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| L-R: Universidad de Manila Vice President for Administration Atty. Rodolfo V. Castillo Jr., Universidad de Manila Dean of the Institute of Graduate and Professional Studies Dr. Nenita Fajardo, Universidad de Manila Vice President for Student Success and Support Services Nancy J. Tejada, Universidad de Manila Head of Student Discipline and Legal Counsel Atty. Christian Patrick Labajoy, Universidad de Manila President Dr. Ma. Felma C. Tria, Infinix Marketing Manager Charisma Buan, Universidad de Manila Office of the President Staff Laarnie Hernandez, Universidad de Manila Supply Office Head Ruthemia S. Albener, Universidad de Manila Head of Student Activities and Organizations Dr. Rosalie M. Catu, Universidad de Manila Vice President for Comptrollership Jeffrey F. Litan (Image Source: Gadgets Magazine/Infinix Philippines) |
In a meaningful step toward advancing digital education in the Philippines, Infinix donated its latest XPAD 30E tablets to Universidad de Manila last March 25, 2026. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to empowering students and enhancing access to modern learning tools. The turnover ceremony brought together key representatives from both organizations, including University President Dr. Felima C. Tria and Infinix Marketing Manager Charisma Buan. The formal handover of the tablets served as a powerful symbol of a shared vision to empower students through technology and open new pathways for learning.
This donation represents more than just a provision of devices; it marks the beginning of a partnership dedicated to building a more inclusive and technology-driven learning environment for Filipino students. Buan shared, “In this digital era, learning should never be limited by access. Infinix believes in supporting every Filipino student’s journey by offering technology that makes digital learning more accessible and more powerful. And what better way to do that than by partnering with the leaders of tomorrow — UDM’s top performing student leaders who are already setting the standard for their peers.” The XPAD 30E is recognized as the first dedicated education tablet in the Philippines, purpose-built to support both academic and everyday learning. It offers access to over 120,000 premium learning resources, including curated, textbook-aligned courses and exercises, all available for free. With its AI Tutor On Tap, students can instantly get help with assignments and questions, making learning more interactive and efficient. The device also features an 11-inch Full HD+ eye-care display, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience for extended study sessions. Dr. Tria expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating, “Universidad de Manila is steadily moving toward a more digital approach in academics, and this partnership with Infinix aligns perfectly with that vision. The units will be entrusted to our top performing student leaders, individuals who we believe will make the most of every tool they are given. We are deeply grateful to Infinix for seeing the potential in our students and for choosing to invest in their growth in such a meaningful way.”
Through this initiative, Infinix continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility, leveraging innovation not just to create products, but to create opportunities and empower the next generation of learners. Learn more about the Infinix XPAD 30E and discover how it can transform everyday learning with smarter tools and accessible resources. Get yours today through the official Infinix website or shop conveniently on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop to start your journey toward a more empowered and connected learning experience.
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MPTC Tour Of Luzon 2026, Philippine Sports Institute Launch Webinar Series
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation) |
The MPTC (Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation) Tour of Luzon 2026 strengthens its commitment to athlete development and race excellence through a collaboration with the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) through a five-leg webinar series designed for participating cyclists and coaches. “The webinar will focus on the practical strategies to enhance training, race day performance and recovery, which provides the additional layer of support for the participating teams,” said PSI Institute Director Pearl Managuelod.
As the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) sports science and training arm, PSI delivers programs designed to empower coaches, enhance high-performance development and support the holistic well-being of athletes. “We are very glad that the PSC, through PSI, extends this kind of partnership with us. We are continuously evolving. Year in and year out, we see new partners, upgrading not only the actual race but also the holistic safety and well-being of the athletes,” said MPTC Tour of Luzon CEO and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez. Each session runs for up to 75 minutes and the topics include the Physiological Demands of Competing in Heat and Humidity, Hydration and Nutrition Strategies for Maximum Performance, Training Load Management and Recovery for Multi-stage Races, Mental Toughness and Team Communication and Anti-Doping. The initiative marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 and the PSI which extends beyond the virtual sessions into comprehensive on-ground support in all 14 stages of the race set for April 29-May 13, 2026.
Services include sports programs featuring hydration monitoring, individualized fueling plans, and education aligned with anti-doping standards, as well as sports psychology support through daily consultations and athlete care. In addition, sports physiotherapy services are provided including injury prevention screening, recovery treatments and coordination with the medical team. With this collaboration, the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 reinforces its vision of delivering a premier cycling competition while fostering a safer, more advanced, and athlete-centered sporting environment in the Philippines.
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Pokémon Sleep Watch Faces Now Available On Garmin Smartwatches
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| (Image Source: Garmin Philippines) |
Garmin has unveiled a new way to personalize your smartwatches with the launch of two Pokémon Sleep-themed watch faces, now available to download for free in the Connect IQ Store accessible through Google Play for Android and Apple App Store for iOS. These watch faces are available for select smartwatches including fēnix, Forerunner, Venu and vívoactive products.
Garmin makes it more fun for users to track their energy levels with the new Pokémon Sleep watch faces. Users can choose between two designs: “Pokémon Sleep: Snorlax & Friends” which features fan-favorites Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu and Snorlax on Greengrass Isle or “Pokemon Sleep: I Choose You” where users can select their own companion from 48 options. As the day goes on, the selected Pokémon changes its expressions and poses in real time – from happy and smiling to tired and sleepy – based on the user’s Body Battery energy levels. As bedtime approaches, the watch face also helps users wind down. Night mode automatically activates an hour and a half before users’ scheduled sleep time setting in the Garmin Connect app. Upon downloading the Pokémon Sleep watch faces in the Connect IQ Store, Garmin consumers can see if their device is compatible with Snorlax & Friends or I Choose You. In addition, select Garmin devices are also now compatible with Pokémon Sleep for syncing sleep data with the Pokémon Sleep mobile app.
Pokémon Sleep watch faces on Garmin smartwatches requires a compatible smartphone with the Garmin Connect and Pokémon Sleep apps downloaded, and user-enabled sharing through supported mobile platforms. Keep in mind that Pokémon Sleep is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, or treatment of any medical condition or disease.
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SMDC Introduces Renewable Energy Systems Across Key Residential Projects
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| (Image Source: SM Development Corporation) |
As sustainability conversations continue to evolve, a more practical question is beginning to take hold for many homebuyers and residents. Beyond awareness, how does it actually improve everyday living? SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is taking a step in that direction with the introduction of renewable energy systems across four of its residential developments. The initial rollout covers Style Residences, Spring Residences, South Residences, and Vine Residences, with three located in Metro Manila and one in the Visayas.
For residents, the benefit is simple. Lower energy use in shared spaces can help manage electricity-related costs while improving how the community runs day to day. “This is really about making sustainability more tangible at the community level. When it starts to affect how a development operates day to day, that’s when it becomes more meaningful for residents. It’s no longer just an idea, but something they experience over time,” said SMDC Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy. The move also reflects a broader shift in how residential developments are being planned. Sustainability is no longer positioned as a separate feature but is gradually becoming part of how communities are designed to function on a daily basis.
Following the pilot phase, SMDC plans to expand renewable energy integration across future SMDC Nature developments, reinforcing a direction toward communities that are designed with both present use and long-term everyday living in mind. To learn more, visit www.smdcnature.com.
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DAZN To Launch “Inflight And Onboard” Live Sports Led By President of DAZN Partnerships Aviv Giladi
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| (Image Source: DAZN Group) |
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, recently announced that President of DAZN Partnerships Aviv Giladi will lead the company’s pioneering work to bring live sports to the skies and the seas. The new product offering, DAZN Inflight, would open up access to live sports for fans on the go, whether travelling by plane or boat. The launch – slated for 2027 – will take DAZN beyond the already more than 200 terrestrial markets it serves across the globe. DAZN’s partners would benefit from reaching audiences that were previously inaccessible in-the-moment while air- or sea-borne.
Internet connectivity, reliability and – importantly – speed continue to improve and expand across aircraft and vessels. These technical advances create exciting new opportunities to deliver premium live sports experiences to fans, wherever they are. DAZN’s built-for-sport global technology platform, combined with its deep relationships with rights holders, competitions and partners across the world, will make its inflight product a compelling proposition for sports fans. DAZN Inflight will be a must-have product for sports fans desperate not to miss out on the big game while they’re travelling. DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev said, “Technology is unlocking unprecedented opportunities to revolutionise how fans experience the sports they love. DAZN is at the forefront of this transformation, working with partners across the sports ecosystem to build the future of sport entertainment. DAZN Inflight is an exciting proposition that will be designed to make live games truly unmissable, and we can’t wait to bring it to the skies and the seas.”
Giladi said, “Just a few years ago, even the idea of watching a cup final live on a flight would have been unthinkable. Today, we are announcing the reality, and it is just months away. I am excited by our plan to bring the thrill and action of live sports to fans, wherever they are.”
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Blacknut And ESDigital Games Partner To Bring A Diverse Portfolio Of Premium Titles To Cloud Gaming Audiences Worldwide
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| (Image Source: Cloud Dosage/Blacknut) |
Blacknut, the leading cloud gaming service offering over 1,000 premium games playable instantly across compatible devices, announces a new partnership with ESDigital Games, a global publisher known for its growing catalog of distinctive, high-quality titles across genres. This collaboration will bring a selection of ESDigital Games’ acclaimed titles to Blacknut’s platform, making them accessible to players around the world without the need for dedicated gaming hardware.
“At ESDigital Games, we are committed to bringing distinctive gaming experiences to players worldwide and expanding their reach across new platforms and audiences. This partnership with Blacknut represents an exciting opportunity to make our titles more accessible globally, while supporting the continued growth of our portfolio. We believe that combining strong creative vision with innovative distribution solutions is key to connecting with today’s players, and we look forward to bringing our games to even more fans through this collaboration,” said ESDigital Games Head of Marketing Ilia Svanidze. With a strong creative vision and a focus on delivering engaging, memorable experiences, ESDigital Games has built a diverse portfolio that resonates with players globally. From mastering fast-paced combat in AWAKEN – Astral Blade to exploring dark adventures in Darkestville Castle, diving into narrative-driven experiences like Unusual Findings, or stepping into action with 9 Monkeys of Shaolin and Redeemer: Enhanced Edition, the publisher’s catalog showcases a wide range of styles and gameplay experiences. Additional titles such as BattleJuice Alchemist, Cats on Duty, Deck of Ashes, Demon Skin, and Memory Lost further highlight the breadth of ESDigital Games’ offering. Through this partnership, these games will reach new audiences via Blacknut’s global cloud gaming service which is available in over 65 countries and integrated across smart TVs, set-top boxes, PCs, and mobile devices.
“We’re thrilled to welcome ESDigital Games to Blacknut. Their portfolio stands out for its creativity and diversity, and this partnership perfectly illustrates our mission: helping publishers bring their games to more players, on more devices, across the globe. By integrating their titles into our cloud gaming ecosystem, we’re opening the door to new audiences and new ways to experience their games,” said Blacknut Vice President for New Businesses and Licensing Nabil Laredj. Blacknut continues to support publishers in expanding their reach by bringing their games to new devices and untapped audiences worldwide. With a curated catalog of over 1,000 premium titles and partnerships across the entertainment ecosystem, Blacknut enables seamless discovery and play, helping content creators unlock new distribution opportunities and revenue streams.
