Red Bull athlete Raph Trinidad showcased his arsenal of skills during Wake Paradise

 

Filipino wakeboarding prodigy and Red Bull athlete Raph Trinidad showcased his arsenal of skills on some of the most breathtaking islands of Palawan during Wake Paradise. The latest project by Red Bull aims to promote the sport in the country and shed light on Trinidad’s rapid rise to the top of the wakeboarding world.

 

Hailing from Liloan island in Cebu, Raph Trinidad started his wakeboarding journey at the ripe young age of 14. With such an early starting point to get his foot in the sport, Trinidad quickly acquired the necessary skills to compete at such a high level and establish himself as a household name in the wakeboarding scene.

 

In his past international competitions, Trinidad bagged silver in the 2019 World Cable Wakeboard Championship Men’s Open in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the 2022 IWWF World Championship in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Trinidad’s amazing feats during this run cemented him as the current number two wakeboarder in the world.

“Wakeboarding in Palawan really gave me the opportunity to enjoy what I love doing most and embrace the beautiful scenery of the islands around the Philippines. Having the opportunity to wakeboard in such a beautiful destination was a surreal experience and I’m pretty sure that all my fellow wakeboarders will love to ride in a place I’d love to call Wake Paradise,” said Trinidad.

 

Trinidad left spectators in awe with his wide range of wakeboarding stunts infused with a twist. Straying away from the conventional method of being pulled by ropes connected to systems and winches, Trinidad pushed the limits of his skills in the open seas of Palawan. Propelled forward by the speed and engine power of a bangkarera, Wake Paradise redefined the boundaries of the realm of wakeboarding while showcasing Trinidad’s passion and love for the sport.

 

The success of Wake Paradise showed Red Bull’s dedication to giving wings and empowering athletes to break barriers and aim to inspire them to pursue their dreams. In the process, Trinidad also solidified his position as a sports icon, setting the bar immeasurably higher for the next generation of wakeboarders and water sports enthusiasts nationwide. 

 

Tune in to Red Bull’s official Facebook page for the official release of Raph Trinidad’s Palawan showcase! 

 

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok )

Acer Unveils its First Eco-Friendly Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router

Acer today unveiled the Acer Connect Vero W6m mesh router, its first eco-friendly Wi-Fi 6E router that incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in its chassis and features an Eco mode for efficient energy consumption. The router is powered by a quad-core 2 Ghz processor and includes a bundle of enhanced connectivity, coverage, and security features, including Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band AXE7800^[[i],2] capability and compliance with Radio Equipment Directive (RED) EN 303 645 articles 3.3 Cyber Security Standards.

“We are thrilled to expand Acer’s portfolio of network devices with the launch of the Acer Connect Vero W6m Wi-Fi 6E mesh router, engineered with support for Wi-Fi 6E tri-band connectivity to provide swift and secure connections with vast network coverage within any home or office locations,” said Wayne Ma, General Manger, IoB, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. “The performance-driven router is also the latest addition to our growing Vero line of eco-conscious products, embodying Acer’s commitment to fulfilling its environmental responsibility and helping minimize carbon footprint.”

Fast and Seamless Wi-Fi 6E Connections 

 

The Acer Connect Vero W6m, Acer’s first eco-friendly router, comes with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and conforms with security standards set by the European Commission’s Radio Equipment Directive. Capable of supporting Wi-Fi 6E Triband (2.4 Ghz/5 Ghz/6 Ghz^[1,2]) AXE7800 throughput, the device provides speeds of up to 7.8 Gbps to deliver fast, stable internet connections when online. The Wi-Fi 6E router can also be paired with up to 4 units and features impressive network ranges of up to 465 m² on a dual mesh system and up to 930 m² on a quad mesh system to help eliminate dead spots in larger coverage areas^[1,3]. Powered by a quad-core 2 GHz A53 processor with 1 GB LPDDR RAM and 4 GB memory capacity, the Acer Connect Vero W6m is engineered to keep up with high-bandwidth requirements. 

 

The new Vero router also gives great importance to data protection and security as it is the first Wi-Fi 6E mesh router to pass EU EN 303 645 (RED) Cyber Security Standards. It also comes with a dedicated WPS button for effortless network security setups. The router is further optimized with intelligent device/application recognition and standard LAN and WAN ports for added connection flexibility.

Eco-Conscious Inside and Out

Designed with the environment in mind, Acer’s commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions is reflected in every aspect of the device, from its chassis to energy-efficient features. It also utilizes 100% recyclable paper in its packaging. 

The Acer Connect Vero W6m’s minimalistic and compact aesthetic is made with 30% PCR plastic and painted with a cobblestone gray finish to let it blend in with any office or home setup. The dedicated Eco mode function optimizes the router’s power consumption, along with other connected devices by managing their sleep time when not in use and efficiently regulating its data frequency distribution. 

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

Visit Acer’s press kit for product images and specifications, or visit the Computex press room to see all announcements.

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[[i]] Network and environmental conditions (including but not limited to network traffic volume, device capabilities, and building construction) may affect actual data throughput and wireless coverage.

 

[2] The 6 GHz band is limited to indoor use only and requires clients that support the Wi-Fi 6E standard.

 

[3] Single-unit coverage is 280 sqm. Four-unit coverage is 930 sqm.

 

Make way for Belle Mariano's Sweet Style Selection at SHEIN's 6.6 Mid-Year Sale!

Embrace SHEIN Ambassador, Belle Mariano’s, take on this fashion season’s fresh and vibrant styles, and add eye catching pops of colour to your life with the SHEIN 6.6 Mid-Year Sale. 

From May 26 to June 6, 2023, choose from a wide array of items available on the SHEIN and enjoy up to 90% off your shopping spree. From apparel to accessories to home and living, the SHEIN 6.6 Mid-Year Sale has something for everybody, and even comes with a free shipping promo. 

With SHEIN’s affordable pieces, you can refresh your closet on a budget or simply add new accessories to update your wardrobe faves. Go for classic pieces, or mix and match your latest finds with your go-to look for less. With all the great deals that are available on the SHEIN 6.6 Mid-Year Sale, you can look preppy in pastel or chic in corporate neutrals. Glow-up and show up at school or at the office with affordable pieces that can be found on the SHEIN’s shopping site that is easy to browse and is 100% secure. 

The SHEIN 6.6 Mid-Year sale showcases an array of items for women, men, plus size, kids, and home to suit all lifestyles. Find your best fashion match on the SHEIN app, which is available on the Google Play Store and the App Store. Stay updated on the latest SHEIN promos through the official website ph.shein.com or on the SHEIN Philippines Facebook and Instagram accounts.

For more information on the 6.6 midyear sale, check the hashtags #SHEIN66sale and #SHEINmidyear. 

Acer announced the new Predator Triton 16 (PT16-51), the latest addition to its power-packed gaming line

Acer today announced the new Predator Triton 16 (PT16-51), the latest addition to its power-packed gaming line. This laptop for gaming and work is equipped with the latest 13th Gen Intel^® Core^™ processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPUs, and up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, along with an abundance of features that would excite any type of gamer. To ensure the vital components are kept cool throughout gaming sessions, the laptop’s advanced thermal solutions combine dual 5th Gen AeroBlade^™ 3D fans, Vortex Flow optimization, and liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU, all housed within a thin metal chassis design. 

Evolutionary Performance and Cooling

At just 19.9 mm (0.78 inches), the sleek, yet powerful Predator Triton 16 showcases a sophisticated metal casing topped off with a sparkling silver finish, giving players the confidence and portability to game on-the-go. The new thin gaming laptop packs massive computing prowess as it features up to 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processors, supported by a new hybrid core architecture with a 5.4 GHz max turbo frequency. The CPU works hand in hand with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, along with NVIDIA DLSS 3 and its bundle of Max-Q technology features for optimized ray tracing and performance across the board. Gamers are treated to an even greater performance boost as the laptop can be configured with up to 32 GB of DDR5 5200 MHz memory and up to 2 TB PCIe M.2 SSDs in RAID 0 configuration. 

The Predator Triton 16, which includes one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, delivers immersive visual experiences with its 16-inch (16:10) WQXGA 2560 x 1600 IPS display, boasting 500 nits peak brightness and a blistering 240 Hz refresh rate within its narrow bezels. It also offers a DCI-P3 100% color gamut and support for NVIDIA Advanced Optimus and NVIDIA G-SYNC to provide smooth, vibrant images, capturing all the intensity of the most visually demanding games. 

To help players stay battle-ready, the laptop leverages cutting-edge thermal capabilities, highlighted by a dual-fan system with custom-engineered 5th Gen AeroBlade^™ 3D metal fans. The Predator Triton 16 pushes the envelope even further with Acer’s Vortex Flow technology, consisting of dedicated heat pipes and exhaust vents to keep the internals cool, while liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU pushes for better heat emission to keep the machine running at peak performance. 

 

Full Connectivity and Control 

Gamers stay in full control with the PredatorSense^™ key to enable seamless customization on the keyboard’s per-key RGB lighting, user interface, management control systems, and more on the dedicated PredatorSense utility app. Running on Windows 11, the Predator Triton 16 comes with Intel^® Killer^™ DoubleShot^™ Pro and Wi-Fi 6E (E2600+1675i), along with a generous amount of functional ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI 2.1, a Type-C USB port with Thunderbolt^™ 4, and a Micro SD^™ card reader. Finally, its fingerprint reader with Windows Hello support provides added protection and accessibility. 

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

Visit Acer’s press kit for product images and specifications, or visit the Computex press room to see all announcements.

Airbnb data shows that Filipinos are now embracing longer stays of over 28 days

Gone are the days of rushed vacations and packed itineraries, as Filipinos seek slower, more meaningful travel experiences. With bookings for long-term stays on Airbnb growing more than 2.5x year-on-year in 2022^[1], it's clear that Filipino travelers are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and staying in one place for longer periods.

 

Take it from Liezl Sophia Jose, winner of Airbnb’s Fly and Live Anywhere contest, as she chronicles her travel experience, tips, and lessons learned from her family's month-long adventure around the country. 

 

Finding a home away from home

Two long years of being confined at home during the pandemic left Liezl and her family longing for a chance to unwind and explore new horizons. Winning The Fly and Live Anywhere campaign felt like destiny — and offered them the perfect opportunity to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations they had always dreamed of visiting, and to create new memories together. 

 

"An adventure doesn’t always have to be in far-flung regions or the most popular destinations, because there are so many choices in our beautiful islands. Some natural wonders are practically in our backyards,” Liezl shared.

 

During the course of their month-long adventure, the family explored Dumaguete, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro. They rediscovered the rural charm and local food scene of different cities, stunning beaches and sunsets, and enjoyed a spot of adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting. They also took road trips to Rizal and Batangas, where they enjoyed the picturesque natural scenery and countryside.

 

For Liezl and her family, the contest was not only a chance to travel again, but a chance to embrace a new way of life. As they explored the country’s hidden gems, the family discovered the joys of living like a digital nomad as they worked and took remote school from anywhere.

 

Sun Villa in Boracay

House in Dumaguete

Beach House in Siquijor

Timber Cabin in Bukidnon

 

 

 

A guide for modern travelers

 

Here are Liezl’s top tips for anyone planning a multi-city adventure:  

 

• For those booking longer stays, search for Airbnb Stays with reliable WiFi connection and essentials like drinking water, bathroom essentials, and kitchen amenities like a microwave oven and coffee maker. These small things really help make you feel like you’re living in a home away from home!
• If you intend to experience local culture in your destination city, markets are always a good starting point – by walking around you get to explore the neighborhood and learn more about the local food, people, language, and lifestyle. 
• Travel light and triple-check airlines and airport transfers in case a schedule change happens at the last minute. 
• Finally, put the phone down every so often. Take your time. Immerse in your surroundings. Respect the locals. Breathe the fresh air. Soak in the view. Hug a tree. Bathe in the sun’s rays. Be grateful!

 

For Liezl, the month-long getaway with her loved ones allowed her to pause, reset and enjoy life as it comes, "No two sunsets are the same. Each one is different. Yet, it comes from the same sun. It doesn't matter where we are; we belong anywhere we choose to make our home for the day."

 

Head over to https://www.airbnb.com/ and start planning your own adventure today!

 

E27 announces the upcoming Echelon Asia Summit 2023

 

e27, Asia’s largest tech and startup media platform, has announced the launch of Echelon Asia Summit 2023. Organised at Singapore EXPO on 14-15 June 2023, the two-day event will feature 5,000 attendees from all over Asia, representing 200+ companies and having over 100+ international world class speakers. Echelon is a technology event helping startups forge new business connections, unravel new business opportunities, and create a deal flow of new investments across Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem.

 

This year, the event will discuss what lies ahead for Southeast Asia's tech and startup ecosystem, with investment and M&A trends and high-growth sectors being highly volatile given the dynamic economic conditions in the Southeast Asia market. Over the two days, Echelon’s 100+ expert speakers will present opinions on Web3.0, Soonicorns and Changemakers of Southeast Asia, Future Sectors and Investment Trends, M&As, Sustainability, and Growth and Scaling. With the rest of the event involving workshops, roundtable discussions, exhibitions, and networking, Echelon Asia Summit 2023 is a world of opportunities for Southeast Asia startups and investors. 

                                           Mohan Belani, CEO and Co-founder, e27 

 

 

In the past, Echelon Asia Summit has featured founders and other C-suites from prominent startups and VCs like Grab, Carro, Ninja Van, WeWork, Lazada, Shopback, Lalamove, Altara Ventures, Vertex Ventures, JustCo, Monk’s Hill Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, and Jungle Ventures.

 

The event will see the return of the TOP100 Program, which will involve the region’s best-in-class startups showcasing their projects for a chance to win programme championship. The TOP100 is a curated program designed to discover, showcase and accelerate the next generation of up and coming startups. The finalists, chosen out of over 500 applicants and now representing over 10 countries, will pitch to 5,000 delegates including top 25 investors. The TOP100 alumni list includes now-household names such as Tookitaki, 99.co, Pickupp, Aspire, H3 Dynamics, Glints. 

Thaddeus Koh, Co-founder and Head of Platform and Memberships 

 

This year’s TOP100 program partners with The SAFE STEPS D-Tech (Disaster Tech) Awards - created by Prudence Foundation to find, fund, and support innovative technology solutions that save lives before, during and after natural disaster events. As part of the TOP100 Program, The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards will shortlist 5 out of the 100+ applicants from all over the world to pitch on the TOP100 Stage. 

In the buildup to the event, e27 organised five meetups across ASEAN, in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, discussing local startup landscapes. Southeast Asia’s high-potential startup and tech ecosystem is still recovering from the after-effects of the pandemic, with growth forecasted at 4.8% in 2023 on the back of economic reopening. Despite encouraging forecasts, challenges like inflation, interest rates, and a changing funding landscape persist.

 

“The tech ecosystem over the past 10 years has grown thanks to an abundance of investments and a drive towards larger rounds and higher valuations, with little focus on business fundamentals and sustainable growth. The past year has been a good reset and refocus for Founders and Investors, and this is a good opportunity for the ecosystem to build afresh and plan for the evolution of the ecosystem. Echelon aims to discuss how the ecosystem can focus on impactful problems and grow in a sustainable manner,“ shared Mohan Belani, CEO and Co-Founder of e27.

STI gives students a chance to showcase their knowledge and abilities in the Annual Tagisan ng Talino at Sining

Today’s rapidly changing world brings about many emerging skills across various industries and fields of expertise. To keep up, schools must ensure that learning goes beyond the four walls of the classroom by providing students the opportunity to explore their passions and interests, and develop new skills not limited to their academic studies.

 

As a purveyor of holistic education in the country, STI College integrates a balance of traditional, experience-based, and character-building activities into their industry-adept programs in line with its commitment to mold future-ready graduates and multifaceted individuals.

 

One of its most awaited events is Tagisan ng Talino (TNT) at Sining (TNS), an annual academic and interest-based competition where STI students demonstrate their knowledge and skills against their fellow STIers all over the country. Contestants of TNT have to compete in Local then Cluster levels to reach the National finals where the best of the best will vie for the top trophy in eight categories.

 

The artistic capabilities of TNS entrants, on the other hand, are assessed directly for the nationals. This year’s champions for the on-the-spot photography contest Shutter’s Best and video production competition Director’s Cut were announced in April. You can check out their winning works on STI’s Facebook page.

The STI Tagisan ng Talino grand champions and runner ups with STI Faculty in Baguio City

TNT Championship

This year’s TNT National finals was held on May 12, 2023 at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City. Backdropped by the chilly and foggy mountains of Benguet, the competitors from eight clusters battled it out and showcased the excellence of STI students in eight different categories.

 

Contestants of the impromptu speech competition Stand Up and Deliver confidently took a stand and delivered their insights about Sustainable Development on stage while talented writers delved deeper into the topic of the importance sustainable lifelong learning opportunities through their thought-provoking compositions in Essay Does It! Tourism Management students, on the other hand, displayed their amazing guiding skills in Travelogue where they took the judges and the audience on a simulated trip to Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental.

 

The general knowledge expertise of STI students was also put to the test in Think Quest, a team quiz competition, and their programming and app designing skills in Codefest, a mobile app hackathon.

 

Hospitality Management students competed in a series of events that challenged them to apply the skills they learned in class to actual practice. In Mix ‘N Flair, contestants got creative in showing off their bar flaring and cocktail mixing routines while in Chef Xpress, they demonstrated their culinary proficiencies in preparing, cooking, and plating a three-course meal. 

Students also exhibited workmanship and dedication in decorating an Im/Perfect cake within three hours in Worth the Whisk, and displayed speed and accuracy in setting a table and responding to situations in compliance to the type of service set in All in Place.

 

“Tagisan ng Talino is an avenue for students like me to improve myself and pursue my interests. The fact that STI holds these types of events is really amazing,” said Kevin Kinny from STI College San Fernando, this year’s TNT Stand Up and Deliver champion. “I teared up a little onstage during the announcement of winners because it’s very elating that after all the practice and hardships throughout the competition, I was able to win the championship in the nationals.”

 

For Hardie Arciaga from STI College Alabang, bagging the 1st runner-up award for Mix ‘N Flare was both an unexpected and exciting achievement. “Preparing for the competition was challenging, especially on top of many school requirements, but it’s all about adjusting, so I practiced after school and whenever I had free time,” he said.

 

It was also a memorable experience for him because he was able to bond with his competitors from other STI campuses and discover his interest in mixing drinks and flaring, which he plans to pursue further in the future.

 

Just like Hardie, Marie Jarduque from STI College General Santos City didn’t expect to win 2nd runner-up in the All in Place Competition. “It was a long way from Mindanao to Baguio City but I’m so happy to represent my campus,” she said. “I’m thankful to STI for letting us experience this kind of event where I was able to gain new knowledge that I can use as a Hospitality Management student and also in my future work.”

 

Through STI TNT and its other extracurricular activities, STI aims to provide holistic development that goes beyond the academic curriculum. STI ESG Vice President for Academics, Aisa Hipolito said: “These kinds of events give students opportunities to enhance their social, emotional, and practical skills; foster teamwork and leadership; and build self-confidence and sense of responsibility. Overall, they contribute to the overall growth of students, preparing them for future challenges and success in various aspects of life.”

 

View the complete list of TNT champions and winners here.

 

Max’s Restaurant is a Pinoy family favorite for decades!

 

Filipinos love to eat with friends and family, and one of the best places to do that is Max’s Restaurant – a Pinoy favorite since 1945. It serves classic Filipino dishes including its famous Sarap-to-the-Bones®Fried Chicken!

 

Max’s Fried Chicken is flavorful from the first bite to the last, and that’s where it gets its famous Sarap-to-the-Bones® reputation. It’s the classic, no-frills kind of chicken sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s not just about the gold-popping skin — the meat is flavorful and juicy too. From the initial aroma of the chicken, you start to salivate. Don’t forget to dip it in its trademark accompaniment of banana ketchup, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Before you know it, you’ve devoured the whole thing.

Good service and sumptuous chicken, that has always been what Max’s is about. The story of Max’s Restaurant started right after World War II. A Stanford-educated teacher named Maximo Gimenez opened a restaurant to feed soldiers. His niece, Ruby, came up with a unique recipe for fried chicken. News about it spread and people came. Little by little, Max’s Restaurant grew. 

 

Over the years, Max’s has built an empire around its one-of-a-kind fried chicken made from a 78-year-old recipe. Its distinctive flavor keeps customers coming back for more. Max’s Fried Chicken doesn’t just taste good, it tastes like summer afternoons with family, it tastes like long discussions over drumsticks, and “5 more minutes” with friends.

 

No wonder Max’s Restaurant has been a Pinoy family favorite for decades and its signature Fried Chicken will surely continue to be loved by many in the years to come. Come visit the store and re-discover the taste of Max’s Fried Chicken. Orders can also be made through delivery.maxchicken.com or 888-79000 (Metro Manila).