realme 13 Pro Series 5G debuts in PH on August 28

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 Catch the local launch at the annual realme Fan Festival 

As it celebrates its sixth anniversary, realme Philippines is set to unveil the realme 13 Pro Series 5G on August 28 at the yearly Fan Festival. The newest additions to the brand’s Number Series comprise of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G and realme 13 Pro 5G, both incorporating realme’s latest breakthrough in its AI innovation.

The realme 13 Pro Series 5G features an Ultra Clear Camera with AI, which merges advanced hardware and software to achieve unparalleled image clarity, detail, and color accuracy. Beyond the eye-catching designs reflecting the legendary master of Impressionism, Claude Monet, here are more reasons for the Squad to get pumped up for the realme 13 Pro Series 5G launch.

Say goodbye to blurry images with the AI Ultra Clarity

Blurry images would now be a thing of the past, thanks to the AI Ultra Clarity featured in the realme 13 Pro Series 5G. This software feature uses AI to increase clarity or enhance the resolution of blurry images. The AI Ultra Clarity is versatile regarding types of photos or files to use it on. The feature can work on photos taken by the device, old photos taken by older smartphone models, low-resolution images found online or on social media, and photos from other sources that cannot be downloaded in their original high-resolution format.

The AI Ultra Clarity is designed to improve or sharpen the details of an image, whether of buildings, plants, flowers, or other objects with relatively regular textured patterns. Cropped sections of an image that look pixelated when zoomed in can also be enhanced for better details.

On top of this, it has a Pro-XDR that analyzes the contents of photos taken by the device’s camera and adjusts brightness to help improve dynamic range, lights, and shadows for a more realistic image when being viewed.

Push the boundaries of mobile photography with Dual 50MP Sony Cameras with OIS

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G is crafted with a dual Sony main camera system that lets users capture exceptional images in different lighting conditions. The realme 13 Pro+ 5G is the first to use the Sony LYT600 Periscope Camera that supports 120x SuperZoom. When using the periscope camera, users can take clearer shots in Photo Mode, Street Mode, Night Mode, and “Moon Mode 2.0” (when set to 10x Zoom and above). This camera also supports 3x Optical Zoom and up to 6x In-Sensor Zoom and Portrait Mode set to a focal length of 80mm.

The other camera in the dual system is the Sony LYT701 OIS Camera, which has a 50MP resolution and lets users capture images with 3x Nightscape. This feature makes taking pictures in nighttime scenarios more convenient.

On the flip side, the realme 13 Pro 5G is equipped with a 50MP Sony LYT600 that delivers stunning day and night photography. This impressive setup delivers exceptional image quality with a 26mm equivalent focal length, f/1.88 aperture, OIS, and 2x In-Sensor Zoom. Users can also enjoy various features in the AI Imaging Algorithm, such as the AI HyperRAW, AI Denoise, AI Portrait, AI Pure Bokeh, AI Natural Skin Tone, and AI Image Stabilization.

Refined Smartphone Experience with 120Hz Curved OLED Display (ArmorShell Protection)

Be at ease when using the realme 13 Pro Series 5G, even in harsh environments. The new installations in the Number Series are designed with ArmorShell Protection, a technology developed by realme to enhance a device’s durability against drops and scratches. In terms of external environmental factors, the realme 13 Pro Series 5G is equipped with a Rainwater Smart Touch and has an  IP65 Dust & Water Resistance rating to ensure protection from dust, splashes of water, and low-pressure splashes from any direction.

Finally, the realme 13 Pro Series 5G has AI Eye Protection that identifies frequencies when the user yawns or blinks to identify fatigue and adjusts color temperature and brightness for smart eye protection. Users can also toggle on the Bedtime Mode, Color Temperature adjustment, and a Paper Texture function to personalize their overall smartphone experience.

Catch the official launch and get first dibs through blind pre-order

The Squad can be part of the live launch event at the realme FanFest at the Gateway Mall II, Quantum Activity Center on August 28. The event starts at 1:30 PM and seats are open to the public on a first come, first served basis. To make the celebration even more exciting, the Squad can see the new realme 13 Pro Series 5G up close at the booths in the event venue.

As for those who cannot join on-ground, fret not, as the launch and the realme FanFest will be live-streamed on realme’s official Facebook page. Make sure to tune in so as not to miss any moment!

Want to secure a brand new realme 13 Pro Series 5G? The Squad can now place a blind pre-order at any realme physical store nationwide until August 28 and get a limited-offer Screen Protection Plan worth P1,299 and Mystery Box worth P29,999 for FREE.

To know more about the realme 13 Pro Series 5G, head over to the realme website or follow realme’s official Facebook page.

Rewind Wrinkles and Press Pause on New Ones with the new Neutrogena Visible Repair!

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Imagine this: You’re in your thirties and looking into the mirror. At first glance you see someone full of life. But as you look closer, you notice those fine lines – crow’s feet from laughter and wrinkles on your forehead from life’s stresses. That's when you know it's time to start a retinol routine.

Megan Young (right) and Kaila Estrada (left) as the newest faces of Neutrogena Visible Repair

Neutrogena proudly introduces its latest innovation, the Visible Repair product line, featuring the Regenerating Cream, Serum, Night Moisturizer, and Eye Cream. Combining Patented Pure Retinol, Advanced Antioxidants, and Comfort Complex, this advanced skincare solution targets early signs of aging to rejuvenate and renew your skin. The Patented Pure Retinol formula accelerates skin renewal, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin tone and texture. Advanced Antioxidants protect against environmental damage to collagen, maintaining a youthful appearance. The Comfort Complex nourishes and hydrates skin, reducing irritation. Each product delivers visible results for smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin in as little as seven days.

Neutrogena Visible Repair comes in a Regenerating Cream, Eye Cream, Serum, 

and  Night Moisturizer

Dr. Ayees Mendoza shared, “The process of skin aging starts much earlier than we think, as early as in our late 20s. This is the time when collagen production significantly drops, leading to the first visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. It is crucial to start an effective skincare routine that includes retinol early to combat these changes.”

Backed by rigorous clinical testing and dermatologist recommendations, Neutrogena Visible Repair not only diminishes the appearance of existing signs of aging but also prevents future ones. Neutrogena’s principal scientist, Darren Tey, elaborated on the Visible Repair formulation, “[Patented Pure] Retinol strikes the perfect balance between efficacy and tolerability, making it a proven and accessible choice in over-the-counter formulations, including that of Neutrogena Visible Repair. Together with the Advanced Antioxidants and Comfort Complex, Neutrogena Visible Repair is highly efficacious in restoring the skin’s state free from wrinkles.”

In addition to the product unveiling, Neutrogena introduced the newest faces of this product line: Megan Young and Kaila Estrada. As ambassadors of Visible Repair, Megan and Kaila embody the confidence that comes with healthy, youthful skin, highlighting Neutrogena's commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty at any age.

Megan Young expressed her enthusiasm for Neutrogena Visible Repair, saying, “I’ve always believed in the importance of taking care of my skin, especially as I’ve gotten older. The Visible Repair line is a game-changer for me. The combination of its key ingredients works wonders in keeping my skin smooth and firm. I love how it fits seamlessly into my daily routine and delivers visible results quickly. It’s empowering to feel confident in my skin, knowing that I’m taking steps to protect it.”

Kenvue together with key partners Megan Young and Watsons proudly launch the Neutrogena Visible Repair line

(L-R: Sophia Custodio, Senior Brand Manager, Kenvue Philippines; Ira Santos, Marketing Manager, Kenvue Philippines; Karylle Bolivar, Shopper Marketing Lead, Kenvue Philippines; Karlah Bernal, Group Manager for Drugstores, Kenvue Philippines; Mela Quiroz, Associate Director for National Key Accounts, Kenvue Philippines; Kami Sardua, Asst. Category Manager, Trading Beauty, Watsons; Alyssa Reyes, Senior Category Manager, Trading Beauty, Watsons; Megan Young, Neutrogena Brand Ambassador; Prisilla Hentoloro – Category Manager, Trading Beauty, Watsons; Isa Ruiz, Senior Marketing Manager, Kenvue Philippines; Jeg Garcia - Senior Business Development Manager, Kenvue Philippines)

Sophia Custodio, senior brand manager, added, “With the introduction of Neutrogena's Visible Repair, we continue to set the standard for innovation and excellence in skincare. This new line not only targets the early signs of aging but also helps press pause on them, ensuring our users can enjoy a youthful complexion for years to come. We’re so proud to be the first brand to have this kind of formulation that is effective in tackling wrinkles and proactive in preventing new ones from forming.”

Rediscover your youthful glow and embrace the confidence that comes with wrinkle-free skin. With Neutrogena's Visible Repair, you can look forward to pause aging for non-stop living. Neutrogena Visible Repair is available exclusively in Watsons stores and can be purchased on official company stores via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.

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About Kenvue 

Kenvue is the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. Built on more than a century of heritage and propelled forward by science, our iconic brands — including AVEENO®, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages, JOHNSON’S®, LISTERINE®, NEUTROGENA®, TYLENOL® and ZYRTEC® — are recommended by health care professionals and can be trusted by consumers who use our products to improve their daily lives. Our team members share a digital-first mindset, with an approach to innovation grounded in deep human insights and work every day to earn a place for our products in consumers’ hearts and homes. At Kenvue, we believe everyday care can not only make people well; it can make them whole. 

Barbie Almalbis explains overcoming internal struggles on new single “homeostasis”

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Following the critically acclaimed comeback single “Desperate Hours” last month, Barbie Almalbis makes her early-awaited return to deliver another eclectic follow-up to mark the continuation of a new music era.

Photo by Nina Sandejas

The award-winning singer-songwriter has released her second single, “homeostasis,” which was derived from a biological term that illustrates our body’s regulating process as a way to adjust to changing external conditions.

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The song serves as the second single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year

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“I’m no scientist, so I’m using this concept very loosely and explaining it in the simple way I understand it,” explains the Dahilan pop-rock visionary. “It’s the process by which our body always returns to equilibrium, a balanced state, like how we involuntarily sweat when we’re too hot and shiver when we’re too cold. It’s the same with emotions: our body doesn’t want us to stay too ecstatic or too sad; it tries to bring us back to a steady state.”

Almalbis was undergoing a very challenging phase in her life, and felt the need to channel her frustrations into art. She couldn’t do anything to change the situation, so she thought of making a song that perfectly describes what she was experiencing at that moment.

The influential music figure reveals, “Homeostasis was giving me hope, that everyday my body is going to adapt, I’d feel less and less terrible in time, because it has that built-in function.”

Her constant collaborator Nick Lazaro of Eclectic Kiss arranged and produced the song, with Almalbis penning the material on guitarlele and brother/bandmate Karel Honasan writing the instrumental parts. The result is another riveting, non-conventional track that combines Almalbis’ confessional and poetic lyrics with edgy, art-rock production and minimal synths: think of St. Vincent or PJ Harvey, but with a more saccharine take in terms of vocal delivery.

“I love how Lazaro put all the dance and synth pop elements on it, as well as the more aggressive guitar riffs,” says Almalbis. “I’ve been interested in that dance pop/rock genre for a while. I had some songs like Run For Cover and Wicked Heart, but I love how Nick was able to do it this way, where the rock and edgy sound is more present; it kind of sounds closer to how we play these songs live too.”

Barbie Almalbis’ “homeostasis” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

 

HONOR To Launch AI Eye Tracking Feature soon

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In the development of new technology, the needs of people with disabilities are sometimes overlooked. International ALS foundations have been championing the cause, trying to raise awareness to encourage innovation that uplifts these communities. Adhering to HONOR’s commitment to human-centric innovation, the company stands as the first smartphone brand to introduce intent-based eye-tracking technology through its MagicOS 8.0 operating system. The AI-powered technology allows users to interact with their phone using just their eyes to open notifications and apps. The company will roll this feature out to global devices from 27th August 2024.

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#HONORtheChallenger Explores the Potential of Multimodal AI in Supporting People 

with Reduced Mobility

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“ALS is a progressive disease of the nerve cells in which your muscles gradually fail,” explains Limore Noach, executive director of ALS Foundation Netherlands. “Every loss of function is forever,” she says, adding that ALS patients often retain control only of their eye movement in the later stages of the disease. “People who have been diagnosed with a life-changing disease often find a renewed sense of purpose and want to do something meaningful.”

Committed to investing in ongoing research, HONOR is also developing non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies in its R&D laboratory. The technology allows people to communicate with external devices using brain electrical signals, creating more possibilities for people with disabilities. Wei Zhang, a 34-year-old Chinese ALS challenger who has lived with the disease for 26 years, recently experienced this groundbreaking technology, which allows him to interact with a computer through brain signals. HONOR aims to inspire a future of technology that creates new mediums for AI interactions between smartphones and other devices, benefiting people with disabilities or those requiring additional assistance.

HONOR the Challenger: Promoting Global Awareness Through Social Engagement

To bring attention back to the ALS community while paying tribute to the challengers who live with the disease, BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions has produced a short film featuring the powerful story of artist and ALS challenger Bernard Muller. The film demonstrates how Bernard Muller uses eye-tracking technology to express himself through artwork, demonstrating the power of AI in making life more enjoyable for people living with disabilities.

Social media users are invited to contribute to raising awareness about ALS, by participating in the #HONORtheChallenger social media challenge. View the challenge on TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook.

To learn more about the cause and make a contribution, visit the International Alliance of ALS Associations. 

And for more exciting announcements, check out HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), 

Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and 

TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). 

To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

New Chapter Begins: Big Bad Wolf Continues Hunt for 1M Readers at First-Ever Filinvest Tent Book Sale!

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Big news, Wolfies! Big Bad Wolf has officially landed at Alabang for the very first time! In pursuit of its mission to reach 1M new readers in 2024, Big Bad Wolf takes the world’s biggest book sale to the South at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang from August 23 to September 1, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN.

The opening of the book sale attracted a vibrant crowd of book enthusiasts and budding readers alike, all eager to explore the selection of titles available at budget-friendly prices. Metrobank returns, offering credit cardholders an exclusive 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth at least P3,000 at the Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale. Swedish furnishing brand IKEA is also heading to Alabang to give Wolfies from the South a special treat!

The Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale is part of Big Bad Wolf’s broader campaign to promote literacy and nurture a love for reading among people of all ages. The Filinvest book sale is the latest in a series of Big Bad Wolf book sales, dedicated to making books more accessible to more people across the country.

“We have always been passionate about igniting a love for reading and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to quality books,” said Big Bad Wolf Books Co-founder Jacqueline Ng who was present at the Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale VIP Day.

Ng added, “It’s our first time in Alabang, and this marks another significant step toward our goal of bringing 1 million new readers into the fold. We believe that books have the power to change lives, and we are even more committed to making books available to as many people as possible.”

Big Bad Wolf Books Philippine Managing Partner Carol Chuaying echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Big Bad Wolf’s mission to promote literacy. “We believe literacy is the foundation of learning and personal growth,” said Chuaying. “At every book sale, we are not just selling books. We are opening doors to new opportunities, knowledge, and a brighter future for everyone. We are more than thrilled to be bringing the book sale to Alabang finally and to continue expanding our reach to more people.”

Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato' ​​Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, together with Filinvest Alabang, Inc. First Vice President Don-Don Mari S. Ubaldo; Filinvest Corporate City Association Inc. General Manager Engr. Kristine P. Triviño; Festival Supermall, Inc. Vice President and Head of Corporate Marketing Denise Rae O. Lagayan; Festival Supermall, Inc. Assistant Vice President and South Cluster General Manager Engr. Christian Wesley D. Villanueva; joined Ng and Chuaying to celebrate the opening of the Big Bad wolf Filinvest Book Sale.

Aside from great deals, discounts, and Big Bad Wolf’ wide collection of over two million books, guests can expect even more excitement as Big Bad Wolf cooks up more surprises for another grand book sale experience that wolfies won’t soon forget. Keep an eye on Big Bad Wolf’s social media pages to stay in the loop and find out more about the sneaky treats that the Wolf has in store.

South wolfies, ready to howl? Visit the Big Bad Wolf Book sale at Filinvest Tent, Alabang, open from August 23 to September 1. Doors open daily at 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN! Grab your pack and get ready for an adventure you definitely shouldn’t miss! We’ll see you there!

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram)

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About Big Bad Wolf Books

The Big Bad Wolf Books was founded by Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng in 2009 and first launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the words of the company’s founders, Big Bad Wolf aims to cultivate reading habits, increase English literacy worldwide, and build a new generation of readers by making books more affordable and accessible to everyone.

One of the company’s best highlights is its book sales, which is popular among readers around the world. As a global reading advocacy initiative, the sales aim to encourage people of all ages to discover the joys of reading, inspire them to pursue their dreams, and, importantly, empower them with the knowledge to realize them.

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has toured 15 countries and 37 cities. Among these include different cities in Asia like Malaysia, Cambodia, Manila, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. The company has also begun branching out to book readers outside the Asia Pacific, having held book tours in Tanzania, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates.