Miley Cyrus releases reflective new single “Used To Be Young”

Tweet

Miley Cyrus has released her new song and video, “Used To Be Young” – listen here and watch the video here. 

In talking about “Used To Be Young,” Miley says, 

“This song is about honoring who we’ve been, loving who we are and celebrating who we will become. I feel proud when reflecting on my past and optimistic when thinking about the future. I am grateful to my loyal fans who make my dreams a reality daily. I am sincerely thankful for the stability of your steadfast support. This song is for you.”

Regarding the video, Miley noted, “It’s super emotional because I am kind of a mini-me of my mom and I could see her inside of the camera by using a technology where I could livestream with my mom from inside of the camera. So, we could see each other and as she was dancing it just made me cry, it made me laugh, it brought up so many real emotions and I think it’s really letting people into true emotion, which I don’t feel we get to see very much these days.”

In celebration of the release of “Used To Be Young”, Miley shared stories and insights from the many chapters of her life within the TV special event Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions). Reimagined from the version which originally aired on Disney+, the special features a brand-new interview as well as music from her latest release Endless Summer Vacation and aired on ABC just hours before the release of “Used To Be Young”. The new, reimagined special is now streaming on Hulu.

“Used To Be Young” is Miley’s first new music offering since the release of her critically and commercially acclaimed album Endless Summer Vacation which featured her hit single “Flowers” and twelve additional tracks. A true worldwide smash, “Flowers” spent 8 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100  – a personal best for Miley. “Flowers” was #1 on US Pop Radio for 10 weeks and is the fastest running song in nearly a decade to achieve the position. “Flowers” has streamed four billion times and was the fastest song in history to hit 500 million streams on Spotify. It’s officially the longest running UK #1 single by a female solo artist. 

Additionally, “Used To Be Young” arrives just before the 10th anniversary of Miley Cyrus’ 3x Platinum album Bangerz (September). A benchmark album, Bangerz was home to beloved original hits such as “Wrecking Ball,” “We Can’t Stop,” and “Adore You.” In celebration of the anniversary, there will be a limited-edition vinyl with updated packaging featuring never seen before photos and the bonus track “23” with Mike WiLL Made-It. Pre-order here.

Follow Miley Cyrus

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | MileyCyrus.com

Sony Philippines Marks World Nature Conservation Day with Sustainability Initiatives

Tweet

Known worldwide for its groundbreaking innovations, Sony is not only pushing the boundaries of technology, but is also leading the charge in supporting sustainability and conservation efforts. In the Philippines, Sony takes great pride in its initiatives that aim to inspire others to be conscious of their impact on the environment.

Sony Philippines employees helping plant mangroves in Santiago Island Bolinao Pangasinan

Sony is deeply aware of the significant responsibility it bears as an environmental steward. The company stands at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts, consistently taking proactive measures to reduce its ecological footprint and safeguard precious natural resources. The passion for environmental conservation also runs deep among Sony Philippines’ employees, who actively engage in diverse initiatives that drive positive change for the planet.

In recent months, Sony Philippines has partnered with several communities and organizations to kickstart impactful environmental efforts like their tree-planting activity at the Masungi Georeserve, and their conservation and sustainability activities such as ocean clean up, mangrove planting, and donations in Santiago Island in Bolinao Pangasinan, to name a few.

To preserve biodiversity and help care for the area, Sony Philippines’ volunteer employees went on a hike on Masungi Georeserve’s Legacy Trail and planted fruit bearing trees. This activity aims to help combat the effects of greenhouse gas, reduce soil erosion, and lessen the ozone layer pollution, among others.

Meanwhile, Sony Philippines also conducted a comprehensive conservation effort in Bolinao Pangasinan in partnership with Hands on Manila and the Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Brgy. Victory (SMMV). Through this initiative, 70 sacks of non-biodegradable waste were collected through the coastal clean-up activity, while 3125 mangrove propagules were thoughtfully planted along the shoreline of Brgy. Victory, Santiago Island, promoting coastal restoration and protection. Sony also donated community kits containing rechargeable headlamps, aqua shoes, whistles and goggles.

Coastal clean-up in Brgy. Victory, Santiago Island Bolinao Pangasinan

In line with the World Conservation Day, Sony Philippines aims to be at the forefront of sustainability and environmental responsibility, and aims to continue its unwavering commitment to make the planet a better place. By engaging its employees and partnering with local communities, the company aims to set an inspiring example for everyone to practice in their personal lives and hopefully, extend the ripple to each volunteer’s home.

Sony debuts its newest and most compact G Master Lens

Tweet

Sony officially announces pre-orders of the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens (model SEL50F14GM) as its newest addition to its acclaimed G Master full-frame lens lineup.

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM is an e-mount lens that expands Sony’s offerings with a premium 50 mm prime lens packed into a remarkably compact and lightweight design. Even at F1.4, FE 50mm F1.4 GM delivers first-class image quality, including high-resolution and naturally rendered bokeh known to Sony’s top-tier G Master™ series. When paired with the latest Sony cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of uses in both still and video including portraiture, landscape, travel, and wedding.

“At Sony, we are continually listening to the needs of today’s content creators and are proud to announce the newest innovative option with the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens, the latest addition to the E-mount lens line-up,” said Yasufumi Machitani, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “This prime lens is a great option for both photography and videography use and delivers excellent image quality at 50 mm, one of the most popular focal lengths. Being able to pack our latest G Master technology into such a compact form factor brings ultimate versatility to a 50 mm for Sony.”

Sharp Imagery and Beautiful Bokeh

The advanced optical design and elements unique to Sony’s top-of-the-line G Master™ series brings outstanding image quality to FE 50mm F1.4 GM. Spherical aberration control at both the design and the manufacturing stages contributes to beautiful bokeh. The lens offers naturally rendered bokeh with an 11-blade circular aperture and sharp realism is offered throughout the maximum aperture range. Deep, creamy bokeh at F1.4 is ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios including making portrait subjects stand out from their surroundings.

In addition, the minimum focusing distance of FE 50mm F1.4 GM is just 0.41 meters and the maximum magnification is 0.16x when autofocus is used. This level of close-up performance provides extra flexibility when shooting both stills and videos.

Portrait photo shot by Charisma Lico, Sony Alpha Professional for Fashion and Advertising, using the new Sony FE 50mm F1.4 G Master Lens

“I’ve always been a fan of portrait lenses and I remember 50mm was one of my first investments! In love with the new FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens because of the details it produces in my images, precision in AF tracking, its compact size and light weight. Definitely my go-to lens whether for travel or work,” shared by Charisma Lico, Sony Alpha Professional for Fashion and Advertising.

Remarkably Compact Design for Maximum Versatility

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM has Sony’s most advanced optical design technology including the precisely positioned XA elements, high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, and the latest compact circular aperture unit. These elements are critical for realizing a large-aperture, high-resolution lens that is only 80.6 mm in diameter, 96.0 mm in length, and 516 grams in weight. These measurements allow for a lens that is 33% lighter and 15% less volume when compared to conventional models with the same specifications.

The FE 50mm F1.4G Master Lens equipped in a Sony Alpha 7 IV Camera. Photo by Sherard Yu

The compact size of FE 50mm F1.4 GM paired with a Sony camera body makes this lens extremely versatile in both still and video shooting situations. With this type of mobility and low-light performance, this lens is a great choice for everything from portraits, landscapes, weddings, and travel. The compact size also makes it an ideal lens selection for gimbal and drone operation.

Fast, Precise, and Reliable Autofocus

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s autofocus is extremely fast and precise, making it an ideal choice for reliable content creation. The autofocus is as much as 1.9x faster than conventional models with the same specifications. The lens’s focus group is driven by Sony’s high-thrust XD linear motors and incorporates an advanced control algorithm for a smooth, responsive focus drive. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha cameras, this lens can quickly acquire focus and track subjects, even when using the shallow depth of field available at F1.4.

Intuitive Operability and Outstanding Reliability

The lens has been designed intuitively to help provide creators with maximum workflow efficiency while shooting. Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and repeatably to subtle control when focusing manually. As an exciting evolution to the premium G Master line-up, FE 50mm F1.4 GM also features an iris lock switch, which is the first ever to be offered on a Sony prime lens. Additionally, this lens features a 67 mm thread mount, allowing for a filter to be interchangeable with the FE 24mm F1.4 G Master and FE 35mm F1.4 G Master lenses.

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels and allows for easy removal of fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants. A dust and moisture-resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions. These additions allow creators to use the lens with confidence in almost any shooting environment.

Pre-order your own FE 50mm F1.4 GM now for only PHP89,900 and get a free Peak Design Slide worth PHP4,500! The pre-order promo is available in all Sony Authorized Dealers nationwide starting March 3 until April 9, 2023. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.sony.com.ph/microsite/lenspreorder/ or follow /SonyPhilippines on Facebook and @sonyphinc on Instagram for updates.

Sony continues to revolutionize the industry with its new camera lens line-up

Tweet

Sony is redefining the standard zoom category of lenses with the introduction of the FE 20-70mm F4 G, known as the SEL2070G that boasts an ultra-wide 20-70mm zoom range in a remarkably compact, lightweight full-frame lens, with a constant F4 aperture throughout the zoom range.

The Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G)

With impressive G LensTM image quality, high-speed accuracy and tracking AF, and a smart design for maximum mobility and operability, this new lens is designed for a wide range of creators. The FE 20-70mm F4 G is the perfect choice for vlogging, movie production, and still portrait and landscape shots.

According to professional photographer and Sony Philippines Product Expert Nicco Valenzuela, the FE 20-70mm F4 G is comparably lighter and more compact than most standard zoom lenses with a constant aperture. As a photographer himself, this lens will be of significant help when packing camera equipment for shoots. There are also instances when photographers do not want to carry a separate ultra-wide angle lens with them, so the capability of the FE 20-70mm F4 G to go all the way to 20mm wide is really handy and offers significant versatility.

“The introduction of the FE 20-70mm F4 G sees the standard zoom category of lenses redefined”, said Yasufumi Machitani, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “The new concept lens has an incredible, ultra-wide zoom range from 20mm through to 70mm to ensure true versatility – perfectly designed for both still and video creators with its sophisticated imagery and high-level operability”, he added.

Compact and lightweight new standard zoom covers ultra-wide 20-70mm​, the FE 20-70mm F4 G just weighs only 488g but offers outstanding optical performance in a remarkably compact, lightweight size thanks to Sony’s latest lens design and XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors technology.​

What’s more, the ultra-wide 20mm end of the zoom range makes it possible to maintain a wide angle of view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela using the Sony α7R V.   A  comparison of a shot taken with a 24-105mm lens (up) to the new Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G’s 20-70mm lens (down)

Outstanding image quality consistent with the G Lens logo

The new lens boasts unique G Lens image quality that produces a state-of-the-art optical design that simultaneously corrects chromatic and spherical aberration for extremely high optical performance across the whole zoom range. Optimized coatings add high flare and ghost resistance to this superior optical design, for extraordinary contrast and clarity.​ Furthermore, beautiful bokeh is achieved with full-frame image sensors and is further enhanced by a 9-blade circular aperture and optimally tuned spherical aberration.

“The implications of this in landscape and nature photography is that it focuses closer. By closer, I mean this can focus at 0.25 meters close, and this is significant because most standard zoom lenses can focus at around 0.32 to 0.38 at most. This can focus on details much closer, such as flowers and medium-sized insects which counts as near-macro capabilities. At the same time, focusing closer can help landscape photographers do focus-stacked wide images of vistas that create the most detailed output possible. Even more conveniently, this close focusing capability can be used in tandem with the new Sony α7R V’s automated focus bracketing mode that greatly simplifies the focus stacking workflow,” said Valenzuela.

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela using the Sony A7RV camera with the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G lens

Maximises camera AF performance for stills and video

The lens’s focus group is driven by two of Sony’s latest XD Linear Motors, providing high thrust for a fast, quiet, low-vibration focus drive. Thrust efficiency has been significantly improved over previous models[i], resulting in up to a 60% increase in AF speed[ii].

Video performance designed for refined imagery

The FE 20-70mm F4 G reduces focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming to ensure that the highest quality images are captured.

AlphaTM series cameras’ Active Mode[iii] image stabilization is highly effective at the ultra-wide 20 mm end of the FE 20-70mm F4 G zoom range, providing excellent image stabilization performance, whilst maintaining a wide angle of view. This can be particularly useful for shooting smooth, stable handheld footage whilst walking.

Focus is especially critical when shooting high-resolution 4K or 8K movies. The FE 20-70mm F4 G works with AlphaTM series camera bodies to easily acquire accurate focus and smoothly track fast-moving subjects.

High-level operability and reliability for any environment

The new FE 20-70mm F4 G’s independent focus, zoom, and aperture rings feature optimized diameter, width, and positioning for full control when shooting stills as well as maximum versatility when recording video. ​

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela

The new FE 20-70mm F4 G is priced at P75,000 and will be available in select Sony Authorized Dealers nationwide starting February 17, 2023. Find out more information about the SEL2070G here: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/camera-lenses/sel2070g.

Development of New G Master™ 300mm F2.8 Telephoto Full-Frame E-mount Lens

In addition to this stunning new lens, Sony also announced the development of the long-awaited FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Telephoto lens that is set to launch in early 2024.

Large-aperture super-telephoto lenses like the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and FE 600mm F4 GM OSS are highly acclaimed by sports and wildlife photographers around the world for their outstanding resolution and AF performance. As such, the new lens will feature the incredible high-resolution and spectacularly beautiful bokeh of Sony's acclaimed line of flagship G Master™ series lenses, whilst also offering a far-reaching 300 mm focal length and F2.8 large aperture.

Follow /SonyPhilippines on Facebook and @sonyphinc on Instagram to stay updated on FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Telephoto lens announcements.

------------------------------------------------------

[i] Compared to the SEL2470Z.

[ii] Compared to the SEL2470Z. Sony test conditions.

[iii] With a compatible camera. Active Mode causes a slight reduction in angle of view.

Jane The Virgin

Tweet

This story of Jane is about something to watch and follow all its teleseries.  I was so curious, really. Stated on an article of "Jane the Virgin, that "A young, devout woman discovers that she was accidentally artificially inseminated," well, here this goes:

When Jane Villanueva was a young girl, her grandmother, Alba, convinced her of two things: 

-  telenovelas are the highest form of entertainment, and
-  women must protect their virginity at all costs.

Now age 23, Jane is a driven young woman studying to become a teacher, nursing a dream to be a writer, and supporting herself with a job at a hot new Miami hotel. 

All the years of watching telenovelas with the two women who raised her – her sexy, young-at-heart mother, Xiomara (known as “Xo”), and her still-devout grandmother, Alba – have given Jane a slightly unrealistic view of romance. Although she is determined not to make the same mistake Xo made – becoming an unwed mother at 16 – Jane could not be closer to the two wonderful women who have shaped her life.

They are very different people – Xo lives her life as a perpetual teenager, performing at local clubs and always looking for a new man, while Alba makes religion and prayer the focus of her life – but both women consider Jane the center of their universe and love the grounded, compassionate and ambitious young woman she has become.

Despite the conflicting influences of her mother and grandmother, Jane has managed to find a wonderful fiancé: a handsome, hard-working detective named Michael, who loves her enough to accept her detailed timeline for their future together and even her insistence on “saving herself” until they’re married. All of Jane’s meticulous life plans are turned upside down, however, when she sees her doctor for a routine check-up and is accidentally artificially inseminated with a specimen meant for the patient in the next room.

Unbeknownst to her, the specimen belongs to Rafael, a reformed playboy and cancer survivor, who is not only the new owner of the hotel where Jane works but also a former summer crush of hers.

A few weeks later, the unsuspecting Jane is faced with the most important decisions of her life. Will she continue with the pregnancy?

How can she explain the situation to her fiancé and family? And what should she do about the wishes of the biological father, Rafael, and his scheming wife Petra? At the same time, Jane’s mother Xo is facing a life-changing decision of her own: after years of letting Jane and Alba believe she didn’t know the identity of Jane’s father, the time has come to admit the truth – Jane’s father is Xo’s former boyfriend Rogelio.

Making the situation even more surreal, Rogelio is now a huge telenovela star, and he definitely wants to meet his unsuspecting daughter. 

Though she has always tried to be the responsible good girl who does the right thing, Jane’s normally quiet life has suddenly become as dramatic, complicated and unpredictable as the telenovelas she has always loved.

The series stars Gina Rodriguez (“Filly Brown,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”) as Jane, Justin Baldoni (“Single Ladies,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”) as Rafael, Brett Dier (“Ravenswood”) as Michael, Andrea Navedo (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Golden Boy”) as Xiomara, Yael Grobglas (“Reign”) as Petra, Ivonne Coll (“Switched at Birth,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”) as Alba and Jaime Camil (“Devious Maids,” “Que Pobres Tan Ricos”) as Rogelio.

Jane the Virgin airs every Sunday, October 19 at 9:05 pm, in the same week as the US telecast, first & exclusively on Sony Channel. 

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

About Sony Channel

Sony Channel is the premier destination for female-skewing entertainment with the biggest and best of Hollywood. Designed for the socially connected viewer, Sony Channel features some of the most captivating and talked-about drama, comedy, lifestyle and reality programs on TV, all airing close to the U.S. telecasts, together with popular feel-good movies. 

Fresh, confident and stylish, with a dash of clever wit, Sony Channel is visually stunning with a brand identity that perfectly complements its line-up of high calibre programming. Sony Channel appeals to a female-skewed, male-inclusive audience who loves to escape, engage and lose themselves in premium content. Viewers are modern, social, stylish and aspirational.

Sony Channel is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates pay-TV channels AXN, beTV, Sony Entertainment Television, Animax, ONE and GEM. See www.sonychannelasia.com, as well as follow www.facebook.com/SonyChannelPH and https://twitter.com/SonyChannelPH for more.

Sony Philippines Partners with The Voice of the Philippines

Tweet

Sony Philippines partners with The Voice of the Philippines in support of the Campaign “Music Deserves Respect”

Sony Philippines a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications, personal audio, digital imaging and home entertainment is an official partner of the hit reality show The Voice of the Philippines.

Having recently launched their “Music Deserves Respect” campaign, Sony has extended their support to the popular singing competition where Sony headphone endorser Bamboo Mañalac also serves time as a coach.

“Our partnership with The Voice of the Philippines is our way of supporting Bamboo in his current project. The coaches are looking for the perfect sound that best represents the Philippines and here at Sony, we value that sound especially through our newest line of headphones, the MDR-1R and Extra Bass series. We are constantly working to deliver the purest sound quality through our products,” said CJ Deacosta, Marketing Officer for Personal Audio, Sony Philippines Inc.

The Voice of the Philippines airs every Saturday & Sunday Nights on ABS-CBN.

Having a seat on one of the four iconic chairs, Bamboo is responsible for guiding his team of aspiring music artists to hone their vocal talents so that one of them may soon be declared as “The Voice of the Philippines”. On how his current partnership with Sony and his coaching gig on The Voice work hand-in-hand, Bamboo said, “To have Sony here in The Voice of the Philippines feels just right. Sony truly understands the value of the music that artists, such as myself, create. This is the same type of music that I hope to pass on to my team so that they learn to truly understand every sound and every note in every song. When you get that and you give music the respect it deserves, that’s when real good music is made.”

Coaches and contestants alike got the chance to experience the immersive music experience from the various MDR-1R and XB series headphones made available to them.

“As we search for the first VOICE of the Philippines, our partnership is perfect as we share the same advocacy of giving justice to sound and making everyone hear music the way they’re supposed to be heard,“ added Deacosta.

For more information about Sony, Sony MDR-1 and XB series headphones and other Sony products, visit the nearest Sony Centre or authorized dealer

Visit www.sony.com.ph, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SonyPhilippines

or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SonyPHInc.