Level Up Content Creation with the AKASO 360 Camera

Content creation has certainly gone miles and bounds than what it was a few decades ago. The eve of short form videos has certainly made it clear that you need to get the attention of every person in the first 3 seconds or they wouldn't see the video at all. After scrolling up for hours, they need something that would make them stay, so making that decision to create a different view is essential. That's where the AKASO 360° Camera comes in, and I'm so glad I got to try it!

Here's our unboxing video:

While I'm no novice at this, I'm super excited about shooting content at a 360 degree angle. That is one device, capable of shooting your surroundings and can be edited as different clips in one file. Imagine the applications of this especially when there's a press conference where people are all around the venue. One side had executives, one side had the media and the last one are the speakers. This is what I did with the event I covered in Las Pinas:

We also showed how a simple indoor shot can be done differently. I took it shopping and the selfie stick didn't appear on the video. Plus you are doing this at 5.7K which means you can use it for digital film, or simply export it to lower resolution if you are just doing it for social media. You don't have to literally fly to get a creative shot done because you've got tons of viewpoints you can play around with. 

For editing, you can use the AKASO 360 app which you can download off the Google Playstore to utilize the templates, or do your own before exporting it. You can use a third party video editor to combine shots (which I've been doing legibly these days so you get short and long form videos made in a jiffy.

I'm certainly loving it because we get a lot of fun doing it with celebrities after the press conferences we recently covered. Check out love team JM IBARRA and FYANG SMITH on this clip!

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what you can do with the AKASO 360° Camera. You can purchase this from the popular shopping platforms and get more information from the AKASO Philippines social channels.

I don't think I should even convince you right?! Go level up your content creation game with the AKASO 360 Camera!

Papa Obet Releases Second Christmas Single "REGALO"

Looks like Papa Obet is going to make Christmas even sweeter as he launches his second single, a timely one at that called REGALO.

Papa Obet says "It's not just every Christmas but I've always wanted to do songs and record them but it's just too difficult when the pandemic hits. For me, it's magical to do Christmas songs, to listen to them, it just sets you into the mood no matter what day it is. I base the songs from different artists, I get inspired from them as I've been always a classic guy. It's just attacked in different words and lyrics, plus the music arrangement is now going to be Gen Z like. It's going to be different. I initially made this with the chorus first, and said to myself that if ever I needed to make a whole song, I'll have this in hand. It's for a loved one, for those who are at work, for those who cannot celebrate Christmas at home with their families. My favorite line is "Sana ngayong Pasko, kahit wala akong regalo magkasama naman sana tayo!" (I wish this Christmas even if I don't have a gift, we'd be together!)."

He adds "If ever people want to give me gifts, I only ask for toys. It's what makes me happy, I hope I could have those that I don't have in my collection yet. I grew up not having any when I was a kid and now that I'm earning a bit, I would want to have vintage ones and re-issues, I feel it's very fulfilling to have that. I wish I would have time to go to Toy conferences but I just have no time since I have full time work. I wish to have toy hunts also abroad soon, that's on my wishlist. Aside from that, I'd want a house and lot, a home for me, my family, my parents so that I could give them comfort now that they're on their senior years."

 

Here's our interview with him this afternoon:

 

 

 

Papa Obet and says he's thankful about the help he's getting from GMA Music, Sparkle and people who have always been there with his music journey. For those who fancy something that would touch your Christmas memories, something that would make you remember family, friends, loved ones, go to Barangay LS 97.1 on FM radio. You can also download it off streaming sites. This is under GMA Music.

A Classy Looking Phone that Performs Well: OPPO A95

I spent a couple of weeks using this phone and by any standard, it's pretty sick. This is the OPPO A95, one of OPPO's newest phones in the market and with what I've heard, this does photos and videos quite well. That's something that I need especially for creating content these days because quality before I even edit things, is certainly something that I wanted to have.

Really Good Hardware

Specs wise, the OPPO A95 doesn't dissapoint because the battery life is quite phenomenal. With 5000mAh, you can last the whole day and even have more for music and media when your events call for it. With their 33W Flash Charge, it won't be problematic if you're charging the phone for a few minutes. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 and proprietary System Booster, you'll have performance happen on the most resource draining applications like games or editing software, which I'm pretty fond of using. I played Mobile Legends and CODM with it, heating was actually not an issue even though I've probably expected it to do so. Albeit having a plastic back panel, it didn't feel uncomfortable during the hours I've handled it. OPPO made the OPPO A95 also look classy, with that sheen you find in pearls, it has made the variant I handled (Glowing Rainbow Silver) look expensive yet stay very light.

The phone also has 8GB+128GB ROM plus its capability to expand storage. The screen is wide at 6.43 inch, so you kinda enjoy watching YouTube videos and movies when on landscape. Here's how I unboxed it a few days ago.

 

 The OS is good

With its ColorOS 11.1, the interface is very smooth when you switch apps. I tried memory hogging apps for video editing and games, but so far, I've never had it hang at all.

Pretty Good Cameras

This has got 3 cameras at the back that's got 48MP, 2MP for the depth of field and 2MP for the macro shots. The portrait mode was actually not too overly processed and got the blurry parts right. It also didn't make the image too warm which is something that I've noticed on other brands but that's another story. The AI mode for Beautification was just enough to cover little imperfections, you can even do without it tbh. If you're fond of going back to events, even if it's dark where you're at, the night mode on front and back should do you good. They too must have figured 4K videos is a little too heavy to be edited hence the 1080P on this handset. All your raw videos can be edited on their propreitary software called SoLoop, though I haven't used it yet it kinda does things automatically so it's not gonna be hard to learn how to use it. It's also a lot easy on the eyes as it's got AI Eye Care which automatically detects brightness and adjusts the screen to your liking, or manually, you can do it too.

Does it justify the price point? Certainly, it's got a lot of premium features but remained mid-range, I think that's good. If you want to know more about the OPPO A95, check out OPPO's social channels and official website. There's lots of things you will like about it. I'm practically sold on the photos.

GARY VALENCIANO Announces KUMU Debut + Stars You Love as Guests for PRAY.COM

Tomorrow is a grand day for people who love Gary Valenciano as he starts his own debut on social platform phenom KUMU. You may follow his official account @garyvalenciano today. Gary recently was announced as the Asian ambassador of the PRAY.COM app which does prayer and bible based content for audiences around the world. Mind you, this is the number one religious themed app and website which has a reach of over 10 million everyday. Gary also has content in the app and has read several passages amongst a multitude of Hollywood stars who also did the same.

The show on KUMU is entitled "Let's Pray with Gary V: Music and Live Meditation. His stream will be full of content that will inspire you, things that you would need during these hard times. Everybody knows how Gary has always exemplified  life dedicated to him. During times he had medical emergencies, he has always gotten strength from family, friends, prayers and the word of God. This is his way of sharing, becoming a light that could help others that would need it as well.

 

 

In the event, he's going to be performing with friends in the industry from the likes of Ogie Alcasid, Ms. Regine Velasquez Alcasid, RJ Dela Fuente, his sons Gab and Paolo Valenciano, Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Jona, Hannah P, Julianne Tarroja and a lot more. Make sure you're you're there during the stream and witness Gary Valenciano do his mighty work for God! Event starts at 8:45PM this Saturday, put that in your calendars.

It'll surely be good!

RIA ATAYDE's Back In Primetime on VIRAL SCANDAL

She's one of the most beautiful actresses in the Philippines and yes, she's going back to primetime programming in their new show called VIRAL SCANDAL. It's a social drama set to be shown this coming November 15th in ABSCBN partner networks like the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWant TFC, TFC, and Jeepney TV. This will also be shown on A2Z Channel 11 and
TV 5 on free to air broadcast channels.

The series is directed by Dado Lumibao and Froy Allan Leonardo. It's about the story of a young girl who got involved in a scandalous video. It has torn her family apart, and changed the lives of so many people. Ria plays Laura Dizon who's primary aim is to get those who have done this, their time in court, and get justice.

It's been a while since Ria played someone pivotal as her last one was Parasite Island back in 2019. She's gotten to work with a lot of talented actors, veterans whom she have been able to throw lines with. I can't wait to see more of Ria this time since it's an intense gripping drama. She's one of the most accomplished actresses in the country with top rating primetime series like Ninging, My Dear Heart,
Halik, and episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya (of which she won 2016 PMPC Best New Female TV Personality). Ria also appeared in high grossing "Can We Still Be Friends", The Girl In the Orange Dress, The Hows of Us and Love or Money which most of which are under Star Cinema. She also is the face of popular beauty brand Beautederm and stalwart of several social advocacies including Voter Registration and join movements against false information on the internet which this series also tackles.

Ria says "I'm so glad to be back at work. I also feel good doing these locked in tapings because we can finish projects quite fast. I know that I'm safe together with my co-actors because we strictly follow protocols, we also get to spend time and bond during the filming of this project. Aside from that, this series has a very timely subject especially how social media has affected the lives of people. I am a staunch advocate of truth, lies are unacceptable. My character in the series does what I do in real life, how I have strong convictions against misinformation and fake news." which I always see whenever I see her posts on social media. 

Go watch how Ria will play Laura Dizon and follow her social accounts @RiaAtayde on Twitter, @Ria on IG, and Ria Atayde on Facebook to know more about this series. Again, this will start on November 15th, so you better be ready!

PLDT SME Nation Set to Hold #BeTheBoss 2016

I was there the last time they announced the winners last year and this time, PLDT SME Nation is doing it again in partnership with Rappler. They're trying to find a new set of entrepreneurs (who's already done it!) that utilize the digital space and change the game once again.

This year, they're looking for individuals that can fit the title Boss for E-Commerce (for innovative applications of online services), Boss for Social Media (for growing communities using social media), Boss for Social Responsibility (for those who give back to the community), and Boss for Innovative Solutions (for services and ideas that cater to a large audience). 

Last year's winners were Kim Lato (for Kimstore), top wedding videographer Jason Magbanua (my personal idol), Timefree Innovations' Chino Atilano, Messy Bessy founder Kristine Reyes, and MobKard's Carlo Calimon. They all received bussiness kits (worth thousands of pesos) plus the trip to Silicon Valley all paid for by SME Nation. 

"We want to empower micro, small and medium enterprises so they could grow their business so they too could look at young entrepreneurs who have proven they could do it!" says PLDT SME nation VP Mitch Locsin. You can nominate them online now at Rappler.com/betheboss .

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Support Manny Pacquiao Through Social Media!

I'll be watching the fight later with millions of Filipinos worldwide. If you haven't showed your support yet for our very own Manny Pacquiao on social media, GMA is going to make it easier for you as they've come out with these great images that you can use to support our boxing superhero. This is part of their #GoMAnny campaign of course!

You can use this one for your Twitter profile's header.

You can also use this other one for your FB header.

You can use this square one for your Facebook profile pictures and Instagram too!

If you're not convinced, then this video might teach you a thing or two in supporting Pacman!

Go change your profile photos now! Let's all get behind our Manny Pacquiao! Watch it live on GMA at 9:30AM.

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Twitter Tweet Up! Live More!

I was ecstatic when I saw a Twitter Tweet Up was happening in Manila. Let alone that the actual people from Twitter were going to be here. Thanks to the good people from Smart Communications Inc., Smart's Social Media Team and Smart Bro for hooking us up just to get to see them in the flesh. From developers, social media professionals, celebrities, power twitter users and bloggers, it was a nice occasion to see the faces behind the usernames.

They started to show a short clip about how Twitter started and how a small social networking and microblogging tool just became a part of our lives. Today, Twitter has around 200 million registered users who send over 400 million tweets daily. The Philippines is a powerhouse and we ain't called the selfie capital of the world if we weren't one of the biggest countries in terms of traffic. You know how powerful we are trending various topics from Mactan to Tirad Pass. Aside from that, the executives, developers and engineers from Twitter were there to have fun with the Pinoy Twitter public!

And of course, the Philippines know how to party! The simple tweet up that was meant for 30 people just ballooned into 200 in just a few hours! Imagine that!

They went ahead and entertained our questions later in the evening. They also gave away official Twitter goodies by asking Trivia questions to the audience. Thanks to founders Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass,Evan Williams and Biz Stone we now have a platform where to express our thoughts in cyberspace through 140 characters.

Shout out to our friends from Twitter @foshihzy @arvindergujral @dbedingfield @lsellier @timw @amishah, I hope you had a great time in Manila and wish you could do more of this TwitterTweetUps soon! Smart Bro promised there will be a next one - and I'm sure that will be even bigger! You can click this for more photos of the TwitterTweetUp in Manila.

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Blogopolis Into The Wild: Chuckie and Yen Dreyfus on Social Media Accounts Management

I've met Chuckie and Yen Dreyfus last month I think when Patti Austin was around. I thought we were going to Malaysia a few months back but ended up in different cities instead. I find these guys really nice; and this short talk they're having in blogopolis is all about managing social media accounts. 

Being consistent in the space is tops. Making sure the correct social media account is connected and merged with the same brand would give more integrity to the presence you are trying to make. They gave practical tips and said that the right way is not to concentrate too much on the number of followers, as he said you won't be able to interact and make that connection if you only look at those numbers. Quality over quantity, never sacrifice that if you plan to succeed. Be silly but be personal because sincerity matters. After all, "your social media accounts reflect who you are" he adds.

In a nutshell, they want you to inculcate a couple of things: Integration, consistency in content, honesty, being considerate, keeping the approach personal, put  importance of engagement with your audience and reciprocate if needed. 

Chuckie and Yen are good people and I think that part is pretty unquestionable. What they present in public is a reflection of who they are in real life. That's a pretty great thing to share with the online community.. I'm so glad i attended Blogopolis :) teehee!

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Exemplary Social Media Practices for Public Service

Social Media has become quite a tool for public and private entities. In the last US election alone, there have been remarkable scientific studies over influences, mentions and popularity verified and supported with analytics technology so one can see or even in a way predict the one to get the presidency. The technology as become quite advanced that they actually use listening tools and see a direct correlation with the outcome and they have not been able to see This goes the same with the use of social media with public and private services. Whilst private companies keep mum on most situations (to keep their name spotless), the public sector in the Philippines has quite efficiently made better use of it by harnessing these channels and making it more efficient to deliver news, personal views, opinions and updates all in real time.

Take JV Ejercito for example. When a fire broke out in San Juan City a couple of years ago (I think it was the one in N.Domingo), he directly appealed for what was needed and made sure everyone was informed of the situation. It was easy to ask for additional firetrucks, supplies and issue statements to media even if he was too busy working on it. He took time working with his team, assessing the situation and tell the people what they were up for. It was easier and he could tell right then and there what everyone had to do. He also got his posts cross posted on Facebook so whichever medium was being used by his constituents, they had first hand information from the Mayor himself. Yes, you might think it's a dangerous feat to have the person himself and not the assistant/secretary to do the responses but he made it a point to make engagements very personal. Wouldn't you want to know what your local government official is doing all these years in office perhaps? Exactly! His Klout score is high; and the social influence he gets off that is something to admire. Klout has its own way of computing for influence across different social media channels and if you continuously have high ratings on this alone, you know how your message runs across to other people vis-à-vis constituents.  

He's also an avid supporter of the FOI (Freedom of Information) bill and he has said his sentiments quite a lot. This includes how important it is to give the public more access to records of government transactions but still have it in line with constitutional guarantees of freedom for information. Now that is a necessity for every single one of us; of course including netizens. Our opinions matter; and if the laws of the land do not protect you or anyone in particular who publishes it here or online then what constitutional guarantee do we have at all? Understanding how the world works nowadays prove to be a little complicated for most of the old ones in the government (don't get me wrong but there are a lot of them right?) who only thinks of ineffective policies of the yesteryear's constitution. I wouldn't want to name names because you probably know who they are. Just like JV Ejercito, MMDA is doing one heck of a great job at this department.If you see anyone close to their interactions and efforts across the web, then it's probably worth to get to know them better.

We ought to choose those who only know how important and effective how social media is at this day and time. It's our generation, and we need it now more than ever. The Philippines deserve all the nice things it's been achieving; and I wouldn't want to see it go to waste because we'll just fall back again on deaf ears and not those who listen and take time to answer the people directly. If we harness this medium and have that efficiently be used for the greater good of the people, we'll have a better country; and a better version of ourselves in the long run. Wouldn't that be a cool Philippines?

IBM: Business Goes Social

Mr. Chris Haylock Asia Pacific Sales for IBM Messaging & Collaboration

Social? I must be dreaming when I heard that through IBM. I guess I was used to only hear server and management solutions with them that it's actually one of the last things I'd probably hear from them. Apparently I forgot that they actually do almost everything these days and true enough they've proven once again that the business model we usually are accustomed to is changing... and its changing so fast people have no choice but follow the social business management trail. IBM being a leader in the industry have solutions that cater to this and I must say; as a person who works in the same industry I was impressed to see what they can do on an enterprise level.

Chris Haylock,  of Asia Pacific Sales for IBM Messaging & Collaboration explained to us how these things were used to leverage getting ideas across platforms and the corporate structure. How important is it to actually get a wider scope of intelligence in the work place? Are ideas being well utilized in a better, wider scope? It's like crowd sourcing and the whole structure to support it in an enterprise level. I was beginning to think they have solutions for everything these days. I wouldn't be surprised why they have lead the industry all these years. Captcha for example was one of the things discussed. On how intelligence on a wider scale was utilized to digitize information. The error margin was smaller too because the sample was too large and chances are that when almost everyone interpreted it in a certain way, it must be the correct one. Social computing was not really too new for them to begin with because they internally even used it via their own intranet. It was like running a beta test of their own for years. 

Author of Documentation on Getting the Most Out of Your Communities with IBM Lotus Connections and Lotus Same time, Kevin O'Connor is the current Client Software Leader at IBM

Kevi O'Connel discussed how effective it is using the collective intelligence of people to enhance businesses. This particular model of business was like second nature to me and I too have been doing it for years via social media. Imagine a world without the need of external software, even make documents itself social, where most of the editing is done on browsers much like google docs or other free ones but is secured and well managed because of the structure of solutions they offer at IBM. It's like everything is in the cloud and everyone who's involved can have real time contribution to the piece. That in my books would be like a perfect world. Everything's going to be easier to resolve and the turnover time would be faster anytime, anywhere after that.

Lou Sassano, Business Unit Executive for Worldwide GB and Partner Sales was enthusiastically explaining how it works on a corporate structure.

Lou Sassano, Business Unit Executive for Worldwide GB and Partner Sales, Mr. Chris Haylock Asia Pacific Sales for IBM Messaging & Collaboration and Ferdinand Macatangay Channels Manager for IBM's Software Group

Simon Lee, Regional Executive for IBM's Portal and Social Solutions 

Social Media tools for organizational productivity and corporate culture change is unprecedented in most businesses but not with IBM. They know that it is important to spur growth at any facet of the corporate structure to maximize anyone's potential, more so if you are working in a global workforce model. IBM has continued to take Social Business model and Media seriously. To enable stakeholders and stay connected with clients on a whole different level is their idea of a smarter planet. I love their way of thinking and its quite amazing they are starting to share what they have internally to make things better for other corporations now.   

IBM Executives knows Social Business Solutions can make your business better. You know who to turn to now if you need to make your SME's or Enterprise level corporation world class. You simply cannot ignore the need for a social platform. It is happening!

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