Friday, February 7, 2025

Boost Weekend Adventures With Vivo Y19s

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Ready for what's coming up? With the weekend just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to unwind and embrace new adventures.

Whether you’re catching a sunrise hike, discovering hidden cafés, or leisurely walking through your favorite park, weekends are truly about finding that ideal reset for yourself.

To make this one unforgettable, you need a device that lasts all day and a camera that captures all moments of bliss.

Check out how the Vivo Y19s support every step of your weekend fun!

Weekend with no limits

Got a jam-packed weekend itinerary? Start strong as the Vivo Y19s’ 5500mAh battery ensures you’re supercharged and ready for every moment.

From scenic road trips to Tagaytay, capturing endless flatlays at food bazaars, to soaking in the vibes on a spontaneous beach trip, the Vivo Y19s has you covered with plenty of power to last.

If you need a quick boost, its 15W fast-charge technology guarantees you get back in action in just minutes. Perfect for a quick coffee break before you’re ready to go again!

Capture fun in every shot.

Every adventure is a chance to make lasting memories. Your phone should help you remember them in all their glory!

The Vivo Y19s is equipped with a 50MP HD Main Camera that brings your snaps to life with vivid, crystal-clear detail. Capturing everything from panoramic mountain views and vibrant sunsets to fun snapshots with friends, your photos will turn out beautifully—sharing them will be a must!

If selfies are your go-to, here's what you will appreciate! The Vivo Y19s' 5MP Portrait Camera guarantees perfect shots, ready to be shared on your next Instagram update.

But that’s not all. When day turns to night, the Vivo Y19s doesn’t miss a beat. Its Multi-Styles Night Filters transform low-light moments into artistic masterpieces, making sure your weekend nights are preserved. Say goodbye to blurry, dim-lit photos!

Durable and affordable for your active weekend

You're all set for your weekend adventures with a reliable battery and an impressive camera system! Starting at Php 6,499, grab your Vivo Y19s at the Vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and physical stores nationwide!

Guarantees perfect shots, ready to be shared on your next Instagram update.

Schneider Electric Has Contributed to Restoring Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Rueil-Malmaison (France) – Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently contributed, using donations, to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The donated solutions have made it possible to secure and monitor the site's electrical facilities. 

The company’s Building Management System (BMS) can manage and optimize the monument's energy consumption, incorporating 21st-century innovations into a cathedral that represents a high point in medieval art, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

The fire that severely damaged the cathedral on April 15, 2019, sparked an incredible wave of solidarity that Schneider Electric wanted to be a part of. "It's an obvious move for Schneider Electric to support actions of this type for symbolic and prestigious sites, as we have done in the past for the Comédie Française state theater and the Antarctic station," highlights Gilles Vermot Desroches, Director of Citizenship, and Institutional Affairs at Schneider Electric.

Innovations for the Future

Schneider Electric provided expertise, products, and solutions thanks to a donation agreement. As such, the Group supplied all the equipment required to supply power to the site and for its security (20 kV HV cells, a 20 kV/410V 1250 kVA transformer, general and divisional electrical switchboards, inverters, safety lighting, devices etc.), as well as the tools for the technical management of the building, making it possible to monitor the functioning of the network and control its power consumption (automatic control systems, sensors, controllers, communication buses etc.).

In addition to the equipment, Schneider Electric is carrying out some of the maintenance of the electrical distribution equipment, providing some of the engineering, studies, commissioning, and programming of the installed systems, as well as the training of future users.

The old electrical installation was inoperable due to the fire and without electricity, reopening was impossible. The new network ensures the distribution and security of the energy supply, incorporating innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies that optimize the management of its electricity consumption and help ensure the safety of the cathedral.

A Shared Commitment

The project team had to deal with a large number of technical issues demanding ingenuity and preparation.

One such issue was the delivery and installation in early 2024 of the connected TRIHAL transformer, a key element of the cathedral's power supply. Delivered by truck and then raised onto the site above the construction area, this 3.2-ton block was then lowered via a hoist into position in the basement of the presbytery. A specific study had to be carried out for the lifting operation.

Installing the high-voltage substation in an underground vaulted cellar with considerable access and space constraints was also an issue resolved with customized equipment and support.

"This is a project for which the logistics have been quite tricky and required excellent coordination with the other players on site," said Cédric Larcher, Regional Manager of the Electrical Distribution Application Center at Schneider Electric France, responsible for management, performance, and monitoring on-site.

In addition to providing infrastructure, around 60 Schneider Electric employees (from factory workers to the site’s network designers) contributed knowledge and expertise as part of a skills transfer program. Schneider Electric’s support also included training partner companies such as the panel builder Ateliers Electriques de France (based in Val-de-Marne) to install the main low-voltage cabinet, FBS Electricité (based in Seine-Maritime) to install the high-voltage substation, ERM (based in Eure) to create specific support structures and Transport Avex (based in Val-de-Marne) to carry out the extremely tricky handling operations in the basement of the presbytery.

To learn more: web page

Brother’s Annual Lakbay Aral: A Day of Fun, Learning, and Christmas Cheer

For the 12th consecutive year, Brother Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), hosted the annual Lakbay Aral trip for the students of Inigan Elementary School. Held on December 7, 2024, the event provided 120 students with an enriching educational experience at the Food Wanderer x Lakbay Museo at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque City.

A total of 25 Brother Philippines associates participated in the trip, sharing their time and enthusiasm with the students.

The event combined learning and holiday cheer as students explored interactive exhibits highlighting Filipino culture, food, and traditions. It offered a hands-on, immersive experience that encouraged curiosity and creativity among the young participants. The day concluded with a Christmas gift-giving activity, spreading joy to the children and underscoring the event’s dual focus on education and celebration.

“Through the Lakbay Aral program, we aim to provide students with meaningful learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom,” said Glenn Hocson, President of Brother Philippines. “We believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we’re honored to play a part in enriching the students' experiences while also celebrating the holiday spirit with them.”

A proud tradition of nurturing young minds

Since its inception in 2012, the Lakbay Aral program has been a key component of Brother Philippines' corporate social responsibility efforts. The initiative allows students to engage in experiential learning at various educational venues. Past trips have included visits to the Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, where students explored science and technology through interactive exhibits.

This year’s destination, the Food Wanderer x Lakbay Museo, offered a new dimension of learning, immersing students in Filipino heritage and traditions through engaging and visually stimulating displays. The initiative has consistently emphasized the value of learning through experience, making education both accessible and enjoyable for the students of Inigan Elementary School.

The Lakbay Aral program also aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education. Furthermore, the program supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) which highlights the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving sustainable development objectives.

“Education is a cornerstone of sustainable development,” Hocson concluded. “Through initiatives like Lakbay Aral, we remain committed to empowering young minds and strengthening our communities. We are proud to continue this tradition and look forward to furthering our impact in the years to come,” added Hocson.

Through its partnership with PBSP, Brother Philippines ensures the successful implementation of Lakbay Aral to create a lasting impact on the students, their families, and the broader community.

To learn more about Brother Philippines' educational and community-focused initiatives, visit the official website at www.brother.com.ph and follow its social media channels.

Under Defeat, the Classic Arcade and Dreamcast Shooter, Launches on PC and Consoles Today

Karlstad, Sweden – February 2025 – Clear River Games, a video game publisher specializing in classic and retro games, in conjunction with Japanese publisher and developer City Connection, announced today that the celebrated arcade shooter Under Defeat is now available on PC, PS4™, PS5™, Xbox, and Nintendo® Switch.

The ultimate version of the classic arcade shooter. Under Defeat has been developed by retro port specialists City Connection, and includes DLC content previously only available in Japan. Alongside an ‘Arcade Mode’ that faithfully replicates the original arcade experience, a fresh ‘New Order Mode’ adapts the game for modern displays, while ‘New Order Mode+’ brings brand new elements to the game, including a ‘WARNING GAUGE’, which mixes up the classic shooter formula.

Watch the Under Defeat Launch Trailer Here!

Originally developed by G.rev and released in arcades in 2005 before hitting the Dreamcast in 2006, Under Defeat sees players jumping into one of four combat helicopters, either solo or in two-player co-op, and shooting down waves of foes across the land, air, and sea. Players will take on tank battalions, enormous warships, and enemy aircraft across a 3D semi-isometric playfield, with the unique ability to tilt shots left or right.

Under Defeat Game Modes:
  • Arcade Mode - A faithful replication of the original arcade experience, with a 4:3 ratio and a pseudo vertical screen.
  • New Order Mode - A modern adaptation for modern displays with a widescreen 16:9 ratio.
  • New Order Mode+ - Adds brand new mechanics to the widescreen display, including a ‘WARNING GAUGE’, which adds a risk/reward mechanic to assist the player as they shoot, bomb, and swerve through the hordes of enemy invaders.
Under Defeat comes complete with an incredible soundtrack, newly arranged by the original composer, video game music veteran Shinji Hosoe (Ridge Racer series, Tekken series, etc), and his company, Super Sweep.

Under Defeat is out now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

For more information on Under Defeat, please visit Clear River Games’ on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Personal Review: “Metaverse Filipino Worker” – A Groundbreaking Short Film Showcasing Digital Pioneers

 The short film “Metaverse Filipino Worker” recently premiered on YouTube, and in less than two weeks, it has already surpassed 1 million views—a testament to its powerful message and relevance. As someone fascinated by the intersection of technology and human stories, watching this film was both thought-provoking and inspiring.

The film delves into the lives of Filipino workers navigating the metaverse, a digital space that is rapidly redefining how we connect, work, and live. It’s not just a futuristic concept—it’s a reality unfolding right before our eyes. What struck me the most was how the film brilliantly captured the resilience and adaptability of the Filipino spirit, even in virtual environments.

Visually, the film is stunning. The vibrant digital landscapes contrast beautifully with the raw, emotional narratives of the characters. It’s not just about flashy tech; it’s about people—their dreams, struggles, and hopes. The storytelling is heartfelt, highlighting how the metaverse isn’t just a playground for tech enthusiasts but a new frontier for everyday workers seeking better opportunities.

One of the most impactful scenes for me was when a character, despite being physically distant from their family, found connection and purpose through their digital job. It’s a powerful reflection of the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) experience, now reimagined in a virtual setting. This theme resonates deeply, especially in a country where many families are separated by borders but united by dreams.

What makes “Metaverse Filipino Worker” even more remarkable is its ability to spark conversations about the future of work. It raises critical questions: How do we ensure fair treatment in virtual workplaces? Can digital jobs provide the same stability as traditional ones? The film doesn’t just entertain—it challenges us to think.

Reaching 1 million views in under two weeks is no surprise. The film’s blend of cutting-edge visuals, relatable stories, and social commentary has clearly struck a chord with audiences. It’s more than a film; it’s a glimpse into the future and a celebration of Filipino resilience in the face of change.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. “Metaverse Filipino Worker” is not just a story—it’s a movement.