vivo X Series earns major PH tech awards

 

vivo X Series continues to raise the bar in smartphone innovation, earning top awards from the Philippines’ respected tech media. 

The flagship vivo X300 Pro and X200 FE were recognized for excellence in camera technology, performance, and design at the YugaTech Editor’s Choice Awards 2026 and The 2025 Boxies by Unbox PH.

 

X300 Pro: Smartphone of the Year & Best Smartphone Camera

The vivo X300 Pro emerged as one of the biggest winners at the YugaTech Choice Awards 2026, receiving two Editor’s Choice distinctions: Smartphone of the Year and Best Smartphone Camera.

These recognitions highlight the vivo X300 Pro’s ability to excel not only as an imaging powerhouse but also as a well-rounded flagship designed for daily use, creativity, and performance.

 

The Smartphone of the Year award reflects the X300 Pro’s ability to deliver a complete premium experience, with a 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, and a 6510mAh BlueVolt battery with 90W FlashCharge + 40W wireless charging for all-day reliability.

  Powering its Best Smartphone Camera win is the X300 Pro’s advanced imaging system, with a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera. This setup delivers exceptional clarity, accurate color reproduction, and refined detail across a wide range of shooting scenarios, from long-range zoom to low-light photography.

 

This marks a defining moment for vivo X Series, setting the stage for another award-winning device that continues the brand’s momentum in the flagship segment.

X200 FE: Best Compact Flagship Phone

Continuing the X Series’ winning momentum, the vivo X200 FE earned the Best Compact Flagship award at The 2025 Boxies by Unbox PH, recognizing a device that proves smaller smartphones can still deliver flagship-level performance.

Mary Bautista awarded the plaque to vivo PH at The 2025 Boxies by UNBOX PH

Designed for users who prefer a smaller smartphone without compromise, the vivo X200 FE combines a 6.31-inch flat display with a slim, ergonomic build for comfortable one-handed use.

Despite its compact size, the vivo X200 FE delivers flagship-level performance with a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery for all-day endurance. 

 

Unbox PH highlighted this balance of size and performance, stating, “The vivo X200 FE is celebrated for packing flagship-level internals, including a high-end camera system and a powerful chipset into a smaller, more ergonomic form factor. It caters to users who want top-tier performance and premium build quality without the bulk of traditional oversized flagship devices.”

 

These awards reflect not only industry recognition but also the trust of everyday users. From redefining smartphone photography to reimagining what compact flagships can achieve, vivo X Series continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile technology.

The award-winning vivo X300 Pro and vivo X200 FE are currently available through vivo concept stores or online via the vivo e-store, Lazada, and Shopee.

Experience the award-winning X Series and see why it continues to set the standard for smartphone innovation.

Upcoming vivo V70 brings VIP concert shots

Capturing live concerts has long challenged smartphone cameras due to harsh spotlights, extreme contrasts, and long shooting distances. The upcoming vivo V70 aims to change that narrative with its upgraded AI Stage Mode, purpose-built to transform festival and concert photography.

Set for official launch on February 28, 2026 at 5 PM via the vivo Philippines Facebook page, the vivo V70 introduces enhanced AI imaging technologies that promise clearer, sharper, and more stable stage captures.

Upgraded AI Stage Mode for challenging lighting

Concert environments present complex shooting conditions. Rapid lighting shifts, intense spotlights, and moving subjects often result in overexposed faces, digital noise, and blurred zoom shots. The vivo V70’s upgraded AI Stage Mode addresses these issues through intelligent scene recognition and advanced image processing.

Designed specifically for stage settings, AI Stage Mode balances strong lighting while stabilizing up to 20× zoom, enabling users to capture detailed photos and videos even from the back rows. At 10× zoom and beyond, facial details remain defined and natural, minimizing blown highlights and suppressing noise.

 

Shot on vivo V70 using AI Stage Mode at 10x (left) and 20x (right)

The feature works in tandem with the device’s 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, supported by vivo’s AI Image Enhancement Algorithm for sharper detail rendering. AI Style Portrait Technology further improves facial clarity, ensuring performers remain the focal point despite complex lighting conditions.

4K 60fps video arrives in the V Series

For the first time in the V Series, the vivo V70 introduces 4K 60fps video recording. The 4K resolution delivers high-definition clarity, while 60 frames per second ensures fluid, lifelike motion capture.

Whether documenting live performances, choreography, or large-scale festival productions, 4K 60fps enhances realism and smoothness, allowing users to recreate the atmosphere of the event with cinematic precision.

Complementing its video capabilities is the new AI Audio Noise Eraser. This feature detects and isolates different sound types, enabling users to selectively remove unwanted background noise during post-editing for cleaner, more focused recordings.

Bringing fans closer to the stage

With its upgraded AI Stage Mode, powerful 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, and 4K 60fps video capability, the vivo V70 positions itself as a performance-ready device for concertgoers and content creators alike. By combining optical hardware and AI-driven enhancements, the smartphone enables users to capture immersive, stage-ready content.

See attached video for reference:

https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7607390715936525589 

More details about the vivo V70 will be revealed during its official online launch on February 28, 2026 at 5 PM streamed live on vivo Philippines Facebook page.

For fans who want their memories to look as electric as the night itself, the vivo V70 signals a new chapter in smartphone concert photography. 

Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the official vivo website for the latest news, product information, and launch highlights.

                                                            

 

Safer Internet Day 2026: Groups warn of escalating AI-driven online abuse targeting Filipino children

 

Girl and child rights organizations Plan International Pilipinas and Consuelo Foundation warned of escalating artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled online abuse targeting children, as they convene lawmakers, tech companies, youth leaders, and civil society groups at a Safer Internet Day Celebration on February 24, 2026. 

The groups flagged the rapid proliferation of AI tools capable of generating hyper-realistic images, videos, and voice recordings, which are increasingly being weaponized to exploit, harass, and extort children online. These include AI-generated sexual images, “deepfake” content, impersonation scams, and grooming tactics that are more difficult for parents and authorities to detect.

“We are facing a reality where algorithms move faster than our laws, leaving children vulnerable to abuse before we even know the risks exist,” said Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas.

Studies show that one in two children has experienced some form of online violence, and seven out of ten girls report experiencing online abuse, with perpetrators misusing digital platforms to produce, distribute, and profit from abusive content. With AI tools now lowering the technical barriers to creating manipulated sexual images and videos, advocates warn that children—particularly girls—face heightened risks of image-based abuse, cyberbullying, impersonation, and online blackmail.

The National Coordinating Center Against OSAEC-CSAEM said the number of reported incidents remains significantly lower than what is happening on the ground, suggesting that many cases of online abuse still go unreported.

“We cannot allow innovation to outpace the safeguards that have protected children for generations. Through the Safer Internet Day Celebration, we are calling for a collective shift—one that strengthens collaboration among government, tech companies, communities, and families. Digital safety is a shared responsibility. It calls for ‘Smart Tech’ that prioritizes child protection and ‘Smart Choices’ from all of us to create safer online spaces for them,” Sanchez-Ogang added.

The Safer Internet Day Celebration, titled “Beyond the Feed: Safeguarding Girls, Children, and Young People in AI-Driven Digital Spaces,” will move the conversation beyond awareness toward practical solutions. Sessions will examine how emerging technologies can be harnessed to strengthen child protection by improving reporting systems, enhancing built-in safeguards, and equipping families and communities with the tools to respond to online risks. 

The event will also spotlight the voices of young people as active partners in shaping safer digital spaces. Girl leaders and youth advocates will share their insights and recommendations, underscoring the need for sustained, coordinated action to uphold children’s rights in an AI-driven online environment.

The celebration forms part of Plan International Pilipinas’ #StandWithGirls campaign, a national movement dedicated to advancing long-term investment in girls’ rights, safety, and leadership. Through this platform, the organization reinforces the message that protecting children online is inseparable from advancing gender equality and preventing violence against girls. 

Founded in 1961, Plan International Pilipinas will mark 65 years of working with children and girls across every stage of their lives in the Philippines in June. The celebration will also highlight ongoing initiatives such as SAFE Online, SUFASEC, and Connect2Protect — projects dedicated to strengthening online safety. 

“As Safer Internet Day draws attention to the risks children face online, Plan International Pilipinas is urging all stakeholders to take meaningful, long-term action that prioritizes children’s safety in digital spaces. Standing with girls means standing firmly against online abuse, through policy, through practice, and in every corner of the internet where children learn, play, and connect,” Sanchez-Ogang added.

Echoing this call for protection, Dr. Mariella Castillo, the Managing Director of Consuelo Foundation, stated, “What happens on our screens has real-world consequences for our children. ‘Beyond the Feed’ is not just a theme; it is a call to look past the algorithms and see the human cost of unchecked technology. Consuelo Foundation is proud to stand with Plan International Pilipinas to ensure that digital spaces are built to nurture young people, not exploit them.”

To sustain these collective efforts, the organizations are opening doors for collaboration. Interested partners may reach out via partnerships.ph@plan-international.org. Plan International Pilipinas will also be launching a donation portal by the last week of February.

GCash MRT-3 Payment: Skip Top-Up Hassles and Ride Cashless in the Philippines

 Days move fast. For daily commuters, they are a constant juggle—beating the rush, staying on schedule, and making sure you get from home to work as quickly as possible.

Which is why nothing spikes commuter stress like realizing you’re low on balance—right when you’re already in line, already late, and already surrounded by equally rushed strangers. 

Suddenly, it’s a scramble: searching for a top-up station, queuing behind others, or dealing with reloading machines that seem to break only during peak hours or even the ticket booths where card top-up lines merge with single-journey ticket purchases. In the middle of rush hour, these small hiccups turn into full-blown setbacks, proving that top-up problems don’t just delay your commute—they derail your entire day.

One Less Thing to Worry About—Thanks to GCash 

Somewhere between the morning rush and the daily routine, you discover GCash—and finally, no more second-guessing your balance while the line grows longer behind you, checking your balance in a stored value card reader, or lining up again to reload at the ticket booth or machine. 

With GCash, your phone or GCash Visa Card is your train ticket!

And even on days when you do need to cash in, it’s easy–You can CASH IN FOR FREE at GCash cash in machines, available across all MRT-3 stations, or transfer funds online from your bank accounts. Topping up can fit seamlessly into your commute instead of disrupting it. With FREE WI-FI AT THE MRT also available, you can complete transactions on the spot—no data, no detours, just a smoother commute from start to finish.

With GCash, you can ride the MRT-3 in hassle-free ways: 

Tap to Pay using your phone

Using an NFC-enabled Android phone? Great news! Your device is now your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, GCash Tap to Pay is a quick, one-time activation:

1. Simply tap Settings on your mobile phone.

2. Turn on the NFC feature.

3. Login to your GCash app.

4. Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Once activated, paying for your MRT-3 ride is just one tap away. Just login to your GCash app, then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the platform. Upon exit, don’t forget to tap your phone again at turnstile to automatically deduct the exact fare.

Scan your GCash Commute QR 

No NFC-enabled Android phone for tapping? No worries! You can still enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app, serving as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details. 

Here's how easy it is:

1. At the start of the trip, tap Commute on the GCash app.

2. Click Generate QR. You may download the QR or take a screenshot.

3. Scan your Commute QR at the turnstile, then proceed to the train platform.

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again, and the exact fare will be automatically deducted from your account. 

Tap your GCash Visa Card

Spotty signal, running out of battery, or simply love using a card? You can still breeze through your MRT-3 commute using your GCash Visa Card. Just like the current card ticketing system, you can simply tap your card upon entry and again upon exit. The GCash Visa Card is linked to your GCash wallet – use it directly to pay not just for MRT rides but also shopping in millions of online and offline stores and withdraw from your GCash account in any ATM for as low as P10. See the details of your GCash Visa Card payments on your app’s Transaction History.

To use this convenient payment method, order your GCash Visa Card on the app, and after it is delivered to you, make sure to link it to your GCash account:

1. Tap 'Cards' in the GCash app to order or link your GCash Visa Card.

2. To order – Select ‘Order a Card,’ then input your delivery address and pay P250. It will be delivered to you in 7-10 days.

3. To link – Select 'Link my Card,' then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.

4. Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number found on the back, then submit.

In a world where every minute is accounted for, convenience isn’t a luxury—it’s self-care. Saving precious minutes by skipping the line at the ticket booth or machine, eliminating a bit of stress there, and keeping your headspace intact can make all the difference in how the day feels. Simple tools, like GCash, take the friction out of everyday routines, proving that small wins add up.

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With its growing daily usage, GCash has become a trusted and established payment option at MRT-3—making it a seamless part of the everyday commute. Whether you tap, scan, or use your card, you are not just skipping one extra line and saving yourself time, but also experiencing a global, innovative way to pay with GCash!

Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Makes History with First-Ever Daily Free Fan Voting, Powered by Maya

Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) 2026 raises the bar with the launch of its first-ever daily free fan voting experience powered by Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines and Official Voting Partner of MUPh 2026.

 

Through the Maya app, pageant fans can conveniently cast votes for their favorite candidates and receive free votes every day, allowing them to consistently show support throughout the competition. This makes fan participation more accessible and rewarding, enabling more Filipinos to actively take part in the journey to the crown.

 

For the first time ever, fans will also be able to participate in live voting during the coronation night. This marks a significant step forward in making the Miss Universe Philippines experience more interactive, secure, and inclusive.

 

A More Inclusive Miss Universe Philippines Experience

At the heart of this initiative is greater accessibility and participation. Through this collaboration, pageant fans nationwide can easily engage in the competition via public voting and real-time judging moments.

 

Fans can support their favorite MUPh candidates directly through the Maya app. By upgrading their Maya account, users can unlock access to free daily votes — making it easier to stay engaged and play a more active role in shaping the outcome of the pageant.

 

Step Into the Judge’s Seat
Public voting through the Maya app will be open for a limited period ahead of coronation night, with the full voting timeline to be announced on the official Miss Universe Philippines social media accounts.

As part of this initiative, public votes submitted through the Maya platform will be integrated into the overall selection process, alongside expert evaluation, leading up to the announcement of semifinalists on coronation night.

In this way, both expert insight and public participation help shape the final results. Rather than simply watching from afar, Filipinos can now take part in a shared moment of pride, representation, and excitement.

Be Part of History

As Miss Universe Philippines continues to evolve, this partnership with Maya signals a future where beauty, leadership, and representation are shaped not only by experts, but by the Filipino people themselves.

 

With credibility, accessibility, and public participation at its core, the journey to the crown becomes a truly shared experience.

vivo V70 arriving in PH with Pop Mart ZSIGA collab Golden Hour

 

vivo officially confirms the arrival of the vivo V70 in the Philippines on February 28, 2026, marking a new chapter for the brand’s V Series with a high-profile collaboration with POP MART and its popular IP, ZSIGA. Headlining the launch is the exclusive Golden Hour colorway, a design inspired by warmth, self-expression, and modern lifestyle aesthetics. Centered on the concept “Bloom Under the Sun,” the collaboration explores the intersection of fashion, imaging, and personal identity. Through this partnership, vivo and Pop Mart aim to connect with the younger generation by blending creative storytelling with cutting-edge smartphone design, reinforcing vivo’s position as a lifestyle-driven technology brand. The Golden Hour colorway draws inspiration from the glow of the setting sun, symbolizing authenticity and individuality. It aligns with ZSIGA’s “Under The Sun” series while reflecting vivo’s understanding of young users’ mindset. The new color encourages users to embrace their true selves and capture meaningful moments in the light of their own golden experiences. In addition to Golden Hour, the vivo V70 will also be available in Alpine Gray, offering a refined and minimalist option for users who prefer a more classic look. New design for a new generation The vivo V70 introduces a completely refreshed design that balances elegance and durability. The device features an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame, making it drop-resistant, non-deformable, and corrosion-resistant for everyday reliability. Its camera module is now crafted from metal material, elevating the phone’s premium feel. The matte back panel uses high-end glass that is anti-fingerprint and stain-resistant, ensuring both style and practicality. On the front, the vivo V70 showcases ultra-thin 1.25mm bezels, delivering a more immersive and modern viewing experience. With its updated design and fashion-forward collaboration, the vivo V70 positions itself as a stylish portrait flagship smartphone built for self-expression and creativity. Official launch on February 28 Filipino consumers are invited to tune in to the vivo Philippines Facebook page to witness the official launch of the vivo V70 on February 28, 2026 at 5 PM. Through its partnership with Pop Mart ZSIGA and the introduction of the Golden Hour colorway, vivo V70 sets a new standard for how technology, design, and lifestyle converge in today’s smartphone experience. For more updates, follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the official vivo website for the latest news, product information, and launch highlights.