Miller seeks redemption at Winter Olympics

February 15, 2022 5:19 p.m.
YANQING, China—Asa Miller gets a shot at redemption on Wednesday in the highly unpredictable men’s slalom of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
After taking a day’s off on Monday to shake off frustration from his mishap in the giant slalom on Sunday, Miller took to the course on Tuesday not only to get his legs and arms get the feel of the course again, but reset his focus as well.
“Trust your feet and trust yourself as the skier you are,” American coach Will Gregorak told his 21-year-old and two-time Olympian ward in between training runs at the National Alpine Skiing Centre. “It’s similar to what I told you before—the best you can possibly ski on race day is to ski like yourself.”
The start list won’t be known until during the coaches’ meeting set later Tuesday, but definitely, Miller will be up against world-class opponents seeking Olympic glory—including the man they call “The Rocket,” Dave Ryding.Most eyes are on Ryding, whose tough task is to end Great Britain’s lengthy wait for a first Olympic medal in Alpine skiing. Alain Baxter won Britain’s first Olympic medal in Alpine skiing, but was stripped of his slalom bronze at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games for using a decongestant that contained a banned stimulant.
Ryding, now 35, is in his fourth Olympics.
Gregorak was aggressive in helping Miller put his mind on the course.
“You’re not going to become another person and you are already an excellent skier,” the 31-year-old coach told the Filipino-American athlete. “All you have to do is find the feeling that you already know.”
Gregorak added: “When you get into the gate, it’s just you and the course. Go and have some fun by making your best turn.”
Just how unpredictable was Alpine skiing this season? There were six World Cup slaloms with six different winners with only four skiers making the podium more than once and no one doing it more than twice.
Miller was one of 33 skiers—out of 84 starters—who were DNF (Did Not Finish) in the giant slalom on Sunday when natural snow fell incessantly for the first time in the Games during the weekend and rendered visibility poor at the Ice River course.
Besides Ryding, the other favorites include World Cup veteran Lucas Braathen of Norway, 2017 world champion Manuel Ferrer of Austria, 2018 world junior champion Noel Clement of France, and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics team event gold medalist Daniel Yule of Great Britain.Miller, whose Olympic campaign is fully supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, concentrated on his training and only smiled or waved his hand when sought for an interview.Gregorak, meanwhile, said that the slalom “hill is a little bit an easier place than giant slalom” so he is expecting more racers to finish.
“It’s an easier slalom hill than GS [giant slalom] where the upper and lower pitches were very difficult,” said Gregorak, who owns 23 World Cup stints while playing for the US team from 2008 to 2014. “This is exactly a mellow slalom, not a particularly difficult hill so there should be plenty of skiers who will go pretty intensely.”
“GS is the purest form of ski racing and technically the most difficult,” he said. “Slalom comes at you the fastest even though you don’t move as fast as other events, but not technically difficult like GS.”
The giant slalom’s first run is also set at 10 a.m. and the second run is slated at 1:45 p.m.

Entertainment
Acerpure drops first hand fan inspired by SB19’s MINTYLADORSES

2:28 p.m. April 19, 2025
Lifestyle brand Acerpure, known for its air purifiers and circulators, unveils a summer essential for the blistering Philippine heat: a hand fan. But it’s not just any hand fan. It’s the Acerpure Cozy HF1 – inspired by MINTYLADORSES, a term coined by the Kings of P-pop and Acer ambassadors, SB19, during one of their A’Tin Days of Christmas episodes on YouTube.
The Acerpure Cozy HF1 boasts a 100-speed regulation and a cooling pad for minty fresh air. The limited edition MINTYLADORSES comes in a special box that includes exclusive SB19 photo cards, stickers, a sketch pad, and a lanyard.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Acerpure Cozy HF1, inspired by SB19’s MINTYLADORSES. This collaboration highlights Acerpure’s dedication to delivering quality lifestyle products, as well as SB19’s creativity and innovation. This partnership could not have happened without A’Tin, who has shown tremendous support for both Acer and SB19,” said Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager at Acer Philippines.
Get your hands on the coolest hand fan in town! The #AcerpurexSB19 Acerpure Cozy H1 limited edition MINTYLADORSES retails for Php1,999.00. Pre-orders begin today, April 16, 2025, through the official Acer online store, https://acer.link/3EnXUHq.
Visit Acerpure’s official Facebook Page (AcerpurePH) for more information.
TECHNOLOGY
Pre-order vivo V50 Lite until April 25 to enjoy exclusive perks

1:30 p.m. April 18, 2025
There’s a new must-have phone in town and it’s Maine Mendoza-approved. Meet the all-new vivo V50 Lite with features that are perfect for go-getters, creatives, and trendsetters.
Whether you’re a heavy user or someone who’s always on the go like Maine, the massive 6500mAh BlueVolt battery will keep you powered all day. And when it’s finally time to recharge, vivo’s 90W FlashCharge ensures you’re back to full power in a flash. It’s no wonder this is Maine’s latest favorite!
But the vivo V50 Lite isn’t just about battery life. It’s built to impress from the inside out.
What makes the vivo V50 Lite a game-changer?
- SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance – Engineered for durability so you can stay worry-free even during accidental drops.
- IP65 Dust and Water Resistance – Ready for unpredictable weather and everyday mishaps.
- 60-Month Smooth Experience – Enjoy reliable performance that lasts for five years.
- AI SuperLink – Stay connected even in weak signal areas with this smart, always-on connectivity solution.
- 50MP Sony IMX882 Camera with Aura Light – Capture vibrant, clear, and well-lit photos even in low light.
- 120Hz Ultra Vision AMOLED Display – See and scroll with incredible clarity and smoothness.
- Dual Stereo Speakers with up to 400% Volume – Experience rich, immersive audio whether you’re watching or listening.
Choose the right vibe for you
The vivo V50 Lite comes in three powerful variants to match your lifestyle:
- 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM (4G) – Php 13,999
- 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM (5G) – Php 16,999
- 12GB RAM + 512GB ROM (5G) – Php 19,999
Until April 25, vivo fans who pre-order the V50 Lite will enjoy exclusive perks:
- Php 1,000 Off
- Limited Edition vivo Buds
- vivo VIP Card with 5-year battery warranty and 6 months extended warranty
Visit any vivo store nationwide and secure your vivo V50 Lite today. Don’t miss out as this is your chance to own the phone that’s not only smart and stylish, but also Maine Mendoza’s top pick for 2025.
The vivo V50 Lite: power meets beauty. Pre-order yours now!
COUNT
TCL celebrates 25 years of timeless greatness: Innovation and excellence in every Filipino home

6:47 p.m. April 12, 2025
For 25 years, TCL Electronics has been a part of our lives, bringing innovation into our homes. Now recognized as the new Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand in Mini-LED, Google TV, and Large-Size TVs (85 inches and above), according to OMDIA 2024, they celebrated this incredible journey with the 2025 TCL Grand Launch at Okada Manila’s Grand Ballroom. The theme, “Legendary Moment, Timeless Greatness,” wasn’t just words; it was a feeling of looking back at shared milestones and forward to a future where technology continues to enhance our everyday experiences.
TCL has been a key player in bringing technological progress to Filipino homes, consistently delivering innovations that transform everyday living. From how families enjoy their favorite teleseryes with immersive visuals and crystal-clear sound, to simplifying laundry days with energy-efficient washing machines, and cooling homes amidst the tropical heat with smart air-conditioning systems, TCL’s solutions are designed with real Filipino needs in mind. This legacy of pushing boundaries and redefining home experiences has made more intuitive, efficient, and powerful technologies accessible to a wider range of Filipino families.
Griffith Zhang, General Manager of Asia Pacific Business Group, TCL Industries, opens the program with a compelling speech: “In the past, TCL has achieved remarkable results in the Philippine market. Our TV and AC sales both hold the number 1 market share in sales volume and have become trusted brands among consumers. The Ref & WM category has also maintained a rapid growth trend, with a constantly expanding market share. These achievements are inseparable from the efforts and support of every partner. Looking ahead, TCL will continue to uphold the principle of ‘Technology Creates A Better Life’, constantly innovate and improve product quality and service levels. We hope to work collectively with all the partners to explore the Philippine market and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
Under the visionary leadership of TCL Philippines CEO Peter Chen, the brand is poised to reach new heights as he declared, “Being innovative has always been in TCL’s DNA. For us, innovation is to go beyond our limits and develop cutting-edge, sustainable technologies. For us, being fashionable is to create a diverse sensory experience through the combination of technology and art. Lastly, premium refers to our ongoing exploration of aesthetic philosophy. We believe there’s a power that keeps us going on the path to upgrading TCL’s brand value. Let’s work together, progress together, and prosper together.”
The evening’s centerpiece was a captivating presentation of TCL’s 2025 lineup, unveiling four game-changing innovations poised to revolutionize modern living. These innovations, centered on cooler, cleaner, smarter, and sharper technologies, promise to redefine the consumer experience.
TCL Philippines took the stage to reveal its latest technological breakthroughs. Charlie Huang, Deputy Product Director of Brownline, TCL Philippines, unveiled the brand’s most advanced C682 TV set to be launched soon. Bert Cheung, Deputy Product Director of Air Conditioner, TCL Philippines, introduced groundbreaking climate control solutions through the innovative and award-winning TCL FreshIn 3.0 Air Conditioners.
While Eric Li, Senior Product Manager of Washing Machine and Refrigerator, TCL Philippines, explored the next generation of washing machines through the TCL C20 Front Load Washer and Dryer, emphasizing efficiency and smart technology, followed by a look at TCL’s game-changing newly-introduced Bottom Mounted refrigerator In refrigerators designed to engineered to elevate convenience and efficiency in everyday living.
The Pinnacle of Inspired Greatness
A significant moment of the evening highlighted TCL’s global partnership with the International Olympic Committee. This collaboration, extending through 2032, underscores TCL’s dedication to innovation and excellence. Built on shared values of performance, passion, and a vision for greatness, this partnership will elevate the Olympic and Paralympic Games to new heights. TCL enhances the Olympic Games by delivering cutting-edge technology to the Olympic Village and improving the global fan experience.
TCL Philippines Deputy Marketing Director of Marketing Shae Yu shared more about this extraordinary journey, “Being a global technology leader, TCL believes in the power to ‘Inspire Greatness,’ a sentiment echoed by the Olympic spirit. Through this partnership, TCL’s innovations will ignite inspiration in billions, delivering exceptional experiences and contributing to a sustainable future. TCL is committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and fostering a better world.”
She continues, “Being a worldwide Olympic partner is more than just a badge of honor—it’s a declaration. This partnership allows us to bring the spirit of the Games directly into people’s lives. It’s not just about gadgets—it’s about experiences. And of course, we’re doing all this while keeping things sleek, smart, and sustainable. So, whether you’re an athlete chasing gold or just chasing your toddler around the house—we’ve got your back.”
With this, Yu welcomed onstage a special guest of honor, none other than Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena. He is ranked as world No. 4 in men’s pole vault by the World Athletics Rankings. He currently holds the Asian record with his clearance of 6.00 meters at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where he won the silver medal. EJ excitedly shared his appreciation for being part of the momentous occasion and his excitement for the partnership.
“I think the partnership is great – it’s about chasing greatness, constant improvement, and perfection. Just as TCL constantly innovates to enhance our lives through their products, we athletes approach training with the same mindset: What can I do today that will lead to better performance?” EJ shared.
intuitive for everyday life.”
Moving Forward to More Greater Years
TCL’s 25-year success story is a testament to its strong leadership, which has driven growth and built key partnerships. To commemorate this milestone, Cyd Montebon, Deputy Director of Sales, and Wesley Yang, Deputy Director of Retail, led the team in a celebratory toast.
Montebon, brimming with excitement, exclaimed: To our cherished partners, our forward-thinking visionaries, and to all who have walked this incredible path with us—thank you. Thank you for your faith and support and for being part of this historic occasion.”
“TCL is a promise to innovate, connect, and redefine. And after tonight, it’s evident that the best is yet to come,” Yang stated as he raised his champagne glass.
As TCL commemorates its 25th anniversary, the brand embarks on a new journey, transforming Filipino homes with its signature blend of innovation and excellence. Rooted in a legacy of cutting-edge technology, TCL continues to enhance everyday living, empowering Filipino consumers with stylish, functional, and smart products. This milestone is a moment to celebrate the past and embrace a future where TCL remains dedicated to envisioning and shaping the homes of tomorrow for all Filipinos.