HONOR 90 5G: UNBOXING AND 7 REASONS TO GET HYPED!

It might be typhoon season, but found ourselves transported back to a post-summer paradise as we traveled to La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort in Bataan for a quick weekday trip. Along with almost a hundred other bloggers, influencers, and media guests, we all came together to witness the grand launch of HONOR Philippines' latest offering – the HONOR 90 5G.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lou Sv (@lemongreenteaph)

 

It has been almost a week since, but the memories of those sun-soaked days still linger, leaving an indelible mark that I fondly refer to as the "HONOR glow." A reminder of our sun-kissed adventures that has etched itself not only in our memories but also in the sunburnt warmth of our skin.

While our journey with the HONOR 90 5G continues, it was amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Bataan that its true potential truly came to light.

HONOR has a way of hyping up their new phones and the build up to the launch of the HONOR 90 5G was no different –just look at all the influencers and celebrities posting about how much they love the phone.

We were sent the phone also in advance to test it out and I must say, I’ve fallen in love with this phone so much I decided to retire my other phone.  As I fine-tune our final review, let me first share some of the reasons why it has now become my daily driver.

BUT FIRST--WHATS IN THE BOX? 

The HONOR 90 5G arrives in white box, that reminded me a lot of Huawei’s phones before. But since HONOR is now truly separate from HUAWEI I just think they should change the packaging to truly establish that. Any way, I do love the minimalist look with only the HONOR 90 branding in front. You could find the key specs, features, and regulatory information at the back of the box.

Opening the box you’ll find the HONOR 90 5G unit, some paper documents, a SIM ejector tool, USB-A to USB-C cable, 66W wall charger, and a free plastic case, meaning it has everything you need to use the phone right away.

Checking out the ports and button layout, there’s the power button and volume rocker on the right, and all clear on the left side. At the bottom you’ll find the USB Type-C port, sim card slot and a speaker grille.

The SIM tray accommodates up to two nano SIM cards.

Now here are reasons to get hyped—and preorder the HONOR 90 5G!

1. Camera for Creators: Let’s start with what is probably the main reason to buy this phone—its whopping 200MP camera. It’s the first HONOR phone to have this much megapixels.

I think since everyone wants to be a content creator (or already is), the HONOR 90 5G would be a good choice to get you started.

The powerful 200MP Main Camera is equipped with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, which is increased by 25% in size compared to the previous generation and enhances the light sensing ability by 11%. This results in such a level of detail with 200 million pixels in each shot, you can even zoom into 1/8 of a photo taken with HONOR 90, and still see every detail in complete clarity.

The larger sensor size also enhances low-light performance to deliver high-definition images in stunning clarity. In Night Mode, the large sensor delivers night shots that are clear and transparent. Unlike other devices, you don’t need to wait after pressing the shutter button when shooting in Night Mode. Thanks to HONOR Image Engine, you can simply point and shoot, and rest assured that the details will be bright.

Also making its debut with the HONOR 90, is enhanced Portrait mode. Now you can capture ultra-clear portraits even with varying light conditions. Users can take a great portrait not only in 1x zoom to take in more of the background but also in 2x zoom for a portrait that is more focused on the subject. The bokeh effects have also been improved, providing a more natural transition between the blur effect and the photography subject. Thanks to the powerful hardware and optimizations, the camera also captures skin texture faithfully with minimal manual effort.

There’s also this cool new AI feature called AI Vlog Assistant that helps you create quick videos and capture clean voice recordings that are free of ambient background noises. I still have to check this out.

For selfies the HONOR 90 has a 50MP Front Camera for that Ultra-Clear Portrait Mode with that bokeh effect we want to make us stand out. 

2. DISPLAY: For its display the HONOR 90 has an Industry-Leading Quad-Curved Display that I often see in more expensive flagships. It has s a 6.7-inch screen and a Quad-Curved Floating Display which is the latest product of HONOR’s continuous display R&D efforts. The curved display takes on a form factor reminiscent of a glass filled to the brim and on the verge of overflowing, offering an immersive viewing experience. The AMOLED panel underneath the glass supports a high resolution of 2664x12005 and is capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors and 100% of the DCI-P3 color space. The display also has a peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits to bring out all the vibrant colors that HDR has to offer. And for those who love Netflix or Amazon Prime this smartphone supports has HDR10+ Certification meaning you can enjoy the clearest and highest resolution movies.

 

The HONOR 90 features an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz6, providing users with buttery smooth visuals in games, and a more battery-sustainable experience in less intense scenarios such as reading an e-book or watching online videos. There are also Built-in options are available to configure so that

it automatically and intelligently adjusts the refresh based on use cases, providing the flexibility to customize their user experience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lou Sv (@lemongreenteaph)

 

3. EYE PROTECTION: But that display is more than just something nice to look at. Another feature of this phone that HONOR has been hyping is its industry-leading 3,840Hz PWM Dimming technology that allows the display to pulse at a rate of up to 3,840Hz for the display to maintain a more comfortable, flicker-free viewing experience even at lower brightness levels. We did a flicker test to compare it with other phones and true enough the HONOR 90 is nearly flicker free.  HONOR 90 has received the TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certification and achieved the risk-free dimming level, this makes it a great choice for today’s entertainment-hungry generation who spend long hours glued to their smartphones.

4. DESIGN: No amount of features can compensate for a bland looking device. Good thing the HONOR 90 looks equally amazing in any of its three stunning finishes--Diamond Silver, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black. Diamond Silver features a subtle yet striking diamond grip pattern which is delicately etched into the rear. It is simple, luxurious, and elegant, inspired by diamond grid patterns that can be seen in high-end jewelry.

 

Emerald Green and Midnight Black are classic and timeless color options. Emerald Green is finished with a smooth frosty texture, while Midnight Black has a glossy, ceramic finish.

 

I personally like the Emerald Green most because of its matte texture unlike the Midnight black which is a fingerprint and smudge magnet, I couldn’t count the times my partner was cursing because he couldn’t get a decent photo of the device without his face in the reflection. As for the white one, I’ve heard some describe it as a “tita” phone because the pattern does look a bit like lace.

The HONOR 90 has been designed with a front-rear symmetrical Quad-Curved Design, measuring just 7.8mm8 thin and weighing only 183g9, making it a sleek and easy-to-hold handset.  

 

5. BATTERY: Although I never bring a powerbank, because I know my partner always has one, the HONOR 90 5G is a phone that you’d be confident to bring along without backup. It has a 5000mAh cell battery which can last you an entire day of regular use and it even supports 65W fast charging. With its 66W HONOR Wired SuperCharge technology, you can charge the phone to 45% in just 15 and fully charge it in less than an hour.

 

6. YOU GET A JBL SPEAKER! Well for this one you have to decide before August 25 and preorder as those who purchase the HONOR 90 5G will get a JBL Flip 6 speaker. The Flip 6 is worth Php 7,499! So you can enjoy watching videos and listening to music on a loudspeaker!

Here are my photo samples: 

Food photos

So that's it for our initial impressions be sure to follow us on my IG https://www.instagram.com/lemongreenteaph/, Lemongreenteaph

for updates and photo samples I'll be sharing our review real soon!

 

The HONOR 90 5G is now available for pre-order until August 25 for only Php 24,990 with a FREE JBL Flip 6 worth Php 7,499 at any HONOR Experience and partner dealer stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/3YAczVu), Shopee (https://bit.ly/45snjI6), and TikTok Shop (bit.ly/HONOR905G-TikTok).

HONOR Fans can also avail of the HONOR 90 5G via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,002 per month on a 0% interest installment payment.

 

Leading credit card providers BDO, BPI, Citibank, Eastwest, Metrobank, PNB, and Security Bank also offer 0% interest, payable up to 12 months.

 

For more updates and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.honor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

 

La Socarrat Poolside Paella Bar and Grill: Your Ultimate Destination for Paella, Grilled Delights, and More

Ask any expert foodie and they’ll tell you that some of the best restaurants are hidden gems tucked away in quiet neighborhoods. While popular and well-advertised restaurants certainly have their merits, and are often backed up by awards and reviews, there's an element of excitement and discovery associated with finding a hidden restaurant that often adds to the overall dining experience. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lou Sv (@lemongreenteaph)

And last Sunday, my partner and I were able to discover this quaint Paella Bar tucked inside one of the posh villages in Quezon City. 

La Socarrat Paella Bar and Grill is also a fairly new one, having just opened its kitchen doors early this year, but for the residents of Acropolis Greens, they’ve already been enjoying the dishes of Coach Vince Garcia.

ENTREPRENEUR - CHEF - COACH 

Okay, you read that right. He is a chef, who is also a coach when he is not busy running their businesses.

So as much as I’m excited to tell you about their specialties, the story wouldn’t be complete without first getting to know, the Coach / Chef behind La Socarrat.

Coach Vince Garcia is a man of many hats and aprons. A businessman by profession, he is also an adrenaline junkie, a triathlete, and the coach of the Philippine PARA-triathlon team. They even refer to him as the “godfather” for giving our para-athletes the chance to compete in various tournaments. 

His culinary journey began in highschool when he was living in the US. Over dinner he told us that he was living with his uncle and his family who were all basically Americans. Having grown in a household who loves cooking and enjoying cuisine of their Spanish-Filipino heritage, he said he called his mom and told her he wouldn’t survive on hamburger meals and cereals for breakfast.

“What my mom did was send me a Nora Daza cookbook, as if to tell me, ‘you want to eat different foods, then learn to cook yourself.”

And he did. This was way before the internet, YouTube and TikTok era of self-taught chefs. He said he leaned the cookbook by heart and had to spend lots of hours experimenting on different recipes.

The first ‘complicated’ dish he perfected? 

Paella.

From then he started to cook for family even becoming a consultant and partner with friends who started their own restaurants. 

BUCKET LIST

The bar and grill is actually located at the pool area of the Acropolis Clubhouse where he coaches swimming and trains PARA-triathletes. He said started out as a hangout where they would cook and hangout after training.

Putting up La Socarrat Paella Bar and Grill he says finally ticks off one of the items on his bucket list—have his own restaurant.

A self-confessed adrenaline junkie, Coach Vince said he’s done 138 bungee jumps, did motocross and  drag racing, and was a triathlete who competed all over the world—but cooking he says is how he deals with stress and finds peace. 

“I love slow cooking and I’m very patient when it comes to cooking because that is how you get the flavors out. I don’t like those “instant” things.” He said. 

Proof of this are some of the best-selling items on the menu—their Pollo Iberico (Iberian chicken) is cooked for at least 3 hours, while their ribs and beef brisket are smoked for 16 to 18 hours. 

He prepared a special meat platter for us—which included Pechuga de Ternera (Smoked Beef Brisket) Costillas de Ternera (ginormous Smoked Beef Dino Ribs)  Costillas Cerdo (BBQ Smoked Bone In Pork Ribs), and Alitas de Polla (BBQ Smoked Chicken  Winglets) these are served with several dips such as a special Texas Style BBQ sauce (which many customers often requested to buy), garlic aoli dip for the chicken, jalapeno and another bbq sauce with beans.  

As much I wanted to avoid eating too much and waste my gym hours, I had to break my diet as each piece, each bite was so tender flavorful and perfectly evenly cooked. 

Oh I almost forgot that he also served us Boquerones en Vinagre –pickled marinated anchovies on top of chips, Beef Salpicao but unlike others these are garlic wagyu cubes, and Acertunas y Champinones—olives and mushrooms. He said these tapas are quite popular for pulutan and its not hard to imagine why. He told us that their Sisig is also another best seller as it has a Spanish twist-- something we definitely need to try out on our next visit. 

While most of the menu are Spanish legacy dishes but with Chef Vince’s own twist, they also serve pizza, which he says has even become as popular as paella. 

You can choose from Margarita, Quatro Quesos (four cheese), Pepperoni, Extremos Quemados (smoked brisket), Barbacoa de Cerdo (BBQ pulled pork Pizza), Chorizo, Setas con Aceite de Trufa (three mushrooms with truffle) and Prosciutto which we were able to try. And true enough, just as he promised our plates were clean as even the crust was too good not to eat.

PAELLA MUY PERFECTO

A good paella is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas, all expertly woven together in a single dish. But the real secret to cooking good paella is the rice.

Chef Vince says they have two options available, the regular paella rice and the bomba rice which is for special requests as it is quite pricey at almost P1000 per kilo—and what we tried. 

I think this is the first time I’ve ever heard bomba rice, and really makes a lot of difference. Bomba rice, often referred to as "Arroz Bomba" in Spanish, is a premium short-grain rice variety that is highly prized for its exceptional qualities, particularly when used in paella. It is considered one of the best rice varieties for making traditional Spanish paella due to its unique characteristics. 

Bomba rice has a remarkable ability to absorb liquids while retaining its structure and integrity. This makes it perfect for paella, as it can absorb the flavorful broth, stock, and spices used in the dish without becoming overly mushy or sticky.  Bomba rice also remains firm and separate, with each grain maintaining its shape. This results in a paella with distinct, individual grains of rice, which is a hallmark of a well-made paella. The unique structure of Bomba rice allows it to absorb and hold onto the flavors of the ingredients and spices used in the paella. This enhances the overall taste and aroma of the dish. And most importantly Bomba rice is well-suited for creating the coveted socarrat, the caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the paella pan. Its ability to absorb liquid while maintaining its texture helps create the perfect balance of tenderness and crispy bits.

Chef Vince cooked the Paella Negra right in front of us so we were able to see how it was cooked from start to finish. He also shared that they only use a special broth they prepare themselves. A flavorful broth is essential for cooking the rice and infusing the dish with depth. Traditional Spanish paella often uses seafood or chicken broth, but vegetable broth or a combination can work well too.

They also use a special paellera, a wide, shallow pan, over an open flame or on a stovetop. Most of their stoves are imported and were meticulously chosen to make their paellas as authentic as possible. This is also true with each ingredient they use choosing only the best and freshest meat and vegetables. This is one of the reasons why some of the dishes might not be available as Chef Vince says he doesn’t want to offer something that doesn’t meet his standards. 

I must say though that their paella Negra was well worth our Sunday drive to La Socarrat. What I liked about their paella is that it isn’t too oily, the ingredients are fresh and cooked evenly and there’s no fishy after taste. As for the rice? Well it also lived up to Chef Vince’s promise it was very flavorful, and the socarrat had just the right crunch without being that burnt bitter aftertaste. My only complaint was that we were already too full to order any of their other paellas—well, that’s what a return trip is for right?

La Socarrat Paella Bar and Grill is located at Acropolis Club House.   Follow them at @lasocarrat on facebook, TikTok and Instagram for updates. 

Kids and Babies Fair Unveils Sweet Deals as Robinsons Department Stores Launch the Sale Season from August to September

 

The shopping season never ends, especially when you’re on the lookout for your children’s essentials and when there’s a huge sale all around the city. Robinsons Department Store announces their Kids and Babies Fair Sweet Deals ongoing this month of August until September 30. Enjoy discounts up to 70% off on kids, babies and infants items from clothing to accessories. 

Participating brands such as Whatever, Playground, Jumping Beans, Disney, Barbie, Chicco, Kindercare, Precious Moments, Grizzly, Pampers, Avent and MommyPoko are also giving away exciting freebies for the shoppers. Get exclusive deals and bundles also from trusted infant’s brands. 

And that’s not all! Listen up Moms and Dads! It’s about time to set a shopping date with the whole family. Liven up the mood and entertain the kids with a special meet and greet session with the iconic kiddie mascots on all weekends of August and September at select Robinsons Department Stores in the city and nearby provinces.

Get to meet the super lively Skipper this coming August 18 at Robinsons Lipa, August 25 at Robinsons Malolos, September 16 at Robinsons Ermita Manila and September 23 at Robinsons Antipolo. 

The adorable Poko Chan makes his appearance and will entertain kids of all ages at Robinsons Antipolo on August 19, Robinsons Festival Mall Alabang on August 26, Robinsons Las Pinas on September 2, Robinsons Cloverleaf on September 9, Robinsons Malolos on September 16, Robinsons Magnolia on September 23 and Robinsons Metroeast on September 30.

Last but definitely not the least, the lovable Barney shows up and will be greeting his fans on August 20 at Robinsons Festival, and August 27 at Robinsons Galleria.

This two-month promotion is set to give its loyal shoppers and customers with ease of shopping plus great deals, discounts and freebies when they shop across all Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide alongside their online marketplaces in GoCart, LazMall, and Shopee Mall, 

What are you waiting for! Shop now and enjoy the Robinsons Department Store’s Kids and Babies Fair Sweet Deals ongoing from August 1 until September 30, 2023!

For more information and to explore other exclusive offers, please visit the official FB Page of Robinsons Department Store. or visit any Robinsons Department Store near you.

 

Fun-Filled Weekend Adventures: Enjoy the Breezy Activities with Your Children

 

Kids nowadays are mostly engrossed with different types of gadgets as their way of having fun. But from time to time, it’s best for parents to let them pursue other pursuits, such as playing outdoors and being one with nature, which helps their physical and mental growth.  

 

If you’re wondering what activities you could do with your children, we’ve rounded up some tried-and-true outdoor adventures which will surely have them enjoy a breezy day of fun ahead!

 

A good mix of loved ones, laughter, and engaging activity is hard to beat. Gather the kids, escape the house, and try one of these bonding activities that can be done with your kids.

 

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Having a plan can be helpful when you take your child outside to play. A scavenger hunt is a perfect engaging activity that teaches kids to use their senses in new ways and keeps them mindfully occupied. This is something you can do outside your home or in nearby parks. Incorporate what your kids are interested in, such as characters from their favorite tv series, to keep them hooked. Ensure your kids’ safety by checking around the vicinity and playing only in places that are well-kept, clean and fenced-in. Don’t forget to take extra precautions and use safety equipment such as helmets and protective gear.

 

Gardening

This activity doesn’t require a big garden for you to make it happen. Give your kid an easy introduction to nature by getting them involved in gardening from a young age. They’ll be physically and mentally exhausted in a healthy way, thanks to the meditative nature of this activity. While it's fun to get your hands dirty from time to time, remember to practice garden safety and proper hygiene, like washing your hands thoroughly after gardening even when wearing gloves. 

Backyard Obstacle Course

For this, you can use any number of materials, such as foam blocks or stepping stones, but you can even create an obstacle course using only objects you find in nature but ensure that it will not cause a risk of falling or tripping. In either case, the result is enjoyment while developing important gross motor skills.

 

Bike Ride Around the Neighborhood

A classic bike ride is the perfect outdoor activity for families to enjoy together. Even younger kids, with supervision from their parents or guardian, may join in on the fun, whether you're taking them on the trails at a local park, exploring and admiring the houses in your neighborhood, or traveling just down the street. Keep in mind to wear biking safety gear, and parents should always look after their kids. Familiarize and follow road safety rules to ensure an enjoyable and safe ride. 

 

Shopping at a Farmer’s Market

Before going to the farmer's market, ask your kids what they want for your home-cooked meals and create your shopping list. Involving kids in shared household tasks is a great way to bond and introduce basic helpful tasks to them. Get the kids immersed in picking out fruits and vegetables to make it an exciting and engaging activity. Let them explore as much as possible to learn new things along the way. 

 

Have Fun With No Worries in Mind!

After all these recreational experiences, you can effortlessly bid farewell to any worries about stains, thanks to Breeze ActivBleach[1] [2] . Lab tests with mud and sweat stains on polyester fabric shows that Breeze ActivBleach can loosen and provide easier stain removal during the clothes' first soak. Results often vary on stain intensity and other factors. So, plan out that next outdoor trip or activity and make your kid’s remaining vacation days last![3] 

 

For more information about Breeze ActivBleach, visit Breeze Philippines' YouTube channel. Breeze Rose Gold is available on Unilever Home Care's Shopee and Lazada pages.

 

Green Living Made Easy: Four Simple Steps to Create an Eco-Friendly Household

In a world where environmental concerns are at the forefront, creating an eco-friendly household is a powerful way to contribute to a greener future. Creating an eco-friendly household doesn't have to be overwhelming. By making small changes in our daily routine inside our own households, we can contribute to a healthier environment for future generations. 

 

Here are some simple steps for your families to get started:

 

1. Nurture nature

Your efforts toward sustainability can extend beyond your home's interior. Landscaping with native plants not only adds beauty but also supports local biodiversity. Minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Consider starting a compost pile to enrich your soil naturally. Creating a natural habitat in your yard can attract beneficial wildlife and insects, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

 

2. Let it shine!

The sun is humanity’s best friend. It gives us heat and light. Best part, it’s free! Open your windows and let natural light shine through your home. Not only will this save electricity and lessen the reliance on fossil fuel-based power, it gives your home a feeling of warmth and cheerfulness, with no dull corners.

 

3. Embrace upcycling  

There is no such thing as trash. Instead of throwing away your old things, try upcycling them by restoring them into other useful things. How about turning your old clothes into a brand new quilt? Or turn your old dresser into a living room centerpiece? Anything is possible through upcycling, which could be a project for the whole family to enjoy. 

 

4. Make mindful purchases

Make mindful choices when purchasing goods for your family's needs. Selecting environmentally-friendly products made from sustainable materials or with minimal packaging for your everyday household essentials or in your personal care can make a difference. 

 

At the heart of homegrown brand Philusa Corporation is their unwavering commitment towards sustainability. This is reflected in many of their trusted brands, including Babyflo. That is why Babyflo is at the forefront of caring for the environment with the release of the new Babyflo Gentle Buds Eco-Friendly. Starting with these eco-friendly cotton swabs, every household can embrace mindful living and integrate sustainability into their everyday routine with ease.

 

 

Available in 200 and 400 tips, Babyflo Gentle Buds Eco-Friendly is available at Mercury Drug Stores, Robinsons, SM, Puregold, Metro Gaisano, and various retail stores nationwide.

 

Discover more about Babyflo Gentle Buds Eco-Friendly and other products from Babyflo to kickstart your eco-conscious journey by visiting philusa.com.ph  or check out Babyflo’s social media pages facebook.com/BabyfloPHand instagram.com/babyflo_ph.