Day: January 20, 2022

Written by: Aiya Rodjel

In today’s digital society, billions of people worldwide rely on internet access for so many reasons. Of course, digital technology saves us time and effort. Although internet access has been around since the 1960s, it was only in the 1900s that human society has embraced it. This is primarily thanks to the creation of the world wide web.

Fast forward to 2022, and internet access is still an indispensable tool in society. It has been vital for households to have an internet connection to stay productive in their career, education, and everyday life. Hence, it is no surprise that most people invest in a reliable internet provider in the Philippines for their daily needs.

The ongoing pandemic highlighted the importance of universal internet access even further. Pandemic restrictions have limited the mobility of a lot of people. The majority of society has turned to their internet access for important information, their livelihood, and access to necessities. The relevance of culture to internet access begs the question, ‘Is the internet a basic human right?’ In this article, we’ll discuss this matter further.

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• What is DICT’s National Broadband Plan of the Philippines?
• What is the Philippine National Cybersecurity Plan 2022?

Internet Access for Civil and Political Rights

The Right to Internet Access believes that all people must access the Internet to exercise and enjoy their freedom of expression, opinion, and other fundamental human rights. This view maintains that states ensure that Internet access is broadly available. At the same time, states may not unreasonably restrict an individual’s access to the Internet.

Free expression is universally recognized as a human right. Many people exercise their right to express their opinion through the internet. Hence, the view of internet access as a human right is prevalent in the modern world. The importance of internet access goes beyond freedom of expression. The internet has been instrumental in pointing out all the wrong things happening in the world.

Political unrest worldwide, particularly in developing countries, has been widely publicized through the internet. Because the internet is used to impart information, other countries have more pressure to address pressing issues.

The United Nations’ Stance on Internet Access

In June 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Council issued a declaration that online access should be considered a human right. The resolution dictates the importance of “applying a comprehensive human rights-based approach when providing and expanding access to the internet and for the internet to be open, accessible and nurtured.” In essence, the United Nations maintained that universal internet access is part of fundamental human rights.

While viewing internet access as fundamental rights sounds ideal, the universal declaration did not get universal backing from the international community. Some countries remain opposed to this resolution, particularly China, Russia, and South Africa.

In addition to this, the declaration of universal internet access as a human right did not address governmental responsibility to provide access to all. Instead, this declaration focused on stopping governments from ‘taking away’ internet access from people.

On the other hand, the nation-states that violate this declaration will not face penalties if they don’t follow accordingly. While internet access as a human right wasn’t such a pressing issue before, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of internet access.

Despite the advantages internet users enjoy, there is a divide regarding universal access to the internet. Here are the arguments that hold opinions against and for access to the internet as human rights:

Opinions against Internet Access being a Human Rights

Because internet access provides plenty of benefits, it can be easy to declare that internet access is a part of basic human rights. However, not everyone would maintain that access to the internet should be viewed as a human right.

Vinton Cerf’s View

One of the important figures that argue against universal internet access is Vinton Cerf. Cerf is an internet pioneer and an expert regarded as one of the ‘fathers of the internet.’ He wrote an opinion editorial in The New York Times to detail his opinion on internet access being a human right.

As per Cerf’s stance, for something to be considered a human right, it “must be among the things we as humans need to lead healthy, meaningful lives.” He argued that access to the Internet should enable rights, but not a right itself.

Cerf also attempted to define the difference between civil and political rights in the article. In the end, he argued that the internet is simply a means “to improve the human condition.” He concluded that granting human rights should utilize the internet, but access to the internet should not be considered human rights.

Michael O’Rielly’s Perspective

Another figure who stands against the argument that ‘internet access is a human right’ is Commissioner Michael O’Rielly of the Federal Communications Commission. In a speech before the Internet Innovation Alliance in 2015, he argued that it is not reasonable to view internet access as a human right or a necessity. He maintained this position because people can live and function without technology.

O’Rielly then delved into the distinction between the true sense of the word ‘necessity’ and ‘human rights.’ He defended against the “rhetorical traps” created by movements towards making Internet Access a human right. These definitions are the basis of his governing principles and how he attempts to generate Internet policies with the government and ISPs (Internet Service Providers).

Opinions supporting Internet Access is a Human Rights

While the figures above present good arguments against internet access as a human right, many disagree. For example, Dr. Merten Reglitz, Lecturer in Global Ethics at the University of Birmingham, published a study in defense of internet access being a human right.

According to Reglitz, the internet could be a fundamental way of protecting other basic human rights such as life, liberty, and freedom from torture—a means of enabling billions of people to lead ‘minimally decent lives. Universal internet access is not a luxury but a moral human right.

For Reglitz, everyone should have unmonitored and uncensored access to this global medium—provided free of charge for those unable to afford it. He also added that exercising free speech and obtaining information was now heavily dependent on having internet access. Hence, you would need the world wide web to exercise your other basic human rights.

Essentially, Reglitz argued that access to the web was similar to the global right to health, which cannot require the highest possible medical treatment globally. Many states are too poor to provide such services and thus face impossible demands.

Is universal internet access possible?

As per the non-government organization The World Wide Web Foundation, founded by World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee, ‘affordability’ remains one of the most significant but solvable obstacles to universal access. Lowering the cost of broadband connection or fiber internet would be a key component in ensuring universal access to the web.

In turn, several countries have made it possible for more people to access the web affordably. This is prevalent, especially among developed countries. New technologies have paved the way for governments in the European Union to make internet service accessible to their residents.

On the other side of the world is a different story altogether. Plenty of governments find it challenging to help their population exercise their right to freedom of internet access. Technology comes with a hefty price tag, and there are other more pressing issues to address. However, civil society was given a sudden wake-up call about the urgency of universal internet access because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 Impact of Universal Internet Access

The internet has been a key means for the world’s population to remain functional amid pandemic restrictions. The global workforce has relied on internet access to continue business operations and communications internally and externally. It can be argued that having access to the internet has been a savior to humans everywhere.

While access to the internet has a lot of critical benefits, the ongoing pandemic has also exposed the underlying reality that not everyone has the internet in their homes—including millions in the wealthiest countries in the world. The fact of the matter is that a considerable chunk of the impoverished population, especially in developing countries like the Philippines, find it difficult to access the internet, to begin with.

For example, plenty of students around the country finds it difficult to afford the internet service that they need to continue their studies. This digital divide forced millions of students to withdraw themselves from school. In turn, these children get left behind.

Another testament to the role of the world wide web in society is how the majority of the Philippine population has been reliant on the internet for vital information. Plenty of people get updates on the latest news through the internet. Pandemic restrictions in the country change regularly. What might have been the norm this week might change dramatically in the next. Ignorance of the latest rules might lead to detrimental consequences, including monetary penalties or, worse, incarceration.

What the Philippines is doing for internet users

The Philippines may be considered among developing nations, but the country has recognized that access to the internet is integral to the country’s sustainable development. Hence, the Philippine government has actively worked with the private sector to deliver universal internet access.

An example of their efforts is the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Free Wi-Fi for All – Free Public Internet Access Program. This initiative aims to provide Filipinos with free internet access to participate in the growing digital economy. DICT plans to provide free internet access for more Filipinos by setting up free Wi-Fi spots in public spaces.

However, the DICT declared internet access through free Wi-Fi spots is not sustainable. Hence, the government is focusing on “fiberization” to boost internet connection in the country in the following months and years. A fiber backbone will enable more internet service providers to offer a broader audience. With better access to rural areas, these providers can make their fiber internet services more affordable.

In recent years, the Philippines has seen a continuous improvement in internet speed. The expectation on this steady momentum is to accelerate in the coming years. This is because the government has made it easier for companies to fast-track their expansion efforts.

Hence, while the government might view internet access a human right, there are a lot of technical challenges to providing free internet access in the country. This shows how important it is for internet providers to continue developing the internet access situation in the Philippines.

Paving the Way for Universal Internet Access

The Philippines has a long way to go before Filipinos can enjoy universal access to the internet. However, at least, the country is going in the right direction. Now more than ever, more Filipinos can access fiber internet connection through affordable plans.

With more internet providers in the Philippines comes the opportunity for private companies to be competitive in their prices. Hence, Streamtech is working hard to make internet access more attainable to Filipino families.

Through Streamtech, you can exercise your fundamental right to express yourself on the web. You can also stay productive in the comforts and safety of your home. Streamtech has made it possible for more Filipinos to access the information they need. They can now be up-to-date with the latest protocols. At the same time, Filipinos can keep themselves entertained in the comforts and safety of their homes.

We offer dedicated internet access, leased line, and Wi-Fi services to franchise subscribers powered by our fiber-optic backbone link. Through our fiber plans, subscribers can rest assured of having a fast and reliable connection. Thereby, they will have seamless access to online contents of their needs. Our customers also have access to various channels through our cable TV services.

We understand that we all need access to high-speed, reliable, and unlimited connection, together with dependable service. At the moment, Streamtech is expanding its network and reach nationwide. The end view is to cater to the digital needs of every Filipino. Contact our team to know if Streamtech can service you and your household today.

Written by: Maine Dela Cruz

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in lockdown after lockdown since 2020, disrupting the way people live their lives. Because of this, Filipinos’ reliance on the internet has been at an all-time high. Internet providers in the Philippines have seen a surge in the number of subscriptions as more and more households resorted to the internet for work, school, and recreation.

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As the demand skyrocketed, you might have asked, “has the Philippines’ internet speed been able to keep up?” Let us find out as we discuss in this article the countrys’ rank in internet connection speeds in 2021.

Has the Philippines’s average internet speed improved in 2021?

The Ookla Speedtest Global Index surveyed countries with at least 300 unique user results for mobile or fixed broadband speeds and then ranked in either category. As of July 2021, the Philippines’ internet speed has shown improvement in both categories. However, this does not automatically mean our country’s ranking has risen both ways.

Mobile internet speed rank

For July 2021, Ookla ranked mobile broadband internet speeds in 130 countries and fixed broadband internet speeds in 180 countries.

During the said period, the Philippines has risen three places in a global internet speed ranking based on the performance metrics firm Ookla’s assessment of mobile internet speeds.

According to Ookla’s July 2021 evaluations, the Philippines recorded a mobile internet speed of 33.69 megabits per second (Mbps) for download, an upload speed of 8.83 Mbps, and a latency of 31 milliseconds (ms).

In comparison to July 2020 when the Philippines was placed 114th, the country has advanced 42 positions. Additionally, we have moved up three spots from 75th position in June 2021 placing us in rank 72.

Fixed broadband internet rank

Meanwhile, while the Philippines’ fixed broadband internet speeds were significantly better than last year, they fell in the rankings as Paraguay took up 62nd position, dropping the Philippines to 63rd.

As of July 2021, the Philippines’ fixed broadband internet has a download speed of 71.17 megabits per second (Mbps), an upload speed of 71.22 Mbps, and a latency of 22 milliseconds. With a download speed of 71.86 Mbps, Paraguay surpasses the Philippines.

Despite the drop in the rankings, the Philippines’ average fixed broadband download speed increased from 66.55 Mbps in the previous month.

Countries with the fastest internet speeds

The global averages for mobile broadband internet hit download speeds of 55.07 Mbps, upload speeds of 12.35 Mbps, and a latency of 37 ms. Meanwhile, fixed broadband internet is 107.50 megabits per second download, 58.27 megabits per second upload, and 20 milliseconds latency.

Top 10 Countries with the Fastest Mobile Internet Speeds (Mbps) in 2021

In 2021, these countries recorded the fastest mobile internet speeds:

1. United Arab Emirates – 238.06
2. South Korea – 202.61
3. Norway – 177.72
4. Qatar – 172.18
5. China – 165.38
6. Kuwait – 157.18
7. Saudi Arabia – 155.97
8. Cyprus – 144.64
9. Bulgaria – 142.27
10. Switzerland – 135.70

Top 10 Countries with the Fastest Broadband Internet Speeds (Mbps) in 2021

In 2021, these countries recorded the fastest fixed broadband internet speeds:

1. Monaco – 261.82
2. Singapore – 255.83
3. Hong Kong (China) – 254.70
4. Romania – 232.17
5. Switzerland – 229.96
6. Denmark – 227.91
7. Thailand – 225.17
8. Chile – 217.60
9. France – 214.04
10. South Korea – 212.57

Ranking of average internet speeds in Asia

In Asia, the Philippines ranked 17th for fixed broadband and 23rd for mobile internet out of 50 countries. Meanwhile, in the Southeast Asia region, the Philippines placed 5th out of 10 countries in both fixed broadband and mobile internet speeds.

DICT statement

According to a press statement by then-secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Gregorio Honasan II, the data was indicative of the impressive rate of growth of the country’s internet speeds in just a year. He also assured that DICT will continue to coordinate with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as well as with other government agencies and private stakeholders to ensure that average speeds for fixed broadband and mobile internet will continue their upward trajectory in the months to come.

The reason behind the improvement

Honasan said the increase in internet speed in the country gained traction after President Rodrigo Duterte issued a directive last year for telcos to improve their services amid the pandemic and of the strengthened roll-out of DICT’s digital connectivity initiatives, especially the Common Tower Policy.

The said policy not only allows sharing of cell towers among telcos but also promotes the streamlined processing of permits for building common towers.

Complementing the said policy, the DICT, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and other key agencies also issued the revised and expanded Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No 001, s. 2021 for the streamlined process of securing permits, licenses, and authorizations for building Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructures (PTTIs).

The new JMC harmonizes the provisions of the original policy and specific provisions of Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act on tower buildup during the pandemic.

“Through our collective efforts in the government, we have significantly eased up bureaucratic processes in the issuance of permits for cell towers. Hence, we encourage tower companies and telcos to avail of the collocation services contained in the common tower policy to qualify for the benefits under the JMC,” Honasan said.

Other major digital connectivity initiatives of the DICT include the National Broadband Program (NBP), the Government Network (GovNet), and the Free Wi-Fi for All Program.

Enjoy Philippines’ Faster Internet Speeds with Streamtech

For fast and reliable fiber internet options, Streamtech is one of the best internet service providers in the Philippines. It offers services to a wide coverage area. Whether it’s mobile gaming or working from home, you will need affordable home fiber internet plans. Experience high-speed fiber internet access up to 25 Mbps for as low as PHP 1,499. You can also spread the high-speed signal to every corner of your home, with Extendifi Wifi Extender.

One of the newest internet providers in the Philippines, Streamtech Fiber Internet, allows you to experience this at super-fast speeds. Subscribe to Streamtech today or visit its official Facebook page to learn more.

Laughter is the best medicine. Despite the challenges, people still find reasons to smile amidst the pandemic. In this day and age when we find solace in the world wide web, internet memes have become a popular form of entertainment.

Memes have become a way to communicate significant news and happenings across the globe. And if you want to be updated on what’s trending and what’s viral, and you don’t want to miss what people are talking about lately, then it is a must to have the ultimate fiber internet by a trusted internet provider in the Philippines. Certainly, you will always be ahead on the newest internet meme online.

If you want to know more about major memes for 2021, read on.

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What is a meme?

Memes are a type of image, video, or text that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users. A meme is a “cultural item” that can be “spread via the Internet”. It was originally coined by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book “The Selfish Gene.” He used the term meme to define an idea, habit, or style that swiftly spreads from person to person in society, despite the fact that he had no notion of its future internet-related context.

He compared the transmission of a meme to that of a virus in his book. It is believed that the term meme comes from the Greek word “mimeme,” which means “to imitate.” These serve a variety of goals and functions, but at their core, they are a way for individuals to communicate their thoughts and feelings. A meme typically consists of a picture or video with overlaid text. They often have a humorous or ironic theme, but they can also be used to convey serious messages.

What is an internet meme?

An internet meme is a type of digital media that is typically humorous in nature and spread via the internet. This kind of content is typically humorous in nature and disseminated via the internet, through social media platforms. A meme usually contains pictures, videos, or text which can be copied and pasted onto other websites to promote discussion.

The internet meme is created with the intention of making something popular on the internet. A meme can be anything from a photo or video to an opinion about a certain topic or event.

How do memes work?

The meme has become a significant part of the internet culture. People will share a meme more if it connects with them, and it will spread further and across various media platforms. They are typically funny and amusing, but they’re sometimes accompanied by witty political or social commentary.

These media images are used for shock value or to convey a life lesson on occasion. Occasionally, a single snapshot or brief video will elicit hundreds of amusing responses. A good meme may be enjoyed just by a small number of individuals, or it may be appreciated by a large number of people.

With their ease of circulation and propensity to reach a large audience in minutes and how quickly they become part of the online lexicon in days, the most influential memes may also be used as propaganda techniques to readily instill and reinforce opinions that quickly become popular among the netizens.

What are the top internet memes of 2021?

Although we faced so many challenges last year, let’s offer thanks for what got us through 2021 — the internet meme —as we look forward to 2022. We have compiled a list of the best memes for 2021.

1. The stuck ship

The ship Ever Given became a popular subject for memes in 2021. The container ship became an inspiration for hundreds of these content after being stalled in Egypt’s Suez Canal for over a week. The 220,000-ton cargo ship sank in the artificial sea-level waterway, which is one of the busiest in the world, on March 23 this year. The ship is almost as long as the Empire State Building is tall, to put things in context.

High winds and a dust storm blew the vessel off track, causing it to lodge diagonally, obstructing all traffic on the tiny canal. According to several sources, there was a huge backlog of commerce ships transporting oil and cattle that were unable to pass through. Obviously, because this is such a huge deal, the internet took advantage of the situation by commenting and creating different memes for the entire thing. In fact, it has become a huge meme that went viral all over the world.

2. Happy side, sad side bus meme

The image was created by Brazilian cartoonist Genildo Ronchi, according to the website Know Your Meme. He uploaded this image way back in 2013 and re-uploaded it on his Instagram account last year owing to the meme’s popularity. It has been considered a great meme.

Two persons are on a bus, one in a seat facing the harsh, desolate mountaintop, while the other in a seat facing the sunshine, and rolling hills. The way the meme works is that you put both passengers in the same circumstance, but they handle it in different ways — one in a miserable manner, and the other in a way that seems living the best out of life. When you look at some of the memes out there, you’ll see that the concept is basic but entertaining.

3. Oprah’s interview with Harry and Meghan

Oprah interviewed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on March 7th, 2021, about their choice to quit the Royal Family and the Royal Family’s culture. The conversation was jam-packed with insights that left Oprah and social media in awe. Oprah threw up her hands in disbelief when Markle said how the family was concerned about “how dark” her and Harry’s baby might become.

The image of Oprah throwing her hands up in disbelief began to be utilized with amusing captions as countless jokes about the conversation circulated. As a meme, the photograph was repurposed in a variety of memes over the next several days, with individuals adding various captions to the shot.

4. Sea Shanty Tiktok

Nathan Evans, a former postman, uploaded a Tik Tok of himself recording a sequence of iconic Sea Shanties in 2020. After a short time, he became viral and had millions of views, particularly for the footage in which he sang ‘The Wellerman,’ a 19th-century New Zealand whaler ballad.

The EDM remix of the sea shanty — with house rhythms added by producers 220 KID & Billen Ted – is his debut release on Polydor Records. As a Twitter user, Nathan’s rendition of the Sea Shanty takes the original Four Lads meme. They were depicted as four British males standing next to each other, and edited it to make it appear as if they’re singing the renowned Sea Shanty in a music video that began to gain popularity.

5. It was Agatha all along

WandaVision, a Disney+ series based on Marvel comics, released episode seven, “Breaking the Fourth Wall,” on February 19th, 2021. Character Agnes, played by Kathryn Hahn, is reintroduced as Agatha Harkness, a series villain, in the episode, with the song “Agatha

All Along” playing at the conclusion. On popular media such as Twitter and TikTok, the song became viral in the days after the episode’s broadcast, with fans commenting on its catchiness. The song has been used in several dances and comedy videos on TikTok. Several remixes of the song were also shared on Twitter and YouTube by people. Apart from the music meme and remixes that circulated, there were additional memes based on a moment from the series that circulated as well.

6. Anakin and Padme

“For the Better, Right?” is an exploitable picture macro format based on scenes from the 2002 film Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, commonly known as the Anakin (Hayden Christensen) and Padmé (Natalie Portman)  4-Panel and Clueless Padme. The setup, answer, and punchlines are all placed in the following panels of the meme format, which is a four-panel arrangement. The punchline and setup are incorporated in the first panel, unlike other four-panel memes, with the subsequent panels serving as supplementary panels.

Anakin and Padmé are on a romantic picnic in the scene, discussing their pasts and their differing perspectives on the Galactic Republic’s governing structure. The other meme line in the exchange is “I Don’t Think the System Works.” The phrase in the meme captions is never stated in the film, either during the portrayed scene or elsewhere. The subtitles are completely fabricated, despite the fact that they are based on the film’s general subject of Anakin’s transformation into a wicked Sith.

The initial dialogue refers to the fact that Anakin will later become the evil

Darth Vader:

Anakin: “I’m going to change the world.”

Padme: “For the better, right?”

Anakin: (gazes in silence)

Padme: “For the better, right?””

7. Kim Kardashian at Met Gala 2021

Kim Kardashian’s 2021 Met Gala style, which featured a head-to-toe, all-black dress that hid her face, was heavily influenced by Kanye West. As we know, Kim wore a stretch minidress, bodysuit, elbow-length gloves, complete head mask, a cloak with a train, and “Pantaleggings” with built-in high heels for the event, a futuristic design by Balenciaga. Demna Gvasalia, Balenciaga’s design director, escorted her to the event, her identity is concealed by a black hoodie and head covering.

Kim’s Kanye-inspired outfit drew a lot of attention on the internet. Netizens took advantage of the opportunity to make fast picture modifications and puns about the contrast between Kim’s clothing and Kendall’s dazzling, sheer dress worn on the same red carpet.

8. Squid Game

In the year 2021, Squid Game was without a doubt one of the most-watched shows. It not only set Netflix records, but it also sparked a slew of memes in the year 2021. We don’t suggest that you Google for some of those on your own. This is because they may spoil the show for you.

When characters die or lie down after being vanquished, the label “SQUID GAMES” is generally added to the scene. Users added the comment to iconic footage of popular characters dying or lying down after being vanquished to create several viral variations of this internet meme, particularly on Twitter.

9. Bernie Sanders wearing Mittens

Unlike other participants who wore more formal attire, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders attended the Joe Biden Inauguration with a coat and gloves. Brendan Smialowski, a Getty photographer, photographed Sanders in his coat and mittens during the inauguration that day.

With the caption “I need this picture to become the new I would prefer not to’ stand in,” Rachel Syme, a writer for The New Yorker, tweeted the image. In less than 24 hours, the post received over 20,000 likes and 4,000 retweets. People on the internet made fun of Bernie’s mittens throughout the day.

10. March 2020/March 2021

The meme March 1st, 2020 vs. March 1st, 2021 juxtaposes two image macros of the same or similar characters, one smiling and the other appearing gloomy. The image, like other March memes, illustrates the emotional sorrow many people faced as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak throughout the year.

People began thinking about how much time had passed in the form of memes about the upcoming March months before the outbreak’s first anniversary. They spread independently of prior versions in the hours leading up to March 1st, 2021.

11. Bean Dad

Bean Dad refers to podcaster John Roderick who posted a lengthy tweet on January 2nd, 2021. This is about how his 9-year-old daughter requested him to open a can of beans. But he insisted she used a can opener to do it herself. She found out how to operate the can opener and opened it six hours after she originally made the request.

Despite the fact that Roderick posted the story as if it were a joyful parenting moment, many people attacked it for teaching the daughter bad lessons, with some calling it abuse and others making fun of it.

12. Feminine Urge

To jokingly depict feminine behaviors and qualities, the Feminine Urge is a concept and catchphrase used in memes. It gained popularity in 2021 after an April 2021 Tumblr post. This is in spite of the fact that the phrase’s first recorded use was on Twitter in 2009. “The masculine need” and “the non-binary urge” were two offshoot expressions. They sprang up on Twitter and Instagram during the remainder of 2021.

13. Milk Crate Challenge

The Crate Challenge is also famous as the Walking On Milk Crates Challenge. It is a viral video and social challenge. Individuals walk up and down a milk crate-made staircase without collapsing. The task appears to be easy, but individuals frequently fail, resulting in popular fail videos. In August 2021, the first video of the challenge went popular on Facebook.

14. Immortal Snail

The Snail Assassin, also known as the Immortal Snail, is a hypothetical scenario. This is where a person is paid millions of dollars and turned immortal. In return, he will be hunted down for the remainder of their life by a snail with a lethal touch. The situation became a popular subject of allusions on iFunny in October 2021. And it afterward spread to TikTok and other platforms.

How do you make an Internet meme?

Memes seem fun to make. And you, too, can possibly make the best memes. You can start searching in Canva by searching for Meme. Then, check the available templates. You can also find a wide range of templates in the said platform for meme themes at your fingertips. Similarly, you can discover features and customize your own meme.

What do you need to create the best memes?

Make sure you have the ultimate fiber internet connection in order to check out the newest memes online. Additionally, you should have it if you would want to create your own memes. Nothing beats an amazing internet provider in the Philippines which can afford you the internet connectivity that you deserve.

Create your own memes via Streamtech

Streamtech, a new internet provider in the Philippines, can grant you and your family the best fiber home internet with high-speed internet connections and cable TV services at a low cost. Additionally, you can avail yourself of our cable-internet bundles.

We have the best internet packages that afford faster internet speeds compared with traditional DSL lines. This is made possible thanks to our fiber-optic backbone link.

Apply for a Streamtech connection now! You may visit our Official FB Page to check things out.

Written by: Aiya Rodjel

The new year marks fresh beginnings, but it also meant the flu season this year. Many Filipinos across the country are fighting flu symptoms such as coughs and colds. In the years past, this may not have sparked much concern. However, the recent surge in new COVID-19 cases has caused a lot of worries. Hence, there has been an increase in demand for prescription drugs in recent weeks.

Unfortunately, the demand for medicines has also caused the proliferation of counterfeit medicines. Hence, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns the public against the dangers of fake drugs, most especially paracetamol. With fiber internet in your arsenal, you can equip yourself and your loved ones with the knowledge to decipher counterfeit drugs from real ones.

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Why are counterfeit drugs harmful to you?

Counterfeit drugs can be dangerous for your health. Fake medicine often contains the wrong amount of active ingredients. There are instances when they’re too little, and there are some when they’re too much. Some fake medicines may not even have the active ingredient you need to address your needs.

There are also cases wherein counterfeit drugs are genuine but expired. Expiration dates in medicine exist for a reason. They ensure that you are safe from potential harm. In extreme cases, counterfeit drugs contain harmful ingredients like rat poison.

Taking counterfeit drugs can have serious consequences. First of all, unapproved drugs won’t address the infection you’re trying to remedy. Substandard drugs can also cause a lot of unwanted side effects. These may lead to more severe health problems. In the worst-case scenario, counterfeit medications can cause death which could’ve been prevented if only patients had taken the right medicine.

How can you avoid counterfeit medicines?

Spotting counterfeit drugs can be tricky because drug counterfeiters develop them to look genuine. However, you can spare yourself from counterfeit medicine and its potential health risks by taking note of the following:

Buy drugs from reputable sources only

When purchasing prescription medication and other drugs, it’s vital you carefully choose where you buy them from. If you can do so, you should products only from trusted sources. These include licensed pharmacies, hospitals, and convenience stores.

Online pharmacies are prevalent nowadays, but it’s essential you decipher if the online pharmacy you’re eyeing is credible or not. When buying from online pharmacies, make sure the website is legitimate. Their website should mirror the ones indicated on the pharmacy’s official social media pages.

Through a reliable internet service provider in the Philippines, you can investigate the sources where you’re planning to purchase from. You can check for the physical address of the sources near you.

Watch out for false promises

Some counterfeit medications offer big promises like ‘cure-all types’ or ‘power to treat cancer’ without having the certifications to back up these claims. Pharmaceutical products may help address select ailments, but they’re not miracle workers. If you think that the product seems too good to be true, you should look for another option instead.

Check the price tag

Legitimate drugs come with a corresponding price tag. Their price reflects the potency of their ingredients. Counterfeit drugs are usually cheaper than your usual prescription drugs. Hence, you should hesitate from purchasing a drug if the price is too low or too good to be true.

On the other hand, generic drugs should not be confused with counterfeit drugs. These types of medication are as effective as branded medicine. It just so happens that big pharmaceutical manufacturers did not develop them.

While they may be cheaper than branded drugs, they don’t pose a threat to your threat. Before you dismiss an inexpensive product as a counterfeit drug, it’s essential to confirm if it’s generic or not.

If you’re not confident about the prices of pharmaceutical products, you can research on the internet. With an internet service provider in the Philippines, you can access all the information you need.

Examine prescription drugs carefully

To protect consumers, many pharmaceutical companies have issued advisories on what their genuine products look like. Before you pay for the actual product, you should decipher the product you’ll be receiving.

Illegal drugs usually have different shapes, sizes, tastes, or colors. The packaging often looks poorly constructed as well. There are usually spelling or grammatical errors on the packaging or instructions. If you spot these red flags in the drug you’re buying, you should decline to purchase the product.

When you spot fake drugs, especially in developing countries like the Philippines, what do you do?

Authorities worldwide like the World Health Organization and law enforcement agencies work with one another to protect patients from the potential harm of fake pharmaceuticals. Criminal investigations are made against guilty parties across the country.

There may be supply chain challenges in the country’s drug distribution system right now, but it’s important to stay vigilant. The counterfeit drug problem isn’t just prevalent in the Philippines. It also occurs in other countries. That’s why you should refrain from buying counterfeit drugs, even in high-income countries.

If you find counterfeit drugs in the market, you must report the offenders to the proper authorities. Drug counterfeiting is illegal, and the law will punish offenders. You can search for the telephone number of authorities near you online for your convenience.

Staying safe amid the threat of counterfeit drugs

If you’re planning to buy medicines, you must remain guarded. Fake medications are illegal and potentially dangerous to consumers. Hence, it would help to keep yourself informed on what’s genuine from what’s not through research. Of course, you can do it if you have a speedy fiber internet connection.

As a new and reliable internet service provider in the Philippines, we keep you updated on the latest news on public health, including counterfeit medication. Through our fiber internet connection, you can connect with a licensed pharmacist and arm yourself with the knowledge to educate others well.

Knowledge is power, and illegal drugs pose a serious threat to public health. With fiber internet, you can face these dangers armed with all tools you need. Contact our team today to know more. Additionally, you may check our official social media page for more information.

It is hard to believe that we are already in the new year 2022. With all of the advancements taking over the world, the smartwatch industry has been booming. We have seen a lot of new products come out last year and many more are still on the way. It is a tough job to find the best smartwatch in the market. Technology is changing so rapidly that it is hard to predict what will be the best for this year.

The latest crop of smartwatches does a lot more than just tell time, from running apps to showing smartphone alerts to tracking your heart rate. If you’re looking to buy a smartwatch, it’s a good idea to look at all of your options on the internet. It is assured that you will find one that meets your needs thanks to fast fiber internet. But, which smartwatch should you get? Read on.

You can also check out these related articles:

• List of the Most Affordable Phones You Can Buy This 2022 in the Philippines
• The Best Affordable Smart Home Gadgets of 2021
• Best Weight Loss Apps You Can Try Out This 2022

What is a smartwatch?

A smartwatch is a digital watch with a variety of functions in addition to timekeeping. Monitoring your heart rate, tracking your activities, and setting reminders throughout the day are just a few examples. A smartwatch features a touchscreen display, similar to a smartphone, which allows you to conduct activities by tapping or swiping on the screen.

Several apps, similar to those found on smartphones and tablets, are available on modern smartwatches. Additional functionality is provided by these applications, which include weather information, stock prices, health features, and GPS tracking, among others. The majority of smartwatches may also be used to make and receive phone calls as well as text messages.

What smartwatch to buy this 2022?

To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated options based on various gadget reviews on different websites. Also, knowing what to look for is critical, so make certain to consider the features and characteristics that suit your lifestyle needs.

1. Apple Watch Series 7

The Apple Watch has traditionally been regarded as the gold standard in smartwatches, and the Series 7 is no exception. Nothing distinguishes it from the Series 6, yet it isn’t always a disadvantage. Apple has optimized the Series 7’s features, which include a polished software experience, a beautiful appearance, and a slew of useful fitness functions. For the same price as the Series 6, it features a bigger screen with a QWERTY keyboard for the first time, new color options, quicker charging, and increased durability.

The Apple Watch Series 7 includes all of the additions and improvements from the previous year’s Apple Watch – including an always-on altimeter and blood oxygen monitoring – as well as 33 percent faster charging and a new display that’s 20 percent larger, while bezels are around 40 percent thinner, giving the watch a more cutting-edge look while still remaining compatible with existing Apple Watch straps.

WatchOS 8 comes with expanded support for fitness activities like pilates as well as new safety features like fall detection while riding. For individuals who don’t care about capabilities such as ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, or other quality third-party apps, and want to save money on an Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE is still a viable option.

The price for the Apple Watch Series 7 starts at P22,990.00.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

The Galaxy Watch4 Classic is a high-end smartwatch for Android users with a classic design and feel. This gadget is robust while remaining light and inconspicuous on your wrist, thanks to its stainless metal body. It’s ready for anything, whether you’re going to the gym, seeing customers at work, or going out with friends.

A spinning bezel surrounds the bright and brilliant AMOLED display, allowing you to browse between apps and menus without touching the screen. You won’t have to take the watch off whether you’re in the shower or pool because it’s water-resistant.

With the Galaxy Watch4 Classic, it’s simple to keep track of your overall wellbeing and take action to enhance it. Sleep tracking and breathing exercises will help you form long-lasting healthy habits that will help you minimize stress.

You can keep track of your blood pressure and heart rate with the built-in ECG monitor, and you can get a more complete picture of your health with fitness monitoring that recognizes when you’re working out. You may also establish daily goals to help you stay motivated throughout the day.

If you are on the move, you can always check your alerts. You can read and react to texts, WhatsApp messages, and social postings on the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic, as well as make calls.

The price for the 42mm is P17,990.00 while the 46mm is P19,990.00.

3. Polar Grit X Pro

Considered by its makers as “the toughest Polar watch to date,” the Grit X Pro is aimed at individuals who want to work out in the great outdoors. Polar claims the Grit X Pro is water-resistant up to 100 meters and can function in temperatures ranging from minus 20 degrees to 50 degrees Celsius, thanks to scratch-resistant sapphire glass lenses.

The Grit X Pro offers fitness monitoring features intended to suit nearly every workout regimen, so whether you’re into trail running or more likely to use the treadmill, the Grit X Pro will have something to assist you to measure progress and break your PBs, regardless of your training schedule.

Like other Polar gadgets, the Grit X Pro is primarily a fitness tracker. The ability to manage music on your phone from your wrist, receive mobile notifications, and check the weather are all wonderful functions; but, mobile payments aren’t enabled. Likewise, there is no smart home connectivity.

The price for this watch ranges from P16,264.00 to P27,490.00.

4. Fitbit Sense

The Fitbit Sense is one of the best Fitbits on the market right now, and it builds on the Fitbit Versa line’s success with a number of intelligent updates. It’s supposed to empower you to take care of your own health by assisting you in understanding your body and mind, as well as making adjustments to improve your physical and emotional well-being — and it does so.

It features an ECG sensor to identify indications of atrial fibrillation, like many of the top smartwatches and fitness trackers, but its stress monitoring function is what really stands out, and is something everyone can benefit from and use every day – not only in a health crisis.

Many of the tools for controlling your stress levels (such as meditation sessions and mindfulness lectures) are exclusively accessible to Fitbit Premium customers. The Sense’s fitness features and tracking functions are also amazing, especially if you want to train using heart rate zones. With this watch, there are a variety of activities and monitoring choices. Once you’ve done your workout, the watch and Fitbit app will offer you a set of session-appropriate information.

The Fitbit Sense is priced at P19,490.00.

5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Standard

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a smaller version of the chunkier Watch 4 Classic. It basically delivers the same Wear OS experience as the Classic because of its smaller size and different color options, but there are several major distinctions. It sports a digital bezel rather than the rotating physical bezel that the Galaxy Watch series is renowned for. This reduces the total footprint while maintaining some usefulness.

It has health and fitness tracking capabilities including blood oxygen, heart rate, and BMI, and runs Wear OS 3. Also included are Google Play store apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Maps, Samsung Pay, and others. All of this results in one of the best Android smartwatches for smaller wrist sizes, albeit at the expense of user control.

The price for the 44mm is P14,990.00 while the 40mm is P12,990.00.

6. Oppo Watch

Oppo’s first smartwatch is available in two sizes, has a quality look, and has NFC and GPS capabilities. Unlike the smaller 41mm model, which has a flat display, the 46mm variant has a dual-curved glass front. As with the 41mm version, both sizes are shrouded in polished aluminum and available in a variety of colors depending on the casing size: black, Pink Gold, or Silver Mist if you choose the 41mm version, or black or Glossy Gold if you choose the bigger model.

While other basic and staple features include a timer, stopwatch, world clock, always on display (AOD), dedicated heart rate app, guided breathing app, and more, the Watch features stand reminders that prompt you to “Get Moving” and jump into a “5-minute workout” routine with a single tap after sitting stationary for an hour.

The price for this watch starts at P12,990.00.

7. Huawei Watch GT 3

The Huawei Watch GT 3 is a fitness-focused wristwatch with a new chipset that looks excellent and feels speedy and responsive. It comes with a slew of health and fitness features as well as incredible battery life, especially if you choose for the bigger 46mm version.

The watch’s array of physiological sensors measure heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, stress, and sleep, so its lifetime isn’t sacrificed for features. Changes are recognized rapidly during tough interval training sessions and precision approaches that of specialist running watches, according to Huawei, which has upgraded its optical heart rate monitor this time around.

This smartwatch is capable of supporting over 100 activities (both indoor and outdoor), but it truly shines when you’re out jogging. When you use the AI trainer, you specify a goal and a deadline and it builds a training plan that adapts to your performance on the fly.

The price for this watch starts at P 11,999.00.

8. Amazfit GTR 3 Pro

Founder Zepp has intended to give extensive functionality packed up in a fashionable design with a high-quality display that costs less than the cheapest Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is a smartwatch that’s compatible with Android phones and iPhones. It has long battery life and an appealing design. While it succeeds in making this a watch you’d want to wear, it still has to improve its software to compete with the big guns.

It has a 46mm casing that is 10.7mm thick, making it larger and thicker than something like the biggest Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 for comparison. It does include a good number of smartwatch capabilities, such as simple notification viewing, an offline smart assistant, and Amazon Alexa, among others. Playback controls are more helpful than the built-in music player, which only works with your own purchased music.

The price ranges from P9,500.00 to P13,500.00.

9. Fossil Gen 5

The Fossil Gen 5 mixes in beautifully with anything you’re wearing or doing. On tiny wrists, its entirely circular display is somewhat hefty at 44mm, but it means you can readily view the display at all times with no fuss. With a resolution of 416 × 416 and a pixel density of 328ppi, it’s larger than most at 1.28 inches.

This is the fifth edition of the Fossil watch, as the name says. Improved battery life is one of the generational advancements, which may last more than a full day in one of the watch’s low-power modes. A fast charge takes less than an hour, and it recharges swiftly.

In contrast to earlier hybrid Fossil watch models, there’s a speaker that allows a smartphone user to answer connected calls while also hearing what Google Assistant has to say. It also has an additional 8GB of storage, which is useful for individuals who want to download compatible software.

The price of Gen 5 in the Philippines is around P 16,800.00.

10. Suunto 7

The Suunto 7 is a Wear OS wristwatch designed for sports monitoring and the company’s first foray into the field of full-fat smartwatches. The 50mm smartwatch has a 1.39-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, as well as the necessary technical components to make it an excellent outdoor companion.

It also has built-in GPS and the option to see color maps and save them to your computer for offline usage. Heatmaps are also available for a range of activities to aid in the discovery of popular routes in new places. Including cycling, open water swimming, and more specialist interests like dance and obstacle racing, Suunto supplies its own sports monitoring software that supports up to 70 activity modes and delivers more basic real-time stats.

The price for this watch ranges from P20,000.00 to P36,500.00.

Shop for your next Smartwatch via Streamtech

If you’re considering switching from a traditional watch to a smartwatch, you have a number of options. You’ll need to look up the features and specs on several device websites to assist you in making that decision. A fast and dependable fiber internet connection from a trustworthy internet provider in the Philippines is essential for this.

Streamtech, the ultimate fiber internet provider in the Philippines, affords the public high-speed internet connections and cable TV services at a low cost. We have the best internet packages that provide faster internet speeds compared with traditional DSL lines.

Subscribe to Streamtech now and enjoy an internet experience at a whole different level! You may search for the Streamtech official FB Page if you want to know more.

Written by: Maine Dela Cruz

Heads up, gamers! After the swift win of Blacklist International during the Mobile Legends M3 World Championships, there’s another exciting news! Ready your gaming PC and your best gaming connection, fiber internet, because here comes the party!

Gaming never stops for Valorant players. While still getting used to Chamber, the game’s seventeenth agent, Riot Games has added another agent to their ever-growing roster of Valorant characters.

On January 6, Riot announced the debut of Neon, a new Valorant agent that would soon make her way to live servers. Much speculation surrounded the character prior to the release of her agency teaser trailer in the last week of 2021.

In Valorant’s Episode 4 Act 1 which came out on January 12, Neon appeared revealing exactly what her abilities do. Just like in her introductory trailer, Neon’s kit has relied on her speed to give her an edge in matches, but she’s got some powerful electrical abilities to help out too.

Before we explore Neon’s abilities, let’s get to know her first.

You can also check out these related articles:

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Who is Neon?

Valorant agent Neon is “Sprinter,” the enigmatic Duelist Agent who has been floating about in Valorant’s game files for months, hailing from Manila in the heart of the Philippines.

Here are more details about her:

1. Physical appearance

Neon is a young Filipino woman with olive skin and short stature. She has shoulder-length shaggy hair, colored mainly electric blue with streaks of yellow throughout, and wears it in a half-up pigtails hairstyle.

2. Outfit and accessories

She sports athletic attire with black and blue running leggings along with a pair of sneakers. She also wears a dark-blue cropped vest that appears to act as electrical conduits for her powers. Her arms and face have light blue patterns. She also wears a belt and accessorizes with a golden bracelet on each arm. When using her powers to channel electricity through her body, the patterns on her arms, face, as well as her eyes glow light blue along with her hair which stands up due to the electricity.

3. Neon’s inspiration

Character producer John “Riot_MEMEMEMEME” Goscicki recalls Neon’s inspiration as simply being “speed.”

“Everything about Neon came back to that feeling of running forward and moving fast. A lot of her design was inspired by athleisure clothing, sprinting gear, and a runner’s physique.”

“I’ve been at Riot for a while now and until now, there’s only been talk here and there of making a character from the Philippines. I’m a Filipino designer, so the opportunity to help bring a Filipina agent to life in Valorant is an absolute blessing to me all the way down to the core,” he added.

5. Neon’s voice actress

Vanille Velasquez, a 23-year old voice actress, is behind the lightning-fast agent from Manila, Neon.

What are Neon’s Abilities?

Neon’s trademark ability, High Gear, allows her to run around levels and slide once per round. Meanwhile, her Ultimate ability enables her to focus her electric energies on a damaging beam. Valorant’s newest agent can sprint, slide, and shoot electricity to take down enemies.

Here are Neon’ full abilities:

1. High Gear: Increase speed

Instantly channel Neon’s power for increased speed. When charged, use Alt-Fire to trigger an electric slide. Slide charge resets after two kills.

2. Relay Bolt: Throw energy bolt

Instantly throw an energy bolt that bounces once. Upon hitting each surface, the bolt electrifies the ground below with a concussive blast.

3. Fast Lane: Fire energy lines forward

Fire two energy lines forward on the ground that extends a short distance or until they hit a surface. The lines rise into walls of static electricity that block vision and damage enemies passing through them.

4. Overdrive: Fire deadly a lightning beam

Unleash Neon’s full power and speed for a short duration. Fire to channel the power into a deadly lightning beam with high movement accuracy. The duration resets on each kill.

Valorant Neon and the Usage of ‘Filipinx’

Fans praised the great amount of effort poured into the character’s reveal trailer. Who knows what other aspects of Neon will delight longtime fans when she is officially released. However, Neon’s reveal did cause some stir online. Some fans and media outlets referred to her as ‘filipinx’, a gender-neutral term used to describe people who hail from the Philippines. This is similar to the term ‘latinx’, which is used to describelatinos and latinas. ‘Filipinx’ may have been created in good faith but was ultimately rejected by Filipinos.

Some detractors said existing terms like Pinoy and Filipino are already considered gender-neutral. It’s no surprise, then, that the use of the word ‘filipinx’ reignited a debate between the East and West. Such is the case with a now-deleted tweet by American esports host Erin Ashley Simon following Neon’s reveal. She came under fire over the use of ‘filipinx’, which was intended to be a gesture of respect towards Filipinos.

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Written by: Mitch De Guzman

P-pop group SB19 blazes into first atop the Billboard charts this week. The band’s latest single is storming the music world and setting records. In the extremely brief history of the Hot Trending Songs chart, “Bazinga” is presently the second-longest-running No. 1 song. SB19 has finally made it to the top of the Billboard Charts, dethroning the prominent K-Pop boy band BTS. 

That is excellent news, not just for this P-pop group but for the whole country. P-pop is finally making waves in the global music scene, particularly in Southeast Asia, where K-pop reigns. It’s a remarkable achievement for Filipinos to celebrate and be proud of. SB19 deserves kudos for their outstanding accomplishment and for bringing honor to the local music scene.

You can also check out these related articles:

• Quality and Chart-Topping OPM Songs This 2021
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SB 19 keeps reaching new heights

Keep an eye on SB 19 as they continue to take over the international music scene! With thousands of local and international followers already on their side, the quintet’s distinct sound is gaining even greater interest as they continue to dominate the charts throughout the world. Regardless of our music preferences, we should support them for working hard to bring P-pop to the music forefront. But what if you have a reputable internet service provider who offers you up-to-date news? Then you won’t have to worry about missing anything. Keep reading to find out more about this brilliant boy band.

What makes Bazinga such a sensation?

Bazinga is a witty exclamation made famous by Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory. That’s his favorite expression whenever he pranked or tricked someone on the show. It’s the same as the Filipino word “belat,” which means “serves you right.” Thus, the song is a tribute to all the obstacles SB 19 has overcome in its musical journey. It also proves that their determination is more robust than shaming and cancellation.  Following are the song’s lyrics.

BAZINGA

Every day, I think the load gets heavy

Throw it away, the world unloads hostility

Is there a way to break the curse and stop this now?

I’m going home, then I’ll cry alone

Don’t you worry, soon, I’ll be gone, psyche

Bazinga! Hate niyo’y gasolina, yeah, I’m fire, I linger

Dare you to turn up the heat and I’ll burn y’all ’til I die, yeah

Bruce be proud, I’m water, moves, they stagger, wattah!

Buzz killer, I’m killing your buzz, so get the hell out

Clown! Who’s the boss now?

I just turned the world upside down

Now, y’all can quit thinking ’cause you won’t know how I did it

Bounced and kicked it roundhouse (ya, ya)

Don’t you see? Don’t you see?

This is my legacy, legacy

Now, how y’all gonna get to me, get to me

When I got the Almighty with me? The bibbidi-bobbidi-boo

Every day, I think the load gets heavy

Throw it away, the world unloads hostility

Is there a way to break the curse and stop this now?

Go throw a stone, it might break a bone

But be wary because I won’t condone

Bazinga! Hate niyo’y gasolina, yeah, I’m fire, I linger

Dare you to turn up the heat and I’ll burn y’all ’til I die, yeah

Bruce be proud, I’m water, moves, they stagger, wattah!

Buzz killer, I’m killing your buzz, so get the hell out

Look at you, look at you (2x)

Look at you, peek-a-boo, pick a boo-boo

I’ma beat you even if I didn’t learn kung fu

One-two punch, ooh

You’re lucky ’cause I overdid it, had to say that “Two”

Not a mob, just a psycho, I’ma keep it low

Guess you know that I am the one I dare you to double O

Lemme get this straight, just got a few more words to say

Defibrillator to yo’ ear ’til I won’t have to say, “Clear”

Bakit ba hilig niyo mamuna?

Masakit na sa tenga ‘pag nagbara

‘Wag mag-alala, lahat tanda ko pa

Lahat ng mga pambihirang natamasa

Nako, pasensiya na

Last time, I thought I already

Told you that I’m always ready

Come on and test me, you know nothing’s gonna stop me

Bring it all out now

All doors are closed and no light unfolds

So I’ll break the dawn in my home

Bazinga! Hate niyo’y gasolina, yeah, I’m fire, I linger

Dare you to turn up the heat and I’ll burn y’all ’til I die, yeah

Bruce be proud, I’m water, moves, they stagger, wattah!

Buzz killer, I’m killing your buzz, so get the hell out

Look at you, look at you (4x)

Moreover, the song’s lyrics are translated into a visual perspective through an action-packed music video, giving the song a new meaning. The concept is akin to that of a video game, with the group bringing their game characters to life through sharp choreography, boxing cages, and graffiti-covered walls. Take a look at their YouTube account to check out the official music video for Bazinga.

Bazinga, by the way, is a song from SB 19’s extended play, Pagsibol, which means growth. Unlike their debut album, SB19 had full rein over this follow-up. They had complete creative control over the entire process, from concept to recording to production.  If their first album, Get in the Zone, was about SB19’s transformation from unknown artists to P-pop pioneers, Pagsibol is about their evolution as seen through their eyes.

Have their accomplishments piqued your interest even more? Then, let’s take a closer look at them now.

Who is SB19?

SB19 is a five-piece Filipino boy band founded in 2016 by ShowBT Philippines, the local counterpart of ShowBT Group in Korea. It is not affiliated with SM Entertainment, as many believe. 

After being chosen from hundreds of auditionees during a talent search in 2016, the members went through the same training as K-pop idols for three years. While ShowBT’s primary objective is to localize K-pop in the Philippines, they had no intention of imitating a K-pop group in any way. SB19 songs are in Taglish, and every lyric is infused with elements of Philippine culture. Furthermore, the group’s ultimate goal has always been to propel P-pop onto the global stage.

Initially, SB 19 was supposed to perform at business events and activities, but their CEO saw the potential and decided to turn them into a boy band. Their current status proves he made the right choice.

Why is the group called SB19?

The band was named after the initials of their management company, ShowBT. The number 19 was a way to show how the two countries worked together to start the group. It came from the sum or difference between the country codes for South Korea (82) and the Philippines (63).

SB19 members, on the other hand, coined the term “Sound Break” to describe their goal of breaking into the international music scene and improving the standard of Filipino boy bands. And indeed, they did! 

Who are the members of SB19?

All of the members of SB19 were born and raised in the Philippines, making them 100% Pinoy. Pablo (formerly Sejun), Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, make up the group. 

• Pablo is the bandleader, lead vocalist, and lead rapper. He is the creative force behind the outstanding songs that paved the group’s success. His former stage name was Sejun.
• Stell is the main vocalist and lead dancer. With his precise and impressive dance moves, he never fails to dazzle.
• Ken is the main dancer and lead vocalist. He is unafraid of his bold fashion choices. And recently, he’s released his official clothing line, named Superior Son.
• Josh is the lead rapper and sub-vocalist. Being the oldest in the group, he’s got more than just spitting rhymes. 
• Justin is the group’s youngest member and a backup singer. A Multimedia Arts graduate, he also oversees the show’s visual appearance. 

SB19’s Inauspicious Beginnings

SB19’s musical journey was far from easy. The P-pop boys had to go through a lot to get to this point. They struggled through three years of rigorous training without pay. Given the Philippines’ economy and self-sufficiency culture, that is a complicated arrangement to agree to. And the lukewarm response to their debut in 2018 didn’t help. 

When they found themselves in an impasse at the end of their first year, the group contemplated breaking up. But fate intervened when a K-pop fan in the Philippines came across a Youtube video of their “Go Up” dance rehearsal and recognized the potential.

That fan shared the practice video on Twitter which quickly surpassed a million views. And the rest is history.

Now, let’s take a look at SB19’s accomplishments.

SB19 was a nominee for the “Top Social Artist Category” and even took the third spot in the 2021 Billboard Music TSA Awards. BTS, the K-pop supergroup, won for the fifth time. Nevertheless, it’s a significant accomplishment since it demonstrates Filipino music’s growing global popularity. The nomination did draw attention to the thriving music scene in the Philippines.

Furthermore, SB19 was the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act nominated at the Billboard Music Awards, alongside BTS, Blackpink, Ariana Grande, and Seventeen.

SB19 continues to make history.

SB 19 also had a lot of firsts, such as being selected for Best Southeast Asian Act at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards and being appointed as the new Youth and Sentro Rizal Ambassador by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCCA).

In addition, the P-pop group SB19 represented the Philippines at the 2021 ROUND Festival. The Music Festival project promoted cultural exchange and strengthened mutual solidarity y among ASEAN member countries and Korea by combining music and culture.

Besides these milestones, SB19 has been working hard to expand. They did brand endorsements, launched a clothing line, and collaborated with Ben&Ben. All of this while maintaining their position on Billboard’s Social 50 chart (which, by the way, has weekly updates). That’s no mean feat! It’s no surprise that many fans are curious about them.

Here are some frequently asked questions that have remained unanswered so far.

Who is the most popular SB19 member?

The band as a whole is undeniably successful. But for the fans who have been wondering, Justin got the most votes in the polls, then Ken, Stell, Pablo, and Josh. Even so, the band members are aware that the popularity of one member is indicative of the band’s overall popularity.

Did SB19 meet BTS?

SB 19 still hasn’t met its K-pop idols. Stell and Josh, on the other hand, had the chance to meet BTS when their previous group, Se-eon, represented the Philippines at the 2014 K-pop festival.

Who writes the songs for SB19?

Pablo is the genius lyricist and a prolific songwriter who leads the group in making great songs that set into motion the group’s success.

How Popular is SB 19?

Despite having reached significant milestones, including approximately 250 million music video views on YouTube and about 64.2 million streams on Spotify as of writing, SB19 will be the first to admit that they are only just getting started. 

Conclusion

Indeed, SB19 has come a long way. It’s safe to say they’re on their way to becoming the next global music powerhouse. And as Filipinos, we should show our support by listening, sharing, and enjoying their music.

Broaden your Artistic Horizons with Streamtech

While the digital era has been difficult for the music industry, it has also created opportunities for emerging artists who would not have received the exposure they deserve in the past. This liberalization and proliferation of music through technology and the ability to share, watch and listen to a performer online is a boon for music fans. These technology advancements, particularly fiber internet, have fueled growth and innovation in music creation, which is, after all, the point of art.

With fiber internet from Streamtech, one of the fastest internet service provider in the Philippines, Filipinos can broaden their creative capabilities and participate in global conversation from the comfort of their own homes. 

More to the point, Streamtech takes pleasure to offer a fiber internet connection to all Filipinos. Indeed, it is not just those who have the financial advantage. With Streamtech, you can expand your personal or company’s potential without worrying about data limits or throttles.

Our affordable fiber-optic plans are with the aim to cater to consumers’ needs, empowering you to live, love, and work outside of the constraints of your connection. On top of that, Streamtech’s cable-internet bundles outperform other internet service providers in terms of coverage and quality. 

It’s never been easier to enjoy lag-free streaming and faster surfing. Switch to Streamtech for the quickest fiber internet in the country. You may also want to check out our Streamtech official Facebook page for more details.