Remember when GadgetMatch went to Samsung’s A Galaxy Event in Thailand where they launched the Galaxy A80? This time, it’s in Indonesia — but with a twist.
This is a special fan meeting for BLINKs who happened to be Samsung users. The live event was held at the Tennis Indoor Stadium in Senayan where the 18th Asian Games and other popular concerts took place.
Upon our arrival, Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo greeted us through the large LED screen talking about Samsung’s new smartphones.
Those smartphones are the Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71 — their newest midrange offerings. They both have an awesome screen, awesome camera, and long-lasting battery life (which honestly played in everyone’s mind for hours after they played the TVC).
Inside the venue, there’s a booth where you can have your photo taken with banners and signage. Another booth lets you write on a black slate using gold, silver, and pink markers. Lastly, you can show off your ‘Awesome’ TikTok dance moves through the dancing booth.
Vincenz, our in-house producer, left a short message after missing out last year’s concert: 사랑해 블랙핑크 ❤️(I love BLACKPINK).
BLINKs were hyped enough to sing several songs including Forever Young.
Indonesian BLINKs are currently practicing their loud fanchants and sing-along with BLACKPINK’s Forever Young.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/7Kf7Y9em7V
— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020
The screams and chants were intense after BLACKPINK showed themselves on stage.
FINALLY: BLACKPINK has appeared on the stage. They will serve as judges for all the BLACKPINK cover groups from Southeast Asia that will perform here tonight at Samsung’s Awesome Live Event.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/wuq57fhWC5
— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020
Awesome girl group, awesome performances
The Awesome Live event lives up to its name as BLACKPINK cover groups from different parts of Southeast Asia showed their awesome performances and remixes.
Other BLACKPINK cover groups that performed today at Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan are Cambodia’s OMG, Malaysia’s A Squad, Myanmar’s Team S, Vietnam’s C.A.C., and Indonesia’s Pink Panda.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/rHgWCP7TKg
— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020
The choreography of the Filipino cover group Gabriela (with the popular celebrity and K-Pop fan Ella Cruz) was jaw-dropping. Even BP’s main dancer, Lisa, got totally impressed.
One of the performers in the set list are Philippines’ Gabriela — with the celebrity Ella Cruz (@itsEllaCruz).
Lisa was even stunned after seeing one of their unique dance moves. #GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/TOucIXXYYT
— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020
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After the performances of all cover groups, BLACKPINK gave awards to the respective winners.
The dance performances concluded with an Awesome awarding show. All members (Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, Rosé) have distributed their “Awesome” awards to each winner.
PH’s Gabriela won Awesome Performance.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/od2CNyGHvO
— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020
They even had a mini interview and quiz session.
It’s sad to say that BLACKPINK’s appearance was short (ㅠㅠ). We were also anticipating a surprise performance but it didn’t happen. Regardless, we were very happy to see all the members.
Thank you BLACKPINK for your short, but awesome appearance at today’s event— which also introduced the newest Samsung Galaxy A51/A71 with awesome screen, awesome camera, long-lasting battery life 🎵🎶 #GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/yQnM6xKNyY
— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020
No BLACKPINK Edition phones, yet
Unlike the last event where Samsung showcased the limited BLACKPINK Edition Galaxy A70 and Galaxy A80, there’s nothing of the same kind — at least for now.
As not all BLINKs can afford the premium-priced Galaxy A80, we’re hoping that Samsung would deliver a similar product through the Galaxy A51/A71 line.
We just need to wait for a BLACKPINK comeback first before Samsung gives us a BLACKPINK Edition smartphone once more 😉.
Blog
GadgetMatch at gamescom 2025: stepping into the world’s biggest gaming stage
This first gamescom won’t be our last.
Walking into gamescom for the first time, I felt both overwhelmed and grateful. Cologne turns into a celebration of gaming every year. Being there in person — seeing the scale, the creativity, the energy from fans and developers — reminded me how much we’ve wanted to be part of this moment.
Gaming has always been part of our DNA. Since 2017, GadgetMatch has reviewed games alongside the gadgets that power them. We’ve covered console launches, tested big titles, and told stories about how games shape everyday life. Being at gamescom felt less like trying something new, and more like coming home to a community we’ve long been part of.
Swiping in game reviews
And just like with gadgets, we’re gonna start carrying over our playful way of saying what’s worth your time into game reviews. A Swipe Up means highly recommended. Swipe Right means recommended, but maybe not for everyone. A Swipe Left means not recommended. It’s the same DNA, now applied to the worlds, battles, and stories we escape to.
An experience
On the ground, so many moments stood out. The massive lines waiting for Silksong. Capcom’s crowd-pullers like Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata. Spotting a GameSir controller — one of our long-time partners — while playing the Honor of Kings: World demo. Finally meeting peers I had only known through email.
@gadgetmatch Sights & Sounds at #gamescom2025 ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch
There were cosplayers at every corner, ready to strike a pose. A cosplay village overflowing with anime merch I couldn’t ignore. Samsung and Genshin Impact sharing a massive booth, proof of how big mobile gaming has become. And yes, I finally played Phantom Blade 0, a game I’ve been waiting for.
gamescom 2025
gamescom shows the full range of the industry. The big, cinematic AAA titles. The clever indies with fresh ideas. It’s what makes covering games so exciting. Gaming is never just about the hardware. It’s about the stories, the worlds, and the communities that grow around them.
This first gamescom won’t be our last. We want to come back, not just as attendees, but as an active part of the gaming conversation. If you’re a publisher or developer looking for a platform that values both the tech and the stories behind your games, we’d love to tell them with you.
Blog
GadgetMatch wraps up COMPUTEX 2025
We explored Taiwan’s biggest tech show and connected with the brands shaping tomorrow.
GadgetMatch proudly wrapped up its on-ground coverage of COMPUTEX 2025, the world’s leading technology expo held annually in Taipei, Taiwan.
From the latest gaming rigs and AI-powered laptops to memory innovations and lifestyle tech, this year’s show floor buzzed with breakthroughs and we were there to experience it all.
Covering the event were Rodneil Quiteles, Managing Editor of GadgetMatch Philippines; Vincenz Lee, Associate Creative Producer; and MJ Jucutan, Associate Creative Director.
Together, they brought stories, videos, and social coverage that highlighted the best of what COMPUTEX had to offer, while also giving our community a taste of tech culture in Taiwan.
Our highlights from the show floor
MSI went all in on AI. We explored their latest creator and gaming laptops featuring built-in Copilot buttons and AI-enhanced performance. MSI also showcased a new line of desktops and monitors designed to keep up with modern workflows.
Acer wowed us with its SpatialLabs technology, blending AI, 3D, and immersive visuals for next-gen creators and gamers. Their new Predator and Swift lineups are not just powerful; they’re pushing boundaries.
Gigabyte unveiled sleek motherboards and pre-built solutions for power users. Their AORUS line was particularly impressive for gamers and PC builders who want performance without compromise.
ADATA and XPG gave us a look at high-speed, high-capacity memory, and storage options that are ideal for gamers, creatives, and data-heavy pros. Their booth also included eye-catching collaborations with artists and modders.
TeamGroup highlighted its commitment to performance and design. From DDR5 RAM to high-efficiency SSDs, they’re clearly tuned in to the needs of both builders and enterprise users.
iRocks merged form and function with a range of mechanical keyboards and ergonomic setups that blend aesthetic appeal with typing comfort.
Kingston stayed true to its legacy of reliability with new innovations in SSD and memory solutions. Their FURY gaming lineup continues to be a top choice for competitive gamers around the world.
Heartfelt thanks to our sponsors
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our partners and sponsors:
- MSI, our official tech partner, for their continued trust and collaboration.
- Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), our official coverage partner, for supporting media from all over the world and inviting us back to experience Taiwan’s tech ecosystem firsthand.
- EVA Air and Grand Hi Lai Hotel (through TAITRA), for making our stay and travel comfortable, allowing us to focus on creating content that matters.
See you at COMPUTEX 2026!
We’re already looking forward to next year. COMPUTEX 2026 happens from June 2-6, and we’re more inspired than ever to expand our coverage, bring in more stories, and partner with even more brands in the tech-lifestyle space.
If you’re a brand looking to reach a global audience through engaging, relatable, and visually compelling tech storytelling, now’s the time to connect with us. Let’s build something bigger for 2026 — together.
From Taipei, this has been your GadgetMatch team.
See you next year at COMPUTEX!
GadgetMatch’s very own associate creative director and auto beat reporter MJ Jucutan bagged the Ford Automotive Article Feature of the Year award at the recent 24th Henry Ford Awards.
MJ’s winning feature was about the Next-Gen Ford Territory. The story highlighted the SUV’s driver-assist technologies, high-tech features, and more capabilities.
The HFA handed a total of 13 trophies — one for each category — to the deserving winners.
Furthermore, the event recognized the outstanding contributions from automotive journalists, who have chronicled the industry’s important events, trends, and issues.
The award-giving body held the awards night last May 5. Here are the 13 24th Henry Ford Awards winners under the Industry and Ford categories:
Industry category
- Automotive Column of the Year: “’Nawalan ng preno’ not a reason for road crashes” — Raymond Gregory B. Tribdino, Malaya Business Insight
- Automotive Electric Vehicle Story of the Year (Print/Online): “EV Life Without the Hassle? Here’s the Best Way to Transition.” — Ramoncito ‘Monch’ Henares, Monchster Chronicles
- Automotive Industry Feature of the Year (Print/Online): “Car Ownership 101 – Just say no to an open deed of sale” — Eric Tipan, AutoIndustriya
- Automotive Launch Story of the Year (Print/Online): “May the re-entry of a legend save another from oblivion” — Teresa R. Salazar, Philippine Daily Inquirer
- Automotive Lifestyle Story of the Year (Print/Online): “Luisa’s Journey: A Life on an Electric Three-Wheeler” — Kristoffer Lim, Motortech.ph
- Automotive Short-Form Video of the Year: “The Honda CRV Hybrid RS Edition – should you daily drive it? Here’s 5 reasons why you should” — Aristo Konstantino Tejano, Apex Motoring Ph
- Automotive Photograph of the Year (Print/Online): “First Drive – A few laps on the track prove that the 2024 Ford Mustang really is all-new” — Carlo Chungunco, Top Gear Philippines
- Automotive Tech Story of the Year (Print/Online): “5 Technologies that can impact how we drive in the future” — Dinzo Tabamo, Top Gear Philippines
- Automotive Vehicle Review of the Year (Article): “The P14.49-M Range Rover Sport is worth every darn peso” — Leandre Mari C. Grecia, Top Gear Philippines
- Automotive Vehicle Review of the Year (Video): “Can We Make It To La Union in the BYD Atto 3?” — Earl Davidson Lim Lee, AutoDeal
Ford category
- Ford Automotive Article Feature of the Year: “Why the Next-Gen Ford Territory is an endurance athlete’s choice” — Mark Julius Jucutan, GadgetMatch
- Ford Automotive Short-Form Video of the Year (Social): “How close car photographers get to nail the perfect shot” — Carlo Chungunco, Top Gear Philippines
- Ford Automotive Video Feature of the Year (TV/Online): “South African Adventure With The 2024 Ford Everest V6! | First Impressions” — Kristopper Santos, AutoDeal
In addition, Top Gear Philippines was given the Automotive Outlet of the Year award for bagging four wins. Meanwhile, Carlo Chungunco was named Automotive Journalist of the Year.
HFA introduces Lifetime Achievement Award
Moreover, the Henry Ford Awards has unveiled the Butch Gamboa Lifetime Achievement Award.
This lifetime distinction will be presented to one Filipino motoring journalist who has made a significant impact among their peers, colleagues, brand leaders, and the industry in general with their profound work in automotive journalism.
HFA will honor the journalist next year, at its milestone 25th anniversary. The award recognizes the legacy of the late Philippine motoring journalism icon Butch Gamboa.
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