News

Y2K(24): What happened when the world broke this weekend?

It’s the CrowdStrike incident of 2024

Published

July 22, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

Twenty-five years ago, the world trembled in the fear at the coming of the new millennium. A lot of people thought that computers all over the world would just stop working when the calendars rolled over from 1999 to 2000. Because computers were supposedly incapable of distinguishing 2000 from 1900, the so-called Y2K bug would break critical machines from functioning.

As you might have guessed, the world didn’t end in 2000. However, if everyone in 2000 feared how the world depended heavily on technology, imagine what a world-breaking bug can do in 2024. Now, thanks to a major mishap last weekend, you don’t need to imagine anymore.

In case you missed all the systems going down all over the world, a CrowdStrike incident caused an unprecedented number of PCs to crash, taking down essential services and companies.

What happened?

CrowdStrike is a cybersecurity company that ships important security updates to a vast number of systems operating through the cloud. It helps companies detect and prevent potential security threats. Because the service operated mainly in the cloud, most people, like you and me, probably have no idea how much the entire world relies on it.

Over the weekend, however, we all got a taste. On Friday, the company rolled out a security update to all its customers on Windows-based PCs and servers. The update contained a piece of software that caused PCs to enter a boot loop, preceded by the dreaded blue screen of death.

Almost immediately, systems crashed. Though a lot of essential services went down, the most visible effects came through flight delays and cancellations at airports all over the world. Bank services also went down. If a service you rely on is down today, chances are that they are still reeling from the error.

If you’re worried about your own machines, the error does not affect personal devices. It’s also only affecting Windows-based devices, so Macs are safe.

A fix rolls out

Hours after, CrowdStrike quickly pushed out an update that resolved the issue. For a lot of customers, that was the end of it. Not all systems were automatically fixed, though.

Some systems require an IT representative to actually handle the issue themselves at their respective servers. Some also require additional steps, such as rebooting systems multiple times.

Thankfully, the main brunt of the issue has been resolved. However, a comprehensive fix might take quite a while. If a service is still down right now, it’s likely that they’re still working on a fix at their end.

What does this mean for the world?

Back in 1999, the early internet era imagined a world where a single bug can take down the world’s systems in one fell swoop. Twenty-five years later, the world’s fears finally manifested into a global incident that crippled the globe for a weekend.

Thankfully, the world also moved fast to fix the problem. Regardless, it proved how much everyone relies on technology these days. The onus isn’t on regular people to find a workaround, though. The incident is just a grim reminder that things like this can (and does) happen.

News

Sony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R

Iconic 1980s headphones

Published

November 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

Published

November 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.