter.com/pages/education>.

Be updated on the latest news and promotions by following the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube

HONOR Teases Its Next All-Angle Water-Resistant Smartphone Innovation

Leading global smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is once again making waves as it teases the upcoming launch of its next X Series smartphone this October, featuring upgraded durability designed to withstand water-related concerns. 

“Following the back-to-back success of our HONOR X Series smartphones, we have continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation. This time, we are proud to introduce a top-notch, all-angle water-resistant smartphone that Filipino consumers can truly relate to,” said Mr. Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “This new device is set to elevate the lifestyle of Filipinos, addressing one of the biggest concerns of smartphone users today—water damage.” 

As a global brand committed to revolutionizing human-to-device interactions through AI, HONOR revealed that this new addition to the X Series lineup will also debut a practical AI Button for an all-new, one-click AI experience. With a single press, users can instantly launch a customized app, clear background processes, or boost performance. Meanwhile, a long press activates powerful functions such as AI Translation and AI Creation, offering a truly personalized and seamless user experience. 

More exciting updates about this latest HONOR device will be revealed in the coming days. Stay updated by visiting www.hihonor.com or following HONOR’s official social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To explore HONOR’s full list of retail stores, visit https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. 

Finestra and Yakumi Unite for the First Time in “The Code of Umami,” a Rare Four-Hands Dinner at Solaire Resort North

 

Two of Solaire Resort North’s premier dining destinations, Finestra and Yakumi, join forces for the first time in a rare four-hands dinner titled “The Code of Umami,” taking place on October 17 at Finestra. This one-night-only experience brings the spotlight to the culinary talent and creative collaboration of two remarkable chefs who have redefined the dining landscape in the north.

Finestra and Yakumi have already earned acclaim for setting new standards in their respective cuisines at Solaire Resort North. Now, in a first-time collaboration, Chef Joel Manchia of Finestra and Chef Cristian Asato of Yakumi will present a six-course tasting menu that brings together the soul of Italy and the precision of Japanese craftsmanship in one unforgettable evening. Priced at Php 4,988++ per person with an optional Php 1,888++ pairing of wine and sake, the event offers a refined, limited-edition dining experience that celebrates harmony, contrast, and culinary storytelling.

Chef Joel Manchia, Chef de Cuisine of Finestra, brings over two decades of experience in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He has led fine dining teams in Four Seasons properties in Houston, London, Beijing, and Hampshire, before making his mark at The Ivy Asia in Brighton. He now leads the kitchen of Finestra at Solaire Resort North, bringing both warmth and world-class technique to every plate.

Chef Cristian Asato, Chef de Cuisine of Yakumi, was born to Japanese heritage and is known for his mastery of Nikkei cuisine. His training began in Lima and was further honed in Tokyo, with experience across Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and the Middle East. Chef Cristian’s career includes leadership roles at Mandarin Oriental, The Alpina Gstaad, and Soneva in the Maldives. At Yakumi, he champions traditional techniques with a modern, soulful twist.

This event is a celebration of culinary identity and creative synergy at Solaire Resort North. It is not a regular feature of either restaurant, but a one-time engagement designed for those who seek something rare, refined, and remarkable.

After dinner, guests are invited to extend the evening at Skybar, located just across from Finestra on Level 38, where crafted cocktails and expertly curated pours await, offering the perfect setting to let the night’s flavors linger over conversations and sweeping city views.

With limited seats available, early reservations are highly recommended. For bookings and inquiries, visit sn.solaireresort.com or sn.solaireresort.com/dining/finestra, call +632 8888 8888, or email snrestaurantevents@solaireresort.com.

The refreshing Oyster dish with Ensui Uni, ponzu, and truffle snow.

 Chawanmushi – a light starter with Rock Lobster and seasonal mushrooms in aglio olio.

 

The Carpaccio di Wagyu dish for diners to indulge in melt-in-your-mouth goodness from sesame paste, shiso chimichurri, and parmesan chips.

 Mixing two signature cultural dishes together, the Udon alla Carbonara with Guanciale, pecorino, and an onsen egg.

A classic M6 Australian Wagyu Rib-eye steak with a sweet potato miso mousseline with a chianti reduction.

Riso al latte – a sweet encounter between cultures with Koshikari rice in evaporated milk, topped with pistachio gelato alongside chocolate and matcha powder.

 

Xiaomi Launches the Xiaomi Pad Mini in the Philippines: A Powerful, Compact Tablet Built for Creativity and Connectivity

 

Now available locally, the Xiaomi Pad Mini marks Xiaomi’s debut flagship in the mini tablet category—engineered for multitasking, creativity, and seamless connectivity in a compact form. Built for on-the-go professionals and efficiency-driven users, it combines an 8.8-inch 3K crystal-clear display with a lightweight, ergonomic design that fits comfortably in hand. Whether for work or play, the Xiaomi Pad Mini sets a new standard for portable productivity.

Xiaomi Pad Mini delivers razor-sharp text and vibrant images with a 3008 x 1880 resolution and 403 pixels per inch. Paired with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 165Hz,³ the display ensures fluid responsiveness across scrolling and sketching. Dolby Vision® support enriches contrast and color detail, while a 700-nit peak brightness optimizes visibility in all lighting conditions. With full DC Dimming, TÜV Rheinland-certified Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution), Flicker Free, and Circadian Friendly, Xiaomi Pad Mini ensures a comfortable viewing experience. Meanwhile, dual stereo speakers, Hi-Res & Hi-Res Wireless Audio, and Dolby Atmos® deliver an immersive surround audio experience.

 

Engineered for ergonomic single-handed usage, Xiaomi Pad Mini measures 132.03mm in width¹¹ and features a micro-arc middle frame and a metal unibody design with micron-level ceramic sandblasting.¹⁷ As the first Android tablet featuring an SoC-centered design, its key components—including speakers, battery, and motors—are symmetrically arranged around the processor, enhancing overall balance and grip comfort. To complement this structural harmony, the 16:10 aspect ratio enhances vertical viewing and productivity. Moreover, Xiaomi HyperAI delivers an elevated productivity experience,² featuring a range of AI-driven tools that include AI Writing,⁶ AI Speech Recognition,⁶ AI Interpreter,⁶ AI Art,⁶ and AI Calculator.⁷ It also integrates Google Gemini,⁸ and supports Circle to Search with Google,⁹ for improved device interaction.

 

Powered by Mediatek Dimensity 9400+, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, Xiaomi Pad Mini delivers high-efficiency performance for daily workflows. Optimized for light productivity, the tablet achieves impressive benchmark results with high single-core and multi-core capabilities. A massive 7500mAh (typ) battery delivers extended reading and continuous video playback duration, while 67W HyperCharge provides rapid refueling.⁵ Up to 18W wired reverse charging adds utility by allowing Xiaomi Pad Mini to power other devices.¹³ Dual Type-C ports on both short and long sides, with the long side supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 data transfer to deliver versatile functionality in everyday use.¹⁴

 

To further enhance the user experience, Xiaomi Focus Pen,⁴ designed for precise operations, delivers a natural writing experience with millisecond-level low latency and high-pressure sensitivity,¹⁶ making it the ideal companion for light productivity and creativity. Xiaomi Pad Mini also pairs with Xiaomi Pad Mini Cover,⁴ offering a refined leather-like exterior and reinforced metal rivet wristband for superior portability.

 

Price and availability

The Xiaomi Pad Mini is now available in the Philippines starting September 26, offered in Purple and Gray. Priced at PHP 25,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant, it comes with an Early Bird Promo of PHP 22,999. From launch until October 13, every purchase includes a free Xiaomi Pad Mini Cover worth PHP 999. Accessories like the Xiaomi Focus Pen (PHP 3,499) and Redmi Smart Pen (PHP 2,999) are also available—ideal for productivity, creativity, or entertainment on the go.

 

Xiaomi Pad Mini Quick Specs

	Xiaomi Pad Mini
Display	●        8.8-inch crystal-clear display¹ ●        3K resolution (3008 x 1880), 403ppi ●        Aspect Ratio: 16:10 ●        Refresh rate: Up to 165Hz³ ●        Brightness: 600 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM) ●        Supports Dolby Vision® ●        DC dimming ●        TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) Certified ●        TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certified ●        TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly Certified
Experience	●        Xiaomi HyperOS ●        Xiaomi HyperAI² o   AI Writing⁶ o   AI Speech Recognition⁶ o   AI Interpreter⁶ o   AI Art⁶ o   AI Calculator⁷ o   Google Gemini⁸ o   Circle to Search with Google⁹
Design	●        Metal unibody design¹⁷ ●        SoC-centered design ●        Dimensions: 205.13mm x 132.03mm x 6.46mm¹¹ ●        Weight: 326g¹¹ ●        Variants: Gray, Purple¹²
Performance	●        MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ o   Cutting-edge 3nm process o   CPU: 1*X925@3.73GHz + 3*X4@3.3GHz + 4*A720@2.4GHz o   GPU: Immortalis-G925 MC12 ●        RAM: LPDDR5X, ROM: UFS 4.1 o   8GB+256GB / 12GB+512GB¹⁰
Battery & Charging	●        7500mAh (typ) battery ●        67W HyperCharge⁵ ●        Up to 18W wired reverse charging¹³ ●        Dual USB-C ports configuration¹⁴ o   Charging and data transfer
Camera	●        13MP rear camera o   1/3.06" 1.12μm pixel size o   f/2.2 PDAF o   4K video recording at 30fps o   1080p video recording at 30fps, 60fps o   720p video recording at 30fps ●        8MP front camera o   1/4" 1.12μm pixel size o   f/2.28
Audio	●        Dual stereo speakers ●        Hi-Res & Hi-Res Wireless Audio ●        Dolby Atmos®
Connectivity	●        Wi-Fi 7¹⁵ ●        Bluetooth® 5.4
Accessories⁴	●        Xiaomi Focus Pen ●        Redmi Smart Pen ●        Xiaomi Pad Mini Cover

 

Disclaimer

¹ Xiaomi Pad Mini screen size is about 8.8 inches when measured diagonally. The viewable area is smaller due to the curved corners. Measurements between individual products may vary.

² Availability of AI features may vary based on region and model. Please check your local website for more information.

³ Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 165Hz for supported apps and games. Please refer to the actual experience.

⁴ Accessories sold separately, availability may vary by region.

⁵ 67W HyperCharge means the adapter output power is 67W. Both Type-C ports support 67W fast charging. When both are plugged in, the priority is given to the first inserted port. Actual power output may vary depending on the environment. Please consult the local seller on the availability of the power adapter in the box.

⁶ AI Writing, AI Speech Recognition, AI Interpreter, and AI Art are available in select languages and device models. Availability is via OTA and may vary based on region and model. Internet connection required. Check responses for accuracy.

⁷ AI Calculator is available in select device models. Supports coefficient balancing for equations but does not generate chemical symbols. Check responses for accuracy.

⁸ Gemini mobile app available on select devices, languages, and countries. Works with compatible accounts. Internet connection required. Check responses for accuracy. Feature availability varies based on language. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC.

⁹ Available on select devices, and an internet connection is required. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches.

¹⁰ Configurations available may differ across regions. Available storage and RAM are less than the total memory due to the storage of the operating system and software pre-installed on the device.

¹¹ Data tested in Xiaomi Internal Labs, actual results may vary.

¹² Color availability may vary between regions.

¹³ Data tested by Xiaomi Internal Labs, actual results may vary. 67W HyperCharge and 18W wired reverse charging cannot be used simultaneously. Supports up to 18W wired reverse charging, compatible with devices verified through Xiaomi Internal Labs testing. Actual performance may vary depending on battery conditions and other factors. When using this feature, please ensure your pad has sufficient battery and verify the compatibility of the receiving device. Both Type-C ports support 18W wired reverse charging. However, when both are plugged in, each port's reverse charging power is limited to 5W.

¹⁴ USB 3.2 Gen 1 functionality requires a USB 3.2 Gen 1 enabled cable (sold separately). The short-side USB Type-C supports data transmission in HOST mode (for connecting external devices such as mice and USB flash drives). The long-side USB Type-C supports DP1.4 screen projection, while the short-side USB Type-C does not support screen projection.

¹⁵ Wi-Fi 7/Wi-Fi 6 capability may vary based on regional availability and local network support. Wi-Fi connectivity (including Wi-Fi frequency bands, Wi-Fi standards and other features as ratified in IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications) may vary based on regional availability and local network support. The function may be added via OTA when and where applicable.

¹⁶ Millisecond-grade ultra-low latency refers to performance achieved within Xiaomi's self-developed apps. Data tested in Xiaomi Internal Laboratory, actual result may vary.

¹⁷ The unibody metal design refers specifically to the back cover of the product and does not include the camera deco, buttons, card slots, or other components.