AI Photography: Effortlessly capturing treasured memories

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The art of photography has already undergone a fundamental transformation with the rise of camera phones. That transformation is set to evolve to another level with the science of photography being the focus emerging AI-embedded smartphones. AI-powered cameras promise a better ‘read’ of different photography settings and can automate functions that could take months or years to learn down to a split-second process. AI technology can quickly identify which settings are needed in any given scenario, allowing even amateur photographers to simply point and capture their magical moments in that exact instant.

This quantum shift in camera science means users no longer require sophisticated professional cameras, allowing users to effortlessly capture and show their vivid memories in more ways and with many more options.

Vivo has been quick to adapt to the evolving needs of consumers with the creation of the V11. The latest smartphone incorporates AI camera tools that solve very specific challenges that users might face while taking pictures – issues such as bad lighting, poor exposure or focus can easily be fixed with just a simple click, meaning taking breathtaking pictures are instantly possible and a reality. 

Adjusting lighting has now made easier 

Shooting portraits against the light can make for a terrible photo if done improperly. Imagine this, a person is having a great time at a sunset party and wants to snap a picture of him/her with the sunset, but is unable to capture the face clearly because of poor lighting. This scenario would be challenging even for the more professional photographer but could be solved easily with an AI-powered smartphone such as the Vivo V11. 

Features, such as the AI Backlight HDR and the AI Low Light Mode that enable the phone to automatically adjust lighting according to the photo settings and subjects. The AI algorithm is the main catalyst that empowers these features. AI Backlight mode can capture up to 6 frames at a wider dynamic range of up to 11ev, correcting uneven exposures and merging them to create perfectly exposed photos. The AI algorithm also ensures that the AI Low Light Mode can intelligently combine different frames into an evenly lit one. By capturing more details and reducing noise in low light situations, it makes it much easier to take stunning photographs with a simple point and shoot.

“Left: With AI Backlight HDR, Right: Without AI Backlight HDR”

For selfie lovers, the V11 is also equipped with AI Selfie Lighting which delivers close to the quality of professional studio lighting. Users no longer need complicated lighting settings to get a stunning portrait. Instantly snap and share on social platforms, it’s that easy. 

AI is your personal makeup artist

To enhance users’ facial structure, the AI Face Shaping does the trick. The tool comes with a variety of cosmetic facial changes, such as the ability to reshape the size of nose bridges, adjust the distance between eyes, and the size of lips. Looking at your naturally flawless best in all photos has now been made possible. Users can also see the before and after effect and adjust the visual according to their desired preference. 

“AI Face Shaping” 

Learning complicated photography settings is no longer required 

For beginners in photo-taking, learning the tricks and tools of a complicated camera can be a daunting learning process, but with the AI camera, this is rendered unnecessary. The AI Scene Recognition is a revolutionary feature of the V11. It easily detects and adapts to 18 tags, so users can take the perfect picture automatically anywhere and anytime. Users simply just need to point and shoot, and the camera will quickly and accurately identify different scenes such as ‘night’, ‘portrait’, ‘food’ and apply customized settings to enhance it. 

“Left: With AI Scene Recognition, Right: Without AI Scene Recognition”

To examine different photo scenarios, the V11 also comes with the AI Portrait Framing that automatically provides the best composition suggestion guiding users to better position the phone while taking pictures. It is able to do so by self-learning millions of data points, and directing users to hold the phone in the optimal position, producing a perfectly framed golden ratio portrait shot. 

“Left: With AI Portrait Framing, Right: Without AI Portrait Framing”

With the help of the V11’s AI camera features, taking professional shots has never been easier. These outstanding features are literally a compact professional camera packed in a professional-grade hardware right in your palm. The 12MP (with 24 million photosensitive units) main camera plus a 5MP secondary camera ensures the camera’s photographic capabilities are enhanced. Also, the high-resolution 25MP front camera ensures any selfie will be crystal clear. 

Today, all you need is an AI smartphone with high-quality camera hardware to transform yourself into a professional-level photographer. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their 

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), 

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

Bask under the glorious Palawan sun with the first of its kind Avara Nature & Yacht Club Experience serene, luxurious seaside living in Taytay, Palawan

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Here's a glimpse of a seaside living redefined through Avara.

Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waitingfor you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside.

Airdance group and Filipina harpist Avonlea Paraiso wow the Avara guests with their performances.

Established by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation, Avara is the first of its kind nature and yacht club located at Calauag Bay in Taytay, which was Palawan’s first capital.

The Avara Balanghai designed and created by Master Sculptor Rey Paz Contreras.

The plan for the exclusive resort was formally unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Manila led by its President and CEO Ms. Veronica C. Young.

“After many months of sailing and voyaging aboard bangkas and riding waves, we found the perfect island in Taytay, Palawan to be the home of our pioneering project. It is with a great pleasure to present to you tonight, Avara Nature and Yacht Club - the first of its kind in the Philippines, bridging the middle class to the lifestyle of the rich and famous. As Seaside Premier Development Corporation’s flagship project, we aim to redefine seaside living, where nature meets luxury,” she said in her opening remarks.

Coastal living redefined Avara, which means Sunshine Island, is an eco-luxurious resort that use solar panels as a source of renewable energy, utilize a recycled water treatment system, maximize a hydroponic garden, and take advantage of other eco-materials available.

Its accommodation is inspired by the Maldivian architecture. Members can choose to stay in a one-bedroom Water Villa with jacuzzi, two-bedroom Water Villa with private infinity pool, or one- or two-bedroom Beach Casitas.

Aside from the villas and casitas, Avara members will also have an exclusive access to a two-bedroom yacht with crew for an overnight stay or for cruising around the island and nearby areas. Avara’s yacht features two cabins and a family room in the lower deck; a living room, a kitchen and dining area, and a plunge pool in the main deck; and an open dining space and a sun deck in the fly bridge.

The Avara Island has nothing but the best facilities for its members. Guests will first experience the Avara service upon their arrival at the dock or the harbor. But the ultra-luxurious resort also has a helipad for those who will be coming in by air. VIPs also have the option to skip the reception and go straight to their accommodation.

There will also be a boardwalk open for development to entrepreneurial Avara member.

Meaning, Avara members can also be concessionaires to open their own business—it could be a coffee shop, a grocery store, a bakery, a souvenir stop, and similar ventures. As support to the member-concessionaires, Avara will ensure that the business will be the island’s lone supplier for the specific product.

The island can also accommodate as many as 100 guests at their main dining area and at the grill restaurant. But guests will have more dining options since Avara includes a poolside bar, a seaside bar and lounge, picnic areas, and private dining venues.

Avara is fully equipped with a gym, a water sports center, a tennis court, and a golf course to those who want to keep up with their fitness routine.

The island also has a playroom and nursery, spa and massage cabanas, a bonfire area, a clinic with an in-house doctor and nurse, and a gaming area for the enjoyment of the Avara members.

At any given time, Avara will host up to 300 members to ensure quality service.

As a promised paradise for those who love the beach, Avara offers a myriad of water action such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, island hopping, and fishing in coordination with neighbor islands. The resort also provides options for on land activities like trekking, biking, and vegetable picking.

There are also a lot of activities that Avara members can enjoy outside its vicinity. After all, Taytay, Palawan boasts of picturesque sites like the Canique Waterfalls, the Lake Manguao, the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Malampaya Sound, the Fuerza de Santa Isabel, and the Church of Santa Monica. Taytay is also hope to a paradise-like hidden valley that gives tourists a bird’s eye view of the pristine, idyllic coastal areas of the municipality.

Board of advisors

The executives and board of advisors behind the Avara Nature & Yacht Club.

To ensure nothing but the best of services and facilities at Avara, Seaside Premier Development Corporation tapped some of the industry’s most respected personalities for the resort.

Its board of advisors include the following:

•  National Coast Watch Center Executive Director Rear Admiral Joel S. Garcia for Coastal and Marine Management 

•  Philippine Army’s 7CMO Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Eugene Osias for Security Affairs

•  Cebu Port Authority Commissioner for the Shipping Sector Ms. Regina Barleta for Port Management and Shipping

•  Incoming Manila Board of Realtors, Inc. President Ma. Teresa R. Bigornia for Marketing

•  Motivational speaker John Anthony Calub for Sales

•  The Manor’s Le Chef Executive Chef William “Billy” King for Culinary Arts

“We thank these distinguished personalities for believing in our idea. We can’t wait to show you the beauty of Avara,” Ms. Young said.

Avara Nature & Yacht Club will formally open its shores in the summer of 2020. 

About Avara Nature & Yacht Club

Avara Nature and Yacht Club redefines seaside lifestyle by combining beach living and seafaring. It is the first harbor-front town in Palawan as launched by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation. It offers access to a world-class resort with customized yachts.

To know more,  visit the Avara website (http://avaraisland.com/)

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/avaraisland)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/avaraisland/)

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/avaraisland/) 

About Seaside Premier Development Corporation

Luxury seaside community developer Seaside Premier Development Corporation was

established in 2018. It kickstarted its year by launching its flagship project, the Avara Nature & Yacht Club in Taytay, Palawan. It plans to develop harbor-front townships in the different seaside areas in the Philippines to bring the best beaches and coastal living to every Filipino’s doorstep.

Make Holiday Home Preparations More Exciting with Samsung Digital Appliances

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Get the home Christmas-ready in no time with Samsung Digital Appliances

With the holidays coming up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the preparations like shopping for gifts, buying ingredients for Noche Buena, and cooking a feast for the entire family. Samsung can help homemakers create a memorable and fun-filled Christmas celebration with its line of innovative digital appliances.

The home will look festive and party-ready with the season’s merry decorations. They may have been kept in storage all year, but it’s easy to get them spotless and pretty again with the Samsung FlexWash Washing Machine. 

This powerful appliance has a built-in AddWash door, which enables users to add forgotten items mid-cycle, so no Christmas doll or sock gets left behind. In the kitchen, mom can create delicious and memorable meals with the Samsung Smart Oven, a 6-in-1 kitchen solution that allows users to grill, steam, fry, bake, and even make yogurt at the push of a button. With so many exciting recipes to try, she’ll have to stock up on ingredients. Storage won’t be a problem with the Samsung Twin Cooling Refrigerator. It’s equipped with the Smart Conversion technology that allows users to adjust their freezer-fridge settings depending on their storage needs. After meals, the whole family can enjoy lots of undistracted family time with the help of the Samsung Wind-Free Air Conditioner. It’s built with 21,000 micro-holes that evenly distribute air to eliminate cold drafts, keeping everyone comfortably cool.

Watch how Samsung Digital Appliances can ease your holiday preparations at https://www.facebook.com/SamsungPH/videos/314708299114765.

Hintayan ng Langit film stars multi-awarded veteran actors Gina Pareño and Eddie Garcia

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"Hintayan ng Langit" stars multi-awarded veteran actors Gina Pareño and Eddie Garcia, directed by Dan Villegas  and is written by spoken word artist Juan Miguel Severo based from his one-act stage play for The Virgin Lab Fest.

Juan Miguel Severo’s first feature film confronts timeless bittersweet truths on loving and living.

The feature film asked "Is leaving a mark on this world what really matters most in life?"

In Hintayan ng Langit, Lisang has overstayed in her waiting room in purgatory, occasionally causing other souls trouble for her own entertainment. But today her waiting ends. Finally, she is set to cross over and her room is to be leased to a new tenant, Manolo, who turns out to be her newly-deceased ex-boyfriend.

But life—or death—takes a heartbreaking turn as Lisang and Manolo get a second chance to get to know each other again and, in the process, begin to realize what it really means to be “alive” again. As Lisa and Manolo look back in retrospect and they examine the decisions they made in their lives, they can’t help but ask what if....

Hintayan ng Langit is a co-production between Globe Studios and Project 8 Corner San Joaquin Projects, a film production company owned by top filmmakers Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone. The movie adaptation is directed by Dan Villegas for QCinema and premiered last October. It won the Best Actor and Audience Choice awards.

While #HintayanNgLangit is trending on social media for its gripping theme and excellent production values, the film is also the latest commitment of Globe Studios in delivering heartfelt but top-quality films not only for its customers but among all Filipino film buffs as well.

“When I first read the Hintayan Ng Langit script for QCinema, I couldn’t put it down, and when I finished it, I couldn’t hold back my tears,” says Globe Studios Head, Quark Henares.  

“When I handed it to our producers, they felt the same way. This is a film Globe Studios HAD to do, and I’m so proud and happy we’re giving everyone a chance to see it nationwide. It’s different. It’s touching. It stays with you. Hope you can all catch it in theaters!”

Villegas and Jadaone join the roll of A-list of filmmakers that include Erik Matti, Paul Soriano, Sigrid Bernardo, Joyce Bernal, and Lav Diaz who have collaborated with Globe Studios for their original video and film productions.

Hintayan ng Langit Gets Nationwide Screening

Missed QCinema? Due to insistent public demand, you can catch Hintayan Ng Langit on November 21 when it makes its theatrical run.

Love, laugh, and create your own wonderful experiences as #GlobeStudios invites you to watch this beautiful movie. Watch the trailer of #HintayanNgLangit here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps9fD08YBmg

JDI's Solignum goes on 'University Tour'

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As part of its advocacy to educate the public on the importance of wood preservation and termite protection, trusted industry leader Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) recently conducted its Solignum University Tour, made possible by the tried-and-tested Superbrand timber expert, Solignum.

JDI’s Solignum University Tour visited the campuses of Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Quezon City last July 30, its Manila branches last August 17, and Immaculate Concepcion College in Davao last August 13. TIP and Immaculate Concepcion College are best known in the country as two of the leading schools for Engineering and Architecture.

With the theme “Empowering Future Builders in Caring for the Filipino Home,” the Solignum University Tour serves as a means to discuss insights on wood preservation and termite protection with the country’s future architects and engineers. The event likewise helps enlighten the schools’ graduating students on the importance of wood preservation and how it helps in safeguarding forests and other natural resources.

“The Solignum University Tour consists of two main parts: career development discussion and wood science. Career development discussion involves career counseling for students who are about to enter the job market while wood science provides vital information on different kinds of wood and ways of preserving them,”said Jazzcer Macabanti, JDI’s brand assistant who is in charge of the project.

Peachy Tiu, JDI AVP for Construction Supplies Group, concurred, adding, 

“We believe that by sharing our knowledge with future engineers and architects, we are ensuring that more Filipino homes will be protected from the damages caused by termite infestation. This way, we are actually serving our purpose of caring for Filipino homes.” 

Distributed by JDI, Solignum continues to innovate on and deliver a wide range of wood preservation and total termite solutions that are both effective and environment-friendly.

The Solignum University tour is scheduled to cover other major universities throughout the country.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. represents a number of local and global companies that provide world-class crop protection and construction chemical products. They are focused on the safe use of these products, providing technical support, and with due consideration on environmental protection. 

For more information, visit www.jardinedistribution.com.