Mynt chief technology and operations officer Pebbles Sy wins Silver Stevie® Award for Women in Business

Mynt chief technology and operations officer Pebbles Sy, receives the Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand Silver Stevie® Award

For her leadership in advancing secure, innovative, and inclusive financial technology, Mynt Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy has been recognized with the Silver Stevie® Award for Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand at the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business. The awards program recognizes the achievements of female executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations demonstrating excellence in leadership, innovation, and impact on the global business landscape.

This recognition highlights Sy’s leadership in steering the finance superapp’s product delivery, digital transformation, technology and operations toward innovation, resilience, and inclusivity, while reinforcing the organization’s role as a leader in fintech both regionally and globally.

“This award reflects the teamwork and shared purpose that drive our mission at GCash Technology & Operations team," said Sy. “Our focus has always been to build technology that is secure, accessible, and empowering for every Filipino. This award is a celebration of the work we do together and the future we are shaping.”

Sy’s achievement also marks a significant moment for the GCash Tech & Ops team, whose work in building secure, scalable, and inclusive technology continues to support millions of Filipinos and advance fintech in the region.

Under her guidance, GCash Tech & Ops has redefined how digital infrastructure is built to be secure, scalable, and AI-powered. The team’s work ensures fintech innovation reaches millions of Filipinos, enabling daily financial empowerment through systems designed to be reliable, accessible, and inclusive.

As GCash continues to expand its reach and strengthen its digital backbone, this recognition serves as a milestone in its mission to champion financial inclusion and resilience. By combining strategic leadership with world-class technology, GCash continues to play a key role in advancing financial access and innovation in the Philippines and across the region.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

 

 

vivo X300 Pro's Photographer Kit: Edge or Extra?

The vivo X300 Pro has earned its reputation as the Telephoto King, powered by the 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, a lens that captures distant scenes with striking clarity and depth. This camera has already proven its strength on the global stage, earning a top score in DxOMark’s telephoto evaluation, positioning the device as a benchmark others now aim to match.

The phone supports 85mm optical zoom, but when paired with the vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender Kit, co-engineered by vivo and ZEISS, its digital zoom reach stretches up to 5400mm, opening new possibilities for photographers who want more creative freedom without carrying traditional camera gear.

Crafted with ZEISS for clarity beyond the horizon

The vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender is based on a Keplerian optical structure composed of 13 high-transmittance lens elements arranged in three groups, including three ultra-low dispersion glass elements that reduce chromatic aberration and refine image accuracy. 

Its large-aperture objective lens enhances light intake, allowing clearer captures even when shooting farther or in challenging conditions.

https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7580965850551684370

“The telephoto extender gives photographers a powerful option to explore detail at scale, while keeping the experience mobile, intuitive, and exciting,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines.

Designed for control, built for endurance

To complement the X300 Pro’s imaging strength, vivo also introduced the vivo PGYTECH Imaging Grip Kit, giving photographers and creators improved ergonomics and camera-style physical controls in one compact accessory.

The kit includes a tailored phone case, neck strap, filter adapter ring, quick-release hooks, and the imaging grip, which doubles as a power bank to support longer shoots without interruptions.

The grip features a physical zoom lever and a control dial to adjust exposure, along with a video recording button, charging button, and a multi-function shutter button that supports half-press to focus, focus and exposure lock, burst shooting, and quick single-press capture. This makes it a practical tool for vloggers capturing travel clips, portrait shooters fine-tuning focus before the shot, and sports creators documenting fast-moving moments at basketball courts, concerts, and celebrations.

“We know creators shoot in movement, emotion, and spontaneity,” Liu Lu shared. “This grip was built for them from steadier handling to longer shoots, smarter control, and more confidence in every capture.”

Edge or extra?

The Photographer Kit accessories were designed with different users in mind, but with one shared purpose: to elevate mobile imaging without complicating the process. 

The telephoto extender is for photographers who want to capture subjects at extreme distances, whether it’s nature, city skylines, architecture, or live events. 

The imaging grip is for creators who want physical control, stability, and longer battery endurance, especially those producing lifestyle, portrait, or sports content where precision and pacing matter.

Both kits are sold separately, allowing users to choose the accessory that best supports their shooting style. The vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender Kit is available for Php 12,999, while the vivo PGYTECH Imaging Grip Kit retails for Php 7,999 in vivo concept stores nationwide. The vivo X300 Pro is also sold separately at Php 79,999, which you can buy online via the vivo e-store and Shopee.

vivo X300 Pro excels in DxOMark Camera Test, scores 171

The vivo X300 Pro has achieved exceptional results in the latest DxOMark Camera Test, earning a global score of 171 and establishing itself as one of the world’s most capable smartphone imaging systems. 

The test also highlights the X300 Pro’s performance edge over vivo’s previous imaging flagship, the vivo X200 Ultra, which scored 169 in the same category, demonstrating vivo’s ongoing commitment to leading mobile photography innovation.

Grabbed from DxOMark's vivo X300 Pro Camera test report

“The vivo X300 Pro is a very solid device for photo enthusiasts, delivering good image quality in most situations,” DxOMark stated in its official camera test report. “Color rendering is often pleasing, combined with accurate exposure and a high level of detail capture, resulting in a natural overall rendering."

“To receive such strong acknowledgment from DxOMark reflects our dedication to elevating smartphone imaging capabilities,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. “We are proud that Filipino users can enjoy this level of performance right in their hands, helping them capture life’s moments with clarity and confidence.”

Strong results across photo, bokeh, zoom, and video

The DxOMark Camera Test evaluates devices across a wide range of imaging parameters, including exposure, color, detail preservation, noise, dynamic range, zoom, and stabilization, both in lab and real-world conditions. The vivo X300 Pro excelled in key areas, producing images with accurate and stable target exposure, a wide dynamic range, and very pleasant skin tone rendering with neutral white balance.

DxOMark’s report notes that the camera system “provides accurate and stable target exposure in most situations, combined with a wide dynamic range that allows the device to handle high-contrast scenes well, both in still images and videos.”

Shot by DxOMark using vivo X300 Pro

The review highlights that the X300 Pro’s imaging system “manages to keep a high level of fine details in all lighting conditions, with nearly no visible noise in photos, even in difficult lighting environments.” This earned the vivo X300 Pro DxOMark’s top score in the lowlight category, proving its strength in clarity and noise control.

In a separate milestone, the vivo X300 Pro also ranked first in DxOMark’s zoom category, driven by the optical reach and resolution of the 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, reinforcing its title as the Telephoto King in smartphone imaging.

Its bokeh performance also earned a top DxOMark score, driven by strong subject segmentation and depth estimation that create a natural, well-layered background blur. The vivo X300 Pro enhances portraits with depth that feels true to the moment, avoiding artificial overprocessing while keeping subjects sharp, clean, and vividly defined.

Video quality that keeps pace

The DxOMark report also evaluated the X300 Pro’s video performance, noting attributes such as stabilization, dynamic range, and color rendering. The camera system delivered efficient video stabilization, smooth exposure transitions, and accurate skin tone rendering under varied lighting conditions, making it a reliable choice for creators, storytellers, and everyday users alike.

Watch DxOMark’s sample video using vivo X300 Pro here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQEXs34WBHk&t=44s 

“Videos are just as important as photos, and we’re thrilled that the X300 Pro delivers versatility in both formats,” Liu Lu added. “This makes the device a strong tool for content creators, vloggers, and anyone who wants to document life in motion with quality and confidence.”

Pushing smartphone imaging forward

The latest DxOMark results place the vivo X300 Pro near the top of the global camera rankings, demonstrating how vivo continues to push the boundaries of computational imaging and optical hardware integration. 

While the test acknowledges areas where future improvements could be made, the overall performance underscores the strength and versatility of the X300 Pro’s camera system.

Discover the vivo X300 Pro and experience world-class mobile imaging performance for yourself. Get yours now for Php 77,999 in vivo concept stores nationwide, or online via the vivo e-store and Shopee.

Finding Ease in Manila’s Daily Traffic with Green GSM Electric Taxis

In Metro Manila, movement is constant, but certainty is rare. Traffic congestion, fluctuating fuel prices, and long working hours shape the daily routines of drivers and passengers alike. In this environment, trust is built quietly. For some, electric taxis are becoming part of that process, not as a dramatic shift but as a practical way to bring more balance to daily work and travel.

Making a Living on Manila’s Roads

Driving for a living in Manila has always involved trade-offs. Income can vary from week to week, operating costs are hard to control, and long hours on busy roads leave little room for planning. For many drivers, these pressures have prompted them to explore electric vehicles as a way to manage expenses and working hours more effectively.

Benedick Ferreras, a Metro Manila driver who had never driven an electric vehicle before, said his decision was shaped by everyday considerations rather than the technology itself. “I save more now because I don’t need to spend on fuel, and maintenance is also lower compared to gas vehicles,” he explained. “It makes planning my monthly expenses more manageable.”

Carlo Monti Galano, a driver working with Green GSM, said he and many of his colleagues share similar experiences. Without the constant worry of rising gasoline prices, managing monthly expenses has become less stressful. “Charging costs are lower, so I have more flexibility for my family and other needs,” he said.

While ride-hailing work is often associated with unpredictable earnings, some Green GSM drivers say their income now feels steadier than before. Rather than sharp swings from one week to the next, earnings have become easier to anticipate, allowing drivers to plan working hours more carefully and reduce excessive overtime.

Beyond finances, clearer working arrangements also matter. For drivers accustomed to informal setups, knowing what to expect at the end of the month provides a sense of stability. Conversations in waiting areas or at charging stations often return to the same themes: fewer surprises, more manageable costs, and work that feels easier to sustain over time.

For many, the appeal of electric taxis lies not in novelty or scale, but in these small, practical improvements. The vehicle becomes a tool for managing daily realities rather than a symbol of change.

A Calmer Experience in Daily Traffic

The demands of Manila’s roads extend beyond finances. Hours spent in stop-and-go traffic take a physical and mental toll, particularly for drivers who spend most of their day behind the wheel.

Raul Dela Cruz, another driver new to electric vehicles, described the difference in simple terms. “It’s smooth and quiet,” he said. “In heavy traffic, that makes driving feel less stressful and easier to manage.”

The absence of engine noise and vibration may seem subtle at first, but over time, drivers say it contributes to a calmer workday. Smoother handling and quieter cabins make it easier to stay focused during long hours on congested streets.

From the passenger’s perspective, these changes are felt in simple ways. Yaj Myel Manzo, a regular commuter in Metro Manila, said rides now feel easier and more comfortable. “The car is quiet, the Green GSM driver is careful, and the overall experience feels calm,” he said. “For me, a good ride is one I don’t have to think about.”

Consistent service standards and built-in safety features help create an environment where both drivers and riders feel more at ease. For many passengers, ease is built through repetition rather than promises.

A trip that starts and ends smoothly, without negotiation or uncertainty, becomes part of the daily routine. Over time, these experiences shape how people perceive reliability on the road.

Electric taxis are not transforming Manila’s transport landscape overnight. Instead, they are gradually becoming part of the city’s daily rhythm, blending into traffic and everyday life. In a place defined by constant movement, progress often shows up quietly.

Between traffic and trust, small shifts matter. More predictable workdays, calmer journeys, and a growing sense of reliability may not draw attention, but for those who live and work on Manila’s roads, they can make a meaningful difference, one trip at a time.

Can It Survive? Gadget Pilipinas’ Gian Viterbo Takes on the HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge N

 

Starting the year with a total bang! Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines unveils its most explosive release yet—the HONOR X9d 5G. Positioned as the toughest mid-range smartphone of the year, the latest addition to the X Series is built to withstand extreme challenges while delivering powerful everyday performance. 

Since the launch of the X9 Series in the Philippines in 2023, HONOR has built a reputation as an innovative technology brand known for putting smartphone durability to the ultimate test. From the debut of the HONOR X9a 5G—famously dropped under five feet and featured in viral smash tests—the ultra-tough HONOR X9b 5G, which endured an intense 50-foot drop, each generation has pushed the boundaries of what mid-range smartphones can withstand. 

This legacy continued with the launch of the HONOR X9c 5G in January 2025, which quickly became the most anticipated device in the X Series, thanks to its Triple-Defense mechanism and headline-making helicopter drop test and Guinness World Records for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.

Now, HONOR raises the bar even higher. To prove the next evolution of toughness, the all-new HONOR X9d 5G was subjected to its most extreme challenge yet—an ultra-intense high-altitude drop test. 

“Year after year, HONOR fans and consumers push us to go beyond expectations, and that inspires everything we do,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The HONOR X9d 5G was designed with Filipino users in mind—combining toughness, innovation, especially value. Our extreme durability tests reflect our confidence in delivering a device that can keep up with real life challenges.” 

And now the ultimate question remains—can the HONOR X9d 5G survive an extreme high-altitude drop from the plane? Let’s find out!

The Ultimate Phone Drop Challenge: Gian Viterbo VS HONOR X9d 5G

To ensure credibility and transparency, HONOR Philippines invited one of its trusted media partners, Gadget Pilipinas’ Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo, to take part in the ultimate phone drop challenge, releasing the device from an ultralight plane with a speed of 60 kms/hr.

“I said YES to the ultimate phone drop test challenge as a consumer, because I was genuinely curious about the result. I knew the risks and factors at hand, and I really wanted to know if the HONOR X9d would really survive,” expressed by Gian Viterbo, EIC of Gadget Pilipinas. 

Viterbo even said that experience was ultra exhilarating. It was not just a history for him but also for the tech industry to have a phone dropped from a plane to test its durability. And when asked about the result of the durability test, “I expected its screen and body to be rendered useless, I was honestly more interested in whether I would still be able to recover my files. With this expectation, I was surprised that durability meant two things for HONOR X9d – it is durable enough to withstand the hardest conditions, and if it ever gets scratched or damaged, it is durable enough to keep my files intact. And that is the true durability,” added by Gian Viterbo.  

Here is the full video to witness and see the ultimate durability phone drop test: https://bit.ly/HONORX9d5G_PlaneChallenge  

Watch the Launch and Win HONOR X9d 5G

Interested to know more about the toughest phone, HONOR X9d 5G? Don’t dare to miss the big news, revelations, and updates. Catch its grand launch, live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/17fq2PZZUZ/ on January 9, Friday, 6 PM, and have the chance to win the latest HONOR X9d 5G.  

And is really HONOR giving away a Tesla Cybertruck? The answer will be coming your way very soon.

Join the conversation and find out. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

NYE at the 5th seen up-close with vivo X300 Series

 

New Year’s Eve has a way of pulling people together. On December 31, thousands gathered at NYE at the 5th in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), waiting for the final seconds of the year 2025 with phones in hand, eyes on the stage, and hearts set on new beginnings.

In a crowd that large, not every moment happens within arm’s reach. The performers are on elevated stages, the fireworks burst far above the skyline, and the countdown clock feels just out of view. But that night, the vivo X300 Series changed how the celebration was seen.

vivo X300 Series brought it all closer

As live performances filled the air, the vivo X300’s 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera captured artists like KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde mid-song, G22 dancers in motion, and every movement of Apl de Ap that usually disappears into the lights from afar. 

Close-up shots revealed details often missed in a packed crowd, the intensity on a singer’s face, and the movement of hands during Dionela's guitar solo. It felt less like standing at the back and more like being right on stage with them.

Zooming in on the lead

The night was more than performances; it was about the shared experience. With a simple zoom, the vivo X300 Series captured candid performances of Parokya ni Edgar live on stage. 

Two photos highlight the difference the Telephoto King makes: one from afar showing the full band on stage, and a second zoomed-in shot of Chito Miranda, revealing expression and stage presence otherwise lost in the distance.

When midnight arrived, fireworks lit up the BGC skyline, signaling the start of a new year. From sweeping views of the crowd to tight frames of bursts in the night sky, the vivo X300 Series captured it all, proving that even distant moments can be seen up close.

New Year’s Eve is about looking ahead, but it’s also about remembering how it felt when the year turned. At NYE at the 5th 2025, the vivo X300 Series made it possible to hold on to every moment, near or far, exactly as it happened.

Starting at Php 67,999, the vivo X300 Series is available in vivo concept stores nationwide and online via the vivo e-store and Shopee. Capture your 2026 closer with vivo X300 Series!

Defining NextGen Banking: UnionBank’s Award haul at the 2025 Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards

UnionBank reaffirmed its leadership in digital and retail banking by winning multiple honors at the 2025 Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards, led by the top recognition as Best Domestic Retail Bank – Philippines. The award highlights UnionBank’s customer-first approach and strong digital strategy along with the other major awards that were bestowed upon the Bank at The Digital Banker’s prestigious annual recognition program.

Other major wins for UnionBank included:

Best New Product Launch for the Apple 0% installment program

Consumer Finance Product of the Year for Samsung Finance+

Co-Branded Credit Card of the Year for the S&R Credit Card

Best Global Banking Offering for HNW Clients for the Qualified Buyers Program

Best Digital Account Opening Solution (Credit Cards)

Outstanding Client Onboarding (Credit Cards)

“We are honored to be considered the Best Domestic Retail Bank in the country. It is a recognition of the trust our customers place in us, and our commitment to deliver world-class banking that’s simple, inclusive, and future-ready,” said Manoj Varma, Consumer Business Head.

The Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards, organized by The Digital Banker, celebrate institutions that are transforming the banking experience through innovation, customer-centricity, and long-term value creation. 

UnionBank’s multiple wins this year reflect how the bank is bringing NextGen banking to life for its customers. From pioneering digital solutions to delivering seamless, personalized experiences, UnionBank continues to set the standard for what the future of banking looks like in the Philippines. These recognitions affirm its role as a trailblazer, showing customers that the future of banking is already here.

For more information on UnionBank’s award-winning products and services, visit the UnionBank website at www.unionbankph.com, or follow on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Youtube. Union Bank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 Million per depositor.