Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Maya Saves Xmas Again: Turn your ₱1,000 into a shot at ₱1 MILLION with Maya!
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Hong Kong | The Perfect Backdrop for Under Parallel Skies
In this romance set in Asia's World City, Filipino actress Janella Salvador and Thai actor Win Metawin have a surprising on-screen chemistry despite their different backgrounds. The plot develops as Iris, played by Janella, helps Parin, played by Win, in finding his mother, and their bond blooms against the backdrop of Hong Kong. Through its numerous places and attractions, "Under Parallel Skies" highlights the city's hidden charm and provides an alternative viewpoint to what visitors typically expect from Hong Kong.
These spots from "Under Parallel Skies" can be some of the greatest places to start if you think a possible trip to Asia's World City is in the stars for you.
Peng Chau
Peng Chau is “a place you don’t usually see from Hong Kong,” as lead actress Janella put it. She continues to praise the positive qualities of the island's slow pace, where residents commute by bicycle rather than by car. In the movie, Parin manages to inject some humor by persuading Iris to sample silkworms, a delicacy native to Thailand. The place where they purchased the snack is a legitimate business on the island known as Siyamon Thai Cooking. Many of the more lighthearted scenes featuring Parin and Iris were filmed in My Secret Garden, an open art area with entertaining displays. And finally, (spoiler warning) the cafe that played a significant role in the film is a real cafe named Chill Chill Country.
Peng Chau is a truly picturesque place that offers you a glimpse of authentic rural life. The charming island is dotted with Instagram and photography-worthy spots — from remains of an old factory, beaches, and temples, to street arts which add vibrancy to this tranquil community. Its paths are the ideal spot to spend some alone time with your thoughts and the surrounding natural beauty, or they can inspire ideas of a potential meet-cute.
It's simple to travel to Peng Chau. Departing from MTR Hong Kong Station, take a ferry towards Central Pier No. 6. The journey takes approximately thirty minutes. More info about Peng Chau.
Avenue of Stars
Some of the most poignant scenes in the movie take place at the Avenue of Stars, a Hong Kong staple that is sure to dazzle anyone who visits. Taking in the view of the ocean while standing in the middle of all the lights will undoubtedly trigger the same emotions as certain movie moments.
You can enjoy a romantic time in the city while being surrounded by picturesque buildings and having a front-row seat to the city's famous Symphony of Lights performance.
Bird Market
The Bird Market is a fascinating place for people who love being around animals as well as those looking for unique pets. Birds are a recurring symbol throughout the movie. The boulevard is lined with exotic and vibrant birds, making it an exceptional location for making lifelong memories throughout your stay in Hong Kong. Visit the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden in Yuen Po Street in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, to observe the exotic birds.
Luk on Kui
The old-school trolley dim sum is a must for foodies and dim sum lovers. Talking over the delicious dim sum at this restaurant, Iris and Parin were able to get to know each other better. Luk on Kui, hailed as the best dim sum in Hong Kong, is proof that you can always get to someone's heart through their stomach. A dinner at Luk on Kui will undoubtedly make your entire trip worthwhile if you're looking for the most genuine dim sum experience.
Fulfill your dim sum dreams at Luk on Kui at 40-50 Des Voeux Rd W, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
Causeway Bay Sogo crossing
Iris makes a comment regarding changes and transitions in life in the movie. The Causeway Bay crossing is the best visual representation of this, as it's where the biggest transitions happen in the city. It is the epitome of a busy place and a symbol of Hong Kong's fast-paced urban lifestyle.
Tin Hau Temple at Yau Ma Tei
One theme touched upon by the film is fate, with Iris and Parin visiting the Tin Hau temple to find out their fortune and what the future holds for them. Fishermen swarm to the temple, which is a recognized landmark in Hong Kong, to worship the Goddess of the Sea. It's a location for the more spiritually inclined, and spending some time in solitude there is the ideal way to unwind from Hong Kong's hectic daily schedule.
Visit this peaceful temple located in Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, at 56-58 Temple Street, Temple St.
Tai O Fishing Village
Speaking about fishing and fishermen, Tai O is the fishing village where Hong Kong's residents live, hidden away at the tip of Lantau Island. The movie shows its serene waters and how life could be easier in a place like Tai O. The iconic Tai O Heritage Hotel, appealing hiking trails, traditional restaurant fare, and street snacks are all located here. The little boats and the salty fragrance of the water will definitely make this a memorable spot. Look out for regional Tai O items including dried seafood, salted fish, and shrimp paste.
There are many ways to travel to Tai O. The first is to go from Central to MTR Tung Chung Station via train, and then take bus 11 to Tai O. This takes approximately 45 minutes. Learn more about the tranquil village of Tai O here.
Little Thailand
You can find Little Thailand in Kowloon City. The movie has a humorous moment that makes mention to this place as well as Win's own nation in a kind and considerate way. The primary challenge that Parin faces in the film takes place against the backdrop of Little Thailand. You can instantly travel to Thailand with the authentic shops and establishments.
Experience a taste of Thailand in the Kowloon City Market at 100 Nga Tsin Wai Rd, Kowloon City, Hong Kong. Other Thai-inspired locations nearby are the shops along South Wall Road and Ruamjai Thai Grocery at G/F, 21 South Wall Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon.
Jimmy Bridge
The Jimmy Bridge is uniquely designed and offers a picture-perfect atmosphere for everyone crossing it. This bridge is the setting for one of the film's more dramatic scenes, which is guaranteed to make viewers of the movie cry.
Despite coming from two different worlds, Iris and Parin came together in Hong Kong to share their tale. These characters cobbled together their adventure using memories from all of the unique spots and attractions they saw throughout the city, from a sleepy fishing town to a bustling main street.
Award-winning director Sigrid Bernardo's "Under Parallel Skies" made its national premiere on April 17, 2024. Richard Juan, a Hong Kong native, thoughtfully co-produced this story of love, grief, and transformations that will also be shown in several nations, including Singapore and Thailand.
Visit discoverhongkong.com to find out more about the featured destinations and to start your own journey beneath the skies.
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Trending workouts you can track with your Redmi Watch 3 Active
There are a few workouts out there trending among fitness buffs that you can try at home or the gym. No matter which ones you do and where you do it, the best way to make the most of them is by keeping track of your progress with a reliable device like the all-new Redmi Watch 3 Active.
The Redmi Watch 3 Active is the ultimate smartwatch companion that will help you elevate your fitness journey. It supports 100+ modes, including 10 professional workout modes, making it a versatile fitness companion. Its full-scale fitness tracking can monitor your heart rate, GPS location (for those tracking their outdoor workouts), sleep duration and quality, and SpO2 levels.
Take your fitness to the next level by trying out 2023’s trending workouts while wearing the Redmi Watch 3 Active:
1. The 12-3-30 workout
Fitness TikTokers have been raving about the 12-3-30 workout since last year. This involves setting your treadmill to an incline of 12 with a speed of 3mph, which you will walk on for 30 minutes. It’s an effective cardio workout because of the steep slope, challenging your legs and making you exert more effort—but the relatively leisurely pace is less intense on the joints compared to full-on running on pavement, making it the perfect activity for people of all ages.
2. Strength training
Experts say doing little strength training every week can prolong your life. Whether you choose to do it with your body weight or take to dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells, any manner of resistance will increase your strength. For those looking to enhance and chisel their physique, this is also the most effective way to achieve a better look.
3. Step aerobics
For those looking for more low-impact ways to move your body, one of the most accessible exercise trends to get into is step aerobics. Originally a popular product of the ‘80s and ‘90s, step aerobics is still a big trend today, with many people getting into it and posting their workouts on social media. It’s very flexible, as it can be as light or intense as you want and need—all you need is something to step on, like a small bench or short box.
4. CrossFit
Forever a trendy way to stay fit, CrossFit remains as strong as ever, with thousands of fitness enthusiasts swearing by its intense and adrenaline-pumping, constant-motion lifting and bodyweight workouts. If you’re advanced in your fitness journey, this is a good way to level up and challenge yourself—you might even achieve tip-top conditions if you work at it.
5. Pilates
Emphasizing less intense and slow strength, Pilates is an excellent form of exercise to build up your core, control, and endurance. Akin to yoga and a few kinds of calisthenics will increase your heart rate, but not in a way that leaves you constantly out of breath. If you want something different and something that will clear and ease your mind, try Pilates.
Once you pick one or more workout trends to try and get fit with, you can use the Redmi Watch 3 Active to steadily keep track of your progress and share your results on social media for all to see. Make the most of your next fitness journey and get your own today via Xiaomi’s Lazada, Shopee, TikTok shops, and Authorized Xiaomi Stores for only P1,999.
For more information, visit Xiaomi's official Facebook page and Xiaomi’s official website.
About Xiaomi Corporation
Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810. HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.
Embracing our vision of “Make friends with users and be the coolest company in the users’ hearts,” Xiaomi continuously pursues innovations, high-quality user experience, and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds unique products with honest prices to let everyone enjoy a better life through innovative technology.
Xiaomi is one of the world’s leading smartphone companies. According to Canalys, the company’s market share in terms of smartphone shipments ranked No. 3 globally in the first quarter of 2023. In March 2023, the MAU of MIUI reached approximately 595 million globally. The company has also established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform, with 618 million smart devices connected as of March 31, 2023, excluding smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Xiaomi products are present in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. In August 2022, the company made the Fortune Global 500 list for the fourth time, ranking #266, up 72 places compared to 2021.
Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng TECH Index, and Hang Seng China 50 Index.
For more information about Xiaomi as a company, please visit https://www.mi.com/global/discover/newsroom.
Friday, May 26, 2023
Cebu Crowns the City’s Representative in the National Finals of Red Bull Half Court 2023
Cebu, Philippines - Last May 20, over 90 streetballer teams in Cebu went head-to-head to determine the Top 6 teams who will move on to the National Finals of Red Bull Half Court. The winner-takes-all event will crown the country’s representative for the World Finals of Red Bull Half Court in Serbia on September 2023.
The tournament featured an intense and high-paced series of basketball games from various regional teams. The competitive atmosphere was felt throughout the event, which played a crucial role in the event’s success.
“Basketball is the number 1 sport in the Philippines, so 3x3 is another platform that people can really take part in. Taking part in this type of event really gives people the opportunity to play the sport that they love with their friends and peers. From the looks of it, they’re all enjoying themselves playing in the Red Bull Half Court,” said Coach Eric Altamirano, the Tournament Commissioner of Red Bull Half Court Philippines.
“We look forward to the qualifiers in Manila. I’m sure we’ll find a lot of really good teams, excellent teams, and they will be challenged. Everybody wants to grab a slot going to Serbia for the World Finals,” Coach Altamirano added.
Following a gruelling series of matches, the following teams are moving on to the National Finals are:
Men’s Division:
● Team SRP
● Team Triple R1
● Team EMILS1
● Team PJEM
Women’s Division:
● Team EVSU A
● Team GS CWBL
One notable athlete who dominated the tournament alongside her teammates was Team EVSU A’s Diana Rebecca Paton-og. The Ball Captain expressed the challenges they had to endure headed into the event and how they overcame all the odds to secure their spot as one of the region’s representatives.
“Before kami napunta dito, grabe yung preparation namin. ‘Di rin kami sure if makapunta kami dito kasi yung isang teammate namin, nagka-ankle sprain, so we had to replace her. So yung mindset dapat panalunin talaga namin ‘to kasi ang dami na pinagdaanan namin. Wala rin kaming budget, yung coach lang namin. Siya lang yung gumastos sa amin, so sabi ko para pala sa amin talaga ‘to” (Before we got here, our preparation was intense. We weren’t also sure because one of our teammates suffered a sprained ankle, so we had to replace her. That’s why our mindset is to win because of what we went through. We had no budget, and it was our coach who spent his money to get us here,) said Paton-og
“I have to do my best para ma-pay back namin yung mga tao behind this success, yung reason na nakapunta kami dito” (I have to do my best and give back to all the people behind this success, the reason why we’re here,)” she added.
Below are the photos during the event:
Catch the next batch of teams who will compete against Team EVSU and the other Cebu representatives at the National Finals of Red Bull Half Court during the Manila Qualifiers on May 27 at Buendia Food by The Court in Makati City.
For more information and updates regarding Red Bull Half Court, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok)
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
'Live Vivid' in Cebu: Xiaomi brings the headline-making Redmi Note 12 Series, Xiaomi Fan Festival closer to Cebuanos
In 2023, the Xiaomi Fan Festival expanded significantly with the "Live Vivid" campaign, which will tour several sites throughout the Philippines from April to May. Aside from connecting with local Xiaomi enthusiasts, it also offers an excellent chance to engage with media colleagues across various regions, beginning with Cebu as the first stop.
Bringing the festival to Cebu
Xiaomi organized a media gathering at ROCKS Grill & Tavern on April 28, where attendees had the opportunity to view the Redmi Note 12 Series firsthand. The venue's experiential zone showcased various Xiaomi products, including the Xiaomi 13 Pro and AIoT gadgets. Additionally, guests were treated to a live performance of the Redmi Note 12 anthem "Live Vivid," sung by #TeamRedmiNote representative BGYO, and given a tutorial on its corresponding dance moves.
The fun continues with the Xiaomi Fan Festival that will be held at SM Seaside Cebu on April 29. Xiaomi fans can join the fun booth activities for a chance to enter the raffle and win exciting prizes. While there, they can avail of special XFF deals on select Xiaomi smartphones and AIoT products.
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Tomi Adrias, Xiaomi Philippines Head of Marketing, introduces the newest Redmi Note 12 Series to media guests in Cebu. |
"Xiaomi is happy and excited to bring the Xiaomi Fan Festival to Cebu and be able to meet its Cebuano fans. Our mission has always been to be a brand that equips young people with the latest technology available, so they can 'Live Vivid' on their terms," says Tomi Adrias, Xiaomi Philippines' Head of Marketing.
Several other Xiaomi products are discounted, including the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 (now priced at P2,099 from its original price of P2,499) and Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro (reduced to P3,999 from P6,999), along with many other great deals. Check out the complete list of products below:
The Xiaomi Fan Festival roadshow will continue at Gaisano Mall Davao (May 3 to 7), SM Dasmariñas (May 10 to 14), and SM Pampanga (May 17 to 21).
Smooth and vivid smartphone performance
After the triumph of its forerunner, the Redmi Note 11, the Redmi Note 12 Series was expected to offer significant upgrades to the features most valued by Xiaomi enthusiasts, particularly the younger demographic. The series flaunts a remarkable triple camera setup, with a primary camera of up to 200MP with OIS, an ultra-wide camera, and a macro camera to cater to every user's photography requirements. Furthermore, the cameras incorporate advanced AI software algorithms, accelerated image processing, and other beneficial features contributing to an exceptional user experience.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G are equipped with 12Hz Flow AMOLED displays, which Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos® support. The bright and vivid screen allows users to clearly see photos, videos, and other media for an immersive visual experience.
The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset powers the Redmi Note 12 Series to optimize 5G performance and maximize the utilization of its features. Moreover, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G offers 120W HyperCharge. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offers a 67W fast charge, ensuring uninterrupted usage even during heavy content consumption, thanks to the powerful 5,000mAh long-lasting battery.
The Redmi Note 12 is offered at the following prices: P8,999 for the 4+128GB variant (online exclusive), P9,999 for the 6+128GB variant, and P10,999 for the 8+128GB variant.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+5G (8+256GB) is available for PHP 21,999, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G has two options: the 8+128GB variant at PHP 16,999 and the 8+256GB model at PHP 17,999. These devices can be purchased online through Xiaomi's official stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop, as well as Authorized Xiaomi Stores and partner retailers nationwide. Home Credit financing is available at 0% interest for customers who prefer flexible payment options.
For more information, visit Xiaomi's official Facebook page and Xiaomi's official website. Online purchases are available via Xiaomi's Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok shops (@XiaomiPhilippines).
About Xiaomi Corporation
Xiaomi Corporation ("Xiaomi") was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and intelligent manufacturing company with smartphones and innovative hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.
Embracing our vision of "Make friends with users and be the coolest company in the users' hearts", Xiaomi continuously pursues technological innovations, compelling user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds unique products with honest prices to let everyone enjoy a better life through innovative technology.
Xiaomi is one of the world's leading smartphone companies. The company's market share in terms of smartphone shipments ranked no. Three globally in the first quarter of 2022. The company has also established the world's leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform, more than 478 million smart devices connected to its platform (excluding smartphones, tablets and laptops) as of March 31, 2022. Xiaomi products are available in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. In August 2022, the company made the Fortune Global 500 list for the fourth time, ranking 266, up 72 places compared to 2021.
Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng TECH Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index
For more information about Xiaomi as a company, please visit: https://www.mi.com/global/discover/newsroom
Friday, July 22, 2022
Google launches GNI Innovation Challenge
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GNI Innovation Challenges. Photo by: https://newsinitiative.withgoogle.com/innovation-challenges/ |
GNI Innovation Challenge is a global program that empowers news organizations worldwide to demonstrate new thinking in digital journalism. It is open to organizations of every size that aims to produce innovative, original journalism and whose projects focus on innovation towards creating a more sustainable and diverse news ecosystem. Funding is available for projects up to a maximum of $250,000.
The projects can focus on the following areas but are not limited to:
●
Ways
to increase reader engagement and/or reader revenue
●
Developing
and diversifying business models
●
Business
intelligence approaches to better leverage data capabilities
●
New
methods of distribution
●
Combating
misinformation
●
Increasing
trust in journalism
●
Reaching
new audiences
●
Improving
the efficiency of workflows
● Exploring new technologies
The applications must be submitted online before August 23rd, 2022, at 23:59 local time. For more questions, applicants may reach out to apacgnichallenge@google.com.
Friday, September 3, 2021
YouTube FanFest 2021: A three-day celebration of Filipino talent and diversity
It’s no secret that Filipinos are social beings and now, at a time when forging human connections have never been more important, YouTube returned for the second virtual edition of YouTube FanFest (YTFF) that provided not only entertainment from home but also a celebration of Filipino diversity.
Held over three days from August 27 to 29, YTFF 2021 saw how YouTube continues to be a place where diversity, equity, and inclusion reign. Here are some of the highlights of this year’s YTFF:
Not just one, but three days worth of entertainment
YouTube FanFest is usually a one-day show, but this year, fans were surprised with the three-day episode, namely Island Life, Everyone is Beautiful, and The Finale--each day centered around the wealth of diversity among YouTube creators.
A visit to the Queen City of the South
YouTube creators from Cebu joined FanFest for the first time, kickstarting this year’s show. Medyo Maldito and Snake Princess, Raphiel Shannon, and The Juans serenaded the audience. At the same time, Indai Allyn left viewers craving for mouthwatering dishes like Kinilaw na bariles (Tuna ceviche), Chicken inasal with palapa (Grilled chicken with traditional Maranao spices), and Biko (Sweet rice cake made with coconut milk and brown sugar). G-FORCE closed the episode with a showstopping performance of their original song, “Sumayaw.”
Beaming with Pride
YouTube has always been a space that welcomes everyone regardless of color, ethnicity, orientation, or background. This year’s show was definitely a display of the platform’s inclusivity as we saw more members of the Pride community joining the show including Mikey Bustos as the host, as well as lifestyle and beauty creators AboutRAF, Madam Ely, and Tita Krissy Achino, who took part in a Project Runway-esque challenge.
This year’s YouTube FanFest may have ended, but those who missed the show or just can’t get enough of the three-day fun can
head over to the YouTube FanFest channel to discover (or
rediscover) what makes YTFF a one-of-a-kind celebration. /PR
Monday, August 9, 2021
#YOUTHink | A Cebuano Magazine to Help Fight Misinformation
Philippines - This National Language Month (Buwan ng Wika), @google & @canvasph.art launched the Cebuano version of #YOUTHink magazine to highlight the importance of local language diversity in battling misinformation.
#YOUTHink is a local youth-oriented magazine that aims to address misinformation through media and information literacy. The 42-page publication comes in a fun and creative zine-style format to engage young readers. It covers several topics such as the types of misinformation and their negative effects, why context matters, how to identify a fact from an opinion, and how to avoid falling for fake information. The magazine was translated into Cebuano by teachers and translators Hannah Arans and Xi Zuq.
A PDF copy of the magazine can be accessed here (printing or sharing for
selling purposes is strictly prohibited). For more information, visit: www.canvas.ph. /PR