It's been a while since I've gone to an iPhone release event, and this one is of a better one than usual because yes, it's actually a full blown party!
The folks at iStudio Plus (formerly iStudio) took their gloves off and welcomed celebrities, guests, their executives, and throngs of Apple fans at the opening of iStudio Plus at Greenhills Mall in San Juan City. This is also their midnight launch for the newest Apple phone, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The new iStudio Plus store looks so fresh, new and inviting. Their new name just means they are offering more than the usual products, and probably carry new brands from hereon. Since it's a party, they had rap RnB artist Kiyo perform on stage, and yes, I loved his performance that evening. I also got the chance to see one of my favorite actresses Shaira Diaz whom I didn't get the chance to say hi from an event the day before because she's really busy with interviews. There was also an influencer Christine Samson and one of the biggest streetwear Czars, the one and only Big Boy Cheng who graced the event.
The new iPhones basically differ in storage, price point, and has new features like hardware buttons so you can do photography in the best possible ways (zoom in and out, and shutter). With its A18 Pro chip, videos get processed better, and yes, filming in 4K at 120 fps, it can be used in a lot of movie quality shots that film makers or ordinary users can enjoy. If you are a budding indie guy or gal, wouldn't that be good?
The iPhone 16 Pro would be best for those who want a smaller form, if you like theatrics and bigger hardware features, take the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This is just the start of iStudio Plus' evolution, from the statements given by their executives, the future is clear for where they are heading. We have to make a decision as consumers, and they just made it easy. Visit iStudio Plus' branches nationwide.
Thank you too to everyone who made the event as grand as that! I had so much fun!
A few weeks ago, we got wind of how Beautéderm will announce their Belle Dolls ambassadors. Suffice to say, we were all excited about it. We didn't know who it would be til now. Meet the newest addition to the Beautéderm family, BELLE DOLLS Ambassadors Miguel Tanfelix, Sofia Pablo, Ysabel Ortega, and Shaira Diaz. They will now be under the wing of Beautéderm CEO Rei Tan.
BELLE DOLLS is a line of FDA and Halal approved supplements and drinks designed to promote health and wellness as basis for good skin. It makes sense because yes, if you want to look good, it starts from that.
Ms. Rei says "It all boils down to effectivity. There may be a lot out there in the market, but it becomes very commercial, and we're not even sure about the ingredients they use. We can't have too much sugar at a certain age, which is why I made sure that the studies and research they did with BELLE DOLLS, I'd be hands on. I'm in my ideal weight and form because of it, even though I haven't had rice in months, I still crave sweets. It's a good thing I have drinks from BELLE DOLLS which has stevia. It is doctor approved, and I use it. I'm a DOLL."
She adds "I chose them because they represent different age groups. We already have endorsers for other products that represent 40's, 30's, 20's that in fact don't look their age. I'm completing my babies, and this time, we've got young ones. I only ask a few things, if they are kind, if they post about it, and hardworking. Shaira for example wasn't part of us initially, but EA was and even then she was showcasing products she get from EA. Ysabel on the other hand, I love her, every milestone we celebrate, and she's there. The simple things she does, I appreciate that. Sofia too, she's a very sweet girl, very polite and approaches me all the time when at events. So does Miguel, that's how I look for my Belle Dolls ambassadors, it's nothing complicated. With them as our ambassadors, we know we'll get the message across our consumers."
Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!
Shaira says "At first, I really got giddy when the Beautéderm informed me that I will be part of the BELLE DOLLS. I remember using Beautéderm Cristaux products and showing her the effects, because it was my first time using products like that. I am very honored being part of this. I was already using it prior to them telling me about it, and I knew the effects, so I really believe in the product. That's what I want to have because we don't want to be ashamed of a product I personally use and endorse. I could recommend this to friends and family because I know its effects, and see the change."
Miguel told us "I'm very excited actually, because Ysabel has been a long time part of Beautéderm Family. And when she gets products, she tells me what her favorites are and also shares some of it for me to use. I got very excited when they told me I'm going to be part of Beautéderm's BELLE DOLLS, and the only guy. It's not just the products, but how they really take care of their endorsers. I've heard a lot of things, so I'm glad I get to be part of that. I'm excited also to meet brothers and sisters from the brand, and Ms. Rei. I'm a coffee lover, and it's perfect that I get to endorse BELLE DOLLS Healthy Coffee. It's got great ingredients!"
And of course, Miguel will be with Ysabel in an endorsement, that's a good thing!
Oral Sunblock Duo
Dark Chocolate, Caramel Macchiato, Stem Cell Lychee and Strawberry, Collage in Kiwi Cucumber and Avocado
Ysabel says "A lot of their products are quality, you'll be sure of that. We tried, and it is effective. I used to be iffy in the past with drinks, but the packaging, the message it promotes, it's so happy looking... and if you see something like this, and taste it, it's my favorite now. You shouldn't just be taking care of your beauty outside, but also inside. I am so happy because it's something new, and it's amazing!"
Sofia adds "Even way before I've been able to talk to Ms. Rei and now that I'm going to be part of this, she knew how excited I am. I don't use sunblock much because I'm a little lazy, but this is oral sunblock, very easy to take."
If you want to do the extra mile and take care of your skin from within, BELLE DOLLS have products that can do that. It will be available in Beautéderm physical stores, online in different channels as they've got trusted franchisees around the country that you can get it from. I've personally used the Belle Dolls Beauté Secret Strawberry Lychee Drink and it's my favorite. What's yours?
Folks at DITO Telecommunity showcased affordable, fast and unlimited internet connection at the DITO HOME WOWFi Launch. Dubbed as a life changing experience at home, they happily showed us how it is to have their new prepaid wifi connection.
Chief Revenue Officer Evelyn Jimenez says "Every few years digital advancements transform the way we live, a transformation to help Filipinos in digital innovation. We are excited to share with you DITO HOME WOWFi, the first 5G Redcap Wifi in the world, home powered by TRUE 5G. Last year we promised 500 Mbps of home speed and connectivity, and we have 100,000 subscribers and counting. Our goal remains the same, we want this to be accessible to everyone and make it even more affordable. This product is for you, a bridge for reliable, convenient, better than wired or fiber connection. We can power the future of digital homes in the Philippines."
DITO's Chief Technology Officer Rodolfo Santiago added "We will introduce another milestone to bring the future of connectivity to every Filipino home. From the very start, you know we want better service, products at more affordable price points. Why DITO? Why Redcap? If you are transferring stuff, there are different ways. This is how we look at Redcap, it gives the capability of 5G we deserve. We reduced the cost, the service and the equipment. We have 5G , in reduced capacity, which allows us to manage cost efficiently. It is now here in the Philippines. We can deliver it a bit higher than the cost of previous 4G. It's in the right position enough for the needs of subscribers. We have been given awards because of it, no other operators have been recognized of it than us. We hope the experts go address your questions, but we are confident this will give homes high performance at lower costs. Thank you for your time!"
Abe Olandres of Yugatech talked about Redcap Technology in 5G. In theory, it's got faster speed with high capacity initially, but it was costly. Redcap addresses that. From Enhanced Mobile Broadband, Ultra Reliable Latency Function used for autonomous vehicles, and Low Power for Wide Area Deployment (used in remote areas). Redcap sits in between these 3. It allows speed but doesn't need ultra low latency response. DITO commits to 100 Mbps for most of this. It is faster to deploy, easier, and not complicated.
Art Samaniego of Manila Bulletin added that there are a lot of devices that don't need full 5G speed. Smart watches, cameras, iOT devices, only need about 1 Mbps. It also doesn't need the full power of it, hence the standard of reducing it in Redcap technology. For homes that have a lot of devices, this would be best, up to 40. This would also be best for remote work and learning. Including those who are into wearables. DITO Telecommunity is investing in more technology across the country.
DITO HOME WOWFI was explained to us with a smart home outside the venue. Automation in homes is happening, from vacuums, lights, windows, TV's, fridges, speakers, and phones, it can be powered by 5G. Some are a bit expensive since fibers need to be laid, devices need to be installed, just to get coverage and make them work. DITO is looking at smart cities and smart infrastructure now, which is a reason why you should try it out now. More 5G stand alone towers are being built til now, they are the only one doing it, next gen tech with the DITO HOME WOWFI. The future of digital at Php 799 for 30 days. Unlimited 5G with bonus of 50G of 4G data in case the other one doesn't have coverage). All plug and play.
Starter kit costs Php 1,990. Go get them DITO WOWFI's in their different channels, you have the option to choose.
It was almost a month ago since Bela Padilla and her partners launched her own beauty brand BELA. From the looks of it, things are actually looking crazy at sales that most of their stocks run out fast. From Shopee, Lazada, their TikTok Shop and their website, folks have been hoarding much of their products specifically the Bela by Bela Lip Balm and the Bela Dot Perfection Cheek Tint which much of us were also wearing that afternoon.
The two products work, plain and simple, which is why people have been raving about it since they launched their flagship ones. Even her celebrity friends, her followers and the working class, simple jane at home were using it, giving valuable feedback about its quality. Bela also mentioned how she plans to work with other people in order to release other products under the same brand, and from the looks of it, this is the opportune time.
Celebrity Mom, Entrepreneur and Content Creator Dani Barretto is a good friend of Bela from years back. They've always wanted to do a business together but it didn't come into fruition because when they were in talks, Bela had priorities and didn't want to hold Dani back about the business. There certainly is a time for everything, and now comes the launch of Dani Barretto's line of fragrance called DANI by BELA. It's 5 different Eau de Parfum which they planned and made together. It's fate, and it's here now!
DANI by BELA has sample sizes, so you could actually try it first before choosing the bigger bottle.
These are the 5 different fragrances of DANI by BELA. Thanks to Justin Montas for this shot, photo credits of this photo belong to him.
I initially assumed this would be for all for ladies, but no. They created a line of fragrances that cater for men, women and something gender neutral. For the ladies, there's Summer's Kiss, Spring's Touch and Nostalgia. For the men, they created Coolector. The gender neutral one is called Campfire, so really, there's something for everybody!
Bela apologized in behalf of Dani, because she couldn't come to the launch as she had the flu. She sent a video message for the guests at the event. In the meantime, here's our video coverage of the press conference, please, enjoy!
The fragrances are actually inspired by the scents they personally use and love. They also did Nostalgia for those that miss the things people wear years back, you could liken it to a popular cologne for babies if that gives it away. Bela's favorite is the Summer's Kiss, while Dani's is the Spring's Touch. Bela didn't like the way some men smelled like oxen, musky which you can detect a mile away. This is why Coolector smells clean and fresh, like something you'd be like out of the shower. The Campfire has higher woodsy content I think, though I find everything quite appealing. My personal pick is actually a bit off the beaten path, because I actually prefer the Spring's Touch. I think it fits my personality, and even though it was made femme, I think everything could be used by anyone. It is that good.
This product came as a surprise, BELA calls it BLOOM SOAP. Bela told us how highschoolers or frequent travelers used to cut soap in smaller pieces so they didn't have to carry the whole bar in school or their destinations. I haven't done that personally, but apparently much of the crowd who were there admitted doing it. Bela thought it was better that they had one package where people could try the different kind of soaps they have in one box to see what works and what doesn't, or basically preference. The new BELA BLOOM SOAP comes in Papaya, Pineapple and Coffee variants. She didn't want it to be like any of the soaps out in the market, and they've done extensive research before actually releasing this. It's made as natural as possible. These soaps can exfoliate gently, and doesn't have harmful chemicals that would irritate your skin. The Coffee variant is something new, it has bits of coffee grounds so you can scrub a bit with it. I prefer the Pineapple though because of its scent, and I think nothing of its kind is yet in the market. I love things that are unique, and this one is!
Now head on to BELA's social channels to know more about the new products. Again, you can get them in Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and their official website. Some actually get them to resell, so it may be a good investment too. But so far, I've used the perfumes and one of the soap, just like the previous products they had, it worked quite well. You be the judge when you try it.
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