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REVIEW | Pretty sexy in Suzuki’s Swift

Zest Magazine takes a closer look at Suzuki Swift 1.2 A/T.

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Pretty sexy may not (always) be associated with hatchbacks (HBs); but if HBs can be pretty sexy at all, Suzuki’s Swift may well be one epitome of this.

Consider the red (they “officially” refer to this shade as “Blazing Red Metallic”) unit that arrived at my doorstep in Las Piñas.

On the outside, the color is a must-mention; it isn’t at all tacky, instead, it’s of a shade that may easily remind one of… that eye-catching outfit worn by THAT “girl in the red dress” in “The Matrix”. It is also not as boxy as, say, the Wigo – a plus in my books because it gave this car a smooth(er) silhouette (instead of the seeming abrupt cuts of the former), mimicking sportier cars. It has a low hood that emphasizes the headlights that, as a pamangkin (nephew) noted, “looked like Pokemon eyes”. There’s the (more) expansive windshield – perhaps not as expansive as the Jimny’s, but definitely more than Celerio’s. And then there’re the 15-inch alloy wheels that give the car a somewhat “elevated” look (not as elevated as Jimny’s, but higher than Celerio’s).

The inside of Swift has touches that are also worth mentioning – e.g. comfy black seats that gave that sense of class (think of red trimmings on black, even on the door handles), GPS-ready touchscreen audio unit (though here, Ciaz’s Android-running capability was definitely better), brilliantly-lit gauges, high headroom (for those in front and the back), dual SRS airbags, side impact beams, and ABS.













This isn’t to say that the Swift is, well, ALL THAT; it also has (numerous) limitations. There’s the basag sound system, particularly when music is played loudly (literally, “broken”; though also referring to bad sound quality). The A/C sucks (on a hot day, expect to still sweat even if the A/C is already full blast). The leg room is a-okay in front; but at the back, it’s a tight squeeze (three can supposedly fit there, but the designers may have been thinking of people with short legs or of kids). Kulang (lacking) storage spaces – heck, there isn’t even a cup holder by the gear stick (!). And the trunk space is quite limited (perhaps typical of HBs here). On a trip outside the city, I chucked my backpack, a sling bag (with my laptop and camera in it), a pair of shoes and around six kilos of singkamas (yam bean from some vendor along the highway to La Union), and it was already full. Yes, the back seats can be folded (again, typical of HBs); but this isn’t always possible, particularly if you’ve (extra) passengers with you. And so making do with the tiny trunk is… tricky, to say the least.

But as was pointed out to me, who are we to complain when Swift – which is also available in: Pearl Metallic Arctic White, Metallic Silky Silver, Glistening Grey Metallic and Metallic Midnight Black – sells for only P678,000?











With a 1.2 liter, 4-cylinder VVT engine, the Swift is by no means a mean machine. I noticed, for instance, that the car sorta struggles revving up again once you’ve slowed down; it’s almost like the climb from 0 to 20 to 40 to 60 and so on is too taxing for the car. The Swift is also not malikot (doesn’t move a lot) even when force to speed up; nor is it noisy (driving along TPLEX, it was almost like being enclosed in a bubble).

Now, this car may be “sold” as a city car (i.e. small and all that). But we all know that (even) city cars are stretched to their limits by the owners who (still) use these cars for out-of-the-city trips. Which was what I did with a trip up north in Pangasinan (i.e. La Union) an then Ilocos Sur (i.e. Vigan).

Now…

If you think being in “tight spots” means driving in, say, Sta. Ana market during market day, or braving Divisoria’s insides on a weekend, then an alternative may be driving to a place like Marilao in Bulacan, where if you just blindly follow Waze (which I did, LOL!), you’d end up traversing cemented one-way roads right in the middle of rice paddies. Here, Swift’s small size came in extremely handy, so that the thought of a possible incoming traffic should be worrisome (for most), but not necessarily so when on Swift.

I found myself in the same tight spot (again) in a small barangay in Bauang in La Union, where – after following a tourist guide to a vineyard – Swift had to traverse a somewhat tight rough road, where the car’s size came in handy again (as much as the Hyundai Eon’s and the Mitsubishi Mirage’s also there then). Yes, the car felt out of place there (literally speaking, since I could “feel” the pebbles/rocks slip under the car); but that it fit the tight spot well was comforting, indeed.

The Swift also moved smoothly in braving curves – e.g. passing through the tricky roads that lead to/from Quirino Bridge in Ilocos Sur.

Fuel consumption in the city averaged from 10.6km/L to 11.6km/L; while outside, it went up to 12.7km/L to 13.0km/L. On the expressway, this went to 14.0km/L.

It was before entering TPLEX again (on the way back to Manila) that I felt Swift as a city “thing”. There, it was the only small car, with SUVs, 4WDs, buses, et cetera what appeared like “normal”…






Twice, Swift was mistaken for Wigo (“WHAT!?” moments for me), so this obviously pigeonholes this car with the likes of, yes, Wigo, Hyundai Eon, Kia Picanto and Mitsubishi Mirage. Suffice to say, if you’re considering a HB, then Swift definitely deserves to be given a spin.

And for me, plus points for it being pretty sexy…

M.D. dela Cruz Tan is the founder of Zest Magazine. And no, the initials (i.e. M.D.) do not make him a "medical doctor" (as many have erroneously thought in the past); he is actually a graduate of Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) of the University of Newcastle in New South Wales Australia (just don't ask when, he says). He can: photograph, do artworks with mixed media, write (of course), shoot flicks, community-organize, facilitate, lecture, research (with pioneering studies under his belt)... this one's a multi-tasker, who is even conversant in Filipino Sign Language. Cross his path is the dare (read: It won't be boring).

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Product Showcase

TCL marks 25th anniversary, unveils new products with health and environmental protection features

TCL Electronics, a consumer electronic products provider, offers reliable solutions to these challenges when it unveiled four new product innovations equipped with latest technologies that prioritize health and environment protection.

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Challenges such as extreme temperatures, poor air quality, and changing weather patterns affect health as well as energy usage, prompting consumers to balance comfort and convenience while managing electricity consumption.

TCL Electronics, a consumer electronic products provider, offers reliable solutions to these challenges when it unveiled four new product innovations equipped with latest technologies that prioritize health and environment protection. These appliances – QD MiniLED TV, FreshIN 3.0 air conditioner, Fresh Pro refrigerator, and Front Loading washing machine – were launched during the company’s 25th anniversary celebration.  

The TCL QD MiniLED TV, which combines QLED and OLED technologies to offer contrast and color gamut while providing higher peak brightness and a longer lifespan, has feature that protects vision. The product is certified by TUV for Low Blue Light Emission that reduces eye strain and potential long-term damage. It is also equipped with Flicker-Free technology to minimize screen flickering for a more comfortable viewing experience. The Ambient Light Adaptation feature adjusts brightness to reduce eye strain while the MEMC Motion Stabilization ensures smoother visuals and reduced eye fatigue.

For environmental protection, the TCL MiniLED TV has energy efficiency features such as the Powerful Light-emitting chip that provides 10% increase in energy efficiency, thereby reducing power consumption, and the QD MiniLED technology for a longer span, minimizing electronic waste and the need for frequent replacements.

The TCL FreshIN 3.0 air conditioner also uses technologies that prioritize health and environment care. Foremost among these is the FreshIN technology that provides fresh air while maintaining stable indoor temperatures, removing odors, optimizing humidity, and increasing oxygen levels. This newest innovation has a real-time quality display with an integrated TVOC sensor that detects harmful particles, and maintains a healthy indoor environment.

The air conditioner has a quadruple purification system that includes a preliminary filter, silver ion antibacterial layer HEPA high-efficiency filter, and high-density filter which ensure efficient air purification and removing up to PM2.5 particles and allergens. It also has an evaporator with self-cleaning process that includes dewing, frosting, defrosting, drying, and sterilizing to eliminate bacteria.

To care for the environment, the FreshIN 3.0 air conditioner is equipped with energy-saving technology that enables the compressor to adjust its operation frequency and allocate cooling power efficiently, achieving up to 37% energy-saving rate. Its Innovative Reverse Clean technology removes dust and debris from the outdoor unit, ensuring clog-free air conditioners and prolonging its lifespan.

The health protection technology that the TCL Fresh Pro refrigerator offers to its customers is the T-Fresh system that reduces bacteria by up to 99.99% through advanced sterilization, keeping food fresher and safer for long. It also utilizes an advanced purification module to absorb unwanted odors, ensuring a clean and odor-free environment.

For its environment protection features, the TCL Fresh Pro refrigerator uses a variable-speed compressor to maintain ideal temperatures, reducing energy consumption by up to 15% and saving money on electricity bills. The product also offers a 10-year warranty on inverter compressor to ensure durability and reliability while reducing electronic waste.

Customers who are looking for a washing machine that has both health and environment protection features can try the TCL front loading washing machine. This product features Steam Wash which eliminates most common bacteria to ensure hygienic protection for your laundry, and Anti-bacteria Gasket which inhibits the production of bacteria and mildew to keep laundry clean and hygienic.

To protect the environment, the TCL washing machine has a BLDC Inverter Motor that reduces vibration, noise and energy consumption. This washing machine is rated A-energy class, indicating low environmental impact. Apart from these, the product also offers an Auto Weight System which automatically adjusts water consumption and cycle duration according to the weight of the load, saving water and energy.

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Beauty & Fashion

Posh Skin Co. launches new pimple patch designs

Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

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Posh Skin Co. levels up its skincare game as it steps into a new era with a clean new look. With this fresh transformation, Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

Trendy, Effective, and Fun Pimple Patch Designs

Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand also brings in a new lineup of pimple patch designs, crafted to meet different skincare needs while offering a fresh and fashionable take on blemish care. The new designs include yellow star patches, multicolored star patches, metallic foil patches, for a fun, and comfortable acne treatment experience that lasts all day. The ultra-thin daytime patches provide a discreet and seamless coverage for all-day wear, while the nighttime rescue patches are designed to accelerate blemish healing while you sleep.


The pimple patches now come in new packaging with a sleeker, more minimalist look, following Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand.

“We took on a cleaner and simpler packaging approach to let the pimple patch designs speak for themselves,” said renowned fashion stylist and Posh Skin Co. partner, Charmaine Palermo. “We wanted to highlight what truly matters—effective skincare that empowers people.”

Formulated with the same powerful ingredients, these new pimple patch designs offer users improved coverage, comfort, and effectiveness, and make acne care more wearable and confidence-boosting than ever.

A Fresh, New Chapter 

Posh Skin Co.’s new look aligns with the brand’s vision of expansion in the Philippines. Not only is Posh Skin Co. adding new designs to its pimple patch offerings but will also be providing new, versatile acne solutions that fit effortlessly into any lifestyle.

“Acne care should be as dynamic as people’s lives because breakouts can happen at any time,” remarked Palermo. “We wanted to offer more options to treat and prevent breakouts effectively, so we are expanding our line with acne solutions that can easily integrate into any skincare routine.”

With inclusivity and accessibility still at the brand’s core, Posh Skin Co. ensures that the skin treatment they offer will still be a stress-free and empowering experience for all users. As it broadens its pimple patch offerings and develops new skin treatment solutions, Posh Skin Co. continues to deliver innovative skincare to Filipinos.

Say “Bye” to Blemishes, and “Hello” to Confidence with Posh Skin Co.® Pimple Patches

Look good and feel confident while treating your blemishes with Posh Skin Co. pimple patches, available for PHP199 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the official Posh Skin Co. website and select Watsons stores nationwide.

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Product Showcase

Anko to open third and largest store in PH

This expansion follows Anko’s debut in the Philippines with its first store opening in Glorietta 2, Makati City, in November 2024, and the upcoming launch of its second branch in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City, in May 2025.

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Anko, Australia’s much-loved home and lifestyle brand, is set to open its third and largest store in the Philippines in July 2025 at Ayala Group’s Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

Spanning 1,634 square meters, the new store will offer 1,421 square meters of retail space, with the remaining area allocated for office and stockroom use to support operations efficiently.

This expansion follows Anko’s debut in the Philippines with its first store opening in Glorietta 2, Makati City, in November 2024, and the upcoming launch of its second branch in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City, in May 2025.

A striking board-up in Anko’s signature magenta hue is now on display at Level 1 of Trinoma’s Activity Center, building excitement for the grand opening.

Shoppers can look forward to an expansive selection of thoughtfully designed and affordably priced products, ranging from home living essentials and smart storage solutions to beauty must-haves, nursery items, children’s toys, electronics, pet supplies, and arts and crafts.

“Opening in Trinoma is a natural next step for Anko in the Philippines. We want to be where Filipino families already shop for their homes, and Metro Manila’s top malls provide the perfect space to introduce more people to our brand,” said Arjun Puri, CEO of Anko Global.

Puri noted Anko’s efficient product development process, which enables the brand to provide quality home essentials at consistently low prices.

“By managing the entire process—from design and sourcing to production and retail—we streamline operations and keep costs down. This allows us to offer well-designed, functional products that align with international trends at prices that make sense for our Filipino customers,” he said.

Rachel Turner, Country Manager of Anko Philippines, added, “Anko is all about making everyday living brighter. With our Trinoma store, we are very excited to bring even more shoppers home and lifestyle essentials designed to match every lifestyle.”

Anko is part of the Kmart Group under Wesfarmers Ltd., one of Australia’s leading companies.


For more information and updates on Anko, follow @anko_philippines on Instagram.

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