Nokia Philippines Launches The New Nokia Lumia 925!

We were invited to a posh afternoon of all things Nokia last week at Salon De Ning in The Peninsula Manila. Manila's tech bloggers and media were excited because it's the launch of one of the most awesome handsets ever produced by the Finnish company called the Nokia Lumia 925.

Executives from Nokia Philippines, Microsoft Philippines and Smart Communications were there also to witness the unfolding of this newest piece of hardware from Nokia which boasts stern support for all 2G, 3G and 4G networks, 16 Million colors via its AMOLED capacitive touch screen and a tough Corning Gorilla Glass 2 exterior. It's only 4.9 ounces with dimensions set at 5.08 x 2.78 x 0.33 inches. It feels so comfortable in the hand when held up. It's got Wi-Fi support for standard 802.11 a/b/g/n networks so if you are on an access point that supports old networks, you can still connect with that (more like backward compatible).

The primary camera is 8 MP which also has the propreitary 3264 x 2448 pixel Carl Zeiss optics. The camera also has features like optical image stabilization, autofocus, dual-LED flash on the back and even has photo interface where you can edit the image onto different ones/modes not found in other brands. They painstakingly made sure they have the right kind of software to support their images which is a plus on my books. 

Nokia Lumia 925 also uses PureView technology which delivers outstanding photos in the goal of almost having it look life like. It's also got geo-tagging so you know where you took the photo and have that indicated on all apps that support it. A single touch on the screen takes the photos, it analyzes and shows you the best photo if taken on a series. It's also got 1080p HD video at 30fps and has video stabilization if your hands are too shaky.

It's a tad bigger than my iPhone5 and has got pre installed software from the Nokia Store which you can also mix and match according to your personality. The free apps are quite nice too and complements the handsets quite well. They have worked with these game and software developers closely so they can bring you only the best for your phones.

To test the photo capabilities of the Nokia Lumia 925, they got these two boxers cum models to do their thing. The handset can take series of shots and put them all into one photo, making you the master of your own images. +1 on that! It's images were quite good even on the very dark Salon De Ning but I haven't seen much noise on the output as we tested it out that afternoon. Game titles such as Temple Run, Toy Story Jigsaw Puzzle, Photo Funia Capsule and Amazing Alex are available so if you are into these games, go ahead and grab one of these Lumia handsets!

The handset will be available at SMART mid August so make sure you go to your nearest wireless center and ask about special plans and how to get it. It will also be released in the market around the same time so if you are looking for a smartphone with great specifications, features without breaking the bank, get the Nokia Lumia 925!

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Nokia Philippines

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The Henry Hotel: Rica's Restaurant and The Scrapyard!

The other thing that's great about The Henry is it's own restaurant found at the ground floor. It's called Rica's. It's got the same themed interiors. It's got pieces here and there that I recognize in most interior design magazines and shops I frequent in Makati. So I kinda know their prices too LOL, these are not cheap pieces I tell you.

The restaurant also has whimsical choice of furniture. From super tall chairs and matching it's dining tables, to huge upholstered boss chairs, corner picnic tables, fabric chandeliers, bunker chairs, top hat light fixtures and walls made from lined up tree trunks right by the window, they've got it all in one place while you enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. They've got continental cuisine to a button plus some really nice choice of reds and whites. 

They provide free breakfast together with the room rates and you can choose between Filipino, American and Continental set meals. I loved what they prepared and it'll keep you thinking about it the whole day. Fresh ham, eggs, sausages plus toast with jam and butter. I don't think I have to convince you with that right? :))

If you prefer a night out but don't want to go to the streets of Cebu, fret not because The Henry Hotel has got one of the nicest spots for partying. This one's called The Scrapyard!

Too bad it was closed when we passed by because it was only lunch time. This place livens up at night and I've seen families, friends who went in and had a couple of drinks.Some were not even guests of the hotel per ce but they are here for the entertainment, food and booze that only The Scrapyard can offer. Give the place a visit the next time you are around the Cebu - Banilad area because this place is sweet!

The Henry Hotel Interiors

The Henry Hotel is special because of the artwork embedded on each corner of the lot. It's interiors are well enough to be a museum of it's own. The art installations, the graffiti on the wall plus the accent pieces they chose in each space is quite a delight to see. It reminds me of the contemporary art exhibition in Makati which was commissioned by the other Museums and Art Galleries in the metro. Just take a look at these!

Some of these art pieces above are for sale. Just ask and they can probably accommodate you, more so on days that they have exhibits and events on The Gallery. VisMin's artists usually set up shop here like the QUBE Gallery. It's Cebu's more "modern" venues for art and to date, they have hosted renowned artists from around the world!

I went to Cebu trying to find rest, an adventure and recreation for a few days. I think I found my place right here in The Henry Hotel. The place was perfect to host my needs both culturally and artistically. It made me see Cebu in a different light; if given the chance to go back I'd really love to get to know Cebu this way... The Henry was much of an interesting approach to modern living spaces and they have represented the province and the Philippines well. I hope foreigners and locals alike find a place so rich and beaming with an undying urge to promote art to the people. If you get the attention of Pinoys then you might have ultimately helped achieve the goal of the artists who did these pieces in the hotel. That's a great to start to my Cebu adventures! Gonna have to tell you about the FOOD and PLACES next! =)

Thank you for the lovely stay in your hotel The Henry! It really is a PLACE Like No Other!

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The Henry Hotel

Visit their official website at

http://www.thehenryhotel.com

The Henry

Location #1 Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road,
Banilad, 6000 Cebu City
Phone    +63 32 520 8877/+639173050737

Patti Austin Concert Dates Changes

My favorite singer in the world Patti Austin is set to perform now at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on September 2013 instead of the earlier announced August. This is as news of her performing this time with Jazz guitarist George Benson via his Inspiration tour on September 5, 2013. She then will also be doing a concert on a more intimate venue at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ballroom in Ortigas Center Pasig. This will be on September 7, 2013 together with singing sensation Joe Pizzulo of my favorite Sergio Mendes Band as her opening act. Proceeds of this concert will be for the benefit of BOYSTOWN, a charitable institution for homeless children. This is such a noble gesture indeed.

After the performance in Pasig, she'll be flying down south to Davao on September 9 still with Joe Pizzulo as they bring their brand of music at the SMX Convention Center, in SM Lanang Premier. Tickets are now still available at Ticketnet outlets. Or you can visit their website at http://www.ticketnet.com.ph.You can also call (02) 911-5555 for reservations or if you have further questions about her tour in the Philippines! I just can't wait to see her! =)