Features

My favorite figures at XM Studio

Selected from over 300 figures

Published

March 31, 2022

XM Studio opened the doors to its first flagship store in Singapore on March 23, 2022. The award-winning global design studio is home to 300 prized statue collectibles conceptualized and designed in-house.

They are a licensee for major brands including Disney, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Hasbro, Godzilla, Ultraman, Sanrio and more. As such, the 19,000 square feet studio is filled with statues inspired by Marvel, DC, Hasbro, and so much more.

I was present at the store’s official launch and was completely overwhelmed by all of the figures available. I took hundreds of photos that I can’t possibly fit in one article. To make things easy for myself, I narrowed things down to my absolute favorites.

War Machine (XM ‘War Tank’ Exclusive)

This is one of the first figures you’ll see as you enter the store. It’s so massive that it’s impossible to miss. And it’s a statue that can be configured in many ways. You can have War Machine inside the War Tank. But you can also move him and connect his upper body to a separate lower body and have him pose outside of a War Tank.

It’s huge, it’s detailed, and it is an absolute scene stealer. There are two versions and they are prized as follows:

Ver A – SG$ 4,199
Ver B – SG$ 4,499

The Batman Who Laughs

I was surprised to see this figure because Dark Knight: Metal, the comic book it comes from, is fairly recent. But it was such a huge hit that I guess, naturally, it merited getting its own figures right away. Of course, it helps that the designs look so badass. It’s one hell of a Batman story that I encourage everyone to read.

This one retails for SG$ 1,499.

As a bonus, I’m slotting in here as well the Version B of The Merciless. Also from the Dark Knight: Metal, this is an alternate version of Bruce Wayne Batman who obtained the power of God of War Ares. In the comics, he dons blue armor. But his initial design came in this red one which, in my opinion, looks more fearsome.

This one also retails for SG$ 1,499.

Cyclops Version A

Scott Summers AKA Cyclops is my favorite character from the X-Men franchise. He hasn’t had any good representation in the live action films so far and I’m hoping that changes in the future. He is steadfast, decisive, and is often described as the happy medium between the ideologies of Professor X and Magneto.

This particular version retails for SG$ 1,099.

Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker Set

Sold as a set, this shows how the seemingly innocent Anakin Skywalker transitioned into being the Sith Lord Darth Vader. Vader is easily one of the most iconic villains of all time and is nearly synonymous with the Star Wars franchise.

It retails for SG$ 2,200

**Saitama (One Punch Man)**

Saitama is easily one of my favorite animé characters because I personally want to be as OP (overpowered) as he is. The figure is simple but captures the main character of One Punch Man perfectly. Plus the anime’s first opening song is an absolute banger and it played in my head as I typed this.

It retails for SG$ 1,099.

**Nightwing Samurai Series (Batman Ninja)**

Nightwing is my favorite member of the Bat Family. He is suave, smart, and good-looking – which is everything I am not. This is one of the character’s more unique versions as Batman Ninja is about as bonkers as it gets when it comes to Batman stories. The design is fresh, unique, and is just plain cool.

It retails for SG$ 1,290.

The Flash and Reverse Flash (JLC Classic Series)

These two are sold separately but almost feels like they have to be bought together. The Flash’s nemesis is The Reverse Flash and is the primary reason why The Flash even became a hero in the first place. This hero-villain pair is just an absolute classic.

The Flash retails for SG$ 1,399
Reverse Flash retails for SG$ 1,399

Spider-Man 2099

To be perfectly honest, I haven’t read a single comic related to Spider-Man 2099. I only know the basics – his name is Miguel O’hara and is a Spider-Man in an alternate future reality. The character and his suit has appeared in many Spidey video games and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse animated flick.

It retails for SG$ 1,299

Iron Spider

This is Peter Parker donning the Iron Spider suit made for him by Tony Stark (Iron Man) in the Civil War storyline. Not sure if many share the same opinion, but this looks 100 times better than the Iron Spider suit in the MCU. If I had to purchase one figure right now, it would be this one.

It retails for SG$ 1,299

Megatron

I don’t even like this character at all. But the figure is so detailed and really gives off a sinister look, capturing the villain that is Megatron.

It retails for SG$ 2,199.

Sneaking in Megatron’s second-in-command Starscream here only because I remember having a Starscream toy as a child.

This one retails for SG$ 2,099

X-Men vs Sentinel Diorama

This one just looks absolutely epic. It features select members of the X-Men battle against a sentinel. Present in the figure are Colossus, Jubilee, Psylocke, Archangel, Bishop, and The Beast. It’s colossal, it looks epic, and the poses have so much energy it always looks like the battle is ongoing.

It retails for SG$ 6,000.

Justice League vs Dark Seid Diorama

Another absolute classic, this one showcases classic version of the Justice League going toe-to-toe against one of their most iconic villains, Darkseid. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aqua Man, and the Martian Manhunter gang-up on the galactic baddie in this kinetic-feeling statue.

It retails for SG$ 3,299.

XM Studio

There are absolutely more figures that I like but just couldn’t fit here. If you have the time, feel free to drop by the XM Studio located at Kitchener Complex, 809 French Rd, Singapore 200809, Level 3. They’re open 11AM-8PM, Monday to Friday and 10AM-8PM, Saturday and Sunday.

If you can’t drop by yet, just follow XM Studio on Facebook or Instagram.

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Xiaomi Pad 8 Series

Do you need the base or the Pro?

Published

June 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Choosing between the Xiaomi Pad 8 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro feels like picking between a “sweet treat” and a “full-course meal.”

It’s deciding between a reliable travel companion and a specialized workstation. Both tablets rock a slim 5.8mm profile and a manageable 485-gram weight, and a 9200mAh battery.

However, under the hood, they are playing in different leagues. Especially since the “Pro” moniker adds serious muscle to the internals, and a solution for that glossy screen distraction.

Specs at a glance

Product	Xiaomi Pad 8	Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
Processor	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
Display	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)
Surface	Ultra-Glossy Glass	Optional Matte Nano-Texture
Storage/RAM	Up to 12GB LPDDR5X / 256GB	Up to 16GB LPDDR5T / 512GB
Rear Camera	13MP	50MP
Front Camera	8MP	32MP
Charging	45W Turbo Charge	67W HyperCharge
Pricing	Starts at PhP 20,999	Starts at PhP 38,999

Why you should pick the Xiaomi Pad 8

The standard Pad 8 is that “Goldilocks” device, hitting that sweet spot between price and premium hardware.

It’s ideal if your tablet usage is centered on media consumption and light productivity. Since it shares the same 11.2-inch screen size as the Pro, it fits perfectly on an airplane tray table, making it a dream for frequent flyers.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is no slouch; it still runs titles like Racing Master at 60fps on Ultra-High settings. If you’re a fan of XG or KiiiKiii, you’ll appreciate the quad-speaker setup and Hi-Res Audio support without needing to pay the “Pro” tax.

It’s the smart choice for those who want a capable second screen to complement their main laptop.

Why you should level up to the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro

The “Pro” is for those who found the standard model’s limitations — like the glossy screen reflections or the 128GB storage ceiling — to be a dealbreaker.

The biggest upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a powerhouse chip that turns the tablet into a legitimate workstation for video editing in CapCut or heavy multitasking in HyperOS 3.0.

Beyond power, the Pro version offers a Matte Glass Edition, which completely solves the “reflection” issue that can ruin your movie sessions or drawing time under bright lights.

You also get significantly better cameras, such as a 32-megapixel front sensor for professional-looking video calls. There’s also a 50-megapixel rear camera for high-res document scanning.

Finally, the 67W HyperCharge means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time being productive.

Which Xiaomi Pad is your GadgetMatch?

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 if you want the best value for your money.

It’s thin, light, and powerful enough for 90% of users. It handles gaming, writing, and music playback with ease, making it a worthy recipient of a seal of approval for anyone on a budget.

Just be sure to skip the 128GB entry model and go for the 256GB version to ensure you get those faster storage speeds.

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you are a “power user” who hates screen glare. If you plan to use the Focus Pen Pro for serious creative work or need 512GB of space for a massive game library, the Pro is worth the extra investment.

It’s a high-speed machine that charges faster, captures better photos, and runs every app with flagship-level fluidness.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at PhP 20,999 with Normal Keyboard while the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro starts at PhP 38,999 with Touch Keyboard. Both tablets come with free Focus Pen Pro.

Apps

The No-Nonsense guide to mid-year shopping

Let AI do the heavy lifting for you this Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale

Published

June 5, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The mid-year sale season is here, but the days of mindless impulse buying are over.

Shoppers are shifting toward intentional, value-driven decisions, focusing on quality, authenticity, and actual utility over flashy, low-quality gimmicks.

From 8:00 PM on June 5 until 11:59 PM on June 8, 2026, the Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale is dropping major discounts. But the real win is using the platform’s tools to maximize your budget.

Lock in the baseline discounts

Before diving into specific items, map out how to stack the core offers.

You can stretch your money by hunting down LazFlash Deals for up to 90% off, collecting up to PhP 3,000 in stackable vouchers, and ensuring every order qualifies for the free shipping offers available throughout the event.

True value comes from combining these three layers of savings on things you already need.

Jisulife: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Filter for authentic value

Shopping smart means avoiding the trap of “too good to be true” counterfeits that end up in the trash.

Data shows a massive consumer shift toward trusted quality, with LazMall growth vastly outperforming standard listings during major sales.

To ensure your money goes toward genuine products with real warranties, restrict your browsing to official, brand-certified stores.

If you are upgrading your tech, parenting gear, or wardrobe, look to trusted names anchoring the sale like UGREEN, JisuLife, ANTA, Maserati Watches, Momcozy, and O.TWO.O.

UGREEN: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Outsmart the noise with built-in tech

Don’t waste hours scrolling through endless listings or guessing which product is better.

The smartest way to navigate a massive mid-year event is to let the platform’s built-in features cut through choice paralysis.

Tools like AI Lazzie and AI Picks allow you to instantly compare similar items, analyze prices, and get personalized recommendations based on actual data rather than generic marketing hype.

Smart Shopper Tip: True value is a mix of the right price, verified authenticity, and a seamless return policy. Use this sale period to stock up on everyday essentials and high-quality upgrades rather than panic-buying items you’ll regret later.

Computex 2026

Postcards from MSI’s 40th anniversary expo

A visual journey through four decades of hardware artistry at COMPUTEX 2026.

Published

June 4, 2026

MJ Jucutan and Vincenz

Stepping into MSI’s 40th year anniversary exhibition space felt less like exploring a traditional tech pavilion and more like embarking on a time-travel expedition.

From the nostalgic, raw engineering of 1986 legacy motherboards to the breathtaking, AI-driven flagships and starry-night inspired laptops of tomorrow, four decades of continuous craftsmanship were brought to life under the watchful eye of the iconic dragon motif.

This photo journal captures that vibrant atmosphere. It’s a visual walk through the heritage and the sheer hardware artistry that defined MSI’s historic celebration in Taiwan.