OPPO F1 now official in the Philippines, priced at Php 11,990

MANILA, Philippines - Global electronics and technology service provider OPPO on Wednesday, February 17, officially launched in the country their first phone of the year, the OPPO F1 dubbed as the "selfie expert."

Mr Garrick Hung, Operations Manager of OPPO gives welcome remarks at OPPO F1 launch.

OPPO F1 smartphone boasts its 8 megapixels front camera with 84-degree-wide angle camera lens and 0.25-inch sensor that allows 40 percent more light to enter the camera.

Ms. Alora Uy Guerrero, OPPO Philippines’ Digital Marketing Manager with Garrick Hung, introduce OPPO F1.

As a 'selfie expert' camera, it is packed with Beauty 3.0+ and eight other filters and a display that can double as flash on dim environment.

SELFIE Nation! What are you waiting for? F1 is here.

Its rear camera has 13-megapixel sensor, f/2.2 aperture lens, Pure Image 2.0+ features and other customization options.

The new flagship device is powered by octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 SoC with four cores clocked at 1.7GHz and four cores at 1.2 GHz, Adreno 204 GPU and 3GB RAM that runs OPPO's ColorOS 2.1.

OPPO F1 design offers durability and style with fine and delicate
smoothening of zircon and sand blasting on back cover. 

F1 has 5-inch HD screen protected by 2.5D Corning Gorilla glass

Here are the OPPO F1 specifications:

Display: 5-inch IPS HD display, 294ppi
Chipset: Snapdragon 616 chip
RAM: 3GB of RAM
Memory: 16GB of ROM, 128GB microSD card expandable
Main camera: 13MP rear shooter
Front camera: 8MP selfie shooter
Resolution: HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Connectivity: 4G LTE, WiFi n, BT 4.0, GPS
OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop, Color OS 2.1
Battery: 2500mAh battery capacity
Port: microUSB, 3.5mm jack
SIM Card Type: Dual-SIM (micro-SIM and nano-SIM)

OPPO F1 is available in two colors - Gold and Rose Gold. It is priced at Php 11,990 and now available at OPPO concept stores and authorized dealers nationwide.

The selfie expert ambassador Sarah Geronimo in TVC reveals OPPO F1 price in the Philippines.

OPPO New Partnerships for 2016

OPPO Philippines also announced collaboration with other organizations. Just recently, the company became title sponsor of the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Coach Chot Reyes announces OPPO and PBA recent partnership

Its partnership with Home Credit was also sustained for this year to give Filipinos more options to buy F1. From February 19 to March 31 this year, those who have no credit card will have chance to purchase the new selfie phone for as low as Php 1,299 every month for six months at 0 percent interest rate.

OPPO Philippines to announce F1 Plus soon.

F1 will be available also under Smart's All-In Plan 1200 and on prepaid with free SIM, 50MB free data monthly for six months and Php150 worth of load for every Php 250 accumulated top up per month for six months.

OPPO Philippines partners with telcos Smart Communications (Smart) and Sun Cellular

From L-R: David Minol (Home Credit), Jay Sumulong (Smart), Chot Reyes (PBA),
Alora Guerrero (OPPO), Stephen Cheng (OPPO), and Garrick Hung (OPPO)

VIDEO: Manny Pacquiao answers Karen Davila’s burning questions following anti-LGBT comment

MANILA, Philippines- Following his controversial anti-gay comment which caused an uproar among netizens, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao was given the opportunity to answer questions concerning the LGBT, same-sex marriage and several issues in veteran journalist Karen Davila’s dzMM radio program Pasada sa Sais Trenta.

The athlete-politician answered the gruelling questions of Davila via phone patch days after making a statement that homosexuals are 'worse than animals.' Although the Pinoy boxing champion earlier apologized for making the derogatory remark against members of the LGBT, Pacquiao earned the ire of netizens and even lost a deal with sports giant Nike.

READ: Nike ends deal with Pacquiao over anti-LGBT remark

In his interview, Pacquiao stressed that he is not against nor does he condemn homosexuals as he even supports scholars who happen to members of the LGBT community. But the 37-year-old politician pointed out that he strongly opposes the act of intercourse among same-sex couples since it was clearly stated in the Bible.

Known for throwing fearless questions to her guests, Davila asked Pacquiao during the 25-minute interview: "Naiintindihan kita na lagi mong kino-quote ang Bibliya, pero narinig mo na ba ang kasabihan na, 'separation of Church and State'? Ang paghihiwalay sa relihiyon sa Estado sa pamamahala ng gobyerno. Narinig mo na ba ang phrase na 'yun, na 'separation of Church and State’?”

(I understand that you are always quoting the Bible but have you heard about the ‘separation of Church and State’? The separation of religion from State in terms of running the government. Have you heard about the phrase separation of Church and State’?)

To which Pacquiao replied: “Opo pero lagi nating tandaan na it is impossible for a nation to be successful without the guidance of the Lord.”

(Yes but we should always remember that it is impossible for a nation to be successful without the guidance of the Lord.)

Later during the interview Davila didn’t hesitate to ask Pacquiao,who is also a pastor, if he is fit to be a senator or a pastor.

According to Pacquiao, the only solution to corruption in the country is to have godly leaders. He is hoping that all leaders in the country will be godly since these leaders will have fear of the Lord not to steal money.

Lastly, Davila asked whether it is Pacquiao’s role to judge.

“Sino ba ako para mag-judge ng tao? Makasalanan ako. But I’m telling the truth. Sinusunod ko lang nakalagay sa Bible. I must obey the Word of God,” Pacquiao said.

( Who am I to judge people? I am also sinful. But I’m telling the truth. I’m just following what’s written in the Bible. I must obey the Word of God.)

Watch his full interview.


-Mini/The Summit Express

Miss Saigon to hold Manila auditions, Boyce Avenue thankful to Pinoys, Disneyland in PH not so soon?

Miss Saigon auditions in Manila this March

Those who are aspiring to become a global broadway star, the Miss Saigon team will be in Manila on March 15 and 16. British theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh announced the dates with registration to attend the event on March 11-12.

The world renowned musical paved the way for the legendary Filipino broadway stars like Joanna Ampil, Rachelle Ann Go and Lea Salonga to penetrate the global theater industry by earning raves and accolades on their performances. This time around, the production and creative team are looking for prospective talents who can play the roles of Kim, Gigi, Thuy, The Engineer and other Asian roles.

Miss Saigon opens its doors to potential talents.
Photo credit: broadwayworld.com

For interested applicants, the preferred age bracket must be 16-40 years old with exemplary command of the English language and high quality singing voice. Applicants should only need to bring their CV and a photo as well as 16 bars of a song from the 'Miss Saigon' musical.

The auditions will be handled by Bobby Garcia, who was also an Associate Director for the Miss Saigon and Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) at the Opera Haus located in 3657 Buendia Street, Makati City on the said dates. - Michael Santiago/ The Summit Express

Boyce Avenue back in the Philippines for a series of post-Valentine gigs

Coming from their successful Valentine concert last year, the American rock band tweeted their excitement on their return to the country upon gracing the 'Tonight with Boy Abunda' show in ABS-CBN:

Wow! It's so great to be back in the PHILIPPINES! We had a blast last night on #TWBA. Tonight we play in MANILA! pic.twitter.com/CSvVfHx3nN

— Boyce Avenue (@BoyceAvenue) February 16, 2016

Having an already established fan based in the Philippines, the band's visit is also aligned with its mission to promote its latest single 'Be Somebody' and to prepare its Pinoy fans with the upcoming release of their much anticipated third album entitled 'Road Less Traveled.' Fans trooped to the Araneta Coliseum last Tuesday (February 16) as they were serenaded by the band that went to become an independent after being signed before to a major label namely the Universal Republic.

Still stoked on yesterday's show. Thanks for a wonderful night Manila! #FindMe #Philippines #BeSomebodyWorldTour pic.twitter.com/nnq8ZT0ucV

— Boyce Avenue (@BoyceAvenue) February 17, 2016

Aside from the trio, songwriter-musician Savanna Outen and the young Australian band, At Sunset were also at the concert, taking the fans into a night of intense musical indulgence. Aside from the Manila concert, Boyce Avenue is also set to perform in key cities of the country such as Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Baguio.

PHILIPPINES!! Cant wait to be back in Feb w/ more dates than ever!! Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod & Baguoi!! pic.twitter.com/cUykLj6ZF5

— Boyce Avenue (@BoyceAvenue) November 17, 2015

Disneyland in the Philippines? Not so soon.

What has been a long standing rumor of the Philippines having its own Disneyland theme park has been shut following the meeting of President Benigno Aquino III and some executive of Disney. The meeting discussed the potential investments that the American multi-national company might enter into. Unfortunately, building another Disneyland theme park was part of the discussion.

Sorry, not time yet for Mickey to hang out with Pinoys. Photo credit: hongkongdisneyland.com

It can be noted that there were various sources online that has been spreading the possibility of having a Disneyland theme park to be built at Clark, Pampanga, but as of the moment, the Philippine market isn't that big enough to fuel the existence of another Disneyland in Asia.

-Michael Santiago/The Summit Express