#TeamGalaxy Catriona Gray “geeks out” over the Galaxy S24 Series

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Queen of the universe and productivity, Catriona Gray is geeking out over the new AI features of the Galaxy S24 Series. At the launch of Samsung’s latest Galaxy S series, Catriona Gray being the ultimate multi-hyphenate queen, explained how she has found a new productivity and creativity companion - the ultimate all-rounder just like her - the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Intuitive AI features geared towards productivity and creativity

With an on-the-go lifestyle where she consistently creates content, works on new projects and attends numerous meetings, Catriona loves to capture snippets of her day through the notes app.

“With Notes Assist, I can create custom notebooks with personalized covers and AI analyzes and summarizes the content of the notes. It’s so convenient for a quick revert and it shows me the summary and main points of the whole notebook,” Catriona shares.

Catriona also highlighted her favorite AI features that are perfect for her being productive and creative on-the-go - the circle to search with Google feature, which allows users to select parts of an image or a text and look up information. Users can even select icons from images to copy and paste into the notes app, messages and even use to create stickers.

Breaking boundaries of communication

The Galaxy S24 Series also enhances how devices can connect people from all around the world, making truly borderless communication possible. AI features remove communication hurdles with near-real-time voice and language translations, live language translations through call assist, and seamless live translation chat assistance.

“Just thinking of possibilities with travel, I think we've all experienced challenges while traveling and having language barriers at times when wanting to clarify something on an itinerary, or directions,” Catriona shared.

“Now with live chat updates, it allows us to connect, even with phone calls. It allows you to follow along with what the other person is saying. It’s innovative, connecting so many different people from around the world. When you think about a device, a phone, and its initial purpose, it innovated to a level that's breaking boundaries. In a way, that is a very cool thing.”

Every content creator’s dream come true

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series also sets a new standard for image and video capturing, with upgraded lenses and the integration of the new ProVisual engine. This engine improves color tone, reduces noise and brings out details in every photo, along with making sharing on Instagram and Snapchat seamless. AI also enhanced editing features like AI Zoom, and AI powered object resizing, moving and erasing. Editing applications are also built in-device so content creators no longer need third party applications to work on-the-go.

Catriona shares her experience with video editing on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. “Video editing on this is an absolute dream because the processing power of the S24 is really nice as well, it's very well rounded.”

For content creators who are passionate about sharing content real time, the integration of the apps gets rid of the challenges of having blurry and low quality images when transferring photos and videos from the phone camera to the application.

Titanium beauty fit for a queen

Catriona’s device of choice is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Gray, “I like the gray, I love that it has a gold sheen, it made me think of jewelry whether you're a gold or a silver girly, it's like the best of both worlds, and I can't get over how lightweight it is!” she shared.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s design is made of a new titanium exterior and a 6.8" flat display and topped with scratch resistant Corning® Gorilla® Armor. This makes the Galaxy S24 Ultra a durable device that can withstand scratches, water, dust and accidental drops. The devices also come in four mesmerizing chic titanium colors - Gray, Black, Violet and Yellow, as well as three online exclusive colors in Blue, Green, and Orange.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ devices have flat curved edges and a smooth satin finish that comes in trendy classy colors, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Onyx Black and Marble Gray and online exclusive colors Sapphire Blue, Jade Green, and Sandstone Orange.

A well-rounded device that fits any lifestyle

The Samsung Galaxy S24’s AI technology is the perfect accessible and intuitive device, “The features of AI within the Samsung S24 series are towards productivity and creativity. The AI features in the S24 series allows us to communicate with language translation, summarize articles - it’s not necessarily a super far fetched application of AI, it's AI simplifying things we were already doing”, Catriona explained.

Whether one wants to be productive, play games, communicate seamlessly while traveling, and create content easily on-the-go, Catriona describes the Samsung Galaxy S24 Series as a perfect fit for any lifestyle. “It's a tool that fits your lifestyle – whatever that looks like. It’s a well rounded phone, it’s not [just] for the uber techy, it’s not [just] for the uber simplistic - it’s very intuitive. If you give this phone to anyone, they’ll be super happy. It ticks all of the boxes for me!” she shared.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Series is the perfect companion for multi-hyphenate individuals looking to elevate their daily routines and feel fulfilled at the end of the day and is available through samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com and MemoXpress Online.

To find out more about the Galaxy S24 and S24+, visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s24/

To find out more about the Galaxy S24 Ultra, visit:

https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/

Catriona, LoveYourself launches new HIV care center in Baguio City

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(BAGUIO, Philippines) – LoveYourself's global ambassador – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, led the grand opening of "Balay Marvi," a community center offering holistic care to people to protect themselves against HIV.

Gray shared there's still a lot of stigma surrounding HIV, hence "What we want to do is to really empower the community." She highlighted the importance of having a safe space where people can access HIV and sexual health services in Baguio City.

On the vital role government plays, Gray also urged the local government units to continue supporting the advocacy and communities working for it because it's something the community urgently needs.

"Hopefully, our surrounding regions, who maybe don't have this type of community center can really look at Baguio City as one of the shining examples of how it can be replicated, how it can be done, and how the community can really be reached," Gray said.

Together with Gray, Baguio City District Representative Mark Go and City Councilor Levy Orcales also graced the launch ceremonies held on the 9th of October at Azalea Hotel and Residences. Both local officials expressed support.

Orcales shared, "We decided that there should be a localized version of our HIV and AIDS Law," recognizing a differentiated approach to combat the epidemic. He also said, "We are trying to convert all youth centers in the City of Baguio as safe spaces in the barangay levels," adding that there are 129 barangays in the City.

In his speech, Rep. Go offered assistance to thrust new laws at the national level that would ensure the effective implementation of HIV programs in the country. Meanwhile, the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region's representative Cherrie Caluza also aired the agency's support for Balay Marvi and the community's efforts to address the HIV situation.

LoveYourself founder and executive director Ronivin Pagtakhan said, "We observed that many clients from northern provinces go down south in Metro Manila to seek care and support, and this is something we want to address — to provide northern Luzon clients access to sexual health services, and a community that is considered a safe space for them."

As one of the country's leading community organizations for differentiated sexual health services, LoveYourself offers innovations in the HIV advocacy, especially the country's first WHO pre-qualified HIV self-test kit, 'SelfCare.' The group also highlighted the availability of another layer of HIV prevention called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill taken by an HIV-negative person to protect themselves against the virus.

Being a one-stop shop, Balay Marvi provides differentiated testing approaches, multiple prevention methods, and treatment, support, and care. Passers-by can also get free condoms and lube.

The Balay Marvi was named after its long-time supporter and partner, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), Deputy Executive Director Marvi Trudeau. The first-ever LoveYourself Diamond Award was conferred to her for her unwavering support of the group and passion for helping the advocacy.

The community center also matches the arts and culture of Baguio with its design and a huge mural hand painted by LoveYourself volunteers.

It is also made possible thru the Global Fund PROTECTS project grant implemented by PSFI and LoveYourself, under the Champion Community Centers.

PROTECTS is the Global Fund HIV grant for 2021 to 2023 that focuses on scaling-up prevention and testing strategies employed by community-based organizations (CBOs), like LoveYourself and partner local government units to expand access points across the country and provide PrEP and HIV self-testing kit supplies. It also enhances the capacities of CBOs to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability in service provision and advocacy.

Located at Lopez Building, Room 303, Session Road, Baguio City, the center is open from Wednesday-Sunday from 12:00 NN – 7:00 PM. To avail of Balay Marvi's services, clients can set an appointment at www.loveyourself.ph.

Catriona Gray, Noel Cabangon, Juris, Keiko Necesario and more artists join forces in the star-studded “Bagani” music video

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Several Filipino artists from all over the country have banded together to record “Bagani,” the official theme song to celebrate the 500th year anniversary of Victory of Mactan and the Philippines’ role in the first circumnavigation of the world.

The music video, which is officially out today, Friday at 8:00 PM, features an all-star performance from an ensemble put together by PhilPop and The National Quincentennial Committee, with the help of Jude Gitamondoc of Kadasig and Jeremy Sarmiento of MinPop.

All-star ensemble

Lending their participation to the special project are award-winning singers, acclaimed musicians, Warner Music Philippines artists, and PhilPop finalists: Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios, Catriona Gray, Juris, Adelle Yu, Joemark Tumala, Jetz Tacsanan, Archie Udaundo, Chud Festejo, Ferdinand Aragon, Anthony Paeldo, Paul Pablo, Reanne Borela, Noah Alejandre, Ian Dumaplin, Angelic Mateo, Abegail Esteban, Kurt Fick, Jewel Villaflores, Kulas Basilonia, Jacky Chang, Kenneth Corvera, Nicole Asensio, Kier Franco, Nino Mas, Fernando Silva, Ava Canaceli, Giarell Apolona, Michael Cadoy, Enrique Gallardo, Novie Grace Jayme, Kenneth Reodica, Ed Miraflor Jr., Roel Rostata, Pio Dumayas, Mikhail Cansicio, Mark Armas, Michael Catarina, Juliet Bahala, Paolo Campos, Keiko Necesario, Rox Omilda, Zsaris, Dulce, Leanne Mamonong, Naara Acueza, JJ Pimpinio, Anthony Castillo, Sud Ballacer, Bayang Barrios and Nyoy Volante.

Aside from the appearances of more than 50 artists, who took their time recording and filming themselves in makeshift studios remotely or at home, the music video helmed by Josh Olasiman, also includes various footage from Medical City c/o Kevin Tristan A. Espiritu, and documentary films such as Jose Rizal sa Landas ng Paglaya and May Pagasa ang Bantayog ni Andres Bonifacio.

Commissioned by The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) to give its audience a feeling of hope and optimism, the song was written and composed by Roel Rostata, arranged and produced by Jungee Marcelo, with Visayan lyrics in the chorus by Jude Gitamondoc.

Honoring solidarity and bayanihan spirit during tough times

According to its chief songwriter, Roel Rostata the track was written as a response to the growing challenges that the Filipino people are experiencing during the time of the pandemic, and how important it is repurpose music as a vessel to champion resiliency and bayanihan spirit. “There's no other way to rise above and make it through this pandemic other than working together,” Rostata shares in a statement. “Bagani encourages the listeners to turn fears and doubts to hope and healing, to manifest dreams into reality and to embrace victory. The song also encourages listeners to be part of the solution despite all the negativity and problems.”

“Bagani” is a by-product of PhilPop Bootcamp 2019, an initiative that aims to empower the next generations of contemporary Filipino singer-songwriters. PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio shares that the song was recorded for the Quincentennial celebration, but its inherent meaning has expanded into honoring our collective optimism and teamwork to rebuild the nation, and bring to light stories of optimism and resilience. “Eventually, the song became larger than what it was originally intended for,” Remolacio shares. “It triggers a strong commitment to the past and our future. It evokes strength and at the same time— solidarity.”

As part of the multiple virtual celebrations commemorating an important milestone in Philippine and global history, the music video marks the partnership between NQC and PhilPop to mark the 500th anniversary of  Victory of Mactan in 2021.

Under the partnership agreement, the country’s premier songwriting competition serves as the screening committee responsible for picking the official theme song, as well as co-producing its official music video with Warner Music Philippines.

The official music video of “Bagani” is out now.

Top Celebrities Catriona Gray, Ai-Ai delas Alas, and Rhian Ramos Joins Shopee’s Brand Ambassador Jose Mari Chan at the 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special on GMA News TV

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On September 9, viewers can look forward to star-studded live performances and stand a chance to win prizes worth over ₱4.7 Million.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites everyone to watch the anticipated 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special happening on September 9 at 8:30 PM. 

The 2-hour-long show will be simulcast on both GMA News TV (GNTV) and Shopee Live to reach more Filipino audiences. Viewers can catch an outstanding performance and appearance by Shopee’s Brand Ambassador Jose Mari Chan with top Filipino celebrities such as Catriona Gray, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Rhian Ramos, Gabbi Garcia, and many more. 

The star-studded show will also feature various performances from celebrity house-hold names like Lani Misalucha, Marcelito Pomoy, and Christian Bautista. Viewers can look forward to exceptional dance performances from super dance idols Rayver Cruz, DJ Loonyo, Mark Herras, and Rodjun Cruz. Also, top comedians such as Kakai Bautista, Rita Daniela, Betong, Jak Roberto, and Boobay, will make special appearances. 

Martin Yu, Associate Director, Shopee Philippines, said, “We are very excited to celebrate the 9.9 Super Shopping Day peak with the highly anticipated 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special. This year has been a challenge to the Filipino community because of the pandemic, and we hope through this TV special we can deepen our engagement with our users by providing them an entertaining production where they can see their favorite stars and win amazing prizes. This initiative is part of our 9.9 regional commitment to deliver a “Super” experience to our users, and we invite everyone to join us at the peak of our signature annual shopping event.”

Key highlights of 9.9 Super Shopping Day on GNTV and Shopee Live: 

On September 9, in addition to star-studded performances from leading celebrities, viewers can enjoy an upsized pool of rewards from various in-app games, including Shopee Catch, Shopee Shake, and Shopee Quiz. Key highlights include: 

● Win exciting cash prizes and giveaways with Shopee Shake: One lucky winner can stand a chance to take home ₱250,000 worth of cash prize, while another winner can win ₱1M cash prize and a house and lot from Lumina Homes. To participate, shoppers simply need to tune in at 8:45 PM and 10:00 PM for the Shopee Shake sessions. 

● Walk away with exclusive prizes with Shopee Catch and Shopee Quiz: Viewers can stand a chance to win over ₱1.5 million worth of prizes for Shopee Catch and Shopee Quiz. To participate in Shopee Catch, users simply have to move their heads to catch an item with a bag, the player with the most items wins. For Shopee Quiz, viewers have to answer five questions and can only advance to the next round if they get all questions right. 

● Exclusive promos from leading brands: Users can also enjoy exclusive offers and discounts of up to 50% off on leading brands such as Globe Telecom, Havaianas, Huggies, Nestle, P&G Beauty + Olay, Maybelline, Unilever Home and Food, Xiaomi Poco Phone Exclusive, and Lactum Enfagrow. 

Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day

The Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day will run until September 9, 2020. It will feature exciting promos like free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend, daily flash deals for as low as ₱9, and huge discounts when shoppers use ShopeePay. Consumers will also get exclusive discounts up to 90% off on leading brands, win exciting prizes via in-app games and many more.

For more information on the Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day, please visit https://shopee.ph/m/99.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Catriona Gray is Miss Universe Philippines 2018

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Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray  was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2018.

Gray is a Filipino TV host, singer, model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2018 and Miss World Philippines 2016, respectively. She represented the Philippines in the Miss World 2016 pageant and placed as a Top 5 Finalist. 

The Binibining Pilipinas 2018 winners were announced at the pageant's coronation night on Sunday, March 18, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Grand Coronaton Night was hosted by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Richard Guttierez and with Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-up Nicole Cordoves.

Here are the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 winners:

• Miss Universe Philippines 2018: #20 Catriona Gray
• Bb Pilipinas International 2018: #17 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
• Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018: #38 Karen Gallman
• Bb Pilipinas Globe 2018: #19 Michele Gumabao
• Bb Pilipinas Grand International 2018: #32 Eva Patalinjug
• Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2018: #31 Jehza Huelar

Runners-up:

• 1st runner-up: #1 Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton
• 2nd runner-up: #14 Samantha Bernardo

Here are the winners of the special awards and the ladies who made it to the Top 15 as well as Top 25:

Special awards:

• Pitoy Moreno National Costume Award: #20 Catriona Gray
• Miss Ever Bilena: #20 Catriona Gray
• Jag Denim Queen: #20 Catriona Gray
• Manila Bulletin Award: #14 Samantha Bernardo
• Miss Friendship: #8 Shane Quintana Tormes
• Best in Talent: #8 Shane Quintana Tormes
• Miss Photogenic: #32 Eva Patalinjug
• Best in Swimsuit: #20 Catriona Gray
• Miss Philippine Airlines: #3 Muriel Orais
• Best in Swimsuit: #20 Catriona Gray
• Best in Long Gown: #20 Catriona Gray
• Miss Creamsilk: #19 Michele Gumabao

Top 15:

• #38 Karen Gallman
• #3 Muriel Orais
• #21 Anjame Magbitang
• #26 Wynonah Buot
• #14 Samantha Bernardo
• #15 Juliana Kapeundl
• #31 Jehza Huelar
• #35 Sandra Lemonon
• #11 Aya Abesamis
• #17 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
• #24 Edjelyn Joy Gamboa
• #1 Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton
• #19 Michele Gumabao
• #20 Catriona Gray
• #32 Eva Patalinjug

Top 25:

• #3 Muriel Orais
• #31 Jehza Huelar
• #17 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
• #32 Eva Patalinjug
• #13 Kristie Rose Cequeña
• #7 Sigrid Grace Flores
• #35 Sandra Lemonon
• #10 Kayesha Chua
• #26 Wynonah Buot
• #15 Juliana Kapeundl
• #21 Anjame Magbitang
• #4 Ana Patricia Asturias
• #23 Ena Velasco
• #20 Catriona Gray
• #39 Trixia Marie Maraña
• #14 Samantha Bernardo
• #1 Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton
• #9 Agatha Romero
• #24 Edjelyn Joy Gamboa
• #34 Mary Joy de Castro
• #11 Aya Abesamis
• #38 Karen Gallman
• #8 Shane Quintana Tormes
• #19 Michele Gumabao
• #37 Patrizia Garcia