TECHNOLOGY
Getting your perfect smartphone
January 21, 2022 5:55 p.m.
In today’s world, smartphones are now more than just tools for communication–it’s an all around device used for everything from education, work, gaming, and even to access essential services. This is why finding the perfect phone for you can be difficult, especially with the number of choices available in the market today.
So if you’re on the hunt for that perfect phone here are some tips to keep in mind:
Do your research
The first thing you need before going out in the wild and looking for that perfect phone is to research, research, and research. Make a list of what you need a phone for: is it primarily for work? For general usage? For gaming? Because with the number of phones available in the market today, many are made for specific purposes.
The vivo Y76 5G for example, was built for long gaming hours with its big battery and fast charging so if that’s what you’re going for, this is the phone to consider.
Look for the phone that works hard for you
A smartphone is an all-around gadget and while you may be buying it for a specific purpose, which calls for specific specifications, you’ll be using it for a lot of other things as well. A good phone is a phone that can handle all your needs without a hiccup.
If you need to run several applications at once or need extra memory to play your game seamlessly, getting a phone that has a large RAM should be a non-negotiable. This is where the vivo Y76 5G can be your perfect phone with its 8GB+4GB extended RAM, you can count on this phone to work as hard as you do.
Go for a phone that’s classic and timeless
A phone that looks sleek, stylish, and timeless is something that undoubtedly brings joy (in the words of Marie Kondo). The phone you get is something that will accompany you for several years and you should always be happy seeing it, using it, and holding it in your hands.
Coming in two amazing colors, Midnight Space and Cosmic Aurora, the vivo Y76 5G checks all those boxes together with its super slim design (it’s only 7.79mm thick!), it’s a phone that’s as stylish as you are.
Choose a brand that has world-class technologyHundreds of phones are launched every season and it’s tough to sift through everything even if you do extensive research. A good tip is to stick to brands that have a proven track record of delivering great phones with great technology.
vivo, as one the leading smartphone brands globally, ensures that every phone they release is innovative and top of its class. The newest entrant to the highly popular Y-series, the Y76 5G is a phone that is not only packed with premium specs while having a mid-ranged pricing, it’s also a phone that can do more–gamers or even those who just like putting out TikToks and Reels are sure to enjoy the AI Editor and Dual View camera.
The AI Editor automatically creates videos by stitching clips intuitively while the Dual View video allows users to both use the rear and front camera at the same time perfect for capturing those perfect gaming moments or reaction shots.
Hold out for that sweet deal
One of the biggest considerations when it comes to buying a new smartphone is the price. A smartphone is an investment and it should always be worth the money you put in.
So if you’re not needing that phone immediately and if you’re on a strict budget, it may be wiser to wait and hold out for a sale, a deal, or even pre-order perks to make sure that you get the best deals for the phone you have in mind. You can also look at getting a smartphone that has all the premium specs but without the premium pricing like the Y76 5G which feels and works premium but with a very competitive price at P16,999.
To see the Y76 5G in action and to see some of the best in the competitive gaming scene in the country, don’t miss the first leg of the vivo Battle of Legends: Mobile Legends Bang Bang Tournament where five teams go head-to-head for a spot to play against the country’s top eSports teams and vivo ambassadors: Nexplay Esports and ECHO Philippines. Watch the uber-exciting tournament and get the freshest updates by visiting vivo’s Facebook page.
TECHNOLOGY
AI can do that?! 5 ways AI is changing the game for communicators
12:30 p.m. March 8, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniably here, transforming how communication professionals create content, engage audiences, and predict trends.
But while AI can do a lot, it’s not here to replace human creativity, strategy, and judgment. The real advantage lies in knowing how to use AI as a tool to work smarter and more efficiently.
Whether you’re in PR, marketing, media, or even a student, here are practical ways how AI can enhance your output and make you more effective.
1. Next-Level Personalization
A social media team for a fashion brand uses AI to analyze customer data and segment audiences based on their style preferences. The result? Hyper-personalized email campaigns that suggest products each customer is actually interested in.
2. Real-Time Brand Sentiment Tracking
A crisis communication team at a telecom company notices a sudden spike in negative tweets about a network outage. Thanks to AI-powered sentiment analysis, they react in minutes — crafting a strategic response before things further escalate.
3. Trend Prediction Like a Pro
A political campaign team taps AI to analyze past election data and social media conversations. They predict the key issues voters will care about and fine-tune their messaging before the conversation even starts.
4. AI Ethics 101: Sticking to Facts
A news agency integrates AI-driven fact-checking tools to ensure their reports stay credible and unbiased. They also train their team to detect AI-generated misinformation—because integrity still matters.
5. Instant VO with Zero Studio Time
A content creator needs a last-minute voiceover for a campaign video but has no time for a studio session. AI-generated voiceovers save the day—delivering pro-level narration from the comforts of their own home.
These are just some of the ways AI is transforming the way we communicate, market, and engage with audiences. As AI continues to evolve, everyone needs to upgrade their skills—learning how to adapt, think critically, and integrate AI tools strategically to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven world.
If you want to future-proof your skills, don’t miss the AI Centre of Excellence (ACE) Workshop: Power of AI for Communications & Beyond, led by AI expert and India’s Director and CEO of the School of Communications & Reputation, Hemant Gaule.
Happening on March 21, 2025, 1:00 to 5:00 PM, at the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, this workshop will give you valuable insights into leveraging AI tools to boost efficiency, engagement, and results.
Limited slots available — secure yours now at www.centreofexcellence.ai.
TECHNOLOGY
Say hello to Whisk, Google’s innovative answer to generative AI image creation
1:12 p.m. February 20, 2025
Generative AI opens up a world of creative possibilities with its ability to make unique content. Following the success of Google’s AI tools, it’s taking another significant step with Whisk, the newest experiment that explores the capabilities of gen AI.
Whisk is a fun and engaging tool that makes AI image generation more accessible, especially to those without prior AI knowledge. Instead of typing out long, detailed text prompts, it allows people to use image prompts. They simply drag images and start creating.
Generative AI utilizes deep-learning models to make high-quality content based on existing data. Sometimes, certain design elements get lost in text prompts. But with Whisk, anyone can easily customize how the image will come out. It allows specific image inputs for the main subject, the scene, and preferred art styles.
Behind the scenes, the Gemini model automatically writes a detailed caption of chosen images. It then feeds those descriptions into Google’s latest image generation model, Imagen 3. This process captures the subject’s essence, and doesn’t create an exact replica. This further allows people to remix their subjects, scenes, and styles in novel ways to create something that is uniquely theirs, from character concepts to enamel pin designs.
It’s also important to highlight that Whisk extracts only a few key characters from images, so generated content may differ from one’s expectations. Fortunately, it allows users to view and edit underlying prompts at any time to get the output they want.
Play with Whisk here: https://labs.google/fx/tools/whisk.
TECHNOLOGY
Love begins at home with Beko
5:22 p.m. February 17, 2025
As we finally embrace the love month, the pressure to find the perfect gift can often feel overwhelming. However, there’s no need to break the bank just to express your feelings. After all, it’s the thought that counts!
This love month, create lasting memories in the place you cherish most—your home. Beko, Europe’s number 1 home appliance brand, is here to help you make the perfect Valentine’s plan through meaningful, practical gifts that enhance everyday life.
Show your love in a cup
There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of coffee in the morning to express love. When it’s made by someone special, it means even more. Start your day with a delightful breakfast by pairing your coffee with a hearty meal. Experiment with different coffee blends and recipes for future breakfast dates!
Feel like a barista at home with the Beko espresso machine. The Beko CaffeExperto® Espresso Machine features an integrated milk frother, allowing you to create delicious cappuccinos and lattes right at home. Its user-friendly touchscreen interface lets you make coffee with just a tap, while the easy-to-clean design simplifies maintenance.
Acts of Service
Sometimes, it’s the simplest acts that have the biggest impact in showing how much you care, such as helping your loved ones with household tasks to create a more harmonious home. Lend a hand by volunteering to clean surfaces, wash the dishes, or do the laundry. Your loved ones will truly appreciate the effort!
Make laundry easier with Beko’s line of washers and dryers. These powerful appliances provide the gentle care your clothes need. One of Beko’s top washer-dryers has an Xpress Super Short 14-Minute Program that allows you to wash up to 2 kg of laundry in just 14 minutes. While 2 kg might not sound like a lot, it’s enough to wash around 20 T-shirts! That means more quality bonding time with your loved ones.
Cook Up Some Romance
Cooking is a way to someone’s heart, especially when it’s made with love. Instead of waiting in long reservation lines at a restaurant, consider having a simple yet intimate dinner date at home. Elevate the experience by setting up the table beautifully and creating a personalized menu that features your loved one’s favorite dishes.
Unleash your cooking prowess in the kitchen with Beko refrigerators featuring the innovative NutriFreeze technology. Imagine preparing for steak night or dishes with delicate fish—now you can keep your meats fresh, without deep freezing!
This unique feature freezes fresh foods like meat, shrimp, and fish at a precise temperature of -3°C, which helps to keep the natural texture and taste intact while slowing down bacterial growth. With NutriFreeze, you can reduce nutrient loss and extend the shelf life of your meats, making it easier to store food and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.
This Valentine’s season, show your loved ones how much they mean to you with Beko’s high-quality European appliances. Transform your home into a more love-filled space. Visit your nearest leading appliance store, or shop online at Beko Philippines’ official stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.
For more details, visit our official website at www.beko.com/ph-en and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @bekoph.
Bacolod, Philippines ranks 5 in Agoda’s list of cheapest destinations this summer
Experience a royal first: Warabimochi Kamakura opens at SM Megamall
New year, new flavors: Lusso by Margarita Forés arrives at SM Podium
