PLDT, Smart unlock amazing digital experiences powered by PH’s fastest network

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Leading digital services providers PLDT, Inc. and Smart Communications unlock the future with new innovative products and services powered by the country's fastest fixed and mobile networks. In the photo: PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan leads the celebratory toast with PLDT and Smart executives and partners from ABS-CBN, Cignal, ESPN 5, Google, Huawei, iflix, NBA, Oppo, Samsung, StarMobile, and Roku.

Fresh from their latest recognition as the Philippine’s fastest fixed and mobile networks, leading digital services provider PLDT Inc. and its mobile arm Smart Communications are ushering in a new wave of innovative products & services that aim to unlock amazing experiences for Filipinos whether they are in the comfort of their home or on the go.

PLDT and Smart presented their latest products at a powerhouse event aptly themed ‘Unlock the Future’ and graced by executives, endorsers, celebrities, and partners in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“Over the past years, we’ve been hard at work to future-proof our network and beef up our digital content and product partners. We’re delighted to present our most exciting services that are designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of Filipinos,” said Oscar A. Reyes, Jr., PLDT and Smart SVP and Consumer Business Market Development Head.

“Backed by our fastest networks, these innovative solutions will elevate the way our customers enjoy digital devices, services, and content. As we get ready to close 2018 and prepare for a new year ahead, we will continue our groundbreaking work to help empower Filipinos to enjoy an amazing life,” said Andrew L. Santos, PLDT-Smart FVP and Consumer Marketing Head.

Unlocking an amazing life for Filipinos

To establish even stronger connections at home, PLDT has introduced the new PLDT Home Fibr Google Wifi Plans, which feature a whole home wifi network system that puts an end to dead spots and ensures strong and Fibr-fast connection in every corner of your home.

New PLDT Home customers can now subscribe to Google Wifi Plan 3799, which comes with an unlimited 50Mbps connection, three Google Wifi points, and free service assistance from the Home Geek Squad. On the other hand, existing PLDT Home Fibr customers can simply avail of Google Wifi units as an add-on for Php799 per month for a set of three.

PLDT is also unlocking a new entertainment experience at home with the upcoming launch of the new PLDT Home TVolution Lite that is powered by Roku®. The new service features a plug-and-play device that allows customers to easily and effortlessly watch trending videos on YouTube; their favorite HD channels from Cignal; Top Hollywood, Asian and local movies and TV series from iflix; critically-acclaimed Netflix originals and films, and hundreds of free streaming channels on their TV.

Following their support for the much celebrated Esports and Gaming Summit 2018 and the recently concluded ‘Road to the Nationals,’ which awarded the country’s top DOTA 2 and Tekken 7 players, PLDT and Smart also affirmed their commitment to deliver the best gaming experience for Filipino gamers powered by PLDT Home Fibr, the fastest Fibr connection for lag-free gaming at home, and Smart LTE, the fastest LTE network for gaming on-the-go.

Unlocking bigger and more rewarding experiences

On the other hand, buoyed by the massive success of its Free YouTube campaign, which more than doubled the daily active YouTube users on its network and drove over 13 times more data usage traffic from customers, Smart has stepped up to unlock total entertainment with Video Every Day.

A new promo that comes with all of Smart’s GigaSurf data packages, Video Every Day provides customers with up to 1 hour of Video access daily for YouTube, iflix, iWant TV, Cignal Play and NBA League Pass - for as long as their GigaSurf subscription is valid. Smart customers can now register to GigaSurf with Video Every Day by simply dialing *121# or via the mySmart app.

Apart from these services, Smart has also announced game-changing partnerships with popular smartphone manufacturers Oppo, Samsung, and Starmobile to encourage more Filipinos to upgrade to LTE-capable handsets that come with special discounts and freebies.

Among these special LTE-capable handsets are the OPPO A71 Smart LTE phone kit, which is now available for Php5,998 (from the original SRP of Php6,990); the Samsung J2 Core Smart LTE Phone Kit priced at Php4,990 (from Php5,990); and Starmobile Play Click TNT LTE phone kit, which is very affordable at Php2,998 (from Php3,490).

To offer a much bigger digital experience, Smart also continues to strengthen its portfolio of the latest flagship devices with the data-packed GigaX Plans, which feature separate data allocations for streaming videos, as well as enjoying apps and surfing websites.

Smart offers the newly launched Huawei Mate 20 with the GigaX Plans at Php2199 per month, and the Huawei Mate 20 Pro at Php2,599 per month.

Smart also makes it easier for customers to get hold of the latest iPhones, starting with the iPhone XS at Php3,299 per month, and the iPhone XS Max at Php3,599 per month. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is also available with the Smart GigaX Plans.

Finally, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, Smart announced its biggest anniversary e-raffle promo in the company’s history, which gives customers a chance to win data packages, MVP Rewards points, LTE smartphones every month, leading up to the grand raffle on February 25, 2019 in which one lucky subscriber will win Php25 million cash! To join, subscribers need only to register to select data promos and add-ons.

Twin awards for the country’s fastest network

Earlier this year, PLDT and Smart were cited for being the country’s fastest fixed and mobile networks for Q1-Q2 2018, respectively, by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis.

Just recently, independent mobile analytics company OpenSignal also cited Smart for providing its customers the best video experience in the country. The UK-based firm has published an independent analysis of the customer experience for video services by telecom carriers in Asia, showing that Smart garnered a video experience score of 42.2, well ahead of competition in the Philippines and well above the national average.

OpenSignal also recognized Smart earlier this year for having the country’s fastest LTE network, awarding the company with four citations including best in 4G LTE download speed; best in overall download speed; best 4G latency performance; and best 3G latency performance in its March 2018 report.

3 Ways to Upgrade Your Holiday Traditions at Home

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Filipinos have their own unique way of celebrating the Christmas season. While Western countries have mistletoe, eggnog, and stockings hung over a fireplace, they look forward to bibingka and puto bumbong, and festivities that start as early as October.

The holiday season brings families together, and gatherings are made memorable with stories and laughter shared in front of sumptuous meals, games, and entertainment played by both young and old. Gifts are also exchanged as a sign of love and affection.

Christmastime in the Philippines means happiness shared at home with people valued most. Here are a few ideas to turn this year’s celebration even more special:

Prepare a musical number with the family

Take some time to organize a musical interlude with loved ones. Music can be shared by everyone, and the bond and memories shared with family and friends while rehearsing, planning out costumes, or even going as far as caroling around the neighborhood, are reason enough to make an effort.

Reinvent the local ‘Secret Santa’

Shopping for gifts for every member of the family is a daunting task, so try an alternative scheme like white elephant gifts or a raffle. By purchasing one grand gift to add to the pot, each member will get a chance to win something special. Raise the stakes with additional draws for gadgets and entertainment devices. 

Gather around the family TV

The holidays bring the family together and are the best time to reminisce the year that was. Watch home videos and stay in touch of family members away from home and share in the simple pleasure of watching TV with loved ones.

To make the Yuletide season more exciting, Samsung is offering up to 35% off on prices of select Full HD, Smart HD, UHD, Curved UHD, Premium UHD, and QLED TV models and Soundbars, when purchased through cash or straight card transactions.

The ‘Holiday Cheers for Samsung’s 20 Years’ promo is the company’s way of saying thank you to its customers, as it celebrates its 20th year in the Philippines. The promo runs from October 1 to December 31, 2018, in all accredited dealer stores nationwide.

The promo also features a raffle for customers who purchase participating TV and Soundbar models from October to December. Lucky winners will be drawn monthly and will get a chance to win either a grand package prize of a QLED TV, Soundbar, and a Galaxy Note9, or either of the secondary prizes: one of five 49” Smart TVs, or one of 14 Soundbars.

To know more about the promo, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/HolidayCheers/

Customers may register their purchases in the raffle at https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/HolidayCheers/Raffle/

16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards launched - The search is on and nominations are underway for the most inspiring micro business owners nationwide

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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed jointly announced the launch of the 16th Citi MicroentrepreneurshipAwards (CMA) during the recently held annual conference of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI).

L-R) Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. chair Fr. Jose Victor Lobrigo; Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr.

Since its inception in 2002, the CMA awards program, a partnership among BSP, CitiPhilippines and MCPI, with funding support from Citi Foundation, has been steadfast in its commitment towards recognizing entrepreneurs who have beat the odds, lifting themselves and others out of poverty. The awards also recognize the strong support from microfinance institutions as key partners, underscoring the role these organizations play in financial inclusion and enterprise development. 

In his keynote speech, governor Espenilla took note of how digital technology has made an impact in the development of microfinance in the country. “The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping the financial inclusion landscape and traditional financial value chains,” he said. “Rapid digital innovations in financial technologies have led to the emergence of more dynamic business models.”

"Amidst all the talk of technology and disruption, it is only appropriate that we continue to showcase inspiring stories through the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, which has served as a vehicle for inspiring microentrepreneurs nationwide to achieve greater heights,” says Espenilla.

The event saw the introduction of the commemorative book “From Modest Dreams to Microentrepreneurial Triumphs,” which shares success stories of past CMA winners, inspiring tales of winning against adversity through hard work and perseverance.

In his remarks, Citi’s Ahmed said: “The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are about the passion, energy, and commitment of microentrepreneurs who want to do better for themselves and their families. At Citi, we are proud to help people pursue their dreams because we are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”

Governor Espenilla and Aftab Ahmed serve as co-chairpersons of the CMA National Selection Committee. Other members include industry and community leaders such as Ayala Corporation president Fernando Zobel de Ayala; RFM Corporation president and CEO Jose Ma. Concepcion III; GMA Network, Inc. chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon; former Philippine Daily Inquirer chairperson Marixi Rufino-Prieto; DTI secretary Ramon Lopez; SPARK! Philippines trustee Imelda Nicolas; SM Investments Corporation vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson; Voyager Innovations, Inc. president Orlando Vea; National MSME Development Council-Mindanao Private Sector representative Mary Ann Montemayor; and University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor Dr. Michael Tan.

The awards are open to microenterprises with business assets up to PhP3 million. The award categories are Microentrepreneur of the Year Award, regional awardees from the three major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year, and special awards for agri micro-business, community leadership, and green/sustainable business.

The national winner of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards will receive PhP200,000while the three regional awardees, the youth awardee, and special awardees will each get PhP100,000. The loan officers and MFI branches of each awardee are also given acash incentive of PhP10,000. Semi-finalists will receive a cash incentive of PhP10,000.

In addition to cash prizes, long-term sustainability of the winning microenterprises is of vital importance, thus, entrepreneurship training and mentoring is also provided at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center.

READY. SET. SHOP GUAM!

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It’s that time of the year again. Fairy lights on house windows, suspicious-looking pine trees line up mall entrances, Christmas delicacies sold in random street corners, and Jose Mari Chan songs being played in public spaces. The Christmas season is officially upon us. But if you ask any true-blue Filipino; “what’s the one thing they look forward to during the holiday season?”, they would immediately tell you - Christmas shopping. 

The Philippines is notorious for celebrating the Christmas season very early. In fact, most Filipinos start getting into the holiday spirit as early as September. Therefore, malls and retail centers start to advertise nationwide sales when the BER months show up in the calendar - to the excitement of Filipinos everywhere.

Though it may seem fun, holiday shopping in Metro Manila is actually a stressful and tedious process. The amount of people who go out to scour malls for good deals is beyond crazy. Traffic is bad and trying to get a parking slot is excruciatingly time-consuming. But what if your next favorite shopping destination is only a 3-hour flight away? Wouldn’t that be better than getting stuck in a 3-hour jam in Metro Manila? More so, imagine going shopping and having an online directory of all the promos and sale offers in your phone, doesn’t that sound like the most convenient thing ever?

Shop Guam e-Festival is a mobile app-driven shopping campaign that combines the fun of shopping in a mall with the convenience and ease of online shopping. How does it work? One just has to download the Shop Guam app, browse through the offers, visit any of the participating stores, and present the in-app coupons upon making a purchase inside the store. 

The best thing about Shop Guam is the plethora of choices and massive discounts from its participating retail outlets. From luxury labels to commercial brands, the campaign has something for every discerning palate. Whether you like to splurge on Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, or go bargain shopping in Ross and Macy’s; Guam has the answer to all of you’re shopping needs this holiday season. And since you’re already on vacation, make sure to check the Shop Guam app for cool happenings and fun events on the island. Experience the best that Guam has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight now and fly to Guam! You can choose from any of our three air carriers that regularly fly to the island: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and United Airlines. So start your holiday shopping and catch the Shop Guam e-Festival from November 10, 2018 to February 10, 2019.

Make sure to follow Guam Visitors Bureau’s official Facebook and Instagram pages (@VisitGuamPH) for the offers, updates, and promos.

The Shop Guam mobile app is free to download on iOS and Android. 

To know more about Guam, you may visit the Guam Visitors Bureau’s PH Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/visitguamph, or you may follow the @visitguamph page on Instagram.

AirAsia paints the skies (RED), featuring 88rising

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SEPANG,  November 2018 - AirAsia is proud to announce our partnership with (RED) in support of the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Asean.

The funds generated from the (AirAsia)RED partnership will go directly to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programmes in Asean, home to nearly 1.8 million people living with HIV, according to 2017 UNAIDS data.

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes (centre), (RED) CEO Deborah Dugan (centre left) and 88rising Founder and CEO Sean Miyashiro flanked by AirAsia cabin crew at the livery launch.

AirAsia has pledged proceeds from its current Free Seats promotion and various activities planned for 2019.

For every seat sold on airasia.com and the AirAsia mobile app during the 24-hour period from noon tomorrow until noon on Wednesday (GMT +8), AirAsia will donate 20 US cents, enough to buy one day’s worth of live-saving antiretroviral treatment for someone living with HIV.

In addition, AirAsia and (RED) will be collaborating with leading global Asian music label 88rising to launch a new Asean music and arts festival in 2019 to drive positivity and awareness of HIV/AIDS in the region. Dates, location and lineup will be announced at a later date.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes (centre), (RED) CEO Deborah Dugan (centre left) and 88rising Founder and CEO Sean Miyashiro (centre right) flanked by AirAsia cabin crew at the livery launch.

The partnership was announced at the unveiling of a special (WEAREALLCHAMPIONS)RED livery at Sepang Aircraft Engineering (SAE) here today. Guests were treated to a live performance by Los Angeles-based rapper Dumbfoundead, an 88rising collaborator who performed at their recent Head in the Clouds festival in the US.

The event was attended by Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) Malaysian Business Consortium on HIV/AIDS Manager Dr Rethish Raghu, MAF Advocacy Manager Dayana Omar, (RED) CEO Deborah Dugan, 88rising Founder and CEO Sean Miyashiro, AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and AirAsia Group Head of Branding Rudy Khaw, among others.

(RED) CEO Deborah Dugan said, “We couldn't be more excited to partner with such a creative and innovative brand like AirAsia! Loved by millions and committed to making a real difference in Southeast Asia, the (AirAsia)RED partnership is literally taking the AIDS fight to new heights.”

88rising Founder and CEO Sean Miyashiro said, “88rising is absolutely over the moon with the idea of an amazing music and arts festival in Asean that empowers a young audience to save lives. All of 88rising will put all of our creative minds together to make this experience one of a kind, while creating massive awareness and engagement to a globally minded audience.”

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, “AirAsia has always been about making the impossible possible. Today’s global partnership is all about championing new opportunities, both for those living with HIV/AIDS and in terms of bringing a broader message of positivity and change to Asean. And this is just the beginning. We have many more things planned with (RED), with support from 88rising, to supercharge outreach in the region, so watch this space.”

About (RED)® 

(RED) was founded in 2006 to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world's most iconic brands that contribute up to 50% of profits from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund. (RED) Proud Partners include: Apple, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Claro, The Coca-Cola Company, MCM, NetJets, Salesforce, SAP, Starbucks, Supercell, Telcel, and Tradeshift. (RED) Special Edition partners include: aden+anais, Alessi, ALEX AND ANI, Fatboy USA, Fresh, FreshDirect, Girl Skateboards, Gretsch, HEAD, Jonathan Adler, Le Creuset, Live Nation Entertainment, Moleskine, Mophie, Square, Uber, and Wolfnoir. To date, (RED) has generated $350 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. 100 percent of that money goes to work on the ground – no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 70 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services.

About 88rising

By now, if you’re in tune with the culture, you know about 88rising. Revered by the likes of CNN, Forbes, Bloomberg, The New Yorker, Billboard, Pitchfork and Los Angeles Times, 88rising is at the forefront of catapulting Asian culture and stories into new dimensions. Refusing to be confined within a single vessel, 88rising has exceptionally executed any and all ideas, while breaking new ground along the way. Best known as the team behind Internet-breaking sensations, including Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers and Keith Ape, 88rising have quickly escalated to selling out world tours, hosting festivals and working with today's biggest stars. “88rising is distinguished by its idiosyncratic tone and its up-to-the-nanosecond appreciation of hip-hop’s youthful, Internet-driven trends,” The New Yorker said, in their 8-page long features on CEO Sean Miyashiro and the company. Furthermore, it’s highlighted that in just two years, “88rising has become an authority on how to create Asian and American pop-culture crossovers. With over 20M subscribers of their talent and nearly 700M views on their YouTube channel, 88rising's influence is undeniable.