iPod nano: The Nokia Lumia Look-a-Like

Perhaps it is the iPod nano that has undergone most the number of dramatic changes throughout its existence. It's like a butterfly that has undergone metamorphosis, emerging as an adult, only to find out that it has to go back inside the cocoon and undo the process. Yes, we are now on the 7th-generation of the iPod nano. It definitely doesn't look like any of its previous incarnations. So kudos to Apple for taking such risks...but wait, it looks like something I've seen before...wait for it...wait...I knew it. It's the Nokia Lumia...800 or 900? Possibly Nokia N9? Well, Apple says it is the all-new iPod nano so let's get down to business.


The seventh-generation iPod nano is back to its rectangular shape. This time with a multi-touch capacitive touchscreen and a home button. It can no longer be used as a wristwatch (like its immediate predecessor) nor it can be used to shoot sneaky videos (like the fifth-generation iPod nano). It now has a built-in pedometer for fitness buffs (in addition to the Nike+ app). Let's not forget the FM Radio tuner, music and video player, support for podcasts, new accessibility features, Bluetooth (for wireless headset support) and whatnot!

Image by CNET

It also comes with the new Apple EarPods, which will instantly make your iPod nano a looker or maybe you yourself can get more attention? It also has the new Lightning port and connector to facilitate charging and syncing content. Let's go back to its looks, which makes the iPod nano's design revolutionary and controversial.


It does look like the Nokia Lumia 800/900. While the Lumia and the iPod nano are both made with premium materials, the white glossy finish in front on the latter makes it look outright cheap. Do you agree? Sorry for the term, but it looks like that there was a serious case of "physical retardation" that took place while it was being manufactured.


Anyway, with these new features of the iPod nano, do you think that Apple wants the new nano to move in the direction of iOS? I don't want to speculate but if it happens, then the iPod touch will be in deep trouble. The iPod nano could become an iPod touch mini or lite of some sort. For pricing, please refer to the chart below:

Image by Engadget

Indeed, the iPod nano is the Nokia Lumia Look-a-Like but once you go past its looks, it's an entirely different creature. While it doesn't have innovative smartphone features like the iPod touch, it still does well what it does best - that is playing music. To be honest, I  really prefer the smaller iPod nano that preceded it. For some reason, it is more pocketable. It comes in handy and can be used as a wristwatch. How about you? What are your thoughts?

Check out my review on the iPhone 5, the new iPod touch, the iPod shuffle, the iPad mini, iOS 6, and other Apple products.

Images above taken from Apple's website unless stated otherwise.

Til then...

xoxo Nash

The Verdict: Battalia Royale 3

Call me "maarte," I don't give a damn! With this said, let me give my thoughts on the recently held Battalia Royale 3 - an interactive play based on the Japanese novel (and then movie) Battle Royale, written by Koushun Takami.

Battalia Royale 3's plot is very much like the movie The Hunger Games where the characters' mission is to kill all others or be killed. The play ends with only one survivor, who will then be crowned the winner.

Before I go to the play's details, I'll show you first a copy of the ticket that they emailed, which I had to print. It costs PhP350 per head. We were a group of 6 5 people. And the play date was September 29, 2012 (Saturday) at 7 PM.

Battalia Royale 3 Play Ticket

Let's start with the venue. It was held at Museo Pambata in Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The venue was very far from where I live. Moreover, it was really hot as there were a lot of people who attended the play plus no air-conditioning (because it was held at the museum grounds, not inside the museum). Then it rained, so people got wet (including the cast). And because we were not warned that the play was going to be held outside, we did not bring our umbrellas or raincoats to the venue. Good thing, we were boy scouts! We had umbrellas hidden at the trunk of our cars. But it was still hard to watch a play when there's rain.

Map to the Venue

We move on to the storyline. As I've said, the plot is not something new. A group of people, in this case- students, were given the mission to kill one another until only one was left. Each has his/her own weapon to make use of. They can form teams but in the end, only one must survive. The characters were given 8 hours to finish off one another (in reality, this is more or less 3 hours).

What made the play interesting is that it was interactive. The audience gets to decide if they want the play to end already. After all, it was hard standing for 3 hours, not to mention the rain and dirt. You also have to run to be able to follow the scenes as they take place at different parts of the venue. Some scenes happened simultaneously so you would have to choose which scenes you want to watch.
By the way, they also had a tally board so you could see which among the cast is still on the running to become a winner. Those who already died had a red mark over their face.

Rules of the Play

So how about the cast and their performances? Well, some were surprisingly good. Despite not having microphones, you could actually hear their voices even with the rain pouring. The language used is mixed - Filipino and English, used alternately. Some had good diction but a few struggled with their spiels, which include wrong grammar. I did like the martial arts scene, shooting scenes, and other morbid scenes. Did I mention that the "lesbian-themed" scenes were hot as well?

When it comes to costume and props, there's nothing much that I could say. The fake blood looked fake. Props used were scarce and most looked like garbage. Some of the weapons used didn't look like weapons to me at all. There's not much makeup used. But kudos to the cast for braving the rain, mud, dirt, and whatnot.

So what about other concerns one might have during the play? Aside from the rain and dirt, you have to be careful not to trip or fall since most of the time the audience were running. Since the place was not well-lit, your chances of tripping over or slipping is quite high. You also have to bring drinks with you since the play is long and it's likely you would get thirsty. It also smelled like gun powder everywhere as it was used for special effects. The smoke machine could also get you suffocated if you stood near it.

What I did not like? Well ,I hope the play was just held in a covered venue with air-conditioning. Moreover, I would have wanted it to be like a typical play where the audience are just seated so they don't have to go through all that chaos. Microphones would have helped some of the cast members as their voices could not be heard clearly. Profanity was also a main stay. I suggest they use it sparingly since almost all of them were uttering expletives from time to time. Lastly, I hope they shortened the length of the play. There were conversations that are actually not needed and do nothing for the storyline.

What I did like? Some of the cast members were really good at acting. There were guards/bouncers on standby in case of emergency. I wish I had more to like... Good thing the ticket costs only PhP350.

The Verdict: 5 out of 10 stars

Sorry, I did not take photos or even tried to take one as it was prohibited by the production team.

So, were you there as well? Have you watched other Battalia Royale plays? Tell me your thoughts in the Comments Section.

P.S. If you haven't seen Battle Royale yet, then you just got lucky. You can watch the movie below:


Til then...

xoxo Nash

Join Mock Polls PH Coz Your Opinion Matters

Hey guys, I've got something for you! You love answering polls, right? Especially if it's something that has a direct effect on you. Mock Polls Philippines believes that your opinion matters. And there's no better time to answer such polls than now...especially that the Anti-Cyber Crime Law has been passed. Other issues of national interest such as the RH Bill, Freedom of Information Bill, Territorial Issues are on the line too. Join me in answering this poll and tell to these peoples' faces how much you like or hate them!


But first, let me clarify that I am NOT a political blogger. As much as possible, I do not want to feature anything on my blog that relates to politics. But this one is just too irresistible to resist. So do check it out after the break.


All you need is just a Facebook account that you will use for signing up and voila! you're good to go! So do you love or hate, PNoy? How about VP Binay? What do you think of Senator Sotto? There's no better way to express how you feel about them than voting here.

See who's leading now! Your vote can change all these. It's all in your hands.


Visit Mock Polls Philippines website today!

Til then...

xoxo Nash

Twitter Parody Accounts: The Legacy

I'm sure by now, you are familiar with the Twitter Parody superstars. You may be even following some of them for your daily dose of Twitter entertainment. As much as I want to wrap up my Twitter Parody Accounts entries, and despite the looming threat of the Anti-CyberCrime Law, my list of Parody Accounts just keeps on getting longer...and for a good reason. While celebrities come and go, Twitter Parody Accounts are here to stay!

First, let's take a look back at our checklist: @krizzy_kalerQUI, @superstarmarian, @angeL_LocKring, @RuffaRama, @anneKURTISsmith, @OfficialCharing, and @Queen_Barubal. Just their names alone make me giggle already, what more the things they're about to say? So, make sure you're following all of them.

Moving on, I'd like to introduce to you to not 1, not 2, but 3 more newsworthy Twitter Parody accounts. In random order, they are @jobertsucaldito, @lovipoekimo, and @angellokring (No, she's not @angeL_LocKring, but Yes, she's hot too!).

I'll start with @angellokring, who is a deadringer of @angeL_LocKring. After serving her sentence (courtesy of Twitter, which opted to suspend her account), @angellokring is back and armed with more expletives and profanity. It seems like she never learned her lesson, didn't she? And that's why I love her. She's a no-holds-barred type of person who not only took on Angel Locsin's wild persona but also terrorizes everything on her (Twitter) path. Corrupt politicians and shady celebrities, beware, because you guys are her prime target...and she will not think twice to bash you...and bash you with impunity.


UPDATE: She is @angellokring no more after a spat with @angeL_LocKring. She is now @ruffaguchenez. Follow her!


Next we have @lovipoekimo. She's looks lovely on the outside (like Lovi Poe) but deep inside, she has dirty little secrets too (still like Lovi Poe). She likes tweeting about BREAKING NEWS and retweeting so many other stuff but she despises the eLibel section of the CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT. Did I mention that she is the queen of picture editing, which she claims is her forte? One thing that separates her from other Parody Accounts on Twitter is that her account is VERIFIED, or at least that's what she claims. Don't take my word for it because I'm just a fan of her POE. Haha! Follow her at your own risk.


Rounding up the list is @jobertsucaldito. A relatively newcomer I must say but the Twitter account name itself is promising! For the first time, I am featuring a MALE Twitter Parody account. He claims to be the "REEL" JOBERT SUCALDITO as well. His "REEL-ness" is as real as his masculinity indeed. Like the Jobert Sucaldito we hear on TeleRadyo, @jobertsucaldito likes controversial topics and issues and always manages to weigh in on them. And in case you don't know, he's also friends with @angellokring and @lovipoekimo. I would even award him the 2nd most "barubal" Twitter Parody account, after @Queen_Barubal.


So there you have it! I have finally completed the TOP 10 Twitter Parody Accounts to follow. As always, follow them at your own risk. It's more fun in the Philippines. We should be free to express ourselves (ask even Madonna). Support Twitter Parody Accounts. Make your life more colorful. You only live once. Believe me, not following them will make you regret it for the rest of your life.

You may also want to read Twitter Parody accounts Part 1 and Part 2.

There's a Part 4 too! Click here.

Til then...

xoxo Nash

Best Global Brands of 2012

This just in! Interbrand has just released the Best Global Brands of 2012.

Which brand do you think snatched the Best Global Brand title?

It's none other than "the always refreshing" Coca-Cola, which has retained its top spot from 2011. It's the only company in the beverage industry that made it to the Top 20 this year. With a brand value of US$77,389,000,000, Coca-Cola easily snagged the top spot. That's an 8% increase from last year.
 

The second spot goes to "the would-be first trillion dollar company" - that is Apple. Jumping to number 2 from number 8 last year, the Cupertino-based company has recorded the highest percent increase in brand value...by a whopping 129%. Apple's brand value for 2012 amounts to US$76,568,000,000. Thanks to iTunes, App Store, iPhone, iPad, and MacBook sales.
Sitting comfortably at number 3 is IBM. It's the only company in the business services industry in the Top 10. While it slipped a notch to number 3, IBM is still far ahead from the next contender. It has recorded an 8% increase in brand value bringing it up to US$75,532,000,000.


Stuck at number 4 is another technology company, which rivals Apple. It's none other than Google. With a brand value of US$69,729,000,000, Google has increased its value by 26%. Thanks to many OEMs using its Android mobile operating system and computer applications.


Rounding out the Top 5 is Microsoft. Slipping 2 places from number 3 last year, Microsoft has recorded a decrease in brand value, which is now down to US$57,853,000,000. Facing stiff competition from Apple's Macintosh computers and Google's Android OS, Microsoft has had a hard year. But with it's new Windows RT devices, Windows Phone 8, and long-term partnership with Nokia, the future of Microsoft could be bright.
Other brands that made it to the Top 20 are technology brands such as Intel (no.8), Samsung (no.9), and HP (no.15). GE (no.6) and McDonald's (no.7) have been pushed down a notch (compared to last year's) as Apple entered the Top 5. Toyota rounds out the Top 10, which makes its the most valuable automotive company in the world.

Both Mercedes-Benz (no.11) and BMW (no.12) have been inching their way up the chart. Disney fell to number 13. Cisco fell to number 14 as Louis Vuitton and Oracle climbed up to number 17 and 18, respectively. Gillette did not move an inch at number 16. Nokia is perhaps the biggest loser this year, falling to number 19, losing 16% of its brand value last year. And completing the Top 20 is Amazon. Thanks to Kindle Fire sales and its Marketplace.

Here's the full list of Interbrand's 2012 Best Global Brands:


Let's see which brands make the cut next year. Do you think Coca-Cola will still be number 1? Tell me your thoughts on the Comments Section.

Source

Til then...

xoxo Nash

Get Up To 60% Off Your Favorite Oakley Eyewear

Everyone, get up to 60% OFF your favorite pair of Oakley sunglasses (compared to mall price) only here at the Oakley Sunglasses Sale! 

Do you want to own the best pair of sunglasses ever? Then here's some good news! Oakley Sunglasses Sale Philippines is selling brand new and authentic Oakley sunglasses for men and women.


Our price is also much cheaper than those you see in shopping malls. Just let us know the Oakley model you're looking for and the color of the frame and lens and we'll check if we have it in stock. 

Shipping fee is PhP150 via LBC or Air21. We deliver nationwide. Meet-ups can be arranged but are only limited to selected cities like Makati, Ortigas Center (Pasig/Mandaluyong), Alabang, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 

Click on the photo to see more models

For further inquiries, you may contact +63 917 787 3070. If you want to know more about this limited offer, visit Oakley Sunglasses Sale Philippines.

Disclaimer: This is not a paid blog entry. I'm just helping friends promote their business. If you want your business to be featured on my blog too, don't hesitate to Contact Me.  

Til then...

xoxo Nash

Cebu Inmates Dance to 'Gangnam Style'

Not to be left out in the dark, the Cebu dancing inmates once again wowed the crowd with their version of Psy's Gangnam Style. While we have seen so many people dance to this Korean hit song, including pop star Britney Spears, it still feels different when the Cebu inmates do it. They just evoke a certain feeling of hope, contentment, happiness, and positivity.

The heavy rain did not even seem to affect the enthusiasm of 1,000 inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. Kudos to them for that! Other songs they performed in the past include: "We Are the Champion," "Do the Hustle," "Jump," "Fire," "Ben," "Billy Jean," and "This Is It."

Check out their Gangnam Style dance video below:


The Cebu inmates were amazing, right? But if you still haven't seen Psy's Gangnam Style, you could check out his music video below. To date, it has garnered more than 300 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most viewed videos in the world.


As a bonus for watching the two videos above, here's Britney Spears dancing to Gangnam Style with Psy and Ellen at the Ellen DeGeneres Show.


I hope you enjoyed watching all three videos.

Til then...

xoxo Nash

Tim Cook Apologizes for Maps App

In an unprecedented move (which Steve Jobs would not have done), Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized for the shortcomings of its all-new home-brewed Maps application, which replaced Google's native Maps app on iOS 5.

With iOS 6, Apple has introduced a new Maps app, in partnership with TomTom. While the new Maps app looks cool with Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation features, it surprisingly lacks a lot of stuff that iOS users are used to be getting. The new Maps app was heavily panned by users for fundamental errors in 3D mapping, traffic alerts, and transit directions, to name a few.

Tim Cook's Apology Letter (Image by Apple)

But to everyone's surprise, it was not only an apology that iOS 6 users have gotten from Tim Cook. He went further to suggest that iOS 6 users try competing applications such as Bing, Waze, and Google.

I must say that it was a bold move for Apple to apologize and admit its shortcomings when it comes to the Maps app. It was as bold as replacing Google's native iOS Maps app with Apple's own. With more than 100 million (and counting) iOS 6 users using the new Maps app, the only way for Apple to redeem itself is to come up with a better Maps app, fixing all those bugs and glitches that rendered it almost unusable.

While it would surely take time for Apple's all-new Maps app to be at par with the competition, i.e. Google Maps, getting a promise from no less than Apple's CEO would suffice for the mean time.

And yes, for the new Maps app to work better, iOS 6 users must utilize it from time to time and report errors, bugs, or glitches they have been experiencing.

In the mean time, Apple has included a section on the App Store, where you can download paid and free maps applications that you can use as an alternative to Apple's new Maps app.

Image by GSMArena

Tell me what you think of the new Maps app for iOS 6. Are you satisfied? Or you hunger for more?

Til then...

xoxo Nash