Jamir Lyndon Lumbao Captures Manila’s Everyday Stories with the Vivo X300 Pro

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Manila-based multi-award-winning photographer Jamir Lyndon Lumbao is redefining how everyday life is captured, using the Vivo X300 Pro Photographer Kit to create striking and expressive imagery.

Although Lumbao works professionally in the financial sector, his photography journey began in 2014 when a friend introduced him to a photography group. What started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a deep passion for street photography—a genre that continues to shape his artistic vision today.

“Street photography challenges me to capture candid moments, raw emotions, and real-life situations. It allows me to tell stories through unplanned and natural scenes, which I find both exciting and meaningful,” Lumbao shared.

Drawing inspiration from both international and local photographers, Lumbao developed a distinctive style that blends artistic creativity with technical precision. His work often highlights light and shadows, reflections, and telephoto compositions, transforming ordinary Manila scenes into visually compelling images with an abstract and surreal feel.

“I would describe my photography style as creative and expressive, influenced by my background in art,” he added.

Central to his work is the Vivo X300 Pro, equipped with a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera. Known for its exceptional clarity and depth, the device has earned global recognition, including top marks in DxOMark’s telephoto evaluation.

“My experience with the Vivo X300 Pro Photographer Kit in real-world city shooting was excellent. It’s a clear upgrade from my X100, especially for capturing distant subjects,” Lumbao noted.

The device supports 85mm optical zoom and extends up to 5400mm when paired with the Vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender, allowing photographers to capture distant scenes with remarkable detail. Complementing this is the Vivo PGYTECH Imaging Grip Kit, which enhances control and comfort during extended shoots.

One of Lumbao’s most memorable moments involved capturing a subject perfectly aligned within a setting sun. Despite the rapidly changing light, the telephoto capabilities of the Vivo X300 Pro allowed him to frame the shot with precision.

“Thanks to the tele extender, I was able to zoom in and capture the moment without losing detail. It turned into a truly unforgettable image,” he said.

Through his work, Lumbao demonstrates how advanced mobile technology like the Vivo X300 Pro can empower creators to turn everyday moments into powerful visual stories.

GCash Launches “Pera Coach”, Philippines’ First AI-Powered Financial Coach Embedded in an E-Wallet to Strengthen Financial Literacy

Reinforcing its role in advancing financial literacy and inclusion nationwide, finance super app GCash introduces the Philippines’ first artificial intelligence–powered financial coach to be embedded in an e-wallet. Developed with support from Microsoft and powered by enterprise-grade AI, it converses in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon to make financial services easier to understand for all Filipinos. Pera Coach responds contextually to user prompts like financial goals, budget considerations, and risk appetite, delivering guidance personalized to each user’s financial journey.

Despite improvements in the country’s financial inclusion agenda in recent years, the ability to meaningfully use a broader range of financial services, like insurance and investments, remains limited. Persistent gaps in financial literacy contribute to this low adoption, with many Filipinos lacking access to clear and credible guidance. According to a 2021 survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), just 2% of Filipino adults were able to correctly answer six basic financial literacy questions.

Pera Coach aims to address these challenges by providing always-on access to clear and tailored financial education within a platform millions of Filipinos already use daily.

“Financial literacy should not feel intimidating or out of reach,” said Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Business at Mynt, the parent company of GCash. “With Pera Coach integrated directly into the GCash ecosystem, Filipinos can receive real-time guidance that’s practical, contextual, and easy to understand, helping them make more confident financial decisions.”

“Even everyday moments like deciding how much to set aside for a weekly budget, comparing different savings accounts, or choosing a potential stock, can shape long-term outcomes, and we want to support users through those moments,” he added.

Leveraging AI for inclusion

Beyond the launch itself, the launch signals a broader GCash strategy aimed at leveraging emerging technology to solve real-world financial challenges. “We firmly believe innovation should go beyond adopting the latest technology. Rather, the true value of innovation is measured by the impact it has on the lives of everyday Filipinos, especially the underserved,” Bangit continued.

Likewise, Microsoft echoes the transformative potential of generative AI when applied to real, everyday use cases.

"Millions of Filipinos already carry a financial platform in their pockets, but only one in four is financially literate. We've made real progress in financial access, but access without understanding isn’t inclusion—it’s an empowerment gap. And closing that gap is nation building," said Microsoft Philippines Country General Manager Jonathan Que.

"In working with GCash, we are putting a personal AI financial coach in the hands of every user, from the sari-sari owner in Davao to the OFW family in Pampanga. Responsible AI, built into the app millions already trust, turns everyday transactions into everyday learning. When every Filipino can understand their finances, save with confidence, and invest in their dreams, we don't just strengthen households, we strengthen the nation," he added.

To access Pera Coach and begin receiving personalized financial education content, GCash users need to open the app, go to ‘Invest’, and tap the Pera Coach banner. For more information, visit the Help Center.

Globe Strengthens Mobile Network Across Tarlac to Keep Communities Connected

Tarlac, the heart of Central Luzon, is rapidly growing with expanding schools, thriving businesses, and increasing tourism - driving a greater need for reliable mobile connectivity in the province. Residents, enterprises, and visitors are relying more on mobile services for work, learning, and entertainment, making fast and stable internet essential for everyday life.

The province is seeing significant infrastructure and development projects that are shaping its economic landscape. Major initiatives include the Capas-Botolan Road, a 68-kilometer corridor expected to cut travel time between Tarlac and Zambales from three hours to just over an hour by 2025. In Tarlac City, large-scale industrial estates and mixed-use townships are under development, alongside new manufacturing facilities and modern residential-commercial communities. Ongoing investments in Tarlac State University further enhance educational infrastructure, with laboratory refurbishments and building expansions supporting the next generation of talent.

To address this demand, Globe is accelerating network upgrades across the province in 2025 and 2026. Additional LTE and 5G sites are being deployed to deliver faster speeds and more consistent mobile experiences throughout Tarlac. The new build and expansion improve coverage and capacity in key municipalities, including Tarlac City, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, Victoria, Paniqui, Mayantoc, San Jose, Moncada, Santa Ignacia, La Paz, Camiling, Bamban, San Clemente, Pura, San Manuel, Ramos, and Anao. Residents can now enjoy smoother browsing, clearer calls, and quicker uploads and downloads, enabling seamless connectivity for work, school, and leisure activities.

Joel Agustin, Head of Service Planning and Engineering at Globe, highlighted the importance of the upgrades. He said that Tarlac blends cultural heritage with modern business and lifestyle opportunities, and Globe is committed to providing seamless connectivity for everyone, whether at work, in school, or exploring the province’s tourism destinations. The new network strengthens coverage and delivers fast, reliable mobile experiences for both residents and visitors.

The enhanced network also allows customers to take full advantage of Globe’s mobile offers. Globe users can enjoy GO+99 and UNLI 5G 50, while TM subscribers can access TM EasySURF50 5G for affordable, dependable connectivity. These offers support streaming, online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and daily communication, making mobile services more accessible and convenient.

Local businesses and institutions also benefit from the network expansion. Companies gain operational efficiency, schools gain better support for digital learning, and tourists experience smoother online access for navigation, bookings, and content sharing. Globe’s continued investments are recognized by independent industry analysis. The company maintains its title as the Most Consistent Network in the Philippines according to Ookla, reflecting the reliability subscribers experience nationwide.

As Tarlac develops into a hub for commerce and tourism, Globe’s network upgrades ensure communities remain digitally empowered. By combining robust infrastructure with accessible mobile services, Globe supports the province’s progress and helps residents stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Bounty Strengthens Operational Continuity at VITRO Santa Rosa

VITRO Inc., the data center arm of PLDT Inc., part of PLDT Enterprise, the Group's corporate business arm, has announced its partnership with Bounty Fresh Group Holdings, Inc., to strengthen the company’s digital backbone and future-proof its operations through VITRO Santa Rosa’s robust data center facility.

As one of the country’s leading fully integrated poultry operators—spanning rearing, processing, and nationwide distribution—Bounty operates in a highly dynamic, time-sensitive environment where operational continuity is critical, with fully integrated systems connecting farms, plants, and distribution channels. The company relies on real-time data visibility to manage its supply chain, production, and inventory.

The comprehensive suite of solutions provided by PLDT Enterprise and VITRO is designed to serve the entire Bounty Fresh Group ecosystem. This digital integration ensures seamless operational synergy across all subsidiaries and brands, including Chooks-to-Go, Bounty Plus, and its various poultry and agribusiness units, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to a unified and resilient supply chain.

Leaders from Bounty Fresh Group, VITRO Inc., and PLDT Enterprise underscored the importance of resilient digital infrastructure in supporting uninterrupted operations and long-term business growth.

“As our organization continues to grow, investing in resilient and future-ready digital infrastructure is essential. Our supply chain must never stop, and real-time visibility across our operations is critical to maintaining efficiency and quality,” said Atty. Kenneth Cheng, President and CEO of Bounty Fresh Group Holdings, Inc, “Our partnership with VITRO strengthens our ability to safeguard critical systems while giving us the flexibility to scale and innovate. This is a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of our business.”

Warren Chase Uy, Chief Information Officer of Bounty Fresh Group Holdings, Inc., emphasized the connectivity and efficiency of the collaboration: “The complexity of our nationwide operations requires a digital backbone that is both robust and agile. Partnering with VITRO and PLDT Enterprise allows us to centralize our critical data in a facility that guarantees maximum uptime and carrier-neutral connectivity. This strategic move optimizes our internal workflows and strengthens our end-to-end visibility, ensuring that our high standards are maintained from the farm all the way to the Filipino home.

Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc., added: “We deeply value the trust that Bounty has placed in VITRO. For enterprises operating at this scale, operational resilience is foundational to sustained growth. Our role goes beyond infrastructure — we provide the secure, scalable digital ecosystem that enables industry leaders to innovate, expand, and operate without disruption. We are proud to support Bounty as they accelerate their next phase of growth.”

“Our partnership with Bounty goes beyond providing state-of-the-art colocation facilities. It reflects PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to supporting the company’s evolving digital needs through a comprehensive suite of end-to-end solutions,” said Vic Y. Tria, PLDT Enterprise FVP and Head of Enterprise Domestic Business and SME. “To power its nationwide operations, we are delivering reliable connectivity that enables seamless workflows and uninterrupted business operations, while Smart Bizload and Smart Postpaid solutions ensure their teams stay connected anytime, anywhere. Altogether, these solutions reflect years of partnership built on trust and a shared vision of enabling a more digitally empowered business landscape.”

As the poultry industry prepares for substantial growth in the coming decade, Bounty continues to invest in smart farming technologies, including AI-powered camera systems to help predict optimal harvest weight, alongside enhanced livestock healthcare monitoring, strengthened security, and compliance measures. These innovations further underscore the importance of a resilient data center facility to protect the company’s mission-critical data from natural disasters and other unforeseen risks.

By colocating its disaster recovery infrastructure in VITRO Santa Rosa, Bounty ensures its critical systems are housed in a purpose-built, AI-ready hyperscale data center designed for scalability, resilience, and security. The facility’s redundant power systems, multi-layer physical security, and carrier-neutral ecosystem safeguard workloads while providing the flexibility to scale in line with business expansion.

As enterprises prioritize business continuity and digital transformation, VITRO Santa Rosa continues to empower industry leaders with secure, resilient, and future-ready infrastructure.

LG Introduces PuriCare™ AeroMini: Compact, Powerful, and Smart Air Purification for Modern Living

LG Electronics has unveiled its latest innovation in home air care—the LG PuriCare™ AeroMini, a compact yet powerful air purifier designed to fit seamlessly into today’s dynamic living environments. With its sleek design, advanced purification technology, and smart connectivity features, the AeroMini is positioned as a versatile solution for maintaining cleaner, healthier indoor air.

One of the standout features of the LG PuriCare™ AeroMini is its 360-degree air purification capability. Unlike traditional air purifiers that focus on a single direction, the AeroMini draws in air from all angles, ensuring comprehensive coverage regardless of where it is placed. This makes it ideal for various spaces such as bedrooms, home offices, or even small apartments where flexibility is essential.

Despite its compact size, the AeroMini delivers impressive performance. It is certified to remove 99.999 percent of ultra-fine dust, including particles that are often invisible to the naked eye but can significantly impact health. This level of filtration is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies, respiratory sensitivities, or those simply looking to improve their indoor air quality.

Another key advantage of the AeroMini is its quiet operation. Running at just 26 decibels, it operates at a whisper-quiet level, making it suitable for use during sleep or in environments that require minimal noise, such as study areas or workspaces. Users can enjoy cleaner air without any disruptive background sound.

The AeroMini also integrates seamlessly with modern smart home ecosystems through the LG ThinQ™ app. This allows users to monitor air quality, adjust settings, and control the device remotely from their smartphones. The added convenience of smart control ensures that users can manage their air purification needs anytime, anywhere.

In addition to its technical capabilities, LG has emphasized personalization with the AeroMini. The device can be customized with a variety of stylish lifestyle accessories, allowing users to match it with their interior design preferences while maintaining functionality.

Overall, the LG PuriCare™ AeroMini combines efficiency, convenience, and style in a compact form, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a smart and adaptable air purification solution.