Apps

Cat Bird: A cute and fun mobile platformer

It’s cute and all until…

Published

March 19, 2018

Leez

If you want a game that’s adorably challenging, I might have the game for you: Cat Bird.

It’s a title developed by Rayumi Adventure, an independent studio headed by Ryan Carag. If you like pixel art, you might want to check other titles from the same studio because they’ve developed similarly designed games.

About a cat that can fly

If you Google “catbird,” you’re up for a surprise: The game isn’t about the actual bird (yes, there’s an actual bird of the same name). We can pretty much appreciate the English language and how a space can alter compound words.

Anyway, Cat Bird is a mobile platformer where you have to get through enemies, falling spikes, and various obstacles. You play as Cat Bird, a white kitten with wings, who is lost and is finding its way home. Your task is to navigate your way back. Simple? You’d think so.

Charming design

When you first install the game, you’ll notice the adorable pixel design, charming music, and polished user interface. I’ll admit: The game has a lovely soundtrack that matches its cute design. When it comes to user interface, Cat Bird walks you through the basics. The controls are on the bottom of your screen. On the bottom right of the game is your jump control and on the bottom left, the forward and back controls.

It’s cute and all until…

… you realize you’re terrible at timing! It doesn’t help when you’re playing an adorable character that dies every time you don’t get it right. You’ll have to watch your death count go up a few digits and live with yourself seeing an adorable mythical animal die. Case in point: I’ve unconsciously learned to apologize out loud when Cat Bird dies.

More crowns, more bragging rights

Platformers are more than just getting from point A to point B. If you’re a messed-up completionist like I am, you’ll want to collect every item or earn every achievement that exists in the game. For Cat Bird, you’ve got crowns purposefully placed in the toughest places. The crowns are even sometimes hidden. Finishing the game may be fun, but being able to collect all crowns gives you bragging rights.

Makes me miss buttons

Surprise, surprise. I come up with a strange and ominous excuse as to why I cannot stop dying: buttons. Of course, Leez, buttons! I can’t help but miss the feeling of clicking buttons when playing this game. I play platformers with a controller and playing it on my phone feels like the first time I moved from phones with buttons to a touchscreen smartphone.

Am I making excuses for writing this section? Hell yes. Petty? Pretty much. Can we just toss my irrational defensiveness to the upsetting reality that I can’t keep watching this poor thing die over and over?

At least you get checkpoints

You re-spawn from the very beginning of every stage. You don’t get to save your progress anywhere. When I say it hurts to watch Cat Bird die again and again, it’s mostly because once I get pretty far into the obstacles, I slip up, die, and have to do it all over again. Luckily, some stages have checkpoints that show up as cute little flags so when you die after reaching them, you re-spawn there, instead.

**Should you be playing Cat Bird?**

Looking for a nice mobile game that’s free-to-play and offline is a bit of a challenge — let alone finding one that’s of great quality. Although most games settle to be either offline or free-to-play, Cat Bird is both. If you miss more familiar platformers like Mario, Sonic, and Crash Bandicoot, definitely give this game a try.

This might be the game to take you back to the more familiar or nostalgic platformers. It may get challenging but that adds to the appeal of playing it. Trust me, I’ve almost completed the game despite sitting through so many deaths.

Cat Bird is available on iOS and Android for free.

Related Topics:Cat Bird Raiyumi Adventure

Apps

Google Maps is finally getting a power saving mode

Waze needs this update, pronto.

Published

November 28, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

In a congested country like the Philippines, using navigation for shortcuts is a requirement. However, these apps can hog a lot of battery. If you forgot your car charger, it’s practically game over for your phone. Today, Google is shipping out a Maps update which can save your phone’s battery for those long drives.

Announced earlier this month, the update will include a Power Saving mode for Google Maps. The new mode will turn the normally colorful interface into monochrome with particular emphasis on black. The interface will reduce all interactable elements, so you can just focus on the display.

Presumably, it also reduces the power required by the app, while still prioritizing navigation. According to Google, smartphones will get up to four hours more juice when the mode is enabled.

Unfortunately, it’s not a widely released update yet. Google is limiting the update’s rollout to the Pixel 10 series for now. It’s also limited to driving mode; it won’t work if you’re just walking or cycling. The option is accessible through Driving options under Navigation in the settings.

In countries where Android Auto isn’t the norm just yet, a power saving mode for navigation is a godsend. Besides hoping that the update arrives on more devices, one can also hope that Google, who also owns the app, will introduce a similar mode to Waze. (To be fair, Waze did have a battery saver option, but it just dimmed the display for long straights.

SEE ALSO: Android now supports AirDrop!

Apps

Turn your cravings into cashback with this new credit card

EastWest, Visa, and foodpanda created a lifestyle card that rewards your everyday life in the most delicious way!

Published

November 26, 2025

MJ Jucutan

There comes a moment in every busy, convenience-loving yuppie’s life when the heart encounters something that simply gets it.

For many, that moment will happen the first time they hear about the new EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card.

This cobranded creation from EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa feels like a treat wrapped inside another treat, made for those who thrive on ease, comfort, and a healthy dose of instant gratification.

Think of all the small joys in your routine. The iced latte that turns your morning around; the comforting order that saves an exhausting weekday; or the impulsive midnight craving that somehow counts as self-care.

Now imagine every craving quietly earning something meaningful in return. That is the lifestyle this card was built to support.

Cashback that keeps the cravings flowing

Cardholders receive 10 percent cashback on all foodpanda orders with earnings of up to Php 400 each month.

Cashback continues at 3 percent even after reaching the cap, which keeps rewards flowing for frequent orders.

Users also receive 1 percent cashback on overseas transactions and 0.3 percent on other local purchases. All cashback across categories has a combined limit of Php 1,000 per month.

The card is free of annual fees during the first year and early users receive a complimentary six month pandapro subscription.

Cashback is credited weekly to the user’s pandapay wallet for immediate access. This weekly reward cycle is a first in the local market. It reflects foodpanda’s focus on instant gratification and smooth digital experiences.

EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa aligned on a single goal. They wanted a card that fits into everyday routines, feels simple to use, and delivers rewards in a fast and friendly way.

Lifestyle card for a lifestyle-first way of spending

Younger Filipino consumers are embracing credit cards that care about their lifestyle choices.

The EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card fits right into this shift, giving people a financial tool that rewards the habits they already enjoy.

It creates a gentle nudge toward smarter spending without taking away the fun or the flavor.

Visa’s global network makes tap-to-pay transactions fast and secure. With automatic weekly cashback and worldwide acceptance, the card creates a rewarding experience that enhances how Filipinos dine and enjoy their favorite cravings.

This card understands one universal truth: Every order has the potential to be more than a meal. Now, it comes with rewards ready to follow you everywhere.

To learn more or start your application, visit eastwestbanker.com/foodpanda or tap ‘Apply Now’ on the foodpanda app.

Apps

Chinabank makes tap to pay easier with Google Pay

A smoother and more secure way to pay is now available!

Published

November 22, 2025

MJ Jucutan

Cashless life just got a whole lot easier!

Chinabank is now one of the first Philippine banks to support Google Pay for both Credit and Debit Cards, whether you’re using Mastercard or Visa. If you’ve ever wished you could breeze through checkout without digging for your wallet, your moment has officially arrived.

With this rollout, Chinabank customers can add their cards to Google Wallet and start making fast, secure, tap-to-pay transactions using only their phones.

In stores, in apps, and on your favorite online shops, paying becomes as simple as unlocking your device and tapping. No more scrambling for plastic cards at the bottom of your bag.

Google Pay uses secure digital tokens for every transaction, which means your actual card number stays private. Even if you shop daily or travel often, your payments stay protected. It’s the kind of small upgrade that makes everyday errands feel smoother and more modern.

As digital payments become the norm across the country, Chinabank’s move helps speed up the shift. Whether you’re grabbing coffee, doing a grocery run, or checking out online, you now get a payment option that feels more intuitive and more secure.

How to add your Chinabank card to Google Wallet

Download Google Wallet from the Play Store and open the app.
Tap “Add to Wallet” then choose “Payment Card.”
Scan or manually enter your Chinabank Credit or Debit Card details.
Complete the verification steps.
Once approved, you’re ready to tap and pay.

How to use Google Pay

In-store: Unlock your phone and hold it near a contactless terminal until it confirms the payment.
Online: Select Google Pay at checkout for quick and secure payments.
Security: Each transaction uses a unique digital card number or biometric verification, keeping your information safe.

Chinabank is also preparing guides and support channels to help customers get familiar with Google Pay, making the shift to digital wallets easier for everyone.

With Google Pay now part of its digital ecosystem, Chinabank gives its customers a payment experience that’s faster, safer, and ready for modern life.