Enjoy Music with Smart SPINNR - PH's first mobile-linked all-in music service

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Music is the universal language of mankind and music touches us emotionally. I love music as ever, one of great quotes I love about music from Plato, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” 

And here's more to enjoy music, to be inspired and to have total awesome experience! 

Smart Music launches SPINNR - PH's first mobile-linked all-in music service. After unveiling Smart Music in July this year, leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) brings the promise of making music more enjoyable to more Filipinos to a higher level with the launch of SPINNR - the all-new everything-music site that serves up the "total music experience.”

The first of its kind in the country, SPINNR powered by Smart Music offers more than just music downloads. It makes possible unlimited music streaming at the most affordable rates, playlist customization and access, and the best download discounts. 

SPINNR is accessible via web and mobile browser, and with the new SPINNR Android app, music access, discovery and personalization are easier than ever before.

"When we introduced Smart Music, we promised to give Filipino music fans not just the most affordable music downloads and the largest music catalog, but also the total music experience," said Charles A. Lim, Smart's executive vice president and head of wireless consumer business. "SPINNR is the fulfillment of that promise, and we're excited to introduce this service that will further infuse music in the Filipinos' way of life." 

With SPINNR, Smart will be the first to offer in the country a music-streaming subscription service with unlimited access to more than 3 million songs from the catalogs of worldwide music leaders MCA Music, Inc. (internationally known as Universal Music Group, Inc.); and Sony Music Entertainment, through a partnership with local licensee Ivory Music and Video. 

"For just P15 for two weeks, that's Php1 a day, SPINNR users can easily subscribe to a package via the site or the app to enjoy unlimited full-track streaming of the widest selection of songs," said Mellissa Limcaoco, head of Smart's Innovation and Product Development group. "They can simply click to listen to all available songs - from the current chart-toppers of Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and One Direction; to the classic oldies, hard-to-find tracks and OPM favorites." 

The SPINNR Plus 15 package also offers a 20% discount for full song downloads - further lowering down SPINNR's most affordable download rate of P10-P15 per song. Other membership packages are, SPINNR Plus 7 (P7 for 7 days, with 10% download discount) and SPINNR Plus Premium (P29 for 30 days, with 30% download discount). The SPINNR Plus VIP (P49 for 30 days) offers 50% song download discounts plus first and exclusive access to Smart Music's events, promos and other perks. 

"SPINNR is also taking music discovery to the next level by making it more interactive and social. Aside from being able to listen to predefined or create your own playlists, you can also get recommendations based on your likes and you can even post your favorite songs on Twitter and Facebook to let you express how you feel through music," added Limcaoco. 

"The soul of the SPINNR service is how you manage and enjoy your music, plus get added music perks through your own personal account - your SPINNR membership," said Lim. "By linking your Smart, Talk 'N Text or Sun Cellular mobile number, you can securely log-in and avail of subscription packages and purchase songs by paying through your prepaid load or charging to your postpaid bill. No need for credit cards." 

On stage demonstration of Streaming, Downloading and Creating playlists
via #SpinnrPH portal. (Photo : SpinnrPH)

"And because you can log-in via web, mobile or app through a single account, your activities are reflected in all of these portals, making your music library more accessible and more mobile,' he added.

SPINNR’s music streaming feature addresses the evolving listening habits especially of young music lovers who prefer the streaming experience over downloading the music tracks on their phones. And with Smart’s expansive 4G coverage across the Philippines, music fans will enjoy fast and seamless streaming experience wherever they are in the country.

But aside from having "anytime, anywhere" access to their favorite music, SPINNR members can also have VIP access and meet-and-greet privileges in the most anticipated concerts and music events by both local and international artists. Members also get access to exclusive content and the chance to download tracks and albums as soon they are released. 

"We envision SPINNR as a community of Filipino music-lovers having access to the best and the biggest collection of music anytime, anywhere through their mobile," said Limcaoco. "And we will design our programs and activities - whether music festivals, artist engagements, independent music production and promotion - to cater to those who have music deeply integrated in the way they live life. SPINNR is music made awesome." 

One of the great celebrities / singers during the  SPINNR launch held at the
URBN Bar & Kitchen at BGC, Mitoy Yonting, The Voice grand champion

A preview of the Smart Music experience through SPINNR will be seen in upcoming big music events happening in the Philippines. For the One Republic concert tour, SPINNR will have lucky members experience VIP treatment and an all-access pass to the concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

SPINNR will also give one lucky Directioner (One Direction fan) a chance to bond with the British pop group through a one-hour Google Hangout when the group launches its new album through a global webcast sometime in November. 

Powering SPINNR, Smart Music will also launch a music advocacy campaign that will promote responsible use of music content, and for aspiring musicians, hold clinics that will have renowned producers and artists teach them to write, produce and market their own music. 

SPINNR is offering first-time users to enjoy unlimited music streaming at no cost for their first 15 days.

Registration is open to all Smart, Talk 'N Text and Sun Cellular subscribers via web or mobile browser or via the app from Google Play.

To register, simply go to spinnr.ph. For the latest updates and exclusive music promos, join facebook.com/SpinnrPhilippines or follow SpinnrPH on Twitter and Instagram.

Book: ‘Searching for Heaven on Earth’ by David Jeremiah

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Here is a book full of wisdom, on how to find the meaning of life. I would truly recommend this book to anyone who is trying to figure out the purpose in life.

“Searching for Heaven on Earth” by Dr. David Jeremiah offers valuable insights on wisdom and folly, on chance and purpose, and on life and meaning. This is an excellent gift for someone who is wondering his/her purpose in this world.

Emptiness, disappointment, longing…ever since Eden, wealth, power, pleasure—-even family and friends—-have been unable to fill the vacancy within each heart. Drawing wisdom from Ecclesiastes, Jeremiah will help you discover the “one thing” necessary for a rich and meaningful life. Gain assurance of who you are, who sent you, and why!

“Searching for Heaven on Earth” is a finalist of both the ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award and the Jordon Christian Book of the Year Award.

Back Cover Text:

Don’t you deserve a little happiness?

They are the questions that plague us:

Is happiness within my reach?

Why is life so frustrating?

Is it too late for me?

Or to put it another way, “Where can I find a little heaven on earth?”

History’s most successful man, Solomon, wondered just that! And as Dr. David Jeremiah shows us, he was a man who tested life’s haunting questions head-on. And tasted life’s riches full-on. And who found his answers in the last place he thought to look.

Listen, then, to his voice. A voice that, if you pay attention, will speak directly to your flesh and bones and heart. A voice that admits: Maybe happiness is an empty hope. Or maybe we’ve simply been looking in all the wrong places…

Here's the Product Details:

Title:       Searching for Heaven on Earth

Subtitle:   How to Find What Really Matters in Life

Author:    Dr. David Jeremiah

Binding:  Soft Cover with flaps

No. of Pages: 352

Size: 5.5 x 8.5 (portrait)

ISBN-10: 971-8573-76-3

ISBN-13: 978-971-8573-76-0

SRP: P215.00/copy

Published by Lifebooks, “Searching for Heaven on Earth” is now available in all branches of National Bookstore, Powerbooks, Philippine Christian Bookstore and Fully Booked nationwide.

For more inspiring books, follow Lifebooks on Facebook and Twitter.

Western Digital Announces Q1 Revenue of $3.8 Billion and Non-GAAP Net Income of $514 Million, or $2.12 Per Share

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Western Digital® Corporation today reported revenue of $3.8 billion and net income of $495 million, or $2.05 per share for its first fiscal quarter ended Sept. 27, 2013. On a non-GAAP basis, net income was $514 million or $2.12 per share.1 In the year-ago quarter, the company reported revenue of $4.0 billion, net income of $519 million, or $2.06 per share. Non-GAAP net income in the year-ago quarter was $594 million, or $2.36 per share.

The company generated $680 million in cash from operations during the September quarter, ending with total cash and cash equivalents of $4.9 billion. During the quarter, the company utilized $150 million to buy back 2.3 million shares of common stock. On Sept. 19, the company declared a $0.25 per common share dividend, which was paid on Oct. 15.

“We continued to perform well in the September quarter as we remained focused on delivering value to our customers through differentiated and innovative storage solutions in all of our served markets,” said Steve Milligan, president and chief executive officer. “Our HGST and WD subsidiaries continued to execute very well. Outstanding linearity drove strong operating results, with gross margins above the midpoint of our model range and earnings per share well above the high end of our guidance. Longer term, we are very excited about our ability to enable the ongoing creation, storage and management of digital content by consumers and businesses.”

The investment community conference call to discuss these results will be broadcast live over the Internet today at 3 p.m. Pacific/6 p.m. Eastern. The live and archived conference call webcast can be accessed online at investor.wdc.com. The telephone replay number is 1-800-685-6364 1-800-685-6364 FREE in the U.S. or +1-402-998-0553 +1-402-998-0553 FREE for international callers.  

Happy Bread Day at Gardenia's Bread Town !

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Gardenia has opened the Bread Town last Monday, October 28 at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City. 

Happy Bread Day with the bread makers and bread lovers advocate the philosophy of “sharing” and “breaking” of bread as a significant and symbolic humanitarian act.

Gardenia opened the gates of Bread Town, a wondrous place where lots of fun activities, prizes, games, surprises and overflowing breads shared to those who join the celebration. This event is made even bigger with the culmination of Gardenia’s search for the Next Big Sandwich Hit; a sandwich-making and business idea generation competition among 10 universities in Manila with HRM or Culinary course.

Gardenia Bakeries Philippines, Inc. (GBPI), the company that makes the household favorite Gardenia breads famous for its good taste, freshness, softness, oven-baked aroma and nutritive-value, celebrates yet another exciting “Happy Bread Day,” at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, invited all families, friends and anyone who just love to eat bread to celebrate with them during this special day.

“Gardenia Happy Bread Day”, on its third straight year, commemorates the role of bread as a vital part of everyone’s daily nutritional and sustenance. 

“Happy Bread Day” is also Gardenia’s own way of reminding Filipinos to have fun and show their love for bread in line with the “World Bread Day” celebration which is held every October 16, where all bread lovers from all over the world share the goodness of bread.

Visitors of Gardenia Bread Town experience exciting activities from different booths starting with the Wheat Bread Boulevard where health buffs get to sample Gardenia’s healthy-licious breads. “Kids and adults alike had ga-ga for muffins while having their photos taken at the Muffin Studio. While those who love cream rolls and fun buns were happy to play at the Cream Roll Nook and Fun Bun Playground.

For curious minds who want to know more about Gardenia’s rich history, the Gardenia Museum provides all the answers to their questions. Then after having a long and tiring stroll around the Gardenia Bread Town, visitors come, chill and relax in the “Pandesal Café” or savor sweet treats from the Gardenia “Flavored Bread Station.”

Meanwhile, the G-Lock Wall held thousands of G-locks; a color coded tag which guarantees the freshness of Gardenia breads. Each G-lock donated by visitors corresponded to two loaves donated to Gardenia’s chosen charities. Happy visitors write their memorable Bread Town experience in the Toast Wall and taken home tokens which they pick from the Bread Tree.

The teams from different schools went through grueling qualifying rounds before they were able to earn the right to represent their schools.But it did not stop there, teams got to test the saleability of their sandwiches and experience real life business challenges at the Midnight Mercato leg at Bonifacio Global City. Teams competed among other schools for the most peso sales which is part of their final scores.And the finale of “The Next Big Sandwich Hit” is by no means a pushover when it comes to grandeur, for the winners stand the chance of bringing home more than P200,000 worth of prizes!

This is the ultimate bread experience for all. Here are some of the pictures I shot during the Gappy Bread Day. 

Dengue Defenders : Captain Green Trains Children against Dengue

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Captain Green goes to a school for a visit and there's an important message to all! 

                  

In an effort to turn youngsters to be “Dengue Defenders,” Green Cross Insect Repellent Gentle Protect is bringing an interactive program featuring Captain Green to schools all over the country. Helped by a chock-full of visuals, song-and-dance presentations and audience participation, the hero will deliver the newest information about the disease and the ways to zap its culprit —the dreaded dengue-lamok. The mosquito villain will also be present buzzing around but will ultimately be defeated by Captain Green.

“We are aware of the gravity of the dengue disease,” says Vince Camua, Senior Brand Manager from Green Cross. “Statistics show that almost half of the people who contracted dengue last year were children from ages 1-10. This is the reason why we are bringing our advocacy to schools and educating them on the myths surrounding the dengue disease.”

While a simple presentation may already deliver the information, only an interactive program can impress the importance of dengue protection in the minds of children. “We really want it to be an opportunity where children are not only listeners but participants,” Vince added. “They can move, sing and dance with Captain Green as they absorb and understand information.”

Hailing from a planet devastated by dengue, Captain Green comes to Earth to inform children about the dreaded day (Aedes aegypti) & night (Aedes albopcitus) dengue-lamok, how to stop the mosquitoes from multiplying, the tell-tale signs if they are infected, and the precautions they can take to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites.

For instance, Captain Green tells them that, aside from their usual breeding grounds (old tires and vases), dengue-lamok can also thrive “in a drop of water as small as a coin,” making it important to dry areas with stagnant water no matter how tiny they may seem.

As for the tell-tale signs of infection, Captain Green enumerates the following as possible symptoms of dengue: “high fever for more than three days, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle or bone pain, rashes, mild nose, gum bleed, easy bruising and low white blood cell count.”

Captain Green emphasizes that the disease, which many people think can be contracted only during the day, is now a round-the-clock concern. It is true that the more popular Ae. aegypti is a day-biter, with peak biting hours between 6AM-8AM and 4PM-6PM.  However, another dengue-lamok, the Ae. albopictus, strikes when we least expect it, with peak biting hours during the night: from 6PM-8PM and 11PM-1AM.

Near the end of the program, Captain Green unveils his secret weapon: Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion Gentle Protect. Applied once in the morning and once in the evening, the lotion offers clinically-proven 8-hour protection against both day-biting and night-biting mosquitoes. Hypoallergenic, non-greasy and fresh-smelling, it is tested safe on the skin of children—and adults as well!

After their stint in the “Dengue Defenders” training camp, the children will receive interactive comic books and a letter to their parents with product samples of Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion Gentle Protect for them to gain headway in their fight against dengue.

“We believe in the two adages of ‘Starting them young’ and ‘An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,’” says Vince Camua, Green Cross Senior Product Manager. “By arming children with knowledge, we at Green Cross hope to contribute to the lowering of dengue incidents and keeping our young safe and protected.”