Samsung Galaxy Studio puts the spotlight on the new Gear S2

At the Samsung Galaxy Studio, consumers will find an inviting space that welcomes them to mill and actually experience the best mobile device innovations that Samsung technology has to offer—whether it’s the most advanced smartphones, the most revolutionary smartwatch, or even a new breed of connected multimedia accessories, name it and Samsung has the best of it. It’s a venue that seamlessly blends the digital experience of each Samsung mobile device with the physical space, allowing consumers to enjoy the brand’s advanced yet accessible technology, and realize how it can enhance their diverse lifestyle needs.

The exclusive launch of the Samsung Galaxy Studio last November 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Globe was a testament to this commitment to innovating consumers’ experience of mobile technology, where Samsung welcomed members of the media and celebrities to a unique visual display which transformed the SM Mall of Asia LED globe into the world’s largest smartwatch, with real-life interactive stunts that demonstrated just how the Gear S2 gets better with every turn.

The exclusive event also saw the introduction of Samsung’s latest ambassadors and partnerships for Gear S2. Demonstrating how it perfectly complements the stylish set as a wearable tech accessory were internationally-recognized fashion-designer Francis Libiran, Top Fashion Photographer BJ Pascual, global Fashion Journalist & Blogger Ingrid Chua-Go, international model Kelsey Merritt, Radio DJ Andi Manzano, Top Lifestyle Bloggers Cecile Zamora Van Straten & Kelly Misa, and Club DJ & model Callum David.

Bringing to life how the Gear S2 supports the active lifestyle of fitness enthusiasts were actor and triathlete Victor Basa, Top Fashion & Sports photographer and fitness evangelist Xander Angeles, together with the rest of his TriSixFiv triathlon team, as well as five of the top coaches from CrossfitMNL.

Joining the Samsung Gear S2 ambassadors at the event were Samsung Galaxy brand ambassador Liz Uy, as well as Rajo Laurel, Bubbles Paraiso, Carla Humphries, and many others who celebrated the successful launch of the Galaxy Studio and unveiling of Samsung’s latest innovation in wearable technology.

To showcase how the Samsung Gear S2 most-fittingly blurs the line between wearable technology and fine fashion, the world’s most precious strap for the Gear S2 was also revealed to the guests. Masterfully created by leading jeweler Marilou Co of Marilou Jewellery, the strap is encrusted with 200 VVS diamonds meticulously hand-set on genuine black calfskin leather, and supported by an 18K platinum white gold lockset, the precious piece exclusively on display that evening was valued at PHP20million.


“We wanted to highlight what makes the Gear S2 a stunning, fashionable piece of wearable technology, and to underscore that, we paired it with a stunning diamond strap designed by acclaimed jeweler Marilou Co,” said Digs Dimagiba, Business Unit Head for IT & Mobile Business of Samsung Electronics Philippines.

Guests were also given a preview of Gear S2 technology currently in-development. On display was a Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle 1.4L Turbo connected to the Gear S2. Through a third-party app, users were able to lock and unlock the vehicle from his or her Gear S2.

The opening of the Samsung Galaxy Studio celebrates the arrival of Gear S2—which introduces the brand’s revolutionary approach to wearable technology. Driving innovation in this category since 2013 with the launch of the very first Samsung Galaxy Gear, the brand goes full circle with the launch of the new Gear S2 – with a device that beautifully and powerfully blends form & function.

Several hubs can be found at the Samsung Galaxy Studio, with each one dedicated to give visitors a rich experience of the new Gear S2, the Galaxy Note5 & S6 edge+, as well as an interactive experience of Samsung’s new breed of connected accessories – including the Gear VR virtual reality headset, and Level On Pro wireless headphones.

The crowning jewel of the Samsung Galaxy Studio is, of course, the Gear S2 hub which allows guests to experience the revolutionary rotating bezel control that marks a great shift in the user experience of wearable technology. Visitors will be treated to a white-gloved service to appreciate the fine craftsmanship, design, and features of the sporty Gear S2 and versatile Gear S2 classic that both feature a bright 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display perfect for customizing watch faces to suit your look, mood, or occasion. Both devices run on an app-rich ecosystem, including the built-in S Health app which constantly monitors your vital signs and activity levels. Active guests can experience the fitness tracking capabilities of the Gear S2 through a stationary bike provided by Trek Bikes.

Moving on to Samsung’s flagship smartphones, the Galaxy Note 5 hub will allow visitors to experience the all-powerful S-Pen. Inspiring creativity, a badge-making contest and caricature art-making activities will be held using the S-Pen. Definitely more than just a stylus, the S-Pen not only works like a real pen, but also as a powerful digital precision tool, allowing users to experience the ultimate choice in mobile productivity.

Meanwhile, consumers will have an immersive multimedia experience like no other at the Galaxy S6 edge+ hub where they can try & experience virtual reality with Samsung Gear VR. Using it with the 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy S6 edge+, guests will be able to watch movies and play games in virtual reality, which is a preview of what Samsung’s connected mobile & multimedia devices have to offer.


Not leaving out audiophiles and music enthusiasts, the Samsung Level On Pro hub will give visitors an aural experience of Samsung’s premium wireless headphones, earphones and speakers – with music spun through Samsung’s new music production & mixing app for smartphones - Samsung Soundcamp.

Visit the Samsung Galaxy Studio from November 27 to December 5, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia Cyberzone to experience the latest in Samsung’s mobile device innovations -- and see how the new Gear S2 gets better at every turn.

Paincake Patrol Launches //Social Constructs

Sharing the belief that a life worth living is defined by a purpose of your own manufacture and not by social consensus, one-man electronic music project Paincake Patrol launches his first-ever EP //Social Constructs on December 5, 2015 at Today x Future in Cubao, Quezon City.

Created in 2011 out of passion for music, Paincake Patrol is the recording project of musician Eeman Bulotano. This experimental solo project is focused on creating alternative electronic and ambient music, reflecting the artist’s experiences and views on existence in general.

“I want to make music people can listen to without them having to ignore the person standing next to them,” says Eeman whose goal is to provide music that “makes you think, but yet somehow not distract you at all.”

Emotions, Experiences and Expression

The idea behind //Social Constructs and Paincake Patrol itself is inspired and widely influenced by the very existence of ambient music as pioneered by Brian Leno during the 1980’s. Usually electronic and instrumental in nature, ambient music aims to create a perfect balance between disappearance and presence.

Though it has existed for a long time now, ambient music remains relatively unknown to the mainstream crowd as it is seen as "too smart" or "overly deep.” However, Eeman and many other ambient music artists see this type of music as simpler and more relatable compared to any other genre because it provides the chance to be freely interpreted by its listeners. This genre is powered by the experiences and emotions not just by the one who created the music but also by those whom the music is created for.

Songs from this genre evolve from the mere self-expression of one artist into many different stories weaved by those present in the audience. They are taken and understood in more ways than one – similar to how individuals give meaning to various things and, ultimately, to life.

Existence Defined and Redefined

Music relives one’s memories, and the entire Paincake Patrol project intends to elicit nostalgia while stimulating thought-provoking conversations. With this particular EP, the artist focused on his view of the general meaning of existence and how empty it may seem when viewed only in an objective and logical way.

Each composition is appropriately titled based heavily on how the artist views reality. Combining master beats with ethereal notes, //Social Constructs’ first three tracks aim to reflect the existential angst and loneliness one might experience when he or she has failed to see reason behind life.

(Ee)Man behind the Music

Fascinated with weird ambient and dreamy sounds, Eeman has been recording his own music and releasing it on Sound Cloud starting 2010. He has released three LPs from 2011 to 2014. Since then, he has been featured in a few publications, such as Indienationblog and Exposed Vocals. In the Philippine Indie Rock Awards 2015, he was awarded Keyboardist of the Year through his current band, Audio Drive Thru.

He took the next step early this year by doing live gigs all over the metro. Six short months and several introductions to numerous people later, he is now ready to share his music more widely to the world.

Check out Paincake Patrol on Facebook, Sound Cloud, Twitter, Instagram and his blog or catch more of Eeman’s keyboards and synths as he plays with Audio Drive Thru.

Shangri-La Holiday Fashion Fete: Wanderlust Glam 2015

This month, Shang Style Spectrum presents Wanderlust Glam, a Shang Holiday Fashion Show featuring the current trends with the help of top brands to ensure that you are on point from the time you leave, to when you land and enjoy that well-deserved holiday. Ment for stylish traveler that pays attention to detail, considering everything including what to wear at the airport and in your #ootds at each destination.

These days, sartorial choices begin the moment you step into the terminal. And, as not all commutes are created equal, travelers need to pay attention to the importance of staying comfortable, warm and fashionable while up in the air.

Rustan's Department Store, Daniel Hechter, Gant, Reiss, and Stradivarius are presenting pieces that create those chic layered looks, from which you can add or edit depending on your needs.






Innovative, young and hip channel the spirit of London and Tokyo in British India, Harlan & Holden, Brooks Brothers, Repetto, and Debenhams’ collections. Fresh, streamlined pieces that create stylishly relaxed looks, interesting prints and patterns, and wonderfully classic and feminine outfits rule the streets of these hot holiday destinations.





Imbibe the attitude of New York City and the effortless chic style of romantic Paris. Porsche Design, Tie Line, K & Co, Arrow, and Mico Boutique’s solid neutral colors and elegant get ups for both men and women, and refined dresses dominate the items du jour for these two fashion capitals.






Round off your travels with a night at the theater. Culture vultures are all set to dress to impress with BCBGMaxAzria, Warehouse, Bergamo, and Marks & Spencer. Go for either sophisticated styles or creatively put together looks in rich block hues, graphic prints, or luxuriously textured materials, under structured jackets and coats.





Indulge that wanderlust while upping your style. All your travel and fashion essentials are at the metro’s leading lifestyle destination Shangri-La Plaza.