Features

Super Blue Blood Moon 2018 and the tech you need to capture it

January 31 brings a lunar trifecta: Everything you need to know!

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A once in lifetime event is happening on January 31st.

It’s a called the Super Blue Blood Moon eclipse — a total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) happening on the second full moon of the month (Blue Moon), at the time when the moon is closest and looks largest (Super Moon). 

A total phase of darkness during this amazing lunar eclipse will be visible in Asia, Australia, North East Europe, Russia, parts of the US, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific, and will last up to 1 hour and 16 minutes.

The Philippines and Singapore will get a whopping 5 hours and 17 minutes from start to finish of this once in a lifetime lunar trifecta spectacle. India, on the other hand, will see only parts of the entire show since it begins before the moon peeks over the horizon. But this will not dramatically impact the fun as the phase of total darkness starts just about when the moon rises. This should make for particular outstanding effects.

But why is this event so rare? 

On their own, each of these cosmic events are rare. But for them to happen at the same time, let’s just say we’re super lucky!

Not even taking super moons into consideration, a lunar eclipse during a blue moon hasn’t happened for more than 150 years. After this month’s event, the next time you will get a chance to witness a Blue Blood Moon eclipse will be on Dec 31, 2028 and then on Jan 31, 2037 after that.

Let’s get all the terminology sorted out again.

Super full moon

When a full moon happens during a time the moon is closest the Earth, it is called a super full moon. A super full moon can look up to 14 percent bigger and up to 30 percent brighter.

The best time to look for a super moon is right after sunset when the moon tends to appear even larger to the human eye. This is partly what makes this month’s lunar eclipse so special as it happens in Asia right around that time.

Blood Moon

This isn’t an astronomical term at all, but it’s widely used these days. During an eclipse, the Earth blocks all direct sunlight which normally lights the moon’s surface. Indirect sunlight instead casts on the moon’s surface giving it a reddish yellow or orange glow, hence the nickname.

Blue moon

Ever heard about the term “once in a blue moon”? It means something is rare. Blue moons happen once every two to three years. A blue moon is the second full moon in a month with two full moons. 

How to document the experience

Now that we’ve gotten you all excited, how do you make sure you take great photos and videos of this once in a lifetime event?

First thing’s first: A camera! Your best bet is if you own any good interchangeable lens camera and a super telephoto lens (the higher the number the better). The most widely available super telephoto lenses are usually available in 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm options. To get even further, secure a teleconverter lens. A 2x teleconverter will double your ability to get in closer. 

Normally when you’re shooting a photo of the night sky, you’ll want a long exposure, but not in this case as you’re photographing a ball of light. Shoot as you would during the day. Shoot at ISO 100 or 200, at a wide aperture (around f/11) and with a fast shutter speed (1/250 or 1/125).

Alternatively, if you prefer to shoot with your smartphone — you’re better off with a smartphone that has optical zoom. The iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus, iPhone X, and Galaxy Note 8 for example all have 2x optical zoom. But to get even closer, you’ll need a clip-on lens that can mimic what a super telephone lens can do for a DSLR. 

Moment makes plenty of solid lens clips for a variety of smartphone models including a Tele Lens. Aukey has a clip on lens that provides 10x optical zoom. And if you want to get real crazy,  there’s a company called Goliton that makes a clip-on that gets you to 80x.  When using your smartphone, you may want to manually control the exposure by focusing on the moon, then dragging down the exposure controls if it appears too bright.

Regardless of what gear to get, make sure you’re using a tripod for the steadiest shot possible. If you’e using a smartphone, get a JOBY GripTight GorillaPod Stand, or the Manfrotto Stand for Universal Cellphone. To further avoid camera shake, set the camera to time mode.

When can you see it?

In case you won’t get the chance to go out to see it or the sky will be covered by clouds, NASA will live stream the eclipse. NASA coverage will start at 6:30 p.m. on January 31, 2018 (Singapore Time).

If Mother Nature allows for clear skies, here are Super Blue Blood Moon Eclipse time details for January 31.

Singapore and the Philippines:

Duration of Totality: 1 hour and 16 minutes

Eclipse Begins: 7:48 p.m.

Enters Totality: 8:51 p.m.

Reaches Maximum Totality: 9:29 p.m.

Exits Totality: 10:07 p.m.

Eclipse Ends: 11:11 p.m.

India (Mumbai):

Duration of Totality: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Moon rises at 6:27 p.m. (begins before moon is above horizon)

Reaches Maximum Totality: 6:59 p.m.

Exits Totality: 7:37 p.m.

Eclipse Ends: 8:41 p.m.

SEE ALSO: Flagship Smartphone Camera Shootout: Best of 2017

Features

OPPO A6s 5G: Practical longevity, reliable essential

Sound return on investment for smart spenders

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OPPO A6s 5G

Finding a smartphone that balances performance, longevity, and price is crucial for smart spenders. Practicality matters, especially in an era where prices all seem to have risen.

Designed for long-term value, the OPPO A6s 5G enters the scene as that reliable handset that you can expect to work for years to come — a daily driver that balances giving your needs with sensible spending.

Reliability that lasts: 60-Month Fluency

OPPO A6s

A smartphone shouldn’t just feel new the day you unbox it. The OPPO A6s 5G is headlined by 60-Month Fluency Protection.

OPPO optimizes software and hardware to ensure lag associated with aging phones won’t keep up with the A6s 5G.

This is an assurance that the device will have maintained steady performance for up to five years – for everyday scrolling, gaming, and multitasking.

Complementing this is a capable MediaTek 6300 processor, plus ample memory and storage.

Users also benefit from OPPO’s features like AI LinkBoost 3.0 for network optimization and GameBoost 2.0 for smooth gaming.

All these truly make the OPPO A6s 5G a smart return on investment for practical users.

Unrivaled endurance: 7000mAh Large Battery

OPPO A6s

When it comes to staying connected, the A6s 5G sets a high bar with a massive 7000mAh battery.

This handset doesn’t just last a full day to cover essential usage; it can power through an entire weekend without ever reaching for a cable.

From commutes to documenting a busy day, to staying online 24/7, the OPPO A6s 5G endures.

When you finally run low on power, 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge ensures you spend more time on the move and less near a power source. It’s an impressive fast-charging speed for its class.

Rugged durability: IP69 resistance

As with previous OPPO A series releases, the physical build of the OPPO A6s 5G is designed to survive the unpredictable nature of daily life.

It has IP69 water and dust resistance to withstand sudden downpours, accidental spills, high-pressure water jets and even high-temperature environments.

Beyond software longevity, this signature ruggedness OPPO’s budget devices are known for offers the ultimate peace of mind for users.

Smart imaging for every moment

Imaging remains a core strength of the OPPO A6s 5G, which has an AI-powered camera system.

It has a 50MP main camera, designed for the “everyday photographer” – and everyday keepsakes.

The smart features work behind the scenes to optimize skin tones, balance exposure, and enhance details in various lighting conditions.

Every shot is social media-ready, with ample clarity and detail, without having to fiddle with complex settings.

OPPO A6s 5G offers

The OPPO A6s 5G is currently available nationwide in Ice White and Cappuccino Brown variants through OPPO Stores and the OPPO Online Store, starting at PHP 21,999.

As part of the launch offers, customers can get these exclusive perks when they order online from May 1 to May 21:

  • OPPO Enco Buds3 (worth PHP 1,799)
  • OPPO 1 Year Standard Warranty (worth PHP 1,999)
  • OPPO 1 Year Extended Warranty (worth PHP 2,499)
  • Up to PHP 2,000 discount

The OPPO A6 is also part of the lineup, available in Sakura Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Aurora Gold, starting at PHP 16,999.


This feature is a collaboration between OPPO Philippines and GadgetMatch.
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Buyer's Guide

2026 MacBook Neo vs Air vs Pro: Buyer’s Guide

Which MacBook Should You Buy in 2026?

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Apple’s MacBook lineup has never offered more choice.

From the $599 MacBook Neo to the ultra-powerful MacBook Pro, there’s now a MacBook for almost every kind of user.

But, are you overwhelmed and torn buying between the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and the all-new MacBook Neo?

Watch our 2026 MacBook Buyer’s Guide to find your GadgetMatch!

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Accessories

11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer

What to pack for your next vacation!

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Summer isn’t merely a date on a calendar; it’s a visceral, shimmering feeling.

It’s the specific scent of high-end SPF mingling with saltwater, the warmth of the sun on your shoulders as you step off a private jetty in Palawan, and that delicious, light-headed euphoria that comes from knowing you have absolutely nowhere to be, except precisely where you are.

But darlings, a mood this perfect requires maintenance. To navigate this season, one must view accessories not as mere purchases, but as strategic assets.

After all, if an item is bought specifically to prevent a holiday disaster or to match a turquoise horizon, it isn’t “spending” but a self-funded insurance policy. (And we all know insurance is the most adult, responsible thing one can have.)

Here is your definitive guide to the “investments” that will define your summer.

For the high-octane adventurer

If you are the type of person who can trip over a flat surface, the last thing you need on an island-hopping trip is a “phone-overboard” disaster.

The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is your first line of defense this season. Imagine the scene: you’re trying to capture a 360-degree sunset transition for your followers on a speedboat, the boat hits a wake, and your phone takes a terrifying tumble toward the deck.

While a lesser case would result in a mid-holiday meltdown, the Solid X absorbs the impact well. Its premium matte finish feels like silk against the palm, even in 90% humidity, ensuring your grip never wavers while you’re reaching for that third mango daiquiri.

It’s the “sensible” purchase that allows you to be reckless with your adventures. Technically, it’s peace of mind wrapped in a shade of blue so vibrant it makes the horizon look dull.

Since it saves you from the cost of an emergency replacement, it’s practically paying for itself with every drop.

For the unstoppable power player

For the high-functioning professional who simply cannot leave the “office” behind, having a foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 means having a portable command center for those mandatory luxury resort check-ins.

But… it deserves better than a bulky, uninspired shell. You need the Pitaka Blue Aramid Fiber case. It’s so thin it feels like the phone is practically naked, yet it’s crafted from material used in fighter jets.

When you unfold that screen to check the exchange rate at a boutique in Bangkok or Gaysorn Village, the sleek, woven texture tells the world you value precision over bulk. It’s “Quiet Luxury” for the tech-obsessed — understated and impossibly chic.

For the hands-free curator

Forget fumbling with a camera while trying to balance a coconut in one hand and a designer clutch in the other.

These Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses in Shiny Jeans Transparent are the secret weapon for the Balinese spiritual retreat.

They allow you to record your walk through the bustling morning markets or the lush Monkey Forest in Ubud completely hands-free.

The transparent frames capture the light of the tropical sun perfectly, giving you that “Creative Director on a sabbatical” look.

This is a camera that lets you capture your POV documentary without missing a single moment of the scenery.

For the seamless traveler

Even if you’re only flying from Singapore to Phuket, your bag should look like you’re embarking on a grand tour of the continent.

The new TUMI Mediterranean collection in Peach and Sky Blue is the only way to travel. The colors are reminiscent of sunrise, and the organization inside is so meticulous. It’s the kind of bag that ensures you are never “that person” frantically digging for a passport at the check-in counter.

You’re the person who glides through the terminal with a peach-hued aura of total control, knowing that even if your flight is delayed, your aesthetic is right on time.

For the sophisticated urbanite

As the sun dips below the skyline and you transition from the infinity pool to a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City or a five-star dinner in Makati, your tech needs a change of attire.

Enter the RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black. If the Solid X is your rugged adventurer, the Air X is your “Little Black Dress” of tech protection. This case is for the moments when you want your phone to disappear into your aesthetic rather than scream for attention. It’s impossibly slim, sliding into a tailored trouser pocket or a tiny evening bag without creating an unsightly bulge.

But don’t let the “Air” moniker fool you; the protection is still world-class. The MagSafe ring on the back is a masterclass in geometric minimalism, allowing you to snap on a battery pack during those long nights of “networking” (read: dancing) without missing a beat.

Since it works with every outfit you own, the “cost-per-wear” is essentially zero, which makes it a fiscal masterstroke.

For the beach club connoisseur

No summer is complete without a basket bag, and the CELINE Classic Panier is the gold standard for any respectable beach club, especially in Bali. It’s the “everything” bag that’s large enough to hold your sunscreen, your secrets, and a spare pair of sandals for when the humidity makes your heels unbearable.

The leather logo is a subtle nod to those who know, making it the perfect companion for a casual lunch at La Brisa that inevitably turns into a three-course affair.

For the private villa host

One cannot rely on the tinny speakers of a hotel room. You need the Marshall Willen.

It looks like a vintage piece of equipment but packs enough punch to fill a private villa with the sounds of Bossa Nova.

The cream finish is “Quiet Luxury” personified, blending into your sand-and-linen aesthetic perfectly. It’s dust-proof and water-resistant, meaning it can handle a little sea spray while you lounge on a catamaran or by the pool.

For the street-style visionary

For those days spent exploring the “hidden” cafes of Seoul-inspired districts in Jakarta or Manila, your iPhone needs the CASETiFY Matin Kim case.

Denim is having a massive moment in street style, and this case allows your phone to join the movement. It’s tactile, it’s trendy, and it adds a touch of “effortless cool” to your mirror selfies. It’s like a tiny pair of designer jeans for your most precious possession, and we all know you can never have too much denim.

For the globetrotter

If your iPhone could talk, it would probably ask for a vacation.

This CASETiFY AirTags case is a whimsical tribute to the lifestyle, covered in a vibrant print of AirTag-style passport stamps.

It serves as a constant reminder of where you’ve been and where you’re going next. It’s the perfect conversation starter when you’re waiting for your next flight to Denpasar or Koh Samui. It essentially acts as a visual manifestation of your future travels. (And manifesting is free!)

For the high-society ironist

When you finally make it to the powdery white sands of Boracay, you need a statement piece that speaks to your high-society sensibilities.

Laying out the Hermès Traffic Jam towel on Station Zero is a stroke of genius. There you are, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and zero honking horns, reclining on a literal “traffic jam.”

It is a flex; a cheeky nod to the city disarray you’ve successfully escaped. The plush cotton is exactly what your skin deserves after a dip in the ocean.

For the stressed-but-stylish Optimist

Finally, for those moments when the heat gets to you and the “Out of Office” reply isn’t working fast enough, you need the CASETiFY Care Bears Shake-Shake Case.

There is something deeply meditative about watching tiny glittery bears tumble around through a transparent shell. It’s a bit of childhood whimsy for those who refuses to take life — or their accessories — too seriously. Don’t think of it as yet another smartphone case. It’s a portable stress-relief tool for the modern jet-setter who needs a little magic in their day.


A message from the editor: Perhaps, this is an extensive list. But it’s also a collection of absolute necessities for a definitive summer. Each item is a strategic “investment” so go forth, look fabulous, and don’t let the humidity ruin your glow.

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