Xiaomi launches Mi 9 with AI triple camera for stunning photos in the Philippines

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Xiaomi officially announced Mi 9, the company’s latest flagship that combines incredible performance with a stunning new design. Mi 9 runs the leading Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 855 mobile platform, comes with a new AI triple camera containing the latest 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 sensor, and is the world’s first smartphone to feature 20W wireless charging. 

“Since its global launch last month, the Mi 9 has been receiving overwhelming critical acclaim from the most discerning opinion leaders in technology,” said Steven Shi, Head of Southeast Asia, Xiaomi. “It is an elegant beauty in form and a formidable beast in performance. Its unique combination of unique innovations and tempting pricing redefines the flagship category once again. The flagship should not necessarily cost a fortune,” he added. 

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 mobile platform for ultimate flagship performance 

Powered by the newest generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, based on the 7nm manufacturing process, Mi 9 can achieve an Antutu benchmark score of over 380,000. The all- new Kryo 485 CPU has a maximum clock speed of 2.84GHz, with improved single-core performance of up to 45% over its predecessor, while the new Adreno 640 GPU gives up to a 20% boost. In addition, the fourth-generation AI Engine provides up to three times faster AI performance. Mi 9 is also equipped with LPDDR4x 2133MHz RAM. 

6.39” AMOLED display and all-curved holographic design 

Mi 9 has an all-curved back cover design, allowing it to fit comfortably in the hand. An advanced back cover color process gives Mi 9 a stylish holographic rainbow spectrum, so it looks different every time it is picked up. 

On the front, Mi 9 sports a 6.39-inch 19.5:9 Samsung AMOLED Dot Drop display. Under this display is a new and improved in-screen fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone up to 25% faster than the previous generation, and works well even in low-light conditions. 

AIl triple camera, third-place world ranking on DxOMark 

Mi 9 is Xiaomi’s first flagship with an AI triple camera, with the main camera utilizing the latest 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 1/2′′ sensor. The AI triple camera combination of the 48-megapixel main camera, 16-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera gave Mi 9 a score of 107 by the authoritative DxOMark website, giving it a third-place world ranking of all tested smartphones. In addition, a video score of 99 puts it at number one on  DxOMark for video capture. In addition, Mi 9 now comes with new photo modes. 

World’s first 20W wireless charging; TÜV safe quick charging certification 

It has a large 3300mAh battery, featuring a fast charging solution for both wired and wireless charging. The 27W wired charging supports Qualcomm’s QC4+ standard, and enables Mi 9 to safely charge to 70% in just 30 minutes, and fully charge in 60 mins. To achieve this, Mi 9 contains significant innovations in wireless charging architecture. A new wireless charging coil enhances the wireless charging efficiency and stability of the Mi 9, so it can hit the highest 20W wireless charging at its peak. 

Other notable features and upgrades 

Thanks to innovations such as a high-voltage Smart PA amplifier and an accompanying 0.9cc large sound cavity, Mi 9 outputs amazing sound quality with powerful bass. Optimizations have also been made specifically for different scenarios such as video-watching and gaming purposes.Connectivity-wise, Mi 9 continues to use the well-received dual-frequency GPS from its predecessor to achieve ultra-precise positioning. 

The Mi 9 will come in Piano Black, Ocean Blue, and Lavander Violet. It will retail at Php 22,990 for the 6GB + 64GB, and Php 24,990 for the 6GB + 128GB. It will roll out on Mi Authorized Stores starting March 30, 2019, and will soon be available on Lazada. 

To know more about Xiaomi visit Mi.com and Mi Philippines Facebook page. 

DILG culminates Women’s Month Celebration by honoring every day women heroes together with the Philippine Commission on Women and Coca-Cola

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The month-long celebration of women aptly ended with the gathering of the Philippines’ women agenda movement leaders – the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the world’s biggest and most women-supportive beverage brand, Coca-Cola Philippines.

Coca-Cola Philippines sustainability manager Joy Munsayac, DILG undersecretary Marjorie Jalosjos, Coca-Cola Philippines public affairs and communications manager Sam Sanchez, along with relevant partners in government celebrate Women’s Month at a film screening last March 28.

The Company recognizes the important role of women and their capabilities and potential as engines for development. Based on numerous studies, when women are given the opportunity to earn, they reinvest their income to the welfare of their families. 

The 5by20 STAR Program aims to empower women and promote their economic capabilities, and seize economic opportunities. We envision that economically empowered women would form part in the solution in breaking the cycle of poverty within families. We believe that women, given the right support and confidence, can make a positive impact, and make all the difference that the world needs.

During a special film screening of a fictional heroine, the beverage brand featured a short clip on the impact of their program, particularly the 5by20 Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program. The video underscored how the women, mostly mothers, became the heroes to their families by making ends meet with additional sources of income while being able to manage the household. Women reach their full potential when given a space that enables them to grow, women reach their full potential.

Coca-Cola Philippines president and general manager Winn Everhart stresses the importance of women for their contribution to economic development

“Coca-Cola several years back acknowledged the fact that there wasn’t gender equality in the world and in the workplace, and though of what can we do more to drive that empowerment, and drive that mission. Not only did we talk about it, we actually put a goal in place called the 5by20 initiative—5 million women empowered by the year 2020,” said Winn Everhart, president and general manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

“What I can proudly say that the Philippines has lead the way. This is the preeminent market where Coca-Cola is invested in empowering women through our 5by20 program. We’re now turning over 150,000 women entrepreneurs in the Philippines, and we’ll be hitting our goal of 200,000 by next year. We’re one of the global leaders when it comes to women empowerment,” he added

The film screening was joined by top officials of the Philippine Commission on Women Commissioner Sandra Montaño and the Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Marjorie Jalosjos.

DILG Undersecretary Marjorie Jalosjos shares her experiences as a woman and how important women are to society.

“Lagi ko pong sinasabi, hindi madali ang maging babae. Para kang superhero na kailangan magpalit-palit ng costume—minsan tindera, security guard, business woman, doktora, engineer, barangay captain, congresswoman, assistant secretary, kapatid, anak, nanay. We play very critical roles in society, so we keep our hopes, raise our children, and nurture our families,” said Jalosjos.

PCW Commissioner Sandra Montaño commends women for being the real superheroes in our lives.

“The real heroes of today are the women farmers who till the land so we can have food to eat; women fisherfolk, women civil servants, women lawyers and judges, medical experts, women entrepreneurs, scientists, our mothers, sisters, at tayong mga maria, tayong mga Juana. The Philippine Commission on Women commend all efforts from our partners in celebrating women, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, economic status and religion. Truly, we can make change work not only for women, but with women. Let us remember that championing the role of women does not end every March. It is an everyday goal and aspiration that women will not be left behind,” said Montaño.

“Women micro-retailers or the sari-sari store and carinderia owners that we see in every street, every corner, are our everyday superheroes. They are literally the hands that extend our brand to communities. However, over and above their role as a store manager, they also juggle the role of being moms, wives, sisters, caregivers, and home managers. As we reach the summit of our Women’s Month celebrations, may we see every day and appreciate the role of extraordinary women in our lives,” said Coca-Cola Philippines sustainability manager Joy Munsayac.

The beverage giant also announced its support for the planned all-women led run for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay during Earth Day in April. Spearheaded by DILG and PCW, the run will create a venue for women to be able to express their support for the rehabilitation and cleanup of the iconic waterfront.

The 5by20 STAR Program has evolved to cater to several sectors including women in agriculture, women in the Women Economic Empowerment Program of the Philippine Commission on Women, distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through partnerships with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration of the Department of Labor and Employment and the National Reintegration Commission of OFWs, beneficiaries of the government conditional cash transfer program or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region, Artisan Women of Tondo, and for women who are in disaster stricken areas. The program also includes women micro-entrepreneurs who will undergo mentoring, or the Kapatid Program of the Department of Trade and industry and the civic group GoNegosyo.

Coca-Cola, with their 19 manufacturing facilities in the Philippines, and over 10,000-strong labor force, is proactive in promoting women empowerment through the 5by20 initiative. 

The 5by20 STAR Program is part of a global initiative that aims to economically empower 5 million women by 2020. The Philippines has a local target of empowering 200,000 women since its launch in 2011.

The Coca-Cola 5by20 STAR Program is implemented in partnership with TESDA. The STAR Program is designed for women micro entrepreneurs who own and manage sari-saristores or carinderias. The Program addresses the barriers these women face and help them achieve business success. The STAR Program has three components: access to training, access to resources, and access to peer mentoring.

To date, the STAR Program has 390 accredited facilitators teaching and training women retailers to become better entrepreneurs. The STAR Program is being implemented in over 47 locations nationwide and has reached more than 140,000 women.

OPPO Philippines Launches OPPO F11 Pro, Elevates Photography and User Experience

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OPPO continuously provides customers with a wide range of smart devices. We witness that shine in the dark through brilliant portraits with the OPPO’s new F Series smartphone.

Last March 27 in a star-studded event at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, in a gathering filled with brilliance and breakthroughs, OPPO officially launched the new F11 and F11 Pro.

Successfully establishing the F series as the Selfie Expert, the F11 series showcases the upgrade from selfies to brilliant portraits by featuring a 48MP image sensor. This innovation will provide users with an unprecedented night photography experience. Software and hardware upgrades combine to improve battery life, gaming performance, and user experience. In addition, the F11 Pro boasts an uninterrupted full screen display made possible by a hidden front camera module. 

Shining alongside the F11 Pro are the official ambassadors of the F11 Series: Issa Pressman, Laureen Uy, Marga Bermudez, Rosenthal Tee, Luke Landrigan, and Magic Liwanag. Selected with utmost criteria, these individuals’ unique stories embody what the F11 Series stands for: the ability to shine in the dark, no matter the circumstance. 

“With every launch, OPPO ensures that we put to heart the needs of our Filipino market. Every innovation is made to uplift the consumer experience and that is what we have made with the F11 Series. Through the shift in focus from selfie expert to brilliant portraits, we provide our users the opportunity to shine in the dark, to tell their untold stories through stunning portraits, and ultimately inspire others. That is what OPPO is all about,” shared Jane Wan, Vice President of Marketing for OPPO Philippines. 

The guests were given an exclusive opportunity to experience the F11 Pro and all its powerful features in the experiential area.

From Selfie Expert to Brilliant Portrait 

OPPO has worked for years to advance the field of selfie photography, and through the F11 series has taken the next step to propel users to capturing brilliant portraits. The F11 series is equipped with a 48 MP image sensor and F1.79 large aperture together with a 6P lens, the camera can sense more light when shooting in low light conditions, ensuring more details are captured. When capturing a night portrait, the included Tetracell technology analyzes and combines data from four adjacent pixels to achieve the equivalent of a single 1.6μm pixel. Twice the number of photosensitive pixels improves light sensitivity and allows users to capture clearer night portraits.

The F11 series also employs Ultra Night Mode and Dazzle Color Mode technologies. These technologies leverage AI and multi-frame noise reduction to achieve less noise, handheld stabilization, highlight suppression, and enhanced dynamic range. These all combine to enable users to capture levels of brightness and detail that normally exceed the limits of the human eye. When capturing a night portrait, the F11 series automatically distinguishes between a human face and the background, ensuring the human is the focus of the scene.

The F11 series not only captures excellent portraits with its rear camera, but also continues the “Selfie Expert” tradition of the F-series. Selfies taken with the F11 series are as natural and beautiful as ever.

A New Design Experience: From Trend to Art

OPPO advocates an aesthetic of "natural creation" and has captured the beauty of nature in the F11 Pro via breakthroughs in both materials and workmanship. OPPO is also the first smartphone manufacturer to create the first triple-color gradient design, Thunder Black. This unique design blends red and blue into classic black, akin to a meteor streaking across the night sky. OPPO also created a unique double-color gradient design, Aurora Green, which draws inspiration from vibrant blue oceans interwoven with lush green continents. 

The F11 Pro comes equipped with a 6.5-inch full HD+ screen, featuring an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a screen-to-body ratio of 90.9%. In particular, the F11 Pro features a hidden front camera module to free up space for its full screen display. The motor on the front camera modules has been thoroughly tested to ensure it can operate 100 times usage per day for 6 years without fail, thus ensuring a positive user experience. 

The F11 series features a much more elaborate design, retaining the experience-optimized crescent design from the previous generation, but also adding a transparent, amber-colored hidden camera module. When the camera rises up, users are treated to a stunning visual experience. 

All around Powerhouse with VOOC 3.0 and Hyper Boost Technology 

The F11 series also succeeds in upgrading the overall user experience. 

First, the F11 series comes equipped with a 4,000mAh battery which is 500 mAh higher than the previous F series smartphone. The brand new VOOC 3.0 flash charging technology is further improved to shorten charging time by 20 minutes. This means the F11 series can be charged within 80 minutes. Now, VOOC has over 90,000,000 users around the world.

The F11 series also reduces power consumption through optimized hardware and software technology. The F11 series contains a low-power MTK P70 CPU and ram-equipped display. Through this, the F11 series achieves a longer battery life via faster charging technology, a larger-capacity battery, and lower power consumption.

With regards to gaming, OPPO has independently developed its own performance acceleration engine called Hyper Boost, optimized for 11 popular mobile games, including PUBG and AOV. By optimizing the system resource mobilization plan, hardware resources can be utilized more effectively, resulting in faster game response, no disconnections, and no dropped frames. Meanwhile, OPPO has introduced two useful tools — Game Space and Game Assistant, providing gamers with a more immersive gaming experience.

The OPPO F11 Pro is also equipped with the new ColorOS 6 system, specially designed for full-screen smartphones. The innovative borderless design further increases ease of use. In addition, ColorOS 6 has multiple functions, including OPPO Cloud Service, Smart Assistant, and Gesture Navigation, allowing users to experience a smarter lifestyle.

Pre-order your own OPPO F11 Pro!

With the OPPO F11 Pro’s features, it surely is irresistible given its great price of P18,990. Pre-orders starts on March 28 with a free rock space MUSE Bluetooth speaker which is worth P2,499 It will be available for claiming at all OPPO stores and authorized dealers nationwide starting April 6, and it comes with a free screen warranty if claimed within the day. 

We’re making it even more accessible through Home Credit, where customers can pre-order the F11 Pro at 0% interest, with 9 months and 12 months to pay. Customers can also avail the product at 0% interest and 12 months to pay with BDO and Metrobank credit cards as well. 

The OPPO F11 Pro will also be available under Globe via Plan 1499 with no cash out, and Smart exclusive Plan 1099.

Head on to the nearest OPPO store and be one of the first to take brilliant portraits with the F11 Pro! For more information, please visit https://www.oppo.com/ph/.

LG Makes its Mark in Mindanao

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LG Electronics, in keeping with its tradition of giving back to the community, recently paid a visit to The House of Hope in Davao.

The House of Hope Foundation, located inside the Southern Philippines Medical Center compound (SPMC), is a charitable group that provides temporary shelter to children with cancer. SPMC is the only hospital in the whole of Mindanao that offers free cancer treatment to children. Since a large majority of its patients are indigent families with no place to stay while they are undergoing treatment, the House of Hope provides a sanctuary for them.

On March 28, 2019, LG Philippines visited the brave families of the House of Hope. LG brought with them donations in-kind to improve the quality of life of the House of Hope’s residents. This includes over 27,000 various personal care products such as body wash, soap and toothpaste items, 5 43” Full HD TVs, 28 Dual Inverter Airconditioning units, 2 Top Load Washing Machines, and 2 Side by Side Refrigerators. The donations hope to help in making the environment conducive to the children’s recovery. LG Electronics Philippines Managing Director Inkwun Heo led the team that visited the children in Davao. “LG remains committed in creating social impact and being agents for change. These brave children serve as our inspiration. We hope that through our small gesture, we are able to enhance their quality of life”. 

Giving back to the community has always been the heart of LG’s core values. Earlier this month, LG also partnered up with Emcor to conduct a small series of medical missions in Mindanao. Dubbed as #LGFamilyFunDay, these pocket events held in Koronadal in South Cotabato, Digos in Davao, and San Francisco in Butuan, gave out free full physical and optical check-ups to the members of the community during the morning. In the afternoon, special activities were held for children, such as coloring sessions, an LG inflatable castle, and even a dedicated Netflix viewing area, making it a fun-filled family affair that’s not to be missed. 

LG Electronics Philippines managing director Mr. Inkwun Heo officially handed over to Dr. Mae Concepcion Dolendo, program director of House of Hope Foundation the 3 Million worth of LG products in a simple turnover ceremony held in Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao City.

Red Bull Cliff Diving Champions Embark on Diving Safari in South Africa

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MANILA, Philippines – On the lead up to the upcoming Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series – Season 11 kick-off in El Nido, Palawan, World Series Champions Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) and Gary Hunt (GBR) have embarked on a cliff diving safari in South Africa.

The record-breaking duo, Iffland and Hunt, scouted a number of locations that included majestic cataract falls and what is regarded as the greenest canyon on Earth at the Drakensberg escarpment in eastern Mpumalanga, South Africa. Iffland and Hunt found themselves particularly taken by Bourke’s Luck Potholes as an untouched diving spot.

“It was just incredible,” says 3-time Women’s World Series Champion, Rhiannan Iffland. “To come here, to experience the culture, to go on a safari and to dive at this mind-blowing location, it’s something special and it’s really something that I’m going to remember.”

South Africa’s Mpumalanga province is decorated with numerous waterfalls that include the Lisbon and Berlin Falls. The glorious sight of the jade-coloured water basins and cylindrical rock sculptures in Bourke’s Luck Potholes inspired cliff diving’s most decorated athletes to execute free-falls of up to 27m at speeds in excess of 85km/h before the season opener in the Philippines.

“The first high dives of the year are always a little bit nerve-racking,” shares Gary Hunt. “I have enough experience now to not be in a situation where my legs are shaking so much. In previous years it's been really tough, but I am much more confident in myself.”

Although 7-time champion Hunt is the one to catch, the ‘brilliant Brit’ knows it’s all up for grabs this season in the Men’s World Series. “My goal is to keep the title. It was a very close race last year and it was a shaky start so I would love to get off to a very strong start and stamp my foot down on this year’s title.”

For laid-back Rhiannan Iffland, the goal is to be more consistent and build bigger dives all through the season, while enjoying every adventure that comes along the way.

“Each new location is exciting, and it makes cliff diving feel brand new,” says Iffland. “That’s something I really love, to come out into exotic places like this and just explore and really challenge myself as a diver.”

The safari through South Africa was everything Rhiannan Iffland and Gary Hunt needed in order to recharge their senses for the World Series’ 11th season. From diving into the fresh, jade waters of Bourke’s Luck Potholes to tossing coins over their shoulders into the canyon to leave bad luck behind, the champions are more than ready to kick-off the 2019 World Series in El Nido, Palawan!

Where to Watch Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Catch the live broadcast from El Nido on Red Bull TV, Facebook and Youtube on April 13th, 2019. Viewers in the Philippines may also watch the full event, along with the remaining six stops of the 2019 World Series, on S+A and iWant Sports (iwant.ph), 5PLUS and 5plus.com.ph, FOX Sports, FOX Sports GO, FOX+ app, online at http://www.foxsports.ph and on iFlix VOD service.

Visit and follow the World Series on Facebook (win.gs/cliffdivingelnido), Instagram (@redbullcliffdiving) and Twitter (@cliffdiving).

About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to our athletes by vitalizing body and mind - supporting their professional career and helping them achieve milestones within their sport.

About Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Since 2009, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has provided a platform for aesthetic free-falls and dives of ever growing complexity, spotlighting the sport’s finest athletes as well as the most promising talents and in 2014 it introduced a Women’s World Series. In its 11th season, the sport's best athletes will once again leap, twist and somersault from breath-taking heights with no protection, except their concentration, skill and physical control during seven demanding competitions around the world. 

For more info, visit http://www.redbullcliffdiving.com and check www.redbullcliffdivingnewsroom.com for more editorial content. #RedBullCliffDiving