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Showing posts with label Kat Luna-Abelarde. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kat Luna-Abelarde. Show all posts

Monday, October 8, 2018

On a hunt for the best travel deals? Mark your calendar as Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) holds the first ever Smart Travel Sale Fair at the World Trade Center in Pasay



This Smart promo is just in time as we are going to travel this coming November to Shen Zhen, China and Taiwan.  We will need some reliable internet connection to help us cover these trips and document them.



On a hunt for the best travel deals? Mark your calendar as Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) holds the first ever Smart Travel Sale Fair at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Oct. 12 to 14, 2018.

A huge travel extravaganza, the Smart Travel Sale Fair brings together major airlines and over 100 agencies and booking partners to offer exciting deals perfect for your holiday getaways and bucket list destinations.

Groundbreaking pre-booking feature for data roaming packages

At the event, Smart is set to introduce its groundbreaking pre-booking feature for data roaming packages - a first in the country. This unique feature will allow customers to conveniently buy their data roaming services ahead of their trip, so they won't have to worry about staying connect online while traveling and exploring the world.

As a big treat, customers pre-booking at Smart's themed booth at the event will get 50 percent discount on Smart’s data roaming products. All Smart customers can also enjoy 50 percent discount on the Php100 entrance fee by simply presenting a special text message from Smart before paying at the ticket counters.

Celebrating Filipinos' passion for traveling


“The first ever Smart Travel Sale Fair is a huge celebration of the Filipinos’ growing passion for exploring the world and sharing all these memorable travel experiences with loved ones,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, FVP and Group Head of International Roaming & Carrier Business for PLDT and Smart.

“That’s why aside from giving the best airline promos and hotel discounts, the Smart World Travel Sale Fair also offers 50 percent discount on new and improved Smart data roaming products so you can enjoy a more convenient and worry-free getaways in over 153 destinations,” she added.

When you roam with Smart, you have all the travel information you need at your fingertips. You can also hail a cab using an app, book flights and hotels on the go, track your trip or map out your destinations, translate foreign words in a snap, and, most importantly, share all your travel experiences with loved ones in real time on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat and via top messaging apps.

One-stop portal for worry-free data roaming

Smart customers can easily purchase and monitor their data roaming activities while traveling with Smart’s Data Roaming Manager, a one-stop portal that features all available data roaming products as well as keeps track of data roaming usage while on the go.

The Data Roaming Manager is accessible to all Smart customers traveling in over 153 countries. Just follow these 4 easy steps when outside the country:
1. TURN OFF WIFI on your smartphone
2. TURN ON DATA ROAMING and MOBILE DATA
3. Open your smartphone's web browser and go to  roam.smart.com.ph
4. Select the Data Roaming Package that’s right for you and CLICK “SUBSCRIBE”.

 With just a simple click, the portal allows you to conveniently subscribe to Smart’s suite of new and improved data roaming products – from the data-packed GigaRoam, which offers 1GB data roaming valid for 5 days for as low as Php999, to the no-frills Roam Lite, which offers light web surfing and social media apps access valid for 24 hours for as low as Php150. Data packs are also available for social media use and browsing, starting at P150, valid for 24 hours.




To find out how you can catch exciting deals at the Smart Travel Sale Fair, check out Smart’s official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for updates. You can also follow #RoamWithSmart for updates and visit smart.com.ph/Roaming or more details on how to make the most of Smart’s data roaming offers.



Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Smart's RoamFree app lets you connect to your favorite travel services without data roaming charges.



If you've been following my blog for the past couple of years you probably know that one of the most trying times of my life was when I left my family to work in Abu Dhabi.

I remember the time I spent in Iran was one of the most difficult and depressing part of that journey. One time  I got lost inside a mall and because I dont have mobile data nor wifi to try and contact my roommates I felt scared. and if you've ever been to Iran or any Middle Eastern Country which isnt an open city, you 'd know what I mean.. Only a few people could speak or understand english it was a good thing that I found a kabayan who was able to help me find my way back to our hotel.






Getting lost in a foreign country without mobile data isnt only scary but dangerous especially if you are a woman, but thanks to the new app from Smart, called RoamFree, you can access the most popular apps for the country even without mobile data for FREE! that's right, now you can get  an UBER or book a hotel or AIRBNB room and even check reviews from TripAdvisor through the Roam Free app.


The app was launched last week at the Marco Polo Hotel with no less than Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach as its celebrity ambassador.




Smart recently launched RoamFree app together with Smart celebrity ambassador Ms. Universe  Pia Wurtzbach. Now, traveling abroad is easy peasy and more convenient with RoamFree,

Enjoy free access to 21 apps including Uber, Google Maps, and Booking in 26 destinations

Smart’s groundbreaking app that lets you connect to your favorite travel services without data roaming charges.

Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Global Corp. President and CEO


Designed as a one-stop portal, RoamFree gives you free instant access to up to 21 partner apps at your destination, even if you haven’t subscribed to a roaming data package.

With RoamFree, relevant travel information and services are right at your fingertips: you can easily check in your flights, reserve and confirm hotel accommodations, book rides, sign up for local tours, and check out top food spots, among many others, for a hassle-free getaway.



The app is now available for use in 26 destinations, including the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and United Kingdom. It is also accessible for free in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Albania, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates.

One-stop travel portal without data charges

To use the portal, simply download the RoamFree app on Google Play Store if you are an Android user, or iTunes if you have an iOS device. Once abroad, just turn on your mobile data and open the RoamFree app to access your accounts on various partner sites and services – without worrying about data charges.

Through the app, you can sign in to your account and book rides on Uber, reserve your accommodations through AirBNB, Agoda, or Booking; and navigate your way around the city using Google Maps. You can also check in your flights ahead of time on PassnFly; get valuable local tips on Musement; pore over recommendations from fellow travelers on TripAdvisor and Triip; or get together with locals who share your passions via Meetup.com.



You can also book tours on Klook and Tiqets; order food or reserve a table in top restaurants via Foodpanda, OpenTable, and TheFork; and snag deals on Groupon, KeyFlow, and Viator. You also have practical travel apps at your fingertips, such as Google Translate, XE Currency Converter, and ATM Finder.

Smart World for hassle-free getaways

“Staying online while traveling abroad makes for a hassle-free travel experience, but unfortunately, many travelers still choose to go offline out of fear of racking up enormous data roaming charges.  The RoamFree app addresses this by allowing you to freely connect to relevant content and services that make for a travel experience like never before,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Global Corp. President and CEO.

“Working with key players in the digital travel space, we are able to deliver sponsored data to cater to the growing number of overseas travelers, and reinforce our thrust to connect Filipinos wherever they are. In the same way that we are expanding and improving our nationwide network, we are continuously enhancing our global services to give our subscribers  the best mobile experience  - whether they are in the Philippines or abroad,” said Eric R. Alberto, Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT and Smart.

Track your online activities abroad

Among Smart World’s innovative solutions is the Data Roam Manager, a one-stop portal that lets you buy data roaming packs, and keep track of your data usage while on the go.  Accessible to all Smart Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers traveling in over 130 countries, the  Data Roaming Manager pops up when you open your mobile browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari, after turning on your mobile data and data roaming.

The Data Roaming Manager lets you monitor your active subscription, so you never have to worry about going over your set data package and racking up unwanted charges. It gives you specific details, such as your running data volume consumption, as well as the start and expiration of your subscription, so you can take full control of your roaming experience.




Smart’s biggest data roaming pack

Smart World has also introduced GigaRoam, its biggest data roaming pack, providing 1GB data valid for 7 days for only Php999.

GigaRoam lets you enjoy all your online activities as you travel, whether its video streaming, downloading, surfing, or updating your social media accounts.

To give travelers utmost flexibility, the RoamFree App and the Data Roaming Manager also allow users to register to data roaming packs perfect for their needs – whether its GigaRoam, Surf Abroad or Chat Abroad.

Surf Abroad lets you enjoy 24-hour data roaming for a flat-rate of Php550 per day, while Chat Abroad, lets you stay connected to chat apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, Line, WeChat, and Viber for only Php150 per day.


To know more about the Smart’s RoamFree app, Data Roaming Manager, and the data roaming packs perfect for your needs, visit smart.com.ph/world and follow Smart’s official account on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).


Thursday, November 10, 2016

Smart unveils bigger and better data packages to subscribers


Just in time for the Holiday season, Smart Communications is showering its subscribers with a lot of exciting perks, rewards, bigger data allocation– and the most affordable LTE-capable smartphone!


Smart made a string of announcements during its latest Unbox event on Nov.8,  coinciding with the launch of a bigger and brighter Smart Flagship Store at SM Annex in North EDSA. The flagship store features the brand’s trademark state-of-the-art interactive walls and activity tables to better engage and serve customers.

“We remain committed in our vision of making every Filipino break norms and embrace the multiple opportunities that the digital world brings. This is why we are unveiling bigger and better data packages for our subscribers, and welcome stronger partnerships with device makers and content providers,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, Smart Wireless Consumer Operations Head.

Kat Luna-Abelarde, Smart Wireless Operations Head, introduces Smart’s exciting new offers at the Unbox event held at the new Smart Flagship Store in SM Annex


“This Christmas, we are also empowering our subscribers with more convenient and rewarding ways to enjoy digital services at their fingertips, turning their phones into a wallet they can use to purchase load, shop online, book an Uber, or subscribe to the latest hit series – among a list of endless possibilities,” she added.

Richer digital lifestyle with more data
Smart subscribers may now experience a worry-free digital lifestyle with Giga Plans, the telco’s best-ever postpaid data offers with 10 times more data than its previous plans, a free app and unlimited texts to all networks.

Giga Plans is the perfect match for the latest handsets on the market, as these gadgets are best experienced with the biggest data plans available to consumers.





Kathy Carag, Smart Mobile Marketing Head, announces the Giga Plans of Smart Postpaid, and the bigger and faster data plans of Smart Bro, among other new offers.

“Data under Smart Postpaid’s Giga Plans will definitely provide a richer digital lifestyle for our Smart users. And since we are doing network improvements all over the country, digital services under Smart is just bound to get even better,” said Kathy Carag, Head of Smart’s Mobile Marketing.

Furthermore, with the new line-only Giga Plans, Smart users can do everything with twice as much data as handset plans – from binge-watching movies on iflix, keeping Waze running on out of town trips, and even post as many photos and videos on Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook.

If Smart Postpaid has Giga Plans, Smart Bro’s New Postpaid Plans have also been upgraded to offer more data for sharing online connectivity across gadgets, or with friends, anytime and anywhere. Smart Infinity, Smart’s premium postpaid brand, will also be rolling up data plans of up to 60GB allocation for members.

To monitor subscribers’ consumption of data and other services, Smart has boosted the My Smart app, a mobile and desktop platform that allows each user to manage their accounts conveniently. On this app, people are able to check their billing, their data usage and subscribe to different data promos. Prepaid users are also able to use the service to monitor their load, purchase additional credit and register to promos.

All about #SmartLove

Smart subscribers can also enjoy #SmartLove Christmas Giveaway promo for a chance to win holiday getaways, Uber and Airbnb vouchers, free data and more exciting prizes by simply participating at key events all over the country.

Smart has also partnered with ABS-CBN for iWantTV, which will pave the way for millions of Smart users to access their favorite hit TV series, shows and programs anytime and anywhere using their prepaid load or charged to their postpaid bill. Soon, iWantTV will be part of the offers under Giga Plans.

Payment solution for the shopping season

Smart recently introduced exclusive prepaid load and online shopping discounts through PayMaya, the country’s leading digital payments mobile app that allows users to get an instant virtual prepaid MasterCard that they can use for digital purchases.


 Carlo Endaya, Smart Head for Digital Products and Marketing Communications, and Kenneth Palacios, PayMaya VP and Head for International Partners, announce the partnership between Smart and PayMaya to introduce Smart Mastercard, which Smart subscribers can conveniently use for their purchases while enjoying exciting perks.


Carlo Endaya, Smart Head for Digital Products and Marketing Communications, and Kenneth Palacios, PayMaya VP and Head for International Partners, announce the partnership between Smart and PayMaya to introduce Smart Mastercard, which Smart subscribers can conveniently use for their purchases while enjoying exciting perks.

By downloading the PayMaya app on their Android or iOS phones and registering with their Smart, TNT, or Sun mobile number, subscribers will be able to instantly get a virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard, which they can load up and use in millions of online merchants and digital services worldwide that accept MasterCard.

Smart subscribers who download the PayMaya app and use their virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard can also get as much as 10% discount on Smart prepaid load when they buy in-app, as well as enjoy exciting perks and discounts from Zalora, Jollibee, and many other big brands soon.

Smart World for Filipino travelers

Smart is also beefing up its lineup of roaming services to suit the diverse needs of today’s travelers.



  Tina Mariano, Smart World Head, unveils Chat Abroad and Smart World Travel WiFi, which allow travelers to easily connect to their friends and loved ones while traveling in 130 countries.

Tina Mariano, Smart World Head, unveils Chat Abroad and Smart World Travel WiFi, which allow travelers to easily connect to their friends and loved ones while traveling in 130 countries.

With Smart Chat Abroad, Smart Prepaid subscribers now have another option when communicating back home. Smart Chat Abroad is a data roaming service that allows subscribers to use six popular chat messaging apps—Facebook Messenger, Viber, Telegram, WeChat, Line, and WhatsApp—while travelling in over 130 countries. The service comes at a fixed rate of only P150 per day.



 Joachim Horn, Smart Chief Technology and Information Adviser, talks about the massive Smart network transformation to provide subscribers with an awesome digital lifestyle.

Joachim Horn, Smart Chief Technology and Information Adviser, talks about the massive Smart network transformation to provide subscribers with an awesome digital lifestyle.

If you need bigger data while traveling, the telco will soon be making available the Smart World Travel WiFi, a Pocket WiFi which Smart and non-Smart subscribers can rent to enjoy mobile data in 130 countries starting at P399 per day.






PLDT Home x Netflix: New Bundles Bring Unli Internet and Unli Entertainment to Your Screen

  Telco giant PLDT Home reinforces its partnership with streaming leader Netflix to bring Filipino homes unlimited streaming,  ensuring you ...