Garmin has updated its Descent range with the announcement of the Descent™ X50i, its largest dive computer with a vivid 3” color touchscreen display1.
Using SubWave™ sonar technology, divers can use Descent X50i to communicate with one another underwater and monitor each other’s tank pressure, depth, and distance to keep tabs on one another when visibility may be limited2. They can also explore greater depths with an integrated backup dive light, 20 ATM dive rating, and leakproof metal buttons.
“Whether scuba diving, cave diving or seeking out shipwrecks, we know how important it is to have the most accurate data at all times. Featuring a big, bright display and 20 ATM dive rating, the new Descent X50i is the perfect dive computer for technical divers and a great option for recreational divers who want to clearly see key stats and critical information while exploring the underwater landscape.” – Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
Dive-focused design
Boasting a vibrant 3” color display, Descent X50i makes it easier to read more data at a glance. The touchscreen helps make setup simple and is great for navigating maps and settings to prepare for the next adventure. To take on the most technical dives, Descent X50i includes a strong sapphire lens, leakproof metal buttons and a backup dive light that is bright enough to be used while underwater. Dual elastic bands fit comfortably and securely around the wrist and feature buckles with an arrowhead attachment for easy one-handed closure while an adjustment lock can prevent slipping.
Explore the depths
Designed by divers for divers, Descent X50i is ready for the next underwater excursion.
Air integration: Keep track of your tank’s air pressure when paired with a Descent T2 transceiver.
Monitor other divers: See tank pressure, depth and distance of up to eight divers who are using a Descent T2 transceiver, up to 10 meters away2.
Diver-to-diver messaging: Using SubWave technology, send preset messages to other connected divers, up to 30 meters away2.
DiveViewTM maps: Plan the next dive with preloaded bathymetric depth contours and over 4,000 dive sites worldwide.
In-dive depth chart and history: View depth history in real-time to better understand the locations that have already been explored and how they will affect the decompression plan.
Ascent dive profile: Visualize an ascent plan through the Projected Ascent data field, which shows a projected depth profile associated with the current Time-To-Surface (TTS). The chart also plots depth over time and displays decompression stops and gas switches.
Tide data: Before heading out, check nearby tide data3 to stay up to date on ocean conditions.
Dive compass: Navigate above (and below) the water with a 3D dive compass.
Once divers are back on dry land, the dive log lets them review data, track gear, take notes and share details via their Garmin Dive™ app. They can also use the carrying case to store their Descent X50i in between dives. To prepare for their next dive, users can take advantage of built-in GPS to navigate to over 4,000 preloaded dive site locations from around the world or add extra details – like points of interest – to dive sites with DiveView maps, an extension of the preloaded TopoActive maps. Surface GPS can also help users track their surface entry and exit points with advanced satellite connectivity.
The Garmin Descent X50i will be available beginning January 23 for PHP 94,990. Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.
1 Touchscreen display only functions on the surface. 2 Additional equipment (sold separately) and device pairing required. Dive messaging requires line of sight between transceivers. 3 When paired with a compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble.
ASUS Philippines is once again kicking-off the holiday season with the ASUS Share 2024 Christmas Sale, bringing together the latest in technology and style. From December 5, 2024toJanuary 31, 2025, enjoy exclusive deals on the best ASUS laptops and ROG devices, and enjoy matching them with the newest kicks from Sole Academy – Philippines’ premium shoe store.
Celebrate the season of giving with up to PHP 5,000 off shoes from Sole Academy when purchasing eligible ASUS products. Whether upgrading to an ASUS AI PC, an ASUS Lumina OLED or ROG Nebula Display-powered tech, or stepping up personal style, this holiday sale delivers the ultimate Christmas gift to begin a prosperous and stylish 2025. Complete Christmas wish lists with these incredible bundles and begin to experience the future of innovation now!
ACHIEVE EFFORTLESS PRODUCTIVITY AND STYLE WITH THE BEST ASUS LAPTOPS
The innovative ASUS Zenbook AI Laptops are ready to help get work done effortlessly. The thin and light Zenbook S 14 (UX5406)perfectly pairs performance and style with its functional aesthetics and superior AI power. Its chassis features the new, innovative ASUS Ceraluminum™, the industry-leading Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2), and Intel Arc graphics that delivers up to 48 NPU TOPS. Its 14-inch 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen display delivers lifelike visuals with outstanding color and HDR performance. For everyday productivity and entertainment needs, the Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) is a reliable AI laptop. Delivering premium portability, this OLED laptop features the AI-powered Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and true-to-life 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display.
For those who lead a more active lifestyle and productivity, the comprehensive ASUS Vivobook S AI lineup is the perfect partner. With a wide variety of screen sizes to choose from, it’s not hard to match these ultraportable laptops with any sneakers. For the 14-inch girls and boys, the Vivobook S 14 (S5406) carries an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2), an Intel Evo-certified, a built-in 47 TOPS NPU, and an ultraportable profile. For those who prefer a 15-inch display, the Vivobook S 15 (S5507) is the best bet. It features up to a Snapdragon X Elite processor, incredible portability, and a longer battery lifespan and battery life of up to 18+ hours. Lastly, for power users who live large can do so with the Vivobook S 16 (M5606), powered by a lightning-fast AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 processor with a built-in NPU capable of 50 TOPS of AI performance. Plus, it features an elegant all-metal body that houses up to 24 GB of memory, and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
Purchases of any ASUS AI Laptop willcome with PHP 5,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers, to help complete your work and style.
Unlock next-level productivity with the ASUS Vivobook 16 (X1605, M1605) and its stunning three-sided NanoEdge 16-inch display with a 16:10 aspect-ratio, its mega-sized touchpad that gives maximum room for fingers, and its durability of MIL-STD-810H US military-grade standard. These Vivobook Classic laptops come with PHP 3,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers for new kicks in the new year.
Users can also opt for the classic 14-inch display or the bigger 15-inch alternative of the Vivobook 14/15 (X1405, M1405, X1505) or the Vivobook Go 14/15 (E1404, E1504). These daily drivers feature thoughtful designs with the 180-degree lay-flat hinge that allows easy collaboration and sharing, a full-size ASUS ErgoSense keyboard, and US MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability. Get any of these Vivobook Classic and Go Series laptops during the Christmas Sale with PHP 2,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers!
Some ASUS Desktops and All-in-One (AiO) PCs are joining the Christmas festivities. The highly efficient ASUS S5 Mini Tower (S501)and space-saving ASUS A3402 AiO will be available along with up to PHP 3,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers.
GAME HARD, LOOK SHARP WITH ROG AND TUF GAMING DEVICES
The ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403) and Zephyrus G16 (GU605) redefine the holiday season by offering a combination of cutting-edge gaming performance and stylish practicality. The Zephyrus G14, a sleek and portable gaming laptop, features an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, delivering high-quality 3K 120Hz ROG Nebula visuals. Meanwhile, the Zephyrus G16 combines Intel Core Ultra processors with a 16-inch 240Hz ROG Nebula Display with OLED, ensuring vibrant clarity and fluid responsiveness. These models are perfect for those seeking the best gaming laptops this Christmas and come with a PHP 5,000 Sole Academy e-voucher, making them ideal gifts for gamers looking to elevate their tech and style.
The TUF Gaming A14 (FA401) joins the lineup as a robust and reliable gaming laptop, featuring military-grade durability, an AMD Ryzen AI 9 Series processor with up to 50 TOPS AI performance, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Lightweight yet powerful, this 14-inch laptop adapts seamlessly between gaming and productivity, making it one of the best gaming laptops for versatile gamers who also need peak AI requirements. Each purchase includes a PHP 5,000 Sole Academy e-voucher, merging high performance with urban style for the perfect season’s package.
For those craving powerhouse capacity, the ROG Strix Series G18 (G814) and G16 (G614), along with the Strix SCAR 18 (G834), deliver high-speed gaming with Intel Core 14th Gen processors and advanced cooling systems. With refresh rates of up to 240Hz, these laptops cater to hardcore gamers seeking the best gaming laptops for competitive play. Each purchase includes a PHP 3,000 Sole Academy e-voucher, combining exceptional gaming capabilities with a stylish Christmas upgrade.
The versatile ROG Flow X13 (GV302) is a compact and adaptable gaming laptop powered by AMD Ryzen 9 processors. Its 165Hz ROG Nebula Display ensures breathtaking visuals for gaming, creative work, or entertainment. This lightweight powerhouse comes with a PHP 3,000 Sole Academy e-voucher, offering the perfect combination of innovative tech and trendy style for the season.
Finally, the ROG Ally (RC71L) and ROG Ally X (RC72LA)push the boundaries of portable gaming, delivering exceptionally with AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor. Perfect for gaming on the go, these devices are top choices for those seeking compact, high-performing alternatives to traditional laptops. Both come with PHP 2,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers, making them thoughtful Christmas gifts for gamers and style enthusiasts alike.
Select ROG desktops, including the ROG Strix GT15and ROG G22CH, are also part of the ASUS Share 2024 Christmas Sale. Purchases of these models come with up to PHP 5,000 worth of Sole Academy e-vouchers, combining ultimate gaming performance with stylish holiday perks!
To redeem the Sole Academy vouchers, simply follow these steps:
Buy any of the eligible products from ASUS and ROG Stores, Accredited Retailers, and Online Shops nationwide within December 5, 2024 – January 31, 2024.
Go to the official ASUS Share 2024 Website and register, be ready to provide the required information and documents.
Wait for verification within 5-14 business days and receive the bundle within 45 business days!
All participating laptops and handheld gaming devices come with the ASUS’ award-winning Quality and Servicepackage, which includes a free 2-year warranty for the products – promising peace of mind for every purchase. Select gadgets are available with Home Credit, making it even easier to enjoy these premium devices with flexible installments for as low as 0% interest. For more updates on the ASUS Share 2024 sale, including the newest laptops and exclusive offers, check out the official ASUS Philippines Facebook page.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-208360 Series of 2024
Looking for the perfect techie gift this holiday season? Lenovo has prepared an exciting selection of AI-powered devices that cater to gamers, professionals, and creatives alike. These devices are packed with the latest, most innovative features designed to make everyday life smarter and more efficient. Here’s a quick rundown of Lenovo’s top holiday picks:
1. Lenovo Legion Go: Portable Gaming Redefined
For gamers on the move, the Lenovo Legion Go offers top-tier performance in a portable design. Featuring the AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme processor and 8.8-inch WQXGA touchscreen display, it delivers seamless gameplay with stunning visuals. With detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand, this device ensures ultimate flexibility for gaming anytime, anywhere.
2. Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9: The Ultimate Gaming Powerhouse
Hardcore gamers will love the Legion 7i Gen 9, equipped with an Intel® Core™ i9 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 GPU. Its 16-inch 3.2K IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate offers buttery-smooth visuals for an unparalleled gaming experience. Equipped with Legion ColdFront Hyper cooling system, it ensure your device is cool while keeping your killstreaks hot.
The LOQ 15IAX9 is the perfect entry-level gaming laptop, delivering great value without compromising performance. Powered by the Intel® Core™ i7 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 graphics, it offers smooth gameplay and responsive performance in a sleek Luna Grey design.
4. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Sleek and Powerful
Professionals, creatives, and multitaskers will appreciate the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition with its Intel® Core™ Ultra processor and 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED display. This laptop combines elegance with toughness with a MIL-STD 810H standard durability. It’s the ideal gift for those who want style, performance, and durability.
5. Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 Gen 9: Built for Creators
For creative professionals, the Yoga Pro 7 Gen 9 will bring your ideas to life with its 14.5-inch 2.8K OLED display and powerful AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 processor. It’s the perfect device for productivity and high-performance tasks.
6. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Gen 9: Lightweight and Versatile
The IdeaPad Slim 5 Gen 9 is designed for portability, featuring a Snapdragon® X Plus processor and a 14-inch OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy. Its compact design and long battery life make it an excellent companion for students and professionals on the go.
Whether you’re shopping for a gamer, a professional, or someone who just loves the latest tech, Lenovo’s AI-powered lineup has something for everyone. Visit Lenovo Exclusive Stores, authorized resellers, or the Lenovo Flagship Store online to shop now and make this holiday season smarter and more meaningful for your friends, family, and loved ones.
Stressed about holiday shopping? Don’t sweat it! This Merry GCash guide is your one-stop shop for amazing deals, discounts, and the chance to win big!
Level Up Your Holiday Feasts for Less!
What’s a Filipino Christmas without a table overflowing with delicious food? GCash helps you celebrate with loved ones without breaking the bank. This year’s Merry GCash celebration is the biggest one yet. Whether you’re paying online at your go-to brands or scanning to pay in-store, GCash has tons of incredible deals and offers for you to enjoy and make every experience more rewarding.
From food and dining promos perfect for reunions, essentials for a festive Noche Buena at home, and even brand new gadgets for gifting your family or yourself – there are so many deals to guarantee Lahat ay Merry this year. Now, there’s no reason to put off your shopping any longer! Score amazing deals on your favorite treats:
Discover food deals for all your fun reunions
What truly makes the holidays special is when you all sit around the table together and enjoy good food – with all your favorite people. GCash makes sure you have plenty of options for your upcoming gatherings.
Domino’s: Up to 50% off select family pizzas.
Angel’s Pizza: Up to 30% off medium pizzas.
Seattle’s Best Coffee: Buy 2 Take 2 treats.
Planning a Noche Buena feast? Here’s how GCash helps you save:
SM Markets: Free delivery with a minimum purchase of PHP 2,000.
Boozy: PHP 300 discount on orders over PHP 3,000 for all your drink needs.
With GCash, you can easily celebrate your holiday parties and with these offers, every celebration is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
2. Find the Perfect Presents for Everyone (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Forget the stress of expensive shopping! Gift-giving doesn’t have to break the bank this year. Check out these exclusive GCash discounts while you shop for the perfect presents—from shoes for the family to stylish new wardrobe additions. Treat your family to stylish finds and gadgets with exclusive GCash discounts:
Clothes: Get 20% off at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy with the promo code GCASH20 (online purchases only).
Shoes: Get 10% off at Sperry, Keds, and Merrell, up to 20% off at Nike, or PHP 200 off at Payless (minimum purchase PHP 2,000).
Bags: Enjoy PHP 650 off for a minimum spend of PHP 6,500 at Charles & Keith.
3. Treat Yourself This Season!
The holidays are also a time for self-care! Splurge on some new tech or appliances with these GCash offers:
Abenson: Get PHP 500 off with a minimum purchase of PHP 15,000.
Huawei WatchPay on Lazada: Up to 12% off when you pay with GCash.
Power Mac Center: Up to PHP 21,000 discount on select devices.
4. Plan Your Dream Holiday Getaway
Planning a holiday trip? GCash helps you save on travel essentials and activities:
Klook: Up to 10% off on hotels and activities.
Complex Lifestyle Store: PHP 500 off when you pay with GCash (minimum spend PHP 5,000).
Share the Holiday Spirit with GBayanihan
The magic of the holidays is in sharing joy, and GCash is here to help you make a difference for those who need it most.
Through GBayanihan, you can turn your holiday cheer into meaningful support for others by donating to various organizations like ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., Save The Children, UNICEF Philippines, and Ayala Foundation Inc. with just a few steps.
Simply tap the Merry G home banner and scroll down to find the Donate button, which will take you to the GBayanihan dashboard. With GBayanihan, your generosity can brighten lives and make the holidays truly merry for everyone!
Keep Using Your GCash to Win Entries to the Merry Mystery Gift Promo
Every GCash transaction you make also brings a little extra excitement with the Merry Mystery Gift promo, with rewards up for grabs until January 3, 2025. By simply shopping in-store and online, paying bills, buying load, or borrowing through GCredit or GGives, you can be one of 10 million winners.
You can win exclusive merchant vouchers from partners like Alipay+, foodpanda, or SHEIN, and GCash credits worth PHP 100 to PHP 1,000 or even the weekly prize of PHP 10,000!
Countless prizes await this Merry GCash season, so make GCash your go-to partner for all your holiday experiences this year. Download the GCash app today and follow @gcashofficial for the latest updates on the Merry GCash celebration!
About GCash
GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion in the Philippines.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
Life’s greatest moments deserve to be documented and shared with others. From photos of casual barkada hangouts to videos of lively nights out, it is essential to bring the perfect mobile phone to help capture snapshots to preserve memories forever.
nubia Philippines recognizes this need and brings the newly launched nubia V70 Design smartphone, the latest device that blends style, functionality, and affordability—now available in the Philippines. Designed for today’s fast-paced lifestyle, the nubia V70 Design empowers you to live in the moment while capturing it beautifully, making it the perfect companion for both everyday life and special occasions.
A Camera That’s Always Ready
When it comes to creating lasting memories, a great camera is non-negotiable. The nubia V70 Design is equipped with a 50MP AI Camera that delivers stunning, high-quality photos and videos. Whether it’s vibrant portraits with artistic background blur or sharp night shots with RAW Super Night Shot, this phone ensures you’re always photo-ready.
Need to refine your images? The AI Magic Photos feature makes editing a breeze. Clean up backgrounds with the Magic Eraser, and keep your memories perfectly organized in the Smart Gallery, which even suggests captions for your snaps.
Bringing Your Memories to Life
Reliving your favorite moments has never looked better. The nubia V70 Design features a 6.7-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and vibrant colors for all your photos and videos. From scrolling through your gallery to streaming your favorite content, the experience is seamless and immersive.
Stay on top of your day with Live Island 2.0, which lets you navigate notifications and multitask effortlessly. Plus, with DTS audio processing, your favorite music, movies, and videos sound better than ever.
Built to Keep Up With You
Life in the Philippines is busy, and the nubia V70 Design is built to handle it all. With a 5000mAh battery, you’ll have enough power for long days out and endless photo sessions. When you need to recharge, its 22.5W fast-charging system gets you back in action quickly.
Under the hood, the phone’s 14GB (4GB + 10GB) Dynamic RAM, 256GB storage, and Octa-core processor ensure smooth multitasking and enough space for all your apps, photos, and videos.
Stylish, Affordable, and Ready for Gifting
The nubia V70 Design doesn’t just perform well—it looks great, too. Its premium leather-textured finish and glassback available in Stone Gray and Jade Green, adds a touch of sophistication to your everyday style. And at just Php 5,299.00, it’s an incredible value for a smartphone that does it all.
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? The nubia V70 Design is thoughtful, practical, and stylish—ideal for loved ones who enjoy capturing and sharing their best moments. Whether it’s for a friend, sibling, or even yourself, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Exclusive Shopee Payday Sale: November 28-30
To celebrate its launch, nubia Philippines is offering exciting deals during the Shopee Payday Sale this November 30. Shoppers can enjoy up to Php 795 off using Shopee vouchers and get a FREE speaker with every purchase—available only while supplies last!
A Celebration of Innovation for Filipinos
The launch of the nubia V70 Design is a milestone for nubia Philippines, reflecting the brand’s commitment to offering innovative, budget-friendly devices that fit perfectly into the lives of Filipino users. With its balance of style, performance, and price, the nubia V70 Design is set to make waves this holiday season and beyond.
Experience the nubia V70 Design today! Visit any nubia concept store or shop online on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok.
For more details, check out nubia Philippines’ official social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.
Lenovo has recently rolled out an exciting array of AI-powered PCs in the Philippines, promising to elevate everyday computing, productivity, and creativity. During the “Smarter AI For You” launch event held at the SMX Convention Center Aura, the tech giant introduced innovative products like the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, Yoga Pro 7, IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1, and IdeaPad Slim 5x. These devices are not just powerful; they’re designed to seamlessly integrate into and enhance the modern Filipino lifestyle.
Transformative Technology for Every Filipino
The new lineup of Lenovo devices is a tech enthusiast’s dream. With features that adapt to varying environments, enhance creative workflows, and boost productivity, these devices are set to transform how Filipinos interact with technology. From advanced processors to high-resolution displays and impressive battery life, Lenovo ensures a premium, tailored experience for all users.
Michael Ngan, the General Manager for Lenovo Philippines, emphasized the impact of these devices. “Lenovo is excited to introduce our latest lineup of AI-powered devices to the Philippine market, designed to elevate productivity, creativity, and connectivity for Filipino consumers. Our goal is to provide technology that not only enhances users’ digital experiences but also adapts seamlessly to their unique lifestyles. With these new AI-driven devices, we’re making advanced technology more accessible, helping Filipinos achieve more in their everyday lives.”
Meet Lenovo’s Latest Innovations
Let’s get into what each of these AI-powered devices offers:
1. Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition
A dream for those on the go, this 15.3-inch laptop boasts up to 22 hours of battery life and is powered by the Intel® Core™ Ultra processor with a dedicated AI Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Its ultra-thin design and vibrant 2.8K PureSight Pro display make it ideal for creators and professionals seeking portability without sacrificing quality.
2. Yoga Pro 7
Targeted at multitaskers and creative professionals, the Yoga Pro 7 features an AMD Ryzen™ AI processor and a stunning 14.5-inch 2.8K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rates. It offers exceptional color accuracy and eye comfort, perfect for long hours of creative work.
3. IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1
This versatile 14-inch convertible laptop is designed for students and professionals alike. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU and featuring a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, it offers durability and a vivid visual experience in a flexible format. Built to military-grade durability standards, this convertible laptop is perfect for students and professionals who need a flexible, portable device.
4. IdeaPad Slim 5x
The ideal blend of mobility and power, the IdeaPad Slim 5x is designed for seamless multitasking with impressive battery life. Its slim build and high-quality display cater to those looking for a sleek yet powerful everyday laptop. With up to 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, the IdeaPad Slim 5x keeps users connected and productive wherever they are.
Redefining the Filipino Consumer Experience
Lenovo continues to commit to providing Filipinos with smarter technology solutions. By integrating AI into their devices, Lenovo enhances the productivity, creativity, and adaptability of Filipino consumers, allowing them to harness the full potential of modern technology in their daily lives.
These new AI-powered devices are now available across authorized Lenovo retailers in the Philippines. Pricing starts at PHP 67,995 for the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1, PHP 71,995 for the IdeaPad Slim 5x, PHP 100,995 for the Yoga Pro 7, and goes up to PHP 103,995 for the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition. For more information, visit Lenovo’s official website.
Embrace the future of technology with Lenovo‘s latest AI-powered devices, designed to meet the demands of the modern Filipino consumer and redefine the boundaries of productivity and creativity.
DITO Telecommunity, in partnership with Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, elevates the digital experience at Clark International Airport with a PHP 50 million investment in high-speed Wi-Fi services for the next two years. This collaboration aligns with the airport’s vision of becoming a world-class air gateway by providing passengers and stakeholders with reliable high-speed internet connectivity powered by DITO’s 5G infrastructure.
(Mr. Eric Alberto with Mr. Noel Manankil)
(L-R) DITO Executives, Ret. Maj. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Revenue Office-Enterprise; Mr. Eric Alberto, CEO of DITO Telecommunity with LIPAD Executives, Mr. Noel Manankil, President and CEO, Ms. Gina Gopez, Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Evangeline Tejada, Vice President, and Mr. Dante Basanta, Head of Operations.)
(Mr. Eric Alberto poses as Clark International Airport is now powered by DITO Telecommunity)
With the launch of DITO’s free Wi-Fi at Clark International Airport, passengers can experience secure, seamless, and optimized use of fast internet access, letting them stay connected, stream content, and work efficiently before boarding their flights. This connectivity supports the airport’s mission to provide domestic and international passengers with a globally competitive travel experience.
Eric Alberto, President and CEO of DITO Telecommunity, shared, “At DITO, we are driven by a vision of a brighter future for the Filipino people, powered by our 5G technology. We now serve millions of Filipinos and actively engage in community-building efforts, government programs, and cultural celebrations nationwide. Adding to this mission is to ensure we also provide convenient and accessible internet access to tourism gateways in the country. This partnership with Clark International Airport symbolizes our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, showcasing what we can achieve when we unite our strengths.”
(DITO working tables inside Clark International Airport where passengers can freely work and chargewhile waiting for their flights.)
To further elevate passengers’ experience, DITO deploys working tables, charging stations, and SIM vending machines at key locations inside the airport. Working tables are equipped with charging stations that allow passengers to charge their devices while relaxing or working on the go. Kiosk-type charging stations offer quick and accessible solutions for passengers needing a battery boost for their travels, while SIM card vending machines are also available for travelers to easily purchase DITO SIM cards for reliable connectivity upon arrival.
(DITO’s live speedtest at Clark Airport with speeds of nearly 150Mbps)
As the travel and tourism industry steadily recovers from the pandemic, DITO is committed to improving services for Filipinos and welcoming tourists to the country. In 2022, Clark International Airport recorded 629,000 international tourists and 140,000 domestic passengers, highlighting its role as a key regional transport hub. This year, the total passenger count is already at 948,608 for the first half and is expected to reach 2 million by year-end.
By making the internet accessible and inclusive, DITO helps welcome visitors to the Philippines, contributing to the nation’s advancement and supporting the growth of the tourism industry. This partnership also indicates DITO’s dedication to backing the country’s economic progress and recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we look ahead, DITO remains committed to bridging the digital divide and contributing meaningfully to the betterment of our nation. Our focus will always be on empowering our fellow Filipinos and ensuring that we uplift our country together. Thank you once again for joining us today as we begin this exciting new chapter. Together, let us embrace the power of connectivity and pave the way for a brighter future for all,” Alberto concluded.
DITO is still the #1 Rated Mobile Network in the Philippines based on Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data analysis from Q3-Q4 2024 and Q1-Q2 2024.
FWD Life Insurance is bringing technology and personalization together with its latest innovation, FWD FitForMe. This AI-powered tool, which is free to use, provides Filipinos with tailored insurance recommendations based on unique financial profiles. Designed to make financial security accessible and straightforward, FWD FitForMe aims to address the country’s low insurance coverage rates by empowering people with insights that meet their specific needs and goals.
The Philippines has one of the lowest insurance penetration rates in the region, at under 2% according to the Insurance Commission. This protection gap in essential coverage leaves many Filipinos exposed to additional economic risks, a challenge FWD is addressing proactively.
FWD started in the Philippines with digital in its DNA but using human insights to deliver the best customer experience and services. The latest innovation FWD FitForMe leverages AI partnered with people-centric approach. FWD FitForMe is free to use for everyone, developed to help close the protection gap by giving Filipinos access to information on how much and what kind of financial protection people of similar background have.
By completing a short questionnaire, FWD FitForMe analyzes answers against FWD’s first-party data to identify the appropriate financial profile. It then provides personalized insurance recommendations that better suit the customer’s needs, lifestyle, and what they want to achieve. Insurance plans can range from full plans to digital products that may be relevant to customers. To get a more holistic financial advice, customers may also set a consultation with a financial advisor.
Roche Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer of FWD Philippines, emphasized how innovative solutions like FWD FitForMe contribute to nation-building and address common issues faced by Filipinos with insurance. “We want to help those seeking better protection to make financial decisions easily and more accurately while keeping their data safe and secure. As the insurer of the next generation, we remain committed in changing the way people feel about insurance by providing tools and solutions that are intuitive and relevant in addressing Filipinos’ evolving needs,” said Vandenberghe.
Discover insurance plans designed for people like you and try FWD FitForMe today at fwd.com.ph.
FWD Philippines is regulated by the Philippines Insurance Commission and is legally permitted to provide insurance products and services within the country.
About FWD Philippines FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Philippines) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. Currently, FWD Philippines is number one in customer experience among insurers in the country1. In just 10 years, FWD Philippines now ranks 3rd and 4th in terms of new business annual premium equivalent2 and premium income3, respectively.
FWD Philippines is part of FWD Group, a pan-Asian life insurance business with more than 13 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world. FWD Group was established in 2013 and is focused on changing the way people feel about insurance. FWD’s customer-led and digitally enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products, and a simpler insurance experience.
FWD Philippines is regulated by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines and is legally permitted to provide insurance products and services within the country.
For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph. 1 Based on KPMG’s Global Customer Experience Excellence Report 2023 2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Data > Statistics > Life Insurance Companies > 2023 > Based on New Business Annual Premium Equivalent 3 www.insurance.gov.ph > Data > Statistics > Life Insurance Companies > 2023 > Based on Premium Income
GCash has been transforming how Filipinos manage their finances for 20 years. But there’s more to this financial super app than meets the eye. Here are 20 things you might not know about GCash:
1. GCash Began as a Simple SMS Service When GCash launched in 2004, it was an SMS-based service that allowed users to send money via text.
2. GCash is Used by 94 Million People As of 2023, GCash has over 94 million users, covering a large portion of the adult population in the Philippines, even outside of Metro Manila.
3. GCash’s Reach is Expanding While GCash is primarily available in the Philippines, the app is working to expand its services expanding its reach to 16 international markets. OFWs and Filipinos abroad benefit from cross-border payment solutions.
4. GCash is Helping Drive Financial Literacy Through its in-app resources and partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits, GCash provides financial education programs. This helps Filipinos manage their money, protect their digital accounts, and make informed financial decisions.
5. GCash is More Than Just an ewallet, it’s a Financial Super App GCash goes beyond sending money. It allows users to pay bills, invest, save, buy insurance, and even trade crypto, all in one app.
6. GCash is a Pioneer in Financial Inclusion GCash has brought digital financial services to millions of underserved and unserved Filipinos, helping them conveniently access relevant and secure financial tools.
7. GCash Pioneered QR Payments in the Philippines In 2017, GCash became the first to launch QR payments in the Philippines, revolutionizing cashless transactions. The feature allows users to make secure payments by scanning a QR code, now widely accepted across businesses.
8. You Can Now Insure Your Money Transfers GCash Send Money Protect (Scam Insurance) insures Express Send money transfers up to PHP 15,000 against fraud. For just PHP 30 a month, you can send money with peace of mind and get protection from social engineering and account takeover scams.
9. GCash Supports Over 200 Local and International Billers GCash’s Pay Bills feature allows users to settle payments with hundreds of billers, from utilities to government services, from the comforts of your home.
10. GCash Enables 6M Merchants and Social Sellers GCash powers payments for over 6 million merchants and social sellers, offering fast, secure, and contactless transactions. By simplifying payments, GCash helps businesses grow and manage their operations with ease.
11. GCash Offers Loans Without the Hassle With GCredit, GLoan and GGives, users can access credit and loans without needing a traditional bank account, offering fast, convenient and fair financial solutions.
12. GCash Helps You Build Wealth with GFunds Through GFunds (formerly GInvest), users can invest in professionally managed funds with as little as PHP 50, making investing accessible to all.
13. You Can Get Crypto with GCash GCash users can buy and sell Bitcoin and other digital currencies via GCrypto, making it easy to dip into cryptocurrency investments.
14. GCash Makes Travel Easier with GSave and Tax Refunds Travelers can get tax refunds on purchases made abroad, particularly in Europe, helping them save while shopping internationally.
15. GCash Jr. Empowers Teens with Financial Independence GCash Jr. gives teens aged 12 to 17 their own e-wallet, allowing them to manage money, make purchases, and pay bills. With exclusive offers and rewards, it helps teens develop smart saving habits early.
16. GCash Innovates with Borrow Load GCash’s Borrow Load feature ensures users never run out of mobile load, allowing them to borrow load credits and stay connected.
17. GCash Launched GSave to Promote Saving Habits With GSave, users can open a savings account with no minimum balance, making it easier for Filipinos to build savings without the hassle of traditional banking.
18. GCash is Pushing Sustainability Efforts Through GForest, users can plant virtual trees with every transaction, which GCash and its partners turn into real trees in our collective pursuit of climate action and socio-economic impact efforts.
19. GCash is Always Innovating with New Features From Send Money Protect to GJobs, GCash is constantly introducing new features that enhance user experience with soon to be launched innovations like Tap to Pay for public transport, and first of its kind in the country, Watch Pay for smartwatch payments.
20. GCash Supports Local Entrepreneurs GCash plays a crucial role in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing easy access to digital payments. This helps businesses transition to cashless operations, grow their businesses, and serve their customers.
What’s Next?
GCash has redefined financial management for millions of Filipinos, but its journey is far from over. Expect even more innovative features and expansions as GCash continues to push the boundaries of financial technology.
Stay tuned for more announcements as the #GCash20 celebration continues by following @gcashofficial on Facebook and Instagram.
After their first foray into the AI PC territory just a few months back, ASUS already rolls out an exciting follow-up, this time from their prestigious Zenbook lineup.
The ASUSZenbook S14 (UX5406) is the newest ultra lightweight laptop that the brand has to offer. Staying true to the Zenbook S tradition, this device is another slim and stunning powerhouse of a laptop— a harmony of design and performance.
Yet this machine also transcends tradition with superior AI features joining the exciting power-ups in its form and internals.
We recently got our hands on the Zenbook S 14and we’re excited to share with you our experience. Here are our thoughts on this new Copilot+ PC from ASUS.
Out of The Box
Pulling the mint Zenbook S 14 out of the box, it’s unmistakable that ASUS went extra-premium with this gorgeous laptop.
For starters, this 14-inch Zenbook impressed me right away with its compact size and lightweight body.
It’s just 1.2 kg in weight and 1.1 cm thin so in true Zenbook fashion, it already aces the portability department. And yet the laptop feels sturdy enough and still boasts of military-grade durability.
As for its style, I really like its balance of simplicity and character. The Zumaia Gray color looks great and is complemented by Zenbook’s stylish kintsugi-inspired lines.
But what really makes the design feel even more special is the use of ASUS’ Ceraluminum material. Described as a special aluminum material with ceramic’s rich texture and lightweight nature, it gives the laptop a smudge-free, paper-like feel which I’ve become an instant fan of.
It also comes with the compact 65w USB-C charger and a light gray soft case, ready for on-the-go use fresh from its box.
So if we’re talking style and portability, the Zenbook S 14 easily shines as one of the best-looking lightweight laptops out there.
Stunning Display & Immersive Sound
Opening this slim notebook, the Zenbook S 14 also packs a punch with its 3K ASUS Lumina OLED touch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate.
The ASUS Lumina OLED display’s peak features already make it a stunner, providing crisp details, vivid colors, and deep blacks.
Add the 120Hz refresh rate and the Zenbook S 14 gave me a super smooth and snappy viewing experience.
It’s an immersive Dolby Vision display with 16:10 aspect ratio, 87% screen-to-body ratio, and up to 400 nits SDR and 500 nits HDR peak brightness. It has 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA-certified DisplayHDR 500 True Black, and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
The display looks perfect in indoor settings even under bright lighting. Outdoors, the glossy screen didn’t have much glare when under enough shade, but I did have to push the brightness level up for the best experience.
As a touch display, it is also very responsive and offers stylus support. It isn’t a hybrid laptop though so a stylus would mostly just be handy for quick and precise gestures or in signing documents.
Even with just your finger, the touch screen is still very convenient and can boost your productivity especially if multitasking.
To complement this top-notch display, the Zenbook S 14 is also equipped with four Harman-Kardon certified Dolby Atmos speakers.
The volume and quality of this quad speaker setup is really good for a laptop this compact. In a quiet home office, it’s already clear and loud at 30% volume. Maxing it out and the sound travels far across the room without losing much crispness.
Overall, watching videos, playing casual games, creating content, and simply working with this device is a delight thanks to its impressive display and speakers.
Larger Touchpad, Comfortable Keyboard
The other half of this ultraportable offers a backlit keyboard paired with a large touchpad.
Typing feels comfortable with its 1.1mm key travel while the clicking is very muffled, even when I’m typing away in a flow state. You wouldn’t be bothering anyone when working in a cafe or co-working space.
Keyboard backlight has three levels of brightness in a cool white color, which makes working in darker environments much easier.
You’ll also see the dedicated Copilot Key next to the left arrow key. This will instantly pull up the Copilot AI chatbot for easy AI access.
Onto the touchpad, it offers a sizable room of 5×3” for your fingers to move around.
This works great with the laptop’s gesture controls. Simply swiping on its sides can control volume, brightness, and video playback. It’s a nice touch for added convenience.
Ports & Connectivity
As laptops get slimmer and lighter, the ports are often compromised, but not with the Zenbook S 14.
On the left side are two Thunderbolt 4 ports with display and power support, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the right is a USB Type-A port with up to 10GBPS speed. Along with these ports, the Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 complete the laptop’s connectivity specs.
With the Zenbook S 14, you’ll have no problem with compatibility and speed on both wired peripherals and wireless connections.
Superior Power & Performance
Another thing to love about the Zenbook S 14 is the internal power-up tailored to maximize its AI capabilities and overall performance.
It’s equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258V, 32 GB LPDDR5x RAM, and 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. With up to 47 TOPS NPU performance, generative AI computing is efficient and lightning fast.
With this chipset, you don’t have to worry about app compatibility issues that often limit ARM-based devices. Casual gaming is also an excellent experience, thanks to the laptop’s Intel Arc Graphics.
To test its power, I played games like Valorant, Hades, Little Nightmares, and Honkai Star Rail. Under Performance Mode, they all ran smoothly even when set to their max quality.
That’s already impressive for a laptop this size. As you can imagine, lighter tasks such as browsing and using productivity tools are a breeze with this machine. Not to mention, the AI capabilities, smart gestures, and touch display can really accelerate your working process.
For cooling, it has dual fans with an ultra-slim vapor chamber and geometric thermal grills between the hinge and the keyboard.
Working for long hours with this device didn’t give me any significant heat-up nor did I get fan noise. Just don’t play heavy games for extended periods of time and the laptop temperature remains generally cool.
The 72Wh battery life also supports long working hours. Doing simple productivity tasks like surfing the internet and typing on Docs, the battery went down by 7% to 8% per hour. The same decrease happened when I was streaming videos (Balanced Mode, 70% brightness, 80% sound).
Meanwhile, playing fast-paced and graphics-heavy games in Performance Mode slashed the battery life by 17% to 18% every 30 minutes.
If you need to save more power when using this laptop, you can also switch to Best Power Efficiency Mode.
Charging it up, the 65w USB-C charger juiced up the laptop by about 43% after 30 minutes, completing the full charge in about 2 hours when not in use. When I was using the device, it was already able to charge about 30% on the 30-minute mark.
The Zenbook S 14 isn’t just any ultra-slim charmer, it also matches form with power and performance. Do your daily tasks and play casual games smoothly while enjoying the benefits of its AI features.
The AI Experience
With Intel’s upgraded chipset and 47 TOPS NPU, the Zenbook S 14 has plenty of power for generative AI tasks. As a Copilot+ PC packed with the bells and whistles of a flagship laptop, it didn’t disappoint.
Opening the built-in AI chatbot with the dedicated Copilot button is quick and convenient. Its responses are snappy, direct to the point, up to date, and in my experience were factually correct.
It also cites sources in its claims. I asked it to list links to articles I can read and videos I can watch, and it delivered without issues. It also works in other languages, Filipino included.
As you can expect, there are limits as to how absurd or NSFW your queries can be so the technology will not be abused.
AI image generation is also fast and efficient, whether it’s a realistic image or in a specific style. I also uploaded my own image, and the AI was able to recognize and explain what was depicted in the photo.
Expect further improvements to this service as Microsoft rolls out updates for Copilot+ starting late November this year.
There are also other built-in AI-powered tools that will make your professional and casual use of this device even more convenient.
The Live Captions feature shows real-time captions on your screen, making calls easier to keep up with and note-taking a breeze. This is also complemented by the laptop’s AI Noise Canceling capability for those dealing with disruptive environments.
The Windows Studio Effects, which can be accessed in the Quick Settings of your Taskbar, also prepares you for video calls anytime. It can blur your background and improve your lighting straight from your laptop, and the changes will automatically apply across different platforms such as Zoom, Teams, and Skype.
If you deal with a lot of photos and videos on your laptop, the ASUS StoryCube app offers a more seamless way to organize these files.
It’s a hub that compiles the files from your cloud and devices, helping you manage them with the help of AI recognition. To ensure that your files remain private, StoryCube’s privacy policy states that your photos and videos will stay on your laptop and will not be uploaded to ASUS or any servers.
Another nifty feature I like is how the Zenbook S 14 detects my presence. Whenever I leave the laptop, it goes into Sleep Mode and then wakes up when I get back, even before I touch the device. The FHD Camera’s IR Function will then let me in with its Windows Hello Support.
So, for the sophisticated users wanting to harness the power of AI in a laptop, the Zenbook S 14 delivers what you’re looking for and more.
Our Verdict: The Muse of Today’s AI PCs
The ASUS Zenbook S 14 brings together all the things one could want in a modern laptop: a luxurious look, peak portability, outstanding OLED display, and Intel’s latest chip supercharging its AI capabilities.
Some may find the price steep but for the creatives and professionals who seek the best that money can get in both design and performance, I can see why this ultraportable laptop is a worthy investment and the superior choice.
You can now get the ASUS Zenbook S 14 for P109,995 bundled with a lifetime Office Home 2024, 1-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription, and 1-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
Your purchase also provides peace of mind with the free ASUS 4A Quality and Service Package, which includes a 2-year international warranty.
If you’re ready for the ASUS Zenbook S 14 experience, you can get your hands on one today through these stores.
Quick Specs
Display
3K ASUS Lumina OLED touch display
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258V
Graphics
Intel Arc Graphics
Neural Processor
Intel AI Boost NPU
Memory
32GB LPDDR5X
Storage
1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Battery
72WHrs, 2S2P, 4-cell Li-ion
Dimensions
31.03 x 21.47 x 1.19 ~ 1.29 cm
Weight
1.2 kg
Ports
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (up to 10 Gbps data speed) 2x Thunderbolt 4 with display and power support (up to 40 Gbps data speed) 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
Material
All-metal chassis with ASUS’ Ceraluminum material
Bundle
Laptop sleeve Office Home 2024 (lifetime) 1-year Microsoft 365 Basic 1-month Adobe CC ASUS 4A Quality and Service Package (2-year international warranty)