Philippines

Check out this cell tower disguising itself as a palm tree

It’s called a Mono-Palm

Published

October 19, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: Reddit via u/projectbear25

You’ve heard of the term “urban jungle” before. Instead of dense foliage, the city is overgrown with towering skyscrapers and steel lampposts. The only real foliage we see is more carefully planned than organically grown. That said, have you ever wondered how else the natural world intersects with our urban life? Check out this cell tower disguising itself as a palm tree in Bonifacio Global City.

Spotted by Reddit user u/projectbear25, the disguised cell tower literally towers everything else in the vicinity. However, if you didn’t know where to look, you might have mistaken the faux foliage for just an ordinary tree.

Before you freak out, this isn’t a freak of nature or an overblown marketing technique. This is actually a legitimate urban planning strategy. If you’ve ever lived in a gated subdivision, you’ve likely heard of several arguments against the building of cell towers anywhere near the area. Though most arguments stem from scientifically ambiguous claims of their cancer-causing properties, cell towers are often eyesores and ruin the look of a community. Arguments like these have gone for as long as the existence of cell towers.

In 1992, Larson Camouflage, an Arizona company specializing in building artificial landscapes in urban areas, transitioned to camouflaging gaudy cell towers as tall trees. From street level, the faux trees look like tree trunks. Of course, because cell towers need all the coverage it can get, they will often tower over normal-sized trees, creating a weird diaspora for those who care enough to look. Regardless, since the first one, the faux tree tower thrived across the United States and now, the rest of the world.

Because Larson’s first faux tree was a pine tree, the cloaking strategy was usually called the Mono-Pine. However, since its inception, other forms popped up. The BGC one is, for example, a Mono-Palm.

The Mono-Palm is just one example from certainly dozens all over the city. The next time you see a suspiciously large tree in the distance, chances are that it’s actually a cell tower in disguise.

Philippines

Reelist8 launches AI-powered real estate ecosystem

DOST-backed platform targets more affordable homeownership

Published

November 16, 2025

GadgetMatch

Reelist8 has launched its AI-powered real estate ecosystem. It aims to ease the country’s housing affordability gap by offering qualified buyers a path to homeownership with as little as 0.5% equity.

The DOST-backed fintech introduced its platform during the Philippine Startup Week community event “Unlock Reelist8 – Housing Liquidity in the Age of AI” at Acceler8 Legaspi in Makati.

Reelist8’s new suite combines PropertyAuctions.ph and Buildin.com.ph. PropertyAuctions.ph lets buyers and investors find and bid on below-market deals through online auctions. Buildin.com.ph serves contractors and designers with a project management tool that converts floor plans into instant priced takeoffs.

A fireside chat anchored the program, moderated by COO Borj de Borja with panelists Anna Feo, Alma Concepcion, and Ynez Veneracion. They discussed investment strategies and audience-focused marketing in today’s fast-shifting property landscape.

Reelist8 will host a free online workshop on November 21, 2025, featuring demos of PropertyAuctions.ph for buyers and investors, and Buildin.com.ph for contractors and designers. Registration is available through Luma, with more information at Reelist8.com and on the company’s social channels.

Accessories

SKG makes its official Philippine debut

Smart wellness solutions now available nationwide

Published

November 15, 2025

GadgetMatch

SKG is now officially in the Philippines. The company is bringing its lineup of smart wellness devices to help Filipinos manage fast-paced days with better rest and recovery.

The global wellness tech brand is now present in over 50 countries. They offer portable massagers and relaxation tools built with ergonomic design, advanced engineering, and a user-first approach.

SKG Philippines launches with a full range of products tailored for modern lifestyles.

The flagship model: G7 Pro-Fold Neck Massager

Leading the lineup is the G7 Pro-Fold Neck Massager with Heat. This is SKG’s signature device and the only foldable neck massager on the market. It comes in a premium leather finish and full smart customization.

It uses dual-mode TENS and Vibration Powered Massage Technology. This strengthens muscles, improve circulation, and deliver targeted nerve relaxation. For deeper relief, its heat therapy system combines a 6000Hz pulse matrix, graphene heating, and 630nm red light to penetrate muscles up to 10mm.

Its award-winning foldable design supports mobility, making it ideal for long flights and demanding workdays.

The SKG G7 Pro-Fold Neck Massager with Heat is priced at PhP 10,999 SRP in SKG physical stores and on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

A more accessible option: 4356E Neck Massager

For students and budget-conscious users, the 4356E Neck Massager offers a more affordable way to experience SKG’s self-care tech. It combines TENS and EMS to relax nerves, strengthen muscles, and support daily recovery.

It also includes a 42°C hot compress, three massage modes, and 15 intensity levels, backed by a reliable battery and a one-button voice prompt for ease of use.
The SKG 4356E Neck Massager retails for PhP 2,999 SRP on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Portable premium comfort: ES500 Eye Massager

The ES500 Eye Massager brings premium eye care to frequent travelers, busy professionals, and anyone looking for a relaxing end to long days. It blends built-in heating pads, soft PU leather, and Bluetooth audio in a lightweight, foldable design.

Ceramic air pumps keep noise levels at just 45dB, while its 1200mAh battery offers up to 60 minutes of use. The ES500’s five-mode hot compress system (38–45°C) helps reduce eye strain, puffiness, and fatigue.

The ES500 Eye Massager is available for PhP 6,499 SRP on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Philippines

realme teases first 7000mAh and 5G phone in its C Series

The realme C85 5G

Published

November 13, 2025

GadgetMatch

realme is gearing up to launch the realme C85 5G, the first in its C Series to feature both a 7000mAh battery and 5G connectivity. The brand says it’s “raising the bar” for everyday reliability and performance with this upcoming release.

Dubbed “Ultra Battery. Ultra Waterproof.”, the realme C85 5G promises all-day endurance, quick charging, and a sleek new look — making it one of the most powerful and durable C Series phones to date.

Endurance that powers your day

At the heart of the realme C85 5G is a massive 7000mAh battery. It’s the largest ever in the C Series and a feature usually reserved for higher-end models. It supports 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which can reach 50% in about 42 minutes.

A quick 5-minute charge also delivers hours of standby, calls, or streaming — perfect for users who are always on the go.