Smart introduces "Internet of Everything" consortium

Smart Enterprise recently announced the creation of the Philippines’ first Internet of Everything (IoE) Consortium, which seeks to develop the IoE and M2M ecosystem in the country. Initial members include Samsung, InfoSys, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI), Meralco, Far Eastern University, Voyager Innovations, Novare Technologies, E-Sci, Cormant Technologies, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro, among others.

Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues to chart the course for the next wave of technology by leading the formation of the country’s first “Internet of Everything” (IoE) consortium – a select group of industry leaders and technical partners aiming to collaboratively build machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions that will empower business through systems intelligence and interconnectivity.

The Smart IoE Consortium is the first alliance in the Philippines seeking to develop IoE solutions which would make devices and processes “smarter” and more connected. It counts among its founding members, leaders from Samsung, InfoSys, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI), Meralco, Far Eastern University, Voyager Innovations, Novare Technologies, E-Sci, Cormant Technologies, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro, among others.

The consortium was introduced during the launch of Smart’s latest machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions for enterprises, small and medium businesses, and hospitals.

“As an entire world is heading to the hyper-connected eventuality called Internet of Everything or IoE, every enterprise organization will benefit from the pooled expertise, massed resources, and rare insight the Smart IoE Consortium represents,” said Eric Alberto, EVP and Head for Enterprise, International, and Carrier Business Business at Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Smart.

“As an entire world is heading to the hyper-connected eventuality called Internet of Everything or IoE, every enterprise organization will benefit from the pooled expertise, massed resources, and rare insight the Smart IoE Consortium represents,” said Eric Alberto, EVP and Head for Enterprise, International, and Carrier Business Business at Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Smart.

“This consortium will therefore be a considerable resource available to all Philippine enterprises, with consortium leaders and experts hailing from areas such as the academe, government, and private sectors,” he added.

Alberto said the group would be expanding to include more representatives from banking and finance, utilities, retail and distribution, pharmaceuticals, software and hardware development and distribution, as well as hospitals and universities.

“Smart and the rest of the PLDT group are collaborating with the best people from different industries to provide relevant Internet-powered solutions to Philippine enterprises. Not only will these solutions help businesses remain competitive in today’s fast-evolving landscape, these will also enable them to improve the way Filipinos live,” said Jovy Hernandez, PLDT FVP and Smart Enterprise Sales and Marketing Head.

Aside from developing comprehensive IoE solutions for different industries, the Smart IoE Consortium will enhance existing solutions and will monitor upcoming trends in the IoE space to ensure business readiness for future developments.

Floating buffet and Glory Holes at La Cellule Greenbelt

The creative duo, Emmanuelle Becquemin and  Stephanie Sagot portrays contemporary art through installations, sculptures that incorporates a fusion of food  and art in live theater-like presentations thus the term La Cellule. Last July 11, 2014, the two artists transformed the Greenbelt 5 Gallery into an artists and food enthusiasts dream with their creation floating buffet and glory holes.

The concept of the Floating Buffet in which helium balloons support a light dessert or canapes in mini boxes for you to pick at an eye level is very appealing and liberating as well.  The guest is invited to taste the food which lightens the load of the balloons and gradually set them free. This is good for pica pica  gatherings,

Then comes the glory holes, in which one bare human arm protrudes from a hole serving you cocktail food or canapes of your choice. This is one booth that I frequented because of the many choices of cocktails that they served that night. The arm that gives food is a sight to behold, the red polish pairs up the finger food which is art in itself.

From world-class dining establishments heralded by the finest restaurateurs, to the flourish of design found in its fashion and furnishing studios, Ayala Malls’ Greenbelt continuously provides its customers a great dining and shopping experience. Not only does Greenbelt provide this, but also consistently offers rewarding cultural and artistic events for its patrons’ enjoyment.

Last June, Greenbelt celebrated French Month entitled “La Fete at Greenbelt”. There was more to love at Greenbelt with the activities that included the 16th annual French Film Festival, La Langue Francaise or French language classes conducted at Greenbelt, and a musical party at Fete de la Musique, which were made possible in partnership with Alliance Francaise de Manille and the French Embassy.





Becquemin and Sagot are staple names in art galleries, museums, modern art festivals, and fairs from across the globe. With regular exhibits in the world’s famous cities, such as Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Saint Petersburg, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Jakarta, the double-powered art masters will be rendering a new definition of world-class entertainment.


For their Manila performance, expect nothing but one-of-a-kind concepts of edible art for the pleasure of the audience’s senses. “Floating Buffet”, which is an act that features helium balloons with boxes of edible delights freely hanging from the ceiling, invites a feast of sensation for food. “Glory Holes” allows guests to get closer and appreciate art better through munching on some delights served from bare human arms protruding from holes of a large cube container.

Acclaimed by press groups from all over the world with its exceptional works of art for a decade now, La cellule and its performances are definitely an addition to Manila’s must-see exhibits for the month of July. Get ready to witness the extravagance and splendor of each and every art piece that the talented twosome has prepared for its audience at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

With the impeccable fusion of Becquemin and Sagot’s artistic flair, Greenbelt’s passion for the art and cultured lifestyle, and the cosmopolitan crowd’s enthusiasm for contemporary art, LA CELLULE’s exhibit will absolutely inculcate a creative spirit to its patrons and will also be a remarkable event to be held in the top shopping and dining hub in the urban side of the Philippines.

Salo: The Affordable Dining Destination at BGC

And then Salo came along. Salo only started operations in May, 2014 and we are still on soft opening, explains Joana Piñon one of the owners. She says they saw a gap in the range of establishments in Bonifacio Global City as the community did not have enough affordable places to go to for lunch and drinks.


And after-work drinking joints are not very easy on the pocket. “Salo means celebration or gathering. And that’s what we want the restaurant to represent. We want the market to think of us when they are planning their celebrations and gatherings. And being a Filipino word, Salo also represents the cuisine that we serve,” she added.

Salo (2)Salo (3) Salo (1)   But Salo is not just for special occasions. With its silog selection (tapsilog, tuyosilog, steaksilog, among others), and line up of filling ulam such as Crispy Lechon belly (prepared fresh, prior to each service time), Bistek Tagalog, and Gising-gising, it’s a place that you can dine in everyday!

We serve Filipino regional specialties. The easiest to order are the rice bowls. But we also have portions that are good for sharing. For those who have had too much to drink, we’ve got some dishes that are perfect for hangovers.

What’s great about Salo is that we are able to serve food quickly, so those who are in a rush need not wait long. The concept behind the restaurant is a place that people can go to everyday — with food that they won’t tire of and with price points that are reasonable.

A lot of those working in BGC are looking for affordable and good quality meals, especially during lunch and but BGC doesn’t offer enough options. So the market ends up eating fast food which is not so healthy.

Besides, their menus are limited. There are also very few affordable places to go to for those who want to unwind in the evening.

The bars in the area are mostly high end. At Salo, our drinks are a steal! Especially if you buy, by the bottle. “We wanted a place that people can go to on a daily basis — with food that they won’t tire of and with price points that are reasonable,” points out Joana. Their average check is only P150 per person.

Salo proudly encourages its guest to try their Sisig, Crispy Lechon Belly, Tapsilog, Tuyosilog, and Bistek Tagalog developed by Chef Benjo Tuason and Chef Justin David.

Salo Adobo Rice

Salo Adobong kangkong

Salo Bangusilog

Beef Pares

Salo Binagoongan

Salo Chicken Skin

Salo Crispy Pata

Salo Goto 

Benjo Tuason holds a degree in Hotel Restaurant and Institution Management from De La Salle University College of St Benilde. He also has a Diploma in Hospitality Management, specializing in Commercial Cookery from Box Hill TAFE Melbourne. His longest stint was as a sous chef in Beau Monde International Hotel in Doncaster,Victoria. Before coming to Manila, he was Chef de Partie and part of the opening team of The Botanical – South Yarra.

Aside from being at the helm of Salo’s kitchen, he is also the executive chef of Relik, URBN and the newly-opened Nest Modern Table and Bar.

Justin David went to Le Cordon Bleu, Ryde, Sydney, Australia for his Professional Culinary Management Diploma and to Ryde-TAFE, Sydney Australia for his Advanced Diploma V in Hospitality Management. He also has a Ceritficate IV in Training, Assesment and Education from TAFE, SWSi Australia. He worked in several establishments in Sydney, Ausralia; Cebu and Manila.

Those who only have short breaks and are always pressed for time need not worry, Salo can whip up meals in a flash. Clearly, chefs Benjo Tuason and Justin David have taken into consideration the needs of the work force in BGC.

And this includes their need to kick back and relax with some drinks after duty. At Salo, the drinks are really inexpensive. Local beers start at P60 and a bottle of Tequila retails for only P1,200.

They make throwing parties easy! Salo is also an awesome stopover as an after-party place because they have anti-hangover treats such as Batchoy, Goto and the double-patty plus egg Longaburger Extra.

Salo is located at The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is open daily, from 11:00 am to 4:00 am. For delivery, call 212-1212.

Social media accounts: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @salobgc

More Life Dishes at Chili's

I have been eyeing Chilis whenever I dropped by Megamall, I like the place it has a cool young vibe to it, i love the red tiled tables. The whole interiors, actually.  I never had time to dine until last year of December. Some friends from work decided for Chilis, and the rest was history. My favorite from among their appetizers is the Triple Dipper, it is a satisfying combination of 3 delicious  appetizers of buffalo wings, chicken crispers, over buffalo and southwestern eggrolls with sauces for dipping. The trio compliments each other with the best dip sauces and carrot sticks. The buffalo wings is the juiciest out there.

Triple Dipper (php510)

 I was just thrilled when Chilis introduces their new dishes last July 9, 2014,  For the new drink, I ordered for the Sparkling Soda its a mix of strawberry puree and soda. I liked it best with more ice,  the strawberry overpowers the soda which is a good thing for me. I want my drink to be fruity.

Sparkling Soda (php125)

Fried Quesadilla Bites (php375)

Fried Quesadilla Bites, golden flour tortilla nibblers stuffed with Southwest chicken and cheese, sprinkled with chopped cilantro and served with chipotle sour cream. If you are craving for some chili goodness, you should order this,  the dip sauce is hot and spicy to go with your main entree. I love the soft, chewy, texture of  quesadilla that goes better with the dip.

Chili’s Bacon and Cheddar Steak (php875)

Those craving for steak should order their Bacon and Cheddar Steak, it is an all-meat succulent steak  topped with bacon and melted cheddar cheese, with a generous amount of mashed potato and veggies (brocolli and carrots) on the side. The steak is medium well, if you want it to be well done, tell your waiter prior to ordering.

Parmesan Chicken or Tilapia

These two are the best dishes I had for the day. First was the  Parmesan Tilapia, the tilapia is locally sourced, the fillet is crunchy outside with Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheese sealing the meat. It is drizzled with chili butter and a tad bit of spring onions. It is best with cilantro rice. The Parmesan Chicken tastes great just the same, I ordered one extra cilantro rice for the chicken.

All three dishes come with a choice of two sides, so you can have “Chili’s your way.” Pick the perfect match to your meal from homestyle fries, corn-on-the-cob, Chili’s cilantro rice and fresh veggies to the staple steamed white rice, mashed potatoes and broccoli spears.

Banana Bread Pudding (php295)

 The best part of the day comes with this dessert!  The new Banana Bread Pudding, topped with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, chopped walnuts and caramel drizzle is divine. It was sweet and addicting, let the vanilla seep in the pudding then bite. It is perfect to cap off with a meal.

Margarita

Well, there’s no place that perfectly encapsulates this experience whatever day of the week than Chili’s, the restaurant that celebrates genuine bonding over good comfort food and real stories throughout its more than 1,400 locations all over the world, including seven branches in the Philippines!

Rita Trio (php350)

Let's drink to Chili's Rita Trio, get to choose from Pomegranate Margarita (a mix of 1800 Tequila, Absolut Citron with pomegranate syrup), Tropical Sunrise (made with 1800 Tequila, Melon Liqueur, pineapple juice, sweet and sour and a splash of grenadine), Blue Pacific Margarita (1800 Tequila, Cointreau and Blue Curacao), El Nino Margarita (1800 Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liquer, and fresh orange juice), and Chambord 1800 Margarita (1800 Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liquer and Chambord. Happy hours is here to stay.

More Life Happens Here!

For guests who have been coming to the American casual dining restaurant since it first opened in the country in 1996, dining here has become much more than the bold Southwestern flavors it offers. It’s a place where young professionals hang out after office hours, where friends meet up and talk about sports, and where families host celebrations and parties to mark significant milestones and occasions.

And because there’s nothing like good food to connect people and bring them closer, Chili’s aptly launches its new tagline, More Life Happens Here (MLHH) with new dishes meant to be savored and shared with family and friends.

These four simple words embody the memorable dining experiences in every Chili’s visit. More Life signifies everyone’s need to connect and belong -- whether it’s about a particular food that brings back feel-good memories of home, a drink that reminds of a happy occasion, or a celebration that draws loved ones together.

“It gives us joy to be witnesses to every bonding and every celebration that happens from table to table—defining the true Chili’s experience.  This is the essence of our new tagline, More Life Happens Here,” says Chili’s Philippines marketing manager Laine de Jesus-Vallar.


Chili’s Your Way

Part of the signature Chili’s experience is the way guests feel special as soon as they are welcomed by the server and seated behind the familiar tables, with interiors that evoke modern Americana against hints of Southwestern influences.


More Chili’s stores to serve you

Chili’s started as a hamburger restaurant in Dallas, Texas with a uniquely Southwestern flair. For over 35 years now, it has been welcoming guests in its restaurants all over the world in 33 countries.

Chili’s Philippines continues to grow as it opened more stores during the last couple of years.  Aside from its branches in Greenbelt 5 in Makati, Greenhills in San Juan, and Tomas Morato in Quezon City, Chili’s now has restaurants at the Power Plant Mall, Mega Atrium in SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, and at the Fairview Terraces, which opened this June.

So whether you’re craving great food, bonding with friends over casual conversations or a laid-back vibe to enjoy a glass of margarita, there’s always a table waiting for you at Chili’s, where “More Life Happens!”

(For inquiries, check out Chili’s Philippines on Facebook and on Instagram, Chilis_ph on Twitter, and www.chilisphilippines.com on the web.)

Time to pick up the pieces for Begin Again

Begin Again
Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, Adam Levine
Directed by John Carney


Begin Again is not your typical love story, it is not mushy, it did not beat around the bush. It is a straightforward kind of love  that would require you to think and analyze things over.  It leads you to learn and appreciate that in every situation, there is always a solution, it is up to you how to rationalize things over.  With love and music, for Begin again , life goes on.

The movie opened up with Greta,(Kiera Knightley) a British songwriter, singing in a small bar  while Dan (Mark Ruffalo) the ex- record producer stared and amazed offered her a singing career afterwards. The story did not end there. There was a twist as each segments unfolds.

I love how the stylist played around in the movie, all of the characters dressed cool yet simple. Kiera Knightley's ensemble reminds me of the 80's, the red frock, slip-ons, the boyfriend jeans, the simple tattered jeans, the loose top,  she is wearing her character. Thumbs up for the stylist.

The music gets each and everyone at the audience, I still have the LSS for "Lost Stars". The simplicity of the story lifts up with every songs.
Everyone played their character well, it amazed me  how Adam Levine pulled out the last scene, it was painful, serene and you could feel the pain in Kiera's eyes. That one last song just gave it all.

I suggest you to see this movie if you're moving on or on the process of moving on. It will help you decipher everything that went wrong in a relationship, and most probably, pick up the pieces until you are a whole person again.

Join and win the Axe Gold Pass: The ultimate ticket to live the Gold Life

Axe Gold Man Luis Manzano

Men are constantly being bombarded with tips on what to wear and how to impress women but according to the opposite sex, there are two kinds of men they are most attracted to. AXE, the #1 Male Fragrance in the World, asked Filipina women what qualities they find most attractive in a man.

Sweet and romantic KC Montero

AXE defined these types of men as the sweet “Chocolate Man” and the sophisticated “Gold Man”. The “Chocolate Man” is outgoing and laid-back, winning women over with his easy smile and sense of humor. The “Gold Man”, embodies masculinity, strength, and power. He has good taste and enjoys the finer things in life. These characteristics were interpreted in a previous variant, Axe Dark Temptation, which has hints of chocolate and their latest product, Axe Gold Temptation, which boasts of subtle hints of high quality vanilla, gold amber and cedar.

Solenn Heussaff

Surprisingly, when asked which type of man they want to be, males online described themselves to be more of a Gold man rather than a Chocolate man.

This led AXE to recently introduce the Axe Gold Pass, a guy’s ticket to the Gold Life.

Launched at Republiq at Resorts World Manila, the Axe Gold Pass is the ultimate ticket to live the Gold Life. Up for grabs is a brand new 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, an all expenses paid trip to Las Vegas where the winner and two guests will receive VIP treatment at the hottest clubs and a one-year, rent-free condominium unit at the Fort.

To win the AXE Gold Pass, guys need to buy Axe Gold Temptation, access the Gold Pass tab in the AXE Philippines Facebook page (facebook.com/AXEPhilippines), and get their friends to vote for them. The top 400 men with the most votes immediately qualify for the next round, where they will get trimmed down to the final three.

The three finalists will then compete in the Gold Pass Challenge, where the ultimate winner of the AXE Gold Pass will be determined by the Axe Gold Council made up of AXE Gold man Luis Manzano, Axe Dark Temptation man KC Montero, Axe Resident Hottie, Solenn Heussaff and Axe Ambassadors DJs Slick Rick, Tony Tony, Sam YG. Each Gold Council member also will mentor and groom the finalists to become the ultimate AXE Gold Man.

Master Game Face "Goes to Spain" promo with Gilas Pilipinas Team

WIN A FREE TRIP TO SPAIN TO WATCH GILAS PILIPINAS WITH MASTER GAME FACE PROMO

Master, the no. 1 male face care brand for men, is giving lucky Filipino hoops fans a chance to fly to Spain, all-expenses-paid, to watch live the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team put their oil-free game faces on at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“Being a basketball-crazy country, we Filipinos are proud to qualify for the FIBA World Championships. Through Master Goes to Spain Promo, lucky fans will have the chance of their lives to fly to Spain to support our basketball heroes and watch them battle and put their oil-free game faces on against some of the world’s best teams.” said Jonathan Pua, Unilever Male Grooming  brand manager.

Included in the Gilas Team lineup is Master lead endorser Marc Pingris. Other members of the Gilas Team who are vying for basketball glory are Jimmy Alapag, LA Tenorio, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, Ranidel de Ocampo,  Japeth Aguilar, Junemar Fajardo, Beau Belga, Greg Slaughter, Marcio Lassiter, Jared Dillinger, Paul Lee and naturalized player Marcus Douthit. Coach Chot Reyes’ team will be pitting skills against world power houses such as USA, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Russia and other world class basketball teams.

To join the Master Game Face Goes to Spain promo, simply buy a Master Facial Wash or Deep Cleanser with the special promo sticker, scratch the sticker to see the special promo code, text Master<space>SPAIN<space><code> and send to 5656.

Hundreds of instant prizes like tumblers, towels and jerseys are also up for grabs aside from the grand prize all-expense paid trips to Spain for 5 lucky winners.


Putting an Oil-Free, Game Face everywhere with Master

With a complete line of face care products including facial wash, face cleansers and face moisturizers for the highly competitive sportsman, Master takes basketball to a whole new level. Oil can definitely reduce a player’s effectiveness in any game – especially in basketball. This was featured in the latest commercial of Master Facial Wash where both Chris Tiu and Marc Pingris battled it out with their oil-free, game faces on thanks to Master.

Boosting anti-oil protection, Master Oil Control Max Facial Wash has the revolutionary Cooling ZEROIL formula so you can get 8 hours of no oil for that fresh game face look to bring out the best in anyone’s game on and off the court. Get 8 hours of no oil with Master Facial Wash so you can put your game face on! You can also fight deep seated dirt that causes pimples with Master Oil Control Max Deep Cleanser. For more details about Master products and the Master Game Face Goes to Spain promo, visit www.MasterPhilippines.com.ph and facebook.com/MasterPhilippines. Follow Master on Twitter and Instagram @MasterGameFace to find out more.

Papa John's Outs the Secret to Great Tasting Pizza

 I am a fan of Papa John's because of their dough which is freshly made that goes right with the toppings and creamy 3 cheese pasta that I ordered everytime I frequent the store.  At Papa John's, you will surely taste the difference.   Find out the secret behind better ingredients and better pizza.

Papa John’s offers sumptuous pizzas that will definitely score a high five. Do you ever wonder why Papa John’s is one of the best Pizza Restaurants?

Here are at least five reasons why:

Hawaiian Pizza

1) The Dough – When was the last time you ordered pizza, which came with real dough (and not biscuit)? Or when was the last time you ordered pizza that wasn’t oily? Minus good dough pizza isn’t a pizza.
Papa John’s dough is baked fresh. It’s hot, it’s soft, and it’s chewy – nice!

2) Ingredients – Pizzas are topped with generous servings, while pastas and sides ooze with flavor – the merry mix of ingredients feel like they dance on your palate.

cream of mushroom soup

They say they are “Better Pizza. Better Ingredients”. Must be. It really does make a difference when ingredients are fresh. You’d see and taste it.

3) Pizza Variety – “Super Papa” is Papa John’s top of the line with the combination of pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, sliced mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and black olives. This one’s “all-in” so it’s
the first one you must try.

However, you wouldn’t afford to miss Papa John’s other pizza flavors since it’s different from what other brands offer. There’s Spicy Italian Meatballs, Texas Heat, Chicken BBQ, and Chicken Bacon
Ranch. It would be wise to try each one of them and decide what your favorite is later.

4) Pastas & Sides – No pizza is an island. It would be “corny” to just order pizza and not have pasta or sides with it.

Go for a little adventure and order the not-so-typical flavors like Shrimp Oriental Pasta and Mediterranean Seafood Linguine. If you want to stay safe though, there’s Carbonara or Meatball Bolognese. (Tip: Try the Carbonara, it’s my favorite!)

Diablo burst

Must try are Drummettes and Wingettes. The flavor isn’t too tangy and it’s not salty. It’s okay to get all your fingers rolled and wrapped on its taste – just lick it after!
Go mix and match your choice with the various pizza flavors on the menu!

3 cheese pasta

5) Promos! – Visiting Papa John’s on Tuesdays mean you can actually  order a 12″ Family Classic Pizzas for Php199 only! The promo is good for dine-in, delivery and take out.
On weekends they also have “Weekends One, Two, FREE” where you get 2 Sides Free (from Friday to Sunday) when you buy One Family Pizza.

Papa John’s also gives discounts on their meal packages – choose from many of their offers and get huge savings.

cheese sticks

Find more reasons to enjoy Papa John’s. Visit them or call 887-7272 for delivery. Log on to www.papajohns.com.ph

Smart partners up with Deezer

Smart expands music portfolio with launch of Deezer that offers live music streaming for over 30 million songs. It was presented to the media  last July 9, 2014 with celebrities from the music industry such as Ely Buendia, Rico Blanco and many others gracing the launch.

Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is broadening its music portfolio with the introduction of premium bundles for global music-streaming service Deezer, strengthening its foothold in the music space as it eyes to capture majority of the music listening market in the Philippines.

Ely Buendia 

The announcement of the Deezer bundles complements Smart’s homegrown music service SPINNR, which has revolutionized the music consumption habits of Filipinos by offering song downloads for as low as Php10 and music streaming for just Php2.50 per day, roughly equivalent to the value of three text messages.

Sanya Smith and Ornussa Cadness 

“Deezer completes Smart’s music portfolio as we strive to provide the complete music experience to all kinds of users,” said Charles A. Lim, EVP and Head of the Wireless Consumer Division at Smart.

“SPINNR provides the total music experience to our subscribers with streaming and downloads of all the latest and hottest songs, the most anticipated concert events, meet-and-greets with their favorite artists and exclusive access to official merchandise. Deezer, on the other hand, provides music streaming with a large catalog of 30 million songs and the widest availability in more than 100 countries around the world,” Lim added.

Rico Blanco

Vast potential

Lim said there is vast potential in the music space considering the proliferation of new types of mobile devices in the Philippines, considered the fastest-growing smartphone market in Southeast Asia by a GfK Asia study in 2012.

“With smartphone adoption still expected to jump exponentially in the coming months, more users will gain access to Internet-enabled devices capable of music streaming, and Smart is the only mobile provider that will have a full lineup of music services ready for them,” Lim added.

Siblings Elmo and Maxene Magalona partying with the crowd

Smart also has the distinct advantage in providing the best music-streaming experience to all subscribers with its highly modernized network—completed in 2012—that is capable of delivering superfast mobile Internet to all users nationwide.

Changing behavior

Even though streaming is still a relatively new way of consuming music in the Philippines, Smart’s Head of Innovation and Product Development Mellissa Limcaoco said they’re seeing more and more subscribers jumping into the music streaming bandwagon.

“Just a few years ago, music streaming was not a familiar concept among most Filipino music lovers. With SPINNR, Smart has paved the way for more fans to affordably enjoy music anytime, anywhere without worrying about the limited storage space on their mobile devices,” Limcaoco said.

She added that with the introduction of Deezer to its music portfolio, Smart expects music streaming to be more pervasive as it hopes to address the varied tastes of music fans nationwide.

“The high smartphone penetration in Philippines means that music lovers are taking their world, and their music, on the go,” said Steven Frank, Business Development Manager for Deezer in Asia Pacific. “With over 30 million tracks in our catalog, Philippine music fans can enjoy their favorite songs and discover new music from international, Asian or OPM artists with high-speed Internet connection by Smart, no matter where they are.”

Premium offers

Deezer offers, with over 30 million songs and powerful music discovery solutions, will initially be available to Smart Postpaid subscribers through Unlisurf Premium Plans starting at just P1,175  a month, bundled with the year’s latest smartphones and unlimited LTE surfing.

Users, for example, can get the Sony Xperia M2 at Unlisurf Premium Plan 1175, with unlimited mobile surfing, free calls and texts, and a Deezer Premium+ subscription already included in the package. Other phones available include the Nokia Lumia 1020 at Plan 1675; and the Sony Xperia Z2 as well as the Samsung Galaxy S5 at Plan 2175.

As an exclusive perk to early subscribers, Smart will be giving those who sign up for any of the Unlisurf Premium Plans a P175 bill rebate for six months.

Existing Postpaid subscribers, meanwhile, can take advantage of the various Deezer Music Packs that come with a free Deezer Premium+ subscription. These include Deezer Daily for Php25 (1-day Deezer access plus 25 SMS and 10MB of mobile data for Deezer streaming), Deezer Weekly for Php125 (7-day Deezer access plus 125 SMS, and 50MB of mobile data for Deezer streaming), and Deezer Monthly for P250 (30-day Deezer access plus 250 SMS, and 100MB of mobile data for Deezer streaming).

Offers for Smart Prepaid subscribers will be announced soon. For more information on Smart’s Deezer offers, visit smart.com.ph/Deezer. [END]

Rosamund Pike stars as Amy Dunne for the bestselling book "Gone Girl"

“GONE GIRL” TRAILER REVEAL

I read the the book in three days when I was out of the country, the book was a page turner.  I never cried so much in my life, it sounds crazy but the story just blown me away, I will never forget  Amy's character until today. Now that it will be shown in screen, Im just as excited as everyone else.

           Recently, bags of evidence have recently surfaced on the net on the disappearance of Amy...gone on the day of their 5th wedding anniversary.  A piece of underwear, a cutter stained with blood, a photo of their wedding day and a note that says ‘this man may kill me’ suggest that her husband might be the main suspect of her mysterious disappearance.  Despite it all, he swears he didn't kill his beautiful wife.

                Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike star in the bestselling page turner tome “Gone Girl” by author Gillian Flynne.  Affleck and Pike play Mr. Nick and Mrs. Amy Dunne whose marriage have been exposed to the public when Amy had gone missing.

                Directed by David Fincher, known for his gripping works such as “Fight Club,” “Seven,” “The Social Network,” “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” the trailer of his latest movie “Gone Girl” has just been released here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTj2ddCg5C4&list=UU-JrjBL_iZAn5wjEsw9nRYA

              Did he or didn’t he?  Find out the truth when “Gone Girl” opens in cinemas nationwide on October 2 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

“HERCULES” STORMS INTO IMAX THEATERS IN PH JULY 23

IMAX Corporation, Paramount Pictures, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures recently announced that Brett Ratner's action epic, “Hercules,” will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX 3D format and released by Paramount Pictures and MGM in IMAX theatres worldwide, including the Philippines on July 23, 2014.

"Hercules deserves a platform like the IMAX 3D format," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "We are excited to team up with our partners Paramount and MGM to bring this epic tale to life as never before for IMAX fans around the world."

"There is no better format on earth than IMAX 3D to see an anamorphic widescreen epic such as 'Hercules,' said Ratner. "It is the first film I have directed being exhibited in IMAX 3D and definitely a dream come true for me. Now audiences around the world will have the viewing experience I have always dreamed of for one of my films."

Megan Colligan, President, Domestic Marketing and Distribution of Paramount Pictures commented, "We are pleased to once again partner with our friends at IMAX, and with MGM, we look forward to giving audiences around the globe the opportunity to experience the action and excitement of Brett Ratner's 'Hercules' in IMAX 3D."

From Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, "Hercules" stars Dwayne Johnson as both man and myth, leading a band of mercenaries to help end a bloody civil war in the land of Thrace and return the rightful king to his throne. A tormented soul from birth, Hercules has the strength of a God but feels the suffering of a human. Unimaginable villains will test the mythical power of Hercules in director Brett Ratner's gritty take on one of the most epic action heroes of the ages.

“Hercules” also stars Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan, Aksel Hennie, Ingrid Berdal, Reece Ritchie, Tobias Santelmann, Rebecca Ferguson, Isaac Andrews and John Hurt.

The film is produced by Beau Flynn, Barry Levine and Brett Ratner. Based on Radical Comics' "Hercules" by Steve Moore, with a screenplay by Ryan J. Condal and Evan Spiliotopoulos. Directed by Brett Ratner.

The IMAX 3D release of Hercules will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

For more information about Hercules, please visit the film's official website at http://www.mightyhercules.com.

Opening across the Philippines on July 23, “Hercules” will be distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.