FACT: Not all living spaces are designed with big windows that let in a lot of natural light. Unfortunately, this is not a good thing for those who need to shoot good photos and videos at home.

No more dark and shadowy photos and videos!

Last year, I had to send a taped message to be used during the launch of my book Embracing Disability This Ability in the Philippines since I wasn't able to fly back home and couldn't make it to the event.

At the time, hubby and I had difficulties finding a good spot in the townhouse we were living in. So we just settled for a place across the living room window to get the best illumination. Still, it wasn't as well-lighted as we wanted.

screenshot from last year's video

The thing is, poorly-lighted videos can distract viewers from understanding one's message fully but we didn't have time to figure out a solution. And no, cellphone flashlights didn't help! 

Fast forward to this year when I was requested to send another video for a Christmas outreach program to encourage fellow special needs parents who also have kids with cerebral palsy.

Thankfully, I found a very functional ring light online that can be mounted on a tripod and even comes with a tiny remote so users can easily stop and start recording whenever needed.

Needless to say, hubby and I were happy with the results. Aren't advances in technology awesome?! 

P.S. For those wondering, I bought the selfie right light here and the well-lighted photos were taken using hubby's Pixel 2 XL and my Pixel 3. 

Note: Google's NOT a sponsor of this blog although I wish it is! We are just really happy with our phones :)

    

Who wants to look good in pictures? Of course, we all do! No wonder smartphone makers are constantly upping the ante when it comes to the latest in camera technology. This past weekend, Vivo Philippines unveiled the Vivo V5 Plus in a star-studded event at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium where everyone was impressed at the new phone's capabilities.

In today's social media age where both millennials and adults enjoy taking and sharing beautifully-captured selfies online, Vivo responds to this need by launching its newest flagship model: the perfect selfie phone.

"We are excited to bring selfie to the next level. Our latest innovation not only provides high-quality audio but also gives the perfect selfie that everyone deserves," shared Vivo Vice President Hazel Bascon in her opening remarks. "Also, we are very proud to once again announce that Vivo is still the top five global smartphone manufacturer. This is for four consecutive quarters based on the International Data Corporation's 2016 Smartphone Tracker."

Vivo endorser, NBA superstar Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, was quoted saying he believes in the brand's values -- energy, professionalism, and pleasure -- which are all embodied in the Vivo V5 Plus. Finally, after months of speculation, the most-awaited selfie phone's full specifications were revealed:

1) Vivo V5 Plus has the most advanced selfie-technology to date with the world's first-ever dual front-facing cameras. Co-engineered with top electronics company, Sony, the primary front camera is a 20MP IMX376 while the secondary 8MP camera was designed to collect depth-of-field information for that improved self-portrait quality.

I was fascinated at the "bokeh" effect feature, a background-blurring photography filter that is complemented by Vivo's enhanced face beauty algorithm. Both allow users to take radiant selfies without any need for editing or correction after. In addition, there's the "selfie soft light" which makes selfie-taking possible even in poor lighting conditions.

2) Vivo V5 Plus' rear camera likewise features an impressive 1/2.8-inch 16MP sensor for ultra-clear and high-quality photos. I'd love to test drive that when I go on trips this year! I think I'll be able to take crisper and more colorful photos of my favorite sunsets and nature scenes.

3) Vivo V5 Plus boasts a superior sound system for heightened enjoyment of any kind of music. The AK4376 was perfected in over two years and is the same Hi-Fi system also found in Vivo's recent flagship models.  

4) Vivo V5 Plus is capable of performing multiple phone tasks in a speedy and efficient manner thanks to its 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. For a unique touch, this smartphone runs on Vivo's very own Funtouch 3.0 operating system, based on Android 6.0.

5) Vivo V5 Plus also features an updated fingerprint recognition technology that allows users to unlock the phone in just 0.2 seconds. The phone also boasts of a fast-charging feature that I am sure heavy phone users would appreciate a lot.

6) Vivo V5 Plus is beautifully crafted and easy to hold. The ultra-slim bezel technology comes with a 5.5-inch large display made of 5th generation Corning Gorilla glass with enhanced resistance. Too, the dome-style, 1.8mm wide u-shaped antenna designed for better signal reception adds to the phone's stylish exterior design.

The V5 Plus launch was graced by Vivo executives and partners as well as celebrities and members of the media. Singer KZ Tandingan and Pinoy Boyband Superstars' Tony Labrusca and James Ryan Cesena were present to entertain guests with musical performances.

According to Ms. Bascon, in their pursuit of innovation and perfection, "Vivo is now expanding our research and development centers to seven. Our latest R and D centers will be in Silicon Valley and San Diego and this direction is geared towards our desire to give the best and unique experiences to our consumers." 

Ms. Bascon furthered pronounced, "We at Vivo Philippines are dedicated to the Filipino consumers and rest-assured that we will expand and continue to cover the entire country so that more will be able to experience the best technology for smartphone."

For more details about Vivo V5 Plus, please visit vivoglobal.ph and get updates via facebook.com/VivoPhil and follow @vivophil on Twitter and Instagram.

People close to me are aware about how much I love sunsets. I take photos of them even while inside moving vehicles zooming over elevated roads like the Skyway! I don't exactly know, but there's something about sunsets that makes me want to capture their beautiful hues again and again so I can continue to appreciate them even after they've gone.

waiting for the sun to set

Recently, I had the opportunity to stay in Coco Grove Resort in Siquijor where the sunset views are simply fantastic. It was late afternoon and we've just finished the Cebu Pacific Juan for Fun Mini Challenge. My friend and fellow blogger, Aleah, and I decided to rest and wait on the beachfront for the sun to set beyond the sea.

Leica Camera AG is an internationally operating, premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. Its legendary status is founded on a long tradition of excellence in the construction of lenses. New and innovative products have been the driving force behind the company's positive development in the past 100 years.

This 2014, Leica Camera Asia Pacific officially appointed Lucerne Group, the Philippines' premiere supplier of luxury timepieces, as the official distributor and retailer of Leica Camera products in the country. With over three decades of experience in developing a culture of appreciation for craftsmanship, Lucerne Group and Leica Camera were a natural and suitable fit.

When the opportunity to visit Sagada in Mountain Province presented itself about a month ago, I immediately agreed to go. I knew it would be a great adventure and it was! The trip happened after  we've visited several organic farms in Benguet. 

Last week, our group of bloggers traveled to Sagada to visit several sites. We left La Trinidad around 4:30 am for the 5 -hour travel. The van stopped in Atok at around 5:30am so we can take pictures of the sunrise.

Unfortunately, I have a weakness for cold weather and scrambled back to the warm comfort of the van after just a few shots. I couldn't stand the freezing cold wind that suddenly greeted us along the highway.