Why the Sony α5000 is the perfect blogging companion

I didn't think I'd be interested in investing in blogging tools but here I am, marveling at the specs of one such camera that wasn't even my dream cam... at least before I found out about it. Actually, my dream camera was the Fuji X70. For one, David Guison uses it ♥ But when I was out researching about it, I found two things that disappointed me: 1) It's too expensive, and 2) it's not available anymore LOL.

Thus followed the search for an alternative. My requirements are simple. I just want something similar to the X70; small and compact, mirrorless (I don't even know what that means, but it sounds hip), and has flip screen (because selfies).

I was amused to find there are so many out there at a much affordable price range. And the winner?

The Sony α5000

(Sony ILCE-5000)

Mirrorless? Check
Flip screen? Check
Compact? Check!
Price? ₱13k less than the X70, are you kidding me? Triple check that!

Now let's delve in further at what makes this camera arguably the best blogging companion you could ever have! It doesn't matter what niche you're in, whether you're a vlogger or a food, fashion, lifestyle, or travel blogger, the Sony α5000 covers all your photography needs in one handy and powerful gadget.

Key Features

★ 20.1MP Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor
This hardware is one of the reasons Sony has earned the world's approval as being the #1 manufacturer of image sensors for digital cameras and recorders. This sensor is responsible for capturing world-class photos rich in detail and sporting a dynamic range of colors.

★ BIONZ X™ image processing engine
Another piece of hardware that lends itself to Sony's long time legacy of producing photos with lifelike detail and superior quality. Together with the Exmor®, Sony cameras equipped with these hardware have better noise reduction capabilities, and produce very realistic images.

★ 180° tiltable LCD screen
Need I say more? Perfect for self portraits!

★ Full HD shooting and recording
Shoot movies in 1080p resolution and don't worry a bit about noise and grain. Rest assured that all frames are captured beautifully and expertly processed.

★ Wi-Fi® and NFC One-touch
Easily transfer your photos from your camera to your phone by turning on the Wi-Fi or NFC feature of your cam. Also, Sony's One-touch remote enables you to control your camera straight from your phone! All of these features make the Sony α5000 a formidable player in the world of mirrorless DSLRs, and for bloggers out there still looking to fortify their tools of trade, this makes for a very sound investment. With a price point of roughly ₱22,999.00? Shut up and take my money please put it on sale, Sony!

For Food Bloggers

Despite its size, you'd be surprised to find this cutie has interchangeable lens! Yup, something missing from the X70 lol (I'm picking on the Fuji 'cos I can't afford it okay). So if you're savvy enough, get a Sony E-mount lens kit fit for such macro food shots. Otherwise, the α5000's superior auto function has macro settings perfect for close up shots.

For Fashion Bloggers

Grab a tripod, mount the α5000, and flip the screen up. Yep, you don't need to get your boyfriend to do your OOTD shots anymore haha. If you feel like you're gonna be posing too far from the camera for a full body shot, here's a good news: The Sony α5000 has one-touch remote technology, so you can take the shot from your phone! How awesome is that. Uhm, you can tell your boyfriend to watch the camera na lang hehe.

For Beauty Bloggers

Guys you can flip the LCD of this camera! It's actually one of my favorite features, also a non-negotiable for me 'cos it's really one of the major things I'm looking for in a camera. I super love this feature because it lets you take accurate self-portraits (aka selfies) because duh you can adjust live haha. No more taking a test pic and checking the gallery if you've properly positioned yourself on the right grid. Its 180° tiltable LCD screen makes shooting yourself and your squad much easier!

Also, Sony α5000's Soft Skin Effect ensures your skin is smoothened and relieved of wrinkes and dullness, leaving you with perfectly composed and beautiful shots. :)

For Lifestyle Bloggers

For lifestyle bloggers who are always out and about hopping from one event to another, it may be a struggle for some to keep all their socials updated with exceptional photos to boot. Good thing the Sony α5000 has built-in WiFi with NFC so you can seamlessly connect your camera to your phone, copy the photos you want, and update your social media accounts live, wherever you are.

For Travel Bloggers

Equipped with award winning and consumer preferred hardware, it's no doubt you'll be able to capture all your travel photos perfectly. Its high sensitivity lets you shoot in any type of environment, whether at night or in a sunny field (just not underwater, okay?). Never miss a memory with the α5000.

And might I add, I love the size of this one because it's not bulky at all, so it feels much safer to carry around when you're out travelling. :)

For Vloggers

Need I say more? Get a mini tripod, mount the powerful α5000, flip the screen, and shoot your next YouTube content in full HD. Get your channel up and running with high quality videos and have fun editing it on iMovie or Final Cut Pro! :D

BONUS: Free DSLR Training!

Yes there's more! Of course you didn't get a DSLR to shoot in mighty superior auto right? That would be unspeakable (joooooke). If you want to learn more about how to fully utilize your Sony camera and explore all the possibilities you can do with it, join Sony's Basic Digital Photography Class for free! Just register your serial on sdw.sony.com.ph and reserve a slot on your preferred schedule. They hold regular classes every Saturday at select Sony Centres nationwide (SM Megamall and Glorietta to name a few!). :)

For more details about this awesome camera, head on to the official Sony Philippines website here.

-----

Disclaimer: This blog post is an entry to Yugatech's giveaway contest. All product photos are taken from Sony Philippines website. Stock photos are from Unsplash.com. 

Novuhair Salutes All Women

In celebration of International Women’s Month this March, Nutramedica Inc., encourages women to speak their mind and know their rights. Be it in society or otherwise, women have excelled over the years, creating a sense of socio-equality that every female across the globe shall be proud of.

This years’ theme is “Be bold for change”, a very subjective manner of approach to the present era where women are called to lead and influence. Novuhair calls for the same thrust. Novuhair empowers the female population by improving their appearance thru self-help ideas on social media. Channeling their self-esteem and confidence to exude.

Nutramedica Inc. itself is being led by a formidable woman, Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO and President. Ms. Velilla built the company from scratch, exerting much effort in product development and exemplary business & marketing acumen. Founded in 2004, Nutramedica was one of the first companies to market virgin coconut oil (VCO) in the Philippines. Today it is known for its comprehensive range of oral and injectable pharmaceutical lines, food supplements and cosmetic products.

At present, Novuhair has been awarded by Watson’s as the leading Medicated Hair Care Brand in the country for five consecutive years. The effectiveness of the product speaks for itself. Novuhair is made with 19 natural ingredients that include moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint and almost 100% natural.

Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching. It also penetrates deep to rejuvenate the hair follicles, provides optimum nutrition to help combat hair loss and/or thinning of hair, improves blood circulation in the scalp which contributes to the stimulation of hair growth.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at (02)413-6570 and (63)922-883-0575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

5 Family-friendly Features of the Sony Bravia X8000D

It is no doubt that technology keeps getting better and better, what with a ton of products constantly vying for space in our homes. A lot of people may argue that technology's efforts in bringing people together has only driven us apart, but that's not always the case! For instance, I believe that televisions will never fail to bring the family together. However big or small your TV may be, the sound of a primetime bida will always draw people to the screen.

So what's stopping you from getting the best for your family?

Thankfully, Sony got us covered. Having been at the forefront of manufacturing high quality home entertainment systems for decades, you can only expect the best.

The Sony Bravia X8000D is the perfect home entertainment companion for the modern family. It's packed with all the right features that everyone with definitely enjoy.

Let's take a look,

For Daddy - Sports nights made better in full HD Clarity

Who says having a big TV means you can't enjoy normal HD channels because it'll look stretched and blurred? Well, say no more to grainy and blurry pictures. Sony gives you the perfect HD experience with the X8000D which is supercharged with the following picture enhancing technologies (to name a few!):

• X-Reality Pro - Responsible for converting images to become full HD. It sharpens, refines, and smoothens every pixel so you're left with scenes that flow smoothly and look super real!
• 4K HDR - You think 4K resolution is already ultra clear? Now it's made even better with Sony's 4K HDR. The marriage of 4K's Ultra HD clarity and HDR's brightness, color, and detail gives birth to the ultimate viewing experience.

Who's excited for the next game night?

For Mommy - Slim and Sophisticated Design

For mothers who are very particular with how appliances and electronics sit with the house's interior, they'll surely love the Bravia X8000D's appeal. It's super slim, sophisticated, and was created to really match your living room. The borders are super thin you'd think it's an oversized frame or a window! And for the really OC ones, it has cable management features so you won't have to worry about dangling wires that are always an eyesore. :)

Sony's design ethos ensures its products are made with style by employing art directors who work hand in hand with their engineers in designing items that are rich in form and function. With this great looking TV in your living room, you'll always want to spend your time in front of it!

For Kuya - Optimized graphics perfect for gaming

With Sony's enhanced picture technology, games are rendered in perfect quality. Expect clearer lines, smoother actions, and sharper details with the help of Sony's X1 4K Processor and Triluminous Display.

Hook it with your favorite PlayStation or download games and apps from Google Play Games and discover a whole new range of activities you can do!

For Ate - Netflix Recommended TV

With all the cutting edge technology deployed in this entertainment system, it's no wonder it earned Netflix's thumbs up! Enjoy a much better streaming experience as the Bravia X8000D enriches all the frames and sequences you're watching to deliver lifelike details and a truly cinematic look.

Don't have Netflix? They're giving out a month of free trial for first time users so make sure to grab that chance. They're even set to roll out 4K HDR versions of select original series in the coming months so you really don't want to miss that one of a kind experience!

For Bunso - Endless entertainment

Enter a world of endless possibilities with an Android TV. The Sony Bravia X8000D is a smartphone friendly TV that lets you cast everything on your screen, onto the bigger screen. Play across devices, download games and apps, watch videos on Youtube, etc. There's no dull moment with this TV on.

This has got to be my favorite feature yet. Not because I'm the bunso of the house, but because I've always wanted an internet enabled TV! One where I can watch Youtube all day and follow my favorite vloggers and one where I can launch a browser and stream my favorite KDramas! Just thinking about it makes me super giddy!

-----

Sony never fails to raise the bar when it comes to home entertainment systems. This TV is so amazing and feature-packed you'll never run out of things to do with it! My family will definitely be thrilled to experience the Bravia X8000D, and I'm sure yours too!

For more details about this kickass television, head on to the official Sony Philippines website here.


Disclaimer: This blog post is an entry to Yugatech's giveaway contest. All product photos are taken from Sony Philippines website.

Time after time

Saturday

Some days I feel really lucky. Like last Saturday, when I invited my sister to come along with me to the mall to buy a present for Jeckie.

We got a parking slot at SM in less than five minutes, considering it was payday weekend and there was a ridiculous amount of traffic heading to the mall. Actually, it's because we accidentally followed a car to the valet parking area haha. One of the attendants apprehended us but eventually allowed us to stay as long as we register the car at the valet counter and surrender our keys. That's ₱100 but it's definitely worth it considering that day. :)

That's one. Next, the gift I bought for Jeckie was on sale. Yey! I mean it's not like I saved anything 'cos I didn't even have a set budget for it haha but well, sale is sale.

Lastly, Caramia had a buy 1 take 1 promo that day so my sister and I shared 2 scoops for the price of 1. I got esspresso (which was melting, love it!), and she got pistachio. BEST COMBO EVER. If you know me, I don't like eating frozen desserts. I like my ice cream tunaw. Still cold but not frozen. Basta.

TODAY

8PM

I did the Drop 10 and dropped dead halfway. It's been so hard for me to push myself into exercising regularly, but Drop 10 remains to be one of my favorites simply because it doesn't have a set time. Just finish the set and you're good. Everything depends on you, the faster you work out, the sooner you're out. I usually finish in 20-30 minutes but this time around I was so exhausted already after the 50 seconds plank so I plopped dead on the bed after.

For reference, here's the workout:

• 100 crunches
• 90 jumping jacks
• 80 lunges
• 70 squats
• 60 jog in place
• 50 plank
• 40 jumping jacks
• 30 squats
• 20 high knees
• 10 push-ups

It's very heavy on the legs. I remember a time I was doing this regularly and my thigh muscles really grew. I don't like it lol but it makes me sweat a lot so I keep doing it haha

3AM

I set an appointment at Damsel (Gowns for Rent Manila) so I could check if renting is an option, and also to look for flattering styles I could wear. Seriously considering renting because

1. It's cheaper
2. I don't have to worry about storing it after the wedding

But then,
1. It's not tailor fit to your body so you really have to check the fit
2. Limited style and size options
3. You can only get your gown at least 7 days before your wedding, and they charge by the day ha.
4. You're most probably not the first one to wear it. Doesn't matter to me though 'cos obvs they'll clean and repair the gown naman diba? Haha But yeah

There's another rental shop I'm eyeing, Bottega Bellance, which is around QC lang. They're renting out pieces from Rosa Clara and Vera Wang for 30k. Soooo mahal but maybe I'll set an appointment with them too!

There's also The Bridal Room but it's at Paranaque pa huhu

The plan is to keep on trying gowns at rental shops and have the style I like tailor made at Divisoria. Haha

4AM

I want to go home already haha

4:30AM

Thinking of joining a couple of blogging contests because I like the prize!
Also thinking if I should spend some time furnishing requirements for this org I want to join.

Hm.

Fitbit Alta HR announced!

Info and photo from Fitbit website

Finaaaally, Fitbit is releasing the much anticipated HR version of the Alta! So what's new? Well it has a heart rate monitor now (duh), an improved sleep tracker, and a buckle strap. Yey! And it costs $20 more than the debut price of Fitbit Alta. Fair enough?

Right now it's available for pre-order at $149.95. Expect it to be released around April in the US and Australia. It will be out on March 26 in the UK though. :)

I'm actually very happy about this and I think I'll get this version when my Alta retires && my wallet agrees. So far, it's done all the upgrades I wanted for the Alta, which is really just an HR monitor haha and a better strap. So plus points for changing the bands to a buckle strap yey! Curious about the improved sleep analysis though. Really, it can track the REM stage? Ooooh. But I figured, with a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking could be made more accurate so... argh I want to test this feature out! Oh wait, I hope they improved the charging cable. Can't be sure but looks like they didn't hehe. The original one has a clamp that's quite a hassle to put on. The clips on mine have actually snapped off already and is only being held by rubberbands haha. Looking forward to a wireless charging option in the future, or just a better charger design.

GPS? Nope it doesn't have one but since the Alta is geared towards the less hardcore fitness enthusiasts, dude this one's already too frkn feature packed (says someone who thought the Alta is enough)! :D

For more details, read here: Fitbit Alta HR

Related:
Fitbit Alta unboxing and review
Setting up Fitbit Alta for the first time

My 4 Dream Wedding Hairstyles

I got one of my good friends to be my hair and make-up artist for my wedding and we're both excited to plan for my look! I haven't really checked at the different hairstyles I could possibly wear but in my head I want something neat and clean. It's also because I wanted a lot of options for my hair that I'm growing it long. Right now it's dangling a few inches below the shoulder but here's to hoping it'll grow longer and more beautiful in time!

Here are a couple of styles I've searched around the web that I definitely want to wear on my big day:

1. Clean and neat up-do

Coupled with a pretty hairpiece, this definitely looks clean and elegant! I don't mind getting hair extensions just to achieve those clean buns. :D

2. Loose curls

Cheap African American wigs and discount wigs for women

Maybe good for a second look, after the ceremony. I've always dreamed of having long, flowy, and seemingly natural curls for an everyday look, but I'm not too keen on maintaining something like that so maybe I could indulge on one for my big day! I found these styles over at Cocowig.com, it's an online shop for high quality wigs and they have a vast collection of styles to choose from! I don't really suggest getting a wig for your wedding (lol, why not), but it's a pinterest of sorts for hairstyles with its huge gallery of inspriation. Check it out!

3. Short beach waves

12 Inches Wavy 120% Lace Front Cap Human Hair

Well, we're not holding a beach wedding but it's gonna me a very simple ceremony so I guess this casual look would be good too! This style is made from curling your hair then messing it up a bit. It's pretty doable for me as long as I don't mess with the curling iron haha.

4. Messy but classy up-do

I'm torn between getting a neat or messy updo. This one looks so chic, I'm just not sure if it will sit well with the shape of my face, or if it's gonna be flying all over during photo ops haha. This remains a strong option for me though!

------

It's always so fun looking at inspiration over the web, if only my pinterest boards would magically turn into reality without me having to worry about the nitty-gritties, what a relief would that be for brides-to-be. How about you, what's your dream wedding hairstyle? :)

[Food Phase Fridays] McCafe Iced Coffee

Resurrecting the tag with my current addiction, McDonald's Iced Coffee! I love it primarily because it's made of brewed coffee and just the right amount of milk and sugar (syrup). It's not as strong as Starbucks' version but it has enough strength and flavor to keep my day running. Best of all, it's only ₱47! Sooooooo affordable. It's now my go-to coffee.

I didn't realize I was getting addicted to it until I found myself at McDonald's drive-thru every day before coming to work. Well not every day, but mostly whenever I have the car with me haha, like 3x a week.

Earlier was one of the best "cravings satisfied" moments for me. I can't sleep and was craving for coffee (ironically) so I went out and bought one, and since I'm already within the area, I got a bbq/wasabi mega fries from Potato Corner as well! That explains the sly brown bag peeking from behind my coffee. Haaaay, food is life.

Random fun facts about McDonald's!

1. McDonald's started out as a BBQ joint in San Bernardino, California.
2. Ray Kroc didn't actually start McDonald's, it was founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald.
3. McDonalds used to own 90% of Chipotle as an investor back in 2006, but later on sold its stake to better focus on the restaurant.
4. Did you know that there's a ski-thru McDonald's in Lindvallen resort, Sweden where skiiers can schuss through and get their fast food fix?
5. The average drive-thru transaction is approximately 3 minutes (189.49 seconds). Really now? I can only hope the Philippines was factored in this study haha! Wendy's leads with a 133.63 second turnaround time though! 
6. Can you guess what their best-selling item is?
7. They say McDonald's Coke tastes super good and different from other places. The secret? The soda syrup is delivered in a stainless tank to preserve its freshness, compared to other restaurants that get them in plastic bags. I personally don't notice the difference haha.
8. When Sarah Michelle Gellar was 4 (or 5), she was named in a lawsuit filed by McDonald's for participating in a Burger King ad that badmouthed its burger as being 20% smaller than its competitor. Hahaha
9. McDonald's best-selling item is the french fries! I'm surprised! :D

Source: 75 Mind-Blowing Facts About McDonald’s to Celebrate Its 75th Anniversary

---

Food Phase Fridays is a blog series featuring the different foods I've grown addicted to for some time! Learn more about them here or join in the fun by making your own Food Phase series!