Get a hold of your home tech needs this #SMCybermonth2020!

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We’ve all had our fair share of work-from-home and home learning misfortunes – lost connection amid a virtual meeting, incompatible device for online schooling, busted desktop computer – the list goes on. But fret no more.

This #SMCybermonth2020, Cyberzone offers a wide range of home tech choices perfect for your work-from-home and remote learning setup. Plus, interactive virtual games and online gadget unboxing to keep you in the loop on the latest in tech and gaming even from your home!

"Our current situation made us realize the importance of technology, especially in our daily lives at work and school. At Cyberzone, we conveniently offer our shoppers all of their home tech needs in one go," said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.

Here’s how you can get a hold of your home tech needs this #SMCybermonth2020:

1. Gadget must-haves. Scouting for the best work-from-home laptop or the perfect devices for your nightly watch parties? #CheckCyberzone to get first dibs on exclusive deals and freebies at select outlets and have a chance to win exciting prizes!

2. Live unboxing. Stuck between android and iOS? Let Cyberzone help you decide through its live demos and unboxing videos! To help observe safe distancing, Cyberzone will mirror the event on digital so you will know what’s available before leaving the house.

3. Cyber play. Mobile game tournaments have also gone digital! Catch the live streaming on Facebook and meet fellow fans and gamers. Get a chance to join and be part of the thrill with a minimum purchase from participating stores.

4. Stream hub. Are you an aspiring content creator or gamer? Be part of a live social experience where you can learn about visual content creation, vlogging, and game streaming from your favorite influencers!

#CheckCyberzone this #SMCybermonth2020! For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com and www.smcyberzone.com or follow @smsupermalls and @smcyberzone on all social media platforms.

Pokémon Go: Safety of children in the cyber realm and real world

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One of the great things about this game is that is popular amongst both children and adults, so our main suggestion is to play with them. This can be a great opportunity for you to engage and play along with your children! 

Since there are many factors that come into play when using this app, we are going to delve into these aspects in a three part series examining the risks in the cyber realm, the real world and the safety of children while playing the game.

First things first, with all apps your children are interested in, download the app and play it yourself to become familiar with what your children will be doing. This way, you can become more informed about the gameplay, and you can talk to your child about how to be safe while using it.

Stranger Danger:

While the purpose of the game is to be social, real-life rules still apply. Tell your kids about stranger-danger. A huge part of the gameplay involves common areas called gyms and Pokéstops, which will attract a good amount of strangers playing the game. You can still encourage your children to interact with new people, but set some guidelines. Always make sure they are supervised by a trusted adult when venturing into these public areas. If you can’t go with them, or you have an older teen, be sure to have them establish a buddy system and check in with you regularly, as it’s just not safe for anyone of any age to aimlessly wander around unfamiliar areas of town by themselves.

Be Aware of “Lures” 

Lures are an item that can be both bought in the game and earned by leveling up to higher levels. The purpose of a Lure is to attract more Pokémon at a Pokéstop.

When a user sets up a Lure at a Pokéstop, other players in the area can see them on the map, alerting them that the location has a surplus of Pokémon. What’s potentially dangerous about these is that anyone can set these up, which could potentially make the game attractive to child predators.

Establish Boundaries

Since this game can send children wandering off to areas unknown, it’s best that they are supervised by a responsible adult, or if old enough, they use the buddy system to play in groups. 

If they do wander about their neighborhood in search for these elusive creatures, set limits on where your kids can go without you. 

Limit those areas by setting boundaries in your neighborhood where your kids would normally play. If they want to leave those boundaries, be sure to insist that they call you to discuss their plans, such as where they are going, for how long, who they are going with and to check back in when they are done. 

Location Tracking

If your kids are going to be out on their own, use a location tracking app in case of emergencies. https://family.norton.com/web Norton Family Parental Control has apps for both iOS and Android that will track your child’s smartphone in real time with their GPS coordinates on a map.

In App Purchases

This game, like other games does have in app purchases to buy things like Pokécoins and other various powerups. In this case, it’s probably a good idea to put on parental controls that help control in-app spending.

For iOS, Apple has a feature called https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201089 "Ask to Buy,” that will alert you to whenever a family member initiates a new purchase or free download. You are then able to control what they purchase from your own device. 

The Google Play Store has an "https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/1626831?hl=en" option to turn on authentication when making in-app purchases. This means that means certain information, like a password, must be entered on your device to make a purchase.

You may want to look into these in order to avoid becoming the next headline “My Child Spent 5,000 Dollars on Pokémon Go.”

So now that you are armed with the information you need to ensure your children have safe and enjoyable gameplay, it’s time for you to venture out with your kids and help the “catch ‘em all!”

PLDT KaAsenso upgrades services to help family-driven minigosyantes

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PLDT KaAsenso, the telecommunication leader’s micro-entrepreneurship arm, is jumpstarting the year with a clearer vision and a bigger mission for the country’s grassroots entrepreneurs.

“Our vision for Filipino micro-entrepreneurs is to help them grow and succeed in their businesses so that they can also improve the lives of their families,” Ariel P. Fermin, PLDT executive vice president and head of home business, said.

“We understand that many minigosyantes get into business to be able to provide a better life for their families. It’s an aspiration we, as family-oriented Filipinos, all share, and one that PLDT KaAsenso would like to help become a reality. This is why the new PLDT KaAsenso is wider in scope and offers up-to-date tools and technologies for both aspiring and existing minigosyantes.”

According to PLDT Executive Vice President and Head of Home Business Ariel P. Fermin, the new PLDT KaAsenso has upgraded products and services to better support minigosyantes.

Starting with its landline and Internet packages, PLDT KaAsenso has recently introduced its most affordable minigosyo package ever—Plan 1888—which comes with high-speed Internet at up to 3Mbps plus the ever reliable PLDT landline. True to its commitment of making it accessible to more micro-entrepreneurs, all potential subscribers can apply for this plan without shelling out any initial fees.

PLDT KaAsenso has also unveiled value-added services aimed at helping minigosyantes better manage their businesses and improve their bottom line.

Store Watch is a security service that allows minigosyantes to remotely monitor their businesses. For as low as P99 per month on top of the KaAsenso Internet plan, users can view live feeds from anywhere using any device—whether through a PC, a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone, via a security camera with monitoring software.

Also in the portfolio is a WiFi zone service for PLDT KaAsenso subscribers. For only an additional P299 service fee per month, minigosyantes can offer WiFi access as an additional come-on for more customers to visit their stores. Subscribers can also create a customizable log-in page which can help further promote products and services.

Fermin added, “When PLDT KaAsenso was first launched, we focused on the basic technology and communication essentials needed by our minigosyantes. Now, we’ve leveled up our services to address their other minigosyo needs – bringing the minigosyantes and their families closer to success.”

Extra income

PLDT KaAsenso will also continue to promote Cyberya—an all-in-one Internet café package that includes a complete computer set, cabinet, and coin-operated timer, and Internet at up to 2Mbps.

Cyberya is PLDT KaAsenso’s way of supporting entrepreneurial Filipinos who are looking to start their own high-profit, low-maintenance business.

“Internet access is now a basic need, especially in this digital age where almost anything and everything is online,” Fermin said. “PLDT KaAsenso Cyberya has two-pronged objectives: while we help moreminigosyantes to easily set-up their own business, we will also pave the way for the democratization of Internet access.”

For more information about the new PLDT KaAsenso and its upgraded services for minigosyantes, log on to pldtkaasenso.com.

Applabs Digital Studios Presents CAR CRAZEE, Nuts About Cars! Grand Car & Gadget Show Party together with SM Cyberzone and VIP Productions on Dec. 15

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Let's Get Ready for the the first Grand Car and Gadget Show Party !

App development innovator APPLABS DIGITAL STUDIOS, together with SM CYBERZONE and VIP PRODUCTIONS, will be uniting the young and veteran car and gadget enthusiasts and social influencers on DECEMBER 15, 2012, AT SM STA. MESA. The GRAND CAR & GADGET SHOW PARTY is slated to offer a smorgasbord of the coolest and newest gadgets and the best custom modified cars in the Philippines.

AppLabs Digital Studios believes that it’s always better to end the year with a bang, and after celebrating its first successful year, the company ends 2012 on a high note with the launch of CarCrazee. Touted as AppLabs Digital Studios’ flagship application, CARCRAZEE is also the Philippines’ first ever social networking application for car enthusiasts.

The best modified cars on the show will receive top prizes from AppLabs Digital Studios, and three winners from the Wallpaper Design, Best personal Photo and Best Fan Photo contests will take home cash prizes. Meanwhile, Smartphones and other gadgets from sponsors will be given to the raffle winners.

Everyone is invited to become a part of this inaugural event on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at SM Sta. Mesa’s covered Carpark from 10:00am ’til midnight.

This event is presented by Applabs Digital Holdings Inc., SM Cyberzone and SM City Sta. Mesa.

*Please visit their event page on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/events/470760366295514/

Get Connected @ SM City Santa Rosa’s Cyberzone

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Cyberzone, the ultimate technology and lifestyle center of SM Supermalls, is the largest chain of IT retail stores in the Philippines which offers a vast number of global brands. SM Santa Rosa’s Cyberzone contains a wide range of local players who provide complete products and services for that techie in you. Get connected to unlimited possibilities at SM City Santa Rosa’s very own Cyberzone which was formally launched last Friday, October 12.

The formal launch of the SM Santa Rosa’s Cyberzone was attended by top SM officials including SM Prime Holdings President Hans T. Sy and SM Supermalls President Annie S. Garcia together with Congressman Dan Fernandez and Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas.

A market leader in the business of selling gadgets, Cyberzone’s Stores and  services combine to form the most interactive and technological experience for its shoppers. Cyberzone features retail brands that consists of mobile phones., cameras, software, games, accessories and services and everything a techie or a newbie desires.

Starting out as small area in the Carpark building of SM City North Edsa, the SM Cyberzone opened a fashion and lifestyle store in 1998. By year 2002, a new development within the mall featuring IT concepts was introduce and as they say, the rest is history.

SM Sta. Rosa’s Cyberzone features international concept stores including Samsung, Toshiba, Lenovo and Sony Xperia among others. The tech hub likewise includes local players such as Cherry Mobile and MyPhone.

I am one of the media/bloggers who were invited to this interesting great event in Cyberzone! I'm with some of the bloggers, we travel to Laguna from Manila. Visit and enjoy the wonderful world of Cyberzone at SM City Santa Rosa Laguna!