Apps

Still single? Bumble’s ‘Blind’ Dating may be for you

Prioritize personality over physical attraction

Published

April 4, 2023

Martynne De Leon

In these modern times, who hasn’t tried Bumble? Apart from being one of the most common entryway to online dating, Bumble is quite popular as the app that changed the dating landscape by letting women make the first move.

I’ve tried Bumble myself, and while it’s fun meeting different people, I can say that sometimes it gets tiring to swipe endlessly and start multiple conversations. I honestly don’t have that much energy to stay in the app for too long.

Enter, Bumble Speed Dating.

What is Speed Dating and how does it work?

Bumble’s newest feature brings retro speed dating events to the online dating experience, allowing members to go in ‘blind’ and prioritize personality over physical attraction.

Every 7-8 p.m. on Thursdays, Bumble activates their Speed Dating event in the Philippine region. You will be paired with someone based on your listed preferences, and the conversation will last around 3 minutes.

But here’s the catch: you won’t have any idea who you are talking to until the 3 minutes is up. That means, the chat will automatically end after the third minute, and only after then you’ll get to view each other’s Bumble profile.

Now, you have the option to continue talking to them, or move on to another chat. If you and the other person choose to continue, they will be added to your matched messages where you can continue your conversation.

You can leave the event anytime, or you can end your current conversation before the time is up and chat with someone new.

This newest feature is perfect for those who don’t have much time in their hands. You can set aside at least an hour in a day to find your match. It also adds thrill and mystery, especially in the first few minutes.

Bumble’s APAC Communications Director, Lucille McCart says: “Bumble’s new Speed Dating experience in the app brings the fun back to dating in 2023”

This feature creates intrigue and anticipation in a low-pressure environment, and allows the Bumble community to build connections based on personality and shared interests, which are much truer indicators of compatibility than looks. According to Bumble, the majority (77%) of their user community in the PH said they are more focused on emotional maturity than physical requirements.

Recommend a friend!

Screenshots no more! You can directly recommend a potential date to a friend by simply forwarding their profle link. It’s like the online version of “reto”

If you come across a profile on Bumble that’s not right for you but might be for someone you know, you can now directly share a link to their Bumble profile.

According to McCart, “We all know that feeling when you come across a profile that ticks all the boxes of your bestie. Now you can help your friends find dates by sharing the profile of their perfect match with them.”

Compliments

Compliments is a message before match feature that allows members to stand out by sending a note before connecting.

McCart says: “At Bumble we believe in the power of positivity and kindness, and that when a compliment is the foundation of a conversation, you are setting the stage for the connection to begin in the best possible way. Sending a compliment on Bumble can be as simple as sending a kind message when you come across someone’s profile whom you share a common interest with, such as music taste or favourite movie.”

While this sounds fun, sending compliments is limited, so make sure you give them to the person who really made a big profile impression!

Ready to meet someone special? Download Bumble on PlayStore or iOS.

Related Topics:Blind Dating Bumble Speed Dating

Apps

GCash rolls out in-app OTPs via push notifications to fight scams

SMS-based codes will be phased out by June 22

Published

June 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

GCash is completely changing how users secure their accounts by rolling out in-app OTPs by June 22.

This fully replaces traditional SMS-based authentication as part of heightened cybersecurity measures against phishing scams and financial fraud.

With this security upgrade, users will no longer receive their OTPs via text messages. Instead, the codes will be sent through secure push notifications directly inside the GCash app.

This provides a much safer verification experiences. The migration to internal authentication is a direct response to a directive from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to phase out SMS-based OTPs by June 2026.

Furthermore, the shift aligns with the country’s Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which mandates stricter safeguards to curb digital fraud.

For years, cybercriminals have targeted SMS-based verification codes through various spoofing and phishing tactics to gain unauthorized access to accounts.

By routing OTP requests directly through the user’s authenticated GCash app, the platform ensures that only the rightful account owner can receive and use the unique codes.

Beyond security, the switch brings some much-needed convenience. The instant, one-tap authentication removes the annoying hurdle of switching between apps, copying codes, or waiting for delayed text messages to arrive in areas with poor cellular signal.

To get in-app OTPs on the GCash app, simply turn on Push Notifications on your iOS or Android device.

Apps

The No-Nonsense guide to mid-year shopping

Let AI do the heavy lifting for you this Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale

Published

June 5, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The mid-year sale season is here, but the days of mindless impulse buying are over.

Shoppers are shifting toward intentional, value-driven decisions, focusing on quality, authenticity, and actual utility over flashy, low-quality gimmicks.

From 8:00 PM on June 5 until 11:59 PM on June 8, 2026, the Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale is dropping major discounts. But the real win is using the platform’s tools to maximize your budget.

Lock in the baseline discounts

Before diving into specific items, map out how to stack the core offers.

You can stretch your money by hunting down LazFlash Deals for up to 90% off, collecting up to PhP 3,000 in stackable vouchers, and ensuring every order qualifies for the free shipping offers available throughout the event.

True value comes from combining these three layers of savings on things you already need.

Jisulife: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Filter for authentic value

Shopping smart means avoiding the trap of “too good to be true” counterfeits that end up in the trash.

Data shows a massive consumer shift toward trusted quality, with LazMall growth vastly outperforming standard listings during major sales.

To ensure your money goes toward genuine products with real warranties, restrict your browsing to official, brand-certified stores.

If you are upgrading your tech, parenting gear, or wardrobe, look to trusted names anchoring the sale like UGREEN, JisuLife, ANTA, Maserati Watches, Momcozy, and O.TWO.O.

UGREEN: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Outsmart the noise with built-in tech

Don’t waste hours scrolling through endless listings or guessing which product is better.

The smartest way to navigate a massive mid-year event is to let the platform’s built-in features cut through choice paralysis.

Tools like AI Lazzie and AI Picks allow you to instantly compare similar items, analyze prices, and get personalized recommendations based on actual data rather than generic marketing hype.

Smart Shopper Tip: True value is a mix of the right price, verified authenticity, and a seamless return policy. Use this sale period to stock up on everyday essentials and high-quality upgrades rather than panic-buying items you’ll regret later.

Apps

Meta adds subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

Published

May 28, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Is your wallet buckling from the weight of so many subscription services? Well, Meta has a trio of new subscriptions for you to sink your hard-earned cash towards. If you have a few dollars, here’s Facebook Plus, Instagram Plus, and WhatsApp Plus.

All three subscriptions are designed to add new features which can enhance the experience for those who practically live on these apps. Among the three, Instagram Plus is the meatiest. It offers users the ability to view other people’s Stories without showing up as a viewer, create more tailored audiences outside of Close Friends, and extend the duration of a Story beyond 24 hours, among others.

View this post on Instagram

Since it shares similarities with Instagram, Facebook Plus offers much of the same features. WhatsApp Plus, however, offers more customization options including new themes, ringtones, and stickers.

If that’s not enough, Meta has also released a new subscription system for Meta AI. Though the basic use of the AI is still free, the new Meta One Plus and Meta One Premium plans offer more capacity and performance for power users. The company is also testing new creator-focused plans, Meta One Essential and Meta One Advanced.

Of course, the new AI-based plans are more focused on those who actually use the AI software. Meanwhile, the three app plans are more for regular users. Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus will cost US$ 3.99 per month. Meanwhile, WhatsApp Plus will cost US$ 2.99 per month.