ASUS ExpertBook Ultra: Flagship Business Laptop Lands in Cebu and Davao

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ASUS Business Philippines is expanding its business presence beyond Metro Manila, bringing its flagship laptop ASUS ExpertBook Ultra and business-grade technology closer to the executives, entrepreneurs, and IT decision-makers driving growth in Cebu and Davao.

(From left to right): Marro Ventura, National Sales Manager; Francis Avila, Head of Commercial; Rico Hizon, ASUS Business PH Brand Ambassador, Veteran Broadcast Journalist & Business Consultant; Jolla Valencia, Channel and Territory Account Sales (Visayas); and Liang Chen, Country Product Manager of Commercial Notebook)

Following its Manila debut on July 1, 2026, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra made its regional debut in NUSTAR Resort Cebu, Cebu City on September 7 and 8, followed by Dusit D2, Davao City on September 11.

Drawing more than 1,000 total attendees, the Grand Launches supports ASUS Business Philippines’ commitment to expanding access to enterprise-grade AI for business technology. For ASUS Business, the message is clear: the next wave of AI adoption and business-grade devices are not limited to one place. It is also taking shape in the regional business hubs where companies are building, scaling, and competing for the future.

Francis Avila, ASUS Business Philippines’ Head of Commercial

Bringing Business-Grade Technology Closer to Fast-Growing Regional Businesses

ASUS brought its flagship business laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, to Cebu and Davao as part of its continued regional expansion and commitment to making its latest business-grade devices more accessible in key regional markets.

As businesses in Visayas and Mindanao continue to expand, the demand for reliable, high-performance technology that can support increasingly sophisticated workplaces is also growing. Bringing business-grade devices like ASUS ExpertBook Ultra closer to these markets allows regional businesses to experience the products firsthand, and explore solutions suited to their needs.

The tour kicked off in Cebu City on September 7 and 8, where more than 600 attendees filled the NUSTAR Resort Cebu. The Cebu launch was hosted by veteran broadcast journalist and ASUS Business Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon alongside co-host Andi Pateña-Mateu, featuring a special performance by Jacky Chang.

(From left to right): Marro Ventura, National Sales Manager; Francis Avila, Head of Commercial; Neilbert Tan, Channel and Territory Account Sales (Mindanao); and Liang Chen, Country Product Manager of Commercial Notebook

The tour continued in Davao on September 11, bringing more than 500 attendees together at Dusit D2 for the regional close. The event was hosted by Claire Lara, with a special performance by Aila Santos.

Both launches opened with an Expert Class Forum featuring sales training, a product showcase, and an exclusive first look at the ASUS Business product roadmap and upcoming programs. The event was followed by the Grand Launch, where guests witnessed live durability demonstrations, local dance performances, and a Gala Night that brought together business leaders for an evening of networking and celebration.

Together, the Cebu and Davao launches mark an important step in ASUS Business Philippines’ regional expansion, bringing business-grade devices and support closer to the companies and professionals shaping the future of Visayas and Mindanao.

ASUS Business Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon leads the Cebu Launch as Host

(from left to right) Rico Hizon, ASUS Business Philippines Brand Ambassador and Andi Pateña-Mateu, Co-Host of the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Grand Launch in Cebu

The Cebu Grand Launch also marked a significant moment for ASUS Business Philippines Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon, who took on the role of host for the launch.

As a veteran broadcast journalist and business consultant, Hizon brings 38 years of experience covering some of the world’s most consequential business stories.

The launch also featured a special “Murphy’s Law” video featuring ASUS Business ambassadors Gabbi Garcia and Rico Hizon for memorable demonstration of the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra’s durability and resilience. Together, they took on “Murphy’s Law”—the idea that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong—putting the flagship business laptop through a series of unexpected challenges and proving that even when things go wrong, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is built to keep going.

Watch the Video: Rico Hizon and Gabbi Garcia Beats Murphy's Law with ASUS ExpertBook Ultra

Hizon represents the kind of modern business leader the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is built to support: veteran executives who are constantly connected and navigating a professional landscape where portable devices, durability, business-grade security is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday work.

The Flagship AI PC Built for Modern Business

Boldy positioned as “The Flagship of the Industry. Period.” the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra weighs as little as 0.99kg and measures just 10.9mm thin. It combines an ultra-portable form factor with up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra X9 Series 3 processor, a dedicated NPU delivering 50 TOPS and up to 180 total platform TOPS.

As a certified Copilot+ PC, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra also features built-in AI features such as ASUS MyExpert. With Military-Grade durability and up to 26 hours of battery life, it’s designed to withstand the demands of frequent business travel and support executives professionals who are constantly on the move.

No Price Increase: ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Retains Its ₱129,995 Introductory Price

Despite widespread price increases across the PC market, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra maintains its introductory price of ₱129,995.

The decision reinforces ASUS’ aim to make its latest business technology more accessible to Philippine enterprises, SMBs, and professionals, particularly as businesses increasingly look to AI-powered business-grade devices to improve productivity and stay competitive.

Limited-Time Offer until October 18, 2026: Save Up to ₱6,000 on ASUS ExpertBook Ultra + FREE ASUS GaN Charger

Customers who purchase the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra from the official ASUS ExpertBook Stores on Shopee and Lazada can enjoy up to ₱6,000 in savings, plus a free ASUS 100W GaN charger.

The promotional offer is available until 11:59 PM on October 18, 2026. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-266989, Series of 2026.

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra (B9406CAA) –Specifications

CPU	Up to Intel® Core Ultra X9-388H processor with up to 50 TOPS NPU (Total 180 TOPS)
GPU	Intel® Arc™ B390
Memory	Up to 64GB LPDDR5x, 8533 MT/s
Storage	Up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe®5.0 SSD
Display	14.0-inch, Tandem OLED, WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) 16:10, Anti-glare display, Touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® and Corning® Gorilla™ Matte, 600nits (1400nits HDR peak brightness) 14.0-inch, Polymer OLED, WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) 16:10, Anti-glare display, Touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® and Corning® Gorilla™ Matte, 450nits (1000nits HDR peak brightness)
Battery	70 Wh, 4-cell, Li-Polymer
Weight	Starts from 0.99kg
Dimensions	31.09 x 21.28 x 1.09 cm
Wireless	Triple-band 2x2 WiFi 7 (802.11be) + Bluetooth® 6.0
I/O Ports	Left side:  1 x Thunderbolt™4 Type-C (supports 4K display, USB PD3.0 )  1 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A  1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS  1 x 3.5 mm combo audio jack    Right side:  1 x Thunderbolt™4 Type-C (supports 4K display, USB PD3.0)  1 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A
Security	ASUS ExpertGuardian & NIST SP 800-193 Compliance, ASUS Security Processor, Dual Self-healing BIOS ROM, Discrete TPM 2.0 (FIPS 140-2), Microsoft Pluton, Match-on-Chip Fingerprint, Windows Hello IR, Physical Webcam Shield, Chassis Intrusion Alert.
Color	Morn Grey (Flagship color) and Jet Fog
OS	Up to Windows 11 Pro (Windows 11 Home available in retail)

 

Where to Buy the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra in the Philippines

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is available starting at ₱129,995 in ASUS Concept Store SM City Fairview, ASUS Concept Store SM Dasmarinas, Villman Stores and ASUS ExpertBook Stores in Lazada and Shopee.Where to Buy ASUS ExpertBook Ultra: https://ph.asus.click/ExpertBookUltra-WheretoBuy

ASUS ExpertBook Store – Lazada: https://ph.asus.click/ASUSExpertBookStoreLazada

ASUS ExpertBook Store – Shopee: https://ph.asus.click/ASUSExpertBookStoreShopee

Trusted by IT Experts. Built for Worry-Free Business. Visit the ASUS Business Website, contact your nearest ASUS Business authorized reseller, or fill out the Volume Purchase Form for Volume Purchases for business orders.

Upgrading Your Maya Account Just Got Easier with ID-less Verification

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Upgrading your Maya account usually means having an ID ready. Now, you may be able to do it without one.

Maya is making account upgrades simpler with ID-less verification, which lets eligible users verify their identity without taking a photo of or uploading a physical ID. All you need to start are details you already know, like your name and birthday.

Behind the scenes, Maya checks these details against your National ID records through National ID eVerify, the Philippine Statistics Authority’s identity-verification service. Think fewer things to prepare, less information to fill out, and a more seamless way to get your Maya account upgraded.

Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: No ID on hand? Start with your name and birthday

When prompted, simply enter your name and birthday. Maya will check these against your National ID records through National ID eVerify.

Have your National ID number memorized or saved? You can use that instead. Once your details are successfully verified, there’s no physical ID to photograph or upload.

Step 2: Take a quick video selfie

Next, take a quick video selfie to help confirm your identity. It works together with your National ID verification as part of the identity checks needed to upgrade your account

Step 3: Fill in only what’s missing

Rather than asking you to enter information that can already be verified, Maya will only ask for additional details if they’re needed.

And that’s it: no digging through your wallet for an ID, no taking a photo of one, and less information to type in.

What happens if Maya can’t verify your information through National ID eVerify? You can simply continue with the regular ID-upload process without having to start over.

The experience may feel lighter on your end, but the necessary safeguards continue behind the scenes. Maya still performs applicable identity verification, screening, and other regulatory checks. AI and automation help handle routine verification work, while cases that need closer attention are routed for human review.

So when it’s time to upgrade your Maya account, you may already have what you need to get started: your name, your birthday, and a quick video selfie. No ID required.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

Canon’s EOS R8 Mark II Brings Full‑Frame Creativity Filipinos Can Carry Anywhere

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EOS R8 Mark II with RF45mm f/1.2 STM

Canon introduces the EOS R8 Mark II, a new compact and lightweight 24.2-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera that Filipino photographers and content creators can bring everywhere, from daily commutes and weekend food crawls to island trips and live events. 

As Canon’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera with In-Body IS, the successor to the EOS R8 supports Coordinated Control IS, new creative functions and interfaces. Technologies and controls available on more advanced models in the Canon EOS R series can also be found on the EOS R8 Mark II, packaged within a stylish new, modern design.

“Filipinos are always finding new stories to tell, whether it’s on the way to work or on a weekend getaway. With the EOS R8 Mark II, we wanted to put full-frame image quality and the tools of our more advanced cameras into a body light enough to go wherever they go. Every part of this camera, from its design to its imaging technology, is meant to spark that urge to explore and help photographers at every level shape a style that’s truly their own,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO, Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc.

Designed to Go Wherever You Go

The EOS R8 Mark II features a new sleek contemporary design that blends linearity with curves, offering a modern reinterpretation of Canon’s iconic pentaprism form. At approx. 131.4 x 90.0 x 79.7mm and weighing approx. 546g1, it slips easily into a sling bag, and with its compact body, the EOS R8 Mark II retains a comfortable grip and ergonomic design.

Photographers on the go also get more control, as the camera is the first EOS R series full-frame camera of its class to incorporate the multi-controller (“joystick”) found on higher-end cameras, allowing intuitive autofocus control even while the user’s eye is on the viewfinder. For users with larger-sized hands, the Extension Grip EG-E2 (sold separately)

1Including battery and card offers a firmer hold and can be attached and detached easily with a simple turn of a dial. The Extension Grip EG-E2 also supports tripod mounting and battery changing.

Full-Frame Performance, Straight Out of the Box

Whether shooting at night markets or in dimly lit reception halls, users can rely on the EOS R8 Mark II’s full-frame CMOS sensor, which offers approximately 2.5x larger light-gathering surface than that of an APS-C sensor. This means enhanced image quality, better low light performance, and AF performance as more information with less image noise can be captured even in low light conditions. The sensor in the EOS R8 Mark II also provides a wider field of view on the same focal length as compared to an APS-C sensor, making it possible to capture breathtaking, immersive images with ultra-wide-angle lenses, or achieve beautiful bokeh in the background and foreground easily.

Handheld shots are steadier as well. For scenes that require a slower shutter speed, the built-in 5-axis In-Body IS helps correct blurring from hand movement. When combined with an RF lens with in-lens IS, Coordinated Control IS between the lens and camera IS systems achieves an image stabilization effect equivalent to up to 7.5 stops at the center and 7.0 stops at the edges2.

When moments pass in an instant, users can combine the deep learning-based Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with Pre-Continuous Shooting and a maximum continuous shooting speed of up to 40 fps with the electronic shutter3. The camera also has the Register People Priority mode that prioritizes specific preregistered people for autofocus tracking4. This feature is useful for tracking a specific person in a crowded scene, such as at a wedding, graduation, or concert.

Tools to Shape a Personal Style

Getting a signature look is easier, as the EOS R8 Mark II debuts a host of photo and video features that allow users to achieve desired visual aesthetics straight out of the camera without the need for post-processing. These include two new photo/video Color Filters, “NegativeFilmtone” and “PositiveFilmtone,” adding to the pre-existing 14. Color filter strength adjustment and Handheld Night Scene Mode for stills with four additional color mode settings, “Blue,” “Black & Orange,” “Pink,” and “Green,” are also available. Time-lapse shooters get more to work with too, as the interval timer function newly features exposure smoothing, timer priority, and delayed start options, providing better control over time-lapse movies.

Beginners and enthusiasts alike can step up their photo and video skills at their own pace through the Creative AUTO mode that provides creative assistance via an intuitive interface, a first for an EOS full-frame camera. Video shooters will also find it easy to achieve cinematic defocus effects with the expansion of the “Background Blur” Creative Assist interface to movie mode, and the ability to set a shortcut to defocus automatically at a preconfigured blur and speed level. This is in addition to convenient modes like Slow & Fast

2Compliant with CIPA 2024 standards; Yaw/Pitch/Roll correction performance when using electronic shutter and RF24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z (f=105mm). Results may vary depending on lens, shooting conditions, and camera settings3Continuous shooting speed is dependent on the subject/shooting conditions, camera settings, condition of the battery used, lens used, and other factors

4Use of feature subject to applicable laws and consent requirements, including the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173)

Motion Movie mode and Cinema View found in recent EOS R-series cameras such as the EOS R50 V.

Built for Video Creators

For Filipino vloggers and video creators who require more creative control, the EOS R8 Mark II is equipped to shoot high-quality 6K-oversampled 4K 60p video up to Full HD 180p with audio, and grading-friendly Canon Log 3. It also carries a Custom Picture function from the Cinema EOS lineup that supports Custom LUTs and advanced picture control parameter adjustments. For those who go live, four wired and wireless livestreaming options are available, including multi-angle livestreaming via the Live Switcher Mobile app.

Creators exploring VR can go a step further with compatibility with full-frame and APS-C VR lenses5 and support for the new VR Clear Mode. This mode optimizes contrast and clarity when viewing output on VR goggles, allowing an immersive experience even without post-editing. Beyond video, conversion of still photos to 3D is also supported via the new Dual Pixel 3D Converter software, which creates a high-quality 3D model of a captured scene using distance information obtained from Canon’s sensor-based Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.

Launching Alongside: New Accessories

Rounding out the launch are three new accessories: the Extension Grip EG-E2 for the EOS R8 Mark II; the Tripod Grip HG-1000TBR, a new multi-function tripod grip bundled with the Bluetooth Remote Controller BR-E2; and the Speedlite EL-5 (Ver. 2), an updated version of the Speedlite EL-5 that features an increased wireless communication range of approximately 50m (compared to 30m on the Speedlite EL-5)6.

Specifications

Camera Model	EOS R8 Mark II
Image Processor	DIGIC X
Image Sensor / Camera Effective Pixels	Effective sensor size: Full-frame CMOS Camera effective pixels: Max. approx. 24.2 megapixels
Metering System	Based on image sensor output signals 384-zone (24 × 16) metering
Autofocus Method	Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
Image Stabilizer (IS) System	IBIS, Movie Digital IS
Effective ISO	Stills: 100–102,400 (L: 50, H: 204,800) Movie: Custom Picture (Off): 100–25,600 (H: 32,000–102,400) Canon 709/PQ/HLG: 400–25,600 (L: 100–320, H: 32,000–102,400) Canon Log 3: 800–25,600 (L: 100–640, H: 32,000–102,400) BT.709 Standard: 160–25,600 (L: 100–125, H: 32,000–102,400)

Continuous Shooting Electronic shutter: 40

Max. Shutter Speed Stills: Electronic 1st-curtain: 30–1/4,000

⁵RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye, RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye, and RF-S7.8mm f/4 STM Dual⁶When there are no obstacles between the sender and receiver, and there is no interference with other equipment. Transmission range may be shortened depending on placement conditions, surrounding environment, weather conditions, etc.

	Electronic shutter: 30–1/16,000 (1/16,000 is only available in Fv, Tv, or M mode; up to 1/8,000 in P or Av mode) Movie recording: 1/8–1/8,000 (varies by frame rate)
Movie Recording Size	4K (59.94/50.00/29.97/25.00/23.98 fps) (3840 × 2160) Full HD (179.80/150.00/119.90/100.00/59.94/50.00/29.97/25.00/23.98 fps) (1920 × 1080)
Maximum Movie Recording Time	Up to approx. 6 hr 00 min (normal movies less than 100 fps)
Recording Media	Single card slot (SD/SDHC*/SDXC*) *UHS-I and UHS-II cards supported
Network	Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/a/n/ac/ax) / Bluetooth Low Energy Technology (Ver. 5.3)
UAC/UVC	4K 30/60 fps, Full HD 30/60 fps
Live Video Streaming	Supported
HDMI Output	4K 60 fps, HDMI (Type D)
External Microphone Input	3.5mm stereo mini jack
Power Supply	LP-E17
USB Charging / Optional Power Size Weight	AC Power (DC Coupler DR-E18 with AC Adapter AC-E6N or AC Adapter Kit ACK-E18) USB Power (USB Power Adapter PD-E2/PD-E1) Approx. 131.4 × 90.0 × 79.7mm Approx. 546g (incl. battery and card)

 

Product specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without prior notice and may vary by market. More information is available at https://ph.canon.