PLDT HOME and Smart strengthen dominance in PH’s digital entertainment with Fox

MANILA, July 22, 2015 – Indulge in even more entertainment anytime, anywhere with exciting videos-on-demand (VOD), live shows and catch-up television from Fox International Channels.

The country’s biggest multimedia networks PLDT HOME and Smart team up with global entertainment company and Asia Pacific’s leading broadcaster Fox to offer an extensive menu of top-line content and entertainment-viewing options. This comes fresh after their recent groundbreaking partnership with Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service provider iflix, which offers their subscribers the biggest library of movies and TV shows.

“This content partnership with Fox makes world-class entertainment easily accessible to all our subscribers wherever they are—whether at home or on the go,” PLDT and Smart EVP and Consumer Business Group Head Ariel P. Fermin said. “We are delighted to deliver this range of educational, sports, lifestyle and movie content from Fox that will suit the entertainment wants and needs of our customers, whenever and wherever they want.”

Entertainment Everywhere with Fox

PLDT HOME and Smart subscribers will be given access to popular VOD content from Fox along with the top-up service which will allow them to view nine live Fox channels including three channels for Fox Sports, National Geographic, Nat Geo People, Nat Geo Wild, Fox News, Channel M and Star Chinese Channel.

Viewers can also easily unwind with blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy and How to Train Your Dragon 2 via catch-up TV. The catch-up TV and live offers will also be headlined by the widely-popular international sports events such as Wimbledon that Filipinos can now view anytime, anywhere.

PLDT HOME DSL subscribers can enjoy Fox VOD and the top-up service for an additional P99 per month, while these are free for Fibr subscribers and PLDT HOME customers who upgrade to a TVolution or Telpad plan. Triple play subscribers will also be granted free access to Fox VOD and catch-up TV with channels like Fox Play, Fox Movies and Fox Sports.

Smart subscribers, meanwhile, can enjoy free entertainment on the go with Fox as part of the Smart Life Entertainment Everywhere bundles that start from as low as P50 for three days, or as an add-on option of P99 per month charged to their prepaid loads or postpaid accounts.

FOX International Channels Philippines Executive Vice President of Content & Communications for Asia, Joon Lee said, “With their nationwide reach and advanced multimedia platforms, PLDT HOME and Smart are the ideal content partners for us. We look forward to bringing our multi-faceted entertainment offerings to millions of Filipino homes in partnership with these industry leaders.”

“Our partnership with Fox definitely levels up our content offerings as it gives you more than just access to your favorite TV shows,” Fermin said. “You are also given the power to keep up with every moment of the most thrilling sports events through live-viewing, and enjoy the most popular blockbusters at your convenience through catch-up TV. These options are there to cater to your lifestyle, adding even more value to the concept of entertainment everywhere.”

To get started with Fox and avail of its complimentary trial on your PLDT HOME or Smart subscription, log on to pldthome.com or smart.com.ph.

PLDT HOME and Smart let you experience entertainment everywhere with PH’s largest library of movies and TV series with iFLIX

Enter the no-TV-zone that lets you watch what you want when you want in just two clicks with iflix, country's biggest library of video on demand content to partner with the country’s biggest multimedia networks PLDT HOME and Smart.

Three industry leaders teamed up to bring “Entertainment Everywhere” to millions of digitally connected Filipinos. PLDT HOME, Smart and iFLIX recently announced their partnership for content streaming of the Philippines’ largest library of movies and TV shows. In photo during the grand launch are (front row, from left): iflix Group COO and iflix Malaysia CEO Azran Osman-Rani, Glee star Heather Morris, PLDT Group Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and PLDT EVP and Consumer Business Group Head Ariel P. Fermin; and (back row, from left): iflix Group Chief Content Officer James Bridges, iflix Philippines Country Manager Sherwin dela Cruz and iflix Group Chief Technology Officer Ash Crick.

The Philippine launch of iflix comes at spot-on timing since it recently secured topline content deals with giant Hollywood studios The Walt Disney Company, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution (Fox), BBC Worldwide (BBC) and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (Warner Bros.).

Top models Joey Mead-King (left) and Jason Godfrey (right) hosted the night’s affairs.

This means that on top of existing over 11,000 hours of TV serial titles and updated catalogue of Hollywood, European and Asian releases, shows like “Sherlock”, “Doctor Who”, “Homeland” and “The Big Bang Theory” are now part of iflix’s growing library.

For movies, iflix beefs up its Hollywood selection with action blockbusters like “Star Trek”, “Batman Begins” and “Green Lantern”, among thousands of other choices.

From left: Red carpet host Bianca Valerio, socialite siblings Ruffa and Raymond Gutierrez, iflix Chairman Patrick Grove and singer and TV personality Karylle Yuzon.

PLDT HOME and Smart welcome the addition of iflix as part of its ever-expanding entertainment ensemble. “This is literally entertainment everywhere. With all of these titles bannered under PLDT HOME and Smart’s power-packed lineup of reliable Internet services for families and individuals, your choice of entertainment device deserves its own star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” rationalized PLDT EVP and Consumer Business Group Head Ariel P. Fermin.

“You already have the device that has the capability to showcase your guilty viewing pleasures—whether it’s a smartphone, a tablet, laptop, desktop computers and even TV screens. All you need is that one movie, that particular episode or even an entire season that you’ve had on your must-watch list. From small escapes like whenever you’re stuck in traffic, to binge-watching rare moments when time is on your side, subscribers now have the access to the widest library of entertainment content with iflix. It gets so much better because you are able to gain access to these titles through PLDT HOME and Smart’s strongest and largest multimedia platforms wherever you are in the Philippines,” explained Fermin.

Meanwhile, iflix chairman Patrick Grove raved over this exclusive big-gun partnership move with PLDT and Smart by saying: “In PLDT we have found a like-minded partner who is committed to changing the way entertainment content is consumed in the region. We look forward to building an extraordinary business in the Philippines together.”

  

Grove added, “We are extremely proud to have come together with the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines and, indeed, one of the region’s leading companies, to offer iflix to PLDT’s enormous customer base. With well over 75 million Filipinos communicating and being entertained using PLDT services, they are the absolute perfect partner for iflix in the Philippines.

Access granted

Iflix also eliminates streaming setbacks because it’s available through PLDT and Smart. The service also liberates users from incompatible streaming due to regional conflicts.

For entertainment everywhere, register an account via www.iflix.com and instantly enjoy a complimentary 14-day trial of the service. Once the trial expires, PLDT Home and Smart users will be able to subscribe to the P99 per month package through the iflix website.

For PLDT HOME subscribers, iflix is available via TVolution Trio Plan 1599 inclusive of a TVolution kit, unlimited DSL and unlimited access to iflix. Existing users of PLDT Home DSL and PLDT Home Ultera can get iflix as an add-on option on top of their monthly fees for only P99 per month, while it comes free with PLDT HOME Fibr and PLDT HOME Telpad plans.

On the other hand, Smart subscribers may now bring entertainment anywhere for P99 a month, charged to their prepaid loads or on top of their postpaid accounts. No credit card required!

Apart from the Philippines, iflix will soon be available in other countries including the United States, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Thailand and Tokyo. The iflix app is also downloadable via Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. To know more on how to subscribe to iflix with your PLDT HOME or Smart account, log on to www.pldthome.com or www.smart.com.ph.

Karlo's Gourmet Tuyo : Spicy Tuyo in Olive Oil

Do you want to take your cravings for your favorite tuyo to another level? Chef Karlo Mercado of Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee at Jack's Ridge Resort and Restaurant has recently launched his version of a tuyo with a twist - Karlo's Gourmet Tuyo. It's an appetizing fish delicacy in a bottle.

Karlo's Gourmet Tuyo is made from dried herrings soaked in olive oil, garlic, chili and other spices. What I love about his concoction is the absence of vinegar. It is not sour unlike some of the ones I've tried before. This is perfect for those who doesn't like vinegar. The saltiness of the tuyo is just enough and the presence of the garlic gives a well-balanced, delicate, and nutty flavor. Adding flavor to this already savory dish is the red chili pepper. It has some kick but not too spicy so I'm sure kids will also enjoy it as much as the adults. 

Karlo's Gourmet Tuyo is prepared manually so you will be guaranteed with its best quality. To order, you may call 09228460868. It's only P220 per bottle.

Aling Foping's Halo-Halo is Now Open at SM Lanang Premier

Good news to all Davao residents in the North, your favorite Aling Foping's Halo-Halo has just opened a kiosk at the Sky Garden of SM Lanang Premier. Now, you don't have to travel to the south to satisfy your cravings for halo-halo. 

Aling Foping's Halo-Halo

Aling Foping's Halo-Halo ATBP is one of the must-try food when in Davao. In fact, celebrity Kris Aquino has featured the store's famous halo-halo, bibingka and chili con carne in one of the episodes of Kris TV. 

Aling Foping's Bibingka with Salted Egg

What's good about Aling Foping's Halo-Halo is you will be able to choose the ingredients you want to be included in your halo-halo. You can have 6 items out of the many choices you have. If you're adventurous enough, you can have all the ingredients for only P150.00.

Aling Foping's Chili con Carne

Now on its 12 years in the business, Aling Foping's has expanded its reach and opened a new kiosk in SM Lanang. It will serve halo-halo and other Aling Foping's signature dishes. The kiosk is an addition to its flagship store in Matina Town Square (MTS). 

The famous Aling Foping's Halo-Halo is here at #SMLanangPremier! Grab a cup of your own version of #halohalo at the SkyGarden (in front of #ArmyNavy)! Yum! 😋

A photo posted by SM Lanang Premier (@smlanangpremier) on Jul 17, 2015 at 2:34am PDT

The kiosk in SM Lanang is open during mall hours while the MTS branch is open Monday to Saturday at 1pm to 12am and on Sunday at 3pm to 12am.

***Photos by Red Agreda

Pizza and Pasta Overload at Italianni’s Abreeza

Italianni’s recently introduces its newest offering featuring two of its all-time favorites – pizza and pasta - in one delectable meal. Pasta and Pizza mix is a set meal available every day at Italianni’s Abreeza Mall for only P795.00.

The mix is ideal for sharing of 2-3 persons. It comes with a huge platter of freshly made Italian-style pasta and a whole pizza made from hand-tossed dough topped with a number of well-prepared ingredients.

Satisfy your cravings for Italian food with Quattro Formaggio Pizza and Spaghetti Bolognese, two classic favorites that use gorgonzola, goat cheese, mozzarella and taleggio for its pizza, and a rich tomato and meat sauce for its pasta; Tropicale Pizza and Spaghetti del Pastel a combination of both familiar and unique taste, a pizza sprinkled with bacon, pine ham, pineapple, mozzarella, and goat cheese, and a pasta dish sautéed in garlic, bell peppers, mushroom, and smoked salmon in marinara cream sauce; and Margherita Pizza and Peperoncino and Chorizo, a perfect match made in Italy with a pizza topped with tomato sauce, basil, mozzarella cheese, taleggio and goat cheese, and spaghetti pasta tossed in olive oil, bacon, chorizo and olives. 

Ronald Mejos, local store marketing officer of The Bistro Group said “you can mix and match the pizza and pasta according to your preference”. This gives diners the option to pair their favorite pizza with their favorite pasta. Personally, I love to pair Quattro Formaggio pizza with Peperoncino and Chorizo pasta. They're perfectly suited for my taste buds.

All sets can be paired with a refreshing Iced Tea Decanter for only P115.

Aside from these sumptuous pizza and pasta offerings, Italianni’s also introduces their Drink Down before seven promo, every day from opening until 7pm where guests can enjoy discounted drinks from their bar. A number of cocktails are only sold for P85 and you also get 20% discount off their beer on tap and 30% on selected wines.

What are you waiting for? If you love pizza and pasta, head over to Italianni’s Restaurant at the ground floor of Abreeza Mall.

Top Picks : 11 Hotels To Stay in Davao City

Davao City is a popular Mindanao destination for locals and foreigners alike. Whether you’re there for business or touring, there are available accommodations in the city that would fit your needs. Below are eleven of our top picks. Room rates listed are applicable as of this writing and may vary from the current actual room rates.

Marco Polo Davao's Swimming Pool 

1. Marco Polo Davao CM Recto Street, Davao City

Marco Polo Davao is a four star hotel in the heart of Davao City that offers everything from leisure services for tourists such as a spa and pool to business services such as business rooms. It also has babysitting services, a laundry service, room service, and shuttle service to and from the airport. Rooms range from P 3,500  to P 6,200  

Marco Polo Davao

2. Park Inn by Radisson JP Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City

Built in the new business district of Davao, Park Inn by Radisson offers rooms for those who are in Davao for business and tourism. It has family rooms, a pool, a workout area, and a play area for children. It is also connected to SM Lanang Premier which has shops, restaurants, and the SMX Convention Center. It offers a shuttle service for guests who are coming from and going to the airport. Nightly rates range from P2,700 to P5,300.

3. Seda Abreeza Davao J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City

Seda Abreeza describes itself as an Urban Lifestyle Hotel in the heart of the Davao City commercial district. It is adjacent to the Ayala Abreeza Mall and features facilities such as a pool, a fitness gym, a restaurant, and a lounge. It has transport services to and from the airport from those who are travelling without private vehicles. Room prices range from P3,300 to P3,700 per night.

4. Apo View Hotel 150 J Camus Street, Davao City

Apo View Hotel is in the Poblacion District of Davao City near city attractions like the People’s Park, San Pedro Cathedral, and the famous Aldevinco shopping center. It offers guests with meeting rooms, function halls, a gym, and pool. Per night rates range from P2,300 to P4,500.

5. Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao JP Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao is a beachfront property with a rustic look and feel. It is one of the first few hotels in Davao City. It offers a scenic view of the Davao Gulf and Samal Island. Room prices range from P3,000 to P4,000 per night. Photo credit to Waterfront Davao Official FB Page.

6. Microtel Inn by Wyndham Damosa Gateway Complex, Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City

Microtel Inn is a no nonsense business hotel that offers suites for those in Davao City for business and vacation. It’s an ideal choice for those travelling with their pets, as it is a pet friendly inn. Microtel Inn is easily accessible from Davao International Airport. Room prices range from P2,400 to P3,500 per night. 

7. The Royal Mandaya Hotel J. Palma Gil St.,, Davao City

The Royal Mandaya Hotel offers mid-range priced suites within walking distance to the Davao City Hall and the People’s Park. It offers guests with free parking, a business center, and shuttle buses and airport transportation. Room prices range from P2,400 to P2,900 per night.

8. Tune Hotel JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City

Tune Hotel offers one of the most affordable accommodations in Davao City. It has an in-house restaurant in the hotel, but if you prefer more variety in amenities and services, Tune Hotel is near malls and restaurants. The room rates range from P845 to P1,385 per night

9. Grand Regal Hotel J P Laurel Ave, Lanang, Davao City

The Grand Regal Hotel is a mid-range hotel that offers guests with a variety of services and amenities such as a banquet room for events, a pool and gym for fitness, and a business center. It also has babysitting services, is pet friendly, and offers transportation to and from the airport. The rooms range from P2,700 to P5,000 per night.

10. Pinnacle Hotel and Suites Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City

Pinnacle Hotel is situated within a busy neighborhood, near schools, restaurants, Gaisano Mall, and the Davao Chinese District. It has a workout room, a pool, and a restaurant for guests and also offers shuttle bus services for those who need it. It has a business center and a banquet room for guests who are there for business or events. The room rates range from P1,900 to P3,400.

11. Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases Porras Street, Bo. Obrero, Davao City  

True to its name, the Ritz Hotel boasts of a large garden that sets it apart from other hotels in its league. It also has a pool for guests who want to cool off and an in house restaurant that serves meals to guests. It has free parking for guests that brought their own vehicles and a business lounge for guests. Nightly rates range from P1,700 to P3,300.