Here Are The MSI Laptop Must-Haves This Back-To-School Season

Here Are The MSI Laptop Must-Haves This Back-To-School Season

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Gear Up and find the perfect learning companion with up to 35% Discounts and Special bundles in this limited-time event.

Now is the perfect time to score or upgrade to an MSI Laptop as the world-leading tech brand holds its Back to School event in line with their 20th Anniversary. This event, running from August 1 to September 30, 2024 is packed with price drops and gift bundles to delight all potential buyers.

In this day and age, a digital companion is as much a need as it is a want. Staying connected, entertained, and productive are important factors of a student’s daily life and an MSI laptop is a perfect investment for this. Here is a quick buying guide to get the most out of this limited-time campaign.

It’s not just one of the most powerful gaming handhelds in the market, the MSI Claw is also perfectly capable of assisting students with their learning needs. Powered by Windows, it can easily be used as a mini-PC when docked and paired with the right peripherals.

The top-end Claw A1M-077PH is powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H with built-in Intel® Arc™ Graphics and an SSD storage of 1TB. Built mainly for gaming, this beastly configuration can easily handle most of the student workloads and applications.

Not only is it space-efficient with its handheld form-factor, but it can easily be expandable with its Thunderbolt™ 4 slot. WIth the right dock such as the MSI Nest, you can plug in all the peripherals you need to work comfortably.

For this Back to School event, this version of the Claw is made even more affordable with a price drop of P6,000, bringing the price from P53,995 to P47,995.

The more modest Claw A1M-076PH gets a price drop as well from P50,996 to 42,995. This model retains the same Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H but swaps the 1TB SSD with a 512GB one. Aside from that, the other specifications are the same.

For the best deal on this handheld, the base version Claw A1M-075PH is one of the most attractive deals right now. This configuration is powered by an Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 135H and has a 512GB SSD, still very capable for most learning applications. Get this premium gaming and learning device at its lowest market price of P34,995, down from P45,995.

For the perfect balance of performance and portability, a laptop is still the best form factor and undeniably the most-used by students. MSI offers a wide range of laptops from Desktop-replacements to ultra-thin Business & Productivity notebooks.

One of the highlights of the Back to School offer is making these great devices more affordable for the customer. Consider the GF63 Thin 11UCX-1479PH. With an Intel® Core™ i5-11260H and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2050 4GB GDDR6 Laptop GPU, it can handle most games on medium to high graphics especially when paired with its 15.6” FHD 144Hz Panel.

This is the best budget gaming laptop you can get in this event. Get it at its lowest-ever price at only P29,495, down from P42,995.

For even more affordable devices, we look at the Modern 14 C11M-080PH, 219PH, and 220PH. These are the aforementioned Business & Productivity laptops from MSI. They are targeted at students who want maximum portability and battery life.

These ultra-thin and ultra-light notebooks are powered by an Intel® Core™ i3-1115G4 Processor and Intel® UHD Graphics. These are good for light gaming, but they shine the most at productivity apps that students and young professionals use.

These are the perfect companions for studying at a coffee shop or lounging around with Netflix. These are down from P26,995 to only P20,995. Get these beautiful laptops in three different colorways: Beige Rose (220PH), Classic Black (080PH), and Urban Silver (219PH).

One of the sleekest looking laptops from MSI is its Cyborg 15 series. Our recommendation is the Cyborg 15 A12UCX-1298PH. This laptop is powered by an Intel® Core™ i5-12450H and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2050 4GB GDDR6 Laptop GPU.

The biggest draw of this series is the translucent chassis, giving it a very cyberpunk aesthetic that is unique and eye-catching. Be ready to catch the attention of your peers when you bring out this laptop inside your classroom. To complete the look is its bright Blue Backlit Gaming Keyboard with specially lit WASD keys.

Get this intricately detailed laptop at only P37,995, down from P40,995, plus a Mouse and Mousepad bundle worth P2,000. 

And highlighting the best bang-for-your-buck during this deal is the Stealth 15 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport A13VG-403PH with a whopping P70,995 worth of savings.

Brought about by the collaboration of two brands on the pinnacle of innovation, MSI and Mercedes-AMG, this powerhouse delivers great performance without sacrificing any portability with its use of Magnesium-Aluminum alloy chassis. This makes the laptop very sturdy and light at the same time.

Luxury is the name of the game and this model doesn’t cut any corners when providing the ideal gaming experience. Powered by an Intel® Core™ i9-13900H Processor and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070GB GDDR6 Laptop GPU, it can play the latest triple-A games with ease.

It is packed with 32GB (16GB*2) of RAM and 2TB of NVMe SSD Gen4x4 storage. A 16” UHD+ OLED Panel delivers crisp graphics and the Per-Key RGB SteelSeries Gaming Keyboard ensures maximum customization. No compromises were made in this laptop.

As an added bonus, this purchase includes limited edition accessories only available for the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport model. Get P18,000 worth of freebies including an AMG Pouch, Gaming Mouse, Mousepad, Cable Tie, Postcards, and USB Drive.

Get this one of a kind model at the biggest price drop from P209,995 to P139,995.

And of course, these are not the only models up for grabs during this Back to School Season. Check out MSI’s official promotion page to see the entire list of participating models. There are special models which include the 20th Anniversary Pack worth up to P13,500 in value.

Now’s the time to gear up and find the perfect device for you. Check out MSI Laptops and get the academic companion that fits your budget and requirement.

Read More

Digido integrates QR Ph through bolstered partnership with Dragonpay

Digido integrates QR Ph through bolstered partnership with Dragonpay

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

The integration enables Digido clients to use a QR Ph code for cash loan payments and quickly repay their outstanding loans by scanning or uploading a static or reusable QR Ph code through a wide range of electronic wallets or banking apps.

Recognizing Filipinos’ growing need for seamless payment experiences, multi-awarded digital lending service Digido announces the integration of QR Ph — part of its bolstered partnership with online payment gateway Dragonpay.

The integration enables Digido clients to use a QR Ph code for cash loan payments and quickly repay their outstanding loans by scanning or uploading a static or reusable QR Ph code through a wide range of electronic wallets or banking apps. This facilitates open banking and financial inclusion, ensuring seamless and stress-free transactions within minutes.

Under BSP Circular No. 1055, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas requires all participating payment service providers, including banks and non-bank electronic money issuers (EMIs), to adopt QR Ph, also referred to as the National QR Code Standard. Aside from ensuring the safety, reliability and efficiency of operations of payment systems, having a national QR standard has transformed the fragmented QR-driven payment services in the country into interoperable payment solutions.

Commenting on the integration of QR Ph, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “This initiative gives our clients much more flexibility when using their cash loans as well as facilitating positive loan repayment behavior. The growing trust and preference for digital channels, including lending, should be met with integrations like these to increase access to timely financing options.”

"With the integration of QR Ph, this partnership highlights Dragonpay's commitment to expanding digital payment access, aligning seamlessly with Digido's mission to ensure underserved Filipinos gain safe and inclusive entry into the nation's digital financial ecosystem," Dragonpay founder and CEO Robertson Chiang added.

Digido clients can monitor the Repayment section of the platform’s official website as well as its official Facebook and Instagram pages for step-by-step procedures on using QR Ph as a loan repayment option.

Digido offers a First Loan For Free service, where first-time borrowers can avail up to PHP 4,000 with 0% interest and a standard Personal Loan up to PHP 25,000 for repeat clients. It can be accessed through its official site digido.ph, its apps in Google Play and the iOS App Store, and Lazada Loans.

Read More

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili appreciates simple things in life on new single “River By The Sea”

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili appreciates simple things in life on new single “River By The Sea”

Monday, July 22, 2024

The Ransom Collective’s Leah Halili marvels with childlike wonder on the release of her new single, “River By The Sea.”

Produced by The Ringmaster’s Francis Lorenzo, who has worked with artists such as Clara Benin, UDD, and Ang Bandang Shirley, the lush, folk-pop track finds joy in exploring nature and igniting one’s curiosity about the simplest things in life.

Leah considers her recent travel trip to Yosemite Park with her family two summers ago to be a songwriting inspiration for the track. “We were all in awe of this majestic place. We had witnessed everything from the peaks through the canyons, cliffs, rivers, and lush green meadows.”

She adds that the song expresses her willingness to learn, heal, and see more of the world’s beauty, not wanting to miss out on anything while still being capable of experiencing the best things that nature has to offer. 

“River By The Sea” expands her capabilities as a musician by further embellishing her sound with a more organic approach. Accompanied by stripped-down guitars and minimal keys, the song incorporates percussive elements like banging on wood and using an acorn to add a natural aspect to her sonic tapestry. The result is a rich, rewarding material that showcases her more genuine and adventurous take on musicality and production—of course with guidance from her producer Francis Lorenzo.

Also contributing to the songwriting aspects of the track is Leah Halili’s partner, Nikee Bañares, who laid down a melodic guitar as she was writing the song in its initial stages.

“He had made a beautiful melody to which he asked me to add my lyrics, and we worked on the demo together,” Leah reveals. “It took a while for us to record the song, as we wanted to wait until it was recorded in an actual studio.”

The song will be part of a 6-track EP to be released by the end of 2024 or early next year. 

The Changes act explains, “I do plan to release an EP as soon as I have all my singles remastered and find a common concept. I am currently writing more songs to add and as much as I want to give more details, I want to leave room for surprise! I hope people can stay tuned and continue to support my love for creating music.”

Leah Halili’s “River By The Sea” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Read More

Folk-pop artist syd hartha puts her own delicate spin on Apo Hiking Society’s “Panalangin”

Folk-pop artist syd hartha puts her own delicate spin on Apo Hiking Society’s “Panalangin”

Thursday, July 18, 2024

The young recording star teams up with acclaimed producer Brian Lotho on the stripped-down cover of an ‘80s classic

Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha continues to captivate music listeners from various generations with the release of her new single “Panalangin,” a cover of Apo Hiking Society’s early ‘80s hit.

syd reinterprets the source material with a stripped-down arrangement and a delicate touch, adding her own stamp while retaining the essence of what makes the song a timeless classic.

Despite the fact that it is a cover, "Panalangin" is one of the most popular songs in Syd's gig repertoire. "It personally reminds me of very special memories I want to cherish forever."

The folk-pop recording artist adds, “I’ve always considered Panalangin to be one of the sweetest and most timeless OPM songs. The original version is very upbeat and pop, and I decided I wanted to add a feminine touch to it—something that sounds more mellow and softer, as if it came from a female perspective.”

syd’s version of “Panalangin” was arranged and produced by Brian Lotho of Sonic State Audio. They have professionally built a great foundation of trust and collaboration through the years, working together as constant collaborators for five years.

As for the tila tala act's approach to remaking a song into her own, syd admits that her goal has always been to strike a balance between her singing and playing style, which is very acoustic guitar-led, while staying true to the original's melodic qualities.

“Apo Hiking Society songs, specifically When I Met You and Panalangin have always been part of my ‘songs-I-wish-were-written-for-me’ playlist. When I was starting to learn the guitar, I listened to a lot of OPM, and those two songs really stuck with me. I always admired how they’re so beautifully written. It's an honor to be able to officially cover a song like Panalangin.”

syd hartha’s “Panalangin” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Read More

EastWest Bank Sponsors Inaugural Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship at Subic Lighthouse Marina Hotel

EastWest Bank Sponsors Inaugural Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship at Subic Lighthouse Marina Hotel

Monday, July 15, 2024

EastWest Bank recently joined the Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship as a Major Sponsor, in partnership with Subic Sailing Philippines, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and The Lighthouse Marina Resort. The event brought together sailing enthusiasts and Hobie Cat fanatics from Taal Yacht Club, the Philippine Sailing Association, and Subic Sailing Philippines. Valued EastWest customers, industry leaders, and media representatives such as Beni Gomez from Yacht Style and Barry Dawson from Active Boating & Water Sports Magazine were also present during the event.

The two-day event featured exhilarating races and exclusive promotions, showcasing EastWest Bank's commitment to supporting local sports, elevating Filipino sailors, and enhancing the lifestyle of its partners and clients. Skipper Peter Capotosto, one of the pioneers of the Hobie 16, also joined the National Championship.

A Celebration of Sailing and Partnership

The Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship is a significant milestone in the Philippine sailing community aimed to make the sport more accessible to Filipinos while highlighting the country's rich maritime heritage. The event featured intense, competitive races and an array of fun activities, creating a memorable experience and a perfect weekend getaway for all participants.

EastWest was represented by Oscar Navidad, Head of Credit Card Corporate Sales, Gen Rodriguez, Head of Marketing Services for Credit Cards, and Taytay Castro, Priority Center Head for Priority Banking Pampanga, showing full support for the sailing community during the event,

Notable attendees included the Managing Director of Subic Sailing, Vice President of the Philippine Sailing Association, IYT Instructor, and Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship Race Director, Marcus Avecilla, along with the entire race committee, crew, and staff. The Race Officer, Ed Umali, Jerry Rollin, Director of Philippine Sailing Association, and Troy Tayong, Coach of Philippine Sailing Association, played significant roles as jury members. Representing the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority was the Chief of Staff, Atty. Von F. Rodriguez.

Exclusive EastWest Credit Card Promotions

During the event, EastWest Bank highlighted a special promotion in partnership with Lighthouse Marina Resort. EastWest credit cardholders can now enjoy exclusive discounts and perks, including:20% Off on Rooms: Guests using their EastWest credit cards receive a 20% discount on room bookings at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, based on the best available rates.

10% Off on Dining: A 10% discount on a minimum single-receipt spend of Php 3,000 at Sands Resto Grill and 720 Bar until September 15, 2024, making dining experiences more affordable and enjoyable.

With this offering being just one of many available, these series of promotions are part of EastWest Bank’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional value and enhance the lifestyle of its customers. 

EastWest Uplifting Sports and Lifestyles

Mia Tamayo, SVP and Credit Cards Business Head of EastWest Bank, emphasized the bank’s tireless commitment to supporting sports and lifestyle activities. "We are thrilled to have sponsored the inaugural Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship, an event that perfectly aligns with our mission to enhance our clients' lifestyle experiences. By partnering with Subic Sailing Philippines, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and Lighthouse Marina Resort, we also aim to elevate the sport and the community, making sailing more accessible and enjoyable for all."

Unforgettable Day of Sailing

The Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship event featured a variety of engaging activities designed to excite and delight participants, while fueling their passion for sailing. After the actual races, participants enjoyed a lunch buffet that culminated in a grand closing and awarding ceremony, followed by an after-party. Hosted by Managing Director of Subic Sailing and Managing Director of Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation, Zedrik Avecilla, the event also featured performances by Subic-based premier DJ VLD. Participants received a wide range of exclusive merchandise like branded shirts and personalized uniforms, taking home lasting memories of the event.

Looking Ahead

EastWest Bank’s sponsorship of the Philippine Hobie 16 National Championship is proof to its continued dedication to fostering community engagement and promoting sports in the Philippines. As EastWest Bank celebrates its 30th year in the industry, the bank remains committed to fostering meaningful connections within the community, enhancing customer experiences, and promoting initiatives that align with its mission of providing exceptional service and support.

For more information about EastWest Bank’s promotions and upcoming events, please visit:https://www.eastwestbanker.com/promos.

Read More

Paolo Sandejas signs with Sony Music Entertainment, releases first official single “sirens”

Paolo Sandejas signs with Sony Music Entertainment, releases first official single “sirens”

The moody guitar-pop track showcases layers of maturity and earnestness to his musical craft

Rising OPM star Paolo Sandejas is the newest addition to the growing family of Sony Music Entertainment artists!

In just a short period of time, the breakout act has captivated the international audience with “Sorry,” a song that BTS’ Vco-signed and sang in one of his vlogs. In 2023, Sandejas dropped Bloom, a 6-track EP which features the hit single “Different Shade of Blue.” He is also one of the performers at the recently concluded Wanderland Music and Arts Festival 2024, sharing the billing alongside some of the global heavyweights in the live music scene, including Jack Johnson, Parcels, and Thundercat. 

As part of his debut offering with his new label, Paolo Sandejas has finally released “sirens,” the first single off his upcoming solo album to be released sometime soon. Penned by Sandejas, the moody alt-pop track reveals a more mature approach to his musicality and songwriting.

The song also serves as a reunion project with Xergio Ramos, who was responsible for producing “Someone New,” his collab track with fellow singer-songwriter Martti Franca.

“The final track sounds so much fuller and more polished compared to what I initially brought to him, and I’m really grateful that he took the time and effort to help bring the song to life,” said the Sway artist. “You’ll definitely be hearing more of him working on my songs in the future.”

Lyrically speaking, “sirens” is about finding home in a person. As Sandejas puts it, the new song captures the feeling of being reckless and spontaneous in life, knowing that things will be fine as long as you get to spend precious time with the person you call home. 

He explains, “I wanted to keep the lyrics really simple with slight variations between verses to tell the story in a subtle way. As writers, we often try to fit as much as we can into a song, but for this track, I wanted to be as efficient as I could while still telling its story.”

Paolo Sandejas’ “sirens” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Read More

Bigo Live Celebrates Filipino Artists at Inaugural Bigo Voice Music Fest

Bigo Live Celebrates Filipino Artists at Inaugural Bigo Voice Music Fest

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

     The first-ever live music event celebrated Filipino talents and strengthened the community through music

 Bigo Live, the world’s leading global livestreaming platform, announced the winners of the first-ever Bigo Voice Music Fest competition on 28 June in Metro Manila, Philippines. Bigo Voice Music Fest is the platform’s inaugural online and offline music event connecting artists and music-lovers from all across the Philippines, bringing the joy of music closer to the local and global community through live experiences, happening in real-time. 

The three talented rising stars Nikki Enriquez (Bigo id: NikkiEnriquez), Ronnel Abinal (Bigo id: White_Official28) and Lailanie Balmediano (Bigo id: primelovekisses) won 1st Place, 2nd Place and 3rd Place, respectively, and received prizes including trophies and up to 200,000 Bigo Beans (the virtual currency on Bigo Live). During the event, audience members voted IKANG (Bigo id: ikangmo) as the “Most Impactful Icon of the Night.” The awards night was attended by over 200 fans and broadcasters, and featured captivating live performances by the top 14 Bigo hosts who came from all over the Philippines. 

The three artists emerged as winners after a series of online challenges on Bigo Live where over 100 Philippines-based broadcasters battled it out across three categories: Solo, Duo and Family Livehouses. The top 14 finalists, ranked automatically based on the points collected during their livestreams, were invited to perform in Manila. 

Here are broadcasters that performed during Bigo Voice Music Fest:

1. Rency Consigna (id: RencyMusic)
2. Alexa Marnilo (id: AlexaBokalista)
3. Ria (id: riamariyaa)
4. Hayag a.k.a SikatNgAraw (id: sikatngaraw)
5. Arya (id: Im_jimjim)
6. Edsel Santiago (id: santiagoedselll_)
7. Mika Gomez (id: mixxhearts)
8. Hannah Rentuma (id: hanarentuma)
9. Gracie (id: GraCie05)
10. Niezl Valera Gandol "Dimples" (id: Dimples23ASTA836)
11. Eleisha Rosete (id: eleisharosete)
12. Lailanie Balmediano (id: primelovekisses)
13. Jannah Bocatiya (id: jfaye)
14. Nikki Enriquez (id: NikkiEnriquez)

 

Fostering Connections and Community Spirit Through Music

Bigo Voice Music Fest demonstrated the power of live music to forge connections within the local Filipino community. Fans were treated to a unique ‘up-close and personal’ experience where music and community came to life. 

“The power of live performances lies in its ability to foster real-time connections between performers and audiences. We were thrilled to witness Bigo Voice performers amplify their shared passions and electrifying talents on stage. Their infectious energy helped to create a space where people from all walks of life can come together, celebrate creativity, and forge lasting connections. This is truly what we envisioned for the Bigo Live platform – a safe space for artistic expression and forging unforgettable bonds,” said Ian Goh, Director, Bigo Live Philippines.

With the event’s immersive and interactive nature, Bigo Live underlined its commitment to providing a vibrant, safe, and inclusive social livestreaming platform, online and offline. Throughout the event, Bigo Live hosts could connect with other hosts as well as fans, forging stronger bonds with one another through their shared passions, creating memorable moments with the community.

Bigo Live stays committed to fostering an eco-system for content creators who inspire joy and positivity among  users and broadcasters. Bigo Live will continue to advocate for compassionate and connected communities by spearheading creator- and community-centric initiatives. These efforts will uplift our Filipino broadcasters and audiences, allowing them to bond with one another while expressing their authentic selves and talents.

Read More