Friday, June 20, 2025

Mond Gutierrez Puts the Vivo V50 to the Test: A Portrait Powerhouse for Creative Visionaries

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In today’s digital landscape, where content lives forever, producing high-quality visuals has become more important than ever. For creative director Mond Gutierrez, this standard isn’t just expected—it’s essential. Known for his impeccable taste and refined artistic direction, Mond curates an Instagram feed that looks like it came straight out of a glossy fashion magazine.

With every photo, Mond brings a sharp eye for detail and an instinct for storytelling through imagery. His relentless pursuit of that “perfect shot”—where lighting, angle, and emotion intersect—is a reflection of his deep commitment to his craft. And now, Mond’s latest content highlights a tool that lives up to his high standards: the Vivo V50.

“I’m always chasing that perfect shot—lighting, angle, and emotion all in one frame. The Vivo V50 delivers exactly that,” Mond shared in a recent Instagram post.

See the post here

The Vivo V50 is equipped with features that make it more than just a smartphone—it’s a creative companion. With ZEISS Multifocal Portrait Mode (23mm, 35mm, 50mm), creators like Mond can seamlessly shift focal lengths to shape stories, set moods, and elevate impact—all with a single tap. Whether capturing dramatic close-ups or wider scenes with artistic intent, this tool adapts to the vision behind the lens.

Vivo’s AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0 enhances every shot with soft, studio-style lighting, ensuring portraits come out crisp, balanced, and visually captivating—anytime, anywhere. The 50MP ZEISS All Main Camera captures ultra-sharp detail that brings every moment to life.

Mond’s creative workflow remains uninterrupted, while his visual storytelling stays intact. From spontaneous street shots to curated editorial-style portraits, the Vivo V50 empowers creators to capture their world with professional-level results.

And now, the portrait powerhouse comes with even more reason to upgrade. The Vivo V50 is available at a new price of only Php 25,999—Php 2,000 off its original price.

Experience clarity, flexibility, and artistic control like never before. Visit your nearest Vivo store or shop online via Shopee, Lazada, or the official Vivo e-store to get yours today.

Enchanted Kingdom Celebrates 11 Years of Supporting Brigada Eskwela

Enchanted Kingdom, the country’s first and only world-class theme park, marked its 11th year of participation in the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program by turning over two adopted kindergarten classrooms to Caingin Elementary School in Santa Rosa, Laguna. This is part of EK’s School of Enchantment program, which aims to provide fun and unique learning experiences by blending entertainment and education.

Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide school maintenance program that engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, efforts, and resources in ensuring all public schools are set in time for class opening. This year’s theme is “Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa.”

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, this is the 11th year that EK is supporting the said program in line with its commitment to nation-building and education. Since 2012, EK has turned over a total of 14 refurbished kindergarten classrooms in nearby schools, ensuring that students have access to fun, safe, and magical learning environments.

The premier theme park’s very own maintenance personnel repaired and upgraded the lighting and electrical system of the classrooms, as well as added furniture and shelves, while their visual artists brightened the atmosphere by painting EK’s beloved characters and core values into the classroom walls.

EK President and Chairman Cesar Mario Mamon expressed their commitment not only to expand their reach for Brigada Eskwela, but also to bring even more magical and educational experiences that go beyond the four corners of the classroom.

"Education is vital in our future plans because we want to provide an alternative classroom—that when you go to Enchanted Kingdom, students will be able to appreciate and learn about different subjects," he shared.

In a separate meeting with Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Mayor Arlene Arcillas, and officials from the Schools Division Office of Santa Rosa City, EK affirmed their support for all of DepEd’s plans and programs.

The turnover ceremony was graced by Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas with Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) for Santa Rosa Hereberto Jose Miranda, CESO VI; Education Program Supervisor (EPS) for Kindergarten and Special Education (SPED) Maribel De Vera; Cluster III Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Soledad Baylon; Barangay Caingin Captain Edwin Servo; Caingin Elementary School Principal III Guadalupe Factoriza; School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) President Josephine Mandala, teachers, parents, and students.

For more information and updates regarding these along with EK’s other upcoming events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.

PLDT Launches Barangay Security Initiative to Combat Copper Theft

Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT), through its Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, has launched a grassroots initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships with local communities to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure.

The program's pilot rollout, held in Barangay Bangkal, Makati City, signals the beginning of a broader campaign to deepen security awareness at the barangay level. The activation was led by Willie Antalan, Head of PLDT’s Asset Protection Division (APD) for Greater Metro Manila South (GMMS), in collaboration with Bangkal Barangay Captain Virgilio Hilario III and barangay officials.

“We at PLDT believe that protecting our network infrastructure is a shared responsibility. Through this program, we aim to arm our barangays with the knowledge and tools necessary to keep our communities connected by helping secure vital telco assets in their area, as well as assisting each other in bringing to justice perpetrators of crimes such as theft and vandalism of telco equipment," Antalan said, emphasizing how local vigilance plays a key role in ensuring the reliability and resilience of telco services.

This initiative is part of PLDT’s broader response to persistent theft and vandalism targeting its network. In 2024 alone, nearly 1,000 loss incidents were recorded—mostly involving copper cables, which made up 91% of the total cost of material losses. But the impact goes beyond lost materials: these attacks disrupted services, leading to customer complaints and lost business. In parts of Manila, theft occurred as often as every three days.

To further strengthen on-ground capability, PLDT distributed tools such as flashlights, night sticks, and raincoats to barangay watchmen to support their patrols. Barangay officials and residents also participated in a dialogue with the PLDT team in attendance, where they explained the importance of securing telco equipment to maintaining continuous service in their area. Residents also used this forum to raise service-related inquiries and other subscriber concerns.

“This pilot in Bangkal is just the beginning, as we plan to rollout this program to other communities in Metro Manila and outside of it, creating a nationwide grassroots network of local connectivity defenders,” said Col Wilfredo F. Gonio, Head of Security Central Command and Administration Center at PLDT.

PLDT and Smart's stepped-up asset protection initiatives support PLDT’s mission to deliver reliable service and advance the Philippines' sustainable development by securing critical telecom infrastructure, and thereby ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for homes, businesses, education, and emergency response. These efforts align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting resilient infrastructure and technological progress through strategic security measures and strong community partnerships.

Lenovo and Motorola Announce Partnership With FIFA Club World Cup 2025™

Lenovo and Motorola Mobility, a Lenovo company, have partnered with the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™

Motorola, a Lenovo brand, has been named Official FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ Smartphone Partner and will use the milestone in club football to promote the brand on a global scale, engaging with fans worldwide.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ takes place in the United States, starting June 14, marking the start of a bold new era of global club football.

32 of the planet’s most iconic teams, from across all six confederations, will play 63 matches across four weeks, looking to be crowned club world champions.

As an Official FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ Partner, Lenovo and Motorola will provide essential hardware, services, and smart solutions to FIFA and all 32 qualified teams participating in the reimagined tournament. This includes advanced AI PCs, tablets and workstations, plus Motorola smartphones. These tools will help support tournament operations, content capture and collaboration, and on-the-ground support throughout the competition.

On-site marketing initiatives include Lenovo and Motorola-branded content running on field-level LED screens and stadium video board(s) before, during, and after each match. Exclusive content will also be captured pitch-side during some matches using Motorola’s most innovative smartphones to date, the Motorola razr family 2025.

“Motorola is proud to support this new global club football landmark with smarter technology,” said Sergio Buniac, President of Motorola. “The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 represents an incredible opportunity to showcase not only the world’s best football clubs, but also the transformative potential of innovation. Through our infrastructure, devices – from smartphones to Lenovo PCS & servers, and services, we’ll help FIFA deliver a globally inclusive tournament for fans around the world.”

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said: “The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup will mark a new era in global club football – one that is inclusive, innovative and more connected than ever before. We’re delighted to have Motorola and Lenovo join us for this groundbreaking tournament. Their world-class technology and global perspective will help elevate the experience for fans, teams, and other stakeholders.”

This partnership builds on Lenovo’s heritage in powering the technology that has and continues to underpin many flagship global sporting properties and aligns with a mission to provide smarter technology for all, on and off the pitch.

Fans from around the world are set to come together to mark the inception of a new global tradition, and tickets remain available to join them. Visit FIFA.com/tickets to secure your seat and be part of football history.

You Can’t Talk AI Without Talking Infrastructure – PLDT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the future of business and innovation, and to PLDT Inc., the journey to an AI-powered Philippines must begin with robust digital infrastructure.

Speaking at the BusinessWorld Economic Forum 2025, which convened leaders from across industries and government, Blums Pineda, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of the Enterprise Business Group, highlighted digital readiness as a critical enabler of AI adoption in the country.

“Before we can unlock the full benefits of AI, we must first ensure that the digital foundation is in place—scalable infrastructure, secure networks, and actionable data are essential,” Pineda said.

He underscored the growing demand for accessible computing resources and reliable connectivity, particularly as more organizations explore AI’s transformative applications in sectors such as finance, logistics, healthcare, education, and government services.

Pineda also called for strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, citing the need for a shared vision, sustained investment, and clear governance frameworks to drive inclusive digital transformation.

To support the increasing workload of AI-driven applications, Pineda shared PLDT’s ongoing initiatives through its corporate arm, PLDT Enterprise, and ICT subsidiary, ePLDT, aimed at building the most advanced network of data centers and digital ecosystems in the Philippines. These include:

- GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), which will be commercially available soon to give enterprises on-demand access to high-performance computing power without the need for costly investment in their own physical infrastructure;

- AI-ready hyperscale data center facilities that can readily support the stringent needs of enterprises and hyperscalers; and

- Cybersecurity infrastructure and capabilities to protect organizations against evolving threats and vulnerabilities.

The PLDT Group also continues to expand its domestic and international fiber footprint, delivering secure, high-speed connectivity that supports businesses nationwide.

“Our goal is to equip both enterprises and consumers with the tools to drive their productivity,” Pineda said, noting that technology is most powerful when it is inclusive and accessible.

PLDT’s infrastructure push is part of its broader commitment to nation-building through technology, supporting the digitalization goals of both private enterprises and government institutions. The company’s investments in AI-enabling infrastructure also align with the Philippines’ efforts to boost competitiveness and resilience in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Pineda closed his panel participation with a reminder to approach AI with optimism and purpose. “Our goal is clear: to build a future where AI is not just accessible, but impactful. With the right foundation, AI can deliver real value at scale in the Philippines,” he concluded.