JODI STA. MARIA Set to Scare You in Psycho Horror UNTOLD

Filipinos have something to look forward to this summer as Regal Entertainment (under Producer Keith Monteverde) finally releases the Jodi Sta. Maria horror/suspense film called UNTOLD this coming April 30th nationwide. This film includes Joem Bascon, Juan Karlos, Gloria Diaz, Mylene Dizon, Kaori Oinuma, Sarah Edwards and Lianne Valentin.

UNTOLD is directed by Derick Cabrido who's had several critically acclaimed documentaries and films, some of which have had awards in New York and other film festivals. This one is more of a psycho horror film which will have you at the edge of your seats with jump scares and unnatural entities running around her character's inner demons. So if you've got something to be scared about, don't think of it too much because it might happen in this film. We saw on the trailer how intense she was, quality that only comes from an actress of her caliber could deliver.

Jodi says "I really appreciate your presence and time being with us today. Maybe one of my fears is things that could happen to kids, to family, but this is a little different. We first worked together (direk) in 2018 in the movie Clarita. I didn't want to do another because that was draining. When this was pitched, I didn't say yes right away. I read the script and our working relationship was built on trust. He was open to suggestions and insights from his actors. I also like his honesty in doing scenes, we did it without hitches. The very first time I worked with Ms. U (Gloria Diaz), I was starstruck, she was frank, doesn't sugarcoat, and she would always share her meals with me. She loves to travel and enjoy life, she told me about her adventures and I learned a lot from that."

She adds "My process as an actor is different, workshops made me equipped with tools that doesn't require me to open up personal stuff for my seryes, maybe in the past you have to get motivated by experiences and bring the trauma, it's not going to work later on so you have to find different ways and techniques to use on set. It was a dream to work with Regal and almost every year there is a Shake Rattle and Roll, I always had that in my mind, always ask if they will get me. And being part of this felt it was worth waiting for it. Thank you for the trust Ms. Roselle and Sir Keith. This character isn't limited to being a journalist, we are all connected directly or indirectly. Living in the digital world, everything is being put out there. We give the platform power, to use it for good or chaos. I hope people know social responsibility, your principles and what you would give for it."

Direk says "The moment the camera rolls, you can't do anything about it. Ever since we worked it didn't spell an end, our relationship grew even if we didn't meet. The process of casting wasn't the usual, I needed specific actors so we went to them one by one. I've seen some of their previous projects and these actors are the ones perfect for the role."

Juan Karlos was so happy about doing this and told us "It's one thing that you can work with someone really good and then it's one thing that you can learn from someone. This is my first horror film, but generally it's the experience because the genre requires a different approach. I really enjoyed doing this."

Ms. Gloria told us about her experience working with Jodi and describes it as a very light one, she doesn't complain because it was an efficient set.

Producer Keith Monteverde told the press "It's always special seeing you all here. This place has given us so many memories. The film is impressive, even if you read the script, you already see how good it is."

So if you are raring to see a horror film this April, make sure you get tickets for the 31st. They also have plans to showcase this in the US and other countries so stay tuned in Regal Film's social channels for announcements.

Acer Leads PH Laptop Market

Seen this coming, but now it's confirmed. Acer is officially the leading consumer and gaming notebook brand in the Philippines. With over 35.7% of the market share according to GfK, they are lading in the consumer notebooks with 34.2% and gaming notebooks with 40.6% market share. This is huge, imagine having one in three of the laptops here in the country!

I guess this stems mostly on how they kept the costs down, often having best of value offers and endorsers like girl group G22 and PPOP Kings SB19. They also have the annual Predator League that is participated by a lot of ESports teams here and around the region. They are also easily accessible because of their presence in shopping apps and their very own online store. So if you are planning to have your laptop before the school starts, see if it is possible to own an Acer.

Follow their social channels for more information about their products and latest offers.

ALFRED VARGAS Continues Successful Ways in QC's 5th

Lucky are those living in the communities within Quezon City's 5th district as they benefited from Congsi Alfred Vargas' livelihood programs these past few years. Through their efforts in several job fairs where community members have had access to employment, funding for those who would want to start businesses, also training and skills development. 

Congsi Vargas has been able to work on these projects through the help of government agencies like DOLE and TESDA which so far has benefited over a thousand residents to get jobs, help 2500 individuals start their own small businesses which includes meat processing, bath soap production, even perfume and dishwashing soap.

He says "Our efforts began when we started to listen to our constituents needs. The need to have positive change is there, and we hope to have livelihood programs that would be able to directly benefit them and their families. We also have developed an effective mentorship system so that they would be able to support their needs in a more stable way. We don't want to just give them capital and not help them with managing the business. Thanks to PM Vargas for helping us out with that. We see how it brings joy in their eyes, and how it provides relief, hoping that their lives will improve as we continue these programs which we are so proud of!"

His knack for public service as a congressman in 2013-2022 and as city councilor to this date has certainly given him the gusto and experience to implement laws such as RA.11230, also called as Tulong Trabaho Act which got signed in 2019. Make sure to help if you can, by any means, and help Sir Alfred continue his successful ways here.

Make Homes Cool This Summer with BEKO

I'm sure you're a little afraid this summer because from several naysayers of climate change, you won't complain til you get to feel it. The winters become colder, and the summers become so hot that you wouldn't be able to go outdoors and enjoy the sun, and you could even fry an egg on top of cars, can't stay indoors because it feels like a sauna, oh boy!

Don't fret because BEKO, Europe's number 1 appliance manufacturer is going to make sure your homes would stay cool during these unbearable months. They know you need your sleep, and they've got the BEKO BPVOE Inverter Split-Type Air Conditioner line to make sure you've got the perfect air conditioning unit for your space. They've got BPVOE 909/091 1 Horsepower, BPVOE 120/121 1.5 Horsepower. BPVPE 180/181 2 Horsepower and BPVOE 240/241 2.5 Horsepower models which you can use for your bedrooms, living room, homes, to get that cold air you need when you need it. They have Super Mode to make air cold fast, Smart Mode to regulate temperature and fan sped, and filters to keep you off those harmful allergens like dust and offensive odors. Thanks to their Actifour Filter, it takes the guesswork out of the equation. If you are worried about power consumption, they have Eco Mode and 24 hour timer to regulate needed settings all throughout the day.

As with any air conditioning units, you should always make sure maintenance is done so you don't have to have headaches later on, ensuring it's on a regular basis because who wouldn't want a clean unit. If you want to have one, just get them off online shops like Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shops because you have find them there.

Become a World Class Talent at STAR MAGIC's School for the Creative and Performing Arts

If it's about stars getting workshops, there's no other reliable organization to do that in the Philippines and in some parts of the world than Star Magic Workshops. This year, there's going to be a huge change because they've gone the mile, made it even BIGGER... and now call it STAR MAGIC SCHOOL FOR THE CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS. This means they'll be catering to folks, kids to adults and hone them in multiple disciplines, including acting, singing, dance and more. 

 What I've learned from the press conference is that they've managed to already do good in the workshops, but wanted to improve and grow. This is why they made sure to get different subject matter experts so that they wouldn't be boxed up in just the ABSCBN grounds. They wanted folks who are excellent in their fields and have them instruct in the workshops too including master classes, character building, music production, and train more directors for live events too. The launch was graced by Star Magic and Production Head Direk Lauren Dyogi, Business Unit Head Raymund Dizon, acting coaches HB Benitez III, Alecx Lorica and Marcel David, theater coach Meann Espinosa, ABSCBN Show Director Jon Moll, Kirby Balagtas, Dale Recina, Troi Bautista who are producers from You Me Us MNL, plus veteran Voice Coach Julie Anne Reyes. They also had coaches of BGYO and BINI Anna Graham, Jerwin Nicomedes, plus dance coaches Mickey Perz, Reden Blanquera, Matthew Almodovar, Aennon Tabungar and Josh Junio. They also had the very talented Talia Concio, BGYO perform on stage so we could have a taste of  what could happen if we have undergone their workshops. It was a sight for sore eyes!

If you want to be part of this, they have onsite enrollment on March 29 and 30, April 5 and 6. Just fill up the form at this website forms.abs-cbn.com/starmagicscpa and follow the directions. You may also follow their social channels at facebook.com/starmagicscpa or @starmagicscpa on IG. Come prove your talent is world class by joining one or more of their classes. Information about the courses are also there. I'm so interested in the Music Production and the Directors course.

An Actor's Actor: KHALIL RAMOS Wins Best Actor Award for Olsen's Day

Saying Khalil Ramos is on a roll is an understatement this first quarter of 2025. For starters, he was given the Puregold Cinepanalo Film festival's BEST ACTOR award for the film Olsen's Day, a film directed by JP Habac (who also won as the Best Director). I've had the the impression of him being an "actor's actor", someone who's been able to do it successfully.  

His stellar filmography, unquestionable knack for doing acting pieces, have taken the nod of film critics. The chance to talk to him today was certainly, an opportunity to pick his brain a little. He was capable, even impressed us by the way he answered questions. It felt he was on his toes the whole time, very eloquent, albeit being a semi-introvert.  

Winning this award doesn't mean he's going to be picky, he's always about the script, about the craft, and when asked, he didn't even expect this at all. He says "I don't think about it being a competition at all, even though it is a festival. This was something very personal for the Director JP Habac, and it's a big thing to be trusted with this kind of material. I felt my duties as an actor became bigger because of it. You want to tell this story the way he wanted it to. The process had to be more open when we made Olsen's Day. I was already happy that Direk JP was happy about my performance, but during the awards night, a few of us were only there. We were there to celebrate with everyone. Then I won, and even Direk JP Habac won too, so we were just ecstatic. This goes to show that when you pour your heart into the story, a lot of people would connect and relate to it." 

Rest certainly is a luxury for both Khalil and Gabbi. Khalil was working on three platforms at the same time. Aside from Olsen's Day, he was doing a Neflix series called "How to Cheat Death" with Gabbi, and "One Hit Wonder" with Sue Ramirez on the same platform. He's also in the 9 Works Theatrical production of "Liwanag Sa Dilim" as Elesi, a very interesting character trying to find his roots. He felt it was 2023 all over again because yes, he did a lot tooo during those times in different mediums.

He feels energized as an artist that he could do all these roles, working with different people, saying he loves what he's doing, tired but definitely fulfilled in artistry and passion. Here's our interview with him this afternoon:

If he feels he resonates with the character and the script, he would do it no matter how big or small the production is. If he likes the story, that gets precedence over other things. His schedule is super packed for sure that he had to decline a few opportunities, that's the only time he needs to decide.  He was doing three characters in one week (in January), which was crazy but did it by studying characters individually saying "At a certain point, you have to be as real as possible in your pursuit with the film. Sometimes your body doesn't know you're already doing it. You're commanding it, and your body just follows. If it's tired, then you've got to pull other tricks in the bag to finish it. I need to find another technique to be more effective. Your co actors especially in Liwanag Sa Dilim will influence your performance, and they've all been a breeze to work with."

 Khalil is still in "Liwanag Sa Dilim" at the RCBC theater til April 13th, and watch out for "How to Cheat Death" on Netfilx this April 2. "One Hit Wonder" will premiere around May. Khalil is just starting, I bet he's bound for more accolades with Olsen's Day as they plan to also put it in streaming platforms soon.

 

ARJO ATAYDE Holds Emotionally Charged State of the District Address in QC

While the rest of the world is trying to solve the various international crises, I'm witnessing something good in my own turf. See, this isn't a common occurrence in this side of Quezon City, but the 1st District Congressman is telling us the state in his area. He's Arjo Atayde, and I think he's in a whole different league. 

Communication of his current projects, accomplishments and those that he's still working on was the topic during this event. Sadly, I don't see this happen in other districts so it was refreshing that he really made an effort to do so especially when people are asking for accountability.

The State of the District Address' call was still his priority projects in the matters of health, education, livelihood and his promise of doing it with the "Aksyon Agad" spirit in the 3 years he served here. He also is pushing for more reforms with regards to current mental health efforts, ways in youth development and social welfare for the most affected individuals in the barangays he carries out duties on.

Arjo says "With the regular talk with our residents, we get to act on things, their needs and the Aksyon Agad movement has resulted in actions that directly benefit our constituents. Life became easy for tax payers, it also saved government resources and improved health care systems. With our specialized centers, people from different regions now have access to it . We also want to stop those who manipulate prices, to provide affordable food. We imposed Student Loan Payment moratorium especially during calamities, ensuring academic recovery and to support them from elementary to college. We have also the Expanded VAWC act to give more protection for women and children. We also tackled the Eddie Garcia Law, Quezon City General Hospital to become a medical hub."  

He adds "We want to make sure people have food on their table and a brighter future. We are always ready to share our blessings to help more people. Aksyon Agad was aimed to help people with their lives, with training, with the help of government agencies, start expanding businesses and increase earnings. In health, we conducted medical and dental missions, it helped over 75 thousand individuals, 60 patients a day in our dialysis center, some free eyeglasses, guarantee letters for payments and on the go services for communities too. 4598 students have received support with the help of CHED, receiving scholarships, funding Senior High School students through the governments AKAP program. We are supporting sports programs like in the recent inter barangay sports meet. We will soon add other sports programs. We also are partnering with Gardner College to have 100 college scholarships and 200 for Senior High. We also participated in Kyusiklaban and it has expanded city wide, thank you to QC Mayor Joy Belmonte for that. We also have seasonal events, Passport on Wheels and government services, plus several barangay and SK council events. This sets 400 thousand people helped in 3 years, this makes sure that it directly affects you, from your taxes. Each of them to make you feel better, to make sure the city has a bright future with more efficient facilities. Education remains a top priority which is why we built several buildings for elementary and high schools in the district. We also had the rehabilitation of bridges, roads, to help in traffic and floods in our part of the city. We also have on going infrastructure developments in various barangays, improving accessibility for social services. We also aligned it with the QC flood control program, and also soon, our barangays will have Solar Energy. There will be more construction of Barangay Halls, Public Library, and Sports Facilities. This includes Culiat Bridge, Pasong Tamo, West Riverside Pumping Stations too. We want District 1 to be done fast, no drama, effective and have programs that directly serve our people. They shouldn't wait, it has to be resolved now without prejudice. I will not stop, we are data driven and it will change lives. We still have so much to do, but I promise to continue these in District 1. Seeing you all here, I am overwhelmed. Thank you for putting your trust in me. Thank you!"

An emotional Arjo Atayde during his speech 

There is flooding in parts of his district and appropriation of funds for the G Araneta Avenue detention basin, Talayan Flood Interceptor, he also took measures for a more sustainable solution for it. He took notice of needed infrastructure upgrades and sensible urban planning. He also sought stricter enforcement of environmental laws in his district. As of date, he has over 46 republic acts, 65 house bills co-authored, 174 House Bills filed as Principal Author and 78 resolutions passed in these past 3 years. He also has worked with several government agencies to implement sustainable livelihood programs, for those displaced workers, scholarships for his constituents, and those who are in crisis. He also took initiatives for free livelihood programs and created food carts to benefit MSME's. He also has taken action on matters that involve the youth, and did it with industry help with music, sports programs and various events for the community.

This is just his first term, and with the changes and initiatives he's set in his side of the world, it would be remarkable to see him transform his district to a better one with the laws passed with his Aksyon Agad principles set. I envy you folks in the 1st District. You've got Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde by your side!

PUREGOLD Cinepanalo Film Festival Showcased Good Short Films

It's the weekend and after the really fun Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival Awards Night, we took time to watch the student short films this Sunday afternoon before they end screenings. 

Short films are, short. If you couldn't get your point or story across, I would feel it would fail, I think the few ones I saw were actually good. Super happy about how Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival became a great platform for regional film makers to showcase what they can do despite the odds. I didn't even need to read the subtitles in order to understand them.

Dito, Dati was about memories. They had a short film made on VHS recorded tapes but in the end they lost it all. Then they reminisced where it all happened, how it happened. It played on family ties, filial love and what lengths you would go for them. 

Ritche Films Production on the other hand offered Sine Sine, a short film about friends in the Bicolano dialect. A supposed date plan was about to go into shambles because the local movie house called Obet's Sine Sine was closing down. It was cute, mostly about puppy love. When the plan to watch a movie didn't pan out, they made their own film. Obet's Sine Sine was back in business, and the date continued. It made the folks inside the cinema giggle. No wonder this won awards. Their soundtrack was fun and catchy too. 

Daog/Pildi was another regional short film. In Cebuano, they get to tell the adventures they had in arcade gaming (a thing I adore). It was old school, had a little cute and romantic story line. 

SAMPIE was eye candy. It's a coming of age film that had elements of a cartoon (in 2D) about a mermaid, a gay one. It's also about family  and the little joys of life. It is also about acceptance. Pretty good short film, no wonder it won awards too. 

"Our One and Only Baboy" was about an elderly couple, one stricken with cancer but chose to give up and just enjoy his vices. The lone pig was opted to be sold for money, for his medical needs and finances... But they treated it like their child (they didn't have kids). His wife was not so keen in doing it. The film has flaws, the panning shots made me dizzy, but it was certainly a touching film. It's about dreams, the idea of true happiness, love and what matters most.

If you can catch the other films today, go do it. Or maybe wait for a future release in platforms, because from the looks of it, they've got a lot of people out there that would really appreciate it.

Thanks to Puregold who's doing this annually, the ones who made it possible to showcase regional films in actual cinemas. I loved the shorts!

Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival 2025 Awards Night: Winners Bared

Puregold's Cinepanalo Film Festival is certainly getting bigger by the year. This 2025, they've got a lot of full length and short film entries that have been watched at Gateway Mall 2's cinemas this past week. They've been extended a week after the star ridden awards night which has gotten some of my personal bets win major awards. 

Though I didn't get to list some of the winners, I've taken note of those that I've heard from the back of the room because yes, they were all cheering quite loud at the Elements tent in Centris, Quezon City.

Here are the winners:

Panalo sa Film Poster
Student Short Film Category
Checkmate
Full Length
Journeyman

Panalo sa Brand Inclusion
Student Short Film Category
Champ Green
G!
Full Length
Journeyman

Pinakapanalong Promosyon Ng Pelikula
Student Short Film Category
Checkmate tied with Taympers

Pinakapanalong Awitin
Student Short Film Category
Sine Sine (Suga, Camera, Saad by Jonathan Rey Sartorio and Lloyd Martin Villacortes Arce, Performed by Jonathan Rey ROTT Sartorio)
Full Length
Diko Pinili Co-Love

Pinakapanalong Sound Design
Student Short Film Category
Champ Green (Elan Idioma)
Full Length
Salum

Panalo sa Editing
Student Short Film Category
Jose Andy Sales of G!
Full Length
Vanessa Ubas de Leon of Co-love

Panalo Musical Scoring
Student Short Film Category
Uwian (Len Calvo)
Full Length
Salum

Panalong Ensemble
Student Short Film Category
Sine Sine
Full Length
Tigkiliwi

Panalo Sa Production Design
Student Short Film Category
Uwian (Andrea Jane Perang)
Full Length
Salum

Panalong Cinematography
Student Short Film Category
Dan En Pointe
Full Length
Olsen's Day tied with Journeyman

Responsableng Paglikha
Student Short Film Category
3rd Place 123 Strike
2nd Place Sine Sine
1st Place Dan En Pointe
Full Length
Journeyman

Special Citation from Mowelfund
Student Short Film Category
Champ Green
Full Length
Olsen's Day

Pinakapanalong Kwento
Student Short Film Category
Champ Green Clyde Cuizon Gamale
Full Length
Tara Illenberger of Tigkiwili

Panalong Pangalawang Aktor
Student Short Film Category
Sol Eugenio of Champ Green
Full Length
Jeffrey Jinuma for Tigkiwili

Panalong Pangalawang Aktres
Student Short Film Category
Uzziel Delamide of Uwian
Full Length
Gabby Padilla of Tigkiliwi

Panalo sa Manonood
Student Short Film Category
Sisenta
Full Length
Co-Love

Pinaka Panalong Aktor
Student Short Film Category
Lucas Martin of Sam Pie and Jasper John of Juan Dela Cruz
Full Length
Khalil Ramos and JP Larroder of Olsen's Day and Tigkiliwi

Best Actress
Student Short Film Category
Geraldine Villamil for Uwian
Full Length
Ruby Ruiz of Tikiliwi

Always Panalo Film (embody the brand's values)
Student Short Film
Sampie
Full Length
Journeyman tied with Fleeting

Panalo sa International Jury
Journeyman

Panalong Director

Student Short Film Category
Vhan Marco Molacruz of Uwian

Full Length
JP Habac for Olsen's Day

Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelkula
Champ Green
(Jury Prize) Dela Cruz Juan P.

Pinakapanalong Pelikula
Salum
(Jury Prize) Tigkiliwi

The films will be showcased at the Gateway Mall 2 Cineplex 18 cinemas until March 25th. If you haven't watched an entry yet, or haven't finished watching the shorts and full length films, head on to the mall and purchase tickets. It's not expensive and the entries are pretty good. It will feed your hunger for films especially since people are flocking back to cinemas this year. 

Personal Collection Continues Championing Women

A huge chunk of businesses in the Philippines is still comprised of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It's a driving force, a significant amount of which are owned by women. This goes the same with Personal Collection, where dealers are mostly women that are empowered by the brand's accessible, low cost but quality merchandise. They contribute a lot to society.

Personal Collection recognizes this and has continued to help women in their direct selling business by having them own their individual enterprise as dealers, all providing a community that supports in their goals to succeed in life. They remain affordable to make sure they would be able to start their journey and grow their businesses.

Their growth is seen as a catalyst to improve the lives of their families, then continue to inspire others as they do other things so they could put food on the table and have their children go to school and make their dreams come true. Personal Collection is also very flexible, knowing mothers have other responsibilities too, they can earn on their own time and continue to contribute to the country's economy as part of MSME's. Go to personalcollection.com.ph if you want to be part of the movement.

DigiP|us Leading The Way in Responsible Gam|ng

Looks like the folks from DigiP|us are not only multiplying the fun but doing it responsibly through one of their apps tools made to impose responsible gam!ng, an industry first across their subsidiaries B!ngoP|us, ArenaP|us, Sp!nP|us, and fun Gam3Z0ne.

If you check these channels, they now contain a Responsible Gam!ng tab that limits and schedules usage so folks that are using it could pause at certain levels done before p|aying. Self regulation certainly is a good way to protect themselves, something they've talked about lengthily during their previous event Pu$ta de Pe|igro which they launched a couple months back. 

They did this together with PAGC0R to make sure they remain responsible while engaging in entertainment activities like these. They will continue to do this as part of their efforts, together with their pursuit of education and their causes. This certainly is a good way to promote responsible and accountable digital entertainment, which is why they continue to lead until now.

Vista Land Wants You to MOVE Into These Mega Manila and Central Luzon Properties

Filipinos always wish for their own homes and the country's leading developer heard your call. Vista Land just announced their MOVE program, which means Making Ownership at Vista land Easy. As the name says, they've made it extra easy for you to own homes in their various projects located in 47 provinces and almost 150 cities/municipalities.

By streamlining payment plans and design them for both international and local buyers, folks can get to move in by giving 3 percent for their down payments. This would also get them over 30 percent savings if they go through the MOVE program and purchase it cash on the spot.

If you're a professional trying to start a life in one of their locations, or a husband and wife trying to grow your family, this would be a convenient way to invest. Although, this very attractive MOVE program will only be available til the end of the month (March 31st), so the best the time to avail it is NOW!

Vista Land has always been about growing communities. By putting in various house types in these locales, they get to accommodate home dwellers in different price points. Currently, they have Vista Estates, Crown Asia (who's doing different themes by the way!), Camella, Vista Manors and Lumina which they aggressively offer. They make sure these projects always have accompanying businesses, shopping centers, churches and transportation hubs nearby which makes them habitable from the day they enter their homes.  

Central Luzon alone is experiencing rapid growth and several estates in the province of Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan and nearby cities are experiencing progress. Jobs are generated in these communities and folks need not to go far to make a living or enjoy life's pleasures!

OFW's could even have their homes rented out as investments, it's been done quite often and because these homes are secured, have really nice green turfs, and urban planned well, it remains an attractive dwelling for those who prefer renting. This goes the same for those who prefer condominium units in Mega Manila because everything is accessible including local rails and transportation modes in these developments. It'll be so convenient to do business and entertain themselves whenever available.

If you want to know more about their properties, simply visit their official website www.vistaland.com.ph or follow their social channels @VistaLandOfficial and see the reasons why they continue to lead in the market.

The realme 14 Pro + 5G Takes Serious Photos, Water Test Approved

This one (realme 14 Pro + 5G) takes serious photos. (Looks nice even on lower size and FB compression)

Aside from the fact that this is endorsed by the lovely Kathryn Bernardo, there's actually a lot more to the new realme 14 Pro+ 5G. I was able to experience handling this phone for a few weeks, and by far, it's a promising one that's quite serious with photos. 

 I'm saying this from experience, they took us to a far flung resort in Rizal to take a real world test of what the phone can do. Needless to say, I got really good photos... but honestly, I wasn't surprised because I saw the brand they used for the triple cameras, all SONY. I've been a photographer for years now, and I've seen a lot of folks in the industry who's handled pro cameras with lenses from the same corp. Images come out sharp with true colors, so I'm expecting the same with this smartphone. Although I artistically want a more saturated output, photos from it are good without edits. It's something folks would wish on their phones, and they're pretty good at it overall, as a brand. I also carry a realme 12 which I personally use for videos, and swear by its capability to shoot on HD. This realme 14 Pro + 5G definitely shows improvement over that, anyone would love improvements right?

The realme 14 Pro + 5G also has something that wasn't being done in the previous phones, the capability to withstand water splashes, we tested that out too. Check out this unboxing video and water test we did with it.

The thing is, the marble looking version of this handset (Pearl White) has the capability to change colors according to temperature. Sure enough, when we poured cold water from a borrowed phone of that variant, it showed blue veins all over the back. The Black Suede version that I had is more muted, something that I'd want if I didn't want to stand out too much. I like that they gave us options. 

 

This phone also has a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. This makes it capable of doing even more CPU and GPU work plus AI. AI is quite useful these days both for editing photos and automation purpose. If you're also a gamer and want other work done on your phone, this makes it possible to do that. Overall, you'll love this handset if you're a casual gamer or use it mostly for social meda, a little work and daily abuse. If you are a little adventurous, the phone can withstand usual wear and tear, plus water as indicated by standards. It also carries a huge battery, 6000mAh, it can last a day and a few more hours plus charge fast with the proprietary SUPERVOOC charge that realme carries.

They have promos going on for this model on TikTok and Shopee, so if you're planning to get this phone, you better act fast (as it only is limited and subject to availability, some realme Watch S2 I heard). It costs Php 19,499 and is now available in the Philippines. Would you love a realme 14 Pro + 5G? I'm sure I would!

Celebrating World Poetry Day in the Philippines

Poets used to come to little quaint Kamuning Bakery. In a recent Pandesal Forum organized by owner Wilson Lee Flores, we celebrated World Poetry Day and he invited a few guests, Prof./Dr. Gemino Abad and Prof.Dr. Vin Nadera.

Dr. Abad is a National Artist for Literature and it was so nice to see him share his experience in English and Creative Literature and his time in University of the Philippines.

They also had guests from Mataas na Paaralan Ng Neptali Gonzalez in Mandaluyong City, with their Prof. Cruz.

Prof./Dr. Gemino Abad says "I am overwhelmed but I'm glad to be here to share whatever things we'll be talking about. The word poem or poetry is of Greek origin, meaning to make or create. It can be generic of any creative or literary work, fiction or not. It could be a play, drama or non fiction essays. It refers to all of that. It is work of language and imagination, it's a basic creative sense. You need a certain mastery of it, but it could be from imagination, or real human experience. Reading or not, it must be done with lively imagination. When you are moved by it, you understand human experience. Have you thought about asking yourself about your sense of country? When you read a poem, you live it, one has to be moved by it. A strong sense of language and imagination is needed. Not just entertainment. I like Nick Juaquin, Francisco Arcellana, those are two great choices. The secret of youth is having Mercy in my life, she is my wife. It is very important to have only one. That is the secret."

He adds "Put the word on paper, it establishes our reality. Before shifting sands and ice age melts, our words demarcate. It defines all possibilities."

Prof.Dr. Vim Nadera says "We are here for the TULA partylist. Not running for anything. The greatest heroes in the Philippines are all makata, and very young. We forget the earliest form of poetry, which is prayer. Friars talked down on pulpits, preaching, opposite of that is pleading or harana. What's better than that is when we kneel down and pray, it's an analogy. You could be down or up there but both can be descriptive, the new ones are like that, without judgement, it's like imagism. People just describe things and objects to represent concrete ideas. Love is even not clear to a person, but if you show the heart, it's clear and easily understandable. We name them, and interpret it, it's an early form of entertainment. I like Jose Rizal, he made it powerful and opened the eyes of readers. It was read by Bonifacio which made him put up the revolution, and even became a makata. Elandro Abadilla too who changed society. The young ones like Emilio Jacinto, the Kartilya of Katipunan is an example. He's a role model, unlike the opposition now that doesn't have a face. We are looking for that right now."

He adds "We Filipinos use kantyaw, or parodies to answer back jokingly. (He sings Saranggola ni Ate and hits political and recent news figures)."

They have a book printed called "SALIMBAGAN" which has prints and poems released by Canvas.ph. 

Seeing high school students take on Balagtasan exercises that morning made me realize that poetry isn't a dying art, as long as there would be generations that could teach the young ones, it would live, exist, and remain part of our existence.

Kamuning Bakery will also be having a promo tomorrow on World Poetry Day by giving out FREE coffee for those who would send original works of poetry at the story (according to Wilson Lee Flores)