Experience and share the epic: Samsung debuts the new Galaxy S23 series locally with an epic launch party

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Samsung Philippines officially launched the newest Samsung Galaxy S23 Series through an epic launch together with key influencers. L-R: Contemporary artist Leeroy New, Filipino celebrity Liza Soberano, Samsung Philippines President Min Su Chu, influencer and host Nicole Andersson, and celebrity photographer BJ Pascual.

Samsung’s Epic House unveiled the new Galaxy S23 series at The Fifth in Rockwell with a spectacular launch party, bringing to life the brand’s promise of outstanding Nightography, the pursuit of passions and the brand's continued commitment to sustainability in an immersive and interactive event.

In a program hosted by content creator Nicole Andersson, Samsung shared a rundown of the Galaxy S23 Series’ latest innovations, marking a new era of ultimate premium phone experiences - from truly cinematic Nightography photos and videos with transformative AI, the “Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy” for powerful performance, to the Ultra’s embedded S Pen that offers more possibilities for productivity. These features are all housed within a striking design that advances the company’s sustainability commitment. This latest series from Samsung is truly set to redefine experiences and push one’s creativity to epic proportions.

Actress Liza Soberano, iconic photographer BJ Pascual, and famed artist Leeroy New then took guests on a tour of the Epic Rooms, experiential installations that brought to life exactly what makes the Samsung Galaxy S23 series so exciting.

Epic Nightography

As part of the evening’s interactive experiences, guests were able to witness the most advanced camera system in the Galaxy through the Epic Nightography room. The room features different stations where guests were invited to take photos, with stunning neon décor to accentuate the retro, nightlife aesthetic. Iconic photographer BJ Pascual led them throughout the room to showcase the series’ enhanced camera features, sharing that his favorite is the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200MP camera.

“As photographers, we love data, and that’s a lot of data. And it has more megapixels than my work camera. It’s so crazy!” BJ exclaimed. “I’m actually excited to try it at an actual photoshoot. I just wanna try it again. Maybe it might be a billboard.”

The Epic Nightography room featured three stations: Night Selfie, Night Video, and Night Portrait. The Night Selfie station allows guests to take a selfie in the dark, surrounded by neon lights, as Nightography is also available in selfie mode.

Night Video, on the other hand, allows guests to record themselves in the dark surrounded by reflective panels to boost the Galaxy S23’s ability to capture motion while light conditions are low. The station also showcased the Slow Motion video feature, which BJ Pascual attested is perfect for Instagram reels as it adds a dramatic slow-motion effect to your videos that give a look of elegance.

Finally, the Night Portrait room allows guests to take a portrait of themselves surrounded by colored lights to show the Galaxy S23’s enhanced Nightography feature in portrait mode.

The Epic Nightography room highlighted the very best of Samsung Galaxy S23’s enhanced Nightography feature, which includes a new AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm that enhances object details and color tone under low-light conditions, which makes images at night crisper and more detailed. One can also take pro-grade photos with The Expert RAW app, which is exclusive to Samsung Galaxy.

The series also has the most stable video capture yet with a doubled optical image stabilizer (OIS), so taking videos at night do not have to look blurry. The video quality has also improved with the new series, with enhanced 8K video at 30fps with a wider angle for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Epic Passions

Guests were given the chance to be their most epic selves with the Epic Passions room, which featured larger-than-life installation and three epic stations: Productivity, Gaming and Self Expression Zones. Beloved actress Liza Soberano introduced the guests to the Epic Passions room, sharing how the Galaxy Series has helped her juggle her busy schedule, her secret love of gaming and how the Galaxy S23 series is perfect for mobile gamers like her.

“One of my favorite things about the Galaxy S23 Ultra is that it seamlessly integrates with the Samsung ecosystem. I’m a busy girl, always on the go, and I love that I can easily pair it with my Galaxy Watch5,” Liza expressed.

The new Galaxy S23 series has also become the answer for the multi-passionate individual, as it allows one to connect with other devices in the Samsung line creating an ecosystem where you could multitask with your different passions at the same time.

The Samsung Multi Control feature connects the Samsung S23 to the Samsung PC and tablet with mouse and keyboard functionality. The embedded S-Pen on the Samsung S23 Ultra allows users to collaborate with other people in making projects through the co-editing feature in Google Meets live sharing, made possible by the collaboration of Samsung Notes and Google Meet. This makes the S23 series the most functionally flexible series yet.

In the Gaming station, guests were given the chance to use the Samsung Galaxy S23 series for mobile gaming, with a fun installation of their favorite video game characters. The station spotlighted the Galaxy S23 series’ premium performance and improved battery life.

Further pushing the envelope in gaming, the Galaxy S23 series provides the best mobile gaming experience yet. Samsung and Qualcomm have launched the new “Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy”, the most powerful and efficient processor ever in a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and the fastest Snapdragon available today, which allows for smooth gaming graphics and an overall enjoyable gaming experience. Meanwhile, on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, a 5000mAh battery13 powers a larger camera than Galaxy S22 Ultra without increasing the device’s size.

Rounding up the Epic Passions Room is the Self-Expression Zone-perfect for those who love to customize their phones. From aesthetic phone cases to the home screen, one can add favorite apps, widgets and folders to make one’s Galaxy S23 truly one’s own.

Epic Sustainability

The Epic Sustainability room allowed guests to be introduced to the importance of sustainability and how the Galaxy S23 Series was designed with the planet in mind. An awe-inspiring art installation created by renowned sustainable artist, Leeroy New, was the room’s showpiece, made with recycled materials and other sustainable products.

Sharing the inspiration behind the piece, Leeroy explained that “it speaks about how a lot of our plastics, and microplastics, end up in our ocean. Having done large-scale works, I learned to think about the life cycles of the materials I use and I have taken it on as a personal challenge to strictly use materials that are already available.”

Himself an environmental advocate, New was among the first to make a promise at the Pledge Wall, a digital display where guests can use the S-Pen to write pledges on the wall in real time. Asking everyone “What can you do for the planet?”, the display served as an invitation for guests to make their own commitments for sustainability.

The Galaxy S23 series is Samsung’s most sustainable line of mobile devices yet from Samsung, made from pre-consumer recycled aluminum and glass and post-consumer recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets, PET bottles and water barrels. It is also the first S series to market their screens made of Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus 2, the most durable glass yet made with 22% pre-consumed recycled material.

The Epic Passions room shares how the Galaxy S23 series allows users to pursue their passions. The room has three stations – Ecosystem, where you can connect the S23 to other Samsung Galaxy devices, Gaming, which highlights the  fastest processor that allows for smooth gameplay, and Bespoke which showcases the ability to design and customize the Galaxy S23 phones

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is still available for pre-order via Samsung.com, authorized Samsung stores, and Samsung Experience Stores nationwide until February 23. Customers can enjoy a Double Up Storage offer which guarantees the higher memory variant for the price of the lower variant within the same model lineup. The pre-order offer also comes with up to 50% off on Samsung’s latest wearables, and massive savings for traded-in devices.

To pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/online/2023/galaxy-s23-pre-order/.

MICECON returns to Davao this 2023

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After 10 years, the Philippine M.I.C.E.Conference (MICECON) returns to Davao City where it will showcase the region’s rich culture, stunning natural environments, vast culinary offerings and vibrant hospitality to a global audience. The convention will be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier on 1-3 March 2023 with over 600 participants from the tourism and business events sector.

The MICECON 2023 is the biggest gathering of the Meetings, Incentive Travel and Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals in the country bringing together the special mix of the local and foreign delegates in the MICE industry to learn about the different global trends on business meetings, witness the beautiful sceneries of the premier city of the south, and invite them for networking opportunities with both the local and international MICE experts. This is in collaboration with the City Government of Davao, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.

One of the key developments in the business meetings industry is the rise of “bleisure” or combining business and leisure travel experiences. Davao stands as a shining example of the country’s bleisure destinations with its varied cultural and entertainment offerings for business travelers. Davao is home to 11 indigenous tribes and has a rising expat population from varied religious and cultural backgrounds. Blessed with pristine beaches, amazing dive spots, an abundance of flora and fauna, the freshest and quality produce, and delicious cuisines which tourists crave for, Davao City is an ideal bleisure destination. It also continues to grow its capacity as a MICE destination with more venues and accommodations for conventions as well as professionals who show the Philippines’ best quality of hospitality, diversity, peace and stability.

Corporate social responsibility is always at the core of MICECON. This year will be at the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos, Davao City. Flowing from the industry’s thrust to highlight sustainability in its tourism efforts, MICECON delegates will visit the sanctuary in the hopes of raising awareness in the preservation of critically endangered species housed in the Philippine Eagle Center. The center welcomes donations as it continues to expand its care for more animal species and breeding of Philippine Eagles.

"We, at TPB are dedicated to promoting sustainability while simultaneously marketing the Philippines as a top travel destination. We constantly make sure to practice sustainable tourism because we gain from both positive and negative impacts on our environment. Through our CSR at the Philippine Eagle Center, we hope to inspire individuals to travel responsibly”, said TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The event is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Abbott Laboratories, Hotel 101, Eudoo Technologies, Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc. and the Engkanto Brewery.

Delicious treats and some entertainment activities will also delight the guests at the conference courtesy of the following sponsors: Villa Margarita, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao and DOT Region XI on the first day; and Agriya and Pearl Farm, Royal Mandaya Hotel, Acacia Hotel and Rogen Inn, Discovery Samal and the Mayor’s night by the City Government of Davao and SM Lanang Premier and Zegen Management Group on the second day. Davao Region Cacao Council & Annipie Bakery Cafe, Dusit D2 Hotel and Davao Region Coffee Council, and Maan’s Bakeshop and TPB for the Farewell Dinner will cap the last day of activities.

Through Davao’s hosting of MICECON 2023, it is expected to renew ties with its tourism stakeholders, make new connections and position itself as a key MICE destination.

Check out www.micecon.ph for more information.

PLDT Champions Sustainability Through the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Project

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Celebrating leadership and sportsmanship, the PLDT Group held its MVP Cup Golf Tournament, at the Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club in Laguna. With its theme, “Further Together Through Camaraderie Among Champions,” PLDT partnered with organizations that pushed for sustainable development through innovation and corporate social responsibility, most notably with the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), PLDT Group’s social outreach arm.

Present during the turnover of the donation was Chief Technology Officer, Jojo G. Gendrano; ePLDT President and CEO, Victor S. Genuino; PLDT Group President & CEO, Al S. Panlilio; Bohol Chocolate maker and entrepreneur, Dalareich Polot; and PLDT-Smart Foundation President, Esther Santos

Marking the annual tournament’s 19th year, partners and guests gathered to recharge, unwind, reconnect, and contribute to a meaningful cause at the fellowship night of the newly returned golf event. PLDT has long embedded sustainability in all aspects of its business and aspires to maintain relationships with like-minded partners. This year’s beneficiary is the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program, a sustainable approach to create livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmer cooperatives and associations in Bohol, especially after the devastating effects of super typhoon Odette last December 2021. Through the MVP Cup, PSF turned over P250,000 to its Adopt-a-Cacao Project.

During the event, Bohol Chocolate maker and entrepreneur, Dalareich Polot, shared the disastrous effects of the super typhoon on her home island, particularly on farming cacao trees that are a big part of Boholano culture.

Through her efforts and the support of PSF and Alagang Kapatid Foundation, also under the MVP Group, she was able to continue with rebuilding and recovery projects– most notably with the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program. Through this project, the farmers will undergo two days hands-on training to learn about cacao rehabilitation and rejuvenation, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and values formation.

Guided by its commitment to driving the country’s digital capabilities forward, PLDT will also integrate technology into the project with data gathering to be done through QR codes for a more efficient cacao inventory and traceability. Producers will likewise be connected to the right market to sell their quality dried cacao beans to chocolate makers in Bohol.

With cacao rehabilitation, propagation, and production, the community would be able to recover their cacao trees and make them productive again. This is in line with Polot’s vision of supplying quality cacao beans to all the chocolate makers in Bohol, the Philippines, and the world.

The MVP Cup continues to be a platform that strengthens sportsmanship and leadership while raising awareness on important causes such as this. The Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program is proof of PLDT’s commitment to its values of integrity, excellence, and that by working hand in hand, organizations and businesses can go Further Together.

To make a donation to the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program and other programs, please visit www.pldtsmartfoundation.org or at www.facebook.com/dalareichchocolatehouse.

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

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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.

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[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.

Clark Aurora Music Festival Day 2 with Ely Buendia is almost sold out

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Following the success of the Eraserheads reunion concert last December, the DAY 2 of the upcoming Clark Aurora Music Festival has people rushing to buy tickets with Ely Buendia as its main headliner.

Festival organizers EP!C Events received such a strong demand for the mega line-up of the second day of said festival. They have been receiving “non-stop” inquiries, and as of this writing, tickets are said to be almost sold out because of the clamor for Ely’s headlining set, as well as OPM acts Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, Mayonnaise, and Silent Sanctuary. 

It really came as a surprise for the organizers and thoroughly inspired them to make the Hot Air Balloon and Night Glow themed music festival as unforgettable and magnificent as possible this year. It also proves that the OPM scene is alive and well as the local music lovers keep on growing. Tickets went on sale last January 26, 2023.

Aurora Music Festival DAY 1 is 70% sold too! Hurry and get your tickets now.

Visit our website for tickets http://ticket.clarkaurorafest.com/ and www.smtickets.com and all SM Tickets outlets.

Clark Aurora Music Festival is presented by EP!C EVENTS and EGGSTOP.  Co-presented by Pepsi & Gatorade. In cooperation with Clark Global City, Clark Development Corporation and The Medical City Clark.

Thanks to our Major sponsors: Barenbliss, Gcash, realme, Aquaflask, Viber, San Miguel Brewery and Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog.

 

For inquiries, please call 09812390349 or message our Facebook Page @ClarkAuroraFest.

FACEBOOK: @ClarkAuroraFest

TIKTOK: @auroraclarkfest

VIBER CHANNEL: Aurora Music Festival

#ClarkAuroraFest2023

#EP!CEVENTS