As a concluding celebration for Women’s Month, YouTube will be holding a virtual gathering of inspiring Filipina content creators to celebrate their stories of breaking the bias online and beyond. The free public event will be streamed live on March 30, 2022, 8:00 PM via Google’s YouTube and Facebook pages, hosted by artist and television host Nikki Gil-Albert.
Explaining the wisdom behind the event’s local theme #AskHerFirst, Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario shares: “We believe that in order for us #BreakTheBias, one of the steps we have to take is to #AskHerFirst. Through this, we emphasize the value of asking women first–as a sign of respect and acknowledgment and to stop assumptions and preconceived notions. The simple habit of asking, rather than assuming, can lead more women to realizing their full potential and succeeding in what they choose to do.”
Staying true to its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, YouTube gathers a range of Filipina content creators from across walks of life who will tackle the different struggles women experience because of gender-based biases. They will also share how the recognition of women’s abilities and capabilities can help them succeed and make a difference in the community.
Joining the discussion are Maranao-Muslim digital creator and filmmaker Egypa Balindong; beauty vlogger and body positivity champion Helen On Fleek; entrepreneur, mentor, and PWD advocate Jozelle Tech; and work-from-home businesswoman and momfluencerRookie Mommy PH.
Catch “Breaking the bias online and beyond” on March 30, 2022, 8:00 PM via Google’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Join the conversation by using the hashtags #AskHerFirst #BreakTheBias.
That feeling of being cooped up. We all had it, and not one of us liked it. We were kinda deprived all this time; of the great outdoors, of the sun, of having the freedom to just step out and bask in the glow of friendships, family, the world!
After all, we remember how going out was just so easy. Bathe, pamper your skin with Silka, choose your OOTD, then your rampa-ready self- steps out to paint the town and soak up life!
Until… the pandemic. We had no choice but to press pause on our lives.
We’ve been stuck at home for so long. Meds and food runs were the only things allowed. School was virtual. WFH was the norm. Since we stayed in, we kinda let things go – correction, we let ourselves go, as we haven’t been feeling or looking our best. Haggard is a word that comes to mind – and woah, who wants that, right?
But now, things are looking up! The malls, the beaches, the schools and offices are open, the world is ready again for us! But! how ready will you be for the world?
Bagong Araw, Bagong Awra! Whip out your Silka Papaya Lotion and be Awra ready, Girls!
Step up, step out! Silka, the makers of the #1 beauty soap in the Philippines, has just the thing for you, as it’s your time to awra! With Silka Papaya Lotion achieve na achieve ang best self mo, and success is just your thing!
They say confidence starts when you’re comfortable in your own skin, but we also say, confidence is indeed skin deep with Silka Papaya Lotion with Papaya Enzyme and Nutriblend complex with 5 Vitamins (Vitamin B3/Niacinamide,Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C and Vitamin E) that keeps our skin healthy. It also lightens, moisturizes and protects your skin from the sun with SPF-6. Thanks to its Vita-absorb technology, it’s not sticky at all on your skin, and in this tropical country, that’s a big plus!
And feel free to love that delicate fruity Papaya scent! Use it regularly and find yourself getting fairer, smoother, with healthier-looking skin. But most of all, splurge without straining your pockets, as it’s so affordable!
There’s a Silka Papaya lotion to fit your vibe and style! Always on the run or on the go – then reach out for the 10mL and 50mL options at 7 Pesos and 35 Pesos SRP. The 100mL for 60 Pesos or 200mL for 107 Pesos SRP, definitely a keeper, always ready! While there’s just more of SILKA PAPAYA LOTION to love with the 300mL option at 148 Pesos and 500mL option at 215 Pesos SRP – sure to last you longer.
Silka has been providing affordable yet highly effective skincare products since 2001. Lighter and smoother skin naturally. Silka harnesses its over 20 years of experience to bring you another quality product at the best price for you!
Silka Papaya Lotion: your bestie in this new era of awra! As the world opens itself again, feel your best, look your best and be rampa ready for it because success is waiting! It’s time – nothing can stop you!
After almost two years, Bridgertonis back for another season! A period drama that was compared to Gossip Girl, the Shondaland and Chris Van Dusen series took the world by storm with its storyline and steamy scenes. Set in the 19th century, Julia Quinn’s series is a collection of eight novels based on the eight Bridgerton children. The first season was based on Daphne and the Duke of Hastings, but it will be all about Lord Anthony for the second season.
Watch the official trailer of Bridgerton Season 2 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYNCws-a6CQ
In a roundtable interview with select press from the Philippines, we had a chat with Jonathan Bailey who reprises his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley, and Charithra Chandran who plays the new characters, Kate Sharma and Edwina Sharma. They talk about the lessons viewers can learn from their characters, what it was like wearing costumes, and if they got to keep anything from the show. Read the interview below:
For Simone and Charithra, what was it like joining the cast? For Jonathan, what was it like slipping back into the role and welcoming new cast members?
Simone Ashley: Oh gosh, it was so exciting. It happened to me really quickly so I didn’t really have a second to fully process it. I remember my first week of filming, we were all together filming a scene at the races and it was the perfect way to kickstart it all. The scenes we were playing with were just a lot of fun, I just came out of my shell and get to know everyone. They were super welcoming and warm, I wouldn’t have asked for a better start.
Charithra Chandran: It’s such a big show and it can be a bit intimidating at first but everyone was so welcoming. Even though there are hundreds of people on set, it feels actually really intimate on a day-to-day basis. It feels quite close and familial — so easy to get comfortable.
Jonathan Bailey: I was really looking forward to it. I think we were all excited to come back through the pandemic and also celebrate the show and what we had to experience when it came out the first time around.
What’s your favorite part in shooting Bridgerton season 2?
Simone Ashley: I love the days when we’re all together. So if we’re filming the balls or a certain scene where everyone’s in. I think we just have such a laugh and the best time. I think that’s a massive factor to this job in general, just all of us getting on and making the most of this.
Jonathan Bailey: And those ball days feel like Bridgerton at its absolute best. Not only for the viewers to watch it but it’s where all the departments are on set and everyone’s presence is huge.
Charithra Chandran: Everything is at its peak, isn’t it? The design, the costumes. Everyone’s there!
Simone Ashley: We always anticipate that week.
Jonathan Bailey: Yeah, they take a long time and they require a lot of stamina. It’s obviously brilliant to be involved in this production, but mainly you get to see the best people at the top of their game.
Lord Anthony and Kate’s chemistry is palpable in the show. How do you think that translated well on the screen?
Jonathan Bailey: I think the chemistry between Kate and Anthony is something that everyone has loved so much in the books. It’s so important for the romance genre, for the chemistry to be the underlying thing that carries these amazing love and sweeping stories. But I think what’s really interesting about these two characters is that they have so much to overcome. It’s the enemies to lovers trope which is tried and tested. It’s fascinating to me because it’s entrenched in something psychological, and the enemies to lovers show that there’s a big journey.
And so I think we were both equally matched in our enthusiasm for telling a story that is about yearning, it’s about withholding, and it’s complicated. The moment we met, it was a click. It’s also a testament to the show and the creative values that they can edit and elevate, and performance is only part of it. Every department is working at its absolute maximum to ensure the chemistry comes through. I’m glad you could sense the sizzle.
What do you think that people say this story of Anthony is the best of the series?
Jonathan Bailey: Obviously, I completely agree. I read the Viscount Who Loved Me before accepting the role and I always knew that this book was going to come second, much like in the same way that it does in the literary canon. I think Anthony has experienced a lot and that’s probably a reason why I’m drawn to him. What’s brilliant about Simone is that I think we would fight tooth and nail to prove that we are the biggest fans of Kate and Anthony, more than anyone who’s read the book. You feel really protected with the character and especially the characters that are so well loved. But you have to bring your own part, your own element to it, and hope that it also inspires in the same way the books did.
What are your thoughts on the Queen’s standard when choosing the season’s Diamond? Should women, in the Bridgerton set up, seek this much approval from her?
Charithra Chandran: I think the standards are kind of unattainable and ever-changing which is sort of the point of the Diamond. Perfection is expected yet perfection isn’t actually set or explicitly stated. And then the risk of that is that any woman can be tainted so easily by lies or by preferences. Certainly, the way the Queen uses these kind of expectations function in society can be a way to yield power over young women, by expecting us to uphold the standards whatever they may be. I think it’s controlling and it’s difficult for young women to find their independence and uniqueness within that. So I say, set your own standards and follow that.
Jonathan Bailey: And also with your performance. Because the arc of Edwina is so striking that is also another element of representation — seeing a female story within a world where gender roles are so specific and the outward affirmation is what drives all the young women to see Charitra’s character take agency, hopefully, will inspire as well.
What is the greatest lesson people could learn from your character?
Charithra Chandran: With Edwina, self-love is arguably the most important love. Often when you’re a woman, specifically a woman of color, your life can be determined a lot by obligation and sacrifice. And it takes a lot of courage to step out and choose yourself. So, choosing yourself takes courage — I’d say that’s the biggest lesson.
Simone Ashley: Follow your heart. Go and get your love. I think that was something Kate was afraid to do and do something for herself.
Simone Ashley: Wearing the costume was incredible. Just absolutely amazing color, design, the hand tailoring, everything!
Charithra Chandran: And it never gets old. You’d think after eight months, you wouldn’t be amazed by these dresses and then each time they smash it and keep raising the bar. So we’re very lucky. And they’re all couture so they’re all handmade perfectly for our measurements!
Jonathan Bailey: The character progression is also expertly reflected in design choices. We were filming in the pandemic and the supply change completely disintegrated, so it puts so much pressure on the costume department. And yet, they were so resourceful and they managed to get materials all over the world.
Charithra Chandran: All the jewelry is handmade for use. Some of the lace is from a specific mill in France and they create the design and get it done. It’s craftsmanship across the world that’s utilized for the show.
Speaking about wardrobe, did you get to keep anything from the show?
Simone Ashley: I’m gonna be really honest. Netflix kindly provided a taco truck on our last week and I think I had eight beef tacos. And then I had to do a scene where Kate is running around, panicking. Great time though!
Jonathan Bailey: I nearly got a plinth. All of the plinths were sculpted and there was one that was a sort of bust and there was a moment where I was like “I’m about to take it” but it’s quite a hard thing to sneak into. But I got given the watch. I felt connected with Anthony but there was just the gorgeous detail of the watch and I got it in a box.
Charithra Chandran: I did not take anything. Not because I didn’t want to or I have a thing against taking it but I was too afraid of getting caught. So if I knew I would get away with it, I 100% would have taken many things. But there are a few things that I hope I can ask for once the show comes out.
One of the tools that could make a story engaging and unforgettable is a good mystery entwined with surprising plot twists. This is why the mystery genre continues to thrive, because we can’t deny that ecstatic feeling of joining a detective in solving a compelling case, being presented with clues, and getting that “Aha!” moment once the truth comes to light.
Of course, this applies mostly to shows, films, and books. Meanwhile, video games could make the feeling even more enjoyable because it really puts you in the shoes of the character and it’s really up to you if you could solve the mystery! If you want to play such games where you get to solve cases, here are some titles you better check out!
Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
From Rockstar Games, the creator of the Grand Theft Auto series, comes this crime thriller with breathtaking action on top of its interactive detective story. Set during Hollywood’s post-war Golden Age, LA Noire makes you assume the role of LAPD detective Cole Phelps, solve a string of arson attacks, brutal murders, conspiracies, and a secret that could shake the corrupted city at its core.
Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, and iOS
TellTale Games’ The Wolf Among Us is a graphic mystery adventure set in Fabletown, where fairy tales and the real world converge. You play as Bigby Wolf, formerly known as the Big Bad Wolf, who is tasked to keep his fellow Fables– magical creatures disguised as humans–in check. When the unstable peace in Fabletown is further disturbed by a murder, Bigby must find out the truth before it’s too late. Like TellTale’s other titles such as The Walking Dead series, this game is packed with choices that will affect how your story progresses.
Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS
The first Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney game was released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance and has become available on multiple platforms since its HD remake. In this trilogy, you set off as the rookie attorney Phoenix Wright who must defend your clients from all sorts of accusations. As Wright, you must investigate the crime scenes, gather evidence, and take them to court where you’ll have to bring out the truth from the witnesses by pointing out contradictions in their testimonies and presenting proof of their lies. Despite the court setting, the game is lighthearted with really entertaining dialogues and stories.
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles serves as a prequel to the original franchise, where players will follow the story of Wright’s ancestor Ryunosuke Naruhodo. The gameplay formula also follows the main series, but what makes this duology refreshing is that it is set in Victorian-era Japan and Britain. Joining the rookie attorney Ryunosuke in his mission to uphold justice are an ensemble of colorful characters including the English consulting detective Herlock Sholmes.
Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Stadia, and Nintendo Switch
This detective RPG title is designed like an open-world game that gives you a lot of choices and paths to follow. In fact, in this game, you could end up as an honorable detective or take bribes and get rich. Shape your character with 24 wildly different skills, a wide selection of tools, psychoactive substances, and more! Aside from a massive murder case, you can also navigate Disco Elysium’s world and solve side-cases during breaks.
Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
This first-person mystery game offers unique visuals with its minimalist pixel graphics. In 1802, the merchant ship went missing at sea. Five years later, it appears at Falmouth with damaged sails and no visible crew. As an insurance investigator, your mission is to travel to Falmouth, find a way into the ship, and assess the damages. Of course, you might as well discover what really happened to the ship after all these years.
Discworld Noir
Discworld Noir has been around since 1999 and it remains worthy of a playthrough for players dedicated to the genre, that is if they’re able to secure a copy. Based on Terry Pratchett’s satirical Discworld universe in the comics, this game follows Discworld’s only private investigator as a mysterious murder drags him into a sinister plot involving the deadly occult in the city.
Here’s a whimsical detective game with an estimated 1-hour playthrough for your quick sleuthing satisfaction. Play as the Frog Detective in this sequel where you must find out ‘whodunnit’ when the town’s welcoming celebration for a mysterious invisible wizard ends tragically.
Gemini Rue tells the sci-fi story of two characters whose fates are meant to converge and affect the whole galaxy. Azriel Odin is a former assassin who arrives on the rain-drenched planet of Barracus and must seek the help of the criminals he used to work for. Meanwhile, from across the galaxy, a man called Delta-Six wakes up on a hospital bed with no memory. The two would soon discover a world where life is cheap and identities are bought and sold like consumable products.
Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
The detective genre may not be as impressive as it is without Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. While the character has been into many video games, one of the recent titles that players would appreciate is Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. Become the consulting detective and solve six compelling cases involving murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts, and more!
The past few years have highlighted the importance of our connection with friends and loved ones; they have made our lives so much brighter and easier. Mints brand Tic Tac gives us a unique and special way to send love and good vibes to our lives with its newest campaign “Good MoMints with Tic Tac Gentle Vibes,” which was launched via a fun online event last Saturday, March 19.
Tic Tac Gentle Vibes
The Tic Tac Gentle Vibes livestream event was hosted by Sarah Carlos and featured singer-actress Julie Anne SanJose, actor-director Fifth Solomon, and YouTuber Joselle Alandy.
“The real goal of the campaign is to help us connect with our loved ones, especially at this time of the pandemic. Nakakakilig naman kasi talaga when we receive unexpected gifts from our loved ones, or even words of affirmation that we’re doing great and we’re appreciated. Di ba, it’s one of the five love languages!” Sarah said.
The guests demonstrated how connecting with friends and loved ones can make life gentler and happier while playing games with each other. Julie, Fifth, and Joselle participated in the Summer Vibes Challenge with Tic Tac Gentle Vibes, where they were asked to guess items commonly associated with summer beach essentials such as buko juice, swimsuit, sunglasses, beach volleyball, and Tic Tac Fresh Mints.
In the “Guess the MoMints” game, the guests, together with host Sarah, guessed gentle messages from Tic Tac as one player mouths it out with his or her microphone off. The Tic Tac Gentle Messages such as “There’s always a positive side”, “You are my hero”, “The best moments are with you” and even the playful pun “You are always in my mint” prove that simple words of affirmation and love can mean the world to those we send it to.
“Natouch ako dun,” Fifth quipped.
“I think this campaign is really perfect kasi yun talaga yung kailangan natin ngayon, to basically just spend good vibes to everyone no matter how challenging yung mga pinagdadaanan natin,” Julie Anne said.
She added, “Marami tayong mga happenings na out of our control. But we do have control over how we see things and kung paano natin idedeal yung mga bagay na yun and how to take it possible.”
How to Join the Tic Tac Promo
You too can send personalized Gentle Vibes messages using the Tic Tac Gentle Messenger—and win amazing prizes from doing so!
Tic Tac is giving away four 3 days-2 nights all-inclusive trip for two to El Nido, Palawan, each worth 85,000 PHP (2 winners per 4-week period), as well as eight (1 weekly winner) Apple iPhone 13 units, and 320 (40 winners per week) 1000 PHP Shopee vouchers every week from March 1 to April 24, 2022.
To join, purchase Tic Tac Orange or Tic Tac Mint Flavored GV Packs. Visit Tictac.com and send gentle vibes through the Tic Tac Gentle Messenger, where you can compose #TTGV messages and create cute, personalized animation of Tic Tac mints.
Send your Gentle Vibes messages to your loved ones and friends. Complete your entry by typing in your personal details and the unique code that can be found in your Tic Tac GV Packs.
Post your Gentle Messenger messages on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #TTGV to make your loved ones’ day even more special.
After a long day, all you really need is a good night’s sleep! It improves the overall wellbeing of anyone — physically, emotionally, and mentally. And we all know how important that is these days. Whether you turn off the light and bid your phone goodbye for the night, or start counting sheep, there are ways to achieve a well-rested evening. You wouldn’t even need your trusty melatonin for this! Below, we list down products that will make you sleep faster, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up feeling you can conquer anything.
Weighted Blanket
Always feel snug and cozy when you get your much-needed rest at night. Weighted blankets are said to be an amazing tool if you experience insomnia due to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. This specific weighted blanket has a bamboo cover to keep you cool throughout the night.
There are a bunch of meditation apps out there so you have to look for the one that suits your lifestyle. If you experience a racing mind especially in the evening, giving meditation a try is the way to go!
Download Calm (iOS | Android).
Warm Eye Patch
You will wish you found out about this sooner. This warm eye patch is like a steam bath for the eyes and helps with releasing tension and soothing the mind. It has a comfortable 40°C steam heat that will relieve digital eye strain.
Not only do essential oils smell great, but it also reduces stress, help you sleep, and actually treat some infections! These oils are extracted from plans and are great for medicinal and recreational use. There are a bunch of essential oils available so choosing the best one for you wouldn’t be too difficult.
If you finally got yourself a handful of essential oils, the next best thing to get is a trusty diffuser. You’ll immediately smell the calming benefits of your oils, and you’ll overall be relaxed. Whether you’re getting your afternoon nap or retiring for the night, you’ll have your much-needed sleep right away!
When looking for the best sleepwear, choose from silk or cotton. They’re lightweight and breathable, will keep you comfy, and will not interrupt your sleep.
If you get easily waken up by even a tiny bit of light, get your hands on some blackout curtains especially if you live beside tall and bright buildings.
Invest in a good quality memory foam pillow and your spine will thank you later. Studies say that using an orthopedic pillow will help you sleep better by making sure there’s an optimal curve in your spine.
[NOTE: Prices are subject to change without prior notice]
Our shopping guides and recommendations are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. We may earn a small commission from the product links if you decide to shop from them, at no cost to you. ClickTheCity does not accept money for editorial features.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines in cooperation with Southern Lantern Studios and Daluyong Studios, presents a short feature documentary on the backstage work of the Center’s Theater Crew on March 30, 2022 at 3:00PM at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).
Billed as “Backstage Pass: Life Behind the Curtains”, the 30-minute feature documentary directed by award-winning indie filmmaker Joseph Mangat covers the back-of-house activities of the CCP Theater Crew in lights, fly, and stage areas. Featured crew members likewise share their unique backstage stories in the film.
Since the CCP raised its curtains on September 8, 1969, various local, regional, and international productions, events, activities in dance, music, theater, visual arts, film, television, radio, and literature were staged in its hallowed halls. People from all walks of life have set foot in this iconic structure to include Presidents, High Ranking Officials, and Royalties. Artists of local and international caliber have performed and have graced performances, events, launches, screenings, exhibits in the main performance spaces, exhibition spaces, and screening rooms.
The pandemic caused booked and scheduled performances from March 16, 2020 up to October 2021 to postpone, cancel or reschedule; bringing theater activities to a halt. It displaced a significant number of artists, theater workers/technicians, carpenters, painters, seamstresses and several other skilled craftsmen.
With the imposed dark theater lull extended indefinitely, the theater crew were re-assigned to an intensive maintenance program; with some, doing research and skills development, as well as design and fabrication of a few work implements.
The situation lent itself for capturing life happening behind the curtains in a short film documentary. The feature pays tribute to the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the curtains, people who create a seamless event spectacle, unseen by the audience, garbed in standard-issue black, weaving their way through huge sets and high voltage dimmers, as well as grids and catwalks in dizzying heights.
For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) or follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Xiaomi today announced the launch of the all-new flagship Xiaomi 12 Series for the Philippine market – the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.
Designed to empower users around the world with a cutting-edge videography studio and entertainment powerhouse, Xiaomi 12 Series delivers impressive advancements in Xiaomi’s AI algorithm, flagship processing power, and an all-round elevated experience.
Market Availability
Xiaomi 12 Pro 12+256GB will retail at PHP 48,999 and Xiaomi 12 8+256GB will available for PHP 39,999 as early as March 24.
Those who pre-order in Xiaomi’s official online and authorized retail stores from March 24 to April 1 can also score amazing deals. Xiaomi 12 Pro 12+256GB buyers will be getting a free Mi TV P1 43” while those who purchase a Xiaomi 12 8+256GB will receive a free Mi TV P1 32”. Freebies are subject to stock availability.
Also launched with the Xiaomi 12 Series are the new Xiaomi Watch S1 and Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, Xiaomi Buds 3 and 3T Pro, and the Xiaomi Handheld Vacuum G11, which will come with their own deals and freebies from March 24 to 25 on Shopee and March 27 to 28 on Lazada.
The Xiaomi Watch S1 will be available at an early bird price of PHP 9,999 from its SRP of PHP 10,999 and will come with a free Mi Body Composition Scale 2 worth PHP 1,499 while you can get the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active at a discounted price of PHP 7,499 and will come with a free Xiaomi Sports Fanny Pack.
The Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro will be selling for only PHP 5,999 from its original price of PHP 6,999, while the Xiaomi Buds 3 will also be available for a discounted price from PHP 4,999 to PHP 3,999. Both will also come with a free Xiaomi Sports Fanny Pack.
Lastly, the Xiaomi Handheld Vacuum G11 will also be on sale for only PHP 15,999 from its SRP of PHP 17,999.
Capture cinematic shots at any time
Xiaomi 12 Series enables users to record studio-quality shots no matter the scenario, be it challenging lighting conditions or moving objects. Both phones boast a pro-grade triple camera array for versatile shooting, starring a massive 50MP main wide angle camera, with 8K recording capabilities on both Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.
Xiaomi 12 Pro stands out with its state-of-the-art triple 50MP array, which features a cutting-edge Sony IMX707 ultra-large main sensor. This sensor is capable of catching large amounts of light and empowers advanced imaging capabilities with faster focus speeds and increased color accuracy. Xiaomi 12 features a 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, along with a 5MP telemacro camera, for filming life from different perspectives.
Beyond impressive hardware, Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also advance Xiaomi’s proprietary AI algorithms. These innovations make it easier than ever for users to record every moment the way they want to, even in low-light or moving subjects. Xiaomi ProFocus intelligently identifies and tracks objects, preventing blurring or out-of-focus shots of moving or veiled subjects. These advancements also include eye and face auto focus capabilities. Ultra Night Video uses Xiaomi’s proprietary algorithms to record video even under extreme low-light, meaning moody, atmospheric shots are clearer than ever.
Available on both devices, One-click AI Cinema offers numerous creative options for show-stopping video editing, such as Parallel World, Freeze Frame Video, and Magic Zoom modes.
Flagship processing, unprecedented performance and power-efficiency
Flagship experience requires flagship performance. Xiaomi 12 Series features advanced Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM mobile platforms. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 boast a Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor – Qualcomm’s most advanced mobile platform. Built on a 4nm process, this processor also boosts GPU graphic rendering capabilities by 30% and energy efficiency by 25% when compared to the previous generation1. Both devices come with UFS 3.1 exceptional loading and data transfer speeds, along with LPDDR5 RAM for memory speeds up to 6,400Mbps.
For optimal product experience, Xiaomi 12 Series packs high-performing cooling systems, bolstered by a super-large vapor chamber and multiple layers of graphite to offer a leading-cooling capability.
All-around elevated entertainment experiences
Xiaomi 12 Series not only lets users capture every moment in exquisite detail, but also allows them to relive those moments in astonishing detail via an exceptional entertainment experience.
All devices offer vivid viewing on an AMOLED Dot Display rated A+ by DisplayMate, and with TrueColor support. For added peace of mind, the display features scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, and supports Dolby Vision®, industry’s leading imaging technology that brings your content to life with vibrant color and details. Xiaomi 12 Series also supports HDR 10+. Xiaomi 12 Pro is SGS Eye Care Display Certified, showing care for users’ long-term visual health during marathon sessions.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12 Pro redefines flagship display with incredibly smooth viewing, scrolling, swiping, and sliding. The device’s highly power-efficient 6.73-inch WQHD+ display leverages AdaptiveSync Pro to intelligently adjust dynamic LTPO display between 1Hz and 120Hz based on content.
Xiaomi 12 delivers Xiaomi’s most colorful smartphone display to date, with more than 68 billion colors on 6.28-inch full-HD+ displays. Both feature 120Hz AdaptiveSync, for an impressively high-definition, vibrant, and flicker-free display that conveys every detail.
No cinematic experience is truly complete without pro-grade audio. Xiaomi 12 Series features SOUND BY Harmon Kardon, and creates an immersive audio experience powered by Dolby Atmos®, delivering spatial sound with rich detail, clarity, and realism across all your favorite entertainment. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s quad speakers – in the form of two tweeters and two woofers – deliver clear details and cover an astounding range of sound, while Xiaomi 12 delivers balanced stereo sound ideal for immersive gaming or video.
To optimize core user experience further, Xiaomi 12 Series incorporates MIUI 13, released globally earlier this year. The update includes faster storage, higher background process efficiency, smarter processing, and longer battery life. New features in the upgraded experience include Xiaomi’s proprietary Liquid Storage, Atomized Memory, Focused Algorithms, and Smart Balance.
Next-generation charging
To ensure Xiaomi 12 Series delivers pro-grade cinematic and entertainment experiences all day, the devices deliver next-level charging speed and safety.
Xiaomi 12 Pro features the incredibly fast 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge. With a 4,600mAh battery fully charged in just 18 minutes using Boost mode, Xiaomi 12 Pro delivers next-generation charging capabilities that keep up with user demands2.
Xiaomi 12 fits 4,500mAh batteries into compact body designs. Both devices support 67W wired turbo charging for speedy power-up. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also support 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging.
Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 both leverage Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge, a smart charging algorithm that learns and adapts to charging habits, which prolongs battery life.
Flagship capabilities packaged in an iconic design
These portable pocket-sized studios fit comfortably in the palm of your hand thanks to Xiaomi 12 Series’ iconic and user-centered design. Slimmer high-capacity batteries and a narrower ridge gap save precious space within the device. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s 6.73-inch display is encased in a sleek middle frame with sophisticated 3D curves. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12’s 6.28-inch display measures just 69.9mm in width and is accented by smooth curves for a perfect fit3. Both devices are available in Gray, Purple, and Blue.
This March, HBO Asia is bringing us a new anthology thriller from Taiwan titled Twisted Strings which also delivers satirical takes on selfishness, greed, and ignorance.
Executive-produced by renowned filmmaker Hou Hsiao-Hsien, with the writing and direction of Huang Xi, Twisted Strings also has an award-winning cast ensemble which includes Lee Kang-sheng, Nikki Hsieh, Yo Yang, Yao Yi-Ti, and Sylvia Chang to name a few!
Check out the trailer and synopsis for the series below:
Twisted Strings follows a series of bizarre deaths happening in Taiping City. Against an eerie atmosphere, Wu Yuenu witnesses the deaths of people around her. A funeral, a missing body, a dangerous game, a kidnapping; real and unreal, these incidents are woven in Yuenu’s memories, converging in the mysterious Sailing Castle.
The name of the series is inspired by a popular Taiwanese nursery rhyme, which contains lyrics that tell the story of a monkey’s life over seven days. Each episode is loosely based on a line from the song.
Before the series premieres on WarnerMedia’s HBO and HBO GO this March 27, we got to virtually sit with its star Lee Kang-sheng for a roundtable interview where the actor talked about his experience working on this thriller. Below are the highlights of the interview:
Lee Kang-sheng on joining the project
Lee Kang-sheng has been known for starring in films such as Stray Dogs, Goodbye Dragon Inn, Rebels of the Neon God, and The Hole. “In the past, all of my movies are mostly very artsy,” said Kang-sheng. “In this TV series, hopefully, the Asian audience would get to see a different style of my performance. And because this series’ genre is a bit like dark humor, I think it would be very refreshing for the rest of the Asian audience.”
The movie star also shared how the script for the series convinced him to join the project. “When I received the full script from the director, I was immediately drawn to it. Typically, reading the full script would take up to two or three days, it only took me one day to finish reading the script.”
Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia
For Kang-sheng, the series stands out because of its appealing storyline, and the fact that it gathers an exciting ensemble of stars. “I think this is very appealing to me because of the storyline. I think the storyline gets kind of complicated and there are many actors involved in this production, about twenty-plus actors. That attracted me and pulled me to want to be part of it. I think this is a very fresh and unique production, and I’m very excited to be part of it.”
The parallel worlds of Taiping City
The setting of Twisted Strings is in a fictional city called Taiping, where bizarre things occur. The show opens with a curious-looking marionette monkey walking around its streets and observing the different stories that unfold in the series. According to Kang-sheng, the viewers must look closely to fully understand the show’s unique storyline.
“You need to watch it in detail and be very focused as you’re watching it,” said the actor. “Because many actors play more than one role. Sometimes you might be confused about who is playing who, because the story is happening in a parallel universe. It’s all happening in the same town, so you need to focus and make sure that you don’t miss out on any episode or it will be very hard for you to follow the storyline.”
Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia
Tipping toes around taboo themes
With the series revolving around Chinese traditional funeral customs, Kang-sheng also shared that the cast had to be careful about the taboos surrounding such a topic.
“Before [shooting], we would brief about the code of conduct. How to conduct ourselves as we enter into all these different places. The actors were briefed by a religious consultant to [point out] what are the taboos. For example, we cannot make a lot of noises as we enter into the funeral setting. And then before and after we enter the scenes, we also need to cleanse our bodies. Even after we return home, the religious consultant will give us a [talisman] for us to burn to make sure that the evil spirits do not follow us back.” Kang-sheng explained.
“Therefore, all the actors at the scene, we are very respectful, we conduct ourselves properly, solemnly, and carefully following all the rules. Every day, as we are shooting the scenes, we are on the tips of our toes to make sure that we didn’t cross any taboo,” the actor added.
Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia
Asked if there was anything creepy that actually took place during filming, he pointed out an instance when crew members of the production felt weak during their shoot.
“Personally, my day of birth in Chinese belief, I have a very positive charge– very Yang. My Yang is very strong, therefore, I don’t think I will encounter all these spiritual attacks. But I noticed that during the production, some crew members, they are not as strong as me. They are a bit weak or in Chinese interpretation, their Ying is higher. What I noticed is that the next day, the crew members did not come for work because they encountered a spiritual attack and they need to excuse themselves from work the next day,” shared the actor.
Why watch ‘Twisted Strings’?
For Lee Kang-sheng, watching a TV show should be relaxing and entertaining instead of getting too serious about things. He also cites two things that viewers can look out for when the series finally drops.
“As you watch this series, in one way you get to observe Taiwanese culture and how they conduct certain rituals. Another way you can enjoy this is how the director, being very professional and serious about the script, [has] a very unique way of handling this kind of topic. It’s supposed to be a thriller mystery because the show is really out of the ordinary, out of the box, and there’s a lot of room for imagination. So if you watch this, I would just advice you to relax, chill, and get entertained instead of perceiving it too seriously,” explained the actor.
Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia
Twisted Strings premieres with its first two episodes this March 27. You can watch the anthology series on TV via HBO, or via online streaming on HBO GO. Subscribe to www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as P99.70 per month.
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