Features

Enjoying the present at the City of Pines

Capturing peace and quiet using the OPPO Find N3 Flip and the OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

Published

January 3, 2024

MJ Jucutan

“Tara, Baguio tayo” is a common phrase in the Philippines when you invite your friends to drive (or take a ride) to the city of Pines. The destination is popular for tourists looking for a break from Manila’s hustle-bustle and those who want to enjoy the cool weather.

For some, the place is suited best for those going through a hard time. I still remember how most of my trips to Baguio City were melancholic at most; shedding tears and writhing in pain as I bathed in fog and cold, soul-crushing breeze. But, that was me in my past life.

Not long ago, I took a trip back to the City of Pines. Instead of recollecting memories of my recent past, I decided to enjoy the present. If you have only a weekend to spare, it’s better to capture and live in every moment, right?

Since we’re short on time, here are a few recommendations for when you visit Baguio City. I can vouch that you’ll leave with a refreshed mind, heart, body, and soul.

Live vicariously through these photos taken using the OPPO Find N3 Flip and the OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G.

Stay at The Forest Lodge

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

Nestled inside Camp John Hay, staying at The Forest Lodge gave me relaxed mornings as I greet the pine trees, sunrise, and the cold, morning air.

It’s situated five kilometers away from Burnham Park, making it an ideal location for those who want to keep everything accessible but still be away from the crowd.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

The room I was in came with a cable TV, mini-fridge, tea, and stuff you’ll need to make a good cup of coffee.

I didn’t have a veranda in my room, so I opted to open my window and brew my coffee using their French Press. Also, to let the cool breeze in.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

Sometimes, all we need is an undisturbed morning with a good cup of coffee, away from everything.

Caffeinate at Hatch

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

When we arrived in Baguio, my companions were raving about getting their caffeine fix at Hatch. Unfortunately, most people don’t wake up early when on a trip.

So, it was only Neil from GizGuide and I who ended up going to the not-so-secret cafe.

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

Hatch Coffee can be found along Easter Road, around 30 minutes coming from Camp John Hay.

It’s located at 135 Easter Road corner Road 1 Manzanillo, and it’s open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10AM to 7PM

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

If you’re fond of quiet yet open cafes tucked away from the bustling crowd, Hatch Coffee might offer a pleasant atmosphere while you caffeinate.

The place offers a vast space for kids and pets to run around, and there are ample spots to sit and sip your coffee in peace.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

I sat near the logs used for bonfires at night, chugging an Iced Spanish Latte subbed with Oatmilk. For a moment, I got to disconnect my brain as I stared blankly at the greenery.

At that moment, all I knew was peace, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Refine yourself at the Easter Weaving Room

A ten-minute walk away from Hatch Coffee, you can step into the Easter Weaving Room.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

It’s one of the oldest weaving centers in Baguio, established in 1909. It aims to preserve the weaving heritage while also providing a sustainable livelihood for the women of the community.

You can find a wide range of Cordillera weaves from the Igorot, Ifugao, Paracelis, Kankanaey, and more.

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

The building is also home to native handicrafts. You can find woodcarvings, rattan baskets, shell decors, Ilokano and Yakan weaving, and even local food delicacies.

Dine with a scenic view at The Barn

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

Baguio City has grown from being a destination known for its pine trees and lush greenery to a tourist-packed city with horrible traffic jams just like Manila. But of course, crowds are only found in the city center.

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

If you drive away from the crowd on a getaway car, you can find not-so-hidden gems guaranteed to make your visit worth a while. (And no, we didn’t really have getaway cars.)

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

One example is The Barn, an artisan restaurant situated on the hills that gave us captivating views.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

The place also doubles as an event venue, which is why the vibe felt like a wedding reception.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

We were served fresh strawberry juices, mouthwatering fries, a scrump·tious pesto pasta, a gigantic yet tasty beef burger, and fruits and marshmallows that you can dip on chocolate fondue.

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

Everything is just picturesque, but here’s a mirror selfie, because I’m also a view worth looking at.

Get lost in Ili-likha Artist Village

If a thriving art scene is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Ili-likha Artist Village, also known as Ili-likha Artists’ Wateringhole, was conceptualized by film director Eric De Guia as a food hub where good food and art collide.

It’s like a big treehouse you need to explore every nook and cranny to find something that’ll pique your interest.

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

Admittedly, I got so confused about where to go that I stumbled upon a shop that sells crystals and accessories. I impulsively bought a ring and a crystal.

But more importantly, I bought a pendant of my beau’s initials. I just want to wear it with my silver necklace and treat it like a chain around my neck. (Swifties, can you hear me?)

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

The place is filled with food commissaries, but what I enjoyed the most was sipping hot cocoa from Little Milkyway. Found at the garden level of the Artist Village, the specialty café offers vegan dishes and interesting beverages.

I didn’t have to worry about drinking hot cocoa since the barista said they weren’t using dairy for their milk. That means no trip to the bathroom for me as I enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

Ili-likha Artist Village is located along Assumption Road, just near Session Road in Baguio City.

Embracing the dusk on a viewing deck

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

Of course, I wasn’t in Baguio City just because I wanted to. Honestly, the City of Pines ain’t the destination I’d prefer to visit if I wanted to take a quick break from life. I’m more of a sun and sand guy.

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

Nevertheless, I was tugging along with folks from the media, following OPPO’s campaign trail throughout the Philippines.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

After the smartphone brand’s successful leg in Davao City, its celebrity ambassador David Licauco was with us as he graced his fans for a meet-and-greet event at SM City Baguio’s Sky Terrace.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

While his fans were gushing around in adoration at the sight of a handsome, charming man, we enjoyed the sight of Baguio City’s skyline transitioning from dusk until the night lights filled up the dark.

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We get to ponder about the beauty of the city and everything we like about it.

Cozy up at 113 Wagner Café

Shot on OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G

I love dinners, especially when the setting allows for a good conversation with people. That’s how dining at 113 Wagner Café feels like.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

The scenic, cozy al fresco setup got me cooped in an evermore-inspired sweater I borrowed from my friend.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

To be frank, everything that was served was a true feast for the senses. I forgot to take photos of each meal, seemingly lost in the moment as I laughed and shared stories with people, old and new.

Shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

But I guess, that’s the lesson here. Sometimes, we need to put our phones down because most moments aren’t meant to be captured.

Take a few snaps and put your phone down. Some memories are worth remembering when you live and enjoy the present.

Related Topics:OPPO OPPO Find N3 Flip OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: TECNO SPARK 50 Pro vs SPARK 50 5G

Which afforda-phone SPARKs more joy?

Published

June 18, 2026

Vincenz

Within two months, TECNO separately launched the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G.

Clearly, the uprising brand aims to target consumers who want to buy a shiny new smartphone within their means. This also meant budget buyers might get confused which to get between the two.

Interested yet still confused? Read more to know which SPARK is your GadgetMatch.

Design

While design is (and will always be) subjective, the design of the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G are on two different sides of the coin.

The newer SPARK 50 Pro is offered in stronger color choices — from Midnight Blue to the Dynamic Orange I own. Albeit, there are the less flashy Ink Black, Titanium Grey, and Cloud White shades.

On the other hand, the SPARK 50 5G has classier colorways: Champagne Gold, Mint Green and Fantasy Purple. That’s alongside the subdued Ink Black and Titanium Grey options.

Personally, the SPARK 50 5G’s clean-looking horizontal camera bar design was the clear giveaway. While the SPARK 50 Pro is a bit slimmer at 7.8mm, the SPARK 50 5G is still comfortable to hold despite being thicker at 8.18mm.

Furthermore, the Champagne Gold unit I rock looks more premium and doesn’t try to be in with the unnecessary “orange” trend.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Durability

Usually, design and durability coincide with one another. But, that’s not always the case.

Despite the SPARK 50 5G having an aviation-grade body, it only has an IP64 rating. It can withstand dust particles but, only water splashes and light sprays. Good to note though that it is MIL-STD-810H compliant.

Meanwhile, the less premium-looking SPARK 50 Pro actually boasts the sturdier IP68 and IP69 water and resistance ratings. This means it can withstand dust, water immersion, and even stronger, high-pressure sprays.

This makes the SPARK 50 Pro one of the few phones to have an IP rating previously limited to flagships and higher-end midrangers.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 Pro

Audiovisual

Both the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G share a 6.78-inch IPS LCD display. Both are also 720p in resolution and refresh rate maxes out at 120Hz.

Obviously, these phones don’t have the best in class displays. But, for such segment and price, having such display tech alongside a punch-hole cutout (instead of a raindrop notch) means a lot.

Stereo speakers are also powered by DTS sound. Undoubtedly, these two phones are like identical twins in this segment.

The only thing that the SPARK 50 5G has the upper-hand is none other than its inclusion of 3.5mm audio jack that the SPARK 50 Pro lacks. Still beneficial for people who fully rely on wired audio.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Performance

While the front part is harder to distinguish from one another, each inner core is what separates these phones apart.

The TECNO SPARK 50 5G is powered by the MediaTek’s Dimensity 6400 SoC.

Of course, it’s not the most powerful out there. But, for its league, it’s a capable chipset that can multitask and run most game titles. Even 5G support never forgotten.

Meanwhile, the SPARK 50 Pro, despite having that “Pro” superlative, only runs the Dimensity G100 Ultimate. CPU speeds are obviously lower. Worse? It’s only limited to 4G speeds.

On the positive note, it gives better camera support.

Memory sizes are available in 4,6, and 8GB with storage options in either 128 or 256GB. Fortunately, these phones still have a dedicated microSD slot.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Camera

With the camera talk already mentioned, most would think that the 50MP main rear camera of the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G are just the same. Well, they’re not.

Photography duties of the SPARK 50 Pro are mainly handled by Sony’s LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) image sensor. For reference, that’s the same image sensor found on most modern midrangers.

The SPARK 50 5G uses an older Sony Exmor sensor. Aperture slightly differ at f/1.9 and f/1.8 respectively.

For further context, here’s how the two smartphones produce photos.

To compensate for that, the SPARK 50 5G tends to over-sharpen and color boost its photo output over SPARK 50 Pro’s natural image rendering.

The SPARK 50 Pro also has a better-looking bokeh falloff than its 5G counterpart.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 Pro

Power

Finally, the highlight of both phones: battery capacity.

ICYMI, the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro has two versions: a single-cell 5600mAh model and a bigger 6000mAh dual-cell version.

The SPARK 50 5G takes it up a notch with an even bigger 6500mAh

Although that is only a 500mAh (or 900mAh) discrepancy, that battery boost still means a lot for an every day user.

Charging-wise, the SPARK 50 Pro has a faster 60W speed over the regular 45W charging in the 5G version.

IMHO, I would still choose a bigger battery over faster charging speeds. Still, it’s great to have both in a single package.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Which afforda-phone SPARKs more joy?

If we are going to tally the scores, the clear afforda-phone winner is none other than the TECNO SPARK 50 5G.

It ticks 4 out of 6 boxes — from that classier design to its beastly battery despite that thin chassis. Even better, a 5G-capable chipset and 3.5mm audio jack inclusion that the “Pro” variant simply lacks.

However, that doesn’t mean the SPARK 50 Pro is lackluster.

If you value the cameras and durability more than anything else, the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro is clearly the one you should get.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to how much of your hard-earned savings you are willing to let go.

Features

This is the history of basketball videogames since the ’73 Knicks

Did you know that the first basketball videogame was invented in 1973?

Published

June 15, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Knicks fans, rejoice; your long, long wait is finally over! The New York Knicks are once again the NBA Champions. As you’ve probably heard so many times by now, the last time that New York’s own was on top of the basketball pyramid was in 1973, 53 years ago.

Here’s a fun fact that you might not know, though: The last Knicks championship is tied to the history of the basketball in videogames. Did you know that the very first basketball video game was invented in 1973, the exact same year that the Knicks won their last championship?

But, of course, a lot of things have happened since then, and a lot of videogames have come and gone. Here are the most notable basketball games you might have played (or missed playing) in history:

NBA 2K

It would be pointless to start a list of basketball games without stating the obvious first. The NBA 2K series is the quintessential hooper sim today. When you think of the sport in videogames today, you can’t spend two seconds without thinking of the long-running franchise.

Now an annually releasing series, NBA 2K started in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast. At the time, it was just another drop in a sea of ‘90s basketball games. Now, it’s an institution with constantly updating graphics and mechanics.

NBA Live

Around the time that NBA 2K first started, NBA Live was the king of the jungle. Up until 2018, it was another annually releasing series going alongside (and against) the behemoth known as 2K.

But it’s had a storied history as well. It started off as the NBA Playoffs series. The first one, 1989’s Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs, featured eight teams who were part of that year’s playoffs. This went on until 1993 when it evolved into NBA Showdown, one of the first games to feature every NBA team. In 1994, Showdown reinvented itself once again into NBA Live and turned into an annual series before its unfortunate cancellation in 2018.

NBA Street

If sports simulators aren’t your thing, NBA Street is an arcade-style series that has ups the fun with trick shots and streetball rules. It features three-on-three hooping with 29 teams and 5 players from each. Whereas NBA 2K and NBA Live helped gamers live out their dreams to become an NBA superstar, NBA Street was one for the gamers who just wanted a fun time.

The series spawned a few sequels since 2001 but eventually met its end in 2007. Now, however, you can continue the legacy in the recently launched NBA the Run, a spiritual successor created by developers of the original NBA Street games.

NBA Jam

“Boomshakalaka! He’s on fire!”

Even if you’ve never played NBA Jam before, you’ve probably heard its most iconic catchphrase. NBA Jam was so influential that it’s considered one of the most important games of the SNES and the arcade cabinet generation.

Besides impressive graphics for its time, it was a spectacle. Because it had no fouling system, you can physically bully people out of your way. You can catch fire if you’re too good at shooting, hence the “he’s on fire” line. You can jump to gravity-defying heights to make a dunk. Plus, the game features so many fun Easter eggs, including one that turns you into a literal tank on the court.

Double Dribble

Technically a sequel to Konami’s Super Basketball, 1986’s Double Dribble was a fairly straightforward simulator that attempted to feature realistic gameplay in a very two-dimensional time. For its time, the game was remarkable because it featured highly detailed animations for fancy moves like slam dunks.

However, the game came out before the rise of the NBA’s massive popularity in media. It doesn’t have a license to feature actual teams or players. Then again, haven’t you heard of the Boston Frogs or the New York Eagles?

One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird

Contrasted to the above’s five-versus-five or three-versus-three formats, 1983’s One on One featured, as the title says, a mano-a-mano duel between Julius Erving and Larry Bird. With an isometric half-court layout, either player takes turns dunking or shooting over the other.

While one-versus-one modes are available in today’s games, One on One let players live out their fantasies as two of the biggest basketball stars at the time. It even let you shatter the backboard Though the game isn’t much of a talking point nowadays, it was so popular for its time that it helped establish Electronic Arts as a household name in gaming.

Atari’s Basketball

As the father of modern basketball games, 1978’s Basketball, built for the Atari, was the first game to feature the full-court format so popular today. Like One on One, Basketball features only two players. The game was so rudimentary that the two hoops were represented with two sticks, and the two players were different colored blobs.

However, in 1979, Atari released an updated version with detailed graphics. It was also controlled with a trackball, the first of its kind to do so. Though it didn’t have named superstars or teams, it’s clearly the predecessor of the games we all know and love.

Basketball!

And now, we’ve come to the beginning. Released on 1973, Basketball! is officially the first basketball video game in history. Since it’s on the Magnavox Odyssey, the very first home gaming console, that comes as no surprise.

Like Pong, which also found a home in the Magnavox Odyssey, Basketball! features two square dots (the players) bouncing a smaller dot (the ball) into two “hoops” on both sides of a court. The game had a static image laid over the dots to simulate an ongoing basketball game. It was so basic that it didn’t even have a computing system for point. Players had to manually tally scores on their own based on where the small dot lands.

If it’s hard for you to imagine just how long today’s Knicks fans have waited for a championship, this was the state of gaming when they got their last ring.

Cameras

What HYROX Hong Kong looks like up close

Photographed on the Canon EOS R6 Mark III.

Published

June 11, 2026

MJ Jucutan

HYROX drew people from all over the world for a single purpose: finish the course. In Hong Kong, athletes showed up at AsiaWorld-Expo ready to run, row, and push through 8 stations of pure functional fitness.

So, we brought the Canon EOS R6 Mark III to capture one of the most demanding fitness races on the planet.

The Expo floor is a lighting nightmare, a mix of harsh overheads and deep shadows, but the 32.5MP sensor handled the contrast without breaking a sweat.

The 40fps electronic shutter and Pre-continuous shooting meant we were already capturing the moment half a second before we consciously decided to press the shutter.

Covering a race means staying mobile, and the 8.5-stop IBIS let us move freely alongside athletes without losing the shot. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II stayed locked on athletes even when they were squinting through the final stretch.

What came out were stories of triumph and determination. Even when their bodies were screaming, they pushed through anyway.

This is what HYROX Hong Kong looked like from the inside.