Philippines

Budget phone suggestions for this viral Philippines mayor

What phone should Mayor Vico Sotto buy?

Published

on

A mayor in the Philippines went viral on TikTok for having a selfie video that looked shaky and grainy, as if it was taken by a cheap camera.

Pasig City, Metro Manila Mayor Victor Ma. Regis Sotto, more popularly known as simply Vico Sotto, filmed himself to talk to his constituents about the City Office’s Christmas packs for its citizens.

@vicosottoreal

totoo bang mas konti ang tro lls dito sa tiktok? 🤔

♬ original sound – Vico Sotto – Vico Sotto

Eagle-eyed TikTok users, however, were quick to poke fun at the quality of Sotto’s selfie video, which was stitched along with the slideshow of the city’s Christmas gift-giving program.

Sotto is currently serving his second term as mayor of the city that is part of the collective Metro Manila region called National Capital Region.

He has carved out quite a reputation for his good governance and transparency. Citizens do not associate him with corruption, while his style of leadership has also been praised.

And judging from the selfie video, it also seems he’s that frugal and practical about his lifestyle. To be fair, the lens seems to have smudges on it and the mayor was also indoors.

Still, one particular TikToker even used the video and stitched it, telling Sotto to turn heel and just use public funds to purchase a new smartphone.

Naturally, GadgetMatch has some budget phone suggestions for Mayor Vico so he can come up with better-looking selfie videos moving forward. These devices don’t even cost PhP 10,000 (US$ 200), so they should fit his persona well.

Xiaomi Redmi 14C

Price: Starts at PhP 4,999

Xiaomi’s most recent budget phone offering, the Redmi 14C boasts of a stylish look and an aluminum-looking plastic frame. It immediately stands out, appearance wise.

It has a 13MP selfie camera that can film up to 1080p at 30fps. That’s more than decent, considering its price tag. With sufficient lighting, we’re sure Mayor Vico can take his brief explainers on TikTok to another level.

Elsewhere, the phone has up to 256GB of internal storage, a 50MP main camera, and a 6.88-inch IPS LCD panel with up to a 120Hz refresh rate.

This brand has even commented on the video telling the Mayor that they’re on sale right now.

READ THE REVIEW: Redmi 14C: Look further or look elsewhere

HONOR X7c

HONOR X7c

Price: PhP 8,999

One of the best-promoted budget phones of 2024, the HONOR X7c features IP64 rating. That means the device is water resistant up to a certain degree. And for a sub-PhP 10,000 phone, that’s quite high of an IP rating.

The X7c also comes with a 6,000mAh battery, so it’s guaranteed to last an entire day. You know, should Mayor Vico need a phone with him throughout an entire day’s worth of meetings, visits, and more in between.

For its selfie camera, the X7c has a decent 8MP shooter capable of taking FHD videos as well. It also takes good selfies. Complementing it is a 108MP rear camera.

READ THE REVIEW: HONOR X7c: The good, the bad, and the splashy

OPPO A3

Price: PhP 8,999

Likewise, the OPPO A3 flaunts military-grade standard durability and splash resistance. One of the more recent releases from OPPO does have only a 5MP front camera, but with good lighting, you’ll still get decent results.

The phone itself is steady for casual browsing and occasional gaming. Its display is also ample for binge-watching sessions. It also has a simplistic look that makes it look like a luxurious phone.

Of course, Mayor Vico can definitely benefit from this phone as it’s tested for the “daily rigors of life.”

READ THE REVIEW: OPPO A3: Is durability enough?

realme C67

Price: PhP 8,999

Lastly, the realme C67 is perhaps one of the best budget phones in the market right now. It has an 8MP camera capable of filming FHD videos. At the back is a 108MP sensor that can capture at up to 3X lossless zoom.

Everything else you’re looking for from a budget phone, the realme C67 can provide. It has a decent processor, a clear display, a long-lasting battery, and plenty of features.

As it was released earlier in the year, the only downers are it’s only 4G-capable and its internal storage is pegged at 128GB.

READ THE REVIEW: realme C67: A budget smartphone revelation

To Mayor Vico, if you’re reading this, GadgetMatch is here to help you find the devices that suit your needs. That’s what we’re here for, anyway.

News

HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro for golf launches

Professional golf management on your wrist

Published

on

The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has officially launched. This collaboration between HUAWEI and HONMA Golf, Japan’s prestigious golf house, brings professional golf management to users’ wrists.

Along with advanced smart technology and decades of craftsmanship tailor-made for golf, the premium wearable transforms the way golfers play, track, and enjoy every round.

The limited-edition HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro comes in a Premium Gift Box. It is priced starting PhP 17,999 (~ US$ 307) until March 11 in the Philippines before it reverts to its original price of PhP 19,999 (~ US$ 341).

The Premium Collection Gift Box comes with golf accessories: a commemorative golf ball, divot toll, and special ball marker.

The golf-centric premium smartwatch features professional-grade golf intelligence. It also comes with more than 17,000 zoomable 3D course maps worldwide, including more than 100 local maps.

This allows golfers to visualize fairways, hazards, and landing zones in advance to plan each hole with confidence.

Instead of guessing, players can manage risks better, commit to their shots, and focus on execution.

Moreover, Green Slope Direction gives clearer insight into how a putt will break. Play-Like Distance, meanwhile, factors in elevation changes and wind conditions.

Furthermore, AI Caddie works quietly in the background, analyzing swing history, performance trends, and course layout to offer smarter recommendations moving forward.

Complementing these are Shot Distance Tracking and digital scorecards which automatically capture every swing and score. This way, users can understand their insights and track progress after each round.

And using the HUAWEI Health app, users can also access Through Ball Trajectory Sharing to relive their best shots and review key moments.

Here’s the complete set of on-course tools with the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro:

  • Greens View
  • Fairway View
  • Fairway Panoramic View
  • Front / Middle / Rear Green Distance
  • Obstacle View Ranging
  • View Obstacle Zone/Target
  • Free Point Ranging
  • Wind Speed/Wind Direction
  • Electronic Scorecard
  • Half-Court Scoring
  • Switch Court function
  • Play-Like Distance

Luxurious designs

Design wise, every detail of the wearable reflects premium Japanese craftsmanship. Its default HONMA Elemental Dial features a traditional Japanese Pine Leaf Pattern.

This is paired with a putter-shaped second hand. There is also another HONMA-exclusive option with a BERES 7S dial in vibrant blue with Mt. Fuji for a truly iconic look.

The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has an aerospace-grade titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, and HONMA-engraved gold buckle for a luxurious yet durable build.

In front is a 1.47-inch AMOLED display with 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The watch also lasts up to 21 days on a single charge.

Health features are likewise advanced, including heart rate, HRV, breathing, and interruptions. Stress and emotional wellbeing are also tracked every 10 minutes and integrated into the HUAWEI Health app.

Aside from golf, the watch supports over 100 sports modes, including pro-level activities. There’s also support for freediving for up to 40 meters with depth and duration tracking.

Continue Reading

News

Globe introduces The Loop, a portable 5G Wi-Fi hotspot

A home WiFi that moves with you

Published

on

Globe at Home The Loop

Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.

Globe at Home The Loop

Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.

While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.

Globe at Home The Loop

With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.

Price and availability

Globe at Home The Loop

Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.

Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.

Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.

Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.

Continue Reading

Cameras

Canon PhotoMarathon returns, introduces video, open categories

Happening on April 18 in BGC, Taguig

Published

on

The Canon PhotoMarathon is officially returning this year and is introducing more categories for enthusiasts to join in.

The 2026 edition, the 19th in the Philippines, will happen on April 18 at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City.

For the first time, Canon is opening the competition to non-Canon users. Even those with just smartphones can register. The brand has also added a video category.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest categories and their corresponding prizes:

Main Category (Photo)

  • Open to Canon users only
  • Prize: Canon EOS R6 Mark III with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Open Category (Photo)

  • Open to all camera brands
  • Prize: Canon EOS R8 with 24-50mm

Video Category

  • Open to all camera brands
  • Canon Prize winner: Canon EOS R50 V
  • Non-Canon Prize winner: Canon Powershot V1

The full mechanics will be announced on the day of the competition itself to make it even more challenging for those taking part.

To join, simply download the Canon PH Delightful app, create an account, go to the Events tab and select the Canon PhotoMarathon banner. Registration is already open.

To build up hype for the upcoming event, Canon will host photowalks, school tours, and regional tours leading up to the PhotoMarathon.

These are designed to engage photographers at every skill level. Admission is free and open to all digital camera users.

Continue Reading

Trending