Wednesday, February 11, 2026

TECNO Partners Exclusively with Laptop Factory to Launch MEGABOOK K Series Dual Models in the Philippines

 TECNO Philippines officially announced on Feb 07 the establishment of an exclusive channel partnership with Laptop Factory, a fast-growing local laptop distributor in the Philippines. On the same day, TECNO launched two key laptop models of its MEGABOOK K Series — MEGABOOK K16s 13th and MEGABOOK K15s — which will be exclusively available at all offline stores of Laptop Factory starting from February 7, bringing new productivity solutions to Filipino professionals, students and digital consumers.

Dual Model Highlights: Balancing Professional Needs and Daily Use

As an upgraded benchmark in TECNO’s laptop lineup, the MEGABOOK K16s 13th focuses on "MEGA SPEED, MEGA POWER", equipped with the 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13420H processor, paired with up to 32GB DDR4 memory and 1TB SSD, which can easily handle high-intensity scenarios such as multitasking office work, graphic design and data analysis. Its 16-inch 16:10 Full HD display covers 100% sRGB color gamut, combined with 2.5W four speakers, creating an immersive audio-visual experience. Weighing only 1.5kg, it has a built-in 70Wh large battery with a battery life of up to 12 hours, and also supports TECNO PC Manager cross-device collaboration and Microsoft Copilot AI key to further improve work efficiency.

Focusing on daily office and study needs, the MEGABOOK K15s takes cost-effectiveness as its core advantage: its slim and light body is easy to carry for commuting, and its stable basic configuration (suitable for daily software operation) and long battery life accurately match the usage scenarios of student groups and new professionals, making it the preferred choice for "entry-level high-performance" laptops.


Exclusive Sales Policy: Buy a TECNO Laptop, Get a Free Phone in Laptop Factory

To celebrate the launch of the partnership, TECNO and Laptop Factory have launched a limited-time heavyweight benefit, with the activity period from February 7 to February 15:

  • Purchase the MEGABOOK K15s (official price: ₱44,999) and enjoy the "buy one get one free" offer to receive a TECNO POVA 7 8GB RAM+256GB ROM;

  • Purchase the MEGABOOK K16s 13th (official price: ₱46,999) and also enjoy the "buy one get one free" offer, with the gift upgraded to a TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5G 8GB RAM+256GB ROM.

It should be noted that on February 7 and 8, the first two days of the activity, this "buy one get one free" policy will only be effective at Laptop Factory’s QC Main Branch; starting from February 9, the benefit will fully cover all offline Laptop Factory stores nationwide. The number of free gifts is limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis until February 15.

Cooperation Significance: Complementary Resources to Jointly Expand the Philippine Laptop Market

Laptop Factory, the core partner of this cooperation, is a "growth benchmark" in the Philippine laptop retail industry — with a rich product line of global brands, stable inventory supply capacity, and a deep understanding of local user needs. It is recognized by leading global laptop brands as one of the fastest-growing distributors in the Philippines, and is well-known for providing highly competitive pricing and value-driven deals to customers across the country. 



Through this exclusive partnership, TECNO will rely on Laptop Factory’s mature local offline channel network and user resources to quickly penetrate the Philippine laptop market and enhance the brand’s market influence; while Laptop Factory will enrich its product matrix with TECNO’s high-quality laptop products, further strengthening its competitive advantage in the local retail market. The two parties will leverage their respective strengths to complement each other’s resources, jointly meet the diverse productivity needs of Filipino consumers, and achieve win-win development in the booming Philippine digital product market.


The Worth-It Way to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Macau

When you think of traveling to Hong Kong, it’s easy to see why Macau is often visited too—they’re just so close! With its endless shopping spots, iconic attractions, and mouthwatering delicacies, these places have become popular holiday destinations for many Filipinos - especially during Chinese New Year. 

Sneaker Street Hero


Trips to these cities can feel pricey, especially if you’re traveling with family. But it doesn’t always have to be that way! There are plenty of cool spots and tasty eats in both cities where you can score great value without sacrificing the experience. 

With your GCash Visa Card and e-wallet, every swipe, scan, or tap helps your money go further—thanks to lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change.

And if you want great value, you can get that for sure when you use the ultimate shopping hack from GCash. All you need is your GCash Visa Card  and e-wallet so you can Swipe-Scan-Tap. When you do, you can stretch every peso, thanks to lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change. 


If you’re heading to Hong Kong and Macau for the Lunar New Year, check out these stops that are perfect for families and guaranteed to give a worth it experience. 


Macau Tower Selfie


Shop sulit and smart hauls at wholesale stores and markets

Hong Kong is admittedly a shopping haven - but if you want to shop smart, you need to know where to go. Lung Fung Mall offers beauty, skincare, and health products at friendlier prices than malls. You can find fragrances, skincare, and other beauty products at reduced prices at their many locations across Hong Kong.


Meanwhile, if you’re finally ready to buy that brand new item you’ve been saving up for, like new running shoes, a bag, or workout gear, Citygate Outlets is your best option. They carry many brands, such as Lululemon, Evisu, Marimekko, and many more. 


For seasoned travellers who frequent Hong Kong, going to Mong Kok to buy clothes, snacks, and a wide variety of anik-anik is also a no-brainer. If you’ve ever heard of Sneaker Street and Ladies Market, you can find things for you and for your pasalubong back home. The best part is that you can still haggle the prices in certain stores, making shopping in the area even more budget-friendly—so get your tawad skills ready!


And when carrying multiple bags after your pasalubong spree becomes a hassle, you can tap your way to easy, convenient payments with GCash Tap to Pay. Available for all NFC-enabled Android smartphones, it lets you pay with just one tap—making it much easier to get around the often-crowded streets.

Lung Fung Mall


 

Lung Fung Area



Marvin and Anik Aniks.jpg


Discover hidden gems and family fun in Macau

Macau isn’t just about its famous landmarks and beautiful architecture – though it is worth going just to see them for yourself. But there are also many fun experiences that the family can enjoy, and it’s all just a convenient ferry ticket away! These boat trips take about an hour from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, and you can secure your tickets by paying with GCash Scan to Pay for a hassle-free experience. Simply generate your QR code and select Pay Abroad with GCash, and look for merchants with a QR code bearing the A+ logo to scan. 


If you’re looking for local delicacies, head over to Taipa Village, where you can stock up on crowd favorites like beef jerky and almond cookies. These treats are delicious, affordable, and loved by locals! 


You can also book tickets to teamLab SuperNature Macau, an incredible interactive art space with 8-meter-tall, colorful exhibitions that kids and adults will enjoy. 



TeamLab Macau


Here’s a secret hack when paying with GCash abroad: some merchants also offer special promos and discounts up to PHP 1,500 off, just tap Travel and go into Travel Treats to browse what’s available.


Eat without the splurge at Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose and Cheung Hing Kee

One of the best parts of traveling to Hong Kong and Macao is the food. You can’t leave Hong Kong without trying their roast goose, and a great spot to try is Yung's Tangerine Peel Roast Goose. Yung’s is rich and flavorful, and best of all, budget friendly.

Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose                      Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose

When you hear that a restaurant has been recognized by Michelin, would you believe that you don’t have to pay a fortune for high-quality food? Because that’s what you can expect from MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-fried Buns at Lock Road. Other than their pan-fried buns, their scallion noodles and wontons are a must-try—perfect bites to snack on when you want to refuel while exploring the city. 



Scan, Swipe, and Tap for a sulit and enjoyable trip

SCAN TO PAY


Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean limiting yourself. When you pay with GCash abroad, you get real-time control over your spending, low forex rates updated instantly in-app, and fast, convenient transactions throughout your trip — all while enjoying to the fullest. Remember to scan, swipe, and tap for an experience you’ll definitely say is worth it! Download the GCash app today to get started. 


Google Empowers Pinoys with New AI Tools and Tips for a Safer Digital Life

As the internet becomes more indispensable as to how Filipinos learn, work, and connect, Google Philippines is celebrating Safer Internet Day by highlighting how AI can be a powerful ally for online safety. Under the theme "sA Internet, Ingat!", Google is highlighting a suite of advanced tools designed to make online safety seamless and intuitive, ensuring that every Pinoy—from students to seniors—can navigate the AI era with confidence and peace of mind.


During the 2026 Safer Internet Day event, Google PH Head of Communications and Public Affairs Mervin Wenke discusses the AI tools and tips to help PInoy netizens navigate the internet safety including the new capabilities of Circle to Search and Google Lens to fight scams.


1. AI Tools to Outsmart Misinformation

Distinguishing human-led content from AI-generated media is now a critical life skill. Google recommends the “SIFT” method—Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims—to evaluate online information. To support this, Google offers:

  • About this Image: A Search tool that provides context on where an image originated.

  • SynthID: Technology that embeds digital watermarks into AI-generated content to help identify deepfakes and manipulated media.


Prep Palacios, Country Manager for Google Philippines, emphasized the importance of online safety tips and tools, especially in the age of AI.


2. Fighting Scams in Real-Time

Scammers are increasingly using SMS and social media to lure victims. Google has supercharged Google Lens and Circle to Search to spot scam messages. If you receive a suspicious link or message, simply take a screenshot of the SMS and use Google Lens to scan it or long-press the home button of your Android device and circle the text. Google AI analyzes the content in real-time to alert you if it is a likely scam.


3. Ironclad Protection for Lost or Stolen Devices

Digital safety is compromised if a device is physically stolen. Google has upgraded security features for Android users to ensure your data remains yours alone:

  • Theft Detection Lock: Uses on-device AI to sense motion and context that may indicate a "snatch-and-run" theft. If a theft attempt is detected, it will quickly lock the device screen to help protect your data.

  • Biometric Identity Check: Adds a layer of security for sensitive settings.

  • Failed Authentication Lock: Automatically secures the device after multiple incorrect login attempts.


Standing from left to right to mark Safer Internet Day are Putri Alam, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy for Google Southeast Asia; Usec. Aboy Paraiso of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center; and Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Google Philippines. 


Wenke also discussed the 2025 search trends in the Philippines involving online safety and cybersecurity. A positive development was the rise in the search for media literacy among Filipinos.


4. Building Healthy Digital Habits for Kids and Families

Safety begins at home. Google equips parents with the tools that can help their children navigate the web responsibly:

  • Family Link: Set screen time limits, approve app downloads, and apply content filters.

  • Be Internet Awesome programme provides resources for educators and families to empower young people to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave in the online world. 

  • YouTube Shorts Timer: Allows parents to set specific time limits for short-form video consumption—even setting it to zero during homework time, an industry-first parental control. 


5. Fostering Critical Thinking with Gemini

As AI becomes a staple in education, Google is shifting the focus from "quick answers" to "deep understanding." Through Guided Learning in Gemini, students are encouraged to solve problems step-by-step. This approach prioritizes logic and critical thinking, ensuring AI serves as a tutor rather than a shortcut.


For more information and resources this #SaferInternetDay, explore our safety tools at https://safety.google/intl/en_in/settings/parental-controls



Understanding Your Financial Love Language

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the pressure to find the “perfect” gift is officially on. Whether you’re treating yourself or a loved one, the quest for that meaningful gesture can feel like a needle in a haystack. However, the best gifts aren’t always found in boxes or a day of extravagance.  Real connection still grows from having shared values and working toward the same vision. 


Partners in life, partners in progress. There’s no better investment than the one you make in each other.  With Tala as your financial partner, you can navigate your journey in growing your dreams and turn your shared visions into reality.

By mastering your and your partner’s money love languages, you can navigate financial complexities with ease, become financially aligned, and transform money from a source of conflict into a tool for building your dream life. Here’s how you can do it:

Receiving Gifts
In the world of finance, gift-giving can be reframed from temporary buys to giving presents that grow in value. Rather than buying items that depreciate, consider alternatives that could be seeds for financial security such as investment opportunities, a savings account for a bucket list experience, or taking them for a course or certification that increases both your earning potential.

Doing so can be great in building wealth and creating memories simultaneously. It also shows that you are as actively invested in long-term stability instead of immediate gratification.

Acts of Service
Just like how taking initiative has always been a romantic gesture, stepping up in the context of financial management can also be seen as a powerful expression of care. By dividing responsibilities based on each other’s strengths or handling tasks that your partner may find draining such as paying the bills and going on errands, you transform “financial labor” into a thoughtful gift of peace of mind.

This will lighten your partner’s mental load by treating financial management as less of a chore and more of a partnership to keep the household running smoothly. 

Words of Affirmation
Words of affirmation move beyond just simple and generic compliments. In the financial lens, this could take the form of encouraging positive habits through celebrating wins that may go unnoticed such as sticking to a budget, saving, or investing. 

This approach makes transparency feel rewarding instead of being an interrogation. And by constantly validating your progress, this builds both of your confidence in making financial decisions and transforming your relationship with money from one of anxiety to one of empowerment.

Physical Touch
In money love language, this translates into financial tangibility or having a physical proof of a shared life. For example, having joint accounts as a couple, co-signing on a lease for a home, or setting up your own business.
These concrete assets serve as a physical reminder of trust that shifts the connection from "yours and mine" to a visible and legal "ours.” It also provides a sense of safety and peace of mind knowing your lives are not just romantically-intertwined but is also bound by mutual commitment to something more permanent. 

Quality Time
More than just spending the day together, quality time can also mean investing and dedicating undivided attention to plan for your future. For instance, setting a day out of every month– over food or drinks–to discuss your finances removes the ambush in money talks and turns it into a meaningful ritual where you dream and reflect on the importance of having a clear financial goal. 

In turning your dreams of a better life into reality, one can find a reliable financial partner in Tala. Tala provides flexible, online credit, accessible just by using 1 valid ID and an Android phone. Its fast and hassle-free approval of loans also helps Filipinos take on financial decisions, allowing them to have total control over loan amounts and repayment dates within a 15–61 day window.

Simultaneously, Tala is also digitizing its award-winning TALAkayan program to extend its reach. You can stream the latest episodes every Saturday and share the experience together with your partner. This initiative simplifies personal finance for the everyday Filipino, offering practical workshops on budgeting, saving, and scam prevention, empowering customers to achieve financial agency. 
 
Visit Tala’s social media platforms, tala.ph, or get the official Tala app to know more.  

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

How the OPPO A6 Pro Helps Barbie Forteza Navigate Her Busy, Non-stop Life




Whether she’s filming a primetime series, heading to a movie premiere, or going to an event, Barbie Forteza keeps audiences captivated with her talent, wit, and versatility. From her standout start as a young actor to her award-winning performances, Barbie has built a career defined by talent and hustle,  serving as an inspiration to many young Filipinos. 

Behind her every long day and night, there’s a reliable pocket companion that keeps her going—her OPPO A6 Pro. That steady reliability fits into any routine: work, study, or even a night out with friends.


Smart and tough for her daily demands


Showbiz schedules are anything but predictable, and Barbie needs a phone that can keep pace from call time to curtain call. The OPPO A6 Pro is built smart and tough for her hectic days.

Behind the scenes, its AI Smart Office feature becomes her quiet productivity partner. Long scripts are quickly summarized before rehearsals, interview questions translated on the fly, and notes analyzed in seconds—making it easier to stay prepared even with limited downtime. 

When glam time hits, AI Editor helps her polish quick takes and BTS shots she can share between scenes, while AI Studio provides fresh suggestions for her wardrobe by providing generated portraits in various styles.



Whether she’s rushing between tapings or squeezing in interviews between scenes, the OPPO A6 Pro takes sudden weather shifts in stride. Its IP69 protection shrugs off splashes and damp hands as she reviews scripts or checks schedules on the move, while military-grade shock resistance adds resilience against bumps and slips of a packed day on set.





Long Lasting Power for Long Days

When the workday starts before sunrise and wraps long after sunset, battery life is a non-negotiable for Barbie. The A6 Pro answers her need with a 7,000mAh Ultra-Large Battery (6,500mAh for 5G variant) built to last the day even with heavy usage. Battery Care features support long-term reliability, matching the consistency Barbie brings to set.

When it’s time to plug in, its 80W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge juices up the battery quickly, ready for another round of all-day use.

Barbie’s choice for her hustle: the OPPO A6 Pro

On set, at work, or out in the city, it’s her OA sa Galing, OA sa Tibay, OA sa Swabe companion—prepared, unbothered, and ready for what’s next. Built smart and tough for her daily demands, the OPPO A6 Pro is clearly Barbie’s partner to power through her hustle. Get it now at OPPO stores nationwide or online via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the official OPPO online store.


OPPO A6 Pro Pricing

  • OPPO A6 Pro 4G (Coral Pink and Lunar Titanium)

    • 8GB + 256GB - PHP 15,999

  • OPPO A6 Pro 5G (Coral Pink and Stellar Blue)

    • 6GB + 128GB - PHP 13,999

    • 8GB + 256GB - PHP 18,999


Online Exclusive perks on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok

  • PHP 500 off OPPO voucher

  • 3 months 0% interest installment via SPayLater

  • Up to 0% interest installment via LazPayLater

  • Up to 12 months installment via TikTok PayLater


OPPO Online Store Benefits

The OPPO online store is offering exciting benefits when you purchase the OPPO A6 Pro, with redeemable vouchers using OPPOints via the My OPPO App until February 28, 2026.

  • PHP 300 voucher – 500 OPPOints

  • PHP 500 voucher – 1,000 OPPOints

  • PHP 700 voucher – 2,000 OPPOints

  • Free Shipping

  • Comes with OPPO Enco Buds3 + 1-Year Extended Warranty


Postpaid Plans 

  • Globe GPlan1499 with ZERO Cashout - OPPO A6 Pro 5G (8GB + 256GB)

  • Smart Signature Plan+999 - OPPO A6 Pro 5G (6GB + 128GB)


Flexible Payment Options

  • Home Credit - Pay in 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 months at 0% interest + PHP 500 discount from November 1 to 30 (only for OPPO A6 Pro 4G and OPPO A6 Pro 5G 8GB + 256GB)

  • Credit Cards - 0% interest for 6 or 12 months on select banks


Know more about the OPPO A6 Pro by visiting OPPO Philippines’ official website.