iStudio Plus Starts Coffee Sessions: More Products In Store!

Just attended the coffee session of iStudio Plus at their 3rd Floor Gateway Mall branch in Quezon City. It's a venue to collaborate, talk amongst tech brands at their space in the mall. For starters, we got to know the folks from Insta360 and Ecoflow power stations (under Enabled). We also talked to the folks from DIVOOM speakers. 

 

EcoFlow is the number one power station brand in the world. They are tech driven and eco friendly made for individuals, family and those who need them. They are present in tech conventions around the world and has impressed award giving bodies for design and tech. Their prime products include the EcoFlow River 3, which is a ups and takes an hour to charge. It's also waterproof and very compact, perfect for travels. They are 30 percent smaller than competitors. They also have River 3 Max Plus which can be stacked, if you need double the capacity then this is perfect for you because it is modular. They also have the bigger EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series, a bit bigger and has bigger output of 1800W. Products cost 35-69K. They have bigger ones for homes that have 4000W. It can also be expanded, best for homes if you want something off the grid. They also have the EcoFlow Trail 300+ to launch in the PH soon (November), which you can use in camping trips. Costs 10-15K.

The best 360 camera in the world is also available in iStudio Plus, the Insta360. It's got all day and all night angles, very good in low light. It has enhanced replaceable lenses, can do 8K videos, 208 minute battery life, waterproof at 15m. The Ace Pro 2 on the other hand has AI capability, better quality videos and can be used for filming. It's more of an action camera than a vlogging one. The battery also lasts 180mins but can be charged fast. Their flagship camera is the Insta360 GO ULTRA. It's got Ultra HD videos for day and night shots, magnetic mounts, longer battery life at 200 minutes, do underwater shots, and fast charging for 12 minutes. It also has AI editing and cloud so you can edit while traveling. Even if you are not a pro it can do the legwork and make it for you. They also have the devices packaged for creators with sticks and mounts for motorcycles too.

Divoom speakers are quite different because it's made with art and pixels in mind. Their newest one is the Times Frame, a digital picture frame that also displays video done through the Divoom app. It also has clocks, widgets, customized edge lights so it can be the star of your show (in the bedroom or elsewhere). They also have retro speakers like the Ditoo 5M which can be displayed with pixel art. It also has Karaoke mode so you can take it out on parties. If you want something cute, the Dipow 65 would fit you, it has an LED screen and can stand like a character, or the DIPOW 35 if you want something smaller that you can attach to a phone or power plug. They also have a Times Gate model which has a larger display, something fancy for rooms or decor. They have the very popular Cyberbag that has displays on the back, I've seen that in motorcyclists. It's super cool! If you want something smaller, they also have the Cyberbag M or the Pixoo Sling Bags that you can pair with your phone app and use for display. The Spark Pro on the other hand can be the Karaoke arsenal to have, it's got superb audio and very portable. If you need something smaller,  they have the Fairy or Spark Pop (which I personally use in the shower to enjoy hours of music!).

Here's a tour of the place, enjoy! 

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Now if you need Apple or non Apple products, you can go to iStudio Plus branches near you. You can also inquire on their Facebook page if you need more information about these devices too. 

MIKA SALAMANCA is the New LUXE ORGANIX Brand Ambassador

After a really great week for Mika Salamanca, she's not stopping anytime soon as she gets signed with beauty brand LUXE ORGANIX. The event was graced by GMA AVP for Talent Management Mr. Vic Del Rosario, Ms. Anne Puno the AVP for Talent Sales Branding and Marketing, Ms. Joy Marcelo the FVP for Sparkle, Mr. Eugene Yap and Ms. Diane Yap the CEO and President of Luxe Organics.

Mr. Eugene Yap says "It's her authenticity that made us have her as our endorser. We are a brand that remains affordable but effective. She is inspiring and has influence, this is an exciting partnership"

Mica says "I always see them in stores and I personally use their product. I didn't really have to make an effort because I knew, one day, that I would be part of this brand. I am super happy because a lot of brands approached me but this one works for me. I like the cleansing balm, but I'm a fan of the Aloe Vera and Rose Scented products that they have. I need to show them my skin, and that's because of LUXE ORGANIX."

When asked about the things she could suggest for those starting skincare or makeup, she says "Before you even put on something that would cover your skin, you have to make sure it's hydrated. I get little breakouts when I use things that are not in a gel form so Luxe Organix is the perfect solution for me."

She also suggested to use the spray on Sunscreen because we need to always look young. Sun damage certainly isn't a part of that, so she gets points for choosing that among the products that they have.

Luxe Organix is available in Watsons, leading stores and online too.

That Nordic Spirit Flavor City Party was Epic!

I've been partying non-stop and gracing different clubs every weekend for years now. While I'm still in the mood for it, some of my peers are all trying to embrace family life and adulting, which is not a bad idea. I on the other hand have not stopped, and I am so glad about it. It brings me endorphins, and I love it. 

I was invited a little over a week ago to Nordic Spirit's Flavor City party at the POP UP place in Katipunan Avenue. They're a brand of t0bacco free nic0tine pouches that are designed for no fuss, very discreet use. I used to sm0ke occasionally but stopped cold turkey about a decade ago and things like these weren't available in the PH market. It's a Swedish brand and available in different flavors like Fresh Frost, Lush Red, Lush Crimson, and Green Frost. It's used by tucking under the lip, left or right side cheek and could last you around 40mins. They didn't encourage using it but I did, and I think it's a pretty good alternative. They also had several booths and activities to try out, so it was fun to see all that happen.

Anyway, the party was sick because Denise Julia and Sam Concepcion performed on stage. Crowd was quite young but their music was universal. I loved what they dished out including the DJ who was there til the wee hours of the morning. Thanks for the epic party Nordic Spirit!

MIKA SALAMANCA Becomes Stellar Face of J Spray Fragrances

 

This isn't the first time we've had the opportunity to meet Mika Salamanca. Luckily we've had the chance to talk with her during post PBB stints, several endorsements, and now for J Spray Fragrances. They're a home grown brand that's involved in beauty, cosmetic and personal care products. She is their first ever endorser which Mika felt so honored about. 

Mika says "If a brand trusts me like this, I do get encouraged. This huge brand trusted me to be the face of their product and it's something that reminds me, to always be a good person. It's not just my image that I have to think of, it has to be all the brands that put their trust on me too. I am so flattered when these things happen. Now that I'm more matured, I grow, I make sure that when I say something in social media, it's the truth from me. I make sure I believe in my statements because in the future, when things get magnified, I can stand by it."

She also shares their upcoming projects coming out next year... she says "I've been looking forward to do Hotel88 which will show next year. It will be shot this month as we're going to be in a locked in taping for it. I'll be with the other housemates in the show so I'm so excited to do it because it wouldn't be awkward since we've been together inside the PBB house. I would like to see how our dynamics work now that we'll be together in a series. I've already done the workshops with them, but this is real life so I want to see what will happen. We need to talk, deliver lines and learn from each other." 

She also says that when someone compares them with other housemates, she gets flattered because they're both busy and established, she thinks it's a matter on how you see it. She believes that people have their own preference. About her new book "Lipad" she mentions how she's so thankful receiving a lot of good reviews about it. She lifts it all up to God. The one she remembers was in National Children's Hospital where a cancer patient thanked her for giving him a book. When she gave the copy, he told her that he will treasure it and remember her. She told him not to do that but just remember the lessons in the book she gave.  

Here's the press conference on video:

 

 

Mika loves the scents because they've got a lot of variants. They've got ones named "Glamour", "Admire" and "Charm", or "I Do", "Be With You", or "Love Fantasy". They also have the pastel themed "Everyday With You", "Uptown Girl" and "Mi Amore", and for the boys "Blue Water", "Aqualic" and "Wave" or the Constellation themed "Prince Charming", "Boy Next Door" (which Mika wanted Papa P to wear) and "Rockstar". These are all available on online shopping platforms and their Facebook account JSprayOfficial. 

Congratulations Mika! Here's to more of these in the future!

SISTERS Welcome New Sis MEGAN YOUNG

She's still so beautiful and has a certain glow after giving birth to a baby boy, she's the one and only Miss World 2013 Megan Young. She is the new Sis of popular feminine hygiene brand Sisters manufactured by Megasoft Corporation.

Megan says "If I'm going to be honest, I didn't get to take care of myself after giving birth. Mikael was there when I was getting overwhelmed, and that reassurance from him got all my Mom guilt out of my system. Sometimes you just want to take care of everything but we have to learn to share the responsibilities. Now I get to taking care of myself and my baby. I always say I am a strong follower, but when he got injured I saw how I was able to lead. Sisters is a brand I truly believe in, and use too. We're happy to share this to other folks, my management knows about it."

She adds "My last project was Royal Blood, but I'm excited to take on new projects because now we can do content, a show with all of us together. For now there will be one parent with Leon, we want him to grow extra happy. We're mostly at home taking care of Leon, we have minimal time to go out but plan to travel with everyone soon because my baby already has his passport"

Megan wasn't briefed yet but so eager to be part of the school visits they do to teach those of age about feminine hygiene. She knows through experience how they often are too shy to be seen using pads which is a normal occurrence. This is also part of their efforts on Sister's 25th year anniversary. You will see Megan on activations, posters and commercials on their socials and TV. 

 

Here's the press conference on video:

 

 

 

Congratulations Megan on getting this endorsement and for baby Leon! 

MQuest Ventures and PARI Unite for AWIT AWARDS

Took the trip to hip Poblacion district in Makati for a one of a kind Vibe PH night where folks from production giant MQuest Ventures and the Philippine Association of the Record Industry signed a partnership to host the 38th edition of the prestigious Awit Awards. 

The event was hosted by several vibe jocks (Maxie Andreison, Joao Constancia, Anna Ramsey, Elijah Canlas, Kych Minemoto, Queenay, a mix of their young gen) and a lot of the artists under different recording companies were in attendance to support the pact. MQuest Holdings President and CEO Ms. Jane Basas and PARI President and Chairman Atty. Marivic Benedicto formalized this signing with executives from various labels serving witness too. I think I've seen Universal's Ethel Cachapero, OC Records James Banaag, and Alpha Music's Alvin De Vera (some personally said hi) at the event. 

For those who don't know, VIBE has been doing countdown shows in multiple channels and has been quite aggressively promoting OPM these past few months and we've seen several established, up and coming, indie and more performing on the show. They're a very good bunch interviewing artists, giving them the platform they need to promote music, and love for it. Actually, much of the event had artists perform in between Vibe portions where they interview them. 

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CUESHE performs their classic hits!

As for the 38th Awit Awards, it will happen this coming November 16th at the huge Meralco Theater in Ortigas. It will be at the helm of Johnny Manahan to direct the show. Artists like Ben & Ben, Over October, Lola Amour and popular Dionela were also announced to perform in the awards night, . We were also treated with lovely songs by CUESHE (and other bands). I like how some of them did it in a different way. You can watch it on my YT account's Shorts @kumagcow.

Again, the awards night will be shown on Vibe at TV5 and the associated channels of Vibe PH, TV5, MQuest, PARI and Awit Awards.  

It just sounds so exciting! 

ALFRED VARGAS' Message To His Younger Self

Looks like former cong and now (QC's 5th) Councilor Alfred Vargas is spending his weekends reflecting on life and improvement as he reminisces on what advice he can give his younger self. In true makata fashion, he pens out a heartfelt message in Filipino signifying resilience, his fears, overcoming it, real success and how to achieve it. 

He also tells the importance of love for family, honoring them, giving respect, and how to be of service to others. He also dedicates these lines to his faith. Here's his recent Instagram post:

His knack for words and urge to share what he has learned through life experiences is something that should be emulated. 

We can't be just complacent, we need to continuously learn from our mistakes, improve ourselves and other people. We all need to work on that, and not forget to share because wisdom, is golden.

A Taste of the SMB Oktoberfest Party

The mood was crazy as folks went to Okada for the kick off of SMB Oktoberfest which was a 2 day event last September 20. This isn't an ordinary day because they are also celebrating their 135th year, a milestone for the homegrown brand San Miguel Brewery Inc. 

At the launch, they had performers like Rico Blanco, Lola Amour, December Avenue, my favorite boy Maki, Arthur Nery, Brownman Revival, The Juans, The DAWN, Autotelic, The Cohens, Paprika, DWATA, Carousel Casualties, Magiliw Street, It All Started in May, Sean Archer, Acapellago, DJ Chelsea and Rammy. Executives such as SMB President Carlos Berba, the action superstar Coco Martin, Okada's Vice Chair Takako Okada,  and several dignitaries joined in the fun and celebrated with overflowing new brews such as the Pale Ale, Fruity Wheat Ale, Summer Ale and the Specialty Lager (which everyone enjoyed). They also had the Magician Efren Bata Reyes, Django Bustamante, and the San Miguel Beermen who did several exhibition games and fan interaction, something you will look forward to on SMB Oktoberfest day. 

Here's a glimpse of it on video!

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Top local bands are slated to headline the actual Oktoberfest festivities which include Rocksteddy, Sun kissed Lola, The Collars, Progeny, Parisukat,  Urbandub, December Avenue, Missing Filemon, Nikolay, and Kuwako. It will also happen on October 18 in Paseo de Sta Rosa in Sta Rosa Laguna, then on October 31st at the Queensland Manor in Cebu City. 

Tickets are already available at the Ticket2Me app and website, so go check out schedules published at the SanMiguelOktoberfest FB page to know more about this festive month! Don't say we didn't tell you about it!