Linksys Launches New SMB Line

It was nostalgic to see the brand again; Linksys which I've been well acquainted "with" for the last 11 years has just recently launched their new business line tagged as Linksys Small Business which holds a few familiar network devices under its belt. If you remember, they had the RV series, some cameras and storage devices that were transferred to Cisco. Now that Linksys is with Belkin, they want to bring the legacy of the brand name back in small business. Hence, the aggressive release of a range of new gigabit switches, routers, surveillance cameras that are designed to meet the connectivity and security needs of small and medium businesses in the Philippines.

International Micro Village Inc. (Authorized distributor of Linksys in the Philippines) had a small luncheon in Conti's Greenbelt 2 a few days ago to brief the resellers about the new devices. Some press and online peeps were there too. Jai Thampi, Head of Product Management for Linksys in Asia Pacific, Japan, China and Middle East started by explaining about what happened with Cisco, Linksys and Belkin. In a nutshell, nothing has changed much. They will still exist as a separate brand and will continue to get the good things with Belkin and integrate that with Linksys products and vice-versa. They have been successful so far and starting off with new and improved products like these under SOHO devices will show how committed they are to make consumer lives better in the "network" and "Internet" side of things department.

Bringing back the heritage of the Linksys brand hence the best router in the market wrt1900. More technology and investing on more powerful hardware. Their brand research shows that their target market is still SOHO. They think about how the business grows and give the public fundamental working network devices. This is the Linksys SMB Product strategy, they will make their approach scalable so the network would be ready as your businesses becomes bigger.

He also mentions that pretty soon home automation on these products will be done much like the WEMO technology they do in Belkin products. Connect, Unify and Power. This is their call.

Shown above is their LINKSYS LCAD03FLN which is a 1080p 3MP Indoor Night Vision Dome Camera, LINKSYS LCAD03VLNOD 1080p a 3MP Outdoor Night Vision Dome Camera, LINKSYS LCAB03VLNOD a 1080p 3MP Outdoor Night Vision Bullet Camera and LINKSYS LCAM0336OD 1080p 3MP which is an Indoor/Outdoor 360 Mini-Dome Camera are all available in authorized resellers of International Micro Village Inc. nationwide!

They presented also two vpn routers, LINKSYS LRT214 and LINKSYS LRT224. The difference is just the 2 Internet ports. It also supports OpenVPN and EasyLinkVPN which makes things easy if you need to access your network remotely. IPSec VPN throughput is at 110 which is higher than other brands. They briefed the resellers pretty much with just these selling points.

I wish I could test these devices out in my home soon especially the VPN routers. Other than that, their security cameras looks promising. I didn't like what it aesthetically looks like though it might be a standard that they are following that's why it' looks like that (compared to the old WVC cams they had). Will I get to test them out soon? I hope so. 

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When Chat History Saves You From Trouble

Have you ever had that moment where you had to retrieve information but couldn't because it's either not possible on your chat medium or it only lasts a couple of days in storage? In this day and age, it is so hard to actually get all your conversations logged more so if it occupies space on your smartphone. Aside from that, apps usually carry a few days' worth of logs because these devices usually have limited space. Would you delete other apps on your device for that? Of course not!

Well don't be too sad, there's always WeChat 5.2 that can get you out of trouble if you need something dependable. How you ask? That's easy!

WeChat 5.2 also has been able to been able to save and back up conversations. You can also have those smart private talks protected by putting passwords on it.  

To back up or restore contents from your phone, simply use the same password you nominated for each user. Who knows? It might save you from the hassle too. Here's some good things that where WeChat 5.2 can help!

Retrieving Crucial Dates

I don't like it when I forget someone's birthday. I have been always doing that and I do regret it most of the time. Even if it's already stated on Facebook, there are times when I still don't catch it no matter how prominent it is placed on the right hand side of the site. This includes anniversaries or events; they tend to be missed by forgetful me. 

By actually saving conversations through WeChat 5.2, it gave me more things to refer to in case my schedule gets messed up by work or other activities. I remember, I almost missed the Art Fair Philippines exhibit this year. If it weren't for my friends who were talking about it on WeChat 5.2 a week ago before that, I would have missed this!

These are just one of the significant things I could have missed if it were not for that feature. That would have been sad no?!

Keeping Important Lists

If you are like me who uses one or more applications on my smart phone to schedule daily activities then WeChat 5.2's perfect for you. You can have your friends or family remind you of anything that they would want you to buy when you take your lists to a grocery. You can even do the same in meetings and projects you are working on for the office. Not to mention some major ones that would save lives because you can easily retrieve it on the cloud. It's where your data goes and comes from in case you would want to see it. It's a pretty neat concept that is being made normal by technological corporations nowadays. Best of all, it's free!

Retrieving Work Related Exchanges

Have you ever been to a situation in the office when people are pointing fingers about missing instructions or documents? Well let's just say I've been through many. It's a nice thing WeChat 5.2 can prevent that from happening now that you've got a way to save conversations through the app itself! You can now retrieve files on your desktop, work phone, or personal phone so you can find that office mate culprit! I can't tell you how that's going to be so much of a convenience for me!

It must have been so good to have lived in an age where it's convenient to save both offline and online content. Best of all, this app continues to be one of the most potent way of communicating whether for business or personal use. With minimum legwork to save data and maximum reach with your friends or family through this application, one can just imagine the fruitful benefits on getting connected and hooked up on WeChat 5.2. It's still the most convenient and ultra-social messaging application there is in the App Store now! Take it from a person who uses it almost every day to gain friends via the discovery section on the App! :) This really saves me a lot from trouble and you know it!

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Alden Richards: February Cover For Men's Health

He was beaming, all smiles and appeared a little thinner than when I last saw him Father's day 2013. Alden Richards is made. He's already being teamed up with GMA's Queen Marian Rivera in the teleserye Carmela; and has been doing good in his projects on the side. He's also the current hunk and cover boy of the Philippine "Men's Health", the bible of sports enthusiasts and health fans nationwide this February. It's something he's truly proud of as he laments this is another feather to his hat.

Making the cover isn't easy. It also means that he had to seriously work out and have a little help from dieticians and non invasive surgery. He doesn't mind admitting that too because if you have something that can help you achieve that goal to a perfect body, he believes you have all the right in the world to get help how to do that. He is by the way the billboards of BELO too. 

You'll also see in the issue what workout regimen he follows and how he has included it into his lifestyle. He is including workout and sports in his schedules as much as he can. He's also thankful that he's got trainors who understand his work and gets easy on him when he doesn't workout for a long time. It's like starting back to zero but he manages.

If you want to know more about Alden Richards and how he stays fit, look through the pages of Men's Health on the February issue. It's still available on magazine shops and book stores nationwide! Let his dimples do the convincing, if that doesn't work watch Alden Richards in his shows on GMA. That will surely get you hooked!

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Men's Health Philippines

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Solaire Turns One: The Grand Anniversary Concert

If you haven't heard it yet, SOLAIRE RESORT is turning one this March. To celebrate this momentous occasion, they are bringing out all their guns in one concert that includes the Philippines' greatest champions, world class singers all in one night!

American Idol Finalist JESSICA SANCHEZ, Asian heartthrob Christian Bautista, Teleserye Prince Erik Santos, Hunky Mark Bautista, Comeback Diva Sheryn Regis, Klarisse De Guzman, Christine Reyes, Morisette Amon together with the G-Force Dancers!

This is for the benefit of YOLANDA SURVIVORS; another one of Solaire's way to help our countrymen in the Visayas as they continue to rebuild their homes. Join them on March 16, 2014 at 8PM. Tickets are available in P1,000 and P500. For inquiries, please call Ticketworld or the Solaire Concierge directly at 888-8888.

Come and join the celebration as #SolaireTurnsOne!

You can check out their channels below if you want to win tickets to the show!

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The 3rd CLEAR Dream Match Launch

It all started a few years ago with a dream. Phil and James Younghusband together with CLEAR the #1 anti dandruff shampoo has partnered with the biggest football club in the world Manchester United announced just recently the third giving of CLEAR DREAM MATCH to finally settle the score since they are tied 1-1 in the last two matches.

Tuloy foundation home of the abandoned kids will be the beneficiary running three years now. Aside from that, legendary players from Manchester United will be playing alongside kids from the CLEAR DREAM MATCH trials that they have initiated just for this final match. 

Names like Andy Cole and Paul Schole were announced but who knows, there could be more!

James admitted he wasn't prepared the first year but with better management they have won last year. Phil was trash talking and said they had the worst officiating last year that's why they won. He also says he's up one point and they won't settle for a draw. This is going to be an exciting match, so make sure you watch out for the announcment of the venue. Hopefully the weather cooperates this time! :) See you on June 7 when it kicks off! :)

Ciao! 

KUMAGCOW

Men's Lifestyle Redefined!

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Great Food, Great Drinks at LOCALE GASTROBAR

A bottle cap on a wall would sometimes prove to be a tad misleading. You'll probably end up only thinking about beer, beer and beer.

I wouldn't mind that at all. 

That right there is a guy's dream. After a hard days work, or just hanging out with friends, a bottle or two is simply bliss!

I went to LOCALE GASTROBAR in City Golf Compound. An area populated by small joints and restaurants. It's a stones throw away from Metrowalk and Home Depot; it stands along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City. 

Amongst the establishments there, I find the bar a little off for the area. Why? I find it better and upscale. This kind of pub should be lined up with some of the best ones in the BGC, Morato or Makati area. No pun intended. (logo cr. Jean Naval and Local Gastrobar Facebook page)

I thought I'd be there to enjoy beer, but when I saw the menu... I said a prayer.

I found out that my diet was in trouble. 

Locale Gastrobar didn't just have good booze, they had a ton of GOOD COMFORT FOOD on the menu. I already felt warm and fuzzy when the appetizer arrived.

Truffled Mozzarella Balls - It's so soft, pillowy inside and a bit crunchy on it's exterior. The dips are garlic and tomato based, it complemented the cheese well. The tangy tomatoes cut the puffy balls well. It went out in 60 seconds. Joke, but it was that good that I'd do that if I didn't have manners. LOL! But trust me, anything that's got truffle on it is freakin good!

Locale Taco Salad - How can you not love something so inviting like this? Crunchy taco discs, fresh iceberg lettuce leaves, tomato salsa, tasty ground meat, sour cream, cheese and more cheese! The End. Oh wait! There's more!

Angus Beef Meatballs - Soft tender meat pieces formed into a ball (possibly spiced breadcrumbs mixed into it) that tastes light, so good with that basil pesto and tomato laid around the plate. The parmesan cheese provided that hint of saltiness at the end of the bite. This was a hit!

Spicy Gambas - A ton of shrimps wouldn't be complete without a spicy tomato based sauce, tons of chilies that would give a kick in all the right places. It's all you want in a plate.

 Then, I had a heart attack when this was served on our table...

Deep Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwich - The most enormous serving of cheese enveloped inside wheat bread slices, grilled, then covered in batter, then fried till the crispy exterior forms. It was a mouthful just saying that. This in not even close to comfort food, this is an AMEN. Something heavenly!

3 Herbed Baked Salmon Risotto - Soft Salmon cooked medium on a grill then put on a bed of dreamy Mushroom risotto and a couple of dabs of butter caper sauce. Slide over the fish into the butter caper sauce and you'll love it. I took a couple spoon fulls of the Mushroom risotto and it was delish! It was so good that I finished it and took the fish later on. Al dente, which is how it should be made.

Kahlua Ribs - These ribs were soft and good. Flavor wise, the rub on the meat must have been only done outside since that's where it resonates in much of the bite. Pretty filling because the serving is quite huge. I'd share this with a friend or two then order other things on the menu. Not my fave since I already admitted to love the sandwich (^_^)v but this comes close... next to the Mozzarella Balls and because I love meat!

Blue Marlin Curry - Lovely huge slices of real deal Blue Marlin dipped in batter then covered with Corn Flakes then deep fried, served on the side of thick, intense but moderately spicy curry sauce then put on a bed of piping hot white rice and a couple of tomatoes, carrots and potatoes. You must make sure that you eat this while it's hot because toppings usually go cold fast, plus it's better eaten that way. I loved the fish and how they went with the corn flakes since it's got more texture than ordinary breading. This is homey, comfort food.

 

Foie Gras Bacon Angus Cheeseburger - If the Chef says it's got Foie Gras, Bacon strips, thick Angus Beef Burger patty and cheese on top, would you say NO to this burger? I thought so. The best thing about it is really the Foie Gras. It's like having a dreamy, unadulterated burger that's got everything you asked for but with Foie Gras on it. Did I say the Foie Gras was nice? Oh yes, it was a freakin awesome burger. Then I woke up dreaming about it all over again. It's appetizing, delectable, delightful, juicy and luscious foie gras! Hi! I'm a Foie Gras monster! Sorry I'm babbling after that! LOL

House Beers - We didn't leave the place without getting a mug or two of their beers. Jacob here is holding up a mug of Kiwi Beer. They also have Lychee and Butter Beer! I on the other hand had my fix of a hoe. Not that kind of hoe.

This kind of HOE! :) It's my fave! Hoegaarden! It's like I'm letting the sun fall into my glass. I loved it and it's size. Would you believe this costs a measly P150 bucks? Crazy right?

Well, whoever you are, whatever you do, if you wish to have a good time, great booze, scrumptious food and a happening place in the Ortigas-Julia Vargas area, please do try and grab some of these great dishes that went out of LOCALE GASTROBAR's kitchen. It's comfort food made bigger and better. You might forget your name with the foie gras burger but you're pretty much okay after that. 

They've got Happy Hour from 5-9PM daily which will get you buy 1 take 1 promos on all local beers and selected cocktails. They've got Beer All You Can Mondays if you can opt to have unlimited beer for P299.00 all night long! Same price applies on Margarita Tuesdays if you dig Frozen Margaritas too. Tequila Wednesdays means it's buy 1 take 1 on shots and bottles on Cuervo, Mojito Thursdays means it's 349 for bottomless Mojitos at LOCALE GASTROBAR. If you're celebrating and want to have private functions, they have packs as low as 30K consumable with open bar on weekdays at 10 to 12 PM. They've got tons of promos and events happening in a week so I suggest you check out their social channels below and get your friends to come too. I'll be back there with a hoe next week and get more hoes for my friends too. Tell me what you think about the food if ever you guys pass by. It's hidden from the mainstream bars but the crowd is really great, so expect awesome things happen when you're there! I'm going on a limb and recommending them like an 9/10!

LOCALE GASTROBAR is located at City Golf Compound, Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, 1604 Pasig City. For reservations/inquiries you may call them at 026310468 / +639292533128 / +639279547414.

See you guys there!

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