If you’re a daily LRT-1 commuter download ikotMNL for free on the App Store or Google Play and start traveling better!

If youre a commuter like me you know that the only means of transportation today is either you ride the LRT/MRT , jeepney,  and if you have the money to spend, Grab. 

Most of the time, I always choose to ride the LRT.  Its safe, (if youre coming from Roosevelt, like me) fast, and saves you a lot of your precious time. 

Just because I live from QC. I usually ride from the Roosevelt station going to South. To save me from siksikan and let me choose my seat. 

LRT ride is stress-free (at least for me during the non-rush hour),  and lets you avoid the hellish traffic in Manila.

Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) recently launches the ikotMNL app at Islas Pinas. It was attended by LRMC executives. 

Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1 train line, has officially released the brand-new and free ikotMNL mobile app featuring a convenient one-stop information for commuters and tourists traveling along the route of LRT-1 in Metro Manila. 

The ikotMNL app, available for both iOS and Android devices, equips passengers to plan their trips and commutes ahead. The app's core features include real-time train arrivals and departures, fare information, crowd monitoring in twenty stations of LRT-1, tourist spots, safety reminders, passenger advisories, news and announcements, a chat box for customer service assistance and a feedback form to help improve train service and passenger experience.

LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso emphasized the value of innovation in LRMC. "This is the first railway and tourism app in the Philippines. We constantly look for modern ways to change the way we move people and this ikotMNL app is an innovative tool to delight our passengers with a comfortable, safe, and convenient experience when riding the LRT-1."

The ikotMNL app also promotes local tourism with detailed directions on tourist spots near LRT-1 stations and information about partnered local tour operators who are more than willing to show tourists the best places for sightseeing and great spots to dine and shop in Manila.

According to Alfonso, promoting local tourism in the nation’s capital is made easier with the help of ikotMNL app. “We are excited to be part of tourists’ Manila adventures with ikotMNL app and the LRT-1,” he said.

The beauty of the ikotMNL app comes with its unified purpose of being an urban mobility app, transport app, and eventually, a lifestyle app—all in one package.

“We’ve spent a considerable amount of time and effort into making the ikotMNL app the best it can be and this early, we already have more features in mind to add to the app. It is our way to keep improving it so that those who have downloaded and yet to download the ikotMNL mobile app may continue to enjoy using it," said LRMC Corporate Communications Head Jacqueline Gorospe.

The future upgrade plans for the app include partnership with beep card and QR codes for fares and tie-ups with merchants.

So whether you’re a daily LRT-1 commuter or just looking to take a much-needed trip to the best of Manila, download ikotMNL for free on the App Store or Google Play and start traveling better! Te’na, tren na!

Smart offers Samsung Galaxy Fold in limited pre-order until Dec. 1

Smart has announced that it is set to offer the Samsung Galaxy Fold, the biggest breakthrough in mobile phone technology, during a limited pre-order period from until Dec. 1.



To be among the first to get hold the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Smart subscribers may head to Smart Stores nationwide to submit their application during the limited pre-order period.



Smart offers the Samsung Galaxy Fold with Signature Device Plan L, which comes with monthly 15GB data, Unli AnyNet Texts, Unli On-Net Calls, and 150 minutes of AnyNet calls.

Under this device plan, the Samsung Galaxy Fold is available at Php4,099 per month for 24 months with a one-time cash-out of Php20,700.



Samsung Galaxy Fold is also available with Smart Infinity, the telco’s premium postpaid brand, under Limitless/Traveler Plan 3500 with a monthly amortization of Php2,000 for 24 months. Those who sign up for Smart Infinity Limitless/Traveler Plan 5000 for 30 months can also get hold of the Samsung Galaxy Fold for free.

“Samsung Galaxy Fold reimagines the smartphone experience with its many breakthrough features, including a foldable display that gives you greater productivity on the go and a more immersive binge-watching session for your favorite series, and a versatile pro-grade camera that lets you capture more stunning photos and videos of your precious moments with family and friends,” said Oscar Enrico A. Reyes Jr., PLDT SVP and Head of Consumer Business – Individual Group.

“It perfectly suits the reimagined postpaid experience that we promise our customers through Smart Signature, powered by the undisputed fastest mobile network in the Philippines,” he added.



Breakthrough in mobile phone technology



Launched in September, Samsung Galaxy Fold introduces mobile breakthroughs in mobile design, multitasking abilities, and innovative camera – for an entirely different smartphone experience that fits those who want to achieve more in their passions and career.



Samsung Galaxy Fold introduces the world’s first seamless foldable Infinity Flex display, a stunning 7.3-inch AMOLED screen that smoothly folds inward, giving users the biggest display on a smartphone.



For greater productivity, Samsung Galaxy Fold features a Multi Active Window, which lets users work with up to three apps simultaneously.



Users can also take their photography to an entirely new level with the device’s versatile and pro-grade hexa-lens camera system, capable of HDR10+ with dynamic tone-mapping technology for even better photos and videos.



Samsung Galaxy Fold is also a superpowered smartphone, thanks to its 12GB of RAM perfect for heavy and intensive usage, as well as a game-changing 4380mAh dual battery and built-in intelligent battery management for longer life.



Powered by the country’s fastest LTE network



Optimize the Samsung Galaxy Fold powered by Smart, the country’s fastest mobile network as certified by world-renowned network analytics firms including Ookla, Opensignal, Tutela and P3, in their respective crowdsource-based studies on mobile internet services in the Philippines.



Experience the smartphone of the future by pre-ordering the Samsung Galaxy Fold at Smart Stores nationwide until Dec.1. Interested subscribers can also experience the Samsung Galaxy Fold at Smart Stores in Rockwell PowerPlant, SM Megamall, SM North Annex, Smart Tower in Makati, at One Digital Store at BGC, Taguig.



To know more about Smart’s offers for Samsung Galaxy Fold visit www.smart.com.ph/galaxyfold.

Watsons partners with PPhA, PCCP in Asthma Educators Program for its pharmacists

Asia’s No. 1 drugstore Watsons Philippines has partnered with the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) and the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) to empower and improve its pharmacists’ competencies to be able to serve its customers’ health needs better.

The partnership between Watsons, PPhA, and PCCP was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed last October 16, 2019 at Watsons Philippines’ head office. The signing was attended by Watsons executives led by its general manager Danilo Chiong; officers of PPhA headed by its president Dr. Yolanda Robles, and officers and members of the training team of PCCP, led by its president Dr. Malbar Ferrer.

Front row (left to right):  Dr. Josephine Blanco- Ramos (Chairman, PCCP), Dr. Malbar Ferrer (President, PCCP), Mr, Danilo S Chiong (General Manager, Watsons Philippines), Dr. Yolanda R. Robles (President, PPhA), Mr. Loree C. Mante (Training and Development Consultant, PCCP)


Second row (left to right): Dr. Ivan Villespin (Vice President, PCCP), Dr. Dina V. Diaz (Past President ,PCCP, Consultant- Department of Pulmonary, Critical and Sleep Medicine, Lung Center of the Philippines), Mr. Rafael V. Lim (Director, Health Business, Watsons Phils), Ms. Jessamine P. Jimenez (Director, Sales Operations, Watsons Phils), Ms. Josefina C. Arriola (Director, Human Resources and Organization Development, Watsons Phils), Atty. Froilan A. Bagabaldo (Executive Vice President, PPhA), Mr. Bryan S. Posadas (Press Relations Officer, PPhA), Ms. Frances Lois U. Ngo (Chair, Medication Adherence Advocacy, PPhA)

“In line with our commitment to improve the health of Filipinos, we partnered with PPhA and PCCP to enable our pharmacists to deliver better patient education and make them our customers most trusted health and wellness partners in the community,” said Chiong. 

As part of the partnership, Watsons conducted the Asthma Educator Program for its pharmacists which is a certificate course on delivering patient education to asthmatic patients. The pilot batch of selected pharmacists from different Watsons branches nationwide went through the three-day intensive training facilitated by experts from PPhA and PCCP last October 28 to 30, 2019. 

"The Asthma Educator Program aims to provide Watsons pharmacists with basic knowledge, attitudes, and skills on asthma diagnosis and treatment. The program will also help them better educate Watsons customers who are asthmatic patients as well," added Chiong.

The three-day intensive training facilitated by experts from PPhA and PCCP
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For many asthma sufferers, attacks can be debilitating and even potentially fatal. (https://watsonshealth.com.ph/5-important-facts-you-need-to-know-about-asthma/)

Watsons, whose goal is to make people look good and feel great, wants to help asthma patients achieve better asthma control and an improved quality of life through this program.

For more information on other Watsons products and services, visit www.watsons.com.ph. Follow its Facebook page facebook.com/WatsonsPH/ and Instagram @watsonsph. For more health tips/info, visit www.watsonshealth.com.ph.
 

LEARN HOW TO BAKE HOLIDAY CAKES AT TECHNOLUX BUSINESS SERIES ON NOVEMBER 22

Entrepreneurs, bakers and home cooks are invited to Technolux Business Series (TBS) at Mall of Kitchens on November 22.  Registration starts at 1:30 pm.

This event, dubbed Christmas Creations, will teach participants how to create holiday-inspired cakes, pastries and chocolates.  It is presented by Puratos in cooperation with Culinary Best Source, Inc. (CBSI),  a division of Technolux, the country’s largest importer and supplier of a complete line of food service, small wares and laundry equipment for 44 years.

Christmas Creations will also show the participants what are the best beverage applications using Monin, the world’s leading producer of the finest flavored syrups and sauces. Founded in France in 1912, it has a rich and long heritage that made it the brand of choice by bars, restaurants, bartenders and chefs looking for ways to jazz up their drinks and recipes.

Puratos, founded in 1919 in Brussels, Belgium, offers a wide range of products  used by bakeries, patisseries and the chocolate sector.  They are the industry’s reliable partner in innovation.

TBS is held regularly by Technolux to introduce world-class kitchen equipment and quality ingredients to foodpreneurs, chefs and enterprises engaged in the F & B industry. The series is also aimed at helping them discover what will work best for their businesses through product demos and engagements with guest speakers from different countries. 

Mall of Kitchens is located at 9703 Kamagong St. corner Lawaan St., San Antonio Village, Makati City  (tel nos. 8906758/552-3587). 

To know more about Technolux and upcoming business series, please call 8896-4941, 8552-3587 local 6117 or 0917-5488839. Visit www.technolux.net, www.cbsiph.com call 88964941and 88994531 or visit its corporate office at 2176 Primo Rivera Street, Barangay La Paz Makati City.) 

"My South Hall" gives you a new reason to visit S'Maison

There is a real buzz around a new concept that recently opened at the ground floor of S’Maison for it brings eight iconic brands under one roof for the first time.

It's all part of the My South Hall to revamp its restaurant scene. Now that it's added Wickd, CHIX,  ROMA,  Roast'd, Seoul Hotpot, Tabemashou, Golden Treasures, and Juicy in S'Maison Level 1 . 

Visitors can expect authentic milk tea from Wickd, a satisfying bowl of ramen from Tabemashou, tasty hakaw and other chinese food from Golden Treasures, Italian and American cuisine as well. 



Everything's here at My South Hall. 

Chef Josh Boutwood

MY SOUTH HALL, the latest winning collaboration between Chef Josh Boutwood and The Bistro Group is a fast-casual dining hub. It features a collection of restaurant counters offering some of today’s most craved cuisines and beverages (prepared fresh to order) inside a single location. My South Hall raises the bar of the food hall concept with a wide food selection, a hip and modem ambiance, excellent customer service, and an over-all elevated dining experience for urban dwellers. It’s not your regular food court. 

“We wanted to please the unique collective taste of the Filipino palate, look into their favorite cuisines, and try to work around them. Thus, at My South Hall, we have Japanese, Chinese, Italian, American, and even Milk Tea." 

TABEMASHOU  (which means “let’s eat!”) is perfect for a satisfying Japanese lunch or dinner. Dip your chopsticks into a variety of Sushi, or get lost in a tower of crunch with the Chicken Karaage. There are a lot of heavier, more filling fare such as Ramen (Tantamen and Chasu Tonkotsu) and Skewers (chicken, pork, beef) which you may pair with the steaming hot beef and salmon rice-tilled Stonepots. 

GOLDEN TREASURES 
This concept is focused on the flavors of China. Delight in a variety of birthday noodles, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Egg yolk Buns, Pork Dumpling, Hakaw, Siumai, and Chicken Feet. “Wok” in and enjoy Shanghai Mien.

ROAST’D 
Roast’d is all about giving you the best Chinese style roasts without the need to fly over to the Fragrant Harbor. Roast pork, duck, and chicken, that are hung by its window. Savor delightfully, the crispy skin and the tender, juicy meat within. 

SEOUL HOTPOT 
Warm up to Seoul Hotpot’s Chuck eye and Angus Beef Sirloin Hotpots. Enjoy lunch or dinner with Chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a hearty, steaming stew. 

CHIX 
Chix serves all-American comfort food from seasoned chicken wings, to mouth-watering burgers. 

Chicken Wings come in Chili barbecue, Sweet Chipotle Glaze, honey garlica Japanese Sesame Cheese, Sour Cream (and many more) flavors. 

ROMA 
Italian cuisine is known for being a symphony of flavors based on its staple ingredients-cheese, olive oil, tomato, basil, and cured meats. ROMA gives you exactly that: the pasta salads, soup, and herb chicken are teeming with Italian flavors. Choose your pasta then pair it with your favorite sauces 
(Red Puttanesca and Spicy Diavola); (WhiteShrimp Alfredo, Truffle, Carbonara), and Aioli (Pesto). 

JUICY FRESH BAR 
JUICY is the number one fresh fruit juice bar concept in Korea that offers refreshing and healthy juices blended from fresh fruits of the season. Boasting over 800 outlets in South Korea alone,]uicy handpicks fruits and delivers to each store so guests can enjoy its most tempting tlavors including Chocolate-Banana, Kiwi, Blueberry, Honeydew, Strawberry-Mango, Orange-Pineapple, Peach, Watermelon-Strawberry, and Peanut-Banana, among others. 

WCKD: Authentic Taiwan milk tea 
WCKD is the newest Milk Tea player with its ingredients, authentic and fresh from the milk tea capital of the world. 

Enjoy a variety of flavors: Pearl Milk Tea, Taro, Wintermelon, Black Sugar, Oreo Cheese Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake and other fun and modern twists to this delightful drink. 

Coffee lovers can also have their caffeine fix with WCKD’s Iced Cofee, Iced Cofee w/ Cheese cream, Iced Caramel Coffee, and Choco Hazelnut Cofee. But if there’s one that you simply MUST try, it’s WCKD’s Ulteamate! 

There are a number of reasons why it’s dubbed the ultimate in milk tea experience. A milky delight with just the right balance of creaminess and sweetness, flavored with fresh tea leaves and topped with perfectly chewy tapioca pearls, grass jelly, and pudding.

In the reshaped food hall landscape, guests are literally spoiled for choice and a distinctive dining experience at My South Hall. Its all about good food, great atmosphere, and efficient service- a venue where you want to bring your family and friends.

Visit My South Hall at the Level 1, S'Maison, Pasay City. Instagram and Facebook @MySouthHall

Ayala Land Gallery of Lights: Making the holidays more meaningful for many Filipino families

Christmas is truly in the air as Ayala Land Gallery of Lights opened up the show with a 3D video mapping show and dancing lights at the Ayala Triangle last November 12. It was a sight to behold for everyone as we witnessed the night's "carol of lights".

Every year, thousands of families and friends gather at the Ayala Triangle Gardens to experience a spectacular evening made to delight the senses. Dazzling lights, beautiful music, stunning projections, and illuminated art installations are brought together for a memorable Christmas tradition.

“The Gallery of Lights by Ayala Land is the highlight of our year. It’s our way of giving back to the community and making the holidays more meaningful for many Filipino families.” says Cathy Bengzon. “Filipinos celebrate Christmas like nobody else in the world. It’s a special time that brings families together, and it truly brings us joy knowing how we have become apart of this tradition,” she continues.

“And each year we are inspired to make the event even more memorable than the last. That is why this time around, we’re making the event brighter with new additions to the whole production, and a line-up of activities that we hope will bring cheer to everyone.”This November, Ayala Land will once again bring out the enchantment from North to South as it lights up six of its estates: The Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Ayala Center in Cebu,Centrio in Cagayan de Oro, Abreeza Mall in Davao, and Capitol Central in Bacolod.

This year’s Gallery of Lights is going to be more magical than ever, with a combination of new design concepts and classic staples that will surely bring the Christmas spirit to life. Polygon clouds will form a canopy of lights, while bright-colored noodle lights will line tree trunks and branches designed by lighting direction Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Gumia.

Tivoli and laser lights will also dance to festive music composed of three beautiful medleys starting with the techno-inspired number by Tris Suguitan; a Big Band medley by Mel Villena which consists of jazz-inspired tunes that feature brass instruments; and finally, a Filipino medley by Vonde Guzman that showcases popular Pinoy Christmas tunes with a mix of cheerful and sentimental melodies.

Spectators in Makati will have an extra visual treat as the “Carol of Lights”, a 3D video mapping show  made possible by Epson Philippines, withl light projections designed by G.A. Fallarme and conceptualized with Henk-Gert Lenten, will be done for the first time.

People will be right under where all the magic happens, as the images will be projected at the dome of Tower One and Exchange Plaza, which provides the perfect surface for a truly immersive show. This is inspired by church ceilings and stained glass windows from select Filipino and international churches, integrating whimsical elements and technology, providing a spectacular festival mood for the holidays.

This year’s exciting Gallery of Lights is done in collaboration with HSBC, SunLife,  Globe Telecom, and Epson Philippines—a huge holiday treat that everyone can enjoy from 6PM-10PM every night from November 12 until January12, 2020.

For more information about the city that makes it happen, visit www.makeitmakati.com and follow MakeItMakati on Facebook, Twitter, andInstagram.

Acer partners with realme to spread the holiday cheer with a FREE realme smartphone for every purchase of Acer or Predator PC

Tis the season to be jolly as Acer partners with realme to celebrate the #RealHolidays.  For each time you buy an Acer or Predator PC. You will get a new realme smartphone for yourself or if you feel generous you can give it to your loved ones instead. Its a win-win situation.

The holiday season is just around the corner. The lights are on; the streets are busy, and the people are merry. Nothing beats the excitement of gift-giving and seeing the eyes of the recipient light up.

Multinational technology company and the Philippines’ No. 1 PC brand, Acer, and country’s fastest growing smartphone brand, realme, forge a partnership to spread the holiday cheer with a FREE realme smartphone for every purchase of any qualifying Acer or Predator PC. 

The holiday promo aims to celebrate the #RealHolidays and #ExperienceRealConnections with the TechEssential duo—Acer Predator PCs and realme smartphones—bridging the gap between you and your loved ones in this most wonderful time of the year.

Gadget geeks will have an unforgettable Christmas when they purchase any qualifying Acer or Predator laptop, which are powered by either Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. For Acer laptops, the customer gets the realme C2 2020 (2GB + 32GB) worth P4,990 for free, while Predator laptop buyers will get a free realme 5 (3GB + 64GB) worth PHP7,990.

Ms. Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines' General Manager

“Acer is excited to partner with realme for this holiday promo as we both believe in developing products that can help bridge the gap and let our customers #ExperienceRealConnections” said Ms. Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines' General Manager. “Offering both of our top-of-the-line gadgets, we hope that this duo spread holiday cheer to you and your loved ones this Christmas season.”

Eason de Guzman, realme Marketing Head

To qualify for the giveaway, customers must register their new purchase for warranty at https://warranty.acer.com.ph/ within two weeks of purchase. The Aspire, Nitro, and Predator laptops are given a two-year warranty.

The purchase of eligible products has a corresponding electronic voucher that the customer will get through the email they will provide. Customers just need to print it out to claim their free smartphone at any designated realme redemption center. They need to present a valid government ID. Customers must make sure to register within seven (7) days after the date of purchase. 

Acer and realme aim to celebrate a long Christmas as the promo begins on Nov. 15 and will run until Dec. 31. Customers have 60 days to redeem the electronic voucher until the end of the promo.

Check out the following social media accounts to learn more on the #Acerxrealme Promotion: Facebook – @AcerPH, Instagram – @acerph, Twitter – @acerphils, Website - http://www.acer.com/.