Monday, June 16, 2025

Celebrating 12 Years of OLED Excellence, LG Showcases “Fragments” by Isaiah Cacnio at the National Museum of Natural History

LG Philippines brought together art, technology, and heritage at the National Museum of Natural History through a special partnership that exemplifies the beauty and diversity of Philippine geography and identity.


“What Breaks, Flows” by Isaiah Cacnio, 12000x6000 px Digital on six (6) 55” LG OLED C5 AI TVs 


“What Breaks, Flows” by Isaiah Cacnio, 12000x6000 px Digital on six (6) 55” LG OLED C5 AI TVs 



The centerpiece of the event was “Fragments”, a solo art exhibition created in collaboration with Isaiah Cacnio, the first digital and motion graphics artist to be featured at the National Museum.


“Stories in Stone” by Isaiah Cacnio,  6480x2160 px Digital on three (3) LG 77” OLED G5 AI TVs


“Where Fire Begins” by Isaiah Cacnio, 6000x6000px Digital on four (4) 65” LG OLED C5 AI TVs


This immersive exhibit harnesses cutting-edge LG OLED display technology to reinterpret the Earth’s story, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary geological and ecological richness of the Philippines. From volcanic beginnings to weathered stone and flowing water, the exhibit captures the powerful natural forces that have shaped both the physical landscape and the spirit of the Filipino people.


Digital and motion graphic artist Isaiah Cacnio during the reveal of the “Fragments” solo art exhibit with the LG OLED AI TVs at the National Museum of Natural History 


Running for an entire month, the exhibit invites visitors to the Ayala Reception Hall on the second floor of the National Museum of Natural History to explore the nation's rich biological history through three captivating digital pieces: “Where Fire Begins,” “Stories in Stone,” and “What Breaks, Flows”, all brought to life by LG OLED AI TVs. These works seamlessly blend art, science, and emotion to reflect the Philippines' geological and cultural evolution. As Cacnio explains, “Even in fracture, there is flow. Even in separation, there is connection.” His work reminds us that, just as nature molds the Earth, shared history and resilience continue to shape our identity as a people.



“Fragments” exhibit brought to life by LG OLED AI TVs at the Ayala Reception Hall of The National Museum of Natural History


Cacnio also reflects on his milestone, saying, “It’s a great honor to be one of the few artists to use LG OLED for art, joining global artists like Refik Anadol, Steve Harrington, and many others.” Through LGOLEDArt.com, LG continues to support digital creators worldwide by offering OLED as a canvas for artistic expression, ushering in a new era of immersive media art. “New media and digital art are growing internationally, and I’m proud to be the first artist from the Philippines to take part in this movement,” he adds.


LG StanbyME


Following the unveiling of these innovative digital art pieces, LG reaffirmed its steady commitment to the preservation and celebration of Filipino culture through a donation of over ₱500,000 worth of display technology, ranging from TVs, including LG StanbyME units, and monitors, to the National Museum of Natural History. With the installation of LG’s latest displays, the museum now offers a more immersive and dynamic way for visitors to engage with its galleries, blending cutting-edge technology with the Philippines’ vibrant culture and natural history. 


(L-R) National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Mr. Jeremy Barns, CESO III & LG Philippines Managing Director Mr. Nakhyun Seong


(L-R) National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Mr. Jeremy Barns, CESO III & LG Philippines Managing Director Mr. Nakhyun Seong


From its initial donation at the museum’s opening in 2018 to recent support for the National Museum of Fine Arts, and now to its latest donation to the National Museum of Natural History, LG hopes to continue enriching communities by blending technology, education, and cultural appreciation. This latest effort reflects LG’s dedication to honoring the past while embracing the future, marking a milestone as the world’s No. 1 OLED TV brand for 12 consecutive years.


 LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong shares his welcome remarks


Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines, emphasized the significance of the celebration and the strong partnership between LG and the National Museum of the Philippines. He reflected on the meaningfulness of marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the National Museum of Natural History, surrounded by the country’s rich biodiversity.


 LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong shares his welcome remarks


Highlighting the creative collaboration, Mr. Seong shared, “That spirit comes alive in our partnership with the very talented and young motion graphics artist, Mr. Isaiah Cacnio, whose art beautifully bridges nature, technology, art, and geology, bringing the natural world to life through digital creativity.”

 

Connecting the donation to LG’s milestone, he stated, “Today, we celebrate 12 years of LG as the world’s No. 1 OLED TV brand, a milestone built on innovation, passion, and trust. As a world-leading Korean brand, LG will continue to help make Filipino lives better—blending global technology with local culture, championing nation-building, and helping preserve the Philippines’ rich natural heritage and biodiversity.”


LG Philippines Product Director for Media Solutions Mr. Yongwoo Park, shares his insight on LG’s Affectionate Intelligence


LG’s Product Director for Media Solutions, Mr. Yongwoo Park, explained the brand’s philosophy behind its Smart Life Solutions, introducing LG’s vision of Affectionate Intelligence—AI that adapts thoughtfully and personally to human needs. “We don’t just build smart TVs. We build experiences that are warm, personal, and intuitive,” he said, noting how LG’s AI-powered OLED TVs transform everyday life into something more effortless and meaningful.


National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Mr. Jeremy Barns, CESO III, expresses appreciation for LG Philippines’ meaningful donation


Director-General Jeremy Barns, CESO III of the National Museum of the Philippines, expressed deep appreciation for LG Philippines’ generous donation. He called the partnership “yet another milestone in a long-standing collaboration that has allowed us to push the boundaries of what a museum can be in the 21st century.”


LG UHD TV at The Ayala Reception Hall of The National Museum of Natural History


Barns emphasized the evolving role of museums in today’s fast-paced technological landscape, stating, “We are increasingly expected to be dynamic, engaging, and responsive, places where knowledge is not only preserved but brought vividly to life, often with the help of multimedia visuals and presentations.” He added that the donation enables the National Museum “to do more and do better in bringing our Filipino heritage, our Filipino stories, to life.”


LG TVs seamlessly integrated into the galleries of the National Museum of Natural History, enhancing the exhibit experience


He also noted that these new technologies will transform the visitor experience across the museum’s network, shifting from static displays to immersive storytelling and from passive learning to active exploration. “At the core of our work here at the National Museum is the desire to connect—to bring people closer to their heritage, to foster understanding, and of course, to inspire curiosity,” Barns said. “When thoughtfully integrated, technology becomes an instrument through which these goals can be achieved more effectively and with greater reach. We are grateful to LG Philippines not only for the material support but for sharing in our belief that innovation must serve education, access, and cultural preservation. Your partnership with us affirms that the museum experience is continually enhanced and enriched by the tools and technologies of our time.” The donation will expand the museum’s ability to deliver public programs that are more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful to a broader audience.


 LG Philippines Product Manager for TV, Ms. Natasha Morano presents the latest lineup of the Next Generation of LG AI TVs


LG Philippines Marketing Communications Manager, Mr. AG Constantino presents the latest lineup of the Next Generation of LG AI TVs


During the program, LG Philippines Product Manager for TV, Natasha Morano, and LG Philippines Marketing Communications Manager, AG Constantino, introduced the innovative features of the new LG OLED AI TVs. Natasha highlighted the AI Magic Remote’s voice-responsive technology, explaining how users are greeted with a personalized welcome message and that the TV recognizes individual voices, eliminating the need to manually switch profiles. AG emphasized customization, noting users can rearrange apps for a fully personalized home screen with tailored content recommendations.


Together, they showcased how LG OLED and QNED TVs deliver more than stunning visuals—“Every frame tells a story, every color sings, and every moment comes alive, bringing the future of entertainment into your home.”


(Back, L–R): TV Host, Robi Domingo; Professional Basketball Player and Team Philippines Gilas Youth Coach, LA Tenorio; LG Philippines Product Manager for TV, Ms. Natasha Morano; Actress and Filmmaker, Bela Padilla; Volleyball Star, Mika Reyes; and LG Philippines Marketing Communications Manager, Mr. AG Constantino

(Front, L–R): National Museum of the Philippines Deputy Director-General for Museums, Mr. Jorell Legaspi; National Museum of the Philippines Director-General, Mr. Jeremy Barns, CESO III; LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong; Digital and Motion Graphics Artist, Isaiah Cacnio; and LG Philippines Product Director for Media Solutions, Mr. Yongwoo Park


(L–R): Professional basketball player and Team Philippines Gilas Youth Coach, LA Tenorio; LG Philippines Product Manager for TV, Ms. Natasha Morano; actress and Filmmaker, Bela Padilla; LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong; LG Philippines Product Director for Media Solutions, Mr. Yongwoo Park; Volleyball Star, Mika Reyes; LG Philippines Marketing Communications Manager, Mr. AG Constantino; and TV Host, Robi Domingo


Robi Domingo with  “What Breaks, Flows” by Isaiah Cacnio on LG 55” OLED C5 AI TVs 


TV host and an avid LG user Robi Domingo revealed how the new LG OLED G5 has enhanced his home experience. “At home, my LG OLED G5 TV has been with me through binge-watching weekends and bonding moments with my wife. The AI Picture Pro is amazing, it makes every frame sharp and bright,” he shared. Powered by AI Super Upscaling, Object Enhancer, and Dynamic Tone Mapping, AI Picture Pro brings out stunning clarity and lifelike detail in every scene, making each viewing experience feel more immersive than ever.


Bela Padilla  with the “Where Fire Begins” by Isaiah Cacnio on LG 65” OLED C5 AI TVs 



Actress and filmmaker Bela Padilla highlighted the LG OLED C5’s immersive display technology, saying, “I play Hogwarts Legacy, Little Big Planet, and God of War, and the graphics let me see every detail and texture with smooth, lag-free gameplay. With Perfect Color technology, you get 100% Color Volume and Color Fidelity.” For gamers like Bela, the LG OLED C5 delivers a serious competitive edge with G-Sync compatibility, 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), ultra-fast 0.1ms Pixel Response Time, AMD FreeSync Premium, and ClearMR 9000 certification—ensuring smooth, blur-free visuals perfect for high-performance gaming.


Mika Reyes with the  “Stories in Stone” by Isaiah Cacnio on LG 77” OLED G5 AI TVs



Volleyball star and content creator Mika Reyes spoke of the convenience of the LG OLED B5’s AI Magic Remote and lauded its ‘Multi View’ feature, which allows simultaneous streaming and multitasking on the big screen. 


LA Tenorio with the LG 100” QNED TV


Professional basketball player and Team Philippines Gilas Youth coach LA Tenorio shared how the LG QNED TV has become an essential tool during his strategic game review sessions. "Watching the replays on the big 100-inch screen, it really helps when I’m reviewing even the smallest movements or gaps in defense. The clarity and motion smoothness make it feel like you’re right there on the court," he shared. "With the 120Hz refresh rate, every fast play, every quick pass is so smooth and clear. It’s perfect for someone like me who needs to study the game closely."


LG Philippines Head of Corporate Marketing, Ms. Mayan Salapantan, highlights the message of “Life’s Good” and optimism.



Closing the program, LG Philippines Head of Corporate Marketing, Ms. Mayan Salapantan, emphasized the significance of the donation and LG’s mission. “By integrating LG OLED TVs, where cutting-edge technology meets timeless artistry, we create immersive experiences that connect people to our nation’s cultural treasures. With LG, you’re connected to a world of vibrant colors, positivity, and optimism.”



Life isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph/tv-soundbars/ and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.

Cashalo Secures US$75M Facility from Community Investment Management to Accelerate Financial Inclusion, Celebrates 5 Million Loans Empowering Filipinos

Cashalo, a leading digital financial services provider in the Philippines, has secured a loan facility of up to US$75 million from global private investment firm Community Investment Management (CIM). The facility will support Cashalo’s rapidly growing business in the Philippines and further its mission to expand access to fair credit to millions of underserved Filipinos.  


A group of men standing in front of a sign

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Cashalo celebrates a major milestone with the signing of a US$75 million loan facility from global investment firm Community Investment Management. The partnership aims to expand access to fair and responsible digital lending for underserved communities in the Philippines, supporting Cashalo’s mission to promote financial inclusion and uplift more Filipino lives. (From L-R): Luke Stidham - President of Paloo Financing; Mac Muir - CFO of Empower; Gabby Ayala - General Manager of Paloo Financing)


“This partnership will enable us to accelerate our mission to expand financial inclusion and social mobility throughout the Philippines,” said Luke Stidham, President of Cashalo.  “With CIM's backing, we have an incredible opportunity to uplift even more Filipino communities by scaling our impact and ensuring more Filipinos are included in the financial system.”


Bernhard Eikenberg, a Partner at CIM for its emerging markets strategy, added: “We’re proud to support Cashalo’s mission in the Philippines. Their data-driven approach, commitment to transparency, and inclusive strategy reflect the future of responsible digital lending.”


The CIM partnership comes as Cashalo marks its first anniversary as part of Empower Finance, a US-based fintech committed to democratizing access to fair credit. In the past year, Cashalo has significantly expanded its digital lending capabilities, improving customer experiences and increasing opportunities for financial inclusion across the country. To date, Cashalo has granted almost 5 million loans to Filipinos.


As part of this new chapter, Cashalo is introducing a refreshed brand identity that reflects its growth, momentum, and enduring mission. The redesigned logo features bold blue typography to convey stability and trust, complemented by golden-yellow sun rays symbolizing the optimism and resilience of the Filipino spirit.


With the new facility in place, Cashalo will continue to invest in its core digital lending business, expand product offerings, and reach deeper into underserved Filipino communities.


“We look forward to continuing our investments in the Philippines to drive financial inclusion,” said Warren Hogarth, Co-Founder and CEO of Empower Finance. “Cashalo is uniquely positioned to lead the way in delivering scalable, data-driven credit solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”


To learn more, visit cashalo.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.



Garmin Launches Next-Gen Smartwatches and Heart Rate Monitor for Performance-Driven Athletes

Garmin has announced three new performance products designed to help athletes reach new personal bests: the Forerunner® 570 and Forerunner® 970 GPS running and triathlon smartwatches, and the HRM 600, a premium heart rate monitor that delivers advanced data and versatility. These next-generation devices work seamlessly together, offering new ways to train, track, and recover with precision—all designed with Garmin’s hallmark durability and athlete-first innovation.


Together, these launches expand the Garmin ecosystem for performance-driven athletes, offering richer data insights, greater workout flexibility, and smarter recovery metrics, whether you're gearing up for a race or fine-tuning their performance in the gym.



Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970: Built to Go the Distance

Featuring Garmin’s brightest AMOLED display yet, the new Forerunner smartwatches deliver brilliant visuals on the run. Athletes can access advanced training tools, health stats and smart features with ease. 


To help athletes achieve their goals, the Forerunner 570 includes advanced running metrics like training status, wrist-based running power and running dynamics, acute load, training effect, performance condition, VO2 max, and more. Every morning, athletes can see their training readiness score based on sleep quality, recovery, and training load so they know whether it’s a good day to go hard or take it easy. 


Runners can also view the daily suggested workout that is made specifically for them and that adapts after every run to take into account their performance and recovery, or use Garmin Coach training plans for running, cycling, and strength to train for their next event. When running outdoors, athletes can execute their race day strategy using PacePro™ – grade-adjusted pacing guidance – and train with confidence knowing that SatIQ™ technology and multi-band GPS will provide superior positioning accuracy while optimizing battery life.


Outside of a run, Forerunner 570 can track key health and wellness stats, including sleep score, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, stress, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and more to help athletes keep an eye on their health. It can also track heart rate variability (HRV) status so athletes can better understand their overall health and how their body is navigating the challenges of life and environment. 


Forerunner 570 is available in two sizes – 42mm and 47mm – and features an aluminum bezel and fun new colorways, like raspberry with a translucent bone/mango band, amp yellow with a translucent whitestone/turquoise band, and indigo with a translucent imperial purple/indigo band. Both sizes are available for PHP 33,490 beginning June 16.


Forerunner 970

Designed for those determined to break their own personal records, Forerunner 970 builds upon Forerunner 570 by adding built-in mapping. Whether running on city streets or riding through densely covered trails, Forerunner 970 includes full-color built-in mapping to help athletes stay on track. Before heading out, create or find existing courses in Garmin Connect and seamlessly sync them to the watch to get turn-by-turn directions. While exploring, enter a distance on the watch and receive suggested routes to stay on track and on time with dynamic round-trip routing. 


Featuring a 47mm case size, Forerunner 970 is available in popular color options like carbon gray DLC titanium with a black/translucent whitestone band, titanium with a whitestone/translucent amp yellow band and soft gold titanium with a french gray/translucent indigo band. Available beginning June 16 for PHP 45,690. 


Order your new Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatch via official Garmin Stores online in Kinetic, Shopee, and Lazada. The watches will also be made available in-store in all Garmin Brand Stores and Garmin Specialty Stores starting June 16.



What’s new in Garmin Connect

With a Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970, athletes receive access to the following features in Garmin Connect, including Garmin Triathlon Coach training plans, custom multisport workouts and past ovulation estimates. Additionally, when athletes add a course to their event in Garmin Connect, they can now enable auto lap by timing gates, suggested finish line and projected race time predictor. 



HRM 600: Garmin’s Next-Gen Heart Rate Monitor

To get the most out of either smartwatch, Garmin introduces its most advanced heart rate monitor yet. 


The Garmin HRM 600 provides accurate heart rate readings, while also tracking heart rate variability (HRV), and sends that information to compatible Garmin smartwatches, cycling computers, and apps – allowing users to see their training data in real time. New features like added running dynamics1, activity recording without a watch and a rechargeable battery can help athletes take their training to the next level, while two new strap sizes can help them find their most ideal fit.


It also includes:

  • Expanded running dynamics: The new step speed loss feature tells runners with the newly released Forerunner 970 how much they slow down when their foot hits the ground. Runners can also improve their form with existing running dynamics like stride length, vertical oscillation and ground contact time balance – all of which are available with select smartwatches, like the new Forerunner 570.

  • Activity recording: From team sports like basketball and soccer, to activities when a smartwatch can’t be worn, record workout data – including heart rate, calories, speed, distance and more – and view it afterwards in the Garmin Connect™ app.

  • Rechargeable battery: Get up to 2 months of battery life with every charge.

  • Functional design: With the press of a button, easily wake and pair the heart rate monitor. Plus, the LED light will indicate when it’s awake, when the battery is running low and more.

  • Connectivity: Transmit real-time heart rate and HRV data to compatible Garmin smartwatches, Edge® cycling computers and fitness equipment – plus apps like Garmin Connect and the Tacx™ Training app.

  • Activity tracking: Track steps, calories burned, heart rate, intensity minutes and more without a smartwatch, then sync to Garmin Connect to update all compatible Garmin devices.

  • Training versatility: The monitor sends pace and distance data from indoor track and treadmill runs to compatible smartwatches2 – along with heart rate data captured during swimming activities. 

  • Comfortable fit: The easily adjustable strap comes in two new sizes (XS-S and M-XL) to fit a range of body types. For added convenience, the module is removable and the strap is machine washable.


Get yours starting June 16th through official Garmin Stores online on Kinetic, Lazada, or Shopee for only PHP 10,290 or in all Garmin Brand Stores and Garmin Specialty Stores. For further information, please visit the official Garmin PH website.

 

1 Requires compatible smartwatch

2 Not all compatible Garmin smartwatches support the HRM 600 heart rate monitor’s advanced running and swimming features


OPPO Pad SE: Easy on the Eyes, Built for the Grind

 With screen time at an all-time high for students, eye strain has become a real issue. That’s why the OPPO Pad SE, with its Immersive Eye-Care Display, is a must-have for multitaskers like student and content creator Bethany Talbot. 




From online classes to shooting contents for her followers, Bethany spends hours on her tablet every day. “Before I got my OPPO Pad SE, I’d constantly feel the burn—dry eyes, blurry vision, even headaches,” she shared. “But now, I don’t feel that same fatigue even after hours of using it. It’s been a game changer.”

The OPPO Pad SE boasts an 11-inch LCD Eye-Care Display that’s TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free certified which filters out harmful blue light and eliminates annoying flickers that strain your eyes over time. “I can go from reviewing slides in the morning to watching lectures or even streaming K-dramas at night and still feel like my eyes can breathe, thanks to my OPPO Pad SE,” Bethany mused. 

And for users who are sensitive to glare from using their gadgets under the sun or in harsh lighting, Bethany recommends leveling up with the Matte Display version of the OPPO Pad SE. 

“This one’s my favorite. It literally looks and feels like paper. I can binge all day and night so even when I’m working outdoors or in bright rooms, I’m not squinting the whole time,” Bethany said. 

Certified by TÜV Rheinland for its Reflection-Free and Paper-Like Display, the Matte version of the OPPO Pad SE provides comfort and productivity. “I didn’t realize how much time I was wasting adjusting screen angles and moving to different spots just to avoid glare. Now I just sit down and go,” she adds.

From students grinding through finals to creatives juggling side hustles and deadlines, the OPPO Pad SE was built with eye health and hustle in mind.


Bethany’s OPPO Pad SE can also be #YourPadToSuccess

With her demanding schedule and content-driven lifestyle, Bethany stands behind the OPPO Pad SE as a device that truly delivers on both performance and comfort.


The OPPO Pad SE is available exclusively on OPPO's official Shopee e-commerce platform starting at Php 9,999. It also comes in two elegant colorways: Twilight Blue and Starlight White. 


Visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph and official Facebook and TikTok pages to learn more about the capabilities of the OPPO Pad SE.