The chief people officer of GCash Robert Conrad Gonzales joins this year’s 100 Most Influential HR Leaders from Southeast Asia, an annual awarding of top HR executives who have made exceptional contributions to leadership, innovation, and transformation in the HR industry.
Recipients of this prestigious citation are selected based on social media influence, engagement, industry awards, community impact, thought leadership, and pioneering HR practices. It also considers the impact of HR initiatives on revenue growth and overall market influence.
Gonzales believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is meant to improve the productivity of their employees rather than replace them. Gonzales, who is the highest-ranking Human Resources (HR) officer of GCash, affirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to putting people first in the age of automation.
GCash is the Philippines’ leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, and an innovative fintech company that has already received several recognitions as one of the best companies to work for. “HR should champion automation and lead in adapting to technology, including AI, because our people need it, our employees rely on it,” said Gonzales. “If we do this right, our people will become more productive and serve our customers even better.
Invest in people, champion leadership development, and embrace innovation. The future belongs to organizations that prioritize their people as their greatest asset.”
Recognized for his contributions to the HR landscape, Gonzales was awarded during the recently held Future Forward Philippines 2025, which was organized by The Economic Times, the second most widely read English language business daily after The Wall Street Journal.
Driving business transformation or becoming obsolete in the age of AI? During the whole day of the event, Gonzales was in the panel discussion titled ‘The Great Debate of HR at a Crossroads: Driving Business Transformation or Becoming Obsolete in the Age of AI?’ He was joined by other HR icons—Cebu Pacific Air chief human resource officer Felix Dan Lopez, Globe Telecom Inc. chief human resource officer Renato Manuel Jiao, and ETHRWorld/ETEducation features editor Yasmin Taj, who served as the moderator.
Looking to the future, Gonzales sees artificial intelligence as a game-changer in transforming how organizations approach leadership development. “AI-powered talent identification and predictive analytics will revolutionize how we discover and grow high-potential leaders,” he said. “We’re also leaning into personalized, AI-driven learning paths that adapt to each employee’s growth trajectory because in a market that changes overnight, static development models just don’t cut it.” GCash is already putting these innovations to work.
“We’re expanding our use of AI-driven career development tools and enhancing our leadership programs with real-world business simulations,” Gonzales shared. “This enables us to gauge better readiness, drive engagement, and close skill gaps faster than ever.”
To ensure these efforts yield a measurable impact, GCash is tracking leadership transition rates, retention of high-potential talent, and post-transition business performance. Continuous feedback loops and engagement surveys are utilized to refine strategies and ensure succession pipelines remain future-ready. Putting people first in an AI-powered workplace.
Gonzales shared that GCash’s AI efforts stem from a deep commitment to employee well-being and operational excellence. He explained that AI doesn’t just enhance customer experience but also makes employees happier by improving their welfare. “We have a strong commitment to keep our people happy and engaged,” Gonzales said. “Many of our AI innovations are driven by employee needs. For example, team members want faster and more accurate processing of benefits and allowances. That’s why we developed an AI-powered tool called AGA.”
AGA, which stands for Alagang GCash Assistant, is a Gen AI-powered tool that automates and streamlines employee benefits processing. From wellness allowances to flexible benefits processing, AGA enables faster, error-free transactions.
Gonzales leaves HR leaders with a pointed message: “HR is no longer a support function but rather a strategic driver of growth. Invest in people. Champion leadership development and embrace innovation in workforce planning. The organizations that do this will be the ones leading tomorrow.” For more information, visit www.gcash.com.
Leading global technology brand HONOR dropped a hint on what seemed to be its newest phone, dubbed as ‘AI Phone’. From durable devices, student-friendly tablets, and high-end AI camera smartphones – HONOR Philippines has been putting out innovative products since the beginning of the year.
“The time has come. Filipinos deserve to get introduced to the real AI Phone. We are most excited with this launch, and we couldn’t wait to share more to our loyal HONOR fans so stay tuned in the coming days,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
In a later post, HONOR Philippines released a related video showing still photos coming to life using its latest AI technology. With its viral and out-of-the-box content strategies, one can never really be sure of what HONOR is about to release.
Never miss the latest updates and visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
(L-R) GCash public sector account manager Anne Danting and public sector regional head Rafael Tecson, with Tanay Rizal mayor Hon. Rafael Tanjuatco and municipal administrative director Jeffrey Pino
In a milestone initiative to drive digital transformation and meaningful economic growth, the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal, has teamed up with GCash, the country’s top finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, to roll out the province’s first comprehensive digital payment system. This partnership aims to simplify financial transactions for residents, reduce the need for time-consuming commutes, and support the broader economic empowerment of the local community.
The roll out of the new digital system, which includes GCash’s Scan-To-Pay (STP), BillsPay, Fund Disbursement Service (FDS), and VISA Cards, will significantly streamline the way Tanay residents handle their financial transactions. This marks a crucial step for the province, making Tanay the first municipality in Rizal to adopt digital financial aid disbursement through GCash, paired with VISA cards for added financial flexibility.
For many Tanay residents, the traditional process of paying taxes or receiving financial assistance often meant traveling long distances to the municipal hall, a journey that could cost as much as PHP 100 to PHP 200 in transportation expenses. With the integration of GCash’s digital solutions, citizens can make payments and collect financial aid from the comforts of their homes, anytime and anywhere.
This collaboration is set to lead the way for other municipalities in Rizal, sparking a ripple of innovation that will accelerate digital transformation and empower communities across the province to thrive in a world that’s increasingly becoming digital-first. With the successful rollout in Tanay, GCash aims to inspire more local governments to adopt similar technologies, contributing to a more financially inclusive future for all Filipinos.
As GCash continues to expand its footprint across the country, this partnership underscores its commitment to driving positive social impact through innovative financial technology, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable growth.
Anne Curtis has always embraced life on the go. As someone who wears many hats as an actress, host, entrepreneur, and hands-on mom, her schedule rarely slows down. With so much on her plate, she’s come to realize that feeling good inside is key to showing up fully—for work, for her family, and for herself.
One of her key wellness advocacies? Gut health.
“Sometimes, you don’t realize how important it is to take care of your gut,” Anne shares. “Feeling good inside your gut will make you feel and look better on the outside as well.”
As a self-confessed foodie and thrill-seeker at heart, Anne has always been open to trying new things, from sampling street food abroad to experimenting with recipes at home. But with that spirit of adventure comes the occasional tummy hiccup—those “oops” moments that can throw off your day. That’s why she’s learned how important it is to keep her tummy in check. Whether she’s at home, on set, or across the globe, Anne believes that feeling good starts from within.
Behind the Glam: Anne as a First-Time Mom
Off-camera, Anne is a lot like many moms who are juggling family life, spontaneous travel plans, and love for cooking. With this active lifestyle, she’s learned how important it is to stay balanced, especially when it comes to gut health.
“As a mom, when you travel, you learn to pack everything you could possibly need,” Anne shares with a laugh. “Then you realize what really matters—her comfort toy, any medicines, probiotics… and yes, that includes mine, too!”
For Anne, taking care of your gut is part of the much bigger picture. It’s about balance, energy, and showing up fully—whether that means powering through work, chasing after a toddler, or savoring the joys of everyday life.
“All of us moms are figuring it out,” she says. “We want to take care of our families, but also ourselves. And it starts with the little things—like making sure your gut is taken care of.”
Making Probiotics a Daily Essential
Anne’s wellness routine has evolved over the years, but one thing has stayed constant: probiotics. Whenever she’s preparing for a shoot, enjoying a weekend getaway, or recovering from a food-filled adventure, she relies on probiotics to keep her digestion in check and her energy steady.
“Probiotics have always been part of my routine, as someone who’s always on the go and open to trying new food,” she shares. “Even back when I was single and even more so now that I’m a mom. It’s about being ready for anything—especially when you’re constantly on the go.”
After discovering the benefits of probiotics for her digestive health, energy, and immunity, Anne made them a must-have in her daily routine. She feels more ready to take on whatever comes her way—whether it’s a spontaneous food trip, a travel adventure, or a busy day with the family. That’s why Anne teamed up with Erceflora—a brand that fits right in with her wellness goals and what she stands for, and has become a trusted staple in her home.
“It’s something I trust—not just for me, but for my family too,” Anne says.
Wellness from Within
Anne’s wellness journey has shown her just how important gut health is to overall well-being. “I hope more Filipinos, especially fellow moms, realize how essential it is,” she shares. “When your gut’s off, it can throw off your whole day. You can’t show up fully if you’re not feeling your best—and taking care of your gut is one thing you can control.”
It’s this commitment to well-being that makes Anne the perfect partner for Erceflora. “We’re thrilled to welcome Anne Curtis to the Erceflora family,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead. “As someone who champions wellness, embraces adventure, and inspires countless Filipinos with her authenticity, Anne truly embodies everything we stand for. She understands that life isn’t always perfect—there are food trips, sudden travel plans, and unexpected ‘oops’ moments—but staying ready makes all the difference. Together, we hope to empower more families to take simple steps toward better digestive health, starting from within.”
With summer rolling in, it’s a good reminder that sometimes, Life…Oops Happens. As Anne reminds us, feeling good starts from within. Whether you’re exploring new places, juggling a busy schedule, or just trying to savor the moment, taking care of your gut means you’re ready for anything the season throws your way.
This summer, families can take simple, proactive steps to care for their gut health, because sometimes, Life… Oops Happens. Make gut health a priority and basta probiotics, Erceflora, along with proper diet and exercise.
In observance of National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, Hanabishi Appliances is giving away a free pouch of Gohan Lite, a low-calorie and high-fiber rice, with every purchase of its microwave oven. Titled “Heat with Heart”, the promo is exclusively available through its online stores.
“Health starts at home, and as a brand that has been part of the Filipino household for decades, we want to help our customers not just with reliable appliances but with healthier choices for everyday living,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, VP for Marketing and Finance of Hanabishi Appliances.
A product of BiotechJP, Gohan Lite was developed using Japanese technology. A pre-cooked rice, it contains fewer calories and carbohydrates and provides higher dietary fiber. This makes it ideal for those managing their weight or living with hypertension and diabetes.
With the help of Hanabishi’s microwave oven, preparing Gohan Lite is quick and easy. It only takes two minutes to enjoy this nutritious rice.
“We Filipinos love rice. It is at the heart of our every meal, and we can now enjoy it in a healthier way,” said Ong-Chua.
To shop for Hanabishi products online, visit www.myhanabishi.com, and its official stores on LazMall, Shopee Mall, and TikTok Shop.
Follow Hanabishi’s social media accounts to learn more about its latest products, promotions, and events.
In photo: BPI Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Eric Luchangco engages with members of the media during the bank’s Sustainability Awareness Month Press Conference. He is joined by event host Mica Pineda.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to solidify its position as a pioneer in sustainable finance, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles at the core of its business. Anchored on its unique ESG+E₂ framework—which integrates the creation of economic value into its sustainability efforts—BPI is helping lead the transformation of the Philippine banking industry toward more inclusive and resilient growth.
At the center of this shift is BPI’s Sustainability Agenda—a forward-looking strategy that aligns financial performance with sustainable development goals. Through its proactive and innovative approach, the Bank has achieved several industry firsts, further establishing its role as a thought leader in ESG integration.
Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives
BPI continues to lead the way in sustainable finance through initiatives that reflect deep integration of ESG in its operations:
Pioneering Initiative
Description
Coal Phase-Out Policy
First Philippine bank to have a time-bound commitment to completely phase out exposure to coal power generation.
EDGE Certification of Branches
First Philippine bank to receive IFC-EDGE Green Building certification for its branches, nationwide.
Renewable Energy in Corporate Offices
First Philippine bank to transition all its high-rise corporate buildings to 100% renewable energy.
Renewable Energy in Branches
First Philippine bank to access the retail aggregation program, transitioning 70 branches to 100% renewable energy.
Energy Transition Finance Facility (ETFF)
First financing project in the world to repurpose coal-fired power plants into renewable energy facilities and shorten the operating life of a coal plant.
Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA)
First Philippine bank to map clients and Bank’s asset exposure to natural hazards like earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
Green Solutions
First Philippine bank to offer eco-friendly solutions including Electric Vehicle Financing, Hybrid Vehicle Financing, and Solar Mortgage.
Green and Social Bond Public Offerings
First bank in Southeast Asia to issue a negative-yielding bond and a COVID-19 response bond by a Philippine bank (7x oversubscribed).
Sustainability in Employee Performance (KRAs)
First Philippine bank to require a minimum 10% sustainability KRA allocation and mandatory sustainability training for all employees.
Sustainable Development Finance (SDF) Program
Financing program for renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, water, and pollution control, with free technical evaluations.
BPI is expanding its reach and impact through exclusive, limited-time promotions that promote both sustainability and financial inclusion. These special offers are designed to make eco-conscious choices more accessible for Filipino families and communities.
Here are some offerings that help you Do More for sustainability:
Real 0% Special Installment Plan (S.I.P.) for Solar Panels BPI Credit Cards has partnered with Go Solar, Greenergy, JC Solar, and Philergy to offer an exclusive 0% interest installment plan on solar panel purchases. This offer helps more households transition to renewable energy, without the upfront cost. Promo period applies.
Green Solutions Promos BPI’s commitment to sustainability now comes with added perks for customers ready to go green:
Solar Mortgage Loan – 5678 Promo: Lock in a 5-year fixed rate at just 6.7% and enjoy up to Php 80,000 in waived bank fees.
E-Vehicle “Charge on Us” Promo: Get ₱5,000 free charging credits when you apply for a BPI Auto Loan for an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from June 15 to August31, 2025, and book on or before September 30, 2025. Credits can be redeemed via the EVRO App and used at any ACMobility EV Charging Station.
These exclusive promos are part of BPI’s broader push to accelerate green adoption while making it more economical for individuals and families to take part.
BPI Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Eric Luchangcoshares the bank’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainability.
“Sustainability is not a parallel track—it is the foundation of how we do business,” says Eric Luchangco, BPI’s Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer. “We are leveraging our capital, data, technical know-how and partnerships to drive real-world solutions such as energy transition, financial inclusion, and environmental risk reduction. Our goal is to create, protect and further improve long-term value—not only for our shareholders but for the communities and ecosystems we serve.”
BPI is the only Philippine bank that is a member of the Global Compact Network Philippines, the local chapter of the UN Global Compact. It has also been consistently included in the FTSE4Good Index since 2020, reinforcing its standing as a trusted sustainability partner on a global scale.
Through its sustainability-driven agenda, the Bank is not only financing the future—it is actively shaping it.
TAIPEI Acer today announced the expansion of its Aspire AI series laptops with six new Copilot+ PCs, showcasing intuitive AI capabilities and versatile features. Available in sleek 14- and 16-inch models, these laptops offer varied configuration options, combining powerful computing with modern designs at pocket-friendly prices.
The new Aspire AI laptops cater to a diverse range of users, including students, professionals and families seeking reliable performance and multi-day battery life for their daily computing needs. As Copilot+ PCs, these laptops serve to streamline workflow with exclusive AI experiences, including Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), and Improved Windows Search[1], making it easier to resume tasks and quickly find what users need. Acer’s proprietary AI applications – AcerSense™, Acer LiveArt™ 2.0, Acer PurifiedView™ 2.0 and Acer PurifiedVoice™ 2.0 – make it easy to manage settings, sift through files, produce stunning content instantly, and improve videoconferencing quality.
Featuring a durable, thin-and-light aluminum chassis, the Aspire 16 AI and Aspire 14 AI are perfect for travel, going to school and mobile work. Their versatile 180° hinge designs allow them to lay flat or be positioned in various ways, adjusting viewing angles based on the task at hand. With plenty of battery life, these devices can power through more than an entire day without needing to plug in.
The Aspire range comes with 14- or 16-inch up to 120 Hz displays featuring slim bezels, and 16:10 aspect ratios for expansive viewing. Touchscreen models are available for more interactive use cases. Each device is equipped with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, 1 TB PCIe Gen4 storage, and offers ultra-fast, stable connectivity with up to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Plus, they are equipped with a generous number of I/O ports, including a pair of USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and MicroSD card slots. Each model is also EPEAT Gold registered[2] and is encased in 100% recyclable packaging.
Aspire 14- and 16- AI Featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2)
The Aspire 14 AI (A14-53M/A14-53MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M/A16-52MT) laptops feature up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, built for high-efficiency to power the next wave of AI PCs and deliver new AI experiences with uncompromised performance. These Copilot+ PCs come with built-in Intel® Arc™ Graphics to support image enhancements, fast content creation and editing capabilities.
They also offer up to OLED WUXGA+ resolution displays, up to 500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color range support, and VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500 certification to deliver brilliant on-screen images and color contrast.
Aspire 14- and 16- AI models with AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series Processors
Powered by up to AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processors with advanced “Zen 5” CPU architecture, the Aspire 14 AI (A14-61M/A14-61MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-61M/A16-61MT) laptops are supercharged to effortlessly run local AI applications, breeze through tasks and workflows, and enhance device responsiveness while maintaining low power consumption.
Combined with high-speed wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connections, these latest Aspire AI Copilot+ PCs have the tools to create, play and browse faster and better, with fewer bottlenecks. They also feature up to OLED resolution, VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500-certified displays to deliver immersive visuals.
Aspire 14- and Aspire 16- AI with Snapdragon X processors
The Aspire 14 AI (A14-11M/A14-11MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-11M/A16-11MT) laptops are powered by the Snapdragon® X platform with integrated Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, Qualcomm® Adreno™ GPU, Qualcomm Hexagon™ NPU and a Windows on Snapdragon software ecosystem, offering reliable computing experiences with solid performance for creating presentations, web browsing, connecting on-the-go, or enjoying streaming content.
These Copilot+ PCs feature WUXGA displays with touchscreen options, and provide added convenience with biometric security features; QHD IR camera with privacy shutter, USB4 Type-C ports, and speedy Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
Pricing and Availability
The Aspire 14 AI (A14-11M) based on Snapdragon X processors will be available in EMEA in June, starting at EUR 899, and in Australia in Q3, starting at AUD 1,399. The Aspire 14 AI (A14-53M) based on Intel Core processors will be available in EMEA in July, starting at EUR 999. The Aspire 14 AI (A14-61M) based on AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors will be available in EMEA in July, starting at EUR 999, and in Australia in Q3, starting at AUD 1,499. The Aspire 16 AI (A16-11M) based on Snapdragon X processors will be available in EMEA in July, starting at EUR 999, and in Australia in Q3, starting at AUD 1,499. The Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M) based on Intel Core processors will be available in EMEA in August, starting at EUR 1,099. The Aspire 16 AI (A16-61M) based on AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors will be available in EMEA in August, starting at EUR 1,099, and in Australia in Q3, starting at AUD 1,499.
Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 256V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 228V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 226V, with Intel AI Boost
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4, NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
FHD IR (1920×1080) camera, 1080p HD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power-off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life:Up to 21.5 hours (based on MobileMark® 2025 test results) Up to 26.5 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 16 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Microsoft Pluton security processor, Facial recognition, privacy shutter
Dimensions
312 (W) x 225.9 (D) x 15.9 (H) mm (12.28 x 8.89 x 0.63 inches)1.24 kg (2.73 lbs.)
Name
Acer Aspire 16 AI
Model
A16-52M/A16-52MT
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Processors
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 256V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 228V, with Intel AI BoostIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 226V, with Intel AI Boost
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen, NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
FHD IR camera (1920×1080), 1080p HD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power-off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life:Up to 18.5 hours (based on MobileMark® 2025 test results) Up to 26 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 17.5 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
FHD IR camera (1920×1080), 1080p HD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two USB 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power-off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life:Up to 16.5 hours (based on MobileMark® 2025 test results) Up to 18.5 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 16.5 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 or above
Features
Copilot+ PC + hotkey, Acer My Key, Acer Sense™, Acer PurifiedVoice™ 2.0, Acer PurifiedView™ 2.0, Acer LiveArt™ 2.0
Security
Microsoft Pluton security processor, Facial recognition, privacy shutter
Dimensions
312 (W) x 225.9 (D) x 15.9 (H) mm (12.28 x 8.89 x 0.63 inches)1.25 kg (2.76 lbs.)
Name
Acer Aspire 16 AI
Model
A16-61M/A16-61MT
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Processors
AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processorAMD Ryzen™ AI 5 340 processor
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
QHD IR camera (2560×1440), 1440p QHD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two USB 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life: Up to 28 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 17 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 or above
Features
Copilot+ PC + hotkey, Acer My Key, Acer Sense™, Acer PurifiedVoice™ 2.0, Acer PurifiedView™ 2.0, Acer LiveArt™ 2.0
Up to 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, with MicroSD card reader support
Camera
QHD IR camera (2560×1440), 1440p QHD video, with Temporal Noise Reduction, Dual-mic support
Ports
Two USB 4 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports (one supporting power-off USB charging), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card slot, Audio jack
Battery
65 Wh 4-cell Li-ion battery, battery life: Up to 27 hours (based on video playback test results) Up to 18 hours (based on web browsing test results)
Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 or above
Features
Copilot+ PC + hotkey, Acer My Key, Acer Sense™, Acer PurifiedVoice™ 2.0, Acer PurifiedView™ 2.0, Acer LiveArt™ 2.0
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Nicolas Cage levels up again.
Nicolas Cage has truly made his mark in cinema, moving effortlessly between blockbuster action, indie dramas, and even quirky comedies. It seems there’s nothing he can’t do, and he proves this once again with Arcadian, a tense thriller set in a terrifying, monster-ridden future.
In Arcadian, the end of the world is just the beginning for Paul (Cage). Our first glimpse is of him in a desperate escape from what seems to be the end of civilization, carrying his two infant boys with him. Fifteen years later, Paul and his now teenage sons Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins) and Joseph (Jaeden Martell), live a meager existence on a remote farm. By day, they scavenge for resources and strengthen their defense, but nightfall brings a relentless onslaught from bloodthirsty photophobic monsters.
When Thomas ventures out after dark, a series of events unfolds that shatters their fragile safety. The family must then band together, using their wits and limited resources to confront not only the nightly terrors but also the tensions and secrets that threaten to tear them apart.
Directed by Benjamin Brewer, Arcadian throws you into a terrifying world of creature horror, but its heart lies in the fierce bonds of family. As Paul, Cage delivers a grounded performance as a father willing to go to great lengths to protect his sons in an unrecognizable world. Cage brings emotional depth to the role, reminding audiences why he’s one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
In an interview with Collider, Nicholas Cage explained how the film’s merging of his two favorite genres and its reflection of his own family dynamics fueled his interest in working on it: “It’s very simple really. Two of my favorite genres, independently spirited family drama, you know, grew up watching East of Eden, Kazan, Ordinary People, Redford, and then science fiction horror in that category, in this case particularly specifically science fiction. If you mash those two and the…the dynamic of the family, which is a father and two boys, which is largely what my family dynamic was, because sadly my mother couldn’t be around as much as we would have liked her to have been around. So my father did all the heavy lifting, so I wanted to tell a story about that family dynamic and then mash it up with science fiction and see what we could come up with, and I’m happy with these results.”
Explosive thrills and deadly creatures … .This May 30, survival is the only rule. Watch Arcadian on Lionsgate Play.
SM Supermalls is proud to partner with HOPE and the Department of Education for Generation Hope—a collaborative campaign that transforms everyday consumer purchases into tangible support for Filipino students by helping build classrooms across the country.
Launched on May 26, 2025, at Samsung Hall in SM Aura, the initiative brings together a coalition of brands, including SM Supermalls, BDO, Aivee, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, and Sunnies, united in a shared goal: to bridge the country’s classroom gap.
Ms. Nanette Medved-Po and Mr. Steven Tan assemble puzzle pieces at the Generation HOPE launch, symbolizing SM’s support in building classrooms for Filipino students.DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po join representatives from seven brand partners in a united show of support to build classrooms and uplift Filipino education.
In addition to SM Foundation’s long-standing efforts—having built 110 school buildings with 374 classrooms—SM Supermalls is further extending its commitment to education by supporting Generation HOPE’s Build a Classroom Project, which aims to construct 10 new public school classrooms, funded in part through the sale of specially branded SM Bottled Water. Every purchase directly contributes to the classroom fund—empowering customers to be part of a nationwide solution.
“At SM, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Through this partnership, we hope to empower the next generation of Filipino students by creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”
“We are grateful to our partners for joining us in turning everyday actions—like buying bottled water—into lasting change,” said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of HOPE.
“Generation Hope is a reflection of our commitment to make quality education accessible to all,” said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Mr. Steven Tan reflects on a lesson from the late Mr. Henry Sy, Sr.: ‘The greatest equalizer is really in education. That’s why we push education so much,’ underscoring SM’s deep commitment to educational advocacy.DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara delivers his closing remarks at the Generation HOPE launch event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to partnerships that uplift public education and build brighter futures for Filipino learners.
This partnership aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy for children and youth empowerment, and invites every Filipino to make a difference, one bottle at a time.
Every bottle makes a difference—by choosing SM Bottled Water, customers directly contribute to building much-needed classrooms for Filipino students across the country. Start making an impact today by picking up a bottle at any SM mall and be part of the movement to empower education, one sip at a time.
IN PHOTO: The elevated flood-proof Olandes STP control room located in Marikina City
Manila Water has successfully completed significant operational enhancements at the Olandes Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Marikina City, repurposing its unutilized capacity for Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) treatment. This initiative underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with updated effluent standards.
The P129.31-million BNR operational adjustment project, completed in November 2024, focused on optimizing the Olandes STP in removing ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates—substances that can contribute to ecological degradation when discharged untreated. By improving the BNR process, Manila Water is taking substantial steps to minimize the environmental impact of effluent discharge into nearby bodies of water.
Key enhancements implemented as part of the operational modification include replacing the existing Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) process with a more advanced Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) configuration. This upgrade involved several critical components such as structural modification and repair of tanks, construction of a chemical house for the chemical dosing system, installation of submersible pumps and mixers for improved distribution of treatment chemicals, and installation of a control panel and instrumentation for better monitoring and management of treatment processes.
With a current capacity of 10,360 MLD and a daily average inflow of 5,000 MLD, the Olandes STP serves over 40,000 residents across Barangays Cinco Hermanos, Industrial Valley, Sitio Olandes, Blue Ridge, and Libis in Marikina and Quezon City.
“The completion of the Olandes STP enhancements marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect the environment and ensure compliance with stringent effluent standards. By adopting advanced nutrient removal technology, we are not only improving the quality of wastewater treatment but also safeguarding the health of our waterways and communities,” Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.
Additionally, the retrofitting of the Olandes STP to modify existing BNR processes ensures compliance with the strict regulatory standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for Class C wastewater, which can sustain marine life. This directive aims to ensure adherence to BNR process standards in wastewater treatment facilities which will redound to cleaner and safer waterways.
The enhancements at Manila Water’s Olandes STP, which include upgrading the Biological Nutrient Removal system, demonstrate the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and adherence to government standards on effluents, ensuring cleaner and safer waterways.
