Vivo X Series Earns Major PH Tech Awards

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Vivo continues to strengthen its position as a leader in smartphone innovation as its flagship X Series earns top recognition from some of the Philippines’ most respected tech media organizations. The Vivo X300 Pro and Vivo X200 FE both received major honors at the YugaTech Editor’s Choice Awards 2026 and the 2025 Boxies by Unbox PH, highlighting the brand’s excellence in camera technology, performance, and design.

The Vivo X300 Pro stood out as one of the biggest winners at the YugaTech Editor’s Choice Awards 2026, taking home both the Smartphone of the Year and Best Smartphone Camera awards. These recognitions underscore the device’s ability to deliver a complete flagship experience while also leading the way in mobile photography.

At the heart of the Vivo X300 Pro is a 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display that offers smooth visuals and vibrant colors, paired with the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset for fast and efficient performance. Supporting its all-day reliability is a massive 6510mAh BlueVolt battery, complemented by 90W FlashCharge and 40W wireless charging capabilities.

Its award-winning camera system plays a key role in its success, featuring a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera. This advanced setup delivers exceptional clarity, accurate colors, and impressive detail across various shooting conditions, from long-distance zoom to challenging low-light environments. These features position the Vivo X300 Pro as a true imaging powerhouse and a well-rounded premium device.

Meanwhile, the Vivo X200 FE earned the Best Compact Flagship Phone award at The 2025 Boxies by Unbox PH. The recognition highlights Vivo’s ability to deliver flagship-level performance in a smaller and more ergonomic design.

The Vivo X200 FE features a 6.31-inch flat display and a slim build, making it ideal for comfortable one-handed use. Despite its compact size, it packs a powerful 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and a large 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, ensuring both performance and endurance.

These awards reflect not only industry recognition but also growing consumer trust. With the Vivo X300 Pro and Vivo X200 FE, Vivo continues to redefine smartphone photography and flagship performance, proving that innovation remains at the core of the Vivo X Series.

Love May Be Blind, but Trust Shouldn’t Be: GCash Strengthens Consumer Protection Efforts Against Love Scams

GCash continues to step up its security systems and awareness campaigns as part of its thrust in consumer protection. The initiative aligns with advisories from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

Authorities say love scams remain one of the most common online fraud schemes, where criminals build and take advantage of emotional connections before asking for money. Recent data from the CICC shows 123 love scam complaints in 2025, with 18 cases recorded in January 2026 alone. Cases usually increase during the love month as scammers become more active.

Common signs of romance/love scams

Government advisories highlight several warning signs:

· Sudden requests for money under the guise of emergencies, travel, or medical needs

· Refusal to meet in person or join live video calls

· Profiles with overly polished or unrealistic photos

· Persistent pressure to send money or invest in unfamiliar platforms

Authorities remind the public to be extra vigilant, verify identities, and avoid sending money to people they have only met online.

Investing in prevention and user protection

To help stop scams before they happen, GCash continues to invest in technology, partnerships, and user education. The company works closely with the DICT, CICC, PNP-ACG, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to support investigations and public awareness efforts.

On the platform, GCash maintains several layers of protection, including:

· Verified user identities through strict KYC processes

· Real-time fraud monitoring

· Account security features such as PINs, OTPs, and device checks

· Confirmation prompts when sending money to a new contact or recipient

· In-app advisories on common scam tactics

Users can also report suspicious activity through the app’s Help Center or official customer support channels.

“Love scams often rely on emotional manipulation rather than technical attacks,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at Mynt, parent company of GCash. “We continue to strengthen our security systems and work closely with government agencies, but users should always verify before sending money to someone they only know online,” he added.

Government advisories also note that senior citizens are among the most targeted groups, making awareness and platform safeguards even more important.

Through continued investments in security, partnerships, and public education, GCash aims to create a safer digital financial experience for Filipinos, making cybersecurity a top priority for GCash, our partners, and regulators.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

PLDT, Smart Expand Coalition to Protect Children From Online Abuse

PLDT and Smart have recruited more allies in the fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and other online crimes. In support of Safer Internet Day in February, the telco companies partnered with educators, community workers, and child rights advocates to help keep young people safe online.

“Keeping children safe online really takes a whole-of-nation effort,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart. “For us, protecting children is part of who we are. It’s not just about technology — it’s about working with parents, schools, communities, and partners to raise awareness, build digital skills, and create a shared sense of responsibility for keeping children safe online.”

Working with the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), PLDT, and Smart, conducted sessions with teachers and counselors from four elementary schools in Quezon City, as well as community workers, sharing practical tips on identifying and responding to potential online threats.

“We should reinforce among children the importance of not engaging with strangers, particularly in digital spaces, and empower them to speak up and seek help whenever they feel uncomfortable or in danger,” said Orlino. “These simple habits can make a big difference in keeping them safe online.”

During a session held at Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma High School in Quezon City, PLDT and Smart shared real-world cases of child abuse and violence to illustrate the risks children face both online and offline. Participants also viewed episodes from the #BeCYBERSMART video series, which draws from real-life experiences to raise awareness about fraudulent and harmful activities carried out through mobile and digital platforms.

For many educators, the discussions resonated on a personal level.

“I’ve learned to be more careful when reading promotional text messages,” said Maricel Medrano, a teacher at Melencio M. Castelo Elementary School. “Before, I would click on the links right away. Now I know that some of these links can lead to phishing sites designed to steal personal information.”

PLDT and Smart also equipped teachers from schools supported by the Asian Development Bank under the Department of Education’s ‘Adopt-A-School Program’ (ASP) with useful internet safety tips. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Khan Academy, a nonprofit organization that provides learning resources through its online interactive platform that allows students to study at their own pace.

Connectivity for the initiative was provided by PLDT Enterprise, the corporate business arm of the PLDT Group that delivers integrated digital, connectivity, and information and communications technology (ICT) solutions to public and private institutions in the Philippines and overseas. With an end-to-end portfolio that includes enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions, PLDT Enterprise supports efforts to raise digital safety awareness among teachers, who are often seen as students’ second parents.

Elijah Mendoza, Senior Manager of the Digital Team at PLDT and Smart, led a discussion on social engineering tactics such as phishing, which are commonly used by cybercriminals to extract personal data. “The key is to avoid oversharing,” Mendoza reminded participants. “Personal data should be regarded as a valuable asset. It must be shared only with trusted individuals — and only to the necessary extent.”

Beyond schools, PLDT and Smart also brought their cybersecurity advocacy to the Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum held in Iloilo City. Apart from conducting a pocket digital safety session on online scams, PLDT provided high-speed fiber connectivity through PLDT Home, while Smart provided over 250 onsite delegates with eSIMs, ensuring smooth participation for both in-person attendees and more than 6,000 virtual participants.

“We are grateful to PLDT and Smart for their support and for ensuring our participants stayed connected throughout the event,” said Roy O. Dahildahil, MSc, Co-founder and Executive Director of #MentalHealthPH.

On the technology side, PLDT and Smart’s robust cybersecurity defenses blocked more than a million attempts to open child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) online in 2025. Their Cyber Security Operations Group has prevented more than 210 billion attempts to open malicious domains in the same period. Since June 2021, PLDT and Smart have already blacklisted more than two million URLs containing illicit child content.

PLDT and Smart continuously invest in their cybersecurity infrastructure to provide customers with a safer online experience, while working closely with partners who share the same commitment to child protection. Through sustained awareness campaigns such as #BeCYBERSMART, they aim to deliver safe and meaningful connections so customers can live a fuller life.

Globe Redefines Connectivity Beyond Speed at The Blueprint Q1 2026

Globe Telecom opened the year with a bold message at its flagship quarterly media event. The Blueprint by Globe is where connectivity is no longer about speed, but about consistent, reliable service, affordability, and easy access.

Held at The Globe Tower, the event showcased how Globe is strengthening the way Filipinos live, work, and connect by treating internet service as a non‑negotiable lifeline. With the theme “Every Filipino Connected,” Globe unveiled innovations and milestones across its portfolio, underscoring its mission to ensure that every Filipino benefits from the digital economy.

Among the highlights was Globe’s pioneering partnership with Starlink’s Direct‑to‑Cell satellite technology. Following the live pilot trial, Globe and Starlink are preparing to expand testing across additional locations and operational scenarios.

Globe also celebrated its recognition by Ookla® as the country’s most reliable mobile and broadband network, with consistency scores that set new industry benchmarks. This achievement reinforces Globe’s commitment to deliver “Connectivity You Can Count On”, “Connectivity for Every Filipino”, and “Experience Globe Connectivity”, reflecting Globe’s three pillars for 2026.

“This recognition affirms that Globe’s investments are delivering real benefits for our customers, reliable connectivity they can count on every day for work, learning, and commerce. Consistency is more than a benchmark; it is the backbone of a digital economy where MSMEs thrive, families stay connected, and communities build resilience. By delivering quality of experience at scale, Globe empowers lives and contributes to nation‑building, making connectivity a driver of inclusive growth for the Philippines,” says Roche Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing Officer at Globe.

Beyond groundbreaking network innovations, The Blue Print by Globe also highlighted a suite of customer-centric, business-focused, and community-based initiatives designed to enrich everyday experiences and empower progress.

Empowering Business through AI and Cloud Services

Globe Business is empowering enterprises of all sizes with the country’s first fully managed, enterprise‑grade data streaming platform in partnership with Confluent, alongside the Globe Omnichannel Cloud Contact Center (GOCCC) with Call Center Studio, innovations that democratize real‑time intelligence and AI‑powered customer engagement by removing CAPEX barriers and delivering Google‑cloud hosted infrastructure.

Home AI: Internet as a Modern Utility

Globe At Home is transforming fiber connectivity into an intelligent utility, as essential as water and electricity. Through its Built‑in Broadband initiative, fiber ports are integrated directly into new property developments, complemented by AI‑driven innovation and a 24‑hour Care Squad guaranteed to deliver “Digital Peace of Mind” for Filipino homes.

The Perfect Pair: Mobile + Home Advantage

With Globe Mobile and Globe At Home Advantage, customers enjoy seamless connectivity whether at home or on the go. Pairing GFiber Postpaid with Globe Mobile Postpaid unlocks up to ₱500 in monthly savings for a year, while Prepaid and TM subscribers gain exclusive promos and free gigabytes, making everyday connectivity simpler and more rewarding.

TM Celebrates 25 Years of Connectivity

TM marks its 25th anniversary as a tribute to millions of ka‑TMs nationwide. With affordable and reliable connectivity, exciting rewards, anniversary deals, and on‑ground caravans, TM continues to bring tuwa and tatag to communities, true to its diskarte spirit.

Lifestyle Innovation with Platinum GPlan

Globe expands its premium portfolio with the Platinum GPlan and PAL Mabuhay Miles promo, the first in the market to reward customers with airline miles alongside connectivity benefits.

GoGIVE: Social Impact Through Connectivity

Globe Prepaid users generated over 4 billion hearts, and over 840 million have been donated via the GlobeOne app, converted into support for advocacies that surpassed targets. Partnering with Ayala Foundation, Rise Against Hunger Philippines, Pawssion Project, and the Philippine Eagle Foundation, GoGIVE also powers relief efforts during calamities, reinforcing Globe’s role in nation‑building and resilience.

“Connectivity today is a lifeline,” said Globe’s Chief Commercial Officer Daruis Delgado. “We want to ensure every Filipino, whether in bustling cities or the most remote barangays, has access to reliable and consistent digital services. More than speed, we are building trust, inclusivity, and resilience into the very fabric of our network.”

With The Blueprint by Globe, the company continues to shape the foundation of a digital nation, one where connectivity fuels opportunity, resilience, and sustainable growth for all.

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

LG Electronics Redefines Lightweight Laptops with Aerominum and AI-Powered 2026 LG gram Lineup at CES 2026

LG Electronics has officially unveiled its 2026 LG gram lineup, introducing one of its most significant upgrades to date through a new material called Aerominum. This breakthrough chassis material delivers a lighter yet stronger frame, offering enhanced scratch resistance and military-grade durability while preserving the gram’s signature portability. The innovation marks a major step forward in balancing toughness and ultra-light design, long considered a core identity of the gram series.

Beyond physical improvements, LG is heavily integrating artificial intelligence into its latest laptops. Select models now feature advanced dual AI capabilities, combining on-device processing with cloud-based intelligence. This hybrid approach allows users to experience faster, more efficient workflows while maintaining privacy and functionality even without internet connectivity.

The lineup supports Microsoft Copilot+ PC features alongside LG’s gram chat On-Device AI, providing intelligent assistance for productivity, content creation, and task management. Users can generate summaries, manage files, and receive contextual help locally, ensuring speed and data security. This combination positions the gram as a serious contender in the emerging AI PC category.

Connectivity also sees major improvements through the enhanced gram Link feature. Users can seamlessly share files, mirror screens, and transfer content across Android and iOS smartphones, as well as LG webOS devices such as TVs, monitors, and projectors. This creates a more unified ecosystem for both professional and personal use.

Security remains a priority with LG ThinQ integration, allowing owners to remotely lock or erase their laptop if it is lost or stolen. This feature provides peace of mind, especially for professionals who carry sensitive data.

Leading the lineup is the gram Pro 17, now recognized as the world’s lightest 17-inch RTX laptop. It features a stunning 17-inch WQXGA display and is powered by the new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 GPU, delivering powerful graphics performance for creators and professionals.

Meanwhile, the gram Pro 16 stands out as the lightest 16-inch laptop in its class with both on-device and cloud AI. It boasts a 16-inch WQXGA+ OLED display and runs on the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, ensuring strong performance with exceptional efficiency.

With Aerominum, integrated AI, improved connectivity, and enhanced security, LG’s 2026 gram lineup represents a milestone in laptop innovation, delivering a powerful blend of durability, intelligence, and ultra-portable productivity.