Going back to basics

Manila’s tech-crazed fans flocked to Samsung Hall at SM Aura for the launch of the latest member of the Galaxy S series, the Samsung Galaxy S5. The new smartphone offers consumers a refined experience with innovation of essential features for day-to-day use. It combines an advanced camera, fast network connectivity, dedicated fitness tools and enhanced device protection features as consumers stay connected in style.

Bizu food was served at the event while guests downed Hennessy Cognac and Belvedere vodka.

Product marketing head for IT and mobile at Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. (SEPCO) Coco Domingo said, “With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering the capabilities that matter most to our consumers, who are looking for mobile tools that inspire and support them as they improve their everyday lives. This smartphone represents an iconic design with essential and useful features focused on delivering a heightened smartphone experience.”

For me, the camera is one of the most important smartphone features. The new Galaxy S5 features a 16-megapixel camera with an enhanced menu and user interface that lets one to effortlessly take, edit and share photos. It is also equipped with fast autofocus speed of only 0.3 seconds and an advanced High Dynamic Range, a feature that reproduces natural light and color similar to how the human eye captures images. Also, the new Selective Focus feature allows one to focus on a specific area of an object while simultaneously blurring out the background and vice versa. With this capability, consumers no longer need a special lens kit to create a shallow depth of field effect.  I am extremely happy with the photos this device takes.

The new mobile tool offers a new technology in connectivity utilizing LTE and Wi-Fi to ensure blazing fast data speeds for efficient media consumption and productivity. With its MIMO (multi-input, multi-output) technology, downloading data allows for both LTE and Wi-Fi to work simultaneously to speed up data transfers. Plus, it supports a number of LTE frequencies with LTE Category 4 standard. This means that no matter where you are, this smartphone assures you that you will have the fastest connection available in the area.

With the enhanced S Health 3.0, the new smartphone offers more tools to help people stay fit and healthy.  It has a comprehensive personal fitness tracker to help you monitor and manage wellness. It also has other fitness tools such as a pedometer, diet and exercise records, and a new built-in heart rate monitor. Its users can further customize their experience with an enriched third party app ecosystem and the ability to pair with the next generation Gear products for real-time fitness coaching.  My goal is actually 10,000 steps a day yet I rarely hit that goal…time to walk more!

The new mobile device blends iconic Samsung design with modern trends to appeal to a range of consumer tastes and interests. It features a perforated pattern on the back cover creating a modern glam look. Its new sleek, contoured shape comes in an array of vivid colors, including Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold, to complement the style of the individual consumer.  This new smartphone is IP67, which means it is dust and water-resistant (of up to one meter for 30 minutes). It also offers a Finger Scanner, which provides a secure, biometric screen locking feature while the Ultra Power Saving Mode turns the display to black and white, and shuts down all unnecessary features to extend the battery life up to 12 days.

The new Samsung Galaxy S5 will be available globally through Samsung’s retail channels, e-commerce and carriers this month.

Trust me, ever since I switched to Samsung, I have always been very happy with it. I can’t wait to use the Galaxy S5!

Boracay, get ready for the Superbods!

With their fit and sexy bodies, the Superbods are all ready for the hottest destination this summer! Before the sizzling battle happens on April 25 to 27 in Boracay, the candidates showed Manila that they all have what it takes to be the next Superbods grand winners.

During the send-off party, general manager of Century Pacific Food Inc. Greg Banzon said, “We’re very proud to present to you our Superbods finalists. We have a very strong line-up this year and it’s exciting because anyone among them can really be a winner.”

Female candidates are Alaiza Malinao, Catherine Almirante, Darlene Anderson, Diane Tan, Grace Murillo, Nicole Marable, Nicole Kaufmann, Paula Marciano, Sara Polverini and US Superbod Michelle Magno.  The male candidates are Antonio de Murga, Evan Spargo, Gerard Go, Julio de Leon, Laurens Tolenaars, Marneil Anthony Lim, Mauro Lumba, Miguel Lasala, Rendon Labrador and US Superbod Joshua Lubrico.

Aside from bagging the titles of Mr. and Ms. Superbods 2014, the male and female winners will each receive P500,000 and one year supply of Century Tuna.

Superbods Super Challenge 2014 is made possible by AirAsia Zest, Carbtrim, Gold’s Gym, Pearl of the Pacific, San Mig Zero, Solaire Resort & Casino, Gardenia, Medicard, Smart, The District, Zen Wellness Spa, Azur, Bite Me, Black Market, Nereku, Pink Salmon Clothing, SM Supermalls and SM Mall of Asia, Tony Galvez Salon and Victor Ortega Salon.

(Don’t forget to vote for your favorite candidates via

www.centurytuna.ph/superbods. Visit www.facebook.com/centurytuna for more details.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)