Life well lit for Transitions Signature lenses through Life 360.

In these age and technology, we should provide and invest when it comes to our eyesight. I have been changing my reading glasses when I cant see clearly anymore. I have bought 5 reading glasses for the past 6 years. I am on the lookout for the best eyeglasses there is, I am more than willing to pay for the quality, thus I discovered Transitions Signature Lenses last Nov. 27 at Top of the Citi Paseo de Roxas Makati. We tested the eyeglasses available in fashionable frame and  colors of gray and brown at the roof deck of the building, true to its promise, the lenses changes colors when we went outside.

Transitions Signature lenses are completely clear indoors – but outside, they’re more responsive because of the  exclusive Chromea7 photochromic technology. They are more reactive to UV light so they get darker in more conditions, including bright sun, partially sunny, cloudy, and everything in between.


Transitions Optical releases the new Transitions Signature Lenses to enhance the visual experience of lens wearers in Asia Pacific.  The new Transitions Signature lenses from Transitions Optical are very responsive outdoors and captures images vividly, providing a comfortable and superior visual for all lens wearers.

 Transitions Optical, Inc. has released its latest Transitions Signature lenses for all lens wearers across the region in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Featuring the most responsive adaptive lenses by Transitions Optical to date, the revolutionary new Transitions Signature lenses are developed from Transitions 0ptical’s latest Chromea7’ technology and tested with an exclusive measurement methodology, Life360.

This newly patented Chromea7"‘ technology, an exclusive dye formulation which enables the lens to be more responsive to the smallest change in light conditions outdoors while maintaining clarity indoors. This scientific breakthrough increases Transitions Signature lenses’ sensitivity to light - allowing them to adapt very well across various environmental conditions — and capture colours and images more vividly; leading to a superior and more comfortable wearing experience unlike any other. Transitions Optical Inc. developed and pioneered their new Life.-360"‘ methodology - a more holistic approach compared to current traditional lab-testing models practiced in the industry. Transitions’ Signature” lenses have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation in more than 200 real life conditions and 1000 scenarios in different countries. including Thailand and Philippines.

These scenarios comprised of combinations of differing temperatures, angles of light, UV light, weather conditions and geographical locations; Which improve the real life applications of Transitions’ Signature lenses and ensure its versatility across a variety of settings for lens wearers. Furthermore, blind tests have been conducted with current clear and photochromic lens wearers to assess the visual experience of Transitions“ Signature” lenses. Users have reported Transitions’ Signature“ lenses provide the optimal range of benefits — better darkness outdoors, improved responsiveness in more situations, faster speed of activation and fade back while maintaining clarity of vision indoors and at night - which have led to an improved visual experience compared with their existing set of clear or photochromic lenses‘.

The methodology of Life360‘”' means that Transitions” Signature” lenses are able to adapt to the unique environmental conditions of both Southeast Asia and Asian countries, thus remaining relevant to the market here. Lance Lim, Marketing Manager of Transitions Optical Inc Asia explains the benefits of such a detailed testing process conducted by genuine spectacle wearers, "The high humidity experienced by countries near the Equator mean that various levels of cloud cover across the region result in more indirect sunlight. Transitions® Signature” lenses’ level of tint adapts to all outdoor conditions, making them the smart choice for all-day protection as today's wearers commute between indoor and outdoor environments, as well as travel from region to region.”  Transitions Signature” lenses cater to the increasingly mobile lifestyle of the lens wearer with the latest advancement in photochromic technology. Their lenses are also equally adaptable indoors and in low-light conditions — able to fade quickly and return to clarity — ensuring the best possible visual experience for its users. in addition, Transitions” Signature” lenses protect its wearer from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, while maintaining its vivid and sharp colour perception.  Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Transitions Signature and Chromea7 are trademarks of Transitions Optical, lnc. Transitions Optical, lnc.

Power Mac Center celebrates 20th anniversary with the most fashionable wearable tech in the Phils.

Power Mac Center celebrates its 20th Anniversary last November 28, 2014 at Glorietta 5 by presenting the most fashionable wearable tech in the Philippines. The fashion show was hosted by the lovely couple Chuckie and Yen Dreyfuss,

The mini show started by unveiling the latest trends in Wearable technology; Cookoo, Jawbone, Cogito, Misfit and Garmin with its various trends in texture and color fused with the top of the line technology.

The lovely couple Chuckie and Yen Dreyfuss

I have been meaning to buy Misfit Shine for the past 6 months to keep track of the calories and the food I am taking into my body. This is just in time for the festive season, I will check on this and should have the Misfit at the end of December.
Through the years, technology has always faced the challenge of keeping up to convenience and style. Power Mac Center addresses the challenge by bringing in outstanding products equipped with great hardware wrapped in a stylish look. Who says geeky can’t be stylish?

After 20 years of leading the industry, Power Mac Center is truly unstoppable in offering the Philippines a wide array of innovation and class.

Power Mac Center is a recognized Apple Premium Reseller, Authorized Education Reseller, Apple Authorized Training Center, and Apple Authorized Service Provider in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer.

The company has grown to 22 branches, with stores located in Greenbelt 3, Greenbelt 5, The Annex at SM City North EDSA, TriNoma, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Megamall, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, Festival Supermall, Cash and Carry Mall, Abreeza Mall, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Marikina, Power Plant Mall, SM City BF Parañaque, Harbor Point, SM City Pampanga, SM City Bacoor, SM City Santa Rosa, Sm City Dasmariñas and SM City Batangas.

Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:
www.powermaccenter.com
www.facebook.com/powermaccenter
www.twitter.com/powermaccenter
www.instagram.com/powermaccenter

EZY Asia Pacific launches EZY Neon Speaker

 EZY Asia Pacific’s latest addition to its roster of high-quality electronics launches the Neon Speaker on November 20 at Prive in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The launch was hosted by Cosplay Queen Alodia Gosiengfiao with VIP executives Winfred Navas and Philip Lim.

L-R: Mr. Winfred Navas, EZY General Manager; Alodia Gosiengfiao, cosplay queen and Mr. Philip Lim, EZY President

The Neon Speaker looks like an ordinary Bluetooth but turned on, it takes the listener to an exciting new multi-sensory experience, as you would see music and hear colors, with 5 multi-LED strobe light show made straight from Japan. With Synaesthesia, it is the neurological condition which blends the senses–such as hearing colors and seeing music. It also has been linked to creativity by scientific researches.

“With EZY’s new Neon Speaker, prepare yourself to ‘see sounds and hear colors.’ With this, the new age of the ultimate sound experience is finally here.”

“Experience ‘synaesthesia,’ by using the EZY Neon Speaker” said Philip Lim, president of EZY Asia Pacific.

EZY’s new Neon Speaker are equipped with 7Watts audio output which produces clear and crisp sound in every second.

“Aside from the powerful sound quality it produces, it’s multi-functional features plus the physical attributes of the speaker will surely delight everyone,” said Lim. “It’s the newest and one of the most powerful EZY products at par with other branded bluetooth speakers, for a fraction of the cost.

Feeling lazy to adjust the volume? No worries. Say goodbye to obsolete manual control as the Neon Speaker has Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities plus bluetooth connection, both wireless capabilities to adjust and enhance your music-listening experience with a press of a button.

Priced at Php 4,500.00, it’s already equipped with 5 multi-LED strobe light show made straight from Japan. Recreate a neon rave party in your own home ‘til the wee hours with its rechargable 4,000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery.

“Its black coat shows elegance, yet, emphasizes the colorful lights each time you play a tune,” he added.

Alodia Gosiengfiao is EZY’s host for the night. Apart from being a world-renowned cosplayer, artist, and model, she is also an avid tech geek who loves stylish and powerful gadgetry to improve her lifestyle.

“There is nothing that I don’t love about EZY’s Neon Speaker,” raved Alodia Gosiengfiao. “Not only are the speakers very stylish, it works well with interior decor of my room. It’s also portable and sleek, I can carry it whenever I have to travel abroad for work––easy!”

Gosiengfiao added that EZY’s Neon Speakers are great for gaming, parties, and just chillaxing at home. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a good combination of style and sound.

As a woman passionate and practical about life, Gosiengfiao agrees that every Filipino aspires to have the option to possess the best home entertainment technology of high quality and at the same time affordable.

“Tech and gadgets are more than just luxury to be enjoyed. They improve and enhance our lives so we can get the most out of it” said Gosiengfiao.

EZY’s Neon Speaker is an excellent partner in living your life to the fullest, she added.

“EZY is a brand that satisfies the high-quality tech essentials of every person of any age,” said Gosiengfiao. “And I fully relate to EZY. It’s all about being modern, diverse, and practical. They cater to different people from all walks of life.”

“Everyone can appreciate what we have to offer. We strongly believe that the new generation would find our products fit for their modern and hip lifestyle,” said Lim.

They offer audio-video products such as LED TV and smart internet TVs which range from 32”-58” starting at Php 11,000.00 only. Apart from this, they also offer personal refrigerator for as low as Php 8,000.00, with dimensions that ranges from 3.2 and 3.4 cubic feet.

“Well, this is just the start of our campaign for EZY. By 2015, we are expecting to be more aggressive and more visible to all Filipinos looking for a great deal through print, broadcast, and online. And of course, more new products for 2015!” concluded Lim.


EZY Asia Pacific Inc. home appliances and gadget speakers are sold through various appliance stores such as SM Appliance Center, Ansons, Metro Gaisano and other leading appliance and gadget stores.

Shrek the Musical returns in time for the holiday season

It’s time to SHREK THE HALLS, as everyone’s favorite green ogre returns in time for the holiday season when SHREK THE MUSICAL stomps back into town for a very limited repeat run from December 26, 2014 - January 4, 2015 at the Meralco Theatre.

Shrek The Musical puts a twist on fairytales as we have come to know them. Instead of a knight riding a noble steed, the hero is Shrek, a swamp-dwelling ogre who befriends a wisecracking Donkey. And the Princess? She’s the slightly temperamental and neurotic Fiona. After Shrek rescues Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, the two fall in love before she reveals there’s more to her than meets the eye. Other fairytale misfits join the madcap adventure in this colorful musical including a brave puppet named Pinocchio, a Gingerbread Man with an attitude and Three Blind Mice who channel their inner Dreamgirls.

This entertaining, family-friendly show features a terrific score including the hit song “I’m A Believer!” The songs come from Jeanine Tesori, who wrote the music, and David Lindsay-Abaire, who wrote the book and lyrics. It recently had an acclaimed sell out run in Manila.

Shrek the Musical also draws from a 1990 children’s book by famed New Yorker cartoonist William Steig. Like the first 2001 Shrek film, the musical stays true to Steig’s fractured fairytale vision where dragons are friendly, swamps are better than castles, and the true hero isn’t handsome or noble but a grouchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside ogre who is more or less content with himself and his life in a swamp.

After Shrek the Musical premiered in 2008, as the most expensive show ever produced on Broadway, it played for more than a year and earned numerous Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations. It went on to become a hit musical in London’s West End and continues to tour the UK.

Rycharde Everley, who has played roles in AVENUE Q and SPELLING BEE, returns as Shrek and Shiela Valderama-Martinez once again plays the neurotic Princess Fiona, Nyoy Volante plays Donkey, Lorenz Martinez as Lord Farquaad, Nel Gomez plays Pinocchio, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza plays Dragon.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, SHREK is the perfect musical for the entire family this holiday season!
Get your tickets now to SHREK! Call Ticketworld 891-9999.

Watch "Jane The Virgin" exclusively on Sony Channel

We had the opportunity to meet "Jane The Virgin" or  Gina Rodriguez in person last November 27, at Raffles Hotel. She is prettier and bubbly in person. She happily states and excited  that her new tv series "Jane The Virgin"  has many filipino followers. Gina Rodriguez who lives in Los Angeles, California was named the “Next Big Thing” and one of the “Top 35 Latinos Under 35” by The Hollywood Reporter.  Gina Rodriguez’s profile has been rising steadily since her breakout performance as the titular character in “Filly Brown” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012 and brought Rodriguez an Imagen award winner for Best Actress in a Feature Film.


In the new comedy series “Jane The Virgin,” Gina Rodriguez,  stars as Jane Villanueva, whose meticulous life plans are suddenly turned upside down when she is accidentally artificially inseminated.

Growing up in Chicago, Rodriguez started performing at age 7 with the salsa dance company Fantasia Juvenil. She went on to work with other companies including Los Soneros Del Swing, performing at several Salsa Congresses in Chicago, California, New York and Puerto Rico. At 16, Gina was one of thirteen teens to be accepted into Columbia University NY- Theatrical Collaboration taaturught by Richard Niles, where she wrote, directed and performed original works.

She fell in love with New York and was accepted into the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.

Rodriguez had four years of intense theatre training at both the Atlantic Theatre Company and Experimental Theatre Wing, working with David Mamet, William H. Macy and Rosemary Quinn. Directly after graduation, she booked her first lead role in the feature film “Tiny Dancer.” Next, she originated the role of Frida Kahlo in the world premiere of “Casa Blue: The Last Moments in the Life of Frida Kahlo,” at the American Stage Theatre. She continued to work in NY with multiple theatres and her work in film and TV steadily grew, including series “Jonny Zero,” “Army Wives,” and “Law & Order,” in addition to several shorts and indie films. One short film, “Osvaldos,” earned Rodriguez a “Best Actor” award at the First Run Film Festival in NY.

After the years of success in NY, Rodriguez booked a lead role in a feature film “Go For It” in which she received a 2011 Imagen Awards nomination. After this, Rodriguez booked her first co-star role on CBS’ “Eleventh Hour.” She went on to book series regular roles on web series “Eden's Court” and “No Names;” her first studio film “Our Family Wedding” with America Ferrera; and a lead in the film “Superchicas.” Since then she has also guest starred on the “The Mentalist,” “Happy Endings” and “Ten Things I Hate About You.”

Next came one of Rodriguez’s most exciting roles to date, “Filly Brown.” Originally, this role had been written as a spoken word artist, an area in which Rodriguez had experience, but upon meeting Rodriguez, the producers changed the part to a rapper. After an outstanding audition,
in which Gina provided an impromptu rap performance, she secured the role. She collaborated with music producers, E Dub and Khoolaid from Silent Giant, to come up with original songs for the film. Rodriguez went on to star in the dark indie comedy “Sleeping with Fishes,” written and directed by Nicole Gomez Fisher. The film focuses on Alexis Rodriguez Fish, who returns home to her family after the death of her cheating husband.

Rodriguez starred in the Cima Productions film “Marching Banda,” playing a single mother of a boy whose estranged father comes back into their lives and begins teaching him traditional regional Mexican music and incorporating it into the school’s marching band repertoire. She also starred in a supporting role in “Snap,” a reunion with her “Filly Brown” director Youssef Delara, which had its world premiere at SXSW this past year. She also completed production on another indie film, “California Winter,” with Rutina Wesley.

Rodriguez is a supporter of Inspira, an organization that works to spotlight Latino leaders who shape their communities. She also works with the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts and the Boyle Heights Learning Collaborative.

Jane the Virgin airs every Sunday, starting October 19 at 9:05 pm, in the same week as the US telecast, first & exclusively on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Chocolate Cherry Torte is the perfect treat after a long day

Chocolate contains an amino acid which acts a building block for serotonin, stimulating feelings of happiness. When I am stressed  I always reach out for a bar of dark chocolate or headed to the nearest mall for a roll of chocolate cake.  I dont know but this makes me happy. This eased out the burden and stress that some of us experience in our daily lives. Molecules in chocolate, have shown positive effects on mood. 

 As such, Goldilocks has come up with a new and exciting variation of a classic chocolate bestseller, the Chocolate Cherry Torte. The country’s number one bakeshop now offers this blockbuster cake in whole or half-roll varieties, as well as single servings.

The cake is iced with whipped cream, drizzled with luscious chocolate ganache, and sprinkled with chocolate chips. The rolls and round cake are topped off with chocolate triangles and fresh maraschino cherries.Indeed, the Chocolate Cherry Torte is the perfect treat after a long day, is great for sharing, or even for those who want to enjoy it on the go.

Rather than being worn out in traffic, visit your nearest Goldilocks outlet on the way home, and stop in for something delicious that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

Come and celebrate a very random christmas with Cartoon Network!

Cartoon Network will get to celebrate A Very Random Christmas at Sky Ranch on December 13-14. Bring your kids and loved ones. The free admission, weekend-long party will be held at the Amphitheater of Sky Ranch, the complete day destination for families and friends in Tagaytay City. A celebration of all things funny, crazy, goofy, amazing, awesome and random, Cartoon Network’s A Very Random Christmas is the must-attend family event of the season.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can experience a slew of colorful activities, games and mascot appearances featuring characters from the network’s hit shows like Adventure Time, Uncle Grandpa, Ben 10: Omniverse, The Amazing World of Gumball, Regular Show, and more. Sky Ranch guests will also be able to witness a festive Cartoon Network parade within the park throughout the day.

Special treats are also in store for new and existing Cignal subscribers. The first 60 Cignal subscribers to present their monthly bill at the event will automatically get Meet & Greet Express passes. Sign up for a Cignal subscription at the event and take home a special reversible Adventure Time backpack.

Pile on the exciting randomness this Christmas on Cartoon Network. For more information about A Very Random Christmas, please visit www.facebook.com/asia.cartoonnetwork or www.cartoonnetworkasia.com.

Backroom Inc. celebrates 25th anniversary with the launch of social media portal for its artists

Backroom celebrates its 25th anniversary and launches its social media portal www.backroom.ph. The launch was held last November 25 at Astoria Chardonnay and attended by Backroom, Inc. founder Boy Abunda and Backroom talents. The show was hosted by Bianca Gonzales, Mariel Rodriguez and Drew Arellano.

Backroom, Inc. was established in 1989 by award-winning television host Boy Abunda. In 2012, he relinquished his position as President and Managing Director of the company and handed over the reins to his five senior employees.

Backroom, Inc. has established itself as one of the country’s most successful companies in artist booking and career management, public relations, promotions, multi-media publicity, and concert production.

Backroom artists now have their own domain name at the new Backroom website. The public can connect to their favorite artists in their different social media platform such as instagram, twitter and facebook accounts which is in sync to the Backroom's social media portal.

The new social media portal, www.backroom.ph is interactive and fans can chat with their favorite  artists, get live updates and find out what they do off cam.

More things are in store  in the new Backroom website: Video Archive Section for the video clips and concert snippets, the Photo Gallery Section for the artists new pictorials and the latest in fashion, and Marketplace  Section where  stars and fans can share/exchange/buy old and new stuff.

To keep up with the changing times, Backroom, Inc. has also evolved in its field of specialization by opening its doors to special projects like product launch, events management conceptualization and staging, and movie production.

Its stellar league of talents include Gretchen Barretto, Dawn Zulueta, Bianca Gonzalez, Julius Babao, Karen Davila, Amy Perez, Sitti Navarro, Gelli de Belen, Drew Arellano, Mariel Rodriguez, Tintin Bersola-Babao, K Brosas, Aiko Melendez, Ariel Rivera, Pooh, Ima Castro, Dominic Ochoa, Direk GB Sampedro, Arnold Reyes, Duncan Ramos, Mauro Lumba, Benj Bolivar, Carlo Sawit, PJ Go, Kaye Chua, Avery Paraiso, Jennica Ollero, Junnel Manansala, AiAi delas Alas, and Boy Abunda.

For inquiries, call (02) 9280717 or email backroominc@hotmail.com

Knorr inspire moms create the wonder of flavor with "Sarap ng #LutongNanay"

The kitchen always reminds me of my mother. The best mechado in the world definitely belongs to her. Its unusual to mix coconut milk with mechado, but my mother who is our top chef whips the dish like magic because it tastes good hands down.  Her top recipes include Ginataang Page (stingray), kilawing tuna, and chicken curry. I knew my mother could cook when I first had a taste of her malagkit (sticky) champorado with dilis, cheese and toasted bread. Its not normal but its how the way we liked it. Now that I have my own family, I always make it a point to visit her and bring her any food along the way. I love my nanay for all its worth. I will never trade her signature recipes for anything in the world.

Knorr celebrates "Sarap ng  #Lutong Nanay" last November 20, at Blue Leaf, BGC. Christine Jacobs Sandejas hosted the show with Knorr Ambassador Carmina Villaroel Legaspi and fellow mom influencers Dimples Romana, Delamar Arias, Pia Guanio and Danica Sotto. Together, they cooked the traditional dishes with a twists. When we signed in at the registration, we were given numbers to witness or cook with the  Knorr influencer. I was given number 3 which was Danica Sotto_Pingris'. We and other bloggers sat infront of her while she cooked Pork sinigang with Knorr sinigang mix and  watermelon.

A survey reveals that  in the Philippines – where home cooking remains an important component of family life – almost 80 percent of young people aged between 23 and 27 admitted they cannot cook.

From among more than 1,000 respondents surveyed, the top two reasons mentioned by respondents on why they do not cook as often, are a lack of confidence and inadequate knowledge about recipes.

Many Filipino moms aspire to be great cooks and they want to serve flavorful meals which have a positive impact on their families. However, it is not always easy: her decreasing confidence coupled with the increasing demands on her time, make this very difficult in a modern world.

“Home-cooking is in decline but Knorr is fighting back here in the Philippines to inspire and help moms create the wonder of their flavor, and build lifelong family bonds,” declares Oliver Sicam, Unilever’s Marketing Director for Foods.

Knorr is determined to make mom-cooked flavor matter again by inspiring people to cook more at home and by showing how mom-cooked flavors are the real key to the powerful bonds mothers yearn to build with their loved ones.

The “Sarap ng #LutongNanay” Movement

Knorr aims to ensure that meals prepared by moms remain an integral part of home life, so that strong family bonds continue to move the world forward. We call this “Sarap ng #LutongNanay,” a movement that is backed by the latest scientific discoveries.

Working with leaders in the field has confirmed that mom-cooked flavors help create memories which reach parts of the brain that other experiences cannot. The way the brain connects memories with the wonderful flavors cooked by mom for children, creates deeper and more vivid emotions than any other.

World-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Stuart Firestein, PHD from New York’s Columbia University has been carrying out research into the wonder of mom-cooked flavors for many years. “Flavors she cooks up in her kitchen reach the parts of the brain, heart and soul that other things just can’t reach,” says Firestein.

“What continues to fascinate me is how the brain instinctively knows that certain flavors and foods have the power to mean more to us than just sustenance. This is called sensory recall and is a phenomenon which demonstrates how the brain is hard-wired to respond in certain ways to different tastes and smells.  Even over time and distance, when we taste mom’s cooking, it transports us back to a special place and a unique memory,” he adds.


Knorr’s “Sarap ng #LutongNanay” movement is lead by its new brand ambassador, Carmina Villarroel. Cooking for her husband and twins, Carmina knows how important sharing food with loved ones is. These days, when each minute must be spent wisely, cooking at home is made more convenient for modern moms like Carmina with Knorr. Even the simplest dishes become more meaningful because they’re made with love by mom right at home.

According to Knorr Senior Brand Manager Jec Inocencio, “The “Sarap ng #LutongNanay” movement is just one of the many ways Knorr continues to prove that it understands modern moms’ needs, whilst developing a new generation of cooking moms, by providing convenient cooking solutions without sacrificing taste that families crave and love.”

Knorr’s “Sarap ng #LutongNanay” empowers moms to know their way around the kitchen, to encourage them to spend even just a few minutes each day to see what they can make for and with their families. It can be yet another occasion to strengthen bonds and to create memories that last a lifetime. Long after meals have been served, children will remember with fondness the times spent with mom experimenting in the kitchen. That there were things learned and laughter shared.

For more details on the event and everything Knorr, follow Knorr Philippines on Facebook. For recipes you can make for your families and share with fellow moms, visit www.knorr.com.ph.

Smart announces partnership with photography app Camera360

Smart subscribers to get exclusive access to new scenes and filters with the Camera360 app powered by FREE Internet

Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) announced an exclusive partnership agreement with popular photography app Camera360 which will provide an enhanced experience for users in the Philippines.

The partnership will see the launch of a co-branded Camera360 app from Smart, giving millions of mobile users in the Philippines access to exclusive filters and scenes that bring photos to life even more on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networking sites.

“We’ve been named the texting capital and the social networking capital of the world before, and now we’re known as the ‘selfie’ capital of the world. Filipinos definitely love taking selfies, and this pioneering partnership between Smart and Camera360 will definitely take that to an entirely new level,” said Mellissa Limcaoco, Innovations and Product Development Group Head at Smart.

“Mobile photography is transforming the way people capture, compose and share the beautiful moments of their lives. By combining art with technology, we are dedicated to build an ecosystem of digital tools and services for modern creatives,” said Xu Hao, CEO of Camera360. “Camera360 now has a global user base of more than 300 million, with over 13 million coming from the Philippines. Joining together with Smart, Camera360 will be able to share its unique mobile photography capabilities and experience with more smartphone users in the Philippines.”

Live Beautiful

One of the most popular camera apps for all types of mobile devices, Camera360 gives users the flexibility of editing photos captured with their smartphones with a variety of filters, scenes and digital tools that “beautify” their images.

Once their edited photos are ready for the world to see, subscribers can instantly share them on social networking accounts with the help of Smart’s latest FREE Internet promo, which gives each subscriber 30MB of free Internet access plus unlimited Facebook surfing on their phones until January 5, 2015. By texting FREE to 9999, subscribers can enjoy this promotion and share their photos with friends on the go.

If you take and share a lot of photos and the free data allocation is not enough, users can simply subscribe to any of Smart’s exciting mobile Internet offers, such as Always ON, which are available to all prepaid and postpaid users.

By simply downloading or updating the Camera 360 app on their smartphones, subscribers can automatically enjoy using exclusive filters and scenes for their photos.

Those who use the scenes and filters within the app will also have the chance to participate in online raffles and contests, where they will have a chance to win exclusive Camera360 merchandise.

Smart is leading the charge in making digital content easily accessible to more Filipinos using their mobile phones. With Smart, everyone can lead a fully connected life with access to content such as music (SPINNR and Deezer), videos (BLINK and ViewStream), books and magazines (Buqo), e-Sports (Gamex), and now photography through Camera360.

Smart has also recently enabled its subscribers to download apps and games and do in-app purchases through Google Play using their cellphone loads, which means Android phone users can conveniently purchases and easily enjoy digital content on their phones whenever, wherever they want.

“This is just another way we are allowing our subscribers to ‘live more’. With these new tools at their fingertips, they can make every moment more beautiful with the help of Smart and Camera360,” Limcaoco added.

BlackBerry Launches the BlackBerry Passport

I have been a BlackBerry Curve user for two straight years since 2010, known for its user friendly qwerty pad and BBM. I have come to love the phone for all its features but since androids arrived last year. I switched to another smartphone but still would want to avail of BlackBerry if  another model would fit my work and lifestyle. Then BlackBerry Passport was introduced last November 25 at Romulo Cafe.

BlackBerry Limited,  a global leader in mobile communications, launched the all-new BlackBerry Passport in the Philippines last November 25 at Romulo Cafe, Makati. The smartphone features a large square touch screen and new QWERTY touch-enabled keyboard. Inspired by actual passports, the universal symbol of mobility, the size and form factor of BlackBerry Passport is portable enough to easily tuck into pockets and use wherever you go. It is a device purpose-built for productivity-driven business professionals who want a smartphone that empowers them with the mobile tools they need to get things done, without sacrificing style or portability. It has a sleek compact design that is made of Corning, Gorilla Glass 3 for the display and forged stainless steel for added strength. It provides durability business professionals require in a smartphone.  It is priced at SRP P35,790.

Cameron Vernest, Managing Director, the Philippines & Singapore, at BlackBerry said, “We are excited to mark a new milestone for BlackBerry here in the Philippines, with the introduction of the first square screen design and touch-enabled keyboard smartphone – the BlackBerry Passport. Aimed at mobile professionals and equipped with the new BlackBerry 10.3 OS, this groundbreaking device will allow users to elevate their productivity and collaborate more effectively. The BlackBerry Passport will definitely be the talk of the town, breaking through the sea of rectangular-screen, all-touch devices.” 

The large square screen is optimized for viewing and creating content, and will make everyday tasks like reading and writing emails, reviewing and editing documents, web browsing, and map navigation, more comfortable and effortless. The BlackBerry Passport includes the industry’s first touch-enabled keyboard with gestures that make typing, editing and navigating more efficient and accurate. BlackBerry's physical QWERTY keyboards have always made it easier for users to create polished, professional communications with exceptional accuracy. According to a BlackBerry user study, BlackBerry Passport's new QWERTY keyboard is almost four times more accurate than BlackBerry 10 virtual keyboards – the error rate is on average 74% lower – so there are fewer typos to get in the way of what you’re trying to say.

The BlackBerry Passport is the first device to launch on BlackBerry’s latest OS platform, BlackBerry 10.3. The device comes preloaded with new productivity-enhancing features including BlackBerry Blend and BlackBerry Assistant , as well as the BlackBerry World storefront and Amazon Appstore, offering access to the very best apps for work and play.

BlackBerry Blend

BlackBerry Blend brings messaging and content that is on your BlackBerry smartphone to your computer and tablet. Get instant message notifications, read and respond to your work and personal email, BBM or text messages, and access your documents, calendar, contacts and media in real time on whatever device you are on, powered by your BlackBerry. BlackBerry Blend has launched on the BlackBerry Passport and the Porsche Design P’9983 from BlackBerry, and will work across desktop operating systems, including Mac OS X 10.7 +, iPad tablets running iOS 7+, Windows 7+ and Android tablets running Android 4.4+. The downloadable version of BlackBerry Blend for Macs and PCs is available today at www.BlackBerry.com/Blend, on the Apple App StoreSM for iPad tablets, or via the Google Play Store for Android tablets.