Xiaomi Gadgets and Stuffs (Part 1)

This week I bought a few stuffs from Xiaomi flagship store in Lazada. I also ordered Xiaomi items online and from a different seller if its not available at the Mi official online store. I also posted the items in my social media. Xiaomi doesn't only make electronic gadgets, and phones. They also make eco friendly products, for health and lifestyle at home or at work. They have thermometer, bottle water container, intelligent portable water bottle, quality water pen tester, purely anti-pollution mask, robot vacuum cleaner and a lot more. That's what I like about Xiaomi, they are always innovating things, and has a solution for urban life living, to make life more pleasant, easy, trendy, and enjoyable.

I bought their Xiaomi stuffed toy, it is a rabbit doll wearing Ushanka with a star (Lei Feng hat), in other countries the design of the hat was changed because a lot of people view the red star in a negative way. I like the cute rabbit, its name is Mitu. I also bought headphones, and the Mi Band 3 bracelet.

The Mi Band 3 is a useful gadget. It has heart rate monitor, step counter, shows you the date and time, temperature and the weather etc. You can connect your phone and the Mi band. There is one feature that I like. Are you forgetful of your celphone? If you can't locate it, the Mi band can detect your phone. Just choose "find your device," and your phone will alarm.

Also I bought a tripod, and selfie stick also from Xiaomi. I am happy with all the stuffs that I bought. For item description just go to their online store. Mi.com

I am suggesting that you check out Xiaomi stores in the Philippines to see their wide ranged products. This shows that not all China made products are inferior, or of poor quality. Watch out for my next review!

Playing the Erhu: Bridging the Gap

   I recently bought this book online. This was recommended to me by an Erhu player, one of the members of a college Chinese orchestra here in the Philippines, and my future 老师. Not everyone in the Philippines is familiar with the Erhu, since this is a Chinese instrument.

This book is expensive. I did not hesitate in purchasing it because I know it is indispensable. There aren't a lot of books about Erhu that are written in English, so it's understandble that it's a bit pricey. This is a must for all non-Chinese erhu enthusiast.

The price of this book is around four thousand pesos. It is priced over $40. All you need to know about the erhu is inside this book. The author clearly explains everything, and there are photos included, from the parts of an erhu, how to assemble or set-up an erhu, how to rosin a bow, how to hold the bow, and so on. There's also a brief instruction on how to read the numerical scores or the jianpu. There are additonal classic Chinese scores also. Over all this is a concise book about erhu. If you want to order this book I suggest you buy in ebay, and order from the seller, musicofmay. This book was delivered on my doorstep, hassle free, no need to pick it up from the post-office. It was delivered to me by UPS.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (Mi Store, SM North Edsa, Annex Building)

  I said goodbye to my Samsung J7 phone today. I replaced it with one of the popular China phone, Xiaomi. I was not able to change my phone last year because I'm waiting for the price decrease. Why did I move to Xiaomi, after being a long time Samsung user, I want to try something new, and my workmates, and friends say that Xiaomi is a good, and budget friendly phone. The specs are great, compared with other phones with similar specs, and those phones are on the pricier side. Also, as a Chinese culture lover, supporting China products is a must for me. Not all China made products are low quality, there are some products that are really good. Xiaomi, along with Huawei is among the top China phones nowadays.

They have two branches now in the Quezon City area. In Trinoma, and at SM North. I bought my phone at SM North annex, it is located at the 3rd level. I went here early this morning, and there were a lot of customers already. I even saw a Caucasian buying a MI phone. I immediately went to the cashier area and asked if the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is available. It is available, and they have 3 colors to choose from, red, black, and blue. I chose the blue color since its my favorite color. (Neptune Blue to be exact). First impression of this phone, it is slim, sleek and stylish in design. I like the fact that it comes with a free jelly case. I am not that fond of the sim card pin removal. I wish they created an easier way of inserting and removing the sim. I have been using the phone for half a day now, with the help of my nephew. I like the fact that it has a fingerprint lock security. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a free headset. The camera and resolution is also good. I have downloaded the needed apps in just seconds. So far I'm happy, and I think I'll be getting used to using Mi phone.  By the way,  the Redmi Note 7 that I bought is the Global version. So this is suitable for non-Chinese users. You don't need to watch tutorials online on how to setup your phone. I like the features of the photo editor, it has watermark also.

Check out the specs below.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro 128GB mobile features a 6.3" (16 cm) display with a screen resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and runs on Android v9.0 (Pie) operating system. The device is powered by Octa core (2 GHz, Dual core, Kryo 460 + 1.7 GHz, Hexa Core, Kryo 460) processor paired with 6 GB of RAM. As far as the battery is concerned it has 4000 mAh. Over that, as far as the rear camera is concerned this mobile has a 48 MP + 5 MP camera Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor supporting a resolution of 8000 x 6000 Pixels and the front snapper is powered by a Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor. Other sensors include Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope. So, does it have a fingerprint sensor? Yes, it does. For graphical performance that can make games run smoothly, this phone has got a Adreno 612 GPU. On board storage is at 128 GB with the option to expand the memory by Yes Up to 256 GB. Design is one of the most important factors when it comes to mobiles. This phone is 8.1 mm slim and weighs 186 grams.

So if you're looking for a budget friendly phone but great in performance, I suggest you try the Redmi Note 7. Better head to the nearest Mi store in your area.

Movie Review: Our Shining Days

  I am wondering why I have not written any review of this movie. I even checked my personal blog, and I have not posted it there. Anyway, this post is long overdue. I just remembered this movie after digging up my erhu again. What's an erhu? It is a Chinese musical instrument, they also call it in English, two stringed fiddle, or Chinese violin. I studied the basics before on how to play the erhu. Now, I'm planning to do a self-study/practice. I am encouraged to pick-up and play the erhu by a young member of the Chinese orchestra in my country. I was able to borrow an erhu practice book from his which is very rare to find here in the Philippines. I was also told to order an erhu instructional book, which I did. It is a bit expensive, but its worth it. All for the love of Chinese culture.

This movie is about high-school music students, one group is the Chinese music students, and the other group were music students who were into Europeran/Western musical instruments (violin, harp, guitar etc.). I recall a short clip of one of the famous scene in the movie where both groups battled by playing their own musical instruments. For example the Guzheng vs. Harp, and so on. I agree with one of the comments in YouTube, that this movie is not about proving or showing which musical instrument is superior. What the movie is trying to say is never forget the past, it is about treasuring, and never forgetting Chinese classical music instruments. I am not Chinese but I appreciate these things. The Chinese youth especially should not forget this. If you are a music lover, more so a Chinese music lover like me then I suggest you see this movie.