Xiaomi Mi3 Lazada Launch Day Buying Guide and FAQs : Hugo Barra Says "Ang Ganda ng Pilipinas", Introduces 'Philippines' MIUI Theme

Today - June 26, 2014 - at 12 o'clock in the afternoon sharp, after a long, long wait, Xiaomi Mi3 - the flagship handset of the disruptive Chinese electronics company - will finally be available for purchase in the Philippines via Lazada, the largest online store in the country.

Only 3,000 units will be sold in this initial batch so expect competition to be tight for every single handset. My tip for everyone interested in getting the phone is to create a Lazada account ahead of the sale as this can help you place your order faster coming from Mi.com/PH. Also, be vigilant; Arm yourself with relevant information by reading the Buying Guide and FAQs below, and by refreshing your browser often as 12 noon approaches.

In line with the official release of Xiaomi Mi3 in the Philippines, Mr. Hugo Barra - Xiaomi Global Vice President - declared on his Facebook account that the Philippines is beautiful ("Ang ganda ng Pilipinas!") all while introducing the company's new 'Philippines' MIUI Theme! Check it out, TP Friends:

You can now download it from the MIUI Theme store for free!

The Theme features colors, objects, animals, tourist spots, and landmarks that are Proudly Pinoy. On the lockscreen, you'll see the Jeepney Clock Widget and what appears to be a photo of Boracay as wallpaper.

There's the Tarsier, Sampaguita, Maskara, the Philippine Flag, Rizal Monument, Magellan's Cross, and Mango. The icons look very cute but I wish the theme had the Philippine Eagle instead of the parrot and a Carabao in lieu of the lobster.

This Illustration on the Dialler page is supposed to depict Boracay, I think.

The Multitasking Panel, which you can launch by long pressing the menu button (left of Home button), features what looks like the Mayon Volcano. Check out the Giant Clam that also doubles as a button for closing all apps and freeing RAM.

Overall, I think the theme looks great and because it has enough elements capturing what's unique and interesting about our country, looking at it makes me proud of being Filipino. Thanks for this, Xiaomi!

Quoting Hugo Barra, "To celebrate our first Mi launch in the Philippines tomorrow, we've created a beautiful customized theme especially for our Pinoy fans, complete with even a Jeepney clock widget Download it from the MIUI Themes Store and let us know what you think?"

TP Friends, last June 9, 2014, Hugo visited the Philippines and met the local media as well as some Pinoy technology bloggers. I got the wonderful opportunity to have a conversation with him and - thankfully - I got everything on video.

Hugo talked about why Xiaomi has chosen to enter the Philippines -- of the many, many countries around the world clamoring for the brand.

He also gladly gave me a quick specifications and features rundown of the entire product line-up of Xiaomi Global as of today.

A lot of you emailed me to ask him this question, "How does Xiaomi keep the prices of its devices low?" His answer was very clear and concise.

You can learn more about Xiaomi Mi3 Philippines - including its complete technical specifications, key features, and in the flesh photos - via our exclusive feature.