Now is the time to get it!

If you haven't seen it yet, the newest phone from realme Philippines is now available in the market. It's called the "NO WORRY PHONE" because of its ability to be underwater and in heat, but still works afterwards according to recent tests (oh yes we'll also come out with a video soon!). We have been able to unbox this specific unit a few weeks ago, and I've been using this to cover a few events, and by standards, it's performed quite well under circumstances.
For starters, having an IP69, IP68 and IP66 rating would probably give you a clue on how this works. IP69 means it is dust tight and can hold its own in high pressure and temperatures. IP68 means it can be immersed at a certain depth, while IP66 means it is dust tight and won't be damaged on water jets. I took mine to the shower and it didn't even blink. This also means that when you drop your phone into a pool or tub (1.5m) then nothing is going to happen to it.
This phone is available in Lightning Gold, but I've got the Storm Black variety because I love anything monochrome. This is priced at Php 8,999 for the 8GB 128GB unit, but the other one sells at Php 10,999 for the 8GB and 256GB storage phone.
If you get this at realme stores and authorized sellers, you can get FREE Techlife Wireless Earbuds Neo. This is only until February 2. You can also get it from HOME CREDIT for installment plans, or shopping apps if you want to get them online!
Looks like they won't be stopping anytime soon as Xiaomi just recently launched the Redmi Note 14 series in the Philippines. This is quite an aggressive start of the year for the phone and aiot device manufacturer especially during the first quarter of 2025, with devices that would promise to produce iconic shots, AI crafted images, equipped with a 200 MP main camera and durability needed for today's lifestyle. In grand ceremonies at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in BGC, they brought in different models such as the Redmi Note Pro 5G, Redmi Note 14 5G and the Redmi Note 14.
Tommy Adrias of Xiaomi's Marketing says "Today is all about Redmi Note, our most popular one in the world. We want you to experience the flagship experience, and loved by millions across the world. In the first 10 years, it has created a family, and we make our phones better. Much of those who own one were still able to use it for several years, even to this day."
Water, dust and scratch resistant, there has been a call for the new Redmi Note 14 series to be even more durable. They want to have an iconic camera with it, and be durable like the previous ones.
Redmi Note 14 series include new AI cameras, since they want to have next level photos, they did good things with the 200 MP pro grade cameras with larger apertures even on low light conditions. It also has better ISO balance, the sensor should get you better details, clear in every angle. It's smarter, complete photography experience even on cam. It also uses AI for details and color. It's also equipped with better AI editing, facial clarity and better AI Erase and Expansion. You can also customize the backgrounds, and have bokeh that is better, plus one tap vlogs. The phone is tough, curved, and has slim bezels. It also has vegan leather, in Lavender Purple, Frost Blue, Coral Green and Midnight Black. It also has ip68, and can withstand 1.5 meter deep water for 30 minutes. It also has worry free touch display when you have sweat, water or oil.
Redmi Note 14 5G and Redmi Note 14
These phones have 108MP cameras, still can get stunning details, one that can also perform in low light, and can create more in Ai. You can erase with AI and has IP68 standard quality. It is durable from drops and scratches. It also has security, a powerful chipset (Mediatek dimensity ultra). They also have this in 4G versions, if you are not keen in having 5G connection yet. It comes in Lime Green, Midnight Black, Ocean Blue and Lavender.
The price is at: Pro plus 5g Php 22,999, Pro 5G Php 17,999. For the 14 series classics there is 13999 for the 5G and 8999 for the 4G option. They also have an Early Bird price promo with freebies and warranty so check out their promos listed at their social channels. It is also available online and with Home Credit.
Redmi Buds Pro 6 and Watch 5
New models for the smart watch and their earphones, better displays, brighter when in low or bright light. It has stainless steel crown, very stylish and comes in 3 colors. It always is connected and is in sync with your activities. You can also store songs on your Watch 5, can even answer calls, with ultra long battery life. It costs PHP 5299 and a thousand off if you purchase it early.
The Buds 6 Pro is quite nice, comes in 3 color ways. Delivers bass, treble and crisp sounds. It also has noise cancellation which is useful for different scenarios. It can last 36 hours, has a line display indicating power left. This costs Php 3599 but can be bought PHP 3199 if you get it early. It's available at Shopee. The Redmi Buds 6 on the other hand is Php 1699 and comes with 2 months of Spotify with their promo. They also have a new 165W Power Bank at 10,000mAh capacity. There is also a smaller one in lower wattage that costs half. It costs Php 2,099 starting tomorrow January 16. Cables are even integrated on the actual power bank. They also have a Xiaomi Smart Display Max, a QLED TV that measures 85/100 inch at 4K display. It also has Dolby audio, costs 69k and 122995 respectively. They also have smaller ones, plus a Xiaomi Projector L1 that looks cute. It has automatic obstacle avoidance. It costs 11,099 available at the end of this month.
It must have been a really logistical nightmare for HONOR Philippines to do this in the morning of January 6th in Makati City. With Honor community members, executives, influencers and media, they started to plan and do this world record attempt of having “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously” a reality, not just for the brand, but for the Philippines.
For those who don't know, Guinness is the authority in record breaking facts and achievements. They flew in an actual adjudicator just for this occasion, to prove that the HONOR X9c 5G would withstand a drop test, but do it with 250 people, doing it at the same time.
We had runs, but on the actual drop test, we needed to do it right because otherwise, Guinness wouldn't certify it. They were so strict and had people look at us from left to right, front to back. When the attempt was made, they had the adjudication process done, audited everything from the people who successfully did it and those who didn't made the cut, wouldn't be counted at all.
In the end, the official tally was 265 and was certified by the adjudicator in front of the stage. We now officially hold the record of “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously”, this is for HONOR, for the Philippines and the world!
This is just the start, because to tell you more, the phone we used hasn't been launched yet. Though it will be officially done this coming January 10th (today). Make sure you follow HONOR Philippines channels because it will be grand, and there will be artists performing on stage to celebrate this big win. From Itchyworms, PPOP bands 1st.One and Kaia, plus more later today.
After covering the iStudio Plus iPhone 16 event a couple weeks ago, they have opened up a brand new store over at the 3rd Floor of Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City. We were able to get first dibs on some of the brands that they carry including top fan manufacturer Jisulife, smartphone manufacturer Samsung, and the really fun Divoom, a brand that has lots of bags, speakers, microphones, LED and accessories. iStudio plus also has their own branded products, which I love every bit of.
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| They carry Philips products, but I fancied this huge 30,000mAh power bank. It's small but compared to other brands, this has more capacity. |
This is just the tip of the iceberg, during the event, they also told us that they're planning to open/revamp a few more stores within the year. They are also targeting even more before 2030. It's going to be more convenient shopping for phones, audio, video devices and accessories because they made it all in one place, at iStudio Plus!
I'd like to take this bit to thank the folks at iStudio Plus for letting us see what's about to happen at their store in Shangri-la Plaza Mall. From the looks of it, it's amazing!
Typhoon Kristine was quite devastating especially for those who are in Southern Luzon. DITO Telecommunity knows how hard it must have been so they didn't waste time giving a helping hand to our countrymen in that neck of the woods.
They have a program called Galing DITO CampX which fits the purpose, they partnered up with Batangas State University to hold a concert and used the proceeds for BSU's fundraising campaign. The concert entitled "PB is United, PB is ONE for Batangas" raised over Php 250,000 to help with daily essentials, food, temporary shelters and relief efforts for the communities they serve. Several DITO brand ambassadors and phenomenal PPOP group ALAMAT performed that evening specifically for the cause. They also built a multi faith chapel inside the campus to serve their students too.
DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business Ms. Evelyn Jimenez emphasized how important it is to have the strength of the community be part of the efforts in rebuilding the province especially those who have been affected by the calamity. DITO stands by them and the Filipino people no matter how hard things may be for the folks there. At the DITO event, they also had students interact with their different booths, learn more about their products that's got new packages on prepaid, postpaid and home connections.
Over at Naga city, they made sure communication stands so they supported various LGU's by equipping them with needed phones and sim cards so folks from Dayangdang, Lerma and Triangulo can call for help, reach their families, and also have internet connection at the most pressing times.
In times of need, it's important for these things to become still accessible, so they could ease the hearts of worrying folks even if they are in the midst of danger there. If you want to know more about stories like these, go follow their social channels and check out their site dito.ph because everything's there!
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| Ran to them at the escalator just for this photo, I'm a heavy MLBB gamer, and they are IT. |
The realme 13+ 5G has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy Processor. To put it into layman's terms, this is the brain that can balance both performance and do energy output efficiently. If there is something out there that can do multi tasking, this is it. It has made Wise's plays a lot smoother, with the graphics up high, you can see details that others can't see. Someone hiding in a bush, a tree, or targeting one, you can do it with the realme 13 5G series.
Here's my attempt to unbox it for the first time, over lunch, because I thought it would be fancy.
In a nutshell, this realme 13+ 5G can do a lot of your everyday work and can be a workhorse for your best mobile games. If you're serious or not, this can take a beating. Aside from that, it's got a camera that can take great photos and videos. See the event video? That was taken by the same phone. Even the shots on this article are from the same. Zoom in or out, it can take great care of your shots and aid it with AI. All those advancements in phone technology in one handset, what else can you ask for?
Take advantage of the 3000 peso discount on the 19,999 price of the realme 13+ 5G, they also took a thousand peso off the realme 13 5G (check first video about the price announcements). Check the online stores for it, get lots of freebies too while you're at it. But I would advise you to do it now, those promos go real fast. I got my Limitless Speed to Victory. You should get yours.

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