A Sustainable Journey Filled with Life and Culture: CNN’s The Journey Matters highlights what’s to love about the Philippines

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Travelers are spoiled for choice when they visit the Philippines, this beautiful archipelago has 7,641 islands teeming with experiences that tourists will definitely love. From world-famous white sand beaches like Boracay, fantastic waves of Siargao, bustling cities, rich biodiversity, unique traditions, and flavorful feasts, there’s always something to love when you visit.

The show explores some of the places and activities that await in Siquijor, a small island filled with beauty and wonder.

Get to know more about the best of island life in the Philippines in the latest episode of The Journey Matters on CNN. This week’s episode showcases some of the country’s most popular destinations as well as the locals who honor the Philippines’ rich traditional heritage and work hard in protecting its diverse natural environment.

Tourism frontliners based in some of the country’s popular island destinations, share their stories of love for the Philippines. “Doing yoga around nature is very relaxing. It has a very healing kind of effect. I was born in Manila, and I've always wanted to live somewhere closer to nature. When I first came to El Nido, I fell in love with the place and decided I could try and maybe live here.” shared Bek Soriano, founder of Yoga Tayo in El Nido, Palawan. Bek’s Yoga Tayo has attracted a community of travelers, who seek wellness and inspiration from El Nido’s diverse natural attractions. Over the years, that community has grown with more travelers drawn in by El Nido's charms through its abundance of natural attractions and its welcoming people.

Meanwhile, on another side of Palawan, in Coron, Anthony “Joy” Rabanal and Darwin Agquiz, seasoned tour guides at Big Dream Boatman, have brought countless local and foreign visitors to see the breathtaking beauty of the islands, sharing their knowledge and ensuring that everyone has a wonderful experience. “I really love this job because aside from being a tour guide, I can also do something for our environment,” said Darwin. Like educating visitors on how to respect and protect nature and green life. “We get them really aware about what is really happening.” added Joy. This does not only help them protect their livelihood but mostly their home.

Local tour guides make it a point to also educate visitors on how to respect and protect nature and green life in Coron, Palawan.

From Palawan, the show also featured Siquijor, a small island which has become a popular emerging destination with local and international tourists, eager to discover its stunning beauty. “Siquijor is a very special place especially for tourists, the vibes here are still different from any other destination,” shared Luis Nathaniel Borongan, emphasizing on the island’s special ability to “heal” visitors. Tuob is one of Siquijor’s age-old natural healing methods to help ward off illnesses and bad spirits. The show explores some of the places and activities that await in Siquijor, which, just like Palawan, showcases idyllic island life in the Philippines, where there's always something to discover and to love at every turn.

El Nido, Palawan has attracted a community of travelers, who seek wellness and inspiration from El Nido’s diverse natural attractions.

Tune in to CNN tomorrow, Sunday, February 23 at 7pm HKT and catch The Journey Matters in The Philippines. Embark on a visual journey through the country and discover hidden gems, embrace the healing powers of nature, and witness the warmth of Filipino hospitality. Let the Philippines’ 7641 islands captivate you. This is a journey you won't want to miss.

TNT lets you enjoy 8 hours of Mobile Legends for only P10

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TNT, the value brand of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) now lets subscribers play eight hours of the popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) for as low as P10 with its TNT Panalo 10 offer.

TNT Panalo 10 comes with 300 MB data for MLBB, which is more than enough for gamers, considering that two hours of playing only consumes 5 MB, while practice sessions of esports players usually run up to eight hours, only consuming 15 MB to 17 MB.

This means subscribers can use the remaining data for browsing gaming forums, joining online communities, or watching livestreams of content creators for tips and strategies.

TNT Panalo 10 also comes with 60 minutes of calls and 60 texts to all networks, which lets subscribers conveniently get in touch with their gaming squad.

Subscribers can register to TNT Panalo 10 by logging into the Smart App or their go-to mobile wallets, or heading to the nearest convenience store and accredited retailers nationwide.

TNT Panalo 10 is just one of TNT's many value-packed offers in line with its thrust to bring saya to Filipinos through affordable services powered by its superior mobile network. Subscribers can watch out for more exciting offers and experiences as part of TNT's 25th anniversary celebration this year.

OPPO Launches Find N5: The World’s Thinnest Book-Style Foldable with Unprecedented Design, Battery Life, and AI-Powered Performance

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Billy Zhang, President of Overseas Marketing, Sales and Services of OPPO at the launch event

OPPO, the world's leading smart device brand, today announced the global availability of its Find N5 flagship foldable smartphone. Delivering unrivalled experiences with its thin and light design, the largest inner screen of any book-style foldable, class-leading battery life and next-generation AI-powered performance, Find N5 redefines foldable excellence.

OPPO Find N5 in Cosmic Black and Misty White

“Find N5 unlocks the potential of folding phones, putting tablet and laptop experiences in our hands. It’s impossibly thin and light, and ColorOS 15 is precision-tuned to do more across two immersive displays, with AI-powered tools, and advanced integration with Macs. Find N5 doesn’t close doors, it opens them, unfolding the potential of all your tech while keeping you connected all day and beyond.”

--- Pete Lau, SVP and Chief Product Officer, OPPO

Thin, Light, and Durable

OPPO Find N5 measures just 8.93mm thin and is a featherweight 229g

Find N5 is the world’s thinnest book-style foldable when closed. Measuring just 8.93mm, it’s no thicker than a traditional phone, and at a featherweight 229g, it’s uncompromisingly light. Premium design and a rich feel combine with flat sides to create a secure grip, with contoured metal and balanced weighting for a tailored hold like no other.

Turn Find N5 around, and OPPO’s striking flagship design flourish – the Cosmos Ring – teases the Hasselblad Master Camera System within, and showcases an evolved aesthetic that elegantly rises from the aircraft-grade fibre back.

Choose between two Find N5 colour options: Cosmic Black combines a classic, demure, frosted black finish with a mature, matte black metal frame, and Misty White shimmers as its rich, layered back catches the light and its silver frame glints enticingly.

Beautiful and durable, Find N5 is the world’s first IPX9-rated foldable. In addition to its IPX8 water resistance, it has been tested to withstand water jets at extreme temperatures.

OPPO's Armour Shield architecture fortifies Find N5’s structural integrity. The frame is crafted from a composite of 7000 series aluminium alloy, resulting in a 30% increase in strength. With ultra-durable nanocrystal glass, the cover display benefits from up to a 20% improvement in drop resistance.

Smooth and Secure: OPPO’s Titanium Flexion Hinge

Find N5’s Titanium Flexion Hinge is 36% more rigid despite being 26% smaller

Find N5’s world-class durability extends to its Titanium Flexion Hinge, which is 26% smaller yet 36% more rigid than the previous generation, thanks to an overhauled structure and upgraded materials.

Both Find N5’s hinge cover, which protects the internal folding components, and the wing plate that connects the hinge to the folding display are made of Grade 5 titanium alloy, 3D printed to achieve the perfect shape. The hinge’s load-bearing components are made using Ultra-High Strength Steel (UHSS) exclusively customised by OPPO, with an industry-leading yield strength of 2000 MPa, so you can be confident Find N5 will last, even after years of folding and unfolding.

You can feel the difference; Find N5’s Titanium Flexion Hinge glides smoothly as you open and close it, while the contoured, flat sides create a perfect grip. And with TÜV Rheinland Reliable Folding Certification, Find N5 is tested in extreme environments for ultimate peace of mind.

Two Large Displays

At 8.12” when open, Find N5 has the largest inner display of any book-style foldable, and when closed, the 6.62-inch, 20.7:9 cover display is expansive, familiar and comfortable.

Find N5 has two large, flagship-quality displays for compromise-free use whether open or closed

Despite its slender, pocketable design, Find N5’s 8.12” unfolded screen is larger than some popular tablets on the market. It creates two-in-one functionality and gives you space for next-level productivity, creativity and entertainment. And with a class-leading shallow, narrow crease, it invites flow as you navigate across it, free from interruption. Find N5 is also the first smartphone to earn TÜV Rheinland’s Minimized Crease Certification, further cementing its industry-leading status.

Find N5’s Dual Shielded Flexible Screen includes nine layers, including an industry-leading 0.1mm thin stainless steel support plate, ultra-thin glass, and a top film made of customised anti-shock elastomer material. This combination delivers a 70% increase in impact resistance.

Unfolded, Find N5 has the largest display of any book-style foldable for immersive viewing and incredible multi-tasking

Find N5’s two displays look brilliant while delivering advanced eye care. Showcasing content with over 400PPI clarity, gliding with a smooth 1-120Hz refresh rate, and beaming with a peak brightness of over 2000 nits when displaying HDR content, so apps, games, and movies look sensational, whether open or closed. Find N5 also combines low-flicker, 2160Hz PWM dimming that reduces fatigue caused by OLED flickering. And with OPPO Pen support across both displays, it fuels creativity too.

The Best Battery Life of Any Foldable

Find N5 features an ultra-high capacity 5600mAh OPPO Silicon-Carbon Battery

Find N5 lasts longer, delivering the best battery life of any folding phone. Made possible by its ultra-high capacity 5600mAh dual-cell battery, it sets a new bar, lasting beyond a full day and beating both folding and non-folding competition.

This breakthrough battery life is only possible with the next-gen OPPO Silicon-Carbon Battery, which features an industry-leading 10% silicon, resulting in an incredibly slim 2.1mm cell despite its class-leading capacity.

Find N5 powers up quickly with 80W SUPERVOOCTM wired charging and 50W AIRVOOCTM wireless charging

With 80W SUPERVOOCTM and 50W AIRVOOCTM charging, unlike the foldable competition, Find N5 doesn’t compromise on charging speed, offering hours of usage with minutes of charging. When paired with an OPPO magnetic case, Find N5 can enjoy high-speed 50W AIRVOOCTM wireless charging with the convenience of magnetic charging and mounting.

Power, Privacy and Photography

The first foldable to launch with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, Find N5 boasts exceptional performance, AI-computing and efficiency. The Hexagon NPU delivers a 45% improvement in AI performance, while the second-generation 3nm architecture ensures Find N5’s high-capacity battery lasts even longer.

Powered by Qualcomm’s latest flagship chipset, Find N5 is the first foldable to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite

Users can enjoy maximum peace of mind thanks to a dedicated security chip that delivers hardware-level security to protect on-device confidential data.

Find N5 opens up new possibilities with its Hasselblad Master Camera System. Combining an ultra-wide camera for expansive views, a wide primary camera for all-purpose shots and lossless 2x zooming, and a powerful periscope camera for far-reaching photos and videos, Find N5 is a versatile creative tool.

Find N5 combines a powerful Hasselblad Master Camera System with foldable hardware, unlocking new ways to capture

Despite its ultra-thin profile, Find N5’s periscope camera combines a high-resolution 50MP sensor with a 70mm focal length, a fast f/2.7 aperture and OIS. Unlocking telephoto macro capture, it focuses on a subject as near as 10cm from the lens, offering tele-macro shooting for the first time on an OPPO device, so whether you’re photographing food, flowers, insects or products, Find N5 delivers a crisp picture.

One of Find Series’s most loved features is Hasselblad Portrait Mode, and Find N5 combines it with a photographer-favourite 70mm optical focal length for stunning, natural-looking shots of people and pets loaded with depth and detail. Pros can push the camera system even further with Hasselblad Master Mode, delivering full manual control and RAW capture, while Dolby Vision 10-bit video records rich, detailed HDR footage at up to 4K resolution, 60fps.

Ultra-Smart Big-Screen Experiences

Launching with Android 15, Find N5 will receive five years of security updates for long-lasting peace of mind and will be powered by ColorOS 15, bringing the latest generation of OPPO experiences and AI capabilities to foldables.

Find N5 brings back Boundless View, introduced on Find N3, enabling three-app, full-screen multi-tasking. It also introduces a smart split screen, making two-app multi-tasking more intuitive than ever. Recognizing when two apps are used in succession frequently, Find N5 suggests a two-app split view to save time and take full advantage of Find N5’s 8.12” unfolded display.

With Find N5’s new AI Search[1], swipe down on your home screen, type in a search query or command, and Find N5 uses the power of AI to analyse countless files and settings to display the best solution.

With AI Call Summary, Find N5 can intelligently transcribe, generate summaries, and create action points based on a transcript of your calls. Whether it’s groceries or a board meeting, AI Call Summary gives your memory a helping hand.

Find N5’s Translate app ensures smooth two-way conversations across languages in FlexForm mode

And with Find N5’s new dual-screen translation and interpreting feature and handy eSIM support, it’s a world traveller’s ultimate companion. Simply launch the Translate app, activate Dual-Screen Interpreter, part fold your phone, and start speaking for a live translation displayed for each speaker. Find N5 breaks down language barriers in seconds.

Recorder generates a transcript and a summary of recordings, while AI Assistant for Notes restructures and streamlines content, corrects spelling, grammar and tone, and it can intelligently expand or shorten notes. Documents, meanwhile, takes existing documents (text, spreadsheets and presentations), can summarise them in seven languages, and translate or rewrite them in a range of styles.

OPPO AI ToolBox’s advanced language tools include AI Summary, AI Speak, and AI Writer, streamlining reading and writing for the Find N5, whether browsing the web or writing a message.

Whether you’re editing photos captured on Find N5 or an image you’ve been sent, OPPO AI makes photo editing easier than ever. AI Eraser recognises and removes objects and people in moments, AI Clarity Enhance upgrades low-resolution pictures, transforming them into ultra-high-definition, 4K resolution images, AI Unblur refocuses blurry action shots, and AI Reflection Remover removes glare in moments.

ColorOS 15 also introduces Circle to Search with Google. Just circle to search anything on your phone, without switching apps. And with the Google Gemini app, your AI assistant from Google, you can get help learning in new ways, writing emails, planning events and more.

Next-Level Cross-OS Support

With O+ Connect for Mac, Find N5 supports seamless file transfer and remote control of your Mac

OPPO bridges the gap between MacOS computers and Find N5.

With the O+ Connect app for Mac installed, seamlessly share photos, videos and files with super fast speed across devices. O+ Connect even supports remote access, so you can easily pull files from your computer to your Find N5 remotely, or take control of your Mac interface when on the go and your Mac is miles away.

Touch to Share, introduced on Find X8 Series, also delivers one-touch sharing and receiving from iOS and iPadOS devices with your ColorOS smartphone.

OPPO’s Global Commitment

Find N5 marks a new phase in OPPO’s global expansion. With over 700 million users across 70 markets, OPPO ranks fourth in global smartphone shipments for 2024, while 60% of its shipments come from markets outside of Mainland China. OPPO is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for premium devices, spanning both traditional bar phones and foldable models. With the launch of Find X8 and Find N5, OPPO demonstrates a renewed commitment to its dual-flagship strategy for global markets.

OPPO will also continue its collaboration with Discovery Channel, introducing Make Your Moment, a campaign that celebrates its customers at a global and local level.

[1] AI Search is not available at launch and will be updated via OTA. Its functionality may vary by region due to local laws and cloud capabilities, and it will only support English.

Mompreneurs, women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

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Madiskarte Moms PH, the online community of women and mompreneurs in the Philippines, took centerstage at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality in the region, and highlighted critical topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity.

During the forum at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) awards, (From Left) Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines,led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigitalPilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio.

Women in business

When people think of “women in business,” they immediately think of women executives working for big companies in finance or retail rather than the grassroots entrepreneurs and community leaders who are often the driving forces behind local economies.

Women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

(From left) Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

The pandemic revealed the untapped potential of these women through Madiskarte Moms PH. And four years after its inception, this online community of almost 200,000 mompreneurs continues to promote digital upskilling, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and expand access to community support for its members to start and grow their home-based businesses.

PLDT Home, which supported the online community of moms from its founding, helped these small businesses not just to survive but to flourish during their most challenging times.

PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios highlights the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs in the Madiskarte Moms PH community, emphasizing how PLDT Home supports their small business growth.

PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH Melissa Vergel de Dios shared that it is “all about the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs.”

Vergel de Dios relates the story of an awardee at the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home’s annual recognition and awards for the best businesses by mompreneurs. “This mom needed to buy milk for her child, which cost her the only money she had—P3,000. Not only was her budget just enough, but it was also unfortunately stolen or lost. Instead of being overcome by helplessness, this clever mom sold her old clothes and made P7,000. This mom turned an unfortunate incident into the beginning of her business called HTP or Half the Price. Now that she had capital for a business, she called up all her friends to put their unwanted clothes together and sell them. From that P7,000, her income is now seven figures.”

PLDT Home’s advocacy for inclusivity for women in business and in tech goes hand in hand with the continuous expansion of its fiber network across the country and support for programs on internet education for the whole family.

“We’ve given masterclasses and lessons that teach women how to create their own websites, how to avoid scams and fraud. But, as I say, it takes a whole nation. Now, the Madiskarte Moms teach new members so that they can go forward as well,” Vergel de Dios added.

Breaking gender stereotypes

Breaking conventional gender roles and mindsets has also allowed the government to map out an inclusivity plan for women. NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy said the Philippine Development Plan or “the nation’s blueprint” includes strategies to mainstream gender equality in government.

Moderator and Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines Athena Denise Galao raised a valid point on women who work from home still bearing increased domestic responsibilities. “How do we prevent housework from becoming another barrier for women’s advancement?”

Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys said, “We need to take away the mindset that home care is only for women. Unpaid home care is not allowing women in that kind of working model to really succeed. And so participation of the husband in those conversations needs to be more active and the women need to be more forthcoming—it cannot be assumed that it’s understood.”

Will AI take away jobs?

As AI becomes more intelligent—by learning from humans! — the inevitable question for every employee is: will my employer replace me with a computer program?

Not likely, according to Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio. “When you embark on digital transformation and your goal is to do headcount reduction, you’re doing it all wrong. Because the goal of digital transformation is to make sure that you deliver efficiencies as well as ensure that your business is competitive.”

That future may not always be in the office, according to Vergel de Dios. “Sometimes success is not being an executive in the office but being an entrepreneur. Today’s success is defined differently. We can be role models to the little girls that look up to us, and we can show them that they can dream. It also starts with education so that at a young stage the stereotypes are broken at the formation stage.”

Benj Pangilinan confronts self-doubt in new single “Alinlangan”

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The soulful ballad examines his internal struggles in the midst of adolescent love

After releasing compellingly sentimental tunes “Love That’s Rare” and “Nandito Na Ako,” a duet with Angela Ken, here’s another OPM release blending intimate lyrics with soothing, well-crafted arrangements.

Benj Pangilinan bares his soul in the latest single, “Alinlangan,” released under Sony Music Entertainment. The heartfelt, piano-driven ballad expresses the Filipino singer-songwriter’s internal struggle and crippling self-doubt, as he questions the validity of his feelings, thinking that he isn’t deserving of such love.

“The inspiration for the song came from the idea of searching for true love and the emotions that come with it,” shares the promising musician. “The title, Alinlangan was suggested by Jungee Marcelo. It explores the experience of self-doubt, a struggle that many people face and can relate to.”

Co-written with veteran composer Kiko Salazar, “Alinlangan” captures the emotional complexities Benj is still learning to navigate. He adds, “I think my journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. In terms of what this track represents, I’d rather let the work speak for itself and allow the audience to connect with it in their own way.”

While it might be tempting to view self-doubt as merely a flaw, “Alinlangan” offers a deeper perspective. Benj embraces the judgment he faces from others who know nothing about him, recognizing that such challenges are necessary for emotional growth.

Sonically speaking, the song evolves in an unexpected way, transitioning from a minimalist piano arrangement with subtle instrumentation into a soaring pop anthem as it progresses. Benj explains, “The transitions in the song reflect the escalation of emotions, much like how our thoughts build up, especially when love and self-doubt are involved. The goal of this progression was to capture that emotional journey and the internal struggle that comes with it.”

Benj Pangilinan’s “Alinlangan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Follow him on socials:

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

A Culture of Doing Good: SM invests in quality education through Asia Pacific College

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Asia Pacific College (APC), a part of the SM group, continues to invest back in its students and the school through degree programs certified by international and local standards institutions. With a grand vision of university status on the horizon and strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions such as the University of Adelaide to bolster the quality of education it provides, APC is proving that it is in the business of social good.

A group of freshman students pose for the camera during their student orientation at the APC Auditorium as the school year 2024-2025 starts.

The SM group’s advocacy in championing education was realized when SM founder Henry Sy, Sr. through SM Foundation, Inc. partnered with IBM Philippines to establish APC in 1991 as a non-stock, non-profit institution.

“APC envisions becoming a leading institution in the region,” said APC President Dr. Ma. Teresita ‘Tata’ Medado. “Aiming to become a university is our mission in the next 4 to 5 years. APC has proven excellence in innovative teaching and learning. It is our goal to expand programs and reach out to more students especially those from underserved communities.”

At the start of the year, APC received certification from the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) for the following programs: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Multimedia Arts. APC holds the distinction of being a Center of Excellence in IT Education since 2007 and a Center of Development in Computer Engineering since 2009.

APC’s computer engineering, computer science, information technology and multimedia arts programs are now certified by the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Standard.

The AUN-QA certification indicates that the programs recognized have met the high standards of quality in terms of teaching, research, and overall academic delivery.

“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to providing top-tier academic programs,” added Dr. Medado.

APC’s international accolade is further complemented by its consistent delivery of quality education retaining its Autonomous Status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for seven consecutive years. The status was granted by CHED citing APC’s steady high performance in areas such as curriculum development, faculty qualifications, research output, and community service.

Meaningful partnerships

The institution first established a landmark partnership with Carnegie Mellon University- Australia (CMU-A) in 2022 and continues to expand its collaboration with the University of Adelaide (UofA) in 2024. This led to the delivery of capacity-building programs for faculty, staff, and government professionals, with the support and funding from Australia Awards Scholarships, a program offering candidates from a wide range of countries to undertake postgraduate studies in Australia.

Student welfare is also a part of APC’s initiatives with the recently launched Digital Defender Program in the last quarter of 2024 together with Gogolook, a key player in the TrustTech industry. The Taiwan-based developer introduced the Whoscall application, a global anti-scam software that provides users with top tools and free features to help them avoid online scams.

APC students join the launch of GogoLook’s Digital Defender program, a new partnership of the college to equip the community with cybersecurity measures for an empowered and safer digital space.

“We seek to empower students with greater awareness of online safety and cybersecurity through this app,” said Dr. Medado.

“The value of GogoLook extends to professional ethics and character formation. We are preparing our students to become responsible global citizens,” she added.

As part of APC’s vision to become a university, Dr. Medado said the school aims to be more responsive to industry needs in order to bring access to quality education for all.

For the coming year, APC aims to uphold the standards of quality education that it has set in its QS 5-star ratings across four categories namely: inclusivity through a wide array of scholarships; online learning via Hyflex (Hybrid-Flexible), which emphasizes empathy, equity, and engagement; flexible teaching methods; and, employability with 92.8% of graduates securing key positions in the industry.

APC is now focusing on improving the category of internationalization emphasizing transnational collaborations, exchange programs, international students, and other related initiatives.

This is aligned with its mission of giving educational opportunities through differentiated and enhanced pathways to help develop productive citizens of the global economy.

HONOR Leads the Fight Against Deepfake, To Intro AI That Detects Face-Swaps in MWC 2025

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Discover more about this AI Tech at HONOR MWC 2025

As AI-generated deepfakes become a growing concern for businesses and individuals, HONOR unveils its pioneering AI Deepfake Detection feature in 2024. This advanced technology offers unmatched precision in identifying fabricated content by analyzing eye contact, lighting, image clarity, and video playback.

Deepfakes pose significant threats and risks, with nearly half of companies worldwide reporting incidents in 2024, according to industry reports. HONOR’s innovative solution immediately alerts users to potential deepfake content, protecting their privacy and increasing their digital security.

“With mobile devices storing vast amounts of personal data, AI Deepfake Detection is a powerful tool to combat fraud and privacy risks, enabling individuals and industries to thrive in a secure digital environment.” said Marco Kamiya, UNIDO Representative.

The alarming growth of deepfake attacks, with a 244% increase in incidents reported between 2023 and 2024, emphasizes the urgency of such advancements. Many companies still lack protocols to address these risks, leaving individuals and businesses open to fraud and privacy breaches. HONOR's technology provides a timely response, empowering users to navigate the digital world with greater confidence.

For more information and announcements during HONOR MWC 2025, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Experts highlight optimistic outlook for cryptocurrency in 2025 at GCrypto learning session

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As the cryptocurrency market gears up for 2025, leading finance super app GCash recently unveiled key insights into Bitcoin's cyclical journey, the rise of innovative trends like AI-driven trading and meme coins, and the best practices for navigating this dynamic landscape.

(L-R) Chainalysis regional sales director Diederik van Wersch, Blockchain analyst and developer Tracy Li, Chainalysis head of policy in Asia Pacific region Chengyi Ong and Securities and Exchange Commission assistant director Patrick Patricio

In a recent BitBulaga educational program, crypto experts sat down for a fireside chat to share their 2025 forecasts and best practices for those who plan to invest in the crypto industry. The panel included GCash head of GCrypto Luis Buenaventura, along with crypto key opinion leaders Gilbert “Titovlogs” Lazaro, Gerome “Kuyang Gerome” Lazaro, and Aldrin “Crypto4chun” Rabino.

The panelists agreed that Bitcoin is experiencing rising adoption from traditional institutions, including banks, governments, and world organizations. While new crypto players may lead 2025, the pioneering currencies (referred to as OG by crypto experts) will continue to follow the Bitcoin cycle.

The Bitcoin Cycle and Where We Are Today

Unlike traditional financial instruments, Bitcoin and the rest of the cryptocurrency industry move in four-year cycles. These cycles are typically bookended by the so-called Bitcoin Halving, a once-in-four-year event that reduces the issuance of Bitcoin and increases its scarcity. The Halving was envisioned as a market catalyst– which would trigger more trading activity and attention as the available supply of the asset was diminished.

The most recent Bitcoin Halving occurred in April 2024, and Bitcoin’s price, along with the prices of many other cryptocurrencies has been on a steady rise since. As the industry enters into its second-year post-halving, the expectation is that there will be a substantial increase in prices across the board.

However, the landscape has evolved significantly over the last year, as new players vie for attention. Experts highlight meme coins and AI agents as the next major trends.

Gilbert Lazaro, aka Titovlogs, said that the biggest players of 2025 will be the alternative currencies. In particular, the panel further dived deep into innovative platforms such as Trump Politifi Tokens, DeFAI, the Hyperliquid Ecosystem, and DeSci (Decentralized Science). Trump Politifi Tokens are politically inspired but give investors a sense of community. DeFAI is a convergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) and artificial intelligence, The Hyperliquid Ecosystem addresses inefficiencies in the crypto market by enhancing liquidity across exchanges and scaling blockchain performance. Decentralized Science (DeSci) is reshaping research through blockchain technology, democratizing funding, enabling open-access data, and incentivizing collaboration via tokenized rewards.

"These emerging cryptocurrencies began as real-world assets. These Alt(ernative) coins will be the biggest players of 2025," said Lazaro.

Best practices for navigating cryptocurrency

Buenaventura and Rabino advised diversifying buying behavior not just in terms of portfolio diversification but also the timing of purchases over the next few years. While the cycle is set, the exact timing of the rise and fall in prices remains uncertain. To mitigate risks, investors are encouraged to make purchases at different intervals throughout the Parabolic Stage in addition to diversifying their portfolios.

"If you want to be conservative, what I do is I buy many times throughout the cycle with small incremental profits but less risk," said Buenaventura.

GCash gathers top stakeholders for ethical crypto industry

Aside from learning the know-how of cryptocurrency, GCash together with Chainalysis and BitPinas also hosted an event entitled “CryptoPH Compliance Conversations”, where top stakeholders exchanged insights on the importance of crypto compliance amidst the evolving industry landscape and regulatory shifts driven by the new US administration.

It gathered key people in the industry like Atty. Paolo Ong of the PhiliFintech Innovation Office (PIO) of the Securities and Exchange Commission along with Atty. Patrick-Duane Patricio of the Cybercrime and Forensics Division of the SEC. Joining the conversations were representatives from US-based blockchain research firm Chainalysis, as well as key personalities from universal banks, digital banks, virtual asset service providers, and other fintech players.

GCash head of wealth management Arjun Varma said, "An ethical crypto industry harmonizes innovation with responsibility. It ensures transparency, embraces sustainable practices, and prioritizes the well-being of communities. By addressing environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and social equity, we can build a blockchain future that is not only prosperous but also principled and inclusive."

For #TeamGalaxy, they found a true AI Companion with the Galaxy S25 Series

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Samsung recently unpacked the future at the recent Galaxy AI Future Lab held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The event highlighted the groundbreaking AI features of the Galaxy S25 series – Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 – with helpful personal insights from the members of #TeamGalaxy.

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Catriona Gray, Erwann Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, AC Bonifacio, Ninong Ry and other #TeamGalaxy members share their thoughts on the new Galaxy S25 series

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#TeamGalaxy were definitely excited about Samsung’s latest flagship phones, which offer unprecedented performance and a perfect camera experience.

Content creation like never before

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray praises the upgrades of the Galaxy S25 series, especially with content creation. She says, “For me, the Galaxy S25 Series has powered up by combining improved specs in their software with incredible cameras. As a content creator and creative, having a device that’s able to capture every moment - may it be a super zoomed in crisp night shot at a concert, a high-res selfie or a macro product shot - and with the new Pro Visual Engine & Virtual aperture is incredible”.

Moreover, the new Audio Eraser feature resolves the biggest struggle of many content creators and even concert-goers. This unique AI feature identifies various sounds such as crowd, traffic, and natural noises and allows you to lower the volume or eliminate the unwanted ones. Dancer and actress AC Bonifacio agreed, “That is always my main problem when I go to concerts. I always want to record but I want to sing my heart out, and I wanna enjoy it with my friends, and Samsung got us that way to be able to do both and still be able to post stories.”

Talking about concerts, this series also boasts enhanced Nightography, which is also perfect for capturing moments even in the dark. Content creator Ry Velasco expressed in excitement, “Usually madilim sa mga concerts and minsan kailangan mo pa i-adjust yung exposure and magkakaroon ng texture [noise]. Then sa concerts, bawal yung big cameras, so feeling ko yun [Galaxy S25 series] yung pinaka-perfect phone for that.” (Usually, it’s dark in concerts and sometimes you still have to adjust the exposure which creates noise. Then in concerts big cameras are prohibited, so I feel like the Galaxy S25 series is the most perfect phone for that.)

The increased zoom range and the new 50MP ultra-wide camera are a huge help for people who are always on-the-go like internet personality and influencer Denisse Sy who shared, “The upgrade that struck me the most is the jump from a 12 megapixel to 50 megapixel. So as a user of the back camera, almost all of my content is always shot on that. So knowing that this is reliable, knowing that my 0.6 is always crisp, it's vibrant, it's clear, I know that I will always have the best footage. So I'm so excited for that one.”

Your true AI Companion for productivity

If you are a busy person and need a boost in productivity, Galaxy AI has your back! Agribusiness entrepreneur, co-founder of Bolzico Beef, Chingolo Restaurant, and Petchola pet food Nico Bolzico shared how the Galaxy S25 Series has helped him with his day-to-day activities via Gemini Live. “It allows you to move from app to app in a seamless way. If you are doing more than one thing, like the family, taking my kids to school, or if I have to go to Chingolo the restaurant, and I have to deal with some stuff in other projects, it’s very easy to have the Galaxy S25 Series because you can easily send commands,” he said.

The latest Now Brief feature assists you in getting your job done in the most efficient and productive way. Erwan Heussaff, James Beard Awardee and founder of The Fat Kid Inside Studios and co-founder Chingolo Restaurant with Nico Bolzico, shared, “Nowadays, the most time consuming aspect of my work is the planning and all the admin stuff. My least favorite thing to do, but probably the most important. So having the Now Brief which provides personalized daily briefings including weather updates, meeting reminders, and traffic conditions, stands out for its utility in daily planning. Just helps start my day”.

Meanwhile, Ninong Ry relates his insights on the Now Brief in terms of his content-making experience. He said, “Nand’yan din ‘yung sasabihin niya sa’yo kung uulan ba ngayon. Very essential ‘yun ah. Lalo na kung mayroon kaming outside shoot lalo ‘yung mga camping shoots namin. Para kung uulan, hindi nalang kami tutuloy. Mag-sustudio shoot nalang kami. So sobrang essential talaga niyon para sa amin”. (The feature says if it’s going to rain today. That’s very essential for our team particularly during outside or camping shoots since it informs us on the weather report for that day. So in case it rains, we proceed shooting at the studio).

Overall, the features of the Galaxy S25 Series are a big yes for the #TeamGalaxy, just like how it will be for all its users. From making better content with its videography and photography AI features to more saved time and more tasks accomplished with the Gemini Live and Now Brief, the Galaxy S25 Series is the true AI companion.

Buy the Galaxy S25 series now and save up to 8,000 when you trade in your old device. Go to samsung.com/ph or visit any Samsung Experience Store and authorized stores near you!

Learn more about the Galaxy S25 series and buy now by visiting https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s25-ultra/buy/.

Terms and conditions apply. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-210417, 211068 Series of 2025.

Creating a Culture of Care: SLGS Philippines Drives Impactful Change Through CSR and Sustainability Initiatives

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Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS) Philippines, the Global Capability Centre of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, continues to give back to the community making a positive impact on society through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability efforts. By focusing on initiatives that promote care, social well-being and sustainability, we aim to build a better future for communities and the nation.

Expanding Care Across Communities

SLGS Philippines continued to support children in need through volunteer and donation efforts in various impactful events. Recently, an activity was held at the Special Children Education Institute in Pasig, where SLGS employees engaged students in games, a gift-giving ceremony, and donated emergency go-bags.

The ‘Adopt-a-Child for a Day’ program was also conducted at the Marikina Riverbanks Carnival where employees spent a day with the kids of Virlanie Foundation. For the past two years, SLGS Philippines has run the program, which provides care, joy, and encouragement to children facing challenges, thereby, contributing to their well-being and personal development.

Lastly, a donation drive of grocery items and school supplies was also held at Asilo de San Vicente De Paul Orphanage in Paco, Manila.

Building Careers Through Scholarships

SLGS scholarship program, aimed at nurturing talented students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), awards scholarships to 10 students each year based on academic performance and financial needs. This program helps students pursue higher education without financial burdens, and to date, two scholarship recipients have already been hired by the company.

Sustainability at SLGS Philippines

SLGS Philippines is committed to sustainability through green office initiatives and responsible IT practices. Recently, SLGS launched an indoor vegetable-growing project, which produced lettuce and pechay, offered to employees or included in meals during meetings. In addition, the teams are also helping reduce waste through a partnership with Green Space, a food waste composting company that helps divert food waste away from landfills through bokashi composting.

Additionally, SLGS has donated over 500 refurbished business-grade laptops and desktops to eight underprivileged public schools in Metro Manila. This donation supports sustainability by reducing tech waste and promoting the reuse of IT equipment.

These initiatives underscore SLGS’s commitment to creating an inclusive and better environment for all. The company’s culture of care focuses on supporting the well-being of clients, helping them achieve financial security and live healthier lives, while also prioritizing the well-being of employees and communities.

Tarun Sareen, Managing Director of SLGS, shared, “We aim to nurture a Purpose-driven and values-led culture where everyone is inspired to do the best work of their lives and thrive in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We want our employees to feel proud to be part of an organization that genuinely cares for its ecosystem and feel motivated and empowered to further build on their spirit of volunteerism.”

Moving forward, SLGS Philippines is eager to explore new opportunities to extend its culture of care to children and individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities, while continuing to support sustainability.

Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of SLGS Philippines, said, “Our culture of care is at the core of everything we do. It begins with thoughtful planning and a commitment from the organization and extends beyond through the dedication of our employees. We empower and encourage our people to care for our communities, driving meaningful and tangible impact on the communities we serve.”

To learn more about SLGS Philippines, visit https://www.sunlife.com/slgs/en/