CONVERGE Announces New Plans with CONVERGE X4U

Despite the insane weather, folks have flocked to the Trioma Activity Center for XLOUNGE MNL for us to Xperience the Amped Up Life with Converge FiberX. Their loyal customers, and media intently listened to what changes will be made in new X4U plans, something that would make connections accessible and prices more affordable.

JP Aguilar SVP Consumer and SME Group Head says "The Filipino spirit is really stronger than typhoons. The Christmas season is upon us, and at Converge it is a season for connection, being with the people who matters most. Last year, we launched our Super FiberX plans. You got to earn and learn with our fiber network, and stronger ever since, we expanded and listened to our customers. We are guided by Dennis and Grace Uy to make your experience better than ever. To startup, you got to live to the power of X. This season we will introduce X4U, each one reflects what you deserve most. More speed, faster, more connected than ever. It's all for you!'

We need options and that's exactly what they are getting us with these new plans. Rated number one in OOKLA speedtests, they unveil these:

Max is 400mbps for 1599

Prime is 80bps for 2099

Ultra is 1000mbps for 2599

X4U Super Fiber X Ultra is 1 Gbps is now 2599. This is the most affordable gigabit speedplan in the country. This includes skypremium plans, so if you stream, multitask and use a lot of devices, the plan is good for you!

Homes that need more Super Fiber X Prime is Php 2099 for those who want 800 Mbps which comes with WiFi 6, Xperience Hub, and SkyTV. This is an all new plan and this outperforms other networks, you get more speed for less. Fast enough is not enough anymore for them, so it is for you!

Senior Product Manager Anthony Esporlas days "Super Fiber X has been a breakthrough for Filipino homes and has been embraced by more folks. How fast is fast? More connected devices, bandwidth needs is growing fast. Gaming and uploading content is part of the game, X4U will future proof your lifestyle."

Head of Consumer Marketing Sandra Dingal says "Game Changer is the first ever fixed pure fiber broadband plan in the country..Back then it was 2500 pesos, made and built for gamers. We see that it is very expensive, and based on statistics folks spend 1200 pesos internet spend usually. We want to level up, and do it for the community. From grass roots tournaments, to big ones, and we supported them all. From small ones, CHED, ASUS, realme, PBA ESports, all who have shaped gaming in the Philippines. Gamers require speed, low latency, low packet loss, and less jittery connections which is what Converge provides. Network Gaming Prioritization is something the company does embedded in the network. In all of our plans we want to do it for everyone, we made it accessible and Converge Game Changer EZ is priced at 1800 pesos. Lower than launched 2500 price tag. Better connection but lower price, and doesn't compromise gameplay, that's a 39% price reduction and 25% faster."

In a nutshell, they're offering these:

EZ plans cost Php 1,800 and will have 400mbps of speed.

For first 100 signups you get Free TUF gaming mouse, Razer Gold worth 250 pesos (during the event in Trinoma)

There will also be plans with ASUS ROG XBOX Ally soon.

Orange Ramirez the VP for Brand Marketing says "We have a 4th gift for you guys because of X4U. Our call has always been faster, stronger and made for what's next. We are excited because we always listen to customers. We evolve because of it. Made for what is next means a raffle, Christmas to the power of X. We are giving away 300 TV's. They will be all 55 inch Samsung QLED TV worth Php 34,000. This will be for new customers and subscribers from November 11- December 31, 2025.

Try the upgraded plans or get the new ones as signing up is easy, faster and better! Congratulations CONVERGE!

Bullish DigiP|us Lands Fortune Southeast Asia List

Taking a huge jump at the recent Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list is digital entertainment corp DigiP|us. This is the 2nd year that they've managed to be included and has been one of the fastest growing companies in the region. As compared to last year, they have managed to overtake 259 other companies and has shown bullish growth according to 2024 figures and financial performance. 

They have expanded with their platforms ArenaP|us, B!ng0P|us and G4meZon3 with innovations and spearheaded CSR campaigns as part of their responsibilities. Their chairman Eusebio Tanco deem this as a momentum for an even greater purpose including needed tax from responsible g4ming. They also made programs through their foundations for matters concerning education, healthcare and plans for community development as part of their efforts. 

All you need to do is watch them soar and see why their social projects are also giving impact to communities here in other provinces. They plan to do even more!

MYRTLE SARROSA is the face of TIMEZONE Philippines

Went down south today (at Ayala Malls Manila Bay) for the biggest announcement of TIMEZONE, the biggest chain of arcades, fun and entertainment in the country. They've already had milestones in the 28 years they've existed in the Philippines, and today they announced their BIGGEST revelation yet. See, they've never ever had a face represent them in this era of endorsers and brand ambassadors... But that's about to change today as they managed to get the nod for one of the biggest creators, cosplay and gamer girl in the country to represent them. She is MYRTLE SARROSA, a pretty apt person to do this right?

Myrtle fondly remembers when they opened a branch in Iloilo City years ago and she happened to join the event at a mall in the capital. She went back every week and made sure to play a drum arcade game with the amount she got to save from her allowance from school. She remembers how much fun she had there with friends and family, and being a legitimate gamer who often goes to TIMEZONE, she felt so honored to represent a brand that she personally loves. 

TIMEZONE Philippines President Rafel Prats Jr. recognized Myrtle's energetic and playful personality, some of which represents what TIMEZONE is as a brand. They see these as great qualities for a brand ambassador so there was no question Myrtle would certainly fit the role. They plan to have Myrtle to be present in activations, more store openings and in paraphernalia of TIMEZONE branches today and in the future ones. 

They also announced several promos designed to encourage even more people to purchase Powercards from TIMEZONE. The BLOOKES BUNDLE so when you buy 650 pesos load you can get 800 worth of Powercard Load. The STRAIGHT TO BLUE BUNDLE on the other hand costs 2950 pesos and will get you 4000 Powercard Load value. The STRAIGHT TO GOLD on the other hand is 9950 pesos, but will get you 14,000 Power card load. They also have blind boxes and RC Cars to be given with the tiers, so make sure you get them fast because they may run out soon.

Congratulations Myrtle Sarrosa and TIMEZONE! It's definitely going to be more fun when we visit the arcades because of these new stuff!

LG Gets Accolades with World’s First Bendable 5K2K Gaming Monitor

For any gamer, it's important to have a very responsive gaming monitor whether you're playing first person shooters, MMORPG, or even MOBA's. This year at CES, LG got their thinking caps on and made the first bendable 5K2K Gaming Monitor. This would mean you can employ a different view when you are playing games, have stunning visuals that couldn't be replicated anywhere else, because yes, it can bend!

This is part of their UltraGear GX9 Series which includes the 45GX990A model, and the good news is, it already won 3 CES 2025 Innovation Awards. This includes the highly coveted "Best Advanced High Quality Gaming Solutions", which pretty much sums up how they believe in prioritizing technologies in  monitors. This uses LG's Advanced WOLED Tech, which makes images on screen even brighter, have deeper blacks, employ vibrant colors while still having that signature curved screen. This also doesn't have much blue light which can damage the eyes, also have low glare and reflections in it. Aside from that, it's got Dual Mode that could switch display quality in seconds, something that wasn't possible in the past technologies of this sort. They also support different display ports and hardware, so it is highly flexible even in that area.

Imagine the possibilities of what you can do with a curved gaming screen especially if you're into pro gaming. You can also use this for a variety of things, like other media to use for work or entertainment. Innovation is certainly in their blood, so if you want more updates about it, follow their social channels today!

Acer Unveils Even More Powerful Predator Helios AI Laptops

The folks from Acer just recently unveiled some really serious Predator Helios AI Laptops that even have new generation Intel Core ultra Processors and its own NVIDI GeForce RTX 50 series GPU's for the most meticulous gamers out there. This and connecting it to the monster XB323QX gaming monitor would be the best Christmas gift (late or not). We're talking about an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX here and the aforementioned RTX50 series GPU's, something that Valorant or high graphics gaming pros would appreciate at any given day. This would also make the actual device have a slimmer form without offering up performance you need to do tasks for those games that need more than the usual resources.


Not to mention the OLED displays with 240Hz refresh rates that can take your abilities to look around a map or enemies without delay, something you've been wishing for a while now. Did I say it was also under 19.9 mm thin? Meanwhile, the XB323QX on the other hand can get you 5K display at 31.5 inches, and also utilizes NVIDIA G-Sync Pulsar tech and get you ample 144 Hz refresh rate when you need it that way. It will all be unveiled at CES 2025 which they are participating in for the nth time. There's certainly more where that came from plus Acer's ability to make it really nature friendly, and sustainable. There's a lot more information about that on their main website, so go give them a visit today at acer.com ! There is certainly no better time to get a gaming rig rather than now.

ASUS Gets You The Best Deals on SHARE 2024!

Had the chance to go to the ASUS event a few days ago where they announced their latest deals on this year's ASUS Share, their annual Christmas sale. Gearing towards the best in technology and style, they're making several of their new laptops from ASUS a d ROG available at an attractive price plus Php 5,000 worth of Sole Academy vouchers. Thing is, this is only going to be available til December 31st, so if you're looking for good work and game laptops, and shoes, then you should take advantage of it.

ASUS wants you to get the chance to upgrade your ASUS AI PC's as it's best to own an ASUS Lumina OLED or ROG Nebula for work or play. The ASUS Zenbook AI Laptops for starters are best for executives who want something light, classy and fashionable. It uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor Series 2 and Intel Arc Graphics that are both fast and efficient. The 14 inch 3K 120Hz capable display makes the ASUS Lumina OLED touch screen work quite nicely on renders, gaming and entertainment too. It has stunning visuals, but never fail you when you need productivity to happen even at home. If you need other models with larger display, they have the Vivobook S15 S5507 or Vivobook S16 M5606 that's also AI capable, you'll have a workhorse for times you need it. The battery also lasts long at 18 hours or more, which means you won't lose work you've done in a day because it can handle it. You can opt for the ASUS Vivobook 16 X1605/M1605 if you prefer an even larger one. The keyboard/touchpad is nice too because it can take a beating as it is military standard. Good news is, these laptops come with a Php 3,000 Sole Academy voucher so you can get new shoes for the holidays!

If you want the 14/15 inch screened Vivobook 14/15 E1404/E1504, it's going to be fun as it's got displays you can lay flat 180 degrees for presentations or meetings. That would get you a 2K voucher from the same place though. If you're a desktop guy, the All in One PC's ASUS S5 Mini Tower S501and smaller form ASUS A3402 would be best plus it comes with a 3,000 peso voucher from Sole Academy too. 

ROG and TUF have their ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 that can get you apt gaming power but still can be carried around because of it. The TUF Gaming A14 carries NVIDIA GeForce GTX 4060 GPU's so those games remain smooth if you want to switch between that and work. You also get 5,000 peso vouchers with it. Other options include the ROG Strix Series G18 and G16 plus the Strix SCAR 18 that has got more power and larger cooling systems, best for those who take gaming quite seriously. Other desktop models are available through accredited retailers so make sure you get the deals they offer during December. Remember, you need to register your purchase on their website and wait for verification that takes around 5-14 business days. You'll get the bundle in 45 days or less, and some are even available on Home Credit so follow their social channels (on ASUS Philippines) to know more about this exciting offers!

Get Limitless Speed to Victory with the realme 13 Series 5G

We've teased a bit about it with a few videos, and now it's finally out of the bag. realme just recently launched the realme 13 series 5G. These are two new phones particularly the realme 13 5G and the realme 13+ 5G. With the call for "Limitless Speed to Victory", these new phones can easily do games with ease, never worry about storage, charge fast, and have no heat issues with the long hours you plan to play with it. Sounds ideal? Of course it is, because it's been thought of quite a lot from the folks who design it. They want solutions that can relate to you, whether you are a casual gamer, or a pro that don't want the fuss about carrying your everyday phone.

Think of this, they are the official gaming smartphone for the Honor of Kings ESports Tournament. At the event, they also got OhmyV33nus and Wise Gaming to show us how the GT mode works. These two are world champions during M3 of MLBB, and they know what they are talking about because they've got actual EXPERIENCE with the phones they utilize on the world stage. 

Ran to them at the escalator just for this photo, I'm a heavy MLBB gamer, and they are IT.

The realme 13+ 5G has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy Processor. To put it into layman's terms, this is the brain that can balance both performance and do energy output efficiently. If there is something out there that can do multi tasking, this is it. It has made Wise's plays a lot smoother, with the graphics up high, you can see details that others can't see. Someone hiding in a bush, a tree, or targeting one, you can do it with the realme 13 5G series.

As for gamers, we can't have a phone die when you're in the middle of a tournament. No player would wait for you and the actual organizers would gladly hand you a default, you don't want that to happen right? This is why it's got the 80W SUPERVOOC Charge, a proprietary charging tech they've continued to improve over the years. While the folks were talking on stage, they charged the phone live and it got 7 percent additional power in less than 5 minutes. Think of the convenience you could get with that, and how you can fully charge it in a few minutes!

The GT Mode and Vapor Chamber Cooling system makes the phone handle those life like graphics, you know how important that is on some games. It also makes the phone handle temperature, and as OhmyV33nus did it, it only raised 2 degrees in game and went back afterwards. You ultimately need that if you play games that require hours to do in a day. They talked about it lengthily in this video:

 

Here's my attempt to unbox it for the first time, over lunch, because I thought it would be fancy.

In a nutshell, this realme 13+ 5G can do a lot of your everyday work and can be a workhorse for your best mobile games. If you're serious or not, this can take a beating. Aside from that, it's got a camera that can take great photos and videos. See the event video? That was taken by the same phone. Even the shots on this article are from the same. Zoom in or out, it can take great care of your shots and  aid it with AI. All those advancements in phone technology in one handset, what else can you ask for?

Take advantage of the 3000 peso discount on the 19,999 price of the realme 13+ 5G, they also took a thousand peso off the realme 13 5G (check first video about the price announcements). Check the online stores for it, get lots of freebies too while you're at it. But I would advise you to do it now, those promos go real fast. I got my Limitless Speed to Victory. You should get yours.

Gaming Myths Debunked

 

There are various forms of entertainment today including those that are done online. Some do good, while some don't as it's all a game of chance. There's a lot of misinformation though and the folks from DigiPlus Interactive Corp. would want to act on this.

Not all of them are scams, not all of them are rigged because they follow PAGCOR guidelines and regulations on their apps like BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and PeryaGames which have all been a hit in the country.

They do pay winners. With standard procedures in place, and apt documentation from the winners, they get it after validation.

You don't need lots of money to do so because there's really a LOT of potential to win BIG especially with their games. You don't need to be rich in order to win as most have different economic backgrounds.

You can be very good at it. Before you do get on a roll, you have to experience it first and have the strategies. Probability and statistics is a science, so if you learn and study the particular game you play you'll be good at it in no time.

They also encourage responsible gaming, so you don't get too engulfed in these apps. At the end of the day, it's entertainment. Winning in it, is still a bonus!

Take a Look at the New TIMEZONE Marquee Mall

If you haven't discovered it yet, there's a new Timezone branch at the Marquee Mall in San Fernando, Pampanga. Kapampangan friends and families will get a taste of the same entertainment that people have been enjoying in different places across the country.

They spruced it up, arranged the machines to an even wider floor area so you can have more of your favorite games, tickets to win, and prizes to take home in one place. What's even better is that there are new games included in the re-opening which can be played from sun up to sun down, for folks of different ages.

The President and GM of Timezone Philippines Raffy Prats Jr. was also there to cut the ribbon, and he says "You're now looking at a new and improved Timezone Marquee Mall which you can now go to and have tons of pleasurable and memorable time with your family. This will surely be a place where people from Central Luzon would converge and enjoy on regular days or weekends. This is now catered to different age groups, for students, professionals, or just about any joe that want to have a fun time!"

Now you can enjoy VR machines, Magic UFO, Halo Firestorm Raven, social bowling, and so much more. The branch also will have a promo where if you load up 600 pesos you get to have 900 Timezone credits which means more time to play inside the arcade.

Go head on to Marquee Mall in Pampanga today to enjoy the promo, and the tons of games you need to play. It's a breather, and if you win lots of tickets, you can trade them for prizes, treats right at the side of the cashier. You'll love it here!

Predator League 2024 PH Qualifiers and Asia Pacific Regional Finals Announced

Looks like it's going to be a tough competition for Filipino E-Sport athletes as the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Philippine Qualifiers start this month. These are for the exciting RIOT titles particularly games DOTA 2 and Valorant which is still adored in the Manila and elsewhere in the world. This is part Predator's efforts to discover more talent and help existing gamers have an avenue to showcase their skills versus the best of the best for these games in the Asia Pacific region. 

Yes, this is a good stepping stone for budding E-Gamers to gain experience in the industry as slots will be given to winners of the Philippine Qualifiers then join the regional finals. 

Ms. Sue Ong Lim the GM of Acer Philippines says "I'd like to welcome everyone and our valued partners. Predator has been steadfast in championing eSports in the region. In the next few weeks, we will have a few teams announced as finalists, and we will have the winner soon."

Paulo Sy of TNC says "Asia Pacific Predator League is being hosted by Predator in the region where gamers get to showcase their talent against the best in the region. The country finals will happen at the SM North Edsa Annex Atrium and we have 4 teams Neon, Made in Philippines for DOTA2 and  for Valorant we have Naos eSports, Oasis, Zol and Valhalla. During the event the ambassadors and endorsers of Predator will be there to see you. The finals will happen at the Mall of Asia Arena where the Philippine representative will battle it out with other reps from other countries in the region. The finals will be on January 10-14, plus an on ground event and lives stream for those watching at home. It will be 16 teams all in all, separated into 4 groups, then the winners via round robin will battle it out in the championship. The winner will get 65000 USD and special awards will be up for grabs. There will be other events during those dates, and we can't wait to see them early next year!"

PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo says "We want to elevate eSports and we have teams doing that now in different events. Happy to say we have won several tournaments, we have been very busy fielding athletes for different games. There is an opportunity to join and compete in the international competitions for 2024. We are doing that in the national level too through Palarong Pambansa. We will do good in DOTA2 and Valorant, which is why we also support the Predator League because they consistently help us, give opportunity for amateurs and professionals to win in a higher competition. The ecosystem in the country is being supported by them, and MOA Arena will be a great venue next year to witness that. We are the number 1 eSports county, see you soon!"

For those who want to start their gaming journey, Predator has the new Helios line which you can check at their experience stores so you can try it out before getting one. The biggest fans of these games are in the Philippines, and the community surely will show up on the day. Be there and Stand Proud!

STR8 Holds GAME ON Event at SM Megamall

Str8 is a new fragrance brand that originated in Greece. They manufacture fragrances (deo spray), deodorants, shower gels and more. They launched in the Philippines today at SM Megamall's Event Center in Mandaluyong City. In the event, we were challenged to do a few games like 3D swords, race cars, Valorant, Mobile Legends among some of the best streamers and online personalities this side of town.

 

Ms. Hazel Lee the Str8 Brand Comptroller says "We want you to exude success and be relentless live and in the virtual world. To empower you, your go to fragrance is Str8, the game is on!"

 

The scent is pretty much straight forward, it's got no floral notes, mostly musky and leather. It also comes in EDT form which is encased in a tin with velvet like container inside. They also have one that is a deo spray, much like in liquid form and smells quite the same. The deo spray on the other hand feels cool to the skin, and I think the scent from all of these pretty much gives you much confidence because you know you smell good.

This is exclusive for Watsons and SM, but it's also available in Shopee and Lazada for those who want to purchase them online. Congratulations to STR8 Philippines for a very successful launch!

BLACKLIST INTERNATIONAL Now Part of Greenwich Barkada

I was extremely excited to attend this event today, I'm a big fan of Blacklist International and proud of what they have accomplished in the eGames scene. We met them over pizza, Greenwich Pizza that is as they launched their own BLACKLIST OVERLOAD BUNDLE which will be available in stores nationwide. 

Members Yue, Renejay, Edward, Owl, Wise and Queen OhMyV33nus was a joy to talk to, they were equally excited to see this partnership flourish and have their fans have some of their Greenwich favorites while playing MLBB games inside their homes. This is also the first time I'm meeting them in person. I've learned to use Estes and got the Blacklist International skin because of them and proud too of how they represented the country in various international tournaments. I love their V33Wise vlogs especially those sweet moments surface with OhMyV33nus and WiseGaming are screaming and streaming during the matches too.

The Blacklist Overload Bundle includes cult favorite 9 inch Overload Creations Roast Beef and Cream Cheese (or Hawaiian), 2 Lasagna Supreme Chicken Combo which you can buy for Php 595 (Saving you Php 198) and gets you a limited edition Blacklist International photocard and is available in 6 versions, so really, this is a big deal for Blacklist fans worldwide!

Go head on nearby branches to get them today!