MUST-SEE ROYAL PALACES AND CROWN JEWELS ON YOUR NEXT LUXURY TOUR

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The world’s most iconic monarchies shine brightest in the vestments and residences they own

More than the power and prestige that monarchs hold, it’s the artifacts and buildings signifying sovereignty that capture people’s imaginations. From the Forbidden City in Beijing to the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, these regal legacies embody the pomp and splendor of royalty commoners can only dream of

We commoners may never get the chance to own these regal vestments and mansions. But with good enough savings, we can at least treat ourselves to a luxury vacation for a glimpse of these once-exclusive royal attractions. Thinking of spending a little to see some of history's most renowned symbols of royalty? Here are a few ideas that will take you beyond the usual experience of crowns and castles.

Symbols of Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne

Just a few kilometers from Tokyo Station in Japan, the Imperial Palace offers scenic views in the East Garden where the public can stroll around arboreal spaces surrounded by deep moats and towering stone walls. Guided tours are restricted outside the buildings. 

Fortunately, the inner precincts open during two occasions: the customary New Year’s greeting every January 2 and the Emperor’s birthday.

As for Japan’s Imperial Regalia, the Three Sacred Treasures are distributed in three holy shrines dedicated to the Shinto Goddess Amaterasu: the jewel Yasakani no Magatama housed in the Imperial Palace; the mirror Yata no Kagami kept in the Grand Shrine of Ise, Mie Prefecture; and the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi located in Atsuta Shrine at Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. These relics are not on public display, but tourists can still visit the Museum of the Imperial Collections in the East Garden to see the imperial household treasures including paintings, pottery, sculptures, and calligraphy.

Seat of Thailand’s Royal House

In the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, the Grand Palace boasts impressive architecture with several gilded pagodas and intricate embellishments on pavilions, temples, and royal halls.

Proper clothing such as long pants and sleeves is a must to gain entry as part of a dress code; otherwise, a booth at the entrance can provide clothes for a small deposit fee.

The Thai royal regalia consist of several items used for the coronation rites.  These include the Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella, the Great Crown of Victory, the Sword of Victory, the Royal Staff, the Royal Slippers, the Royal Fan and Flywhisk, the four Royal Utensils, and the eight Weapons of Sovereignty. 

All these together with other national treasures are on display in the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins at the Grand Palace.

Remains of the Holy Roman Empire

Dominating the Nuremburg skyline in Bavaria, Germany, is Kaiserburg Castle, home to the German kings of the Holy Roman Empire for about 500 years. Notable attractions include the Romanesque double chapel featuring a Gothic crucifix by Northern Renaissance German sculptor, Veit Stross. 

Others are the Imperial Apartments containing antique furniture, tapestries, and artwork, as well as the Imperial Castle Museum featuring an array of armaments.

The Imperial Regalia, however, is housed in Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria. On display include the stone-studded Imperial Crown, the Imperial Scepter, the Imperial Orb, the Imperial Sword, and the Holy Lance said to have pierced the side of Jesus during his crucifixion. These, among a host of regalia and reliquaries on exhibit, are only part of a large secular collection from across Europe.

Pride of Scotland

Tourists at the United Kingdom often think of the Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London’s 140 royal ceremonial objects including the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb, and the Sovereign’s Scepter when planning a royal sightseeing. 

For a different monarchical experience, Scotland is a must-visit.

Standing on an outcrop of volcanic rock, Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle has seen plenty of palace intrigues, imprisonments, and even murders throughout the stronghold’s centuries-old history. Some of the places to explore include the twelfth-century St. Margaret’s Chapel, the massive Mons Meg cannon, and the Stone of Destiny used for the coronation of Scottish monarchs and, later on, the monarchs of unified Great Britain.

The Scottish Crown Jewels once worn by Mary Queen of Scots are on display in the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle together with the Stone of Destiny. Known as the Honours of Scotland, these royal articles include the Crown first donned by James V, the Scepter gifted to James IV by Pope Alexander VI, and the Sword of State also given to James IV by Pope Julius II.

As the oldest set of crown jewels in the British Isles, the Honours played many roles from crowing ancient Scottish kings and queens to representing the Monarch at the Scottish Parliament in modern times. Curious about the history of the Scottish regalia and its first possessors? Follow the exploits of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, in Reign, every Tuesday at 9:45PM on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD).

For more updates, follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, @BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram.

Smart widens lead in overall mobile data download speeds – OpenSignal

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“Phenomenal growth” for overall download speeds in PH

PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. has almost doubled its overall mobile data download speeds over the past year largely because of improved LTE availability and speeds, according to a just-released analysis by independent mobile analytics company OpenSignal. 

The analysis report, which covers the months of May 2017 to April 2018 and is available on OpenSignal’s blog, noted the country’s “phenomenal growth in overall download speed”. “Overall download speed” is an OpenSignal metric that takes into account 4G and 3G download speeds, and, the level of access consumers have to each type of network, which is referred to as “availability”

“From our March-to-May 2017 test period to our most recent February-to-April test period… Smart’s overall speed almost doubled in our measurements. That’s amazing growth for any operator,” OpenSignal Lead Analyst Kevin Fitchard said.

 Improved coverage and higher data speeds

The mobile analytics firm noted the increase in Smart LTE speeds starting September last year.

“After September (2017), Smart’s speeds really began to take off,” Fitchard said, adding that OpenSignal’s data showed that this can be attributed to Smart beginning to close the once huge gap between itself and its competitor in 4G/LTE availability, and Smart’s LTE speeds beginning to increase at a faster rate.

“These OpenSignal test results show that our sustained investments in upgrading our network are paying off and enabling us to deliver world-class mobile data service to more customers in more areas of  the country,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

“As we continue to deploy LTE, LTE-Advanced and carrier aggregation technology to more areas like Batanes, Baguio, Puerto Princesa, Quezon City and Sarangani, we are on track to meet our commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to achieve 90% municipality coverage for 3G and 4G mobile broadband by this year,” Tamayo added.

Building the lead in speed

OpenSignal reports over the past several months show that Smart has been building up its lead in LTE data speeds.

In the State of Mobile Network – Philippines report released by OpenSignal in March 2018, data showed Smart strengthening its lead in LTE download speeds nationwide and dominating in all major regions, noting that Smart’s nationwide LTE speeds were at 12.5 Mbps, compared to the competition’s 7.7 Mbps. Between the March 2017 and March 2018 OpenSignal reports, Smart’s 4G/LTE availability also increased from 40% to 60%.

The report states, "With tested speeds of 12.5 Mbps, Smart won the OpenSignal award for 4G download speeds, making it the third time it has done so. The operator is pulling away from its sole competitor in this category too. We found Smart's 4G speeds increased by 2 Mbps in the last six months while [the competitor's] speeds remained steady at just over 7 Mbps."

“Right after our last Philippines report was published, the separation between Smart and [its competitor] in overall speed suddenly started getting wider. Our results show Smart’s 4G speeds began growing much faster and its 4G availability continued to tick upwards, while [its competitor’s] remained relatively static,” Fitchard said.

Tamayo said this was due to the stepped up deployment of LTE and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) facilities in Smart’s mobile network.  In the first three months of 2018, Smart installed over 1,300 more LTE base stations across the country. These base stations use various radio frequency bands, specifically the 700 MHz band for better coverage and indoor penetration, and the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for additional capacity.

The installation of multiple LTE base stations in existing cell sites has paved the way for the activation not only of LTE but also LTE-A which can deliver significantly faster mobile data services to customers through carrier aggregation.  This feature of LTE-A boosts mobile data speeds by combining the capacity of two up to five frequency bands, Tamayo said.

“On mobile, as shown by the experience of other countries, the key to achieving world-class data speeds is to activate both LTE and LTE-Advanced facilities in our mobile network.  Of course, this network roll out must be accompanied by the adoption of more LTE and LTE-Advanced-capable mobile phones and devices,” Tamayo added.

Improved experience, businesses

In areas like Marikina and Quezon City, where Smart has already activated carrier aggregation combining up to 5 frequency bands, internal tests showed customers enjoying download speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to 200 Mbps, depending on density of traffic and handset capability, whereas small business owners and retailers have also reported an increase in earnings, boosted by improved mobile internet experience in their area, Tamayo said.

Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources to support network transformation. Capital expenditures is expected to reach P58 billion this year, including allocations for the aggressive rollout of its fiber broadband service, which also supports the stepped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations, Tamayo said. 

Globe Telecom Debuts Disney Life in Asia - Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content in one app

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Disney fans in the Philippines can now enjoy their favorite Disney content everywhere they go. Globe Telecom, together with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, today introduced DisneyLife: The World of Disney in One App.

Through Globe Telecom, DisneyLife makes its first release in Asia. Disney fans can enjoy over 350 movies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars; more than 5,000 kids’ TV episodes; and over 6,000 music tracks, all in one app. Fans of all ages can access the best of Disney’s world-class stories at their fingertips and enjoy shorts, behind the scenes and other exclusive content on-the-go. In addition, all content on DisneyLife can be downloaded and enjoyed for offline viewing and listening.

At the launch of DisneyLife App are Mickey and Minnie Mouse together with Head of Media Distribution and OTT, The Walt Disney Company South Asia Amitra Pandey, EVP & Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company South Asia Mahesh Samat, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu and Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert De Larrazabal.

"In the three years we’ve been working with Disney we’ve provided our audiences many unique and innovative entertainment experiences. Today we are launching the first complete entertainment app in Philippines that carries movies, TV series, and music from the world’s biggest family entertainment company. The DisneyLife app will super-serve Filipinos with entertainment when they want it, where they want it,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe.

“DisneyLife is a unique digital content offering for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars in the Philippines. Globe Telecom has been a valuable partner in our endeavor to be a part of the everyday lives of Filipino kids and families,” said Mahesh Samat, EVP and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company South Asia.

DisneyLife offers fan-favorite stories, characters and music from memorable Disney movies and television shows over the decades. Fans can look forward to heartwarming moments from classic Disney animation films like The Lion King, Disney•Pixar classics like The Incredibles, and Star Wars journeys like Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi whether they are at home or on the go. In its first year, DisneyLife will also carry the top grossing movies of all time in the Philippines – Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Avengers, and Iron Man 3.

Kids and families can enjoy new episodes of their favorite Disney television series first on DisneyLife. These episodes and the classics can be streamed from the biggest library of Disney Kids’ TV series including favorites such as Disney Channel’s Big Hero 6 and Tangled; Disney Junior’s Mickey and the Roadster Racers; and Disney XD’s Spider-Man and Star Wars Rebels.

DisneyLife users will have access to an extensive library of soundtracks from Disney movies’ and TV series’. Through the magic of music, fans of all ages can wander the seas with Moana, feel empowered with Frozen, and enjoy family moments with Coco.

Globe customers can also look forward to DisneyLife promotions:

• All existing Globe Postpaid customers and new or recontracting customers on ThePLAN or ThePLAN PLUS 999 and above get a free 6-month subscription to DisneyLife. DisneyLife offers are coming soon with GoWATCH for Prepaid mobile customers. In the meantime, they can watch out for wonderful surprises from Disney and Globe. Stay tuned to the Globe Facebook and Twitter pages!
• New and existing Globe At Home Postpaid customers who applied or upgraded to Plan 1,299/up, will get a free 6-month subscription to DisneyLife. An additional free 3-month subscription to DisneyLife will be given to customers who purchase Globe Streamwatch Roku Powered. Enjoy unlimited DisneyLife movie nights with Globe At Home's Go Unli Plans with speeds up to 100Mbps and unlimited data.

Apart from mobile and broadband offerings, Globe now offers consumers DisneyLife for a monthly subscription of P149. With each subscription, consumers can create 6 accounts, register up to 10 gadgets, and use the DisneyLife app simultaneously across four devices.

The DisneyLife app is compatible with iOS and Android devices and is also available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. 

To learn more about DisneyLife promos, visit a Globe Store now or go to www.disneylife.ph or www.globe.com/content/disneylife for more details.

Write your life the right way with DNA analysis - Pru Life UK promotes a scientific approach to health and wellness

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Filipinos are deeply superstitious. Many still believe that a pregnant woman’s cravings (paglilihi) affect her child’s development. Some do not wash their hands after hours of rigorous work to avoid pasma. Some go as far as trusting an albularyo or even a manghuhula for seeking health remedies or advice.

In Pru Life UK’s newest television commercial which you can watch athttps://youtu.be/pkv8ZUJHXYc, a fortune teller reveals a man’s fate through palm reading, tarot cards, and a crystal ball. After finding out his future, she gets scared and runs away, leaving the poor man alone and clueless. Would you trust someone like that with your future?

“When it comes to our health, we cannot take chances with unverified sources and unscientific claims,” says Allan Tumbaga, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Pru Life UK. “Pru Life UK’s latest insuravest plan, the myDNA Pro Bundle, offers customers security and confidence due to advanced science and innovative insurance solutions. Through this product, people can set a vision and take charge of their lives.”

Science identifies your body’s unique needs

Luckily today, you can rely on science-based technologies such as myDNA Pro to understand how your body responds to lifestyle, food choices, and certain chemicals. For instance, if the results show that your body requires help to absorb calcium, you can follow a personalized diet or wellness program based on your own biology.

Through the myDNA Pro Program, you can also identify your predisposition to the “three highs” of health risks—type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol—using your DNA. However, having genes related to these illnesses does not mean that you are sick or that you cannot escape these conditions. By knowing your DNA, you can create an action plan to mitigate the development of these illnesses.

Author your future with myDNA Pro

Pru Life UK’s myDNA Pro Bundle will give you detailed knowledge about your body, so that you can make the right choices when it comes to your future. The package combines financial protection through Pru Life UK’s insuravest or investment-linked life insurance solutions with myDNA Pro Program, a health and wellness program that provides comprehensive genetic testing to assess your medical risks and opportunities. It will also guide you towards having a healthy lifestyle through scientific DNA-based fitness and wellness recommendations, as well as offer a better alternative to trendy programs or superstitious beliefs.

To learn more about Pru Life UK’s myDNA Pro Bundle and various insuravest products, visit prulifeuk.com.ph/mydnapro.

Live lighter, smarter, faster - Reimagine yourself with the Modern PC

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Today’s modern professionals are more dynamic in how they work, diverse in their tasks, and mobile in their activity. Their lifestyles demand tech that not only fits, but also elevates their day to day activities. 

Enter the Modern PC -- thinner, lighter, faster, and able to perform even the most demanding tasks. From form to function and all the innovations in between, Modern PCs are packed with the power to meet the dynamic needs of today’s tech savvy users.

Reimagine the way you work

The advent of technology has radically changed the way people work. Gone are the days when professionals were limited to working on their computers in the office. The varied demands of reallife call for flexibility -- the flexibility to work when you need to, not when your computer says you can.

Today’s new crop of Modern PCs are thinner and lighter than ever, so you can bring it wherever life takes you. Be ready to hammer out that presentation for tomorrow’s surprise meeting whether you’re in a cafe or in the airport or even at the beach. What’s more, revamped batteries capable of running all-day means you can keep working and not have to worry about looking for an outlet.

Creative professionals can also take advantage of the versatility of today’s modern PC. Its structure means you can use it in four different ways depending on your needs - from conventional laptop to tablet. Touchscreen operation, which allows you to interact without restriction, make desktop software like Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign moreintuitive and easier to use so you can take your creativity to the next level.

Reimagine the way you play

What’s life without entertainment? It’s becoming more and more commonplace to use devices not just for work, but for play as well. With the all new Modern PCs, users can enjoy the very best of everything as they straddle the line between productivity and entertainment.

Imagine streaming high resolution media and incredible audio, while at the same time having access to a host of apps to enjoy. With vivid displays, powerful processors and lightning-quick loading speeds, you can enjoy the content you love without delay or distraction.

From gaming to surfing the net, the Modern PC is a very capable machine. Immerse yourself in high frame rate gaming, or surf, shop, and connect across multiple tabs and programs with ease.

Reimagine the way you move

Modern professionals are a nomadic and mobile bunch. Just go into any coffee shop and see how many people are working on their laptops. Today’s modern lifestyle demands mobility without sacrificing power and capability.

With thinner and lighter Modern PCs, you can do whatever you need to do, wherever you need to do it. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into yourlifestyle whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelance designer, or a working professional. Itenables you to realize your potential day in andday out. With extremely long battery life, you can work or play all day and leave the charger behind.

Be more productive and more mobile than ever before.

Learn more about Modern PCs at https://www.reimagineyourself.co/en-ph/.