Gadgets PhilippGadgets Philippines - July 2016ines - July 2016 PDF

27 27
JULY 2016
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
20
APRIL 2016
14
APRIL 2016
APRIL 2016
APRIL 2016
Maribelle M. alba
editOr-in-CHief
The quintessential gadgets girl who loves

all things Mac, red, and blingy. In a parallel
universe, she organizes motorsports events and
professional conferences.
@bellealba
PresY alba
ren alCantara
Websites, anything and everything Apple, power

tools, and unusual gadgets excite her. She also loves
to travel, go on food trips, and try out
all the new things.
@presy1121
Ren likes puppies, long walks in the park, and

zombies. His idea of a perfect day would be a long
walk in the park, with a puppy, during
a zombie apocalypse.
@hisnameisren
Mia Carisse barrientOs
benediCt asal
A bibliophile who reads fiction, dystopian, chick-lit,

to just plainly weird novels in paperback or eBooks.
Fascinated with gadgets and speaks fangirl lexicon
and gibberish.
He likes going out with friends, meeting new ones,

playing Marvel and Tekken games at the arcade,
listening to music, and playing on his keyboard
and guitar.
@miaissocoollike
@benedict_asal
editOr-at-large
seniOr editOrial staff
This month, we take a look at all the smart technologies that make
living in 2016 awesome. Decades upon decades of innovation
have brought us to the point where practically everything we
own is digital, connected, and smart, and analog hardware is seen
with longing nostalgia. We have true digital natives in our midst,
children who have never known a world without the internet, or
mobile phones. Its amazing just how far weve gone in such a
short amount of time, with no signs of slowing down. This month
in Gadgets, we take a look at the different smart technologies
that make our life just a little bit easierfrom phones, to cars, and
technology we cant even really see. The future is here, everyone,
and its awesome.
PHOtOgraPHY bY Carlo Dans Isidoro
art direCtiOn bY Benedict Asal
Hair & MaKe uP bY Patricia Aquino
stYling bY Jonah Mendoza

MOdel Maria Eduarda Boos of Ideal People
Management
President & CeO

sales Manager
aCCOunt exeCutive
Maribelle Alba
Marisa Consuelo
Carol Agabin
aCCOunting Manager
aCCOunting staff
Maritess Pascua-Maulion
Lorie Bernardo
Hr & adMin Manager

adMinistratiOn staff
Amy Christine Giray

Ramil Almojano
Clifford Dela Paz
Pr & MarKeting staff
Jonah Mendoza
legal COunsel
Alba Law Office
GADGETS Magazine is published monthly by

Great Minds Media Incorporated.
Address all correspondence to
Unit 801-802, The One Executive Office Bldg.,
#5 West Avenue., 1104 Quezon City.
Our telephone number is: 288-8588
Our website is: www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
All unsolicited manuscripts, illustrations
and photos submitted must be
accompanied by a stamped self-addressed
envelope if they are to be returned. All
rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or
in part without written permission from the
publisher is prohibited. Every care is taken
to ensure that the content of Gadgets
is fully accurate; however, the publisher
and printer assume no responsibility for
the effects arising therefrom. Gadgets
Magazine is a registered trademark of
Great Minds Media Incorporated.
4
JULY 2016
Managing editOr
art direCtOr
eM luz
CHris nOel HidalgO

seniOr editOrial staff
graPHiC artist
A gamer and net lurker through and through. Hell

tell you hes sleeping already when hes actually
up until sunrise, abusing the WASD keys on his
keyboard.
@cnnhidalgo
raaaaaahhgh aarrragghuuhw huuguughghg

uughguughhhghghghhhgh
@emnluz
JOnaH MendOza
tHeresa elOriaga
Happy 22nd birthday to me! Also to my mom,

Jocilyn Mendoza and happy 3rd month,
baby Athena.
An introvert with a happy soul who loves food and

cats more than life.
COntributOr
@jonahmendoza
JOse alvarez
COntributOr
Youll never find Jose without a controller in his

handin fact, the WASD keys on his keyboard have
been worn out over the years. Aside from games,
he also religiously follows several sports, especially
soccer, and always has a joke ready to lighten any
mood and put a smile on someones face.
@awperative
graPHiC artist
@theresaeloriaga
Juan Miguel afable

intern graPHiC artist
Imma ninja.
10
APRIL 2016
CONTENTS
JulY
2016
VOlumE 16 nO. 11
PARADE
Brand spanking new gadgets

coming through!
COVER STORY
Its hard to imagine life without technology.
mObiliTY
Roll with the best wheels in the country.
CAmAYAn bEACH RESORT
Sand, sea, and good company. What more

could you ask for?
JULY 2016
10
29
42
64
23
36
GADGETSlAb
Step right up and see which gadgets take

the stage this month!
CiTY SliCKERS
Getting around the city has never been

this fun!
62
HYbRiD EnGinES SimPlifiED
65
9 THinGS THE APPlE PEnCil

CAn AnD CAnT DO
Dummies guide to hybrid car engines.
Pencil not chew-friendly.
APRIL 2016
weIrdly INTereSTING APPS

Weird is awesome in our book!
GAMING
Try surviving these games!
AcTIVe lIFeSTyle
Theres no reason not to get moving with

these new technologies.
TechNoloGy + Food
Automated sushi place alert!
NewS
When it comes to the ins and outs of

tech, weve got you covered.
JULY 2016
66
70
76
80
86
68
360 PhoToS ANd VIdeoS
74
GuN 101: The eVoluTIoN oF

The FIreArM
78
dySoN Pure cool lINK
82
Content immersion on a whole new

level.
From big and unwieldly to handy and precise.
Breathe in, breathe out.
eNTerPrISe
Heres your monthly peek into the

corporate world.
APRIL 2016
PARADE
Midea iAdd
Washing Machine
Washing clothes is one of the biggest chores
we all have to contend with. Its tedious, hard,
and time-consuming. Midea wants to change
all that with the iAdd. Laundry presets ensure
up to 10.5 kg clothes are clean without the
need for constant attention. With automatic,
intelligent measuring that makes sure you
have the optimal amount of soap and fabric
softener for the load youre running, a super
quiet motor for painless laundry, and a tough
exterior that can withstand daily use, the
iAdd is the perfect companion to the busy
homemaker. At just over PHP 20 per load,
including the consumables, power, and water,
this is a home companion youre going to want
to have around.
ZTE MF920W
Mobile Hotspot
With the ZTE MF920W youll never miss out on anything.
Stay connected wherever your feet take you with a
4G LTE Wi-Fi mobile hotspot that lets you utilize your
connection to its maximum capacity. The MF920W has
download and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps (CAT3)
and 50 Mbps, respectively. It can connect up to 10 Wi-Fi
enabled devices, and supports LTE/ HSPA+/HSUPA/
HSDPA/UMTS, and EDGE/GPRS/GSM connections. Create
a secure wireless network with this device that features
a 1.44-inch TFT colored screen and an expandable
memory of up to 32 GB via microSD. It comes in a
compact 104 x 65 x 14.6 mm body, and is powered by a
Lithium-ion 2000 mAh battery that promises up to eight
hours of surf time and 450 hours for standby. The device
also comes with a USB to AC charger and a two-feet long
USB cable. Need to plug it to a computer? This mobile
hotspot supports Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7,
Windows XP, Vista, Linux, and Mac OS, so you can access
files or juice up on the fly.
PHP 3,490
10
july 2016
CD-R King Wireless Charging Pad

Charging Pad
These days, charging your devices is about as necessary as breathing. Wires, however, can be a literal and figurative drag. Break free of the tethers of charging
cables with CD-R Kings wireless charging pad. Compatible with Qi wireless charging devices, this small, unobtrusive charger can sit quietly at your desk. Once
you are ready for a top-up, just place your Qi-enabled device on the center of the pad, and go about your work, as your mobile phone starts filling up without
the wires. Its a good time to be alive.
HP PageWide XL 8000
Large Format Printer
Part of HPs large format printer series, the PageWide XL 8000 combines the functions of two printers in one cost-efficient device. It is capable of producing
monochrome and color prints at a breakthrough speed 60 percent faster than printers in its class, making it one of the fastest large format monochrome and color
printers in the market today. With such printing speeds, it can significantly reduce job preparation and finishing costs up to 50 percent. It also uses pigmentation
technology for its prints, making printed output smudge-resistant in the event it gets spilled on. This printer is ideal for high-end production printing at speeds of
up to 30 D/A1-size prints per minute as well as two 775 milliliter ink cartridges per color. It is capable of automatic switching of up to six rolls of media providing
the user more than 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) of media for sustained productivity.
july 2016
11
Gamdias Hermes 7 Color

Mechanical Keyboard
Unleash your full potential with this gaming keyboard from Gamdias. The Hermes 7 Color mechanical gaming keyboard has elements that provide exceptional
precision and comfort for the most intense gaming sessions. This mechanical keyboard is crafted with hardcore gamers in mind. Its ergonomic form factor provides
durability and customization options to suit each users preference. The Hermes 7 Colors Neon Light Spectrum features seven adjustable backlights and nine built-in
preset light effects with five customizable patterns. Its metal plates add to its durability. Meanwhile, anti-slip rubber feet ensure it stays in place during the heat of
the action. The Gamdias certified mechanical keys feature a 50-million actuation life cycle, giving the Hermes longevity. Its TTC Blue Switches give the keys a lighter
overall feel for better feedback when typing. With up to eleven speed adjustment levels, five custom pattern shortcut keys, exchangeable WASD/Arrow keys, and a
consecutive Attack Mode, gamers are given enough tweaking options for every gaming situation.
PHP 5,190
Gamdias Eros Elite

Gaming Headset
Comfort is essential for an unprecedented gaming

experience. With the featherweight Gamdias Eros Elite
stereo gaming headset over your ears, you are set for
some serious alien ass-kicking. Its outstanding audio
quality is thanks to 50 mm professional gaming-level
NdFeB magnet driver units that provide vivid treble,
clear and smooth alto, deep rich bass, and surround
sound for more immersive gameplays. For no-sweat
sessions, this audio gear comes built with Gamdias
cooling structure that gives ultimate ear comfort
for extended hours of play no matter the weather.
Additionally, gamers will take joy in this headsets
flexible unidirectional microphone, in-line controller,
gold-plated 3.5mm connectors, and PS4 and Windows
10 compatibility.
PHP 3,290
12
july 2016
Starmobile Play Click

Smartphone
The Starmobile Play Click is a 4.5-inch Android

smartphone designed with features to appeal to
the young and young at heart. Its generous display
promises an immersive entertainment experience, while
its 5 MP rear and 2 MP front shooters let you capture
fun moments as they happen. This budget-friendly,
yet well-built smartphone is perfect for students
and professionals who are always on-the-go with its
expandable storage that can hold up to 32 GB worth
of files and other content. The Play Click is available in
champagne, dark gray, and silver.
PHP 2,690
AMD Radeon RX 480

Graphics Card
Behold the AMD Radeon RX 480a value

for money GPU that promises to handle
gaming and VR applications with ease. It
runs on the latest Polaris architecture and
new 14 nm FinFET manufacturing process
that allows it to be more powerful than
current midrange cards while sipping a
mere 150 W of power through its 6-pin
connector. It will arrive with 36 compute
units; 256 GB/s of memory bandwidth;
4/8 GB GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus;
DisplayPort 1.3/1.4 for VR headsets; and
support for AMD FreeSync technology.
Save upit wouldnt cost an arm and a leg.
july 2016
13
Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe

Smartphone
Meet Asus newest flagship, the Zenfone 3

Deluxea monster of a phone sporting the
latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor
clocked at 2.15 GHz; up to 6 GB of RAM; a base
64 GB of internal memory; and huge 5.7-inch
Full HD Super AMOLED display. Its snappers also
get a huge boost in the form of a 23 MP primary
camera with Laser, PDAF, OIS, and dual tone
flash; and an 8 MP selfie camera. Add to that
a Quick Charge 3000 mAh battery, fingerprint
reader, and an all-metal build and you have a
phone thats definitely hard to resist.
Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra

Smartphone
If youre looking for something a lot bigger than

the Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe, theres the Zenfone 3
Ultra. Coming in with a massive 6.8-inch Full HD
IPS display, an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon
652 processor humming at 1.8 GHz, 4 GB of RAM,
64 GB of expandable storage, and a 4600 mAh
Quick Charge capable battery, its a solid device
to consume multimedia on, whether that means
watching movies for hours on end or playing
graphics-intensive games. Its slim and light for
its size, coming in at a mere 6.8 mm thick and
233 g heavy, which should make two-handed
use easier and less straining.
14
july 2016
Asus RT-AC5300
Router
Is it a crab? Is it a fortress? Nope, its the

mean-looking Asus RT-AC5300 router! If it
wasnt clear enough that this device means
business, then read this: it sports the
802.11ac Wi-Fi interface with a combined
Broadcom NitroQAM tri-band data rate
of 5334 Mbps for low latency gaming,
silky smooth multimedia streaming, and
blazing fast file transfers over the two 5
GHz and lone 2.4 GHz spectrums. It also
boasts a 4x4 MIMO antenna design with
AiRadar universal beamforming for stable
multi-device connections in a 500 m2 area,
as well as Trend Micro AiProtection for
unparalleled network security.
Asus Republic of Gamers GT51

Gaming Desktop
Make no mistake about it; the Asus ROG GT51 is

a beast. It boasts an Intel Core i7-6700k processor
clocked at 4.2 GHz, up to two Nvidia GeForce GTX
1080s in SLI, up to 64 GB of DDR4 memory, up to
3 TB of platter and up to 512 GB of RAID 0 solid
state storage, plus up to a 700 W 80+ PSU. Gaming
temperatures are tamed by a liquid cooler on the CPU
and a turbine air intake for the GPU(s). Its ready and
raring to pawn some noobs.
PHP 229,995 (base model)
july 2016
15
Philips 279X6QJSW
Monitor
The Philips 279X6QJSW will put you in the center

of whatever youre doing thanks to its subtle and
immersive curved design. It sports a 27-inch MVA
LED panel that provides superb contrast ratios and
crisp colors in a 178-degree angle across its 16:9 Full
HD 1920 x 1080 resolution. It also boasts Flicker-free
technology to lessen eye fatigue, SmartImage presets
for optimized image quality based on what youre
doing, as well as AMD FreeSync technology for tearand artifact-free gaming. For the ins and outs, the
Philips 279X6QJSW has VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort
interfaces, and is also MHL-ready so you can stream
content directly from your mobile devices.
Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition

Processors
The Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processors are

made for those who like the punishing workload of
CPU-intensive tasks. Available in 6/12, 8/16, and 10/20
core/thread options, they boast the latest Intel Turbo
Boost Max Technology 3.0 that further improves
single core performance by up to 15 percent, on top
of Turbo Boost Technology 2.0s already significant
performance increase. Moreover, it supports up to 40
PCIe lanes, up to four discrete graphics cards, and up
to four channel DDR4 memory at 2400 MHz. These
chips are also unlocked so enthusiasts can fine tune
clock speeds to their liking.
16
july 2016
Toshiba Q300
Solid State Drive

Give your computer some much needed boost by switching over to an SSD like this one. Built for speed, the Toshiba Q300 is a 2.5-inch NAND flash drive with promised
rates of up to 550 MB/s and up to 450 MB/s in read and write scenarios, respectively, and a maximum transfer rate of up to 6.0 Gbit/s. Available in 120, 240, 480, and
960 GB variants, the Q300 also comes with Zeroing Trim Support, Native Command Queuing, and a three-year manufacturer warranty so youll be assured of a speedy
storage device that will keep chugging day in and day out.
july 2016
17
D-Link DWA-192 AC1900

Wi-Fi USB Adapter
Whats a fast internet connection if your devices

receiver is a huge bottleneck? Useless, thats what.
But dont worrythe D-Link DWA-192 AC1900
Wi-Fi USB Adapter is here to save the day. This
spherical Wi-Fi receiver supports both 2.4 and
5 GHz bands of the 802.11ac/n/g/a standard,
allowing for talk speeds of up to 600 Mbps on the
former and 1,300 Mbps on the latter. It also boasts
of the AC SmartBeam technology which directs
signals towards the router for better connection
quality, as well as high powered amplifiers so Wi-Fi
frequencies can cut through walls with ease.
PHP 3,600
Huawei P9
Smartphone
Pics or it didnt happen. In a world where such a saying
exists, its good to have a smartphone thats capable of
capturing moments perfectly as they happen. Upping the
ante for smartphone cameras is Huaweis newest flagship,
the P9. Co-engineered with Leica, the P9 sets a new
standard in smartphone photography with its best-inclass dual-lens and software that allows people to capture
vivid colors and striking black and white images with
unmatched clarity, richness, and authenticity. The two rear
cameras of the P9 work in tandem to enable users to create
images of superior detail, depth, and color. Complementing
its shooters is a state-of the-art industrial design that is
made of superior-grade 2.5D glass and an aerospaceclass aluminum, with diamond-cut edges rounded out
by carefully balanced curvatures. The P9 is also equipped
with a 5.2-inch 1080p display, Kirin 955 2.5 GHz 64-bit
ARM-based processor, 3000 mAh high-density battery, and
biometric fingerprint recognition technology. All these
and more are available in one masterfully designed and
powerful smartphone that looks and feels incredible.
PHP 23,990
18
july 2016
Sharp ES-U105HP-SL
Washing Machine
Nothing like starting your day with some fresh bloomers on. Ensure yours is spick and span with the Sharp ES-U105HP-SL. This washing machine boasts features
that not only save on water, electricity, and washing time, but also ensure that your clothes are thoroughly cleaned with minimal fabric damage. Its top is almost
all lidwide enough to accommodate even curtains and comforterswith the traditional controls redesigned into a space-saving circular panel on the bottom
right. It also boasts a new Anti-Bacterial Screw Pulsator, Spring Water Flow technology, and a holeless tub to take the chore out of washing clothes.
Motorola Moto Z
Smartphone
The Motorola Moto Z is the brands most

premium device to date, packing major heat
in its aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless
steel body thats gorgeous, modular, and
water-repellent. It is equipped with a quadcore Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor
clocked at 2.2 GHz; 4 GB of RAM, 32 or 64 GB
of expandable storage; and a 2600 mAh Li-Po
TurboCharge-capable battery. Its shooters are
13 and 5 MP at the back and front, respectively.
Its display is a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED
protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The
upcoming Moto Mods will also allow the
phone to transform into a projector, boom
box, or give it extra battery life, among other
upcoming functions.
july 2016
19
LG Stylus 2 Plus
Smartphone
The LG Stylus 2 Plus is a 5.7-inch Android

Marshmallow phablet with innards that will
make smartphone writing a cinch. It struts
a 1920 x 1080 Full HD display, an octa-core
Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor
clocked at 1.4 GHz, 2/3 GB RAM and 16/32 GB
expandable internal storage options, and a
3000 mAh battery pack. It also struts 13/16
MP and 5/8 MP shooters at the back and front,
respectively. The stylus has a special nano
coating and is not rubber tipped to make the
whole writing experience more akin to pen on
paper than stick on screen.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Ultrabook
Trying to make something happen for your business?

Dont be bogged down by a bulky laptop. Instead, go
anywhere with ease with the lightweight and classy
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook. Its 16.5 mm
thin and 1.18 kg light body sports a crisp 14-inch IPS
display in either WQHD or FHD resolutions, up to
an Intel Core i7 vPro processor, up to 16 GB of DDR3
memory, up to 1 TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, a
52 Whr battery for 11 hours of uptime, and a 720p
webcamall more than enough to get you through a
days worth of meetings and out-of-office work.
20
july 2016
Sony Xperia X
Smartphone
Sony proves that theyve still got it with their

best smartphone yet, the Sony Xperia X. This
powerhouse of a device has a large 5-inch,
triluminos LCD display behind tough, scratchresistant glass, a 1.8 GHz dual-core processor
and a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, paired with
3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. Being an
Xperia, Sony hasnt skimped on the camera
functions. From a massive 23 MP main camera
with tracking auto-focus, superb low-light
performance, and extremely fast launching,
itll make sure you never miss a shot. Combine
these with their battery-saving functions,
5.5 hours of use on a 10-minute charge, and
premium design, and you have a smartphone
that was more than worth the wait.
PHP 29,990
Sony Xperia XA
Smartphone
The Sony Xperia XA has the distinction

of being the worlds narrowest five-inch
smartphone. With a beautiful edge-to-edge
display, this super-midrange smartphone
gives you a 13 MP main camera with hybrid
autofocus, and near-instant launching from
sleep. The 8 MP front camera, on the other
hand, gives amazing low-light performance,
and lets you take selfies anywhere, any time,
and with its wide-angle lens, it makes sure
everyone gets in the shot. The Xperia has
two days worth of battery in the tank, and
with Qnovo Adaptive charging, it means you
get a battery with twice the lifespan of the
competition, as well as 5.5 hours of use on a
single ten-minute charge with the optional
quick charger.
PHP 13,990
july 2016
21
Asus ROG Strix X99

Motherboard
How do you make high-end computer

hardware even more irresistible? Add RGB
lighting, of course! At least, thats what
happened with the Asus ROG Strix X99.
This VR-ready, Intel LGA 2011-v3 socketed
motherboard was made even more
captivating with Aura RGB illumination
and decals sprucing up its gaming-centric
features such as Intel Gigabit Ethernet,
LANGuard, and GameFirst networking
technologies; durable Gamers Guardian
build with ESD protection; SupremeFX and
Sonic Radar II audio technologies; FanXpert4
utility; and optimized OC socket with easy
to use UEFI interface. It might just make you
take off your rigs side panelpermanently.
Plantronics RIG 500E

Gaming Headset
Prepare to own the competition with the

Plantronics RIG 500E. It features 40 mm drivers
matched with low frequency resonators to
deliver 24-bit high quality audio, ensuring
you hear even the rustling of the leaves in
a heated battlefield. The sound system is
housed in either vented or sound isolation
earcup sets, and is accompanied by a
removable, noise-cancelling boom mic for
clear-cut communication with your allies.
The whole device is also customizable, from
the headband, earcups, to even the USB and
analog cables, giving you the flexibility you
need for your virtual conquests.
PHP 6,995
22
july 2016
GADGETSLAB
Sapphire
Radeon
R9 Nano
Reviewed by Chris Noel Hidalgo
Im very fond of mini-ITX builds.Theres

just a certain allure to having a beastly
gaming rig occupying a mere one
square foot of desk space. However,
small form factor gaming graphics
cards are few and far between, and
most of the time, high-end cards
arrive with big, bulky bodies that
wreck your enclosures airflow, cable
management, and thermals. Enter the
AMD Radeon R9 Nano: a six-inch card
that packs quite a wallop. We review
Sapphires take on it below.
DESIGN
The Sapphire Radeon R9 Nanos design is very
vanilla. Dont get me wrong; the card looks really
good even though it doesnt have the wow
factor of its competitors. Its simple aesthetic is

characterized by the matte black shroud with
the red Radeon typefacethe same as the ones
found on the R9 Fury and Fury X. Its front is also
occupied by the 90 mm fan with the Sapphire
marque in the center.
The shroud wraps around the cards top and
bottom edges, with diagonal cutouts to
facilitate heat dispersion. The top also houses
the redundant BIOS switch (does not affect
performance), while the bottom is home to the
gold PCIe fingers. Moving to the back, youll be
greeted by the bare black PCB and the heat sink
mounting bracket.
SPECIfICAtIoNS:
Stream Processors: 4096
Texture Units: 256
Compute Units: 64
ROPs: 64
Core Speed: 1000 MHz
VRAM: 4 GB HBM
Memory Speed: 1000 MHz
Memory Bus: 4096-bit
Memory Bandwidth: 512 GB/s
Power Requirement: 175 W; 8-pin PCIe power required
Output: 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
Cooling: 90 mm single fan
Others: CrossFire, PowerTune, ZeroCore Power,
FreeSync, Eyefinity, HD3D, Liquid VR, Virtual
Super Resolution, TrueAudio, Universal Video
Decoder, and DirectX 12 ready
Dimensions: Dual slot, 158 x 111 x 37 mm (L x W x D)
Whats Hot:
- Mini-ITX graphics card done right
- Decent temperature when under load
Whats Not:
- No LED lighting
- Price-to-performance ratio is steep
Youll see the horizontal cooling fins that cover the

cards entire length on the right edge, along with
the 8-pin power connector. Lastly, the left side
features the exhaust grille and the display outputs.
HARDWARE
At the Radeon R9 Nanos heart is the Fiji GPU
which, at the time of its unveiling, beat out the
previous generation Hawaii architecture not only
in raw power, but also in performance per watt.
Featuring 4096 stream processors, 256 texture units,
64 compute units, and 64 ROPs, the card comes
clocked at 1000 MHz and sips only 175 W from the
wall. This Fiji-based card also struts 4 GB of high
bandwidth memory with an effective speed of 1000
MHz. Data travels along a 4096-bit wide memory
bus at a total rate of 512 GB/s.
Those specs are just shy of the liquid-cooled Fury X,
with the X sporting a 50 MHz faster GPU speed, 0.41
TFLOPS faster performance, and 100 W more power
consumption. This means that the R9 Nano wont
have the same performance headroom as the Fury
X, though it is very powerful out of the box.
USER EXPERIENCE
Nowadays, its rare to find a high-end card that
disappoints and the Sapphire Radeon R9 Nano is
no exception. Paired to my rigs Intel Core i5-4460
and 8 GB of RAM, the R9 Nano easily managed its
workload of Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Middle
Earth: Shadow of Mordor, NBA 2K16, and Ashes
of Singularity all at 1080p and maximum visual
settings. Yes, it can also play Overwatch. With its
horsepower, theres no doubt in my mind that it
can also handle the same titles at 4K, albeit not so
much at 60+ fps, but definitely above 30 fps.
As for temperature, it hovered around 80 C
throughout the tests, which isnt bad considering
my Fractal Design Define Nano S isnt decked
out with tons of aftermarket fans. The ambient
temperature of my room is also on the warmer side
so if the cards cooling solution werent as good
as it is, it could have easily reached searing 90 C
temps.
VALUE
Retailing for around PHP 33,000, the Sapphire
Radeon R9 Nano performs slightly better than the
Nvidia GTX 980 while being a bit more affordable
and power efficient. However, this doesnt mean
that its the most cost-effective card in the market
right now. Squeezing high-end technology into a
card only half a ruler in length isnt cheap by any
means, but its nice to see AMD trying to push the
envelope that is mini-ITX.
BottomLINE
Its the proverbial small package
that good things come in.
july 2016
23
LG G5
Reviewed by Ren Alcantara
LG has always played the same

game as everyone else. Come out
with a phone thats got a few extra
featuresmaybe a sharper camera,
nicer design, or something similar
but it has more or less been the same
stuff other manufacturers put out. This
has changed dramatically with the
introduction of their latest flagship
device, the LG G5. This phone goes
where no other current smartphone
has: modularity. Does it have the legs
to stand on its own merits, or is it a
gimmick that will fall by the wayside
before long? Lets find out.
DESIGN
The LG G5 isnt a bad-looking phone by any stretch,
though coming off the heels of the absolutely
gorgeous LG G4, its a little on the plain side. The
G5 gives up the straight lines and corners we saw
in the previous LG flagship, for a more curvy design
reminiscent of their earlier flagships. It is a pleasant
combination of metal and glass, and the curvy,
rounded-off sides make it feel great in the hand.
The bezels around the display are still very

wonderfully thin, as we have come to expect from the
brand, though we do wish they made the design just
a little more exciting.
The G5 keeps the power button on the rear, and adds
to it a fingerprint scanner that identifies the user and
unlocks the phone with the same press. Apart from
this, you have the usual 3.5 mm headphone jack,
volume rockers where your right thumb would fall,
and an extra button near the bottom of the phone so
you can insert modular accessories into the device.
HARDWARE
Modularity aside, one of the more interesting features
of the G5 are the cameras located on the back of the
device. The main camera is a 16 MP snapper that
captures 78-degree photos, and the second is an 8 MP
wide-angle lens to catch more of whats going on. It
has a Snapdragon 820 under the hood thats roughly
at par with anything the competition has today. It
pairs this with a large 4 GB of RAM, and an Adreno
530 GPU for smooth, slick mobile gaming. Storage
is at 32 GB, with a dedicated slot for up to 256 GB of
additional flash storage.
The screen is 5.3 inches on the diagonal, and has a
resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, for a pixel density of
554 ppi. Its protected by sturdy Corning Gorilla Glass
4, and gives great images.
The battery on the G5 is a reasonably sized 2800mAh
deal, though it does get bonus points for being userreplaceablea rarity in todays smartphone market.
USER EXPERIENCE
SPECIfICAtIoNS:
Dimensions: 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm (5.88 x 2.91
x 0.30 in)
Weight: 159 g (5.61 oz)
Display: IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors,
Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Size: 5.3 inches
Resolution: 1440 x 2560 pixels, 554 ppi
OS: Android OS, v6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820
CPU: Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo & dual-core 1.6 GHz
Kryo, 4 GB RAM
GPU: Adreno 530
Storage: Removable up to 256 GB, 32GB internal
Rear Camera: 16 MP (f/1.8) + 8 MP (f/2.4), laser
autofocus, OIS (3-axis), LED flash, check quality
Video: 2160p @ 30fps, 1080p @ 30fps, HDR, stereo
sound rec.
Front Camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi
Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth: v4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Battery: Removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery
Whats Hot:
- Innovative modular design
- Great hardware
- Great camera
Whats Not:
- Not enough modular add-ons available
at the moment
24
july 2016
I have been a fan of LGs G series of phones for a while

now, and have owned a few to prove it. Once the G5
was announced, I was, along with a lot of the tech
world, interested to see the execution of a modular
flagship phone. People tend to get caught up in this,
and forget the fact that this is really quite a capable
phone aside.
Having some of the latest hardware available makes it
quick and responsive, even with the multitude of tasks
I tend to run at once. The fingerprint sensor unlocks
and wakes the phone fast, about at the same time it
takes any other top-tier device now (we tested a few),
so youre probably not going to notice any delay. As for
the interface, LG has thankfully kept it reasonably close
to stock Android Marshmallow, though they havent
exactly let up on the LG-centric bloatware installed.
Camera performance is quite solid. I made the mistake
of using solely the 8MP wide-angle lens at first, which
left me a little perplexed as to the photo quality. It was
a little grainy and mottled, though still acceptable.
Once I realized my mistake and started using the
13MP camera instead, it was worlds better. The image
is sharp, and clear, with deeply saturated, reasonably
lifelike colors. I used to use my G3 for beauty shots that
would see print in the pages of Gadgets, and Im sure
this phone would be able to handle the same, with no
problem. It launches fast, and unless youre trying to
catch cheetahs driving by in F1 cars, youre likely going
to make the shot.
Battery life is one of the weaker points of the G5.

Whether its the screen, processor, or something else
that causes it, I found that I absolutely had to plug in
mid-day if I wanted to have enough juice to get me
home. On the plus side, the battery is removable,
so carrying around a charged spare isnt out of the
question, so its no problem to swap it out.
This brings us to the main draw of the G5: modularity.
The battery and chin come off the body of the phone
via a recessed button on the bottom left side of the
phone. Its purposely hard to press, so to get the
bottom and battery removed requires some effort and
long-ish fingernails. A side-effect of this is that the chin
of the device isnt perfectly flush with the side. You do
feel it a bit while holding the phone, and while its not
uncomfortable, its certainly something you will feel.
Swapping hardware will also cause your G5 to power
off, so if you intend to switch to the camera lower,
youre going to have to do so beforehand, leaving
some time for the phone to boot up.
VALUE
The promise of modularity is incredibly tempting, as
is the ability to swap out batteries, particularly in the
long run. Until such time as we see more modular
add-ons appear, its impact will be blunted a bit, but
even without them, its a very solid device on its own.
BottomLINE
It might not be the modular dream youve
been waiting for yet, but its a step in the
right direction.
Vivo
V3Max
Reviewed by Mia Carisse Barrientos
As someone who has been in the

field of tech for quite some time now,
fresh innovations still never cease
to amaze me. While the majority of
smartphones might look the same on
the outside, theres still a distinction
in the performance of each. In this
review, well look into what puts the
Vivo V3Max a cut above the rest.
DESIGN
The Vivo V3Maxs design has a familiar feel to it: a
beautiful metallic body, curved edges, 5.5-inch screen,
all of which are reminiscent of the flagship phone from
Cupertino and most Android smartphones in its class.
However, it sports a Vivo logo on the upper front of the
device, letting you distinguish it at first glance. Along
with that are its slightly thick bezels, 8 MP front shooter
and sensor on the upper part of the screen, and three
capacitive navigation keys on the bottom part.
On the devices back are an aptly placed fingerprint
sensor and another Vivo emblem occupying the center,
as well as its 13 MP camera along with the flash on
the upper left region. The sides of the device carry the
usuals such as the hybrid SIM card tray, volume rocker,
power/lock button, audio jack, micro-USB port, and
speaker speaker grilles. The phones design is very
minimalistic which contributes to its appeal.
HARDWARE
SPECIfICAtIoNS:
Dimensions: 153.9 x 77.1 x 7.6 mm
Weight: 168 g
SIM: Dual
Display: 5.5 inches, IPS LCD capacitive, 1080 x
1920 resolution
OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop
Processor: 1.8GHz Snapdragon 652, octa-core
RAM: 4 GB
Internal memory: 32 GB expandable up to 256
GB via micro SD
Cameras: 13 MP rear, 8 MP front-facing
Battery: 3000 mAh Li-Ion, non-removable
Whats Hot:
- 8MP front cam delivers superb output
- Very responsive fingerprint sensor
- Powerful processor and generous RAM combo
- Great audio output
Whats Not:
- Common design
- Rear-cams output could use more color
Apart from being solid in the hand, the V3Max also

comes with impressive hardware that makes it a midrange powerhouse. The device is run by a Snapdragon
652 octa-core processor that clocks in at 1.8GHz and
is paired with 4 GBs of RAM, delivering on its promise
of faster than faster performance. Meanwhile, doing
mundane tasks on the phones HD screen was a
pleasant experience, with great viewing angles even
when the displays tilted to face various directions.
The shooters built in the device produce admirable
output, images come out crisp and detailed, but color
reproduction could be better. The front cam is a bit of
a let-down, but its accompanying app offers various
editing and beautification options, which shutterbugs
would greatly appreciate.
As for storage capacity, the Vivo V3Max ships with 32
GB of internal memory which is expandable via microSD. This should give users enough storage space for
games, photos, and other apps without slowing the
device down. Its 3000 mAh battery, when fully topped

up, can last for a whole day even with data on.
USER EXPERIENCE
The V3Max runs Android Lollipop and is overlaid with
Vivos very own Funtouch OS. Like its form factor, the
V3Maxs UI offers a design and experience quite similar
to iOS devices: lack of an app drawer, a notification
bar that slides down from the top of the screen, and
settings bar that comes up with a slide of a finger
on the bottom part of the display. There arent many
distinctive qualities to it but its fairly easy to navigate
and runs smoothly, so I have no qualms there.
What I liked the most about this device is its very
accurate and fast fingerprint scanner. Registering my
index finger only took seconds and it recognizes it in
a jiffy. Your data is secured and you no longer have to
deal with passwords or security patterns every time
you need to wake the screen.
One of the main selling points of this smartphone is
its built-in Hi-Fi capabilities. This translates to audio
reproduction that is close to hearing the real thing. This
gives a phone that offers superb audio quality whether
you play music using its built-in speakers or through a
pair of cans.
VALUE
For around PHP 16,000, you get a phone that gives
you a bang for your hard-earned buck. The V3Max
is a mid-ranger that could very well pass off as a
top-tier smartphone with its octa-core processor, 4
GB RAM, very capable cameras, all-metal body, and
fingerprint sensor.
BottomLINE
Take it from Captain America,
this smartphone is definitely
bang for the buck.
july 2016
25
Toshiba Canvio
Connect II 1 TB
Reviewed by Chris Noel Hidalgo
Given the unpredictable nature of

Philippine internet, you cant always
depend on the cloud for easy access
to data. Sometimes, you have to take
matters into your own hands and bring
your data with you everywhere you
go, whether that means packing a
truckload of flash drives in your bag
something Im guilty ofor carrying
a portable external drive which is the
much more efficient approach.The
Toshiba Canvio Connect II falls under
the latter method, but is it any good?
Lets find out.
DESIGN
The Toshiba Canvio Connect II is one
professional-looking portable drive, with a
smooth, clean exterior that reflects its no nonsense
capabilities. Its face is mostly a blank slate,
disturbed only by the Toshiba marque on the upper
left and the hard drive activity LED on the upper
right. The light is blue when connected via USB 3.0
and white when using a USB 2.0 connection.
The bottom has four anti-vibration rubber feet on

each corner, and the devices right edge houses the
microUSB 3.0 port. Our review unit came in a sleek
satin gold finish, though white, black, blue, and red
color options are also available.
HARDWARE
SPECIfICAtIoNS:
Available Capacities: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 2.5 TB,
and 3 TB at 5400 rpm
Cache Buffer Size: 8 MB
Interfaces: microUSB 3.0 to USB 3.0/2.0
Maximum Data Transfer Rate: 625 MB/s
Included Software: NTI Backup Now EZ,
Pogoplug PC
Dimensions: 109 x 78 x 14 mm (L x W x D); 165 g
Colors: Satin gold, white, black, blue, and red
Whats Hot:
- Clean look
- Priced competitively
- Remains cool to the touch
Whats Not:
- Bundled cable isnt pretty
26
july 2016
Theres not much to say about the Toshiba Canvio

Connect IIs innards. Like most other portable hard
drives, it is available in various capacities ranging
from a low 500 GB to a sizeable 3 TB, all using a
5400 rpm 2.5 inch platter drive. It also has a fairly
normal 8 MB data cache buffer. Its rated for transfer
speeds of up to 625 MB/s, though thats the optimal
USB 3.0 transfer rate. Real world read and write
speeds will be much, much lower. Though again,
the same can be said for most other portable
storage solutions out there.
USER EXPERIENCE
The Toshiba Canvio Connect II performs quite well
for its price, and as long as youre connecting to a
USB 3.0 port, youll be able to enjoy fast transfer
speeds with little to no significant drop-offs.
Using CrystalDiskMark to test the drives synthetic
performance, it was able to finish five passes of
a 1 GB test file with a sequential read and write
speed of 116 MB/s. To test its real world capability,
I transferred over three things: first is the 6 GB
game folder of Overwatch; my office folder filled

with 8 GB of various-sized documents, images, and
whatnot; and a 1 GB .RAR file. Across all three, I hit
transfer speeds that ranged from a low 5 MB/s for
the fragmented small files all the way to 100 MB/s
for the larger ones. All in all, I got an average of
80 MB/s read and write performance from the
Canvio Connect IIperfectly fine for the everyday
user. The bundled software were also very
welcome, allowing for easy data backups through
NTI Backup Now EZ; and cloud capability for your
personal computer through Pogoplug PC. Taking
advantage of the latter will net users 10 GB of free
in-the-air storage.
VALUE
With a competitive price, the Toshiba Canvio
Connect II is more affordable than some of its
competitors, while delivering essentially the same
dependable everyday performance. The bundled
software, while not as elaborate as other solutions,
is a welcome sight for a device at this price point
and are easy enough to setup for everyone that
knows how to click things with a mouse.
BottomLINE
Its a simple, portable, and affordable
solution for your data storage needs.
Philips BDM
3490UC
Reviewed by Ren Alcantara
If youre going to spend long hours at

your desk, youre going to want a good
screen to stare at. Monitor-induced
headaches are about as fun as a
tetanus shot, so everything you can do
to avoid that should be very high on
your list of priorities. Philips has been
at the display game for quite a while
now, and there are few names out there
that consistently give a great viewing
experience.The trend towards larger and
larger displays has been going on for
as long as displays have been around.
There is, however, an upper limit to the
size you can have before the edges are
going to be too far from the optimal
viewing point, and youll have to start
moving back, effectively negating the
size of the large screen youd wanted in
the first place.The clever solution? Curve
the screen.We get to try the Philips BDM
3490UC display in all its curved glory,
and heres what we think.
DESIGN
The screen is quite a looker. With thin bezels, an
elegant metal stand, and the slightest metal accents
here and there, its a beautiful, modern-looking
monitor that would fit nicely on any desk. The massive
size of the huge curved display is offset slightly by just
how thin the device is, though youre still going to
need a bit of desk space to make it work. The front of
SPECIfICAtIoNS:
Display: AH-IPS LCD
Size: 34.1 inch, Ultra-Wide
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Dimensions: 826 x 479 x 220 mm
Contrast: 1,000:1
Viewing angle: 172 (H) / 178 (V)
Connectivity: 4x USB 3.0,
Ports: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 x 1, HDMI 1.4
(mit MHL) x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1
Whats Hot:
- Large
- Sharp, bright display
Whats Not:
- Fiddly menu system
- Price
the display has no controls whatsoever. In fact, the only

control available is a small joystick-like button on the
bottom edge of the lower bezel. Ports are all located in
a cluster on the back of the display, within easy reach.
Its a little heavy, so bear that in mind when picking the
table you intend to rest this on.
HARDWARE
The heart of the device is a massive 34-inch curved
display. It has an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 21:9, a
maximum brightness of 300cd/sqm, and a contrast
ratio of 1,000:1. The panel gives you a viewing angle
of 178 degrees vertically and 172 horizontally, and a
4ms response timemore than fast enough for even
gaming. It has an optimal resolution of 3440 x 1440 at
60 Hz. This display has connectors aplenty. Clumped
together in the back are a DisplayPort, and three HDMI
ports, including one MHL port for mobile devices. It also
comes with 4 USB 3.0 ports for additional connectivity.
USER EXPERIENCE
The monitor is huge. Be prepared to have people
looking over your shoulder each time you fire it up,
because its a display thats going to attract a lot
of attention given both its size and performance.
When I first unpacked it, I was at an absolute loss
as to where I would be putting it. I dont have the
largest desk, and I had to clear out quite a few
things just to make it fit. Because of the curve on
the display, it ends up taking more space than one
might think, since the edges flare forward. The base
on which it stands is, however, thankfully small, and
as long as you have a spot roughly the area of a
legal-sized sheet of paper, you should be fine.
Setting up the display couldnt be any simpler. Just plug
in the wires, both power and input, and you should be
golden. Tweaking the settings to your liking is another
matter though. While Philips has apparently put some
effort into the interface, I cant really say that its the
most user-friendly, as it takes quite a bit of trial and error
to accomplish something, though Ive dealt with worse.
A single button calls the menu up and tilting one way or
another either accepts or changes the level of the item
youre on, so it takes some repetition to get it right.
On the plus side, the display is gorgeous. The massive
screen is bright, responsive, and easy on the eyes,
even at closer distances, though youre still going to
want to be a little way back to not experience eye
fatigue. The curved edge really does make a difference,
allowing it to be large, without a lot of parallax from

having the sides significantly farther from your eyes
than the center. Working with multiple documents,
or large spreadsheets is exceedingly convenient with
all this real-estate, and while having more windows
open is by no means a guarantee of productivity, quite
a few graphic artists, video editors and compulsive
multitaskers will find this a godsend.
At work, its a lot easier to have multiple windows open,
particularly if youll be copying and pasting across
windowsa task separate tablets just cant accomplish
at the moment. Being able to clearly and easily see even
small items in photos and PDFs is so much easier than
having to zoom all the time, and the large screen lets
full-page views actually be usable.
Colors are bright and accurate on the display. I
have been doing a lot of gaming recently, and a
colorful title such as Overwatch is just beautiful
here. Crank it up to an appropriate resolution, and
youll have an extremely hard time pulling yourself
away from the game. The curve of the screen also
pulls everything into your field of view, keeping
the image in a larger area of your vision, without
having to be painfully close to the screen.
I did experience an odd effect with the display. When
looking at the far edges of the screen, I would notice a
strange distortion at times, like I was viewing an image
projected into 3D space. I thought it might have been
a problem with my distance to the screen, and true
enough, moving a few inches back solved the problem.
Being large means you do have to be a bit of a ways
away, so bear that in mind during setup.
VALUE
Its a little expensive at over PHP 40,000 converted, but
you just cant put a price on convenience, so if your line
of work requires a larger-than-average screen, this is
definitely worth looking at.
BottomLINE
Im a fan of large displays, and this one is
reasonably high on my list.
july 2016
27
iPad
Pro 9.7
Reviewed by Presy Alba
Ive been using a 128GB WiFi iPad

Mini 2 for the past 2 years, and its
been very convenient for me to
bring along on business trips, both
for taking notes during meetings,
answering emails on the go, and as
an entertainment center for music,
videos, ebooks, and audiobooks. I got
a Zagg Cover with a backlit keyboard
for it, as well as Adonits Jot touch 4
stylus so I could write notes on my
iPad. It is from that perspective that I
am writing this review of the 9.7-inch
iPad Pro which I got last month.
For clarity, this Gadgetslab is
about my experience using the
new Apple 9.7-inch iPad Pro 256GB
WiFi with the Smart Keyboard and
Apple Pencil accessories.
DESIGN
Design-wise, the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro is almost
identical in dimension as the iPad Air 2 except for
a few, very dramatic improvements: there are now
4 speakers for better audio quality, and the rear
camera juts out like the one in the new iPhones.
SPECIfICAtIoNS:
Operating System: iOS 9.3.2
Processor: 2.16 GHz Apple A9X 64-bit dual-core
processor
GPU: PowerVR Series 7
Internal Memory: 2 GB RAM, 32/128/256 GB
internal storage
Display: 9.7 inch Retina, Wide Color, True Tone,
fully laminated display with fingerprint-resistant
oleophobic and anti-reflective coating; 2048 x
1536 resolution @ 264 ppi
Cameras: 12 MP f/2.2 iSight rear camera with
True Tone flash, five-element lens, hybrid IR
filter, backside illumination, sapphire crystal lens
cover, and auto image stabilization; 5 MP f/2.2
front camera with Retina flash
Connectivity: nanoSIM, LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11
a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, A-GPS,
GLONASS, NFC
Battery: 27.5 Wh
Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm (L x W x D)
Weight: 437 g (Wi-Fi) / 444 g (LTE)
Whats Hot:
- A very lightweight laptop alternate
- Better battery life and efficiency
- Great audio quality with the 4-speaker setup
- Up to 256GB storage capacity
- Smart keyboard and pencil
Whats Not:
- Pricey
28
july 2016
Unlike the similar sized iPad Air 2, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro
also comes with the left-side smart port that allows
it to connect seamlessly with the Smart Keyboard
accessory. And just like the earlier 12.7-inch iPad Pro,
it pairs perfectly with the Apple Pencil.
HARDWARE
4-speaker setup makes the sound quality the most

dramatic improvement.
In addition to the native features, new iPad works
with the Pro-series accessories the Smart Keyboard
and Apple Pencil making the new iPad a much
lighter near-replacement for laptops.
The Smart Keyboard snaps securely to the iPad just
like any Smart cover; the keyboard is so thin, it is
barely discernible under the cover, but it folds out
to a really comfortable, very responsive keyboard
that does not require any charging or pairing via
Bluetooth. The only downside is that the keyboard
is not backlit.
As the newest iPad, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro comes

with the latest A9X, same as the bigger 12.7-inch
iPad Pro. The one improvement of this iPad over its
bigger predecessor is that the retina display comes
with True Tone technology a new feature which
automatically adjusts the screen color intensity
to the ambient lighting, making the display look
better in all lighting conditions.
Taking down notes, drawing diagrams and signing

documents has never been easier with the Apple
Pencil. What I really like about this accessory is that
there is no need to press any button to turn on palm
rejection, and pairing the pencil to the iPad is as easy
as inserting the connector into the lightning port.
The rear camera in this iPad is now 12MP and comes

with a True Tone flash, the first Apple gadget to have
this feature while the front camera is now 5MP and
comes with a Retina flash just like the one featured in
iPhone 6S.
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is quite pricey for a tablet:

the price of a 256GB Wi-Fi model together with
the Smart Cover, pencil and back cover is just a
few thousand pesos less than the starting price of
the new Macbook.
Storage has been upgraded and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro

now comes with storage up to 256GB for both the
Wi-Fi and cellular models.
If youre someone who attends a lot of meetings

that require you to take down notes, draw diagrams
during discussions, as well as make audio and
video presentations and if youre one who needs a
powerful device that can fit into your handbag, the
9.7-inch iPad Pro is the perfect laptop alternate.
USER EXPERIENCE
After being quite happy with my iPad mini 2 and the
third-party accessories I bought to use with it for the
past 2 years, I have to honestly say that the 9.7-inch
iPad Pro and the native Apple accessories are a cut
and a half above my previous satisfaction threshold:
the new iPad is noticeably more responsive and
faster, the display has improved a lot, the new tablet
adjusts better to all lighting conditions and the
VALUE
BottomLINE
Admittedly, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is quite pricey
for a tablet, but the Pro features more than just
a glorified gaming and entertainment gadget.
Technology
Work
&
Words by Ren Alcantara | Art by Theresa Eloriaga
Technology is a powerful thing. Sure, it can be argued that weve gotten along just fine without smartphones,
tablets and laptops, but thats missing the point. Technology does a lot to create opportunities, equalize the
playing field, and generally make doing business a much smoother, effective endeavor. Technology has changed
a lot of how we work, as well as how we learn.
30
JULY 2016
teaching and learning all that more pleasant,

better engaging students, and letting them better
absorb the information being presented them.
services such as Google Drive, and iCloud also

mean everything, be it work, or personal files,
can be found in one convenient place. Necessary
phone storage drops, and phone prices are now
free to do the same. This also means that losing
files is a far less likely occurrence. Cloud storage
facilities are secure, redundant, and virtually
everlasting. You wont have to worry about theft,
loss, or even natural disasters. Once its on a
reputable cloud providers servers, youre golden.
Everyone has a laptop or a desktop at workits
as much a fixture of the modern office as the
water cooler or coffee machine. This hasnt
changed in decades, but how we use the
hardware has. Plain to see is how our personal
devices have freed us from the shackles of office
hardware. Phones, hybrids and tablets all allow us
to communicate with colleagues, reply to emails
and even send files, regardless of location or time.
This flexibility to conduct business at any time
is a double-edged sword. It allows for the agility
to react whenever, wherever, but also lets work
encroach on what is meant to be personal time.
It lies to the user to find the right balance, but at
least the opportunity is there.
Of late, even how we use the technology that has
been around forever has changed. As everything
moves to the cloud, we are given even more
opportunity to work remotely. Your work files can
now be anywhere there is an internet connection.
The sorry, I left the files at home excuse is no
longer valid. The increasing integration of cloud
There are other, farther-reaching ramifications to

cloud services. Once, only companies that could
handle the CapEx had the hardware to build
servers, and create software to handle specific
I.T. needs. Now, a quick, extremely affordable
service, such as Amazons cloud services, allows
the smallest businesses to tap hardware and
software instantly, scale it to meet demand, and
then shut it down, as their needs dictate, all on
a subscription basis. This levels the playing field
tremendously, letting even smaller businesses
roll with the big boys who have server farms, and
large I.T. departments. If youre a small business,
looking for a way to compete with larger players
and their huge I.T. budgets, take a look at some of
the cloud services available to you, and reap the
benefits of taking the leap into the next logical
progression of your business IT.
Education is another realm where technology is
making a huge impact. Consumer technology
such as tablets and projectors are just the start of
it. Advancements such as augmented reality make
From simple overhead projectors, to todays

HDMI-enabled LCD projectors, technology has
made an impact in the way people learn, and
there is even more on the horizon. From virtual
reality fieldtrips thanks to low-cost technology
such as Google Cardboard, to remote learning
opportunities that allow children in far-flung
barrios to interact with students from the city,
or travel to new, otherwise inaccessible places,
technology constantly breaks boundaries that
keep us from seeing, experiencing, and learning
from the rest of the world.
Through technology, teachers will be able to
reach students across the globe, opening their
eyes to a world that they would otherwise have
not been able to even imagine. Broader views,
wider reaches, and shared opinions mean borders
will matter less, and once inquiring minds come
together, the potential is immeasurable. Right
here, in the Philippines, we have software such
as the Mind Museum app that any user can
install right onto their smartphone or tablet.
Through it, teachers have access to experiments
that show scientific concepts to students of all
learning levels, with detailed instructions and
explanations to help them better get the lesson
across. Students can also take virtual tours of the
museum, and experience being there remotely,
without having to spend time and resources
traveling to the museum itself.
Technology is a wonderful thing, but its not just a
means to watch cat videos and play games. Its a
real agent for change, if used properly. Theres so
much that can be done with technology, we just
need to learn how to leverage it.
JULY 2016
31
Entertainment
Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo | Art by Theresa Eloriaga
Humans have gone through various means of passing the time. From primitive mans cave paintings, Romes world
conquest, Leonardo Da Vincis polymath undertakings, Elvis Presleys rocking and rolling, and now, your teenage
neighbors profanity-laced DOTA tirade. Below, we take a look at how technology has allowed us to entertain
ourselves over the last few decades. Its really amazing where boredom can take us, eh?
32
JULY 2016
Gaming
While I didnt grow up during the time of the Atari,

I consider myself lucky that I was able to play with
the Famicom, Gameboy Color, and their brethren.
My young self thought that it couldnt possibly get
better than pixel Mario curb stomping Goombas,
Subzero pulling a fatality on Noob Saibot, and
Sonic dropping his rings over a freakin lady bug.
And lets not forget naming your Pokmon rival
Buttface. Good times.
It would be an understatement to say that
the landscape of gaming has changed much.
Technological innovations have ushered in better
ways to create them, giving players hyper-realistic
graphics (or cutesy anime, or cell-shaded, or
nostalgic; really whatever floats your boat),
immersive sound design, addictive gameplay,
and highly emotional stories. Sure Aeris dying in
Final Fantasy VII (oops, spoiler!) was very heart
wrenching, but Sarahs death during the opening
moments of The Last of Us (again, spoiler!) was
even more emotional thanks to the great job
done by the characters actors and the games
animation team.
Dont get me wrong, though. Aeris death is the
saddest video game loss of life ever. Heres hoping
that they release a CGI version of that scene soon.
The gaming revolution also narrowed down the
players in the platform department, leaving us
with five choices in Sonys PlayStation, Microsofts
Xbox One, Nintendos Wii and DS, and The Master
Races PC. Each of thesesave for the PCs on-awhim upgrade cycleboast newer innards with
every iteration, giving consumers an even better
experience each time.
Also, gone are the days when youd have to

blow repeatedly on a clunky cartridge in order
to run your game. For a while back, disc-based
distribution was the norm and users had to deal
with another problem: disc scratches and faulty
optical drives. Thankfully, discs soon found a
competitor in digital distribution platforms such
as Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and
Nintendo Online Store.
But with innovation comes a whole slew of other
troubles. Getting your fix online mean you need
to have a stable internet connection and limitless
data allocation to download the gigabytes upon
gigabytes of required game files. Hopefully, the
recent moves in the countrys telco industry will
improve the state of internet so we can all splurge
on Steam sales with no second thoughts.
Lastly, the multiplayer aspect of gaming continues
to remain strong, and has in fact overtaken the
single player experience in some genres. It also
contributes to the replayability of a game, and
theres nothing more enjoyable than banding with
your friends and pretending to have cohesion in
a first-person war simulator. Sorry bots, your time
is up.
Listening to Music
Weve been able to get songs off the internet for
a while now and weve been listening to music
on our phones and portable music players for
heaven knows how long. Though it seems thats
all she wrote regarding the evolution of how we
consume music, its really far from the truth.
Remember vinyls? Those big black discs that
spin on a phonograph? As it turns out, theyre
making a comeback and luring people back to
the past with their generally warmerthough
not necessarily betteraudio quality. Vinyl sales
have been growing steadily over the past year,
no doubt ushered in by audiophiles and baby
boomers missing the simpler times.
However, that doesnt mean that the digital
music space has been sitting idle on the sidelines.
Streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer
have established themselves as viable alternatives
to downloading and keeping music in local

storage. Compared to physically collecting albums
and spending significant money in the process,
now, for only a few bucks per month, youll get
access to a very comprehensive international
music library that you can listen to anywhere.
Discovering music is also made easier through
these online platforms, thanks to ingenious
algorithms that figure out what kinds of music you
like through what you play. You are then presented
with various suggestions from artists that you may
not have even heard of before. Moreover, listening
to music has taken a very social approach. Not
only can you easily broadcast the track you are
listening to, you can also collaborate with other
users to create your own playliststhe modern
version of the mixtapes of yore.
Watching Videos
I dont know how children are spending their
Saturday mornings these days, but when I was a
tyke, the first morning after a long school week
was spent hunkered down in front of a CRT
television and watching cartoons. The afternoons
were sometimes spent in the local movie store,
picking out which movies to rent for the next
week.
Nowadays, I rarely find myself watching TV. Why
would I when everything I need and everything
I want to watch can be found on the world wide
web? Like what happened to music and video
games, the internet has assimilated most TV and
film content and made them accessible anytime,
anywhere. The internet also spurred consumers
to be the creator of their own content, something
unheard of in the past. Unless you count home
movies.
Speaking of home movies, advancements in
camera technology has allowed everyone
professionals and amateurs aliketo make better
content, visually and aurally. As you dont want
to be watching these high quality materials on a
crappy screen, manufacturers have gone ahead
and debuted ever-thinner, ever-larger, and everadvance television panels. Besides being waferthin, these also boast higher resolutions (upwards
of 8K) and smart functionality, allowing users to
easily free themselves from the hassles of signal
cables and discs.
Still, theres something to be missed about the
randomness of television. The way you can
channel surf and stumble upon something thats
interesting enough at first glance that youre
compelled to stay a while is one thing that the
interneteven with all its glorycant match.
JULY 2016
33
Information
&
Communication
Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos | Art by Theresa Eloriaga
Todays average person would

conclude his day with a glance at
his trusty smartphone. This quick
peek often prompts a never-ending
session of browsing random web
pages, jumping from one topic to
another, uncovering information
more than his mind could take in.
On other days, he would chat with
some of his friends and feel the
dead of night approaching. Just a
34
JULY 2016
few years ago it was a different

story.
Technology has been so knitted
into virtually every human activity
that you must be living under a
rock if you dont get any sense of
what were saying. The internet,
along with mobile technology, has
made it possible for everyone to
obtain news as it happens and
connect with people across

all the seven continents of the
world fast and without any
obstruction.
Before technological
advancements and the internet
made access to information
and communication this easy,
man had his bouts with paper
and lots of it.
The former, considering you bought a capable

device, would be good for at least three years, and
the latter depends on how long you want to be
subscribed to it.
displayed on a tiny screen or announced voice

messages in some models. What came after was
the beginning of the era of mobile phones.
Changed perspective
A quick look back
Allow us to usher you back to the days were group

research projects in school were actually a lot
of work. When classes ended, your whole team
would go to the library, outline the research, and
divide the topics among the number of people in
the group. Each then would scour the library for
encyclopedias, books, magazines, journals, and
videos with information on the topic they were
assigned to, but the work didnt end there. Each
member then would write down what they had
gathered on a notebook or paper and create one
cohesive subtopic that would consist of at least
around three paragraphs; making up a 500-word
piece that took hours to finish.
Human communication on the other hand, went
from various devices that were platforms for
quick calls and short message exchanges to just
one handy device you can stuff in your pocket. I
remember sending cards to my dad who works
overseas and being so happy whenever I got a
reply back in the form of a letter or postcard days
to months afterwards.
Among the most significant communication
technologies created was the telephone. It
permitted two or more individuals to speak to
each other via cables or transmission media no
matter the distance. The cost of calls goes up the
greater the distance. Then pagers/beepers came
into the scene, presenting a much cheaper form
of communication through numeric messages
Humans have the innate ability to adapt to

changes in their environment to survive. In the
same way, we also progressed together with
technology that continued to improve. Adapting
to the developments in the field of tech isnt just
about having the coolest gizmos or evading the
fear of missing out blues, we subscribe to these
tools for we know it would help us get through
every day.
With technology and the internet evolving to
complement each other better, the moment
where youll see everyone surfing the vast
world wide web on handy, portable devices has
come. The manner in which communication
and information technology is going can be
compared to playing arcade games. Each level is
a step up from another, with your character made
stronger through the help of better weaponry and
increased skills.
Similarly, we have now advanced to a level where
we are equipped with very capable tools for the
trade and the skills to bring out their full potential.
Through the help of these tools, from tackling
a dozen books and other materials, we now get
information we need in seconds, we have likewise
evolved from processes that took days, to speedy,
real-time exchanges that close the gap created by
distance.
What was before considered a premium
encyclopedia subscriptions, large dictionaries,
telephone plans, prepaid dialup internet have
become democratized. Quality communication
and access to information from across the world
are now accessible at low costs through electronic
media. The only investment thats going to be
made is for purchasing an internetconnected
device along with an internet connectivity plan.
Information and
communication in
the 21st century
Mobile devices and the internet, together, have
made the process of obtaining information and
communication quick and natural. The internet
has made it possible for people the world over to
access information and contribute to the world
wide webs network of shared knowledge like
never before. Students can study online through
online courses (e-learning), anyone can learn
various skills for free through video tutorials, you
can even search just about anything and get an
answer instantaneously. The vast knowledge
available to anyone with just a click of the
mouse also helped us discuss more intelligibly;
this is thanks to tools for translating unfamiliar
statements, giving meaning to an unknown word,
getting information on foreign concepts, and
even gathering tips on the basics of human life.
Technology has also changed the way we keep
up with the latest news and current events. With
social media and the many features of our mobile
devices, we are given to freedom to be our own
journalist. The explosion of social media, live
coverage of news streamed through our phones,
and other media-related initiatives tied with
technology have resulted in universal access
and involvement in news and information for
everyone.
Developments in communication have taken
down barriers. Through interactive platforms like
email, social media, and chat apps, we are linked
to all the people of the internet. All these help
condense volumes of communication and send
them throughout the globe within seconds.
The superiority of technology has greatly altered
the processes with which we communicate and
get information. The huge world where we live
in has become small through the tools we have
at our disposal. There may be negative attitudes
and whatnot that have stemmed from this, but
the positive impact it has brought upon our lives
easily outweighs the cons.
JULY 2016
35
PHOTOFEATURE
PHOTOFEATURE
A Modern Classic
If it aint broke then dont fix it. As one of the countrys most iconic vehicle marques, the Honda City is not one to be
overhauledits just that good. With every incremental upgrade over the years, the locally manufactured City continues
to be a force to be reckoned with. We have here its latest iteration featuring the ever-useful Garmin Audio Visual
Navigation system accompanied by the young stunner Maria Eduarda Boos. Its a pairing thats one for the books.
Art Direction by Team Gadgets Photography by Carlo Dans Isidoro

Hair and Make-up by Patricia Aquino Styling by Jonah Mendoza
Model: Maria Eduarda Boos of Ideal People Management
36
JULY 2016
PHOTOFEATURE
JULY 2016
37
1.5L SOHC i-VTEC 4-valve

PGM-Fi Engine with CVT
This Euro 4 compliant power plant doles
out 120 ps @ 6600 rpm and 145 Nm of
torque @ 4800 rpm, making for a fuel
efficient vehicle thats a joy to drive in
both city and highway roads.
38
JULY 2016
Premium Leather Seats

Available for the highest 1.5 VX+ Navi
trim, the premium leather upholstery
anchors the Honda Citys luxurious cabin.
Eco Assist System

Pushing the Econ Button will allow
drivers to easily squeeze extra mileage
out of every drop of fuel, while the EcoCoaching meter helps them optimize
the way they drive.
Garmin AVN System

The second-generation Garmin AVN
System delivers the perks of a smart
device in a convenient, consolemounted form factor.
Cube UI, Gesture Control,

and Voice Command
The intuitive UI with integrated gesture
and voice controls enables users to
quickly and safely navigate their calls,
multimedia, and routing.
Garmin Navigation Core

Whether it be dinner at a fancy metro
restaurant or a vacation trip to some
far-flung area, the upgraded Garmin
Navigation Core will take you to where
you need to go.
JULY 2016
39
City Slickers
Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo
Its evening. Youre driving northbound along
EDSA, inching your vehicle slowly but surely
through the highways picturesque carmageddon.
Bored out of your mind, you look outside your
window and whether by accident or by design,
your far-off gaze lands on a sleek sedan the next
lane over.
Nice, you think to yourself as you gaze upon
its sophisticated exterior. Your eyes travel along
its subtle curves and accent lines that emanate
from its grille. Before long, you notice the
drivers silhouette looking straight ahead,
probably thinking about what to do for
dinner. Then the unexpected happens
the driver turns and meets your eye, her
striking features highlighted by the soft
glow coming from her rides console.
She gives you a charming smile before
nudging her car a few meters further.
You notice Hondas iconic logo on
the vehicles rear, flanked by the
City marque on the left. You give
the car a complementary honk as
it speeds away.
40
JULY 2016
And the appreciative honk is more than welcome

for a car such as the updated Honda City.
Featuring a Euro 4 compliant, 1.5L chain drive
SOHC i-VTEC 4-valve engine capable of producing
120 ps @ 6600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4800
rpm, its a decisive speedster thats fuel efficient
to boot. The power plant is mated to a CVT and
the car has independent MacPherson struts with
stabilizer at the front and H-shaped torsion beam
with stabilizer at the rear for a smooth sailing ride.
The premium interior is headed by a secondgeneration Garmin Audio Visual Navigation
System. This touch-enabled console companion
boasts a high-performance CPU, intuitive
homepage and user interface, as well as gesture
control for easy access to music, apps, and
route planning. It connects to your smartphone
via Bluetooth, Miracast, or HDMI, so, coupled
with its voice recognition capability, youll be
able to safely manage your contacts, calls, and
multimedia while keeping your eyes fixed on
the road.
And the girl driving the gorgeous City might as
well be Maria Eduarda Boosif she was allowed
to have a drivers license that is. Hailing from

sunny Brazil, this 17-year-old (yes, se-venteen) stunners been in the modelling industry
for one and a half years now. This is actually
Marias second stint in the country, the first
being last year when she spent two fruitful
months strutting her stuff in studios and
catwalks.
Marias very well-travelled for her age. Shes
already set foot in China, Indonesia, and
Korea, saying that she likes flying to a
different country every few months. Like
most up-and-coming models, she dreams
of being able to enjoy the glitz and
glamor of Los Angeles one day. While
frolicking around LAs warm, sunny
beaches is on her bucket list, shed also
want to take a leisurely vacation in
South Koreas cold climate.
Armed with her beautiful smile and
her appetite for modeling, its only
a matter of time before this citizen
of the world has landed in every
major city of the globe.
APPS
december 2015 January 2016
41
MOBILITY
Honda City Vx+ Navi

Review and Photos by Ren Alcantara
The Honda City is a great little car with a following almost as large and loyal as its bigger brother, the Civic,
and for good reason. Small, comfortable, and practical, all the while being sprightly, its a wonderful car that
has never failed to deliver. On the cover this month is the top-of-the-line variant of the City, the Vx+ Navi, and
to give you a little more than a gorgeous beauty shot on a glossy magazine cover, I was the lucky guy to
get to do the review.
DESIGN
Ive always found the city to be quite the looker.
It might be on the smaller side, but it is far from
looking dinky or cute. The low, sharp front with a
solid grille and the unmistakable Honda emblem
gives it a look that echoes the front of its larger
sibling. From there, upswept lines travel along
the hood, outwards through the lights, and along
the side panels make it look like it could just slice
through the air with no effort at all. These carry
over to the back, and to the Citys raised rear, and
angular tail lights. It has grown up since it hit the
market decades ago, and it looks all the better
for it.
Inside, it just oozes premium. With the copious
use of leather, detailed stitching, and a smooth
42
JULY 2016
integration of luxury and technology, you might,

for a moment, think you were in the seat of a
luxury sedan, save for the slightly smaller interior.
The black leather and matte silver accents all
around the dash reinforce that feeling further,
and once you lay your hands on the leather-clad
steering wheel, its going to be cemented in.
HARDWARE
and an H-shaped torsion beam in the rear, both

with stabilizers for greater control. Eco mode is
available for an easier time staying fuel-efficient,
and safety features abound, including ABS, a rear
camera, side, front, and curtain airbags, electronic
brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability assist, hill
start assist, and child seat anchors. We expected
no less from this level of trim, and we werent
disappointed.
The Vx+ Navi packs a 1.5L, Euro 4-rated SOHC

i-VTEC powerplant thats rated to produce
120 ps at 6,600 rpm, and 14.8kg-m of torque
at 4,000 RPM. This is mated to a continuously
variable transmission to give you smooth,
efficient power, and paddle shifters for when
you need to take matters into your own hands.
You get independent McPherson Struts up front,
You get plenty of creature comforts in the VX+

Navi. There's a massive touch-screen that serves
as the infotainment and navigation system right
at the center of the dash, within easy reach. This
has Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming
capabilities, and a bunch of other features,
including screen mirroring, should you feel the
need for it. Climate controls are capacitive, so
everything is flush, unobtrusive, and elegant.

You also get one 12V socket up front, and two in
the rear for all your devices, and USB inputs for
storage. Audio is handled by a 4.4 speaker system
that is placed well throughout the cabin for even,
clear sound.
USER EXPERIENCE
I have clocked a lot of hours behind the wheel of
various cars from Honda, and I have always been
pleased with the brand. They always strike a great
balance between comfort and performance, and
the City Vx+ Navi is no exception. Unlocking and
getting into the car is the easiest thing ever. The
doors are unlocked once the fob is in range of the
door and the user grasps either of the front door
handles, so there wont be any fumbling for keys
in pockets or bags. Just get in, hit the ignition
button and youre off.
The moment you sit in the drivers seat, you know
its more than just your usual compact car. While
its not quite in the luxury class, it does spoil you
with all the features and little details. Its a great
car to be in, with comfortable seats and high
sides that keep you right where you should be.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels great,
and has controls for easy access to the cars
entertainment features. It also has paddle shifters
which are within easy reach of a 10-2 hold, and
even easier to manipulate at 3-9.
The inside is plenty roomy. The City has made its
way out of sub-compact to compact status, and
the inside leaves no room for doubt. While its
still not as large as, say, the Civic, there is more
than enough room for four passengers to sit
comfortably. With two in the back and one in the
front, you could stay in the car all day and not feel
cramped. The entertainment system is top-notch
and easy to use, requiring only a few minutes
to pair with a smartphone get accustomed to.
Being a Navi model, you also get built-in real-time
navigation, care of Garmin. Apart from turn-byturn navigation and an easy-to-use interface,
the app even lets you search for locations such
as gas stations, without the need for an internet
connection. You never really know how much
more convenient this is over a phone until you
actually start using it.
acceleration, theres a lot of car under that little

hood. And being the size that it is, its remarkably
agile, and responds willingly to steering input.
There were moments, particularly at speed,
when we wished the steering was a little more
communicative, as it can feel a tad floaty at times,
but there was no point, even at spirited driving
and turning, that we felt we lacked control.
Its a very practical car, and will happily take you

on your daily commutes, with no complaints.
Should the need to let loose arise, the City is also
surprisingly quick. Flicking the paddle shifter
down a notch gives near-instant results, and a
surge of power. Theres little doubt this is the
Civics very capable little sibling. At speed, its solid
as a rock, and retains all of its agility.
Fuel efficiency was remarkable. Even when I threw

economical driving habits out the window (for
the purposes of testing, of course) and drove
through some particularly nasty traffic even by
Metro Manila standards, I couldnt get the City to
go below 8.6 km/l. These new CVT cars are really
doing a great thing here, and the little City is no
exception. As a daily driver, this car fits perfectly.
VALUE / PRICE
At a price thats sub PHP 1M (998,000) this car is
a steal. The fact that its a Honda, its performance,
and the sheer amount of features it comes with
makes it a great value proposition, and while its
a little on the higher end for vehicles in its class,
you really get so much for the price, its a
no-brainer.
The 1.5L engine and CVT are unmistakably Honda.

The roar and rumble of the engine once you push
it, and the cars zippy response might even make
you forget youre in a car primarily made to go
back and forth from work to home. Despite the
slightest little lag between throttle input and
Whats Hot:
- So many features
- Great-looking
- Extremely fun to drive
Whats Not:
- A wee bit pricy for its segment
BottomLINE:
If you want comfort, and performance
in a practical package, with a lot of
extra functions to boot, this is your
next ride.
JULY 2016
43
Words and Photos by Ren Alcantara
The Civic is a much-beloved car. Enthusiasts everywhere praise it for its looks, performance, and all the nostalgia
that comes with it. I myself have many fond memories of at least two of the recent models, and I know for a fact
that I was not alone in hoping that the updated Civic would make its way to our shores sooner rather than later.
The eagerly awaited 2016 Honda Civic has arrived, and we were part of the lucky group that got to take it out for
a spin along the coast of Bohol.
As we made our way out the arrivals area of the
Tagbilaran airport, we knew it was going to be
a fun three days. There, right at the exit were
seven brand-new Honda Civics, engines running,
waiting for their drivers and passengers. Examples
of both the 1.5 RS Turbo, and 1.8 CVT were
present, lined up neatly, and rearing to
go. It was a sight that
very
44
JULY 2016
nearly brought a tear to my eye, and you could

immediately tell that everyone on the trip felt
the same way. Before anyone could even rest
their bags on the ground, members of the press
had their cameras out, taking photos of the
lineup under overcast skies. If the looks of the
redesigned Civic hadnt made an impression on
them at the launch, it certainly did so then. The
Civics sporty heritage had been lost slowly over
the years, and this iteration has turned the
wheel sharply back on track.
Its aggressive,
yet not over the top, with looks that would fit on the
city streets as well as on backroad twisties.
Car assignments were handed out, and I found
myself assigned to car number 5, with fellow
motoring journalists Nics of C! magazine and
Randy of Brand. Before they could claim their
baggage and make their way to our ride, I spent
a few peaceful minutes in the drivers seat, just
appreciating the car. Soft leather, a sleek interior,
and a cockpit that wraps around the driver all
pulled me in, and before long I was daydreaming
about driving at speed through the twisting roads
of Bohol.
Just as I was taking a

sweeping left-hand turn in my head,
my teammates arrived, we tossed our luggage
into the surprisingly roomy trunk, and we were
off, with Mr. Nics Calanoc at the wheel.
This first leg was a quick drive to meet a few small
primates. The half-hour drive was pretty intense.
With the famed Ramirez brothers on either end
of the convoy, we were hitting the empty twisties
at pretty intense speeds, but the Civic kept its
composure, and the rubber on the road. Even
when the rains picked up, the RS was stable and
at no point did we feel like we were in any danger
of losing control of the vehicle. Thats not to say
we stopped pushingthe radios we used to
communicate with the rest of the group were
silent, and everyone was focused on the task at
hand.
After about half an hour, we found ourselves at
the first stop, to see one of Bohols most popular
natives, the Tarsier. Its amazing how quiet a large
group of motoring media can get at the sight of
the worlds smallest primate. Even the biggest,
manliest of us were almost reduced to highpitched squealing upon seeing them. From there,
it was a quick briefing, a driver change, and the
drive to lunch along the Loboc River, and a short
hop to the hotel, which was just as furious as the
first part of the trip. Once we got to the hotel,
everything was a blur of laughter, good food,
great company, and sleep. We had a lot of driving
to do the next day.
The whole group had an early breakfast on day
two, loading up for what would be a full eight
or so hours of driving split among three drivers.
We were to ply the whole eastern
coast of Bohol
going
north, then
cut through the inside roads,
headed back south to our hotel. Its hard to say
exactly which towns we were driving by, as the
concentration necessary to keep up with a whole
line of gearheads, with no less than Louis Ramirez
at the helm is intense, particularly when youre at
the tail end of the pack.
While Im by no means a professional driver, I
do remember the important bits. Still, it took
everything I knew to be able to keep pace. The
car, on the other hand, was hardly breaking a
sweat. More than eager to give power when it was
needed, I was quickly able to make up for gaps
created by obstacles and overtaking maneuvers
that split the group. The RS is extremely forgiving,
with traction control, ABS, and electronic
brakeforce distribution that made sure I was
always pointed in the right direction. The steering
was a little on the numb side, but it was always
responsive enough to let you know where it was
when you take turns, particularly at speed. The
brakes were top-notch as expected, and plenty
for the kind of driving we were doing. After a
long morning of driving, we found ourselves at
the famed Chocolate hills for photos and lunch.
While the hills were green due to the rains, a
hearty meal and a chance to stretch our legs was
more than welcome. After a quick break, more
instructions from the organizers, and we were off
to a quick photo op down by the hills. The
rain had been picking up
since lunch,
but
it did little
to slow our pace. By then we
had become confident in the cars, and drove
them accordingly, through an intense downpour,
well within safe parameters of course. Everyone
had started to loosen up and enjoy the remaining
kilometers left in the drive back, taking a moment
to appreciate the riding comfort the Civic gave.
At this point, we had switched to the tamer 1.8L
Civic. Though it didnt have quite the zip of the
turbo version, it was more than able to keep up
with the group, being just as tight on the turns,
with plenty of speed to catch up with the 1.5
turbos. Before long, we found ourselves back
at the hotel, ready for a quick dinner, and eight
hours of sleep.
Ive been on my share of media drives, and
while all were enjoyable in their own right, the
chance to take such a gorgeous, capable car out
on twisties, with some of the best drivers in the
country is something Ill be thinking back to for a
while. It was a great chance for the Civic to show
off what it can do, and it didnt disappoint. I cant
wait to have a test unit all to myself.
JULY 2016
45
DOE
Issues Fuel Economy Ratings
for Vehicles in PH Market
Based on 280-km fuel economy run with Petron TriActiv fuels

The Department of Energy (DOE) and Petron Corporation recently issued Fuel Economy Rating certificates
to 22 car brands, which participated in the highly successful DOE Euro 4 Fuel Economy Run, a pioneering
event that aims to provide vital information on the fuel economy performance of vehicles and raise public
awareness on the use of cleaner and more efficient Euro 4 fuels.
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47
The certificates were given during a presentation

ceremony at the Makati Diamond Residences.
Twenty-one car companies in the Philippine market
fielded a total of 70 models of various body types
and engine displacements last May 27 to mark
the 12th Fuel Economy Run led by the DOE. They
traversed a preset route of 280 kilometers starting
from Petron Clark station in Angeles City, Pampanga,
through SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway), TPLEX
(Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway), and back, in a
controlled run to approximate standard driving conditions.
Fueled by Petron XCS (95-RON), 27 out of 38 gasoline
vehicles, or a significant 71 percent of the entries, produced
fuel economy ratings exceeding 20 kilometers for every
liter. For vehicles powered by Petron Turbo Diesel, 21 out of
32 participants (66 percent) achieved over 20 km/l. The best
performances were registered by a Suzuki Celerio with 29.14
km/L using Petron XCS, and an Isuzu D-Max getting 38.46 km/L
on Petron Turbo Diesel. The fuel economy ratings obtained in the
run serve to expand the Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling
Program (PESLP) of the DOE.
The car companies that received Fuel Economy Ratings include:
Asianbrands Motors Corporation (Mahindra), Automobile Central
Enterprise Inc. (Volkswagen), Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation
(BAIC), Berjaya Auto Philippines (Mazda), British United Automobiles
Inc., Columbian Autocar Corporation (Kia), Eurobrands Distributor Inc.
(Peugeot), Ford Group Philippines, Foton Motor Philippines Inc., Honda
Cars Philippines Inc., Hyundai Asia Resources Inc., Isuzu Philippines
Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, Motor Image
Pilipinas Inc. (Subaru), Nissan Philippines Inc., PGA Cars Inc. (Audi / Porsche),
Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (Tata Motors), Suzuki Philippines Inc., The
Covenant Car Company Inc. (Chevrolet), Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation,
and Volvo Philippines.
The DOE Euro 4 Fuel Economy Run, the first in the country, forms part of DOEs
efforts to promote judicious utilization of energy. Results of the run also aim to
guide consumers buying vehicles by highlighting the importance of fuel economy
rating aside from performance, quality, and safety. In addition, the DOE also wishes
to promote the use of Euro 4 fuels, which it mandated in January this year. Euro 4
fuels are more environment-friendly, as they contain significantly lesser amount of
sulfur and benzene.
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On the part of Petron, the results confirm the

TriActiv performance advantages of their
specially-formulated Euro 4 fuels, including:
(1) better engine protection for longer engine
life; (2) better mileage for longer drives; and (3)
better power. The excellent fuel economy ratings

achieved by a majority of the participating
vehicles also serve to reaffirm Petrons massive
USD 2-billion investment to upgrade its
Bataan Refinery.
Petron is now the only oil company capable

of locally producing environment-friendly
and premium fuels while assuring reliable
supply of fuel variants that meet the needs
of Filipino motorists.
JULY 2016
49
OFFICIAL RESULTS
DOE Euro 4 Fuel Economy Run 2016 Results
May 26-27, 2016
Petron Service Station-Clark, Pampanga
No.
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Company Name
JULY 2016
Brand
Model
Fuel
Type
Vehicle
Type
Engine
Displacement
Drive
Fuel
Type of
Economy
Gearbox
Rating
No.
Company Name
Brand
Model
Fuel
Type
Vehicle
Type
Engine
Displacement
Drive
Fuel
Type of
Economy
Gearbox
Rating
JULY 2016
51
ISUZU
SPORTIVO X
There are many ways to move a
load, whether its people, cargo, or
luggage, but there arent a whole lot
of ways to do so in style. Isuzu has
the answer to your transport needs
and your desire to get around in a
sharp ride. The Isuzu Sportivo X is a
highly-capable people mover, with
more than enough muscle to carry
cargo, and the looks to make heads
turn.
Powered by Isuzus bulletproof 4JA1-L Direct Diesel Injected,

turbo-charged engine, its 2.5 L powerplant is capable of
85 ps of power at 3,900 rpm, and 18.9 kg-m of torque at 2,000
rpm. It has double wishbone with torsion bar suspension
and a stabilizer up front, and semi-elliptical leaf springs with
telescopic absorbers in the rear for a stable, comfortable ride,
even when fully loaded. Ventilated discs up front and leading
and trailing drums in the rear provide ample stopping power.
The face of the Sportivo X is a notch above the average
Crosswind. Multi-reflector halogen lights, fog lamps, and a
one-piece, six-hole front grille set it apart from the pack,
and one piece, color-keyed bumpers, as well as multispoke, silver alloy wheels complete the premium look.
Power folding and adjusting side mirrors with integrated
LED turn signals add convenience and safety to
your drive.
The Sportivo is the epitome of practical. Roof
rails come standard, and make sure you can
carry everything you need on your next trip.
A large cargo area ensures theres enough
room for everyones gear, and then some,
and rear blowers make sure everyone is
comfortable during the trip.
Centralized power locks, power windows,
and a six-speaker system round off the
Sportivo Xs features, making it the
perfect vehicle for the city, your daily
commute, and long trips to boot.
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JULY 2016
Yamaha Clubs Go on Cebu Tour

Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. hosted another
of its Yamaha Grand Touring events, this time in
Cebu. Over 120 riders participated in a fourhour
long road trip that took them from Kartzone Cebu
to Tanawan, Oslob and back.
The participating clubs included the Soul i
Exclusive Team Cebu, South Scooter Club, Yamaha
Cebuana Club, Mio Elite Scooter Club, Tribu del
Mio de Bohol, Club Mio MXi Cebu, Yamaha Fino
Club Cebu, FZ16 Club Cebu Philippines, VegaForce
Riders Pack, SZ16 Club, and United Sniper Club of
Cebu.
The Grand Touring featured four of Yamahas top
motorcycles, namely the N-Max with its 155 cc
liquid cooled Blue Core engine with variable valve
actuation technology and ABS; Tricity with its
Leaning Multi Wheel technology that allows it to
glide smoothly through different road conditions;
Sniper 150 MXi with its liquid cooled, fuel injected
engine; and the street model FZi with its fuel
injected engine driving its light body.
The first day of the tour culminated in Brumini
Resort where the riders got to enjoy a side trip to
Sumilon Island as well as whale shark watching. A
program, hosted by ABS-CBN Cebus Phoebe Kay

Fernandez, was also held. It involved fun games,
activities, and raffle draw prizes from Motoworld
and Yamaha. Yamaha sales and marketing director
Kaoru Ogura was also present to express

his gratitude to the riders, not only for their
support but also for their enthusiasm
throughout the ride.
Yamaha Holds Brigada Eskwela

Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. continues to
provide more than just high quality products
and excellent service, with its dedication to the
Filipino community reflected through its various
programs and activities. The most recent of these
undertakings was the Yamaha Brigada Eskwela, a
campaign that helped schools through donations
and other refurbishing efforts to its facilities.
Recently, Yamaha visited two schools in Cavite,
Lumil National High School and San Isidro
National High School. Lumil National High School
received 10 desktop computer sets along with
equipment for the facility's roofing. Yamaha HR/
IT general manager Marilou Galit headed the
turnover program, with the donations received by
principal Bernadette Sumagui, property custodian
Gregoria Marasigan, and guidance counselor
Pampila Bayla.
Meanwhile, San Isidro National High School
received painting materials and resources for the
construction of the schools hand washing facility.
Receiving the donations were teacher-in-charge
Lilibeth Cabrera, property custodian Christian
Nito, and ASP representative Mylene Metica.
This is the latest in Yamahas endeavors to make
sure that the Filipino youth will get the best
educational equipment and facilities to continue
their journey of learning. Yamaha promises to go
beyond the roads and give the country a brighter
future.
JULY 2016
53
SUZUKI
54
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55
Isuzu Philippines Ends First Quarter

with 38 Percent Sales Growth
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) started the
year strong with a 37.5percent first quarter year
over year improvement. Sales during the first four
months of 2016 tallied to 8,798 units versus the
6,396 performance posted last year. Of the total
amount, 2,219 vehicles were sold in Aprila 54
percent YOY growthsays a joint report from
the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers
of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck
Manufacturers Association (TMA).
Isuzu Philippines is pleasantly surprised to find
out how close our sales in April came to those
we have made in March, especially considering
that it took the company nearly two decades to
achieve that record. The result places us firmly on
track to meet our year-end target, and indicates
an upward trend not only for Isuzu, but also for
the entire Philippine automotive industry, said IPC
president Hajime Koso.
Leading the pack was the Isuzu Crosswind with
a total of 1,562 units moved in the first quarter.
Supporting it were the Isuzu mu-X SUV with 938
units, Isuzu N-Series light-duty trucks with 355
units, Isuzu D-MAX pickup with 338 units, and the
brands portfolio of commercial trucks and buses
with 64 units.
IPC is optimistic that their strong opening will be
sustained throughout the year.
Honda Smart Technology Here to Stay

Honda Smart Technology is a collection of
technical and innovative features intended to
enhance the safety of the motorcycle riders,
maintain great road performance, ensure better
utility, improve security, and contribute to the
superb fuel efficiency of the nameplates.
While the trendy and sporty look combined with
the superb fuel efficiency of Hondas new breed
of scooters will suffice for the average user, Honda
Smart Technology will also impress veteran
motorcycling enthusiasts as it is a reflection of
Hondas commitment to produce only the best
scooter products in the market.
This thrust only echoes the goal of HPI president
Daiki Mihara who stated that the new generation
BeAT-FI eSP Series is a reflection of the companys
continued commitment to provide a powerful,
safe, fun, and worthwhile driving experience
to the growing market of Filipino scooter
enthusiasts.
Motorcycle brand Honda Philippines, Inc.
continues to perform strongly in the countrys
riding market, thanks in part to the brands
pioneering smart technology offerings.
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JULY 2016
Honda Philippines first adopted the technology when

it launched the Honda Click 125i premium scooter and
replicated the same on its new generation BeAT-FI eSP
Series scooter and Honda Zoomer X.
HPI promises to continue ushering in

groundbreaking technological concepts and
to further raise the bar in the worlds scooter
development scene.
Sobretodo giving the Philippines its first top podium win in the international
race sanctioned by FIM - ARRC
EJ Sobretodo and Mario Borbon marked Suzuka International Circuit with a first 1-2 finish for the Philippines in
an international racing competition
Team Suzuki Pilipinas 1-2 Finish at Suzuka

Plus two other monumental success made during the SAC Round 3!
The third leg of the Suzuki Asian Challenge (SAC) proved to be a success
for Team Suzuki Pilipinas as they notched three firsts for the nation, proving
once again that the countrys grassroots racers belong right up there with
the worlds best.
Team Suzuki Pilipinas all geared up for the race
Taking place at the Suzuka International Circuit in

Japan, the local teams own April King Mascardo
managed to get the pole position after a strong
qualifier performancea first for a Filipino in an
international racing event. Besides getting the
pole position for the main race, Mascardo also
set the fastest course record among Suzukas SAC
riders at 2:52.455, beating out last years record
holder by 5.3 seconds.
Following this is Eane Jaye Sobretodos top
podium finish, another first for a Filipino in the
Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) series.
Meanwhile, Mario Borbon, Jr. placed second
making it a Philippine-first gold and silver
finish. Mascardo was leading during most of the
race, with Indonesian riders Jefri Tosema and
Muhammad Sapril hot on his trail. Unfortunately,
all three crashed during the last lap, giving way to
Sobretodo and Borbon to take it all home.
Pole sitter Mascardo leading a pack of riders at Suzuka
Race 2 was more gruelling as Mascardo bowed

out early due to another crash. Sobretodo took
over the lead but was cut through by a big pack,
leaving him sitting in 9th place. Borbon followed
at 10th.
Currently, all members of Team Suzuki Pilipinas are
in the overall standings top 10, with Sobretodo
on 4th, Mascardo on 5th, and Borbon on 7th.
With each race showing better and more refined
performances from the countrys very own riders,
Suzuki Philippines is hopeful that they have what
it takes to make a permanent mark on the worlds
racing scene. Sobretodo, Mascardo, and Borbon
will once again hit the tracks for the fourth time
this season on August 5 to 7 at Sentul, Indonesia.
April King Mascardo
EJ Sobretodo
Mario Borbon Jr.
You can follow Team Suzuki Pilipinas

journey through www.facebook.com/
SuzukiBikersFed and www.facebook.com/
SuzukiAsianChallenge.
JULY 2016
57
SUZUKI
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59
Suzuki Philippines and Total to Give Away

3 Ciaz Sedans
Suzuki Philippines and Total will be giving
away three all-new Suzuki Ciaz sedans to lucky
motorists this end of summer season.
The newly launched Suzuki Ciaz is the biggest
sub-compact sedan in its category. It features
a fuel-efficient engine, top-notch creature
comforts, elegant cabin, and sporty exterior,
making it a great car for everyone, whether
youre a family man, an adventurer, an office
mogul, or a student.
The partnership between the two companies
will give their loyal customers a chance to take
home the nameplate. Every PHP 500 worth of fuel
purchase at participating Total gas stations from
April 15 to July 15 will entitle customers to one
raffle coupon.
Suzuki has established its reputation for quality,
versatility, and innovation and has created a
heritage of trust and reliability. Partnering with
Total will help us bring the brand closer to its
customers and to let those customers experience
one of our best-in-class vehicles, the all-new Ciaz.
This collaboration with Total Philippines affirms
our commitment to share the Suzuki Way of Life
to a larger market. With this, we would like to
encourage everyone to go to the nearest Total

gas station to get a chance to win an all-new
Ciaz. said Shuzo Hoshikura, automobile general
manager of Suzuki Philippines.
For more information on the promo and other exciting

deals from Suzuki Philippines, visit www.suzuki.com.
ph/auto, www.facebook.com/SuzukiAutoPH, and
www.twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPH.
Kia Motors PH introduces OJT training program

time they graduate. We want to equip students
with practical know-how and at the same time,
introduce them to great opportunities as a future
Kia technician or service advisor.
Rosal added, Exposing students to challenges
in a real work environment is something that
cannot be replicated in a classroom or taught
from a textbook. We hope that students will find
Kias OJT program to be productive, rewarding,
and informative.
Kia partnered with Crossroads Training Institute,
Inc. and Kia Nueva Ecija for the initial batch of
interns who will be deployed to Kia Cagayan de
Oro and Kia Nueva Ecija, respectively.
At the end of the 6-week program, eligible
interns who have shown potential and
exceptional skill during the training will
be referred to Kia dealerships for possible
employment.
Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the
exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the
Philippines, and its Aftersales Division, recently
opened its doors to students for a special on-thejob training program.
Qualified trade school students were given a
highly specialized two-week familiarization on
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JULY 2016
Kia technology and features, which the students

can then apply during their 4-week training at
Kia dealerships.
The Kia OJT Program started last June 6 and

culminated with the awarding of certificates on
June 17.
On this initiative, CAC aftersales director, Apollo

Rosal, shared: Kia Aftersales OJT program
aims to create a pool of skilled and technically
proficient students that will be job-ready by the
In the future, the OJT program shall be opened

to all interested trade schools. Learn more about
the Kia OJT Program at www.kia.com or visit a Kia
dealership near you.
SUZUKI
JULY 2016
61
GREEN
Hybrid Engines Simplified

Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo | Art by Juan Miguel Afable
If the number of developments in eco-friendly technologyincluding renewable energy, energy efficiency, and material
sustainability; not to mention all the innovations being done in the grassroots levelis anything to go by, then its not too farfetched
to say that the world is knocking on the door of another green revolution. The automotive industry is no exception, and if you look at
our feature on the Department of Energy-Petron Euro 4 Fuel Eco Run, youll see that todays cars are guzzling less fuel while travelling
much, much further than their predecessors.
Hybrid engines further improve the mileage per liter of gas. How? Read on for a general idea of how they work.
Two Engines, One Car
A hybrid engine, as the name implies, is a

mishmash of two existing technologiesthe
conventional internal combustion powerplant
and an electric one. The former usually comes in
a small displacement; while the latter features an
electric motor, batteries, and a generator. Both
are attached to a power-split transmission which
allows either one of the engines to power the
wheels, as well as allows the two engines to work
in tandem.
When Stopped and At Low Speeds
The electric engine is used to run the car from

a standstill up to low speeds as it is efficient
enough to produce high torque to pull the car at
low RPMs using battery power. Low RPMs mean
the engine isnt working as hard, and when the
engine isnt being pushed, its using less energy.
This makes it perfect for city driving conditions
where stop and go traffic is the norm. As an
added bonus for you and pedestrians, electric
engines produce no smoke.
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When stopped, no engines are engaged. Only the

battery is used to power the cars auxiliary systems
such as lights and air conditioning.
When Accelerating and At High Speeds
As the car reaches a certain speed, the combustion

engine joins the electric motor in providing power
to the wheels. This tandem is made possible by
the power-split transmission which marries their
torques together. The combustion engine also
powers the generator, charging the battery in the
process, thereby keeping the electric motor fed.
hits the brakes or takes his feet off of the accelerator,

both its engines disengage and then the spinning
wheels turn the generator to provide electricity for the
battery.
Of course, the whole process is much more
complicated than the explanation above, but this
piece does give you an idea of why more and more
people are making the switch to hybrid cars. They may
not be rocking it in the horsepower department yet,
but they do lead the way in saving Mother Earth.
Regenerative Braking
Braking is a good way to ruin fuel economy since

a regular car just loses its momentum and gains
nothing but heat in its brake pads. However, thats
not the case with hybrid engines. When the driver
Electric Motor
Battery
Power Split Transmission

Electric Generator
Small Gasoline Engine
63 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JULY 2016
JULY 2016 63
TRAVEL
Camayan
Beach Resort
Being in the city is terrible for you. If the smog doesnt kill you, getting in a fight because of traffic will. The city is
where deadlines, work-related stress, and general bad vibes reside. We might not be doctors, but we know for a
fact that constantly staying in the city is detrimental to your health. Do yourself a favor and get out of the busy,
smoky, toxic city, and head over somewhere nice. If youre still hanging on to the excuse that there just isnt any
nice place to go to without taking a plane, the Camayan Beach Resort is here to prove you wrong.
Located among the pristine sands of Subic Bay,
Camayan Beach Resort is the perfect place to escape
the hassles of the city and relax. Right at the border
where the rainforest meets the ocean and its beautiful
reefs, Camayan provides world-class amenities to the
weary city-dwellers. Camayan provides its guests with
access to all the wonders nature has to give, while
having enough activities available for those who seek
adventure.
A long beach, with beautiful aqua waters, spans the
resort. Guests can walk along its expanse, or lounge
around, soaking up the sun and the view. Those
who wish to have a more active stay can choose to
rent a kayak and explore the waters surrounding the
resort, or pick up a mask and snorkel to see whats
playing just beneath the surface. For the even more
adventurous, scuba diving areas are available, as is all
the necessary gear to meet the diverse wildlife of the
watery depths.
Those who wish to remain on dry land can stay in the
resort and spend time in the game room and lounge.
There, they can hang out with other guests, and
knock back a few drinks while watching the waves
roll in, or put on their explorer hats, and hit the hiking
trails inland, to try and find the heart of the rainforest
that is Camayans back yard.
The resort has a full dining area, with performances
over dinner, and a great selection of foodafter all,
whats a vacation without great dining? You can also
choose to stay in the comfort of one of Camayans
many rooms, tailored to fit parties of all sizes.
Company outings, team building, weddings, and
quick getaways are all welcome at Camayan.
Should you want to explore the wonders of nature
even more, Ocean Adventure, one of the countrys
premiere wildlife parks, is just a few meters away.
Learn more about the creatures that share our
wonderful planet, meet them up close, and see what
you can do to help keep them safe, and protect our
environment. Sea lions, dolphins, and other marine
and tropical wildlife are all waiting for you right
next door!
Camayan beach resort is easily accessible via car, and
totally worth the drive. Book now via their website at
booking.camayanbeachresort.com and get away
from it all.
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EVERYTHING APPLE
9 Things the Apple Pencil Can and Cant Do

Words by Presy Alba
The Apple Pencil is one of the PRO accessories that, for now, you can only use with the iPad Pro series. What
differentiates it from other styli is that when it is paired with the iPad Pro, all you need to do is pick up the pencil and
start writing. With it, writing on the iPad feels just as natural as writing or drawing on paper.
In addition to writing, here are five things that the Pencil can do and four things it cannot do:
THE APPLE PENCIL CAN
Open apps and links, navigate and scroll you can use the Apple
Pencil to tap and select icons to open apps and links and also to navigate
within apps and websites. You can also use the Apple Pencil to scroll up
and down a webpage.
Type on the keyboard it may not be efficient but you can use the
Pencil to type on the screen keyboard.
Be charged using a regular Lightning cable the Apple Pencil
comes with a female-to-female adapter that will allow you to charge the
Apple Pencil using a regular Lightning cable.
Trace through paper if you need to trace something on the iPad Pro, all
you need to do is position the paper you are tracing from on top of the iPad
and use the pencil to trace through.
Automatically activate palm rejection Palm rejection is built-in
to the Apple Pencil so palm rejection always works when youre using the
Pencil to write or draw.
2
3
4
IT CANNOT...
Access edge gestures like Notification or the Control Center
you cannot use the Apple Pencil to drag the Notification Center from the
top edge of the iPad nor can it be used to access the Control Center from the
bottom edge of the screen.
Write on non-Pro iPads or the iPhone as I previously mentioned,
the Apple Pencil only works with the iPad Pro series for now so you cannot
use it on older iPads or you iPhone.
Erase from the opposite end the Apple Pencil may be shaped like a
#2 pencil, but the opposite end is not the eraseryou still use the same tip
to erase after you tap on the eraser icon in whatever app you are using at
the time.
Activate multi-finger gestures obviously, the Apple Pencil cannot
be used for multi-finger gestures, and incidentally, when used as a pen, you
need two fingers to scroll within your writing area.
JULY 2016 65
APPS
Weirdly Interesting Apps

Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos
The application stores on our mobile devices are like buffets of all sorts of stuff.Theres a section housing all the obviously
good things, then a few swipe and taps away, youll find yourself looking into bizarre apps that will have you thinking: why
does this even exist? But, youll eventually give in to curiosity and download it anyway.
When boredom knocks, knock them down with these weird yet interesting apps to keep you entertained.
Face Swap
Dog Overlay
Snapchat
Ever wondered why your social media account
news feeds are filled with photos of half-humanhalf-dogs, goddesses, memefied faces, and
bizarre-looking people? Fret not, this isnt an
extra-terrestrial invasion just yet. Your online
friends are probably just using Snapchat. An app
made for those who love sharing stories and
experiences through pictures.
This photo sharing platform allows its users to
share snaps to their friends on the app. These
snaps may be in the form of pictures or short clips.
Users can choose to share their snaps privately
to friends as a message or post them as Stories.
Stories, when shared, will be available to view
for 24 hours by people following you and will be
shown in chronological order if more than one.
Among the charms of this app are features such
as text captions, Geofilters, and selfie lens. The
latter, when activated, detects the users face
and overlays various augmented reality graphics
on it. These filters change every time the app
updates but there are staples like the dog, face
swap, flower crown wreath, and kawaii overlays.
Meanwhile, through the Geofilters feature, you
can update your friends of your whereabouts
without the need for long descriptions.
Snaps youve taken within the app can also be
shared to other SNS accounts through the download
feature, hence the outlandish pictures on your feeds.
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MSQRD
MSQRD is similar to Snapchat in the sense that it
overlays AR graphics onto its users faces in real time,
but unlike the former, this app is leaning towards
being more of a camera app as it has no chat or
other social interaction features. Some of its famous
features are live face swapping and giving users the
opportunity to digitally have the face of famous
celebrities. If the latter doesnt weird you out, we
dont know what will.
The app is pretty straightforward. What it does is
allow you to be silly by overlaying your face with
various 3D filters. You can then choose to capture or
record it and share the output on to your other social
media accounts--or just keep it to yourself if you find
it too embarrassing. But, everyone loves a person
who can make fun of himself every now and then.
Magic 8 Ball
There are days when simple questions, that can be
answered with a yes, no, maybe, or never, are hard to
come by. But with the Magic 8 Ball app, you get your
answers fast! Just dont blame us if things dont go
the way you want them to.
The Magic 8 Ball app is a digital version of the
novelty toy that decided many of our futures during
our younger years. Whenever feeling uncertain, you
can download this app, ask a question, shake or tap,
and instantaneously get an answer that ranges from
various forms of yes, no, or something in the middle.
SlitheR.io
If you loved the rage-inducing cell-eating game,
Agar.io, youll definitely fall head over heels for the
online game Slither.io.
As its name suggests, the game involves just
slithering around and avoiding other snakes. The
gameplay is simple, but is quite addicting. Users
will start off as a little snakes whose main goal is to
grow longer by consuming glowing orbs spread
across the playing field. The only challenge is, other
players from across the world also aim to be the
longest gliding creature in the game. And to be the
longest (top of the leaderboard), youd have to avoid
bumping into other players, if you do, your snake self
will explode into orbs that other players can feast on.
Savage, we know.
Steppy pantS
Steppy Pants is one of those games that will make you
want to throw your iPhone across the room and grunt
in frustration.
In the game, youll play as the goofy-looking Mr.
Steppy Pants (you get to unlock other characters
to play further in the game) whose only goal is to
walk the games streets. The catch is, the avatar has
an inexplicable inability to step on cracks and gaps.
If your character accidentally steps on a crack, it will
trip and fall over. Also, the simple act of walking is
very tricky. All these elements make the game extra
challenging, and thats what makes a game worth
playing. Its like learning how to walk all over again,
but not really.
Got some time to kill? Download these apps now.
Trust us when we say theyre worth the storage space.
neko atSuMe
Affectionate towards cats but not ready for the
commitment? This app is for you. Made with cat
lovers in mind, Neko Atsume promises users a
cat collecting experience without the hassles of
physically tackling fur and cat litter.
Neko Atsume, Cat Collection in English, is an app
that allows you to collect felines of different varieties.
In the app, you have a virtual home which you can
decorate with playthings and snacks to attract cats.
In true Japanese fashion, the applications graphic
illustrations are very endearing and pleasing to look
at, hence making it extra addicting.
juLY 2016
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a
s
nd
o
t
o
deos
Vi
360 Ph
SNAPSHOTS
Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo

Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter are all
hopping aboard the 360 bandwagon,
most likely in anticipation of the surge in
virtual reality devices. Its amazing really.
The fact that you can wear a VR headset,
view a photo or play a video, and have
the visuals turn with you as you look left
and right, up and down. Heck, even if
youre just using a plain old browser, being
able to scroll 360-degrees across photos
and videos is already a real treat.
Its a whole new level of immersionone that

should change both how people create and how
people consume content.
Sure, you can argue that a cameras panorama mode
achieves the same technical effect, but thats one, a
pain to properly get done; and two, limited to only the
vertical and horizontal planes. The way panoramas are
navigated is also very clunky. Zoom in, keep zooming
in, zoom in some more, then scroll is a few steps too
many in this digital period of instant gratification.
While 360-degree content isnt quite on the same
level of scale and interactivity as Google Street
View is, its nevertheless impressive. The fact that
the accompanying imaging technology has finally
trickled down into the consumer market is great
news for all of us. Give it a couple of months for
people to adopt these innovations before your
newsfeed is populated by 360 snaps of the worlds
most gorgeous vistas.
Panono Sample Shot
Right now, those wanting to capture fully

immersive 360-degree photos and videos need
to invest in specialized cameras and rigs that
come in various shapes and sizes. One of the first
360 cameras that really impressed me was the
Panono. It made its debut at crowdfunding site
Indiegogo and just by looking at its campaign
backingwhich ended at USD 1,250,028,
39-percent more than its target USD 900,000
fundyoud know that its creators struck gold.
Looking like a Quidditch quaffle, it received
positive acclaim from reviewers the world over
and rightfully so. Fitted with 36 wide angle
smartphone camera modules, users can just throw
it to the air, with the internal system taking a 108
MP 360 x 360 panorama at the flights apex. It is
a tad expensive though, coming in at USD 549.
Head over to their site at www.panono.com and
download the Panono app for some sample shots
and see if its worth the asking price.
But suppose you want something a little more

pocketable than an 11 cm ball. Then you have the
Ricoh Theta S, a svelte device that reminds me a
bit of Men in Blacks neuralyzer, though this ones
flatter. With a price tag of just under
PHP 20,000, its still on the pricey side of the
equation, though you definitely are getting what
you pay for. It features two 12 MP f/2.0 cameras on
either side, both with 1/2.3-inch sensors, and also
has Wi-Fi to connect to its mobile app. Ease of use
and simplicitys the name of its game as there are
very limited shooting options available.
Like most multi-camera 360 shooters, the
Theta S stitches photos and videos captured by
its two modules to produce a single file, which
isnt too bad quality-wise. Just dont expect
DSLR-like shots and youd be pleased with
what the Theta S can offer.
There are more affordable options than the
Theta S such as the LG 360 Cam and the
Samsung Gear 360, though as of writing,
these two arent out in the market just yet.
If youve set your mind on getting high-quality
360 photos and videos and are prepared to
spend your entire life savings to achieve that,
then there are more robust options out there
which involve specialized mounts and typical
stand-alone cameras. One example is the F360
GoPro Mount. As the name implies, it is a bare
bones package so youd have to supply six
GoPros in either Hero4, Hero3+, or Hero3 flavors.
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It also needs an accompanying software to stitch

footages together.
On the plus side, youll surely get one of the best
360 camera experiences money can buy. The
down side? Youll easily spend upwards of USD
2,800 (plus taxes and shipping) for everything that
you needthe mount itself, GoPros, and software.
Would investing in a 360 shooter be worth it? I
think yes. Think about it. Your camera can only
see so much and if you wanted to capture all the

details of a scene, youd have to manually crouch
up to every nook and cranny in front of you and
again at those in your back. With a 360 camera,
its just a snap and youre good to go, granted
the quality wont be up to par with half-decent
shooters yet.
Yes, the phenomenon may somewhat be a
novelty now, but it does prove that every photo,
every story has another side.
juLY 2016
69
GAMING
Words by Jose Alvarez

Developer(s): Behaviour Interactive | Publisher(s): Starbreeze Studios | Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
The interest in the survival horror genre has increased significantly in recent years. Thanks
to Steam Greenlight, many indie developers have tossed their hat into the ever-growing
survival horror ring, and in some cases, have succeeded far more than AAA studios such
as Activision Blizzard, EA, and Nintendo. Behaviour Interactive is a Canadian indie studio
(formerly known as Artificial Mind & Movement) that has developed video games based
on TV shows and movies such as Monsters Inc., Ice Age, Scooby-Doo! and Teen Titans, as
well as several games based on iconic cartoon character Bugs Bunny.
The wraith can cloak themselves and

hide audio cues that alert survivors
to the presence of the killer. The
downside is that the wraith becomes
exposed when he attacks. The killer
is impeded by barricades and climbs
through windows slower.
70 JULY 2016
Their latest game, Dead by Daylight, has an

interesting twist on the survival horror genre: you
can play as the survivor or the killer. Four survivors
must escape a killer in an enclosed area. Escaping
can be done by opening a certain number of
generators, or escaping through a trap door that
opens when there is only one survivor left. The
trap door will spawn at a predetermined location
on the map. The survivors can sprint, run, crouch,
or hide from the killer.
Survivors can use items to restore their health,
blind the killer, repair generators, and disable
the meat hooks the killer uses. Repairing the
generators takes a while and features several
mini-games that test your reflexesfailing can
set back the progress of the generator repair and
alert the killer to your location. This can also occur
when you are trying to heal your teammates.
Survivors will be able to see the heat signature
of injured teammates and can also see the heat

signature of generators and the exit doors when
the generators are repaired. In addition, survivors
hold another advantage over the killer because
the survivors will hear a heartbeat and tense
music when the killer approaches. They can also
see red lights from the killers eyes.
When you are caught by the killer, you can
wiggle out of their grasp and run away before the
killer can impale you on a meat hook. While it is
possible to get out of being impaled on one of the
meat hooks, it is extremely difficult and will most
likely still result in your own death. Activating all
the generators is not enougha survivor has to
find a switch next to one of the doors and hold it
before the door can open. The game only ends if
all survivors escape or have been killed, meaning
some players will remain in the game longer than
others.
As the killer, you can play as one of three character

types: the trapper, hillbilly, or wraith. The killer
cannot run or crouch. To catch a survivor, you have
to hit them twice or grab them.
The trapper is able to collect and set up traps
of his own, which when set off by survivors will
alert the killer to them. The hillbilly is armed with
a hammer and chainsaw. However, the hillbillys
maneuverability is reduced greatly as a result of
using the latter weapon.
The wraith can cloak themselves and hide audio
cues that alert survivors to the presence of the
killer. The downside is that the wraith becomes
exposed when he attacks. The killer is impeded by
barricades and climbs through windows slower.
Dead by Daylight offers a fresh perspective in the
survival horror genre by allowing people to play
as the killer and the victim. If you have several
friends, this is a game that can make for hours of
fun and suspense.
JULY 2016 71
Words by Ren Alcantara

Developer(s): Naughty Dog
Publisher(s): Sony Interactive
Entertainment
Platform(s): PS4
It has been a long time since I have gotten on a controller and parked my butt on the couch. The last game I
played was Kojimas swan song, which probably explains why I have been so reluctant to start the console up
again-that was a tough act to beat.
I have, however, finally been forced to dust off
the console to play the fourth installment of the
Uncharted series, A Thiefs End. The game, brought
to us by Sony and Naughty Dog, the latter being
the group that gave us the critically acclaimed
title The Last of Us, is a master class in storytelling
and a great game to boot. Ill try to give you a
spoiler-free review as I can manage, but be
warned, some might get through.
The game starts with Nathan Drake, some
decades prior to when we first met him in the
Uncharted series. A young Nathan is receiving
a scolding at what will later be revealed as an
orphanage for getting into a fist fight. From
there, it smoothly transitions into a sneaking and
movement tutorial. After this, its a quick leap into
the more recent past, where you find Nate in an
old-fashioned prison brawl and the mandatory
combat tutorial. A quick story element, gunfight,
and chase sequence later, and you find yourself
back in the current time, with Nate running a
salvage operation at the bottom of some body
of water. You then learn that Nate has left the
treasure-hunting business behind to put his skills
to use in a legitimate cargo recovery company.
72 JULY 2016
that hard, doing both concurrently while trying

to evade gunfire, sneaking, or climbing can be a
little difficult. The game helps you out a whole lot
by having a very useful auto-aim feature in the
menu. The game gets you to shoot early on, so
you can gauge whether or not youll need a hand
aiming. My advice is that if you have the slightest
problem with hitting your mark, take the hit and
enable it. Gunfights can be long and furious, so
unless youre a fan of replaying certain segments
repeatedly, thisll help you not feel stuck. You get
to handle a decent number of weapons as you
move along, and while youre going to find that
different classes work better in different situations,
weapons of the same type dont really feel all that
different from each other.
Things change, however, when a surprise walks

into Nates office, and the game really starts to get
rolling. From there, you head to various locations
all over the world in search for what might be
the largest pirate treasure ever amassed. The
story is paced well, with some extremely tense
sequences placed neatly in-between quiet, even
heart-warming scenes. While not as emotionally
powerful as The Last of Us, its still the videogame
equivalent of a page-turner. More than the
characters, who are as interesting and charming
as ever, its their story that makes you want to
keep playing.
Movement is very straightforward. Climbing,
clambering, vaulting, and leaping all happen
more or less hassle-free. Climbing in particular
is mostly automatic. Handholds are very easy to
spot, and a tap on the Square key launches you

in the appropriate direction if you can reach the
next hold. Really the only way you can plummet
to your death is if you hit the Circle button at the
wrong moment, which causes Nate to drop to the
next lower hold. If there happens to not be one,
however, youll pick up shortly before you kicked
the bucket. Itll actually take some effort to fall to
your death, since the game lets you know when
you can make a particular jump, so unless youre
stubborn, you can make sure you have a place
to go before making a leap. Nate and his various
companions also give clues via dialogue once
the game sees youre stuck, just like a companion
might in real life, making it a functional way of
helping you out without breaking the experience.
Combat is another matter. Im not really a console
gamer, and while moving and shooting arent all
Fortunately, the points where you actually do

have to fight are very evenly spaced, and while
intense, theyre short enough to not be a pain. The
same goes for action sequences. Uncharted does a
great job at making you lose a handhold, slip on a
rock, or slide flailing and screaming into an action
sequence. Its all very calculated though, and
manages to be more fun than frustrating. Think
of it as the rock climbing equivalent of a horror
movie jump-scare, just not annoying. I would also
mention the puzzles in the game, but theyre all
very simple and straightforward, and feel more
like a matter of course than frustating hurdles.
Once youve taken to the controls, have gotten
into the story, and are on your way to finding the
treasure, the next thing that will hit youand hit
you hardis just how gorgeous the scenery is. I
mean, seriously. It looks like a series of beautiful
photographs. The PS4 has more than enough
muscle to do this, and it does so in grand fashion.
From jungles, to abandoned villages, and the
ocean, youre going to find yourself stopping to
admire the view whenever the game chooses
to show off. I would have appreciated more
opportunities to appreciate Uncharted 4, but the
game is a little on the short side. If you have the
Cheetos and Mountain Dew to tide you over, you
could possibly finish it in one sitting.
I really really want to go into how the game
puts the series to an end, but I just cant do that
without ruining everything, so youll have to go
with the standard it closes the saga beautifully.
Really though, its a great game that is worth
the time youll be putting in. If youre a fan of
the franchise, please, get on it right away. If you
havent picked it up before, dont worry about it.
Its a game that can stand on its own legs. Five out
of five.
JULY 2016 73
BULLETPOINTS
Gun 101: The Evolution

of the Firearm
Words by Ren Alcantara
Weve hit a technological plateau with firearms today. We continue to see a few small innovations
here and there, but since the development and widespread use of the metallic cartridge, its quite
safe to say that weve hit a wall. There have been some promising technologies, such as caseless
ammo, that fell flat, but for the most part, we might just be where were going to be for a while yet.
To appreciate exactly where that is, though, we should take a look at where weve been.
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all images from wikipedia.com
At the very start of firearms development (at

least in a form like those we know now), what we
had were big, heavy, unwieldy, and just a little
less dangerous for the operator than it was for
the target. They didnt do a lot to help users aim,
they were huge, and all kinds of unpleasant, but
the flash, sound, and smoke produced by even
just a handful of these would have been enough
to scare away any combatants who might be
advancing with poleaxes or pikes.
These firearms were little more than bulky, metal
tubes with a touch hole into which some form of
ignition could be introduced to set off a load of
black powder behind a projectile. It was a cuttingedge weapon in the 13th century, and in the places
it was usedfirst in China, and then through to the
Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asiait proved
to be terrifyingly effective. While a bow could offer
faster, more accurate fire, this firearm precursor
was much easier to train in and use.
For the longest time, these weapons were
operated by holding the loaded weapon in
one hand, and then touching a slowly burning
segment of cord to a measure of powder in a
recess in the back of the weapon. The recess,
otherwise known as a pan, had a hole at the
bottom which led into the back of the barrel,
wherein a propellant charge rested behind the
projectile. The ember would ignite the powder in
the pan, sending sparks down the hole, igniting
the main charge, and sending the projectile

flying. The logical thing to do would have then
been to tie the rope to the weapon so you
wouldnt easily lose it in combat. After that, it
was a quick step to affix the whole weapon onto
a stock, and the smoldering rope to a moving
arm that could be actuated with a lever, moving
it to the pan. Such was the evolution to the
matchlock. The lever was eventually replaced
with a more precise trigger, giving us the rough
shape of the firearm we know today.
The problem with the matchlock is that the
match could very easily go out. Whether it was
from the rigors of combat or the act of shooting,
an ember isnt the easiest thing to keep alive.
This led to the development of a more reliable
system two centuries later. The flintlock, which
replaced the smoldering rope with a piece of flint
and a striking surface, was a great improvement
over the previous matchlock. It also gave up
the flashpan for the smaller priming pan which
worked in essentially the same way, though with
the need to use less powder. This also allowed
the production of smaller, handier pistols that
could be charged and kept handy in a way
matchlocks just couldnt.
After the flintlock, there was a short-lived
sidestep in the ignition process. The wheellock
operated in a very similar fashion to the flintlock,
but instead of a single strike that sends sparks
into the priming pan, the wheellock worked

much like a modern-day cigarette lighter. The
heart of a wheellock is a spring-loaded wheel
to which a hardened, grooved metal shaft is
attached. A movable arm holds a piece of pyrite
which can be moved to contact the grooved
shaft. The wheel is wound, the pyrite is put in
contact with the shaft, and once the trigger is
pulled, the wheel and shaft spin, scraping the
pyrite much like your cigarette lighter would do
it, and creating a shower of sparks that ignites
the priming charge, which sends fire down to
the main charge, and launches the projectile out
the bore of the weapon. This was a more reliable
form of ignition than the flintlock as there were
far more sparks and a greater chance of the
powder catching, but what caused its demise
was the complexity of the mechanism. Springs,
sears, latches, and lots of metal meant a lot of
precise work, and at a time when everything was
made by hand, only the wealthy could afford
such engineering. Its also a reason not many
survive today. The complexity of the design, and
the fact that after firing, they could (and would)
be used as bludgeons, meant that not many
working examples survive to this day.
This takes care of the first part of firearms
development. Next month, well be taking a look
at the technology we built on from there.
juLY 2016
75
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE
Johnson Health Tech

Lands Locally
Johnson Health Tech (JHT) has opened another wholly owned subsidiary in
the heart of the Makati Business District as it looks to expand its Southeast
Asia presence. As the regions largest fitness manufacturer, JHT prides itself
in creating industry-leading equipment utilized by companies such as Trek,
Schwinn, Omron, True, and Universal, among others.
Johnson Health Tech is extremely excited to have
an established home in one of the most dynamic
cities in Southeast Asia. As a direct subsidiary, we
can bring a number of significant benefits to our
customers across both commercial and home use
fitness segments. With JHTs industry-leading
product portfolio and strength in global R&D
and manufacturing, paired with our local team
of highly trained professionals, we can provide
turn-key solutions for all fitness and wellness
related needs. Here in Manila, we want to be
known as Johnson Health Tech Philippines, Inc.,
said Katsuya Ito, the Japanese-Australian national
spearheading JHT Philippines Team Manila. Prior
to this appointment, Ito served as a regional sales
manager for JHTs Taiwan corporate headquarters,
and head of overseas sales development for
Fujiiryoki (Fuji Medical Instruments), a leading
Japanese massage chair manufacturer.
JHT began as Johnson Metal when founder
Peter Lo made 200 barbell pieces for USD 400 in
1975. While creating his first order, Lo continued
to refine his skills and knowledge on barbell
manufacturing, as well as began understanding
how fitness positively affects individuals and
societies.
By the 1980s, Los barbell outfit began expanding

to the cardio fitness spacea relatively small
market at that time due to equipment either
being too expensive for the regular consumer
or too cheap in quality for those looking to get
into cardio activities. Realizing the need for bang
for the buck equipment that offers exceptional
quality on an affordable price tag, Johnson Health
Tech was born.
Matrix T5x Treadmill
With a keen eye for up and coming fitness trends,

JHT was able to grow very quickly, launching both
Horizon Fitness and Matrix Fitness to cater to a
wider market. Throughout its history, JHT has also
pioneered industry innovations such as the Matrix
hybrid bike and the first folding elliptical machine.
Currently, Johnson Health Tech has 24 whollyowned subsidiaries, a service network of 60
countries, and 315 retail stores. Its Philippine
branch will serve both the commercial market,
including fitness clubs, condominiums, corporate
gyms, colleges, and government projects; as well
as the home use market, where the subsidiarys
primary focus will be to aggressively develop
a corporate-owned retail store network across
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Matrix Krankcycle
Matrix Rower
First sketch of the barbells
Matrix IC7 Indoor Cycle
Matrix S-Drive Performance Trainer
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juLY 2016
Globe and KFIT team up

to help you discover and
plan your fitness goals
Theres no reason to bum around when you have all the fitness centers and
wellness activity establishments crammed right into your phone.
Say what now?
KFit is a startup that helps you discover, plan, and

reserve fitness, beauty and wellness activities near
you, anytime with just a flick of a thumb. Gone are
the days of having no clue of which gym to hit,
which yoga class to attend, or giving up exercise
simply because you dont have the time. With KFit
on your device, you automatically get access to a
wide variety of activities that suit your needs.
Whether you want to relax at a spa, pamper
yourself with a new haircut, or go for a workout
at a studio near you, KFit gives you the liberty
to purchase individual fitness, beauty, and spa
activities, or opt for the KFit Pass, which entitles you
to 10 fitness activities of your choice per month for
only PHP 999.
If you easily get bored working out in conventional
gyms and studios, there are also other fitness activity
centers you could go to such as badminton and
tennis courts as well as swimming pools. With this
added onto the service, repetitive fitness workouts
are eliminated. You also get to discover new fitness
locations, and at the same time, find the right
activities that work best for your busy schedule.
As KFit continues to gain popularity, it goes to

show that lifestyle apps change our awareness
and access to fitness and health. As Globe
partners with this latest fitness app, we want
our customers to have the advantage over KFits
large number of service providers that includes a
wide selection of amazing fitness studios, gyms,
sports facilities, beauty salons, and spas. And the
best part about KFit is that it is available in nine
cities across Asia Pacific. You can stay active even
while you are traveling for holiday or business
across different locations, shared Dan Horan,
Globe senior advisor for Consumer Business.
To get you started, Globe and KFit is giving
PHP 400 off the Fitness Pass for every new sign-up
exclusively to Globe customers. What you need to
do is just key in the promo code TAKEMETHERE
in the Promo Code field provided. The promo
code is valid until August 2016.
Start setting your fitness goals now! Visit and
register at www.Kfit.com or download the KFit
app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store for
more information.
juLY 2016
77
HOME
Dyson
Pure Cool Link
A Breath of Fresh Air Indoors

Words & Photos by Mia Carisse Barrientos
Home is where we feel the safest. We know we are virtually out of harms way within the borders of our fortified
houses: built with locks to keep burglars at bay; windows to prevent unwantedwalking and crawling--visitors from
coming in; and a roof that makes sure the sun only shines on us when we want to. Little did we know, theres a silent
killer among us, and its hidden in plain sight.
It is a known fact that even with clean air acts, the
air quality in the Earth we live in is deteriorating.
We think that once we reach our homes, were
safe from pollution and other airborne illness, but
the air we breathe indoors could actually be far
worse. Research shows that indoor air pollution is
actually, more or less, five times worse than what
we inhale outside.
These indoor pollutantsgas (from cooking
and central heating), mould, pet hair, pollen, and
allergenstravel through and are confined in the
air that surrounds our home, some of which are
ultrafine and couldnt be eradicated by simple
spraying and wiping. Studies have also shown that
these particles, when taken in, could potentially
harm ones respiratory health. Dyson engineers
acted upon this growing concern and were able
to create an air purifier that could practically
rid the air in your home of indoor allergens and
pollutants as small as 0.1 microns.
Dyson Pure Cool Link: Able fan and purifier
Dyson brought members of the media to its headquarters in Singapore to witness the unveiling of
its first foray in the sphere of Internet of Things
(IoT), the Dyson Pure Cool Link. This newest Dyson
innovation was built from its everything bladeless core technology, which is certified kid safe
and is a testament to Dysons lean engineering:
building competent technologies with the least
amount of materials and getting the most of it.
The device is as tall as a stand fan and is visibly
durable. We got to see it in action and theres
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JULY 2016
nothing but praises for this technology. Combining their tested expertise in fluid dynamics
and filtration systems with easy to use software,
this fan/purifier detects the air quality in your
home in real time, displays it on the Dyson Link
App, and automatically purifies every bit of
contaminant it detects faster than you can say
supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (we might have
exaggerated a bit).
hours, with the purifier running for the whole day

(12 hours a day). The machine itself will alert the
user when the filter needs to be changed and will
be thrown out as whole, no need to dust and scrub.
The purifier, which also doubles as a fan, is only
56-watt and can disinfect the air in a room of any
size; purification takes longer the bigger the size of
the room30 minutes for a 15 m2 room. On top of
all these, the machine is easy to clean and maintain.
Air purifiers are already in existence, but some

of these products are unfortunately built with
inefficient filters that allow ultrafine particles
to escape back into the room when taken out
for cleaning. Dyson engineers had this in mind
whilst crafting the Pure Cool Link. These air purifiers come with a unique 360 degree Glass HEPA
filter which is able to capture 99.95 percent of ultrafine allergens, odors, and pollutants from the
air, and trapping these pollutants in until it needs
to be changed. Along with this HEPA filter are
sensors built right into the machine to accurately
monitor the changing air conditions within the
home and adjust airflow according to the users
preference. Moreover, when on night-time auto
mode, the machine works while youre asleep
with LED lights on the bottom of the machine
dimly illuminating nights.
Dyson Pure Cool Link App

The Dyson Pure Cool Link app (available on Android
and iOS) allows users to remotely monitor and
control the air quality inside the home without the
need to touch the machine.
Air is taken in efficiently through its 360 design,

many inlets, and filter, accelerated through
the machine, multiplied, and is channelled out
through its airfoil-shaped ramp. Thats guaranteed clean and cool streams of air in your home.
The Glass HEPA filter is good for at least 4500
The app enables the user of the following:

Keep track of air quality history. This gives the user
the ability to oversee peak pollution times
and be able to act on that collected app data.
On auto-mode, the machine automatically reacts
to the monitored air quality. Users can also sched
ule the purifier to be on max mode during times
when pollution is at its peak.
Users are not just given live insight on the air qual
itytemperature and humidityindoors, but also
outdoors.
The Dyson Pure Cool Link underwent various
tests to ensure purified air around the room while
working discreetly in the background. It is available
in tower and desk variations and is accredited by
Quiet mark by the noise Abatement Society and
is certified asthma and allergy friendly by Allergy
Standards Limited.
The Dyson Pure Cool Link being tested in

Dyson SGs semi-anechoic chamber for sound quality.
Various samples of air pollutants to test the

efficiency of Dysons 360 Glass HEPA filter in
their R&D center.
Parts of the machine are easy to take apart; here we

have Dysons Glass HEPA Filter and air inlet grille.
Jim Roover, Dyson head of SEA Electronics, Research and

Development with the transparent prototype of the
Dyson Pure Cool Link.
The Dyson Pure Cool Link desk and tower versions
The Dyson Pure Cool Link monitoring the air quality inside the
venue with real-time air quality displayed on the app.
Dyson Pure Cool Link LED Lights

JULY 2016 79
FOOD
TECHNOLOGY
Words and Photos by Jonah Mendoza
Waiting in line, pondering what food you will order, then

second-guessing yourself while talking to the cashier is not a problem
anymore if youre the shy type. Introverts can rejoice as automated
food ordering is now available in the Philippines, and its fun, fresh,
and fast.
Today, we take a look at Genki Sushi located in Bonifacio Global City.
Food
Genki Sushi
Fighting for attention in the highly competitive

Japanese resto market in Manila, Genki Sushi
was franchised by the Mother Spice Food
Corporation from Japan, and is also located in USA
and Singapore. The Bonifacio Stop Over branch
located at Bonifacio Global City is the first branch
in the country, though they do plan to construct
two more branches around the metro within the
year. Their logo, a boy with a mad face, has a story
of its own. It came to life when the creator of
Genki Sushi saw a boy in a restaurant, looking very
upset at the experience. From there, the whole
Genki Sushi concept was built. Kids will enjoy
Genki Sushi because of its unique concept of a
bullet train delivering your food on its own set
of tracks. The ordering process is enjoyable too.
Tablets are available at each table and serve to
both show you whats on the menu, and take your
order. With just one click and a short wait, your
food will just slide out and stop in front of you,
and yes its as fun as it sounds. What differentiates
Genki Sushi from other restaurants that also offer
a similar experience is that Genki Sushis food is
made to order. This assures the customer that the
food theyre having was freshly prepared. If youre
excited to try Genki out, you might want to get
there early as the lines do get long quickly.
Selling point: Trains that deliver your food!
80
JULY 2016
Experience: We visited Genki Sushi at Bonifacio
Global City. Upon entering the restaurant, we

were greeted with its simple interior and plain
color scheme that are pleasing to the eyes. Do not
be fooled by the simplicity of this establishment
because although it may seem simple, their food
definitely lived up to the hype. The staff were very
accommodating. We were immediately served their
bestsellers. And boy, they sure know how to treat
reviewers like me (wink). First, we were served their
different kinds of sushi, which are egg pollock roll,
crab salad, Norwegian fresh salmon, fresh tuna,
smoked salmon, seared salmon with black pepper,
Genki roll, salmon roll, and horse mackerel. I am
a big fan of Japanese food and Ive tried several
restaurants already but this is my first time to try
seared salmon with black pepper sushi, and I tell
you it is superb! The tuna melts in your mouth and
is just heavenly. The salmon and tuna were fresh
and taste top quality. Although, go easy on the
horse mackerel sushi since it has a strong flavor. It
may look few but once you eat the portions of the
sushi, it will satisfy you with just a few bites. As the
tagalog translation says, Sulit!. Next, for our main
course, we were offered grilled salmon belly, shrimp
kakiage, chirashi don, and oyako don. The grilled
salmon belly was very tasty. It melts in your mouth
and all the fat inside the fish adds to its flavor. The
oyako don is one of my favorite dishes. The chicken
fillet was fried but is still crispy even though it is

doused in special sauce that makes the dish
irresistibly delicious. The chirashi don is like
the trophy of the sea since it consists
of almost all the seafood including
shrimp, tuna, salmon, octopus,
pollock roe, and crabstick. Every
bite brings me to the comfort
of the sea. To cap off the night,
matcha-inspired desserts were
served. I was so happy since
I really love the distinct taste
of matcha. And of course, I
am not surprised that their
matcha ice cream and matcha
cheesecake are to die for.
The bitterness of the matcha
complements the sour and
sweet taste of the cheesecake.
Lastly, their rare Japanese
cheesecake is really unique and
delicious since it is directly imported
from Japan.
I would definitely bring my child here once
she is capable of enjoying the whole concept of
this restaurant. Anyone who wants to satisfy their
sushi fix should definitely pick this Japanese haven.
It will not disappoint.
Writers tip: Order everything! Save later.

Price: PHP 60 to PHP 500
Location: 2nd Floor, Bonifacio Stop Over,
Rizal Drive Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 1634

Metro Manila
Contact: (02) 6242867
JULY 2016
81
ENTERPRISE
Philippines hosts 7th Asia IoT Business Platform
Key policy makers, government officials,

telecommunication operators, solution providers,
and local enterprises gathered at the Manila
Marriott Hotel last May 23 and 24 as the Asia
Internet of Things (IoT) Business Platform
embarked on its seventh year. Through the
conference, movers and shakers were able to
discuss how the IoT phenomenon can be used to
improve business insights and processes in the
manufacturing, transport, logistics, city planning,
healthcare, banking, and finance industries.
JD Montelibano, the head of business applications
from the IT-enabled services group of Globe
Telecom, explained, IoT has huge opportunities
and unlimited use case that are relevant to the
Philippine market. What solution providers must
do is to understand pain points and problems in a
local micro level. They also need to have platforms
that are inter-operable with other systems to drive
seamless integration through readily

available APIs.
More and more, were seeing IoT become part of the
fabric of business, helping converge an organizations
assets, data, and processes with people and
business systems. Today, this intersection is allowing
enterprises to uncover new opportunities, create new
business models and transform their operations
to become truly digital businesses, added Herns
Hermida, cloud and enterprise business group lead
of Microsoft.
According to Frost and Sullivan, the Philippines
spending in IoT is forecasted to grow from USD
55.1 million in 2014 to USD 766.8 million in 2020. To
educate end users on IoT adoption, Asia IoT Business
Platform brought local and international vertical case
studies from the likes of Yokohama City, DHL, Honda
Motors, Nestl, Telenor Connexion, and M-PESA.
Additionally, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors,

and partners from ICTO-DOST, Globe Telecom,
Maynilad Water Services, Bureau of Internal
Revenue, Microsoft, Smart Communications,
Inc., Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating
Board, Bases Conversion and Development
Authority, Manila Electric Company, Nosairis,
Qlue, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Intel,
ADLINK, Blue Wireless, Third Pillar, Eastern
Telecommunications, Truphone, Stash, U.S.
Department of Commerce, InfoComm Technology
Association of the Philippines, Semiconductor
and Electronics Industries in the Philippines
Foundation, Storage Networking Industry
Association, American Chamber of Commerce,
Open Connectivity Foundation, GermanPhilippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
and Spanish Chamber of Commerce were also
present to explore IoT opportunities
and challenges.
SAP SE launches SAP S/4HANA service packages

SAP SE has made available the new SAP S/4HANA
service packages to enable customers to easily
deploy the different implementations of SAP
Business Suite 4 SAP HANA and to also provide a
platform for the adoption of future innovations.
The service packages cover all project phases
and scenarios of SAP S/4HANA, including system
conversion, landscape transformation, and new
implementations, as well as all deployment options
of SAP S/4HANA, including on-premise, cloud, and
hybrid.
It is not a secret that in todays world, success
depends entirely on how companies can transform
themselves digitally to harvest the opportunities
of this data-driven, hyper-connected environment.
These offerings that are announced by SAP Digital
Business Services will enable our customers to
realize their digital transformation journey and
are packaged to support our customers and
SAP partners. This collaborative approach instils
confidence in our customers as they move to the
cloud and establish SAP S/4HANA as their digital
core, said Chris Cheng, head of services of SAP
Southeast Asia.
each with an increasing level of engagement. It

comprises SAP Active Embedded for planning
and safeguarding of SAP S/4HANA; SAP Active
Embedded for technical implementation of SAP
S/4HANA; SAP Active Embedded for functional
implementation of SAP S/4HANA; and SAP Max
Attention for innovation with SAP S/4HANA.
The service packages combine diverse services

and embedded support in four distinct offerings,
With this latest announcement, SAP continues

the successful evolution of its services and support
82 JULY 2016
offerings to more closely match customers

wants and needs as they move to achieve the full
benefits of implementing SAP S/4HANA, said John
Madden, IT services practice leader at Ovum.
Digital transformation is top-of-mind among
SAP customers, and they need consolidated,
packaged services and support, delivered reliably
and quickly, to accelerate their digital projects,
Madden added.
Merlin Entertainments adopts SimpliVitys hyperconverged solutions

Europes largest entertainment company, Merlin
Entertainment, recently upgraded its data center
with Simplivity hyperconverged infrastructures
and has gained significant efficiency right after.
After this revolutionary jump to Simplivity, the
company has since dramatically reduced its
capital and operational expenses (CAPEX and
OPEX), while still reaping the benefits of high
performance and availability for its businesscritical applications. Merlin projects a three-year
total cost of ownership (TCO) saving for its
new theme parks and attractions, compared to
alternative solutions of 25 percent.
The GPB 1.2 billion-worth organization is the
largest European-based entertainment company.
Globally, Merlin operates 110 attractions in
23 countries. Some of the most renowned
and famous resort theme parks and midway
attractions in the world are operated by Merlin,
including Legoland resorts, Madame Tussauds,
and Sea Life aquariums, among others.
Merlin Entertainments enlisted Simplivity to
streamline operations, simplify management, and
free up its IT team to work on more innovative
and business-progressing initiatives. It supports
its revenue-critical retail systems, ticketing and
admission systems, hotel management systems,
and core IT services.
The products built-in data protection

capabilities, ease of implementation and
operation, and tight vCenter integration were
major differentiators, said Sean Channon,
global infrastructure architect, Merlin
Entertainments. With SimpliVity, we no longer
have to rely on in-house server or storage
experts for routine system admin and support
tasks. Instead, a small team of IT generalists
efficiently manages our entire global operation.
SimpliVity is a hyperconverged infrastructure
provider that combines all the functionality
of an entire data center stack below the
hypervisorincluding compute, storage,
network switching, replication, backup, and
moreonto industry-standard x86 hardware.
The company was founded on the belief
that modern data centers need to be greatly
simplified in order to function at the highest
level of performance and efficiency, and deliver
the greatest economical value to businesses.
SimpliVity hyperconvergence is available in
the Philippines through its partner distributor,
MSI-ECS. To learn more about it and how it
can help your business, contact MSI-ECS at
(02) 688-3509 / (02) 688-3501 or email them at
inquiry@msi-ecs.com.ph. Visit www.msi-ecs.
com.ph or follow them on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram.
F5 Networks enhances security offerings

Each day, more and more internet-facing
applications are communicating with and in
enterprise networks. To provide businesses
with the security they need to keep critical web
services up and running, F5 Networks has released
new updates to their security offerings that
promise to help traditional data centers, cloud
centers, and hybrid systems ensure protection
from malicious applications, resolution of critical
app security gaps, and better anti-fraud defenses.
Specifically, the enhancements include the
following: first is the introduction of BIG-IP 12.1
software which delivers more sophisticated
security policies for on-premises and hybrid cloud
environments; second are improvements with
the BIG-IP Application Security Manager (ASM)
with unique, customizable bot detection methods
that enable detailed analysis and more extensive
device ID tracking.
Third is accelerated blacklisting of malicious
IPs in hardware at high rates for layer 7 threats,
providing coverage until feed lists are updated
with BIG-IP ASM; fourth is visibility into HTML 5
WebSocket connections for comprehensive policy
protection where other WAFs fail;
Fifth is automatic mitigation of L37 attacks
upstream in the ISP realm, stop evasive
application use of random ports, and control SSH

channel user-initiated actions with simple custom
policy enforcement with BIG-IP Advanced Firewall
Manager; and last is expanded support for Azure
environments.
A security approach that centers around
protecting the network and the devices that are
connected to it is no longer enough. Applications
and access to those apps are becoming the new
perimeter, protecting them and having the ability
to detect breaches and respond quickly defines
the future state of security, said Emmanuel
Bonnassie, senior vice president of F5 Networks
Asia Pacific.
More information, including sensitive data, is

being accessed via applications by users within
and outside the corporate network. With the
challenge of enforcing security policies across
hybrid infrastructure environments, fragmented
identities and decentralized applications introduce
significant risk for vulnerabilities.
JULY 2016 83
PLDT Smart SME Nation starts Make it Big campaign
In a bid to boost the countrys micro, small, and

medium enterprises (MSMEs), PLDT Smart SME
Nation is holding its Make it Big campaign,
starting with their Big Talks conference held last
June 2 at the Makati Shangri-La hotel.
Filipino entrepreneurs deserve to dream big

and be empowered to make these dreams come
true. We at SME nation are committed to reach
business owners in the country, strengthen them,
and prepare them to go global. In so doing, we
hope to help them give back to their family, their
employees, and their community, said PLDT
Smart SME Nations vice president and head Mitch
Locsin at the launch of the Make it Big campaign.
Big Talks is a series of fora where MSMEs can learn
from the countrys best entrepreneurs in order to
boost their own businesses. Featured speakers
during the first leg were Bernie Liu of Penshoppe;
Laura Verallo de Bertotto of VMV Hypoallergenics;
Cecilio Pedro of Hapee Toothpaste; Kim Lato of
Kimstore; Krie Reyes-Lopez of Messy Bessy; Joseph
Calata of Calata Corporation; and Rudy and Rosiell
de Leon of Biancas Ice Candy. Not only did they
discuss their success stories, they also explained
how PLDT Smart SME Nations different services
helped them drive growth.
The Big Talks series is just the beginning of our

multi-pronged effords to empower the Filipino
entrepreneur. Through these events, we hope to
empower their entrepreneurial spirit and to create
a network of like-minded people and encourage
knowledge exchange, which is essential to the
success of Filipino enterprises, concluded Locsin.
Aspect Software Appoints ASEAN Leaders
Aspect Software, a provider of fully-integrated

consumer engagement, workforce optimization,
and back-office solutions is bolstering its ASEAN
presence by filling in key roles with tried and tested
large-scale managers, namely Sanjay Gupta, Shilpi
Puri, and Richard Loberas.
84 JULY 2016
People are the foundation of everything we have

achieved and everything we will achieve. As a
company, we place the highest value on people
and leaderships. We remain committed to work,
serve, and make the difference for our customers
and partners. Sanjay, Richard, and Shilpi are top
talents who have leaned in, stepped up, and helped
make the difference with their proven leadership
capabilities and expertise, while embracing our core channel ecosystem and are confident that this
values and culture, said Jagan Narendran, Aspect will provide further inroads and revenue growth
Software senior vice president for Asia Pacific and opportunities for Aspect. In recognition of Shilpi
Middle East.
Puris excellent work in engaging with existing
partners and being instrumental in bringing
As we build on our market momentum as a leading onboard new partners and important alliances, I am
customer experience software provider and expand delighted to announce her promotion to the role of
the footprint of our market-leading cloud portfolio insenior director, strategic alliances and partnerships
Asia Pacific with our strategic alliance partners, I am for Asia Pacific and MIddle East.
confident that Sanjays dedication and experience
in this industry, coupled with his proven execution ASEAN continues to be an important market for us
capabilities, will bolster our Aspect Cloud growth in in Asia Pacific, and to allow for dedicated focus, I am
the region, added Narendran.
pleased to appoint Richard Loberas as head of sales
for ASEAN and Korea. Richard has been a consistent
He continued, As our Asia Pacific go-to market is
performer and will further build upon our ASEAN
mainly indirect, we plan to further strengthen our growth momentum, Narendran ended.
85
APRIL 2016
BITS & BYTES

PlayStation 4 sales break 40 million mark
The three-year-old Sony PlayStation 4 has already
broke the 40 million sales barrier last May 22,
2016 and is well on its way to tying the lastgen PlayStation 3s 83 million record. Currently
the best-selling console from the brand, the
PS4 continues to attract game developers and
publishers, and has over 270.9 million copies of
software sold through both physical retail stores
and the PlayStation digital store.
We are truly grateful for the enormous support
from our fans and partners across the globe,
which helped us achieve this significant milestone
in such a short span of time, said Andrew House,
president and global CEO of Sony Interactive
Entertainment (SIE). We will strive to deliver even
more exciting gaming experiences to our users,
further driving the momentum and accelerating
the expansion of the PS4 platform and its business
this fiscal year by offering an unparalleled line-up
of games, bringing our virtual reality system,
PlayStation VR, to market and providing groundbreaking features and network services.
On the software side of the spectrum, the recently
released Uncharted 4: A Thiefs End managed to
sell more than 2.7 million copies in just one week.
SIE is hopeful that upcoming titles such as Final

Fantasy XV, Nioh, Ryu Ga Gotoku, Gran Turismo
Sport, Gravity Rush 2, and The Last Guardian will
receive the same strong openings. The company is
also looking forward to the performance of indie
games, including Downwell, Jotun, and Push Me

Pull You.
The Sony PlayStation 4 is currently available in 124
countries and regions worldwide.
HOOQ to release OTJ mini-series, Ghostbusters

content, and weekly subscription sachets
HOOQ, one of Asias largest premium videoon-demand services, announced a slew of new
content to be rolled out in the streaming service
this year, many of which its subscribers should
look forward to.
Among its first ventures this year is production
of original content. HOOQ recently signed a
landmark co-production deal with digital lifestyle
propeller Globe Telecom and independent studio
Reality Entertainment for the production of On the
Job (OTJ) mini-series, which is set to debut on the
VoD platform Q4 of 2016. This six-episode original
story is a take-off on the multi-award winning
masterpiece OTJ, a Filipino crime thriller inspired
by actual indignities that take place within
Philippine penitentiaries and politics.
Director Erik Matti shared that this mini-series
theyre currently working on will revolve around
hard-hitting topics in Philippine society including
themes from the movie and social and mass
media that needs to be told. Matti also teased
character cameos from the OTJ movie as well as
new relatable personalities involved in engaging
plotlines that will keep viewers on the edge of
their seat.
The OTJ mini-series will test the waters for original
content released on platforms like HOOQ. This
partnership enables the service to explore stories
that support and help make Filipino talent shine.
86
JULY 2016
(from left) Peter Bithos, HOOQ CEO; Erik Matti, director, Reality Entertainment; Dondon Monteverde, executive producer, Reality Entertainment; Dan Horan, Globe senior advisor for Consumer
Business; Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ country manager; Krishnan Rajagopalan, HOOQ chief content officer.
HOOQ will be releasing OTJ in the Philippines and

across its other markets such as Thailand, India,
and Indonesia.
Additionally, HOOQs over 180,000 active
subscribers will now be able to access interviews,
extra footage, and deleted scenes from the iconic
Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II for the first time
on a SVOD platform.
The service has also introduced a pricing
structure for emerging markets. Its bite-size
weekly sachets allows subscribers of the promo
seven days of unlimited access to a catalog of
Hollywood and local titles available in the service.
The 7-day sachetalso offered in Indonesiais
expected to be available in the Philippines for

PHP 59 by the third quarter of the year.
HOOQ offers a 7-day free trial on www.HOOQ.tv.
Globe Postpaid customers can get up to 45 days
of free trial with Globe GoSURF 99 and below, and
up to 90 days of free trial for all mobile customers
availing of GoSURF 299 and up. Broadband
customers also get HOOQ for free on Globe Home
Broadband. Once the trial period expires, GoSURF
customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at
PHP 149 subscription fee monthly charged to your
Globe bill. For nonGoSurf subscribers, you can
either pay the PHP 149 monthly subscription fee
through credit credit or charge it to your Globe
bill by texting HOOQ149 to 8888.
Starmobile and A-1 Driving School team up

for drivers education program
Starmobile recently announced its partnership
with A-1 Driving School to incorporate the use
of mobile devices in the latters driver education
program.
While our courses are already recognized as one
of the most respected and trusted in the industry,
we are committed to further advance them by
incorporating the latest technologies to make
them more engaging, effective, and relevant for
our students, said A1 Driving School AVP Aljun
Garcia. We have found a partner in Starmobile,
whose line up of devices and deep expertise
in technology have enabled them to meet the
requirements of our program.
As part of the partnership, A1 will deploy
Starmobile Engage 10 Pro and Starmobile Up Max
units to its instructors, registrants, and trainers in
its more than 80 branches nationwide to assist
them in providing personalized driving education
to its customers.
A-1 and Starmobile will also collaborate on
educational content on road safety and courtesy,
including the proper and responsible use of
mobile technology on the go, that will serve as

visual guidelines to student drivers.
We are happy to offer our devices to help A-1
in their mission to create not just skilled, but
disciplined drivers, said Starmobile product

development head Michael Chen. We believe
that we can move closer in making our dream
of having better roads a reality by becoming
better drivers.
Starmobile and Smart partner up for

PHP 1,288 Play Click Bundle
Starmobile and Smart announced a partnership
yesterday that will make the recently launched
Starmobile Play Click an even more bang for
the buck offering. As opposed to the open-line
version of the Play Click which retails for
PHP 2,690, the Smart-branded one will sell for
only PHP 1,288.
With this partnership, Smart bolsters its thrust
to bring the smartphone in the hands of every
Filipino by offering feature-rich handsets at a
very affordable price, said Katrina Luna-Abelarde,
first vice president and smart wireless consumer
operations head. This is our way of breaking the
barriers for many of our fellowmen to enjoying a
much richer mobile digital experience.
While we are already very proud of what the Play
Click can do, we wanted to sweeten the deal even
further for our customers, added Michael Chen,
Starmobile product development head. This
partnership with Smart further adds value to the
already value-packed Play Click.
This 4.5 inch quad-core smartphone packs 512 MB
of RAM, 4 GB of expandable storage, 1650 mAh
battery, and dual SIM capability. Being powered
by the Smart network, the bundle also comes
with a Smart prepaid SIM with 100 MB of free data
per month for a whole year. Additionally, every
monthly accumulated load top up of PHP 100 will
Kathy Carag, vice president and head for Smart brand and marketing communications, introducing the Starmobile and Smart Play Click Bundle.
also entitle users to an additional PHP 30 load

reward for 12 months. The bundle also ships with
a free Talk N Text SIM.
The Starmobile Play Click Smart bundle will be
available in Smart and Starmobile concept stores
and kiosks nationwide and on the Smart

Online Store (http://store.smart.com.ph/)
starting tomorrow, June 17, 2016. Interested
customers must purchase a PHP 100 Smart
Prepaid load card in order to be eligible for
the promo.
JULY 2016
87
Internet TV service iflix

celebrates first anniversary
iflix, one of Southeast Asias go-to internet
TV services providing subscribers quality and
unlimited access to thousands of TV shows and
movies, has just celebrated its first birthday last
May 26.
What started as a humble team of 23, occupying a
shared office space, was able to achieve amazing
feats in just a year.
Today, iflix has a record of five partnerships
with leading telecommunications providers in
the Philippines, including PLDT and Smart, as
well as Telkom Malaysia, Digi, Celcom, Maxis,
and UMobile in Malaysia, and TrueMove in
Thailand. The company also recently announced
collaborations with Telkom and Indosat Ooreedoo
ahead of its Indonesian launch.
iflix continues to strengthen its relationships
with the worlds leading providers of high-quality
entertainment content, bringing more first
run-exclusives, award winning TV shows and
movies, and exceptionally popular Asian and
local programs to iflix members across the region.
Here are just a few of the new shows and new
seasons coming to iflix over the coming weeks
and months:

Flash (Season 2)
Arrow (Season 4)
Robot (Season 2, exclusive to iflix)

Hunters (Season 1, exclusive to iflix)
Bosch (Season 1, exclusive to iflix)
The Magicians (Season 1, exclusive to iflix)
Downton Abbey (Seasons 1-5)
The 100 (Seasons 1-2)
Pretty Little Liars (Seasons 1-6)
The Originals (Seasons 1-3)
The Last Ship (Seasons 1-2)
House (all seasons)
Keeping Up with The Kardashians (Seasons
1-4)
30 Rock (all seasons)
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
Gotham (Season 2)
Avatar
Titanic
X: Men - First Class
Night at the Museum
The Office (all seasons)

Voltes V (all episodes)
Daimos (all episodes)
Bates Motel
12 Monkeys
Millionaire Matchmaker
Each iflix subscription provides users unlimited

access to the service on up to five devices, including
phones, laptops, tablets, and television sets, for
viewing wherever, whenever. iflix subscribers can
also download TV shows and movies from iflixs
extensive library for offline viewing. The service is
priced at only PHP 129 per month in the Philippines
for unlimited access with no ads.
For new subscribers, iflix offers a complimentary
30-day trial with full access to its world-class service.
Go to www.iflix.com to register.
Disney Mobile now available in PH

Disney fans young and old can enjoy more
enchanted moments with the new Disney Mobile
smartphones, now available in the Philippines.
Made possible by CellPrime, the Disney Mobile
devices will be available exclusively through
Globes myStarter postpaid plans beginning at
PHP 750 per month.
Filipino technology distribution giant CellPrime
is the product development partner of Disney
Mobile handsets in the Philippines and is the first
to enjoy such a mobile phone partnership with
the Disney brand in the market. We are proud to
bring our partnership with Disney further, as they
entrust us with the introduction of Disney Mobile,
their first mobile phone brand in South East Asia,
said Eric Yu, CEO of CellPrime Distribution Corp.
Earlier this year, CellPrime launched special
edition CloudFones and CloudPads that come
with exclusive Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars
accessories and a collectible range of Disney
Mobile accessories that can be used by all brands.
Now, the new Disney Mobile smartphones are the
latest innovations that we are offering to everyone
who loves Disney.
Digital natives and tech-savvy Disney fans of all
ages have three design themes to choose from:
Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, and Frozen. The
88
JULY 2016
devices are packed with exclusive Disney custom

user interface and content, such as wallpapers,
widgets, and ringtones. Also included are special
Disney apps in tune with the theme of each
smartphone, such as Princess Story Theater, Frozen
Storybook Deluxe, and Castle of Illusion.
Other content may also be accessed on the Disney

Philippines website. Running on Android Lollipop,
each Disney Mobile device has a 1.2 GHz quadcore processor, dual SIM and 4G LTE capabilities, 5
inch HD IPS screen, 13 MP rear camera, and 5 MP
front camera.
PLDT and Globe buy San Miguel telco assets

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone
Company and Globe Telecom Inc. will each be
getting 50 percent of San Miguel Corporations
telecommunications assets in a buyout that is
expected to improve the countrys internet and
data services.
PLDT CEO Manny V. Pangilinan commented, This
transaction offers a breakthrough opportunity,
not only for the companies involved but also for
the industry and the country. This will enable
existing operators to provide significantly
improved internet and data services to the public
and to our customers in the shortest possible
time. At the same time, it leaves the door open for
new entrants into the industry. Taken together,
this will enable the industry to better support
the countrys development effortsespecially
significant with the onset of a new government.
One of the most important aspects of the
acquisition will be access to the 700 MHz
frequencya band mostly held by SMC.
Compared to other radio frequencies, the 700
MHz band is able to travel longer and is able
to penetrate
environmental
obstaclessuch
as floors, walls,
and treesmore
efficiently, leading
to better indoor
signal strength.
Rural areas are
seen to benefit
the most from
the deal as
subscribers from
far-flung areas will
no longer have
to wait for the
lengthy construction of new cellular towers.
Cellular coverage is also seen to improve on
a nationwide scale as SMCs assets including
towers and related physical properties will
be turned over. Further, connections
should be more reliable as the additional
data highways should help decongest
existing bands.
Both telcos will also be relinquishing

control over certain radio frequencies
in the 700, 850, 2500, and 3500 MHz
bands, returning them to the National
Telecommunications Commission. PLDT
says these frequencies should allow a
much-awaited third telco player to enter
the Philippine market.
PLDT and Globe settle on IP peering deal

for better internet in PH
Complementing this, PLDT has stepped up its
investment in fiber to the home. We currently
have about half a million fiber lines, with speeds
of up to 1 Gbps already available in certain areas,
Espinosa added.
Through the arrangement, PLDT and Globe
will now allow direct local exchange of traffic
between PLDTs Philippine Internet Exchange
(PhIX) and Globe Internet Exchange (GIX) that
is destined to each others own broadband and
mobile customers.
(from left) PLDT head of legal and regulatory group Atty. Ray Espinosa, PLDT executive vice president Ernesto Alberto, Senator Bam Aquino, Globe chief technology and information officer Gil
Genio, and Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu.
PLDT recently came to an agreement with

Globe Telecom to establish a bilateral IP peering
arrangement that will help improve local internet
traffic quality and provide better internet
experience for the subscribers of both telco
operators.
This is a very positive development and is in line
with our digital pivot. We are focused on taking
effective measures to improve internet services
in the country. IP peering is one such measure.
By keeping local traffic local, we improve the
internet experience of both PLDT and Globe
subscribers, said Ernesto Alberto, PLDT executive
vice president and head of enterprise.
The other complementary effective measure
is local caching. PLDT is working with global
internet players like Google, Youtube, Facebook

and Microsoft to store more popular internet
content in the Philippines so Filipinos can access
this more quickly. Caching is needed because
about 90 percent of internet content frequently
accessed by Filipinos come from overseas. This is
one reason why PLDT is building more stateof-the-art data centers in different parts of the
country, said Atty. Ray Espinosa, PLDT head of
Legal and Regulatory Group and member of the
PLDT Board of Directors.
Effective and efficient use of radio frequencies is
another effective measure. Hence, Smart is quickly
integrating the newly accessed frequencies from
the San Miguel telco businesses into its mobile
network rollout plan to provide additional
capacity to handle the rapid growth of data traffic.
The intention here is to keep local traffic within

the country which should lower latency due
to less hops and thus, should result in marked
improvements in fixed broadband and mobile
internet services in the country, Alberto noted.
This milestone agreement ushers in new ways
of establishing partnerships within the industry in
order to improve internet services throughout the
country, he emphasized.
The MOA paves the way for the initial phase
of bilateral peering which is localized IP traffic
exchange between the PLDT Group broadband
and mobile subscribers and Globe Group
subscribers, which should be completed 30
days after the execution of the MOA. It also
dictates that the two telcos will work towards
executing a fuller bilateral peering agreement
within 90 days after the initial phase has
been accepted.
JULY 2016
89
Chinese General Hospital gets

equipment upgrade
Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center
(CGHMC), one of the oldest and most prestigious
healthcare institutions in the Philippines and
under the leadership of philanthropist Dr. James
Dy, revealed its modernization initiative in a MOA
signing with Bullseye Solutions, Inc. (BSI) and
Samsung Electronics last April 28.
At the core of the modernization effort is the
purchase of the latest radiology equipment such
as a 512 slice CT scan machine, full room digital
radiography solutions, mobile DR systems, and
highend ultrasound systems. The program
also includes an extensive renovation of the
entire radiology department, effectively making
CGHMCs radiology department as one of Asias
best.
CGHMC, Samsung Electronics, and Bullseye
Solutions, Inc. cemented their partnership in a
contract signing ceremony attended by their top
executives. The signing comes in the midst of
Samsung Electronics entry into the healthcare
space in the Philippines through its local partner
Bullseye Solutions, Inc.
Samsung Electronics seeks to maximize its
presence in the hospital environment by not
only providing the most advanced medical
equipment, but also its numerous B2B products.
Executives from Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, Bullseye Solutions, Inc., and Samsung Electronics during the signing of the memorandum of agreement.
Consequently, Samsungs partnership with

CGHMC includes both the supply of its healthcare
equipment and also its other B2B offerings, such
as large format displays (LFDs), air conditioning
units, mobile devices, and other range of
products completing the modern CGHMC.
Bullseye Solutions, Inc., as Philippine distributor
partner of Samsung, shall oversee the overall
implementation of the modernization initiative in

radiology.
The modernization program is timely as CGHMC
moves to celebrate its 125th year anniversary
in 2016. Through it, CGHMC strengthens its
commitment to excellence in providing the best
healthcare for its patients.
Canvas Learning Management

System grows APAC presence
most compelling learning experience possible,
said Troy Martin, director of APAC for Canvas.
He added, Weve seen how progressive
Asia-Pacific can be when it comes to driving
innovation in education and student-centered
learning, and Canvas is uniquely placed to
facilitate that transition towards a digital
teaching model. Our APAC customers, including
SCEGGS, Hong Kong Academy of Performing
Arts, SIM University, and University of Auckland
have selected Canvas as their LMS platform
partner of choice to tackle head-on the
challenges and opportunities presented by the
global education marketplace. We are delighted
to be working with them moving forward.
Software-as-a-service company Instructure,

creator of the Canvas learning management
system (LMS), announced that it doubled its
Asia-Pacific manpower in order to better handle
its growing presence in the region. The most
recent investors in the Canvas LMS include the
SCEGGS Darlinghurst in Sydney, Hong Kong
Academy of Performing Arts, Singapores SIM
90
JULY 2016
University, and New Zealands University

of Auckland.
The success that Canvas has seen over the past
12 months in the APAC region indicates that
there is a growing and real need for cutting edge
technology that becomes an enabler, allowing the
institutions we work with to deliver the best and
The above institutions combine for a

student-staff population of over 54,000. With
Canvas in tow, they will be able to enjoy a
system that would integrate seamlessly with
external tools and applications, while also being
compatible with most operating systems and
devices. Furthermore, Canvas solid feature set,
ease of use, and manageability should allow for
an enriched educational experience for both
students and teachers.
Power Mac Center opens aftersales hub in

Abreeza Mall, Davao
Apple device owners in and around Davao are in
for a treat as Power Mac Center recently opened
its southern Philippines service center. Located
at the second floor of Abreeza Mall, the PMC
service hub takes up 130 m2 of space and can
accommodate device diagnostics, maintenance,
and repairs from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM
to 7:30 PM.
The new Apple Authorized Service Provider
(AASP) is manned by Apple certified technicians
that can offer fast, reliable, and efficient repairs.
The hub is Power Mac Centers eighth, with the
brands entire network spanning the Philippines
from Metro Manila, to Cebu, and now to Davao.
Besides diagnosis and repairs, the Abreeza Mall
PMC service center will also feature various nonApple wares like power banks, cables, and screen
protectors.
Power Mac Center is now on its 22nd year and
we are more than grateful to our Davao clients
for the patronage. The opening of a bigger
and better service center at the Abreeza Mall
reinforces the importance to us of our clients
in the south, said Power Mac Center marketing
director Joey Alvarez.
Over the years, Power Mac Center has proven

its reliability and expertise in servicing clients,
having cemented its status as an Apple Premium
Service Provider for 2016. Aside from the AASPs,
its perpetually expanding network consists of 26
retail stores and two Apple Authorized

Training Centers.
More information about its products and services
may be obtained from any Power Mac Center
branch or at www.powermaccenter.com.
Globe, UNICEF Philippines, AHRC sign

MoU on online child protection
Globe Telecom recently signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with United Nations
Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Philippines and Ateneo
Human Rights Center (AHRC) for the protection of
children against exploitation online.
Globe was invited by UNICEF and AHRC to be
the pioneer Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the
Philippines to take innovative and concrete steps
to combat child exploitation in cyberspace. This is
in recognition of the companys mission to create
a wonderful world for people, business, and the
nation.
Both UNICEF and AHRC earlier embarked on
a project to build a child-friendly cyberspace
together with different stakeholders. UNICEF
is an international organization that promotes
the rights and wellbeing of every child, focusing
special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and
excluded children. AHRC was established as one
of the first university-based institutions engaged
in the promotion and protection of human rights
in the country.
Under the MoU, a study will be conducted to
determine how the principles of child rights
will be integrated in the business principles of
Globe to ensure that the company complies with
international standards on online child protection
and that its employees are informed properly
about the laws related to this.
At the same time, the partnership will help further
develop and propagate the Digital Thumbprint
Ateneo Human Rights Center executive director Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago; UNICEF Philippines representative Lotta Sylwander; and Globe director for citizenship Fernando Esguerra.
Program, a school-based workshop adopted by

Globe from Optus of Australia. DTP is designed
to increase the students knowledge of digital
citizenship and cybersafety by taking a critical
look at their online behavior and helping them
develop insights into the influences of the
internet, the choices they make and the internets
impact on themselves and the people around
them. DTP covers three key topics: cyber safety
and security, cyber etiquette and responsibility,
and online leadership and empowerment. It also
involves the training of teachers and volunteer
trainers and facilitators who would like to help
share the program to as many schools around
the country.
The MoU is also in support of UNICEFs #WeProtect

campaign, an international movement that
brings together leading technology companies,
governments, and international organizations to
protect millions of children from online sexual
exploitation. It includes the completion of a
national study on online child protection that will
help improve support services for victims in the
Philippines.
Seventeen countries have joined the global
program. This includes Albania, Algeria, Brazil,
Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala,
India, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Montenegro,
Namibia, Paraguay, Serbia, Uganda, Vietnam and
the Philippines.
JULY 2016
91
RELIC
Words by Jose Alvarez
Growing up in the late 1990s and early 2000s meant the advent of high definition television (HDTV). I remember
seeing one and thinking that it was the pinnacle of development regarding televisions. CRT televisions were on
their way out and being replaced by plasma TVs, and later on, the OLED TV. At the turn of the millennium, some
questions were raised. How would content creators of various media (TV, film, and video games come to mind)
harness this new technology, and how far could it go?
This all started in the late 1990s when HDTV

began to hit the commercial market. However,
like all new technologies, the prices were still
out of the reach of the average consumer. Laser
technology was being developed to increase
the amount of data available on a CD, but legal
hurdles delayed the introduction of blue laser
diodes into the commercial market. Sony started
two projects called Ultra Density Optical (UDO)
and DVR Blue together with Philips. The DVR Blue
eventually became the Blu-ray Disc. In 2002, the
Blu-ray Disc association was founded.
The Sony-chaired DVD Forum, however, was
conflicted over whether to use the blue laser
diode-based Blu-ray or to find a cheaper
alternative. The birth of HD DVD can be attributed
to the support of major motion picture studio
Warner Bros. and its allies in the DVD Forum,
which compressed HD content onto dual-layer
DVD-9 discs. Other members of the forum opted
92 92
JULYJULY
2016
2016
to use the blue-laser HD solution. Later that year,

Toshiba and NEC announced the standard of the
Advanced Optical Disc, which was later renamed
HD DVD. Many industry analysts feared another
format war, much like VHS and Betamax had in the
late 1970s and early 1980s.
The HD DVD standard was backed by Toshiba,
Memory-Tech Corporation, NEC, and Sanyo.
However, unlike the VHS-Betamax format war,
the Blu-ray Disc Association and the DVD Forum
tried to negotiate a compromise with HD-DVD in
2005, but the negotiations failed due to technical
difficulties such as physical format incompatibility
(possibly arising from the use of blue laser diodes
vs. a dual-layer DVD approach).
In 2006, Toshiba released a consumer-based HD
DVD player in Japan for around JPY 110,000
(USD 934). It reached North American markets
later that year with more affordable prices of
USD 499 and USD 799 (by contrast, Blu-ray

players were selling for nearly USD 1,000). Some
of the first HD DVD titles released were
The Last Samurai, Million Dollar Baby, and the
The Phantom of the Opera. By 2007, the price
of HD DVD players dropped to below USD 100,
and by early 2008 Toshiba reported that over
one million HD DVD players were sold.
In 2008, Warner Bros., one of the original
supporters of HD DVD, announced that it was
phasing out support for HD DVD. This was
due to the lack of sale of HD DVD titles. Netflix
and Best Buy also announced that they would
recommend Blu-ray discs over HD DVD. By
March 2008, HD DVD machine production
ceased entirely. Toshiba revealed that they lost
nearly USD 1 billion due to the failure of HD
DVD. In 2009, Warner Bros. offered to replace
any HD DVD discs with Blu-ray discs for a fee in
the United States.
APRIL 2016
APRIL 2016

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