Smart Unveils A More Exciting SmartNet

A new version of SmartNet, the groundbreaking suite of mobile applications developed by wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), is now available on the Google Play online store, bringing in tow free access to Yahoo! Services.

 

 

According to Smart Head for Product Development for Internet Services Mitch Padua, the new and improved SmartNet now includes free use of Yahoo! Search, Yahoo! Mail, and Yahoo! OMG.

“The new SmartNet is a game-changer—not only can Smart subscribers access Facebook and Twitter feeds for free, but they can now also enjoy Yahoo!’s amazing free web services,” Padua said.

The new version of SmartNet is also available for feature phone users on WAP and Mobile Web. Just open your mobile browser and go to www.smartnet.ph

Similar to its previous iterations, SmartNet offers users free access to Facebook and Twitter via the app’s built-in Social Feeds menu. Even with only a minimum maintaining balance of P1, users will be able to check, post, and share status updates

The SmartNet suite also includes free access to Headlines, Smart’s homegrown news aggregator which combines the latest stories from the most popular blogs and websites.

The updated version will also be made available soon on iOS and Windows 7 devices.

“SmartNet enables users to maximize their phones’ capabilities as they experience using mobile Internet on the Philippines’ first and only super-charged mobile network—all without fear of racking up unexpected data charges or ‘bill shock,” Padua said.

Padua refers to SmartNet’s built-in “Safe Browse” feature which can be activated by clicking on the “Internet” button on the SmartNet widget.

With “Internet Off” enabled, Smart susbcribers can make use of the safe browsing capabilities of Smartnet which will permit Internet-capable smart phones to access SmartNet and other whitelisted sites of Smart for free.

“Live More and Live Worry-free only from Smart,” Padua ended.

Smart, together with parent company PLDT, has more than 54,000kms of fiber optic cables nationwide connecting essential infrastructure such as cellsites and base stations to its core network. Smart has over four times more “Fiber Power” than any of its competitors enabling the company to deliver light speed connectivity where and when subscribers need it most.

To know more about SmartNet  go to www.smartnet.ph or download the app on your device via https://play.google.com

 

Coco Martin: newest endorser of Max’s

Coco Martin

Little known fact: award-winning dramatic actor Coco Martin worked as a young server at Max’s Fairview in 2001. It was his work stint at the resto that paved the way for him to be discovered in showbiz. One of Coco’s customers was a talent scout from one of the leading television networks and he invited Coco to an audition. The rest, as they always say, is history.

It was just a matter of time that Max’s would choose Coco as its next endorser and ambassador. “ We saw in Coco a great Filipino story of perseverance and hope with which Max’s was also built on. We see a great connection between Max’s and Coco and that’s why we believe we have found the perfect partner for Max’s,” said Edgar Allan Caper, Marketing Director for the enduring chain of restos.

It was not an instant journey to fame for Coco. Raised by his doting ‘lola’, Coco followed his grandmother’s advice to prioritize his education before venturing into the limelight. Coco patiently finished his degree in hotel and restaurant management before entering the film industry as an actor. Initially, Coco struggled as he consistently strived to make a mark in a highly competitive industry with an audience that is always keen on seeing fresh talents. After persistence and a clear vision of his dream, the public took notice of Coco as a serious actor and a matinee idol whose fame has crossed over to countries in Europe and Asia. His life has never been the same again.

Catch a glimpse of Coco’s life journey in the latest Max’s commercial directed by no less than acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza.

Multiple Intelligence: going beyond IQ

School need not be the feared fortress it’s construed to be. As a high school and college student, I tried hard to be a good learner but the most I could do with the effort was to land in the top 10. Pursuing a field I loved (journalism) was the one thing I don’t regret, even as this went against the will of my mom who wanted me to pursue a more lucrative science course. I would like to think that my career choice is the reason why am happy and comfortable at this stage in my life. I may not be the one in my batch who drives a BMW or has the biggest house but am content enough not to care about what everyone else is having :)

Now that I am a mom myself, I try not to put the pressure on my children because I know that they will find their own way. What’s important is that they develop the discipline for learning, human relations and street smarts to cope with whatever life deals them later on.

I guess the Multiple Intelligence theory supports me on this matter. In the recent 2012 Superkids Conference, co-sponsored by Progress Pre- School GOLD, renowned learning expert Dr. Thomas Armstrong said intelligence is not just about academics.

“We are all born with the capacity for the 7 types of Multiple Intelligences- self, people, picture, logic, music, body, and word, but certain intelligences develop in different ways, and some at certain points of a child’s life,” Dr. Armstrong explained.

dr.armstrong

In simple terms, the theory of Multiple Intelligence acknowledges that a child’s intelligence is multi-faceted. Some would be people-smart or having the skill to deal with other people. Others would be body smart exhibiting excellence in athletics and sports, while there are some who are brain-smart, which is the most recognized (and often misconstrued as the only) form of intelligence.

While most schools have a strong emphasis on the academics, the multiple intelligence theory encourages learning institutions to strengthen their support and exposure to other intelligences such as music, sports and the arts in the early years.

With the introduction and application of the Multiple Intelligences theory in schools, certain topics can be customized and taught based on the child’s key Multiple Intelligence thus making it easier for students to understand the lessons.

Dr. Armstrong also pointed out that even though everyone is born with Multiple Intelligences, there will always be inclinations towards certain intelligences.

He explained that keeping an eye on these things may give parents an early indication of their child’s Multiple Intelligence and for teachers to properly plan the best method to effectively teach their lessons. By knowing a child’s multiple intelligences, learning will be much faster and easier for children, Armstrong added.

According to Dr. Armstrong, nutrition also plays a crucial role in the development Multiple Intelligences. Thus, Dr. Armstrong advises parents to always ensure that children are given superior nutrition that will completely support their holistic development and ensure their success in the classroom.

Progress Pre-School GOLD, a staunch supporter of parents who want to equip their children with tools that will allow them to succeed in the future, contains the Gold Biofactors System, a unique synergy of nutrients scientifically designed to work together to support a child’s multi-dimensional development.

For inquiries, please call Wyeth Careline at 81-Wyeth (99384) or the provincial toll-free number 1-800-10-884-2222.

Light and healthy dishes by Chef Jessie

Top of the Citi and Chef Jessie at the Rockwell Club, both in Makati, are some of the must-try fining dining restaurants in Manila. When it’s simply not possible for you to go to these places, learn how to make light, healthy and delicious dishes from the master herself, Chef Jessie Sincioco in a class she will present at The Maya Kitchen on January 26, 9am to 1pm.

Among the dishes that Chef Jessie will teach in the class are: Sweet & Regular Potato and Yam Chips with Tzatziki, Salad from “MY” Garden any and all greens that one can find in their
garden with a special Chef Jessie’s dressing, Steamed Organically Grown Jade Perch en Papillote, Ostrich with Bourguignonne Sauce & Assorted Mushrooms Roulade Served with herbed couscous and choice vegetables. She tops off this impressive gourmet spread with a demo on how to make souffle.

Josefina Cruz Sincioco (the full name of Chef Jessie) is a discovery of The Maya Kitchen. She was then a novice baker when she won the grand prize in the baking category of the Great Maya Cookfest way back in 1983. Her 3-month training at the Hotel Inter-Continental Manila after the competition turned into a full time job with the property. She was sent to train abroad, joined local and international competitions and in 1990, she became the first Filipina pastry chef in the history of the hotel.

The chef who, at first, did not have a liking for the smell of the kitchen found initial fame when she, along with expatriate partners, turned the restaurant Le Souffle into a fine dining mecca.

The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center is located on the 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City with numbers 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108 / Mobile No. +63947 835 2290. For more information, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com.

Airbnb expands to the Philippines

I have never been a client of Airbnb although I love seeing the homes and rooms being put up for rent around the world. Somehow, it gives me an idea how people are living in faraway places like Paris, Morocco and San Francisco.

It turns out the Philippines is now one of Airbnb’s growing markets with 400 per cent growth year-over-year in the Philippines in 2012.According to the web company’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Nathan Blecharczyk : “Manila is a growing travel destination, and people from the Philippines are traveling abroad at increasing rates, so we believe it will be a crucial market for us as we continue to grow.”

airbnb exec JJ Chai

JJ Chai, Director of Operations for Airbnb Southeast Asia, cites some statistics about the Philippines:

- Guests have come from 67 different countries around the world to travel in the Philippines on Airbnb.

- The number of guest nights booked on Airbnb in the Philippines has increased 345% in 2012 alone.

- The number of Airbnb guest nights booked by people from the Philippines traveling elsewhere has increased 263% in 2012, with the most popular destinations being Hong Kong, New York, Paris, Singapore, Manila, Rome, Seoul, Barcelona, Florence, and London.

- Airbnb has over 975 listings in the Philippines, including 530 in Manila.

To support the rapid growth in the Philippines, Airbnb has tabbed Ole Ruch as manager of the Southeast Asia region. The team focused on the Philippines will work to better support hosts and guests in the market, assisting in managing listings, bookings, and educating users about the Airbnb process.

Airbnb is currently the world market leader in unique, short-term accommodations. In June the company celebrated 10 million nights booked, and on any given night, over 50,000 guests are staying at Airbnb accommodations around the world.