Check out ‘Next Upgrade’ – every Filipino’s ultimate guide to smart home living!

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Get to know the hit YouTube channel as hosts Justin Quirino, Bea Chu, and Jaime Bunag provide info, insights, and inspo to a ‘smarter’ you this 2024!

Next Upgrade hosts and smart home tech experts Jaime Bunag, Bea Chu,

 and Justin Quirino

Every new year almost always marks a change — or better yet, an upgrade. When it comes to the Filipinos’ way of living, trends point to more homes adopting smart technology in and out of the house for a more convenient, more fun, and ultimately a better-lived life. In fact, in a study conducted in November last year, Statista projects 1.1 million smart homes in the Philippines in 2024 based on how fast the country is moving forward.

As more Filipinos continue to live smarter with more smart tech devices around, they’ll need a constant stream of info and reviews to guide them in their ever-evolving digital lifestyles.

One content platform on smart home tech and living is the YouTube channel Next Upgrade, brought to life in 2021 following pandemic restrictions. The channel has since earned an Anvil award in 2023 and a YouTube Works Awards nomination in 2022. Now streaming its third season, Next Upgrade is keen to help more Filipinos thrive in the hybrid era with more relevant content.

Hosts and smart home experts Justin Quirino, Bea Chu, and Jaime Bunag dish out their hands-on reviews and talk about the latest in smart tech, gadgets, and wearables while discussing the promise of smarter living. From answering the latest questions about the newest smart home applications and devices to understanding how artificial intelligence or AI can help make home life easier, the Next Upgrade team has more content coming in 2024.

Next Upgrade ‘upgraded’

In Next Upgrade’s third season, the hosts got some backup — game streamer and cosplayer

Een Mercado, chef and actor Gerick Manalo, and online personalities Chico Cruz and Danzel Fernandez are among these new faces joining to lend their own takes in (smart) homemaking.

Among the highlights of the current season is the premiere episode, wherein Bea and Jaime answer frequently asked questions about smart home devices and setups. They go into concerns such as the price of upgrading to smart devices and whether they contribute to a higher electric bill. It’s informative for those who are considering but haven’t taken the plunge just yet.

Justin Quirino puts his tech geek side on full display as Next Upgrade’s host

 since the first season

Next Upgrade host Bea Chu with game streamer and cosplayer Een Mercado

Next Upgrade host Bea Chu and influencer chef Gerick Manalo look up

 healthy homemade recipes on ChatGPT

On episode three, Bea joins Chef Gerick Manalo as they explore the possibilities of generative AI when it comes to homemaking. They browse ChatGPT for promising recipes for healthy home-cooked meals, which they then cook using a digital air fryer. It’s got to be seen to be believed!

On the 2023 year-ender episode, all three main hosts come together to wrap up all the smart tech in 2023 and look forward to the innovations 2024 will bring. They go into their favorite smart device picks, such as the Steam Deck OLED, the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, and the eufyCam 3, to name a few.

MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet

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Offense, defense, and strategy all covered as the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Savannah Davison, and newly hailed skipper Kath Arado aim to win 1st first PVL title

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Kim Kianna Dy

With three former MVPs on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Ahead of the league’s opening on February 20, all eyes are on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, as it faces 11 other participants, kicking off the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.

Headlining the team are the terrific trio of Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter), Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), and Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter).

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Kat Arado

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Savannah Davison

All once part of the national team, they came to prominence during their collegiate days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. They each carry three UAAP gold medals, among other silver finishes and individual awards.

After finishing as PVL’s top scorer in her rookie year in the last conference, Savannah Davison is seen as a credible threat on the court. She contributed 202 points through 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces at the end of the eliminations.

Davison competed at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 and national competition levels in the US, while completing her biochemistry degree at the New Mexico State University and MBA at University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.

PLDT High Speed Hitters 2024

Meanwhile, three-time PVL Best Libero Kath Arado takes on a new role of captain, as she mans the team’s backcourt defense with her precision and agility. Also a multi-awarded UAAP libero, she leads a lineup of veterans and former national team players including 2022 PVL Invitational Conference Best Middle Blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata and UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Samonte. Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and Far Eastern University standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo complete the roster.

“We are excited to see volleyball court action resume this February. As always, we are here to support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season. We also hope to give a more exhilarating experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT High Speed Hitters - Coaching staff

PVL champion coaches Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog along with Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, and Ervin Peralta banner the coaching staff. Paolo Escaño is tasked to supervise the team’s strength and conditioning.

MVPs meet the MVP

A few days before the new season kicked off, the PLDT High Speed Hitters dropped by the PLDT headquarters in Makati City for a courtesy visit with PLDT President/CEO, Manny Pangilinan.

PLDT High Speed Hitters with PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan & PLDT Senior Vice-President and Head of Consumer Business Home

“The goal is to have as many Filipino volleyball athletes as possible representing us in international events—and maybe even the Olympics. We will continue to work with partner leagues and organizations to help make this possible. Of course, the work begins with our team. They make us very proud, and we hope they continue to play their hearts out on the court,” Pangilinan said.

The team also had the chance to meet, interact, and play games with PLDT and Smart employees to promote the upcoming season.

Volleyball fans can follow the journey of PLDT High Speed Hitters through Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

Celebrate Love Month with HONOR and Get Up to 50% Off Your Dream Gadgets!

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Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to show your love and appreciation with a gift from the global tech giant, HONOR, as they launch their Valentine’s Day sale. With discounts of up to 50%, there has never been a better time to shop for that special someone in your life. Hurry, though, as this sale won't last forever!

Don’t forget to check out items from your shopping carts this Valentine’s Day loaded with freebies and vouchers for a week-long celebration!

“We at HONOR Philippines are thrilled to spread love during Heart's Month by offering amazing discounts to our beloved HONOR fans. Take advantage of these discounts to make gifting easier and more delightful, with our wide range of products catering to every consumer's personality and needs,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Grab the HONOR 70 5G at a whopping Php 9,000 off! Plus, receive a FREE HONOR premium speaker to enhance your intimate dinners with loved ones. The HONOR X8 and HONOR X9 are also available at an amazing Php 6,000 discount, with FREE Earbuds Pro included.

Capture the memorable moments of this celebration with the HONOR 90 5G, now at a special discount of Php 1,000 off, and get a FREE JBL Go 30.

Looking for durability and functionality? The All-angle ultra-tough HONOR X9b 5G is now Php 500 off, and it comes with FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds X5 and an exclusive HONOR Gift Box. For those who prefer a wider screen for viewing, the HONOR Pad X9 is now Php 400 off, and it comes with a FREE HONOR Smart Keyboard.

Don’t miss out on these fantastic deals! Celebrate Heart’s Month with HONOR and make your February truly special! Add to cart and check out this Valentine’s Day via Shopee (https://bit.ly/ShopeeHONOR_V-DaySale), Lazada (https://bit.ly/LazadaHONOR_V-DaySale), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTokHONOR_V-DaySale.

Don’t forget to tune in on HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for more exciting announcements!

CHERRY Superion View Pro, your entertainment on the go

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CHERRY has unveiled the latest addition to its growing line of home entertainment products, the CHERRY Superion View Pro, your entertainment on the go.

We constantly find time for entertainment in this wearying reality. Wouldn't it be lovely to have it close at hand? Fortunately, the CHERRY Superion View Pro provides convenient on-the-go movie screenings.

A Big Screen for Best Viewing Angle

It features 4.5” FHD LCM and 8000 lumens display with automatic focus technology and keystone correction, delivering vivid and clear images even in low-light conditions. To top it off, it has a Wireless Screen Mirroring that can turn your smart phones, tablets, and laptops to a projected size of 40 to 200 inches and Projective Ratio of 1:39. Further, it is great for small spaces because it helps reduce digital eye strain when you spend a lot of time close to the screen.

Easy to Set Up and Compatible with Different Devices

The CHERRY Superion View Pro is easy and straightforward. It comes with an HDMI cable, remote control, and power adapter, along with a handy user guide. Simply connect the projector to your preferred device and you're all set. Once connected, you can adjust the focus and keystone correction as needed to ensure the best possible image quality. The projector also features a built-in 9W speaker, so you don't have to worry about adding external sound equipment.

Take it With You Indoors or Outdoors

The CHERRY Superion View Pro is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it ultra-portable for people who are always on the move. Take the fun to go! As long as you have a power outlet, projector screen & stand or wall, this pint-sized wonder transforms any space into an immersive movie theater.

If you're looking for a compact and portable projector, the CHERRY Superion View Pro is an excellent choice. For the next spontaneous movie time, go-and-grab this for P 8,999.

For more information, visit:

CHERRY Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryPhShopee

Lazada: https://bit.ly/CherryPhLazada

Cosmic Technologies Incorporated is a Philippine-based company that carries the brand CHERRY which offers a comprehensive selection of products from Internet of Things (IoT), home, personal and wellness essentials, pet needs, travel necessities to mobile phones. Since 2009, CHERRY continues to build an equilibrium to create one ecosystem.

 

What Filipinos Need to Know About BAFTAs 2024 - UK’s Biggest Entertainment Awards that will LIVE stream on Lionsgate Play in the Philippines

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Get a front-row seat to the action with Lionsgate Play

If the U.S. has the Academy Awards and The Golden Globes, then the UK has the British Academy Film Awards, more commonly known as the BAFTAs. This prestigious awards ceremony celebrates and recognizes the best in British and international film talent, and this year, Filipino film enthusiasts will be able to experience the excitement live, as Lionsgate Play will be bringing the 2024 BAFTAs straight to their screens in real time.

Understanding the passion of Filipino fans for globally recognized film events, Lionsgate Play aims to make this glamorous night one to remember by delivering the show directly to local screens. Earlier this year, the platform streamed the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and the 81st Golden Globe Awards.

The 2024 BAFTAs will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 7 PM GMT. Filipino audiences can join in the festivities in real time by tuning into Lionsgate Play on Monday, February 19, 3 AM. The entire program will also be available for streaming on-demand, so everyone has the chance to watch the highlights whenever they want!

Here's what they can look forward to:

The best of the best in film

When it comes to nominations, Oppenheimer is at the forefront with an impressive 13 nods, followed closely by Poor Things with 11, and both Killers of the Flower Moon and The Zone of Interest with nine each. Other notable films such as Anatomy of a Fall, The Holdovers, Maestro, All of Us Strangers, Barbie, and Saltburn also feature prominently in this year's nominations, showcasing the diverse range of cinematic masterpieces that have graced our screens in the past year.

Hosting by David Tennant

Renowned actor David Tennant will grace the stage as the host of the ceremony, bringing his unique charm and wit to the proceedings. Audiences worldwide look forward to the actor’s distinctive flair in hosting, which promises to make the evening even more memorable..

How to watch the BAFTAs LIVE

To access the live broadcast of the BAFTAs, simply subscribe to Lionsgate Play and prepare for an unmatched viewing experience.

Join us in celebrating excellent storytelling and performances that have captured the imagination of audiences the world over. With Lionsgate Play, the magic of the BAFTAs is just a click away. Mark your calendars for the must-watch event of the year!

BAFTA to LIVE stream on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home in the Philippines on Monday, February 19th at 3AM