With Globe MyFi, You Can Do It All!

Life seems coming back to normal and yes, bloggers are starting to attend events and press conferences left and right. I've been working remotely on occasion, while it's hard to juggle a laptop, 2 mobile phones and a DSLR camera, I pretty much would depend on data that my postpaid phone would be able to accommodate. My iPhone is pretty ancient and yes, batteries are kinda dismal. So instead of putting it in hot spot mode all day, I needed something that can handle all my devices and save me some headaches when deadlines occur.

 

Meet the new Globe MyFi LTE Advanced, it's a device that can connect up to 12 devices. This only costs Php 1,899 and links to an LTE Advanced network powered by Globe. I took the liberty of powering one up because I needed it for uploading content fast, I've been known to do that right after a movie, press conference or event that I cover. It's actually pretty easy to set this up, and you can customize and secure the network if you need to. 

When you open the box it contains the unit, a sim card pack, the battery, they Type C cable, the Quick Start Guide and the Warranty Certificate. Go and insert the micro sim, take note of the SSID and WIFI KEY at the back side before you insert the battery. You need this information to connect to the device so make sure you do that. There are two buttons on the device, the Wifi Protected Setup button (WPS) and the Power button located on the side. The reset button is inside the device when you open the flap. Turn it on, and wait for the prompt. It will indicate when a signal is available and also count the MB's that you've used. Got one of my phones and connected to the device, I automatically got internet connection because this has Surf4All99 or 9GB of data which you can use for all sites in the first 7 days.

To change the WIFI settings of your device, login to your router via 192.168.8.1 on your browser. Type in the username and password, I used admin for both and got to the interface above. This is the place you'll change your network name and password, if you want to elect a new one, go ahead and do it here. Save the settings and you should get the prompt that it has saved successfully. Then reconnect to your network with the new password you saved. Make sure you remember the router password so you can go back to the page if you want to change settings. If you forget the password, that's what the reset button on the device when you open the flap.

What I love about this device is the battery life. A single full charge could make this device last around 48 hours. Since its got its own battery, you don't need to depend on your mobile phones that drain too fast when its on hot spot mode. This frees up a lot of the power consumption I can use for social media, or other phone functions that I need to cover the whole day. Aside from that, I can share the connection to a few friends who would need it, that's very convenient for work and play.

 I also downloaded the GlobeOne App to register the number and load it up using that. It manages the connection, and it's good that you can buy load and subscribe to promos all in one app. The namesake works, and I'm glad I'd be able to know more about how I spend my data, budget it especially since I already have a postpaid line. The convenience of having Globe MyFi is just insurmountable, I'd be glad to have this as my companion now especially if I'm going out for work. I hope you find that feeling too!

The Globe at Home MyFi LTE costs Php 899.00 while the Globe at Home MyFi LTE Advanced costs Php 1,899.00. For more information about these devices and other Globe products, you may visit their website at https://new.globe.com.ph/prepaid-wifi/myfi-lte. With it, Carry Mo Ang Lahat!

 

 

PLDT and Smart Communications Welcomes Kris Aquino

It looks like the Queen of all Media is now connected to the BIGGEST network. She's not only endorsing it, but she's walking the talk as she's using PLDT Home FIBR plan and Smart Communications LTE network in her business, at home and for her boys. Before she arrived, executives from PLDT told us about their milestones and talked about the current status of the network and took pride in confirming a few things especially the improvements they made in the past year. 

Alex Caeg, Head of Wireless Consumer Division for Smart says "We're happy that Open Signal has already released the report has increased it's edge of LTE Coverage nationwide. We have 60% advantage over our competitors and I think it's a big thing to enable our subscribers and educate them about this revolution to tell them about LTE. For us to bring Filipinos to the digital era, we need to upgrade them to a 4G device, to make sure their sim cards support it, in Smart, Sun Cellular and TNT, we have all these offers that people can now enjoy. This way, more people can enjoy it now. By next year, we would have 90% of our network supporting LTE. This will empower Filipinos and make everything accesible to them. iFlix, iWantTV, will now have 99 peso packages. We also are launching more Smartspots nationwide to enable communities get 100mbps capable connection, so they can feel the power of LTE at most food parks in the metro, and also in their homes if they are on our network. Our brand ambassadors will talk about it later especially on SUN and how they will move to 4G networks even for a minimal fee in these offerings. The journey has begun, it goes beyond the personalities in this room."

Marc Nelson hosted the event and I specifically heard him being invited to Kris Aquino's house so he could experience the unbelievable wifi connection they have at home. Ms. Kris laughs this off as an excuse to teach her how to swim, Marc says YES!

Speaking of people, we saw celebrities that evening which includes Jericho Rosales, Franco Laurel, Tweetie De Leon, Maxine Medina and Jennifer Hammond.

We also saw Camille Pratts, Isabel Oli and their kids who also endorses PLDT.

Spotted Vic Sotto with soon to be Mom Pauline Luna Sotto who endorses SUN Cellular.

Vic Sotto went to the center of the room and was a little quirky, he says "I'm glad and honored that I'm part of the SUN family because I play Candy Crush lol. I use data, and this relaunch means it's not just voice calls and texting, but means a LOT of people will be using data. I lurk in Instagram, even if I don't post, I see people. Congratulations to PLDT and Smart, again I'm glad to be part of the SUN family."

PLDT executives then explained "We started fiber in a few key cities and municipalities now, even far flung areas. The premier villages have it, this will enable the our consumers to have the digital lifestyle. We have condo units that don't have this yet but we're moving, and we have people experience FIBR and stay happy about it. In BGC, we have mostly all residential buildings now FIBR ready so if you live here, you're lucky! You should all be on PLDT Home tomorrow, also be connected with our streaming sites tonight. ROKU is also now available, so there's no reason why you're not enjoying our services. We want all our 2 Million homes to transfer from DSL to FIBR because there's a LOT to enjoy from this faster connection."

Ms. Kris Aquino then was introduced, she told us about how she maintains a smart home and utilize PLDT Home FIBR and LTE when she's mobile saying "Let's all admit it, traffic is terrible. I checked who is watching me and most of them are millenials and they watch me through phones. Connections have improved so much and they watch me through mobile these days and LTE doesn't buffer on me. I also love the roaming charges because it's 499 a day. The other network charges more, so you see why they got me? Haha. We need to be connected. Thank you to PLDT and Smart for making us all connected. You are the first company to invest in iFlix so I'm going there too. PLDT is an innovator, we have to give them that!"

Here are some snippets of Ms. Kris Aquino's appearance. This is her way of coming back to PLDT and Smart who has continued to believe in her and her brand.

Congratulations Ms. Kris Aquino, PLDT and Smart Communications! This surely will be fun!

SUN Outs Vic, Maja and Matteo as they usher in LTE

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw how SUN just revealed their endorsers just a few days ago. They've been rarely quiet these past few months and lo and behold, it looks like they're back, stronger than ever! They've probably been working so hard changing hardware so they could switch their entire network from 3G to LTE and that would just spell remarkable improvement in data speeds for all those loyal SUN Subscribers and non subscribers. 

You now have the chance to experience this BETTER connection without breaking the bank. It only costs Php 35 for a brand new SUN LTE SIM and here's how you'll get an even brighter day!

I'm glad to see how SUN would be able to service 24/7 while keeping the costs low, a very practical offering from SUN. For those who are currently subscribed with SUN, you may get your SIM Cards swapped for FREE so simply go to SUN Shops nationwide and get it replaced with nano or micro sims. It's fgoing to be easy to join an even BIGGER network now that SUN has LTE facilities.

KUMAGCOW

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Experience SMART #LikeNeverBefore

I've experienced a connected Rizal a couple of weeks ago, and I felt and seen the remarkable work that Smart has done to improve coverage and internet data speeds. It's just one of the few things they've done to make it the most reliable one in the country. What would this mean to you?

This would make you feel how it is to "Be there like never before". It's how you can now share the most intimate moments. It's the time you can experience life with your loved ones even when you can’t be physically present (OFW's or just working in far flung places) Smart can still get you connected.

These days, it's super easy to know you're there. Get on Facebook so you could like, comment or heart their latest photos. If you can't be physically there, try the video call on Facebook messenger so you can still talk, see each other and let the most important people in your life feel that you’re always there for them. You can't say distance or situations can break you apart, because in some way shape or form, Smart can definitely bring you there.

Smart has already rolled out tons of network modernization programs in different parts of the country. You can now start seeing the improvements, like faster connections, the wider coverage, I even have signal now inside my home in Metro Manila.They also did network improvements in Queen City of the South Cebu, our President's home city Davao, the adventurous CDO and a whole lot more! Now that Smart has a better than ever network, you can now start enjoying that connection with other subscribers and feel how superior it is over other networks. You can start by watching the video HERE first.

If you want to know more about this experience today, check the information across all of Smart’s social media channels (around lunch time) and on their website smart.com.ph/likeneverbefore to see how YOU could have something #LikeNeverBefore.

Experiencing a Connected Rizal with Smart

We spent a whole day of fun at Rizal particularly in the Antipolo and nearby areas to experience what the biggest network SMART calls a #ConnectedRizal. They've already done this with several cities like Davao and the best island in the world Boracay just so people could see what it feels to have a fast network with infrastructures that are capable of ideal LTE speeds; they have already upgraded the antennas in this part of the country. Mind you, it takes a ton of man hours to actually do it because you have to manually climb the tower and change several things physically in the antenna plus several items in the site (because they have upgraded the switches and transmitters into external ones) wherein before was required to be air conditioned, but now have external versions of it. 

Mon Isberto, Head of Corp Com at PLDT - ‎Smart Communications, Inc says "As we roll out LTE on our networks, we are also preparing for the not so distant future for 5G. We have to pay attention to your devices, we know you need to get the best out of your network. As soon as we complete the upgrade, it will get better."

If you want to experience it too, visit the Antipolo Church and use the OPEN SIGNAL app and test the speed. You'll be surprised at what you'll get in this part of town.

In just a few minutes, it'll test the networks found in the area and if you're not that sure about what you're seeing, take it to another tourist spot like Hinulugang Taktak!

I didn't know Hinulugang Taktak is open already! There are still parts of it being constructed, but you can have picnic and journey in the meditation area by crossing the hanging bridge. I strongly advise though not to breathe in the smell on the actual falls as it is still a little dirty, but pretty soon they will revive this place!

This is the cell site, the one on the side that comes with every cell site contains very sensitive equipment that requires air conditioning. Some of it were transferred outside because of new technology, they now have external switches and boxes that can work even with high temperatures.

I tried climbing up the antenna, but it was too high for comfort. Imagine what network engineers need to do to in order to change those things on top, they have to do it manually because they need to change the structure, plus the boxes too.

Those boxes (large ones are for the new 700 Mhz which they acquired from San Miguel Corp.) while the small ones are for the 3G signals. This is why it takes time to change all of those things, it's not done in an instant.

Joachim Horn, Chief Technology and Information Advisor at PLDT - ‎Smart Communications, Inc says "We don't want to have a network with that image and we're doing significant improvements in areas such as Rizal. Everyday we have hundreds of people putting up network as we need to constantly upgrade and optimize it. We need to have good coverage so you could have good signal so we are rolling out this effort in different parts of the country. We need about 30 permissions for 1 cell site and a lower frequency penetrates buildings better. But they are building new ones and it's one of the work that we are doing everyday. It covers the signal and we build towers to resolve that. It takes 8 months to 1 year to build one, we have made efforts in Rizal and we also have equipment outage and breaks which our engineers have to fix too. We also have power outages, cable theft and natural calamities, but we still have to build a better network possible. As of now we have 2G, 3G, 4G or LTE and it's the fastest right now."

As for the speed, you be the judge. This was done in the afternoon. I wonder if this would also improve slightly one non peak hours, I'm impressed!

He adds "We also have LTE-A and new technologies coming, so we are improving. If you have a good network, you also need a good smartphone with the best sim that supports the network. If you have good network plus good device, you will get the good experience you deserve. We are one of the few countries that support 700MHz and LTE-A (carrier aggregation). It will be better for the more advanced users. Check bit.ly/700mhzdevices if your phone is included. There are not many countries that have this and we are fixing the network as we are currently updating LTE service across 2,500 cell sites in Manila, hopefully to finish 95% of the Philippines by the end of 2018. We're doing 120 in speed tests in Boracay, 80+ in Davao and about the same in Rizal. You will experience that later. Not only Smart, but PLDT is also connected via Fiber networks. We also have Smart Wifi rolled out on airports, sea ports, bus terminals and more. Also if you don't know, mobile data costs less in the Philippines now. We have addressed that problem including fixed broadband price, it's not a fantasy anymore. We are not alone, we need national and local government to standardize permits and fees, allocate property to build infrastructure and the DICT is very supportive, making it 7 days to process it. We also hope you are ready also for 5G in 2020. In the end we want good service for our customers."

So if you're wondering why it's taking a while to change and improve your network speed, I hope I got you to at least get a glimpse of how it works behind the scenes. If you think your village or community is hampering with the building of these cell sites, make your presence felt and tell them that it's not harmful to have one in your place because it's also been certified by local and international institutions, including DOH. Don't complain about your signals if you are in areas where they put up policies that don't allow these antennas to be placed because in some way, YOU are the problem. It's good news though that agencies and local government units are now supporting network companies to standardize the papers in putting up cell sites, that would really make the process faster because of less red tape. Thanks to SMART for letting us experience a #ConnectedRizal, I hope I can say the same #ConnectedQuezonCity pretty soon, as I know they still have a lot of cell sites to improve in the coming months, and years. The effort alone is something I really appreciate and I hope a lot of people do to. As you may have witnessed, this BIG job is no joke.

Fresh Blogs Fast!
 
 

PLDT Forges Partnership with UAAP Season 79

Looks like UAAP Season 79 is getting the support it needs. Telecom giant PLDT through PLDT Home just forged a partnership and they're doing it in style by getting the latest up and coming athletes from the best schools in the country. Their new endorsers include these ladies (the rookies) plus a couple more personalities who are already part of the PLDT family a couple of years back.

Top athletes from different UAAP Schools are now part of the PLDT UAAP Season 79 family.

 I particularly wanted to interview my own school's representative which is Seth Rodriguez, but when they came out to greet the press, she wasn't there. Still, I was glad she was acknowledged and even dubbed as one of the rising stars of the league. Anyway, they got some of the fans to join them playing a game show which was a little close to Family Feud, but only had UAAP themed questions in it. It was amazing how much they could actually think of in a few seconds, surveys and all! In the end, the veteran players plus one from the fans actually won the game and with that includes Php 25,000 worth of sports equipment for their chosen school. That was a nice gesture.

Went home with a smile on my face and got me thinking, it looks like the volleyball future of the Philippines rest on these gals. I hope they do good after UAAP and be professionals that can represent the country in world tournaments.

Thanks to PLDT Home ULTERA for having us! Thank you also to Chili's who served very good food during the event, I was full to the brim!

KUMAGCOW
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My Smart #RocketFastLTE Prepaid SIM Saved Me Today!

I've been working on videos all day and might have maximized my connections resources because it wasn't getting my games connected at all when I upload videos over wifi. My primary phone with the LTE connection would have proven to be a great lifesaver but my phone's battery was dead and I might need to charge that for a few minutes before it would work. My other iPhone was okay but I'm sure iPhone owners can attest it's so hard to transfer sim cards from one phone to the other when I don't have that pin around :(

I felt helpless today. But then I remembered I have a spare LTE Prepaid SIM card from SMART that I've been keeping since a few weeks ago. I bought it from the Smart Store in Megamall and figured I might need this for my other phones at home when my brother or relatives come home and need it temporarily. 

Was it fate? Was it just at the right place at the right time? I don't think so. That moment that I decided to buy that LTE SIM Card just means I was actually preparing for this moment, that when I need it... I know I already have one at home and I'm so glad I tried it. As soon as I subscribed to a GIGA SURF Promo here. 

I got myself 1 GB of data to upload all the videos I need to work with. I also got additional 300MB which I could use for iflix, YouTube, Spinnr, Vimeo, Dailymotion and Dubsmash without counting it against my Giga plan. Oh and that's not all, because as soon as I knew about that, I was also informed through text that I have 1 Full Day Access to ABS CBN's iWant TV. I got that for a measly 50 pesos and it's already valid for 3 Days. I only texted the keyword GIGA50 to 9999 to get that. Isn't that a smart move?

Oh! How I love my Smart LTE Prepaid Sim! I only used a few minutes and got all of them lovely videos on Youtube already! Badabing badaboom!

KUMAGCOW
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Smart Offers O+ Presto 700 LTE Prepaid Phone Kit

Good news come in throngs so this is another one from our friends from SMART!

I know you've been good and might have been using the 3G connection with your phones these days but have you though of maximizing your mobile internet connection with LTE? If not, you may probably consider the new Smart Prepaid Phone Kit with the O+ Presto 700 LTE unit.

They have been offering a couple affordable phones lately that fit different budget ranges like the MyPhone28 and Starmobile Play Click that has sold a lot too. Now if you haven't gotten one yet this new O+ Presto 700 LTE is just the perfect way to connect to LTE signals without breaking the bank! It only costs Php 2,188 (oh yes you're seeing that right!) and comes with a Php 300 load card so it's like you're paying for around Php1,888 because of that freebie. The new LTE sim cards has FREE 1 Year worth of data (at 100MB per month) and you can also get a Php 30 load reward if you top up Php 100 every month. Now think of the savings you can get with that!

I'm sure if you're on the lookout for a second phone, or a primary phone that's full of features plus an LTE connection that works with the BIGGEST network, maybe this is the best one for you! If you want to know more, check out the channels below if you wish to get this prepaid kit!

For more information about their promos:

Smart Communications

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://smart.com.ph/

PLDT-Smart Does More LTE + #SmarterDavao!

 It looks like a festive weekend is happening right now at the lovely city down south Davao City!

PLDT and Smart is bringing in tons of technological innovation and gadgets in expositions happening simultaneously in different malls in Davao City. For starters, the posh SM Lanang Premier will get you excited with different PLDT booths showcasing ULTERA and DSL wonders perfect for those who haven't subscribed yet for the service. Smart on the other hand will bring special promos for interested and soon to be Smart Postpaid Subscribers, new Prepaid LTE sims at the mall's activity area.

But if you're in different areas of Davao City, don't fret because they'll be doing the same simultaneously in different malls too like Gaisano Mall and NCCC Mall. They're going to have a showcase of products which home and office users could take advantage of. I'm excited about what they have to offer now that they've got tons of new LTE towers fitted on Davao's area.

Now all you've got to do is run to these malls and enjoy the festivities! Oh and before I forget, you might see Jasmine Curtis in the flesh too!

For more information about their promos:

Smart Communications

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://smart.com.ph/

Limited Edition Smart Bro Prepaid Evoluzn FX PR2 LTE Pocket WiFi

I've seen this particular pocket wifi unit a few weeks ago in a Starbucks Century City Mall while some of their reps were discussing it with my blogger friends from the other table. I felt it was going to be rude of me to barge into their conversation but I saw them holding out the device on their hand, then I said whoa! (still from the other table).

I just discovered today from my contacts that it was a Limited Edition Smart Bro Prepaid LTE Pocket WiFi they call "Evoluzn FX PR2". For starters, it look totally different from the normal units because it has it's own display. Aside from that, it has a 2050 mAH internal battery making it last at least 2 to 3 hours more than your usual pocket wifi units in local stores today.

The device also is capable of file sharing over the wifi network, so if you're planning of making other storage attachments or pc/laptop computers as storage, that would be a cinch. It's also LTE capable which can give you up to 42Mbps connection plus it is good for 10 devices, you can connect everything in one go. It's backed by the biggest network in the country so coverage would be really easy. You can also monitor how much your usage is, so if you plan to budget your MB's, that would be easy. It's currently priced at Php 1,995.00 and comes with FREE Internet for 3 months (at 350MB/month). Now isn't that a Smart choice?

Heck if you've heard Smart is doubling data lately via their #SMARTBIGBYTES 50 offer if you're on prepaid. Just text BIG50 to 9999 and you can get that much for all your surfing needs! Maybe that's applicable yeah?! Take all that in boys and girls!

For more information about their promos:

Smart Communications

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://smart.com.ph/

Smart Offers New iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus!

I've been eagerly waiting for this piece of hardware since it's announcement and good thing that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is finally arriving in Manila courtesy of our friends from Smart. Yes, the country's biggest network will offer this and you can register starting November 6 through their iPhone site http://www.smart.com.ph/iphone. I've seen it personally and it'll somehow change the way you see the iPhone. It has changed just about everything and also introduce the brand new tech 3D touch. It gives the user third dimension options and make you the user take advantage of that.

The Rose Gold iPhone6s and the Samsung Note 5 side by side

The one I saw was also in Rose Gold, ladies would drool over this unique color Apple offers as it's very trendy. Judging by the people who saw this on my Facebook timeline, they do find it very nice much like its predecessors but more so because of its attractive look. It's also very light as compared to the iPhone 5/5S models but still built tough with the iPhone6S' alloy 7000 series aluminum. It's also available in Space Gray, Silver and Gold. It also works much like a desktop computer as it has 64 bit architecture, 70% faster CPU, and 90% higher GPU that games would be totally smooth. The camera also can take 12MP shots easily, 4K rich videos and live photos of which you can take a couple of seconds recorded before that shot happens. The Touch ID also is faster, making it easier to purchase apps, unlock your phone without the need to press codes on the phone when you need it. Best of all, it's going to be better if you're connected to SMART's network so you've got content at your fingertips, whenever, wherever!

You can now register if you are interested in getting this newest iPhone model at http://www.smart.com.ph/iphone. If you need more information about the device, please check out the product page at http://www.apple.com/iphone. I'm putting this on my wishlist today!

For more information about their services:

Smart Communications

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://smart.com.ph

Smart Introduces 5G LTE-A Network in the Country!

Mr. Orlando B. Vea, Chief Wireless Advisor of Smart during the tests of 5G LTE-A technology in 2013; where they recorded 209.66 mbps speeds in the Philippines.

In the eve of the rising number of Filipinos clamouring for better and faster Internet connection, the nations largest network Smart Communications just announced the first ever use of 5G LTE in the Philippines by switching to this state in  the Smart JUMP Center in Mandaluyong City.

Mobile operators elsewhere in the world like AT&T and T-Mobile has this and it has delivered data of up to 100 megabits per second (mbps) to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) which is alomst ten times faster than 3G. You can also compare that to be more than twice as fast as current 4G services in the country.

This new LTE-A technology is something historical as this pegs Smart to be in the ranks of a few carriers in the world that has it. Smart just made the Philippines stand along with other leading mobile operators in South Korea, United States, Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong. Now that this is going to be available in the country, we would be soon  enjoying dreamy 5G speeds as they roll out these changes in more regions in the Philippines.

This has been a possible task as Smart also utilizes the PLDT Fiber Optic Cable connection. They say it's already around 90,000 Kilometers of underwater cabling installed and they'll be continuing to install lines in the Visayas and Mindanao region to prevent redundant ones. It's going to be faster and better soon and it'll benefit millions of Filipinos. As long as you're with Smart, you're gonna get there!

For more information about their promos:

Smart Communications

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www1.smart.com.ph/corporate