Catriona Gray and other celebrities share their all-time favorite Netflix films and TV shows

 With accessibility to online content and streaming platforms, it comes as no surprise that there is more interest when it comes to exploring and discovering content online. This also proves to be true when finding good films and shows to watch on a digital streaming platform like Netflix.

 

#TeamGalaxy ambassadors are just some of those who have relied on Netflix to stay updated with the latest movies and TV shows. They use the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, which comes with superior sound quality and other exciting features, to make streaming on their Galaxy smartphone or tablet more immersive. 

 

Catriona Gray, Richard Juan, Alyssa and Gabriella Gibbs, Bea Benedicto, and Jason Magbanua share their all-time favorite Netflix films and TV shows:

 

Catriona Gray

More often than not, me-time for Catriona means binge-watching on her Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G paired with her Galaxy Buds Pro. She finds inspiration in documentaries of musical artists. Lady Gaga’s Gaga: Five Foot Two, Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana, and Beyoncé’s Homecoming are some of her recent favorites. 

 

“I love seeing how their artistic vision comes alive through their music, and what life events inspired their craft,” Catriona said. 

 

As for shows, Catriona gravitates towards feel-good titles like Queer Eye. “I love the heart of this show and I’ve laughed and cried multiple times watching it,” she added. She has also seen New Girl multiple times and she watches the show to unwind after a long day. 

 

Catriona makes sure to binge-watch her favorite Netflix shows with immersive sound using the Galaxy Buds Pro. The earbuds feature studio-quality audio for a cinematic movie experience when watching on her Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.

 

Alyssa and Gabriella Gibbs

The Gibbs sisters surely love Netflix as they use the platform every day. The sisters enjoy watching movies and TV shows that have a good story and are artfully made. The shows they binge contain "a mix of our love for art, music, and fashion.”

 

Some of their top series include Call My Agent, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Blown Away, The Queen’s Gambit, Lupin, Pose, Glow, and Abstract: The Art of Design. They count Brooklyn Nine-Nine and New Girl as shows they’ve seen multiple times. They’ve also seen some K-dramas and TV shows like Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class, and Kingdom.

 

For movies, they have varying tastes: Alyssa likes fantasy and sci-fi titles while Gabriella enjoys romantic comedies. Some of their favorite movies on Netflix are Moxie, I Care a Lot, Malcolm and Marie, Made You Look, and Prom.

 

Despite their diverse taste in films, Alyssa and Gabriella both agree that it’s important to have a device that brings a sense of realism to the viewer. They are happy that the Galaxy Buds Pro has a 360 Audio feature which makes watching more engaging and immersive for them.  

 

Richard Juan

Richard is the go-to guy for everything K-drama. His all-time favorite is It's Okay to Not Be Okay. 

 

“It never gets old. It helped me cope during the pandemic and it’s nice that it also inspired and gave hope to everyone.” Other favorites include Start-Up, My Love From the Star, Crash Landing on You, and Record of Youth.

 

Because of his love for K-dramas, Richard shares that he’s thankful that the Galaxy Buds Pro comes with an intelligent Active Noise Cancellation which filters up to 99% of background noise so he can focus on watching without interruptions.

 

Bea Benedicto

The TV and events host describes herself as a big horror and thriller fan. She’s binged The Haunting of Hill House and says she can watch it 50 more times since “it’s just so good!” Thriller movies like Bird Box and In the Tall Grass made her heart race.

 

She enjoys the anime selection on Netflix, sharing Attack on Titan, Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba as some of her recent picks.

 

Bea is also a fan of movies and TV shows that give her good vibes and kilig. Some of her favorite movies are Kimi no Na wa or Your Name, Bridesmaids, and Bridget Jones’s Diary. For TV series, she enjoys Jane the Virgin and K-dramas like Love Alarm, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.

 

If she could name one Netflix title that has inspired her as an individual, it would be RuPaul’s Drag Race. 

 

“No show has inspired me to be more creative and political. It’s not just a reality show about drag. It’s a movement, a beacon of hope,” Bea mentioned. 

 

Bea loves to binge-watch movies throughout the day. She says that the Galaxy Buds Pro has a long-lasting battery life which can keep up with her daily marathons day and night.

 

Jason Magbanua

The wedding videographer is a huge fan of blockbusters, comic book adaptations, and heist and spy thrillers. Jason says that he can't not watch the Ocean's trilogy. 

 

“The movies aged so well and the star power still cannot be beaten. What an amazing ensemble!”

 

His passion for action-packed titles extends to other favorites, such as Lupin, The White Tiger, and the series Homeland. Another top watch is Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. 

 

As one of the country’s top creatives, Jason also enjoys beautifully-made and design-oriented titles. An example would be The Queen’s Gambit, whose cinematography and production design left him in awe. Another is Abstract: The Art of Design. “It truly is an inspiring watch for people in the creative field,” Jason shared. 

 

When using his Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Jason notes that nothing beats an immersive, cinematic movie experience. The Galaxy Buds Pro’s 360 Audio feature lets Jason immerse himself with cinematic sound, especially for action-packed blockbuster hits.

 

Enjoy the immersive sound and watch films with incredible realism with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. Customers can enjoy 10% off on this device when they purchase any participating Galaxy S, Note, Z, or Fold series smartphone until April 30, 2021^[1]. 

 

The Galaxy Buds Pro is priced at PHP 9,990 SRP and comes in stunning Phantom Black, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Silver. 

 

 

For more information about the Galaxy Buds Pro, visit samsung.com/ph.

Keep cool and beat the heat with this yummy chocolate drink

There’s no better time to whip up your favorite choco treats than this summer. Beat the heat with this easy-peasy chocolate banana smoothie. It’s made more special with the rich chocolate goodness of Swiss Miss.

Nothing beats mixing chocolate and bananas.  So, why not make a glass for everyone in the family today

 

Ingredients:

1 banana

1 pack Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate

Ice cubes 

¾ cup evaporated milk

Whipped cream/sprinkles (optional)

 

Instructions:

1.     Using a blender, mix in banana, Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate, ice cubes and evaporated milk.

2.     Blend until all the ingredients are smooth.

3.     Pour into a glass and top it off with whipped cream and/or sprinkle with toppings or drizzles like caramel or chocolate syrup.

 

You can enjoy the rich chocolate goodness of Swiss Miss as it is, or you can put a twist to it like this smoothie recipe. You’re free to experiment and share your own Swiss Miss creations by posting them online.

 

If you want to discover more recipe ideas like this, follow @SwissMissPH on Facebook.

Jadaone shares that her new film will take on a theme that’s close to her heart: Mother’s Day

Antoinette Jadaone, fresh from the success of Fan Girl, may be working on a surprise short film release soon. As Jadaone shared, fans may not have to wait too long to see the new film from the multi-award-winning filmmaker. As a director who has reached acclaim for providing different and refreshing takes on the well-explored themes of love and commitment, Jadaone has shared that her new film will take on a theme that’s close to her heart: Mother’s Day.  

“It’s been too long since I last directed a film, and I’m happy this is a story that’s close to my heart. This isn’t going to be a romantic story, but is still about unyielding and steadfast love nonetheless,” shared Jadaone. Pandemic withstanding, Jadaone has been busy the past month to ensure the film goes out on Mother’s Day May 9, with a special release on social media. 

 

When asked what the story is about, Jadaone replied, “Mothers come in all shapes and sizes. We don’t know what they’ve been through or going through. In this story particularly, we look at one special side of motherhood – one that we don’t hear being talked about very much. Although it is quite familiar to a lot of us.” 

 

Jadaone ends, “We hope we can somehow ‘hold the hands’ of mothers who are experiencing or have experienced the same thing as in the film.” 

 

Here’s looking forward to the new story that Jadaone has crafted. 

NutriAsia has sent 2,000 cans and tetra packs of Locally Blended Juice Drink to medical frontliners

To help the Philippines’ brave medical frontliners boost their immunity from the COVID-19 virus, NutriAsia has sent 2,000 cans and tetra packs of Locally Blended Juice Drink to staff and healthcare workers in The Medical City in Ortigas, Pasig City.

They all enjoyed Locally’s immune-boosting Pomelo, Mango, and Tamarind natural juices, sourced locally from Filipino farmers. The drinks go a long way in helping the Medical City frontliners stay hydrated, energized, and protected from disease and sickness with natural vitamin C. 

“We are very grateful for the drinks we’ve received from NutriAsia and Locally,” said Gabriel del Mundo, Head of Relations Management at The Medical City.

“We are really happy to do our part to help our hardworking and dedicated frontliners by providing them with delicious Locally refreshments that boost their energy and immunity,” said Gretchen King, Category Manager for Beverages at NutriAsia. “This way, we also continue to support our local farm industry which provides the fruits that we use to create our drinks. We are committed to supporting each other through the challenges of this pandemic.”

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Locally has handed out and continues to hand out more than 100,000 immunity and energy boosting natural fruit juices to about 105,000 medical personnel, local government units, mobile markets, military staff, mobile kitchens, and more. They are slated to deliver more Locally juices to other hospitals for a delicious immunity boost for frontliners.

You too can build the body’s own defenses by taking local vitamin-rich natural fruit ingredients in juice form through Locally.

Here are simple ways to help you stay energized

One of the main reasons for fatigue is that you are over worked. Lighten your load and rest between work. 

Our days can get so packed that we often lose energy. Whether you’re a student or a working adult, you know the feeling of needing a midday pick-me-up to help you get through all your tasks and activities. At the same time, make you livelier and happier even when you’re super busy.

 

If you’re looking for simple joys that will keep you energized anytime at home, here are some suggestions.

Play fun music

Bust out your favorite playlist to keep you awake while chasing deadlines or doing chores. Dancing and singing out loud aren’t required, but you’re free to do so.

 

Get pet cuddles

Sometimes our pets love to disturb our virtual meetings, but we don’t turn them away because they make us happy (and our officemates love seeing them too). So if you feel like your energy is drained, step away from your tasks and play with your fur baby for a few minutes.

 

Watch interesting and funny videos

When our day starts turning bland, we can’t help but go through social media and watch random videos. They can be simple food videos, makeup tutorials, or a compilation of funny clips. These can get your creative juices flowing, especially when you’re looking for pegs for work or school, and also improve your mood. 

 

Munch on a yummy, energizing snack

A midday snack is great for giving you that quick boost of energy in between tasks. One snack you should try is Jack ‘n Jill Magic Creams, which are crunchy crackers that comes with Linamyum Palaman cream filling – Chocolate, Butter, Condensada, Peanut Butter, and now with a new flavor, Cheese.

 

Energize every day and stock up on Jack ‘n Jill Magic Creams at your favorite supermarkets, sari-sari stores, or online through Lazada.

 

Because with Magic, puno ng saya at puno ng sigla ang araw mo! For more updates, follow Magic’s official Facebook page.

Redmi Note 10 Pro goes on sale in the Philippines on April 24

Calling all Mi Fans! Xiaomi is launching the Redmi Note 10 Pro in the Philippines.

Redmi Note 10 Pro is now available for pre-order until April 23 at participating Mi authorized stores and resellers with the open sale starting on April 24. 

Get to know more about what makes the Redmi Note 10 Pro the new king of the mid-range category during the Mi Fan Festival livestream happening on April 23, 11 p.m. at the Xiaomi Philippines Facebook page. 

Redmi Note 10 Pro: 108MP and first ever 120Hz AMOLED come to Redmi Note Series

Redmi Note 10 Pro ups the ante as one of the highest resolution cameras for smartphones, making it the mid-range king in mobile photography. The phone’s 108MP sensor with 9-in-1 binning technology and Dual native ISO combine to capture the finest details, provide a higher dynamic range and offer an array of photo editing possibilities. Thanks to the Night mode 2.0 powered by RAW multi-frame algorithm, users can capture stunning visuals even in low-light settings. 

Redmi Note 10 Pro will offer both pro and telemacro time-lapse video shooting. Other new additions in Redmi Note include Photo Clones, Video Clones, Dual Video and Long exposure modes for extra fun photo or video sharing on your favorite social media apps.

Following a seamless redesign, including an Arc side fingerprint sensor and a 6.67” 120Hz AMOLED DotDisplay, the device grants an all around smooth user experience. Available in three head-turning colors - Onyx Gray, Glacier Blue and Gradient Bronze - Redmi Note 10 Pro is as elegant as it is durable, with its Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 on the front protecting from unsightly scuffs and scratches.

On the performance end, Redmi Note 10 Pro truly packs a punch with one of the most powerful 4G processors on the market, Qualcomm® Snapdragon™️ 732G. Ideal for gamers and streamers alike, the device’s high performance and low power consumption model, paired with an immersive sound system featuring dual speakers, provides an optimal on-the-go viewing experience. Thanks to the 5,020mAh (typ) battery and advanced 33W fast charging, users' time spent powering up will be kept to a minimum. 

Price and Availability

Redmi Note 10 Pro comes in two variants – 6GB+128GB for only PHP 12,590 and 8GB+128GB for only PHP 13,590 and will be available on both Mi Authorized Stores and partner retailers including Lazada starting April 24, 2021.

Each purchase until May 9 will also give fans three tickets to Melody with Mi, an exclusive digital concert created for this year’s Mi Fan Festival in partnership with ABS-CBN, KTX, and TFC with iconic Pinoy singer Bamboo on May 23, 8 p.m. Purchases of PHP 25,000 and above of participating Xiaomi phones and gadgets will not only include tickets to the concert but even includes access to the Meet & Greet and the festive fan After Party!

 

Redmi Note 10 Pro Mi Fan Festival Special Edition

At this year's Mi Fan Festival, Xiaomi is also launching Redmi Note 10 Pro MFF Special Edition with the slogan "Explore Infinite Possibilities", which will serve as a unique MFF souvenir that Mi Fans can take home. The MFF special edition phone represents the adventurous spirit of Xiaomi and seeks to encourage Mi Fans to explore the infinite possibilities in life by connecting Smartphone x AIoT.

To echo the theme of infinity, Redmi Note 10 Pro MFF Special Edition comes in a package with a cosmic-inspired design. The front of the box features an image of astronauts floating through galaxies, representing Xiaomi and Mi Fans exploring the infinite possibilities of life together.

The box also contains a Mi Fan Festival postcard featuring an image of Mi Bunny astronauts. The back of the postcard is a Mi Fan Festival theme sticker, which can be stuck onto items such as mobile phones, computers, and suitcases to add an extra touch of Xiaomi to users' lives.

The Gradient Bronze version of Redmi Note 10 Pro in a natural metallic luster color was selected for this year's Mi Fan Festival, and the exclusive Mi Fan Festival 2021 icon will be printed on the back.

Quick Specs:

	Redmi Note 10 Pro
Display	120Hz AMOLED 6.67” DotDisplay
Rear camera	108MP wide-angle camera  8MP ultra-wide angle camera  5MP telemacro camera  2MP depth sensor
Front camera	16MP front camera
Dimension & Weight	164mm x76.5mm x 8.1mm  193g
Processor	Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 732G
Audio	Dual speakers  3.5mm headphone jack  Hi-Res Audio certification
Security	Arc side fingerprint sensor
Charging	5,020mAh (typ) battery  Supports 33W wired fast charging
Connectivity	Dual SIM  Multi-functional NFC*  IR blaster
Storage Variant*	6GB+128GB  8GB+128GB
Available color*	Onyx Gray  Glacier Blue  Gradient Bronze

 

Bayad joined hands with Traxion tech to bring financial services closer to marginalized sectors

Recognizing the need for digital financial services in view of continuing quarantine restrictions and disruptions in business operations due to the ongoing pandemic, the newly rebranded Bayad, the country’s biggest and widest multi-channel payment platform, recently joined hands with Traxion Tech, a blockchain-powered system integration company.

 

Ultimately, both companies aim to bring financial services closer to marginalized sectors and bridge the digital divide among consumer groups. Bayad is powering the bills payment capability of Traxion Tech’s products such as DigiCoop, a digital platform developed for cooperatives and its members to achieve financial freedom; Baiyarin, a billing and payment platform for billers and consumers; and Traxion Pay, a payment platform for small and medium enterprise (SME) owners aggregating numerous online and offline payment facilities. 

Under the partnership, users of DigiCoop products and services will now be able to pay over 1,000 types of bills and have access to Bayad’s extensive network of partner billers. Together, the two institutions endeavor to ensure that the most underserved segments of society get to harness the benefits of transformative technologies. They believe that going digital is the way to weather the ongoing crisis and build resilience for a post-pandemic world. 

 

“This is great news for cooperatives and SMEs. On top of delivering payment convenience and security, we want them to appreciate and get comfortable with fintech solutions and learn how to maximize their full potential.,” Traxion Tech Chief Executive Officer Ann Cuisia shared.

 

“We want more Filipinos to be able to participate in the growing digital economy despite the setbacks posed by the COVID-19 situation. It is our enduring goal to support the underserved segment such as cooperatives and SME markets in grassroots communities by making financial services accessible and responsive to their needs. We know it is imperative to ensure business continuity so we are giving them means to digitalize key business aspects and leverage opportunities using online platforms,” said Lawrence Y. Ferrer, President and CEO of Bayad.

 

Mr. Ferrer added that the partnership with Traxion Tech underscores Bayad’s rebranding thrust to be bigger, better, and younger by continuously expanding its service and solutions portfolio; biller and channel partner network, as well as onsite-to-online platform. 

 

Currently, Bayad has over 49,000 payment touchpoints nationwide and is further intensifying its digital footprint by powering fellow fintech players like Traxion Tech while strengthening its mobile and online payment platforms - the Bayad App and Bayad Online.

 

Get your Jollibee favorites in a few and easy steps via Jollibee app!

A more joyful online experience is in store for you with the convenience of ordering through the Jollibee App! Not only do you get your Jollibee favorites in a few and easy steps, but you can also enjoy them fresh and hot at the comfort of your home. 

Have a smooth time ordering with the new delivery app’s features and upgrades:  customers can now order Jollibee favorites with ease using their smartphones via seamless and easy-to-use interactive menus that allow users to navigate between the latest food options. Ordering is made even more convenient with cashless payments, a quick checkout process, and the option between pick-up or delivery. 

What’s more is that customers can avail of exclusive deals and discounts that will make your ordering experience more joyful! Those who have already registered to the Jollibee App can get P50 off for minimum orders of P500 and P100 off for orders of P1,000 and up from April 19 to June 30. While first time users get a special treat from April 19 to 25 of 50% off their orders with a maximum discount of P100. There’s also a special welcome gift for new users of the App, you can redeem coupons and choose between a free Jolly Spaghetti with Coke or free Tuna Pie with Coke on your first transaction.  Valid from April 26 to June 30, this exclusive promo allows you to not only get additional savings, but also add more of your Langhap-sarap favorites to your orders which you can share with your family and loved ones. 

With most of us still confined in our homes, we can still experience more Joy just by using the Jollibee App. Bonding with friends online can be more enjoyable with your favorite meals, online classes and work-from-home can be a more fun and filling experience with a much- deserved lunch or afternoon break, and nothing beats quality time with the family while partaking on a delicious and hearty Jollibee dinner.  

It’s time to experience the app’s smooth and easy-to-use feature by downloading it now on the Google Play Store of the Apple Store. Have a more joyful online experience only with the Jollibee app! Discover more joy by watching Jollibee’s latest animated video on their official Facebook and Youtube pages.

Nespresso Talents 2021 invites you to showcase your talent to a global competition

Now on its sixth run, Nespresso Talents 2021 is inviting filmmakers to showcase their talent through a global competition that challenges them to produce a short film in vertical format (9:16). This year’s theme is “Doing is Everything,” which roots from the challenging realities the world is currently facing, yet without overlooking that even the smallest action can create an extraordinary positive change in the lives of others.

“Nespresso is more than just good coffee—it’s an advocacy to impact the world positively through our platforms. Film is yet another channel to further our commitment to sustainability,” shares Fabio De Gregorio, Nespresso Asia Regional Business Head

“For over 30 years, Nespresso has been building a holistic business model that preserves exceptional coffee, supports coffee agriculture, and ensures sustainable livelihoods for farmers. This same narrative of helping others is what we want to get across through Nespresso Talents. Essentially, we are spreading awareness about the ripple effect of our actions and our innate responsibility towards nature and people,” says Patrick Pesengco, Novateur Coffee Concepts Managing Director. 

 

THE COMPETITION

Nespresso Talents 2021 is now open for entries on https://www.nespresso.com/talents/ph/en/contest, with Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and De La Salle University (DLSU) as returning partners who were part of the success in the past year’s run. There are two contest categories: national and international. All entries competing nationally will automatically qualify for the international category. A local jury will select the top 3 locally produced films. 

 

The jurors consist of award-winning director, screenwriter, and author Jose Javier Reyes, a returning jury member from the previous year, multi-awarded filmmaker Quark Henares, and renowned actress, producer, director, screenwriter, author Bela Padilla, Patrick Pesengco, and Fabio de Gregorio. Making things more exciting, the roster will be joined by director, producer, and screenwriter Pepe Diokno, and screenwriter and De La Salle – College of St. Benilde Film Department scriptwriting teacher Wanggo Gallaga, as mentors who will conduct vertical filmmaking workshops.

Each participant can only submit one entry on the Nespresso Talents website. Submissions should be in vertical format (9:16), with the film length being between 2 minutes minimum and 3 minutes maximum. All genres are welcome (e.g. comedy, drama, educational, etc.) in the form of fiction, documentary, or animation. Submissions will close on May 16th. The shortlisted films for both international and local categories will be live on the website by mid-June followed by the awarding ceremonies in July. 

 

The local category will award three winners. The 1st Selected Talent will take home a cash prize of 1,500€, the 2nd Selected Talent will get 1,000€, and the 3rd Selected Talent will get 500€. All three winners will also receive a Nespresso machine along with complimentary capsules on top of a well-deserved trophy.

A 2-DAY VERTICAL FILMMAKING WORKSHOP 

Filled with over 400 film students, hobbyists, amateurs, and professional filmmakers from all over the Philippines, the 2-day virtual workshop on filmmaking in vertical format was held, through Nespresso Philippines’ partnership with DLSU and FDCP. On its first day, Pepe Diokno talked about the Creative Visualization facet, while on its second day, Wanggo Gallaga shared tips on the Storytelling aspect.

SUSTAINABILITY AT HEART

Determined to create a positive impact, Nespresso will fully compensate the carbon footprint of Nespresso Talents. In collaboration with long-time partner PUR Projet, each filmmaker taking part in the contest will automatically have five (5) trees planted in his/her name to support the social business’ agroforestry projects. These trees will contribute to a large-scale initiative in partnership with PUR Projet transitioning coffee smallholders into organic coffee production through agroforestry, bringing to life the Doing is Everything movement.

The five previous editions of Nespresso Talents have received over 2,000 applications from 50 countries. Just last 2020, more than 740 videos were submitted from 48 different countries. With such massive recognition, it’s time to make your mark and test your creativity on a whole new level. Submit your entry before May 16 at https://www.nespresso.com/talents/ph/en/contest.

Showcase your talent. Be seen. Doing is Everything.

 

In the Philippines, Nespresso Talents 2021 is in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), De La Salle University (DLSU), and Edukasyon.ph.