Making Memories at Club Paradise in Coron Palawan

Spent a few days at Coron, Palawan with my fam for a short R&R. It's been a while since I've been there and I've been ecstatic to have my family with me. We stayed at Club Paradise, it's in Dimakya Island in Coron which I've had the pleasure of going to a few years back. I saw it was fit for my senior Mom to go to so boat transfers and accommodations would be all accessible as the Discovery property arranges all of that.

I brought along the Samsung A73 5G (in Amazing White color) with me to keep memories. It's a beastly phone that takes 108MP photos that has OIS and a set of quad cameras. It's also got a Snapdragon 778G processor, fits in the hand at 6.7 inch Full HD+ with an SAMOLED screen. I was able to test the 5G connection in Manila and by any standards, VERY fast.It also takes amazing videos, but I reckon be of good quality at 4x zoom. I may have a lot of processing needs, but it bore the brunt of several video editing apps, photo editing apps and socials that I use almost everyday. I really didn't need the 4K video capability and opted to have lesser resolution so I can have more space on the phone. It's got 256GB space though, and I wasn't able to fill it all up with vacation photos in that 5 day retreat. You can opt for the 1TB microSD space as it can accommodate external memory too.

Photo quality is good, it won't make you look like you have plastic skin. I also took advantage of the zoom taking videos for a real wedding proposal that happened at the beach. The photos and videos in daytime, plus several food shots I took was crisp too. I'd be crazy if I didn't think this was something that was made for content creators. 

Here's a glimpse of the trip we had plus the special dinner arranged by Club Paradise in the evening. They called it a Moonlight Dinner, perfect for special occasions or if you plan to propose to someone. Ours was for fun so they also prepared a Boodle Fight, a seafood lover's dream, even those who want surf and turf. I used a different Android phone in the beginning, see how the shots changed dramatically at the 2:08 mark. If you see the proposal video at the 6:08 mark, I was super far and hiding among the trees when I took videos. Imagine, a phone that can take videos with low light and that distance?

 

Here are some shots from the phone I used, I edited colors and a watermark (to keep it safe) through Photoshop. It's a lot to take, but I guess it's all worth it!

You may order a day before to make sure you've got a Boodle Fight you'll love. Just inform the staff if you'd want to make changes and they're very nice people, they can accommodate.

The Sunset Cruise (which you should also request for in advanced) was a perfect way to end the day with. This was done before we had dinner. Needless to say, they really took good care of us while we were there. I'd like to take this bit to thank the good people of Club Paradise in Palawan, we're thinking of making this an annual thing. Who knows?! I'm glad though I got memories saved. Samsung did something good with that phone. It's a tool, and you can do wonders with it!

Xiaomi Launches Lightweight Phone: The Xiaomi 12 Lite

Just got off the Xiaomi 12 Lite event streamed on the Xiaomi Philippines Facebook page today. Their best news is about the new Xiaomi 12 Lite that will be released in the Philippines. Xiaomi also has introduced several home devices that are part of their aIOT smart products which you'll love!

With what they talked about, I was most impressed with the 32 Megapixel Selfie Camera, a 108 Megapixel main camera, 120 Ultra Wide Camera, plus eye tracking technology in their newest flagship device. It also has HDR in the front camera so you don't lose details even if you're against the light. It's got vibrant colors, even on videos and very comfortable display no matter what condition there is while handling the phone.

It also has fast charging capabilities even if it's lightweight, a whopping 67W charging that can get your phone working fast if it runs out of juice. 13 minutes to fill 50% battery, doesn't that sound amazing?! With the adaptive technology, it also slows down when it gets to 80% and preven overcharging if in case you leave it plugged in overnight. It also has 5G support, which means you'll get faster data download and upload rates because the hardware has the capacity to do it.

This is slim, fits in the pocket, 120Hz display if you are a gaming or video enthusiast, so no small detail is gonna be left unturned. That's the Xiaomi 12 Lite, and endorsing it in the Philippines is GMA actress and IT girl Gabbi Garcia. This was all announced this evening.

The new Xiaomi 12 Lite is available in 2 storage sizes. The 6GB+128GB retails for Php 20,999 while the 8GB+128GB costs Php 21,999. The Xiaomi 12 Lite will be available for pre order on Xiaomi authorized stores starting August 19 up to 26, then regular price  after that. Those who choose to pre order will get it with extras like the Xiaomi Tyvek bag, a Xiaomi Pinoy Bunny, a Xiaomi Nightlight, plus Xiaomi Ceramic Mug shirt, notebook or pen. That's a treat for those who love Xiaomi.

CRYSTAL PARAS and VILMARK VIRAY Release Heartbreaking Music

 

It's a nice afternoon to talk to two very talented singers from GMA Music and GMA Playlist's stable. One is versatile actress and former Starstruck Crystal Paras and The CLASH alumni Vilmark Viray. 

Crystal says "I'm really happy to be part of this (Voltes V Legacy) and I won't doubt the quality of this project because it all goes to Japan for approval. This is something big, something I wished for because I always play the goody two shoes who gets slapped by contra bidas. I also wanted to do something like an action flick so this was really a dream for me. For my music, when they gave it to me, I asked them to change very minimal. The lyrics stayed the same and I knew, it just felt right. I was in Twin Lakes when this was given to me, they told me to think about it but I loved the song. It's very laid back, I worked as an acoustic singer and this was very mellow, something that definitely fit me. I'd love to be able to perform it in front of crowds, maybe have it for a movie or series, perhaps hear it on the radio, or immortalized in karaoke lists. This is very easy to listen to and easy to sing, I hope it blows up soon and don't take years to get there. Hopefully, hopefully! My Mom already heard this, that was hard for me to do. I look up to her as a singer and actress, but I would like to hear her critique and she liked it. I am already happy about that achievement."

 Vilmark on the other hand has been performing regularly on AOS and on other GMA shows. He says "I've been wishing to perform on stage, but now I've been appearing with my idols on TV. I treat them as my inspiration, make it a point to do that to better my craft. I always practice, learn a lot and do my best so I won't be the cause of delay when singing on TV. I've written the song and music, I only learned the guitar this year and tried to get it approved. I was so happy when they did, it's a process though before it got out. I'm happy because it's something that happened to me personally, and I hope this would have a place in the hearts of those who listen to it especially our Kapuso fans. I dedicate this to my family, those who didn't doubt, who have sacrificed a lot to send me to tapings til now. I hope this all gets paid off with the success of my song, to have a chance to entertain them, that would be the best thing for me."

 Here's part of the interview we had with them this morning.

Their single "Hintay" (Crystal Paras) and "Paraya" (Vilmark Viray) is already available in Spotify and different streaming platforms worldwide. Make sure to stream and download them legally where available. They are also planning to sing these songs on tours so hold on tight when they come to your town! Their music is under GMA Playlist and GMA Music.

PRAY.COM Features Gary Valenciano on New Audio Series

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano just recently did critically acclaimed Joseph the Dreamer and played as Jacob in the Trumpets musical.

Today marks another milestone as he puts another feather to his hat as the Philippine ambassador for the most downloaded religious app in the world. They just released a new audio series called "Heroes of the Bible: Joseph". This is his voice bringing in an emotional cinematic take on one of the famed heroes found in scriptures - which would really be fit to be listened to in today's generation.


Max Bard the VP of Content for Pray.com says “He's a breath of fresh air and has been one of the nicest voices we have heard on the app. We have been working with Gary since last year and everything has been magical. With the new audio series, Joseph. You can listen to him bring these stories to life!"

For those who don't know, Joseph is one flawed hero. You'll get to see how he gets to develop his relationship with his father, his brothers, his coat, the Pharoah, his dreams and learn from his story.

Download the Pray.com app today on the App Store or Google Play and listen to this newly imagined story. You can listen to the audio series and other stories all in the app.