Saturday, September 22, 2012

Smart Outscores Globe Telecom in NTC Quality Test, 4-1

Smart Outscores Globe Telecom in NTC Quality Test, 4-1


The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) confirmed the network superiority of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) following the release of the results of its network quality tests for the second quarter of this year which showed Smart posting significantly better test results than Globe Telecom.

Globe, however, issued a statement that attempted to turn the results of the NTC’S Quality of Service Benchmarking Test upside down.

According to that test, Smart’s network rated higher in four of the five parameters that had been defined by the NTC in consultation with all three mobile phone operators. These four important parameters where Smart posted better scores are:

1) Drop Call Rate
2) Call Set Up Time
3) Average Signal Quality
4) Average Receive Signal Level

In its statement, however, Globe conveniently downplayed or disregarded these parameters and focused on the “blocked call” parameter, which was the only test that showed better results for Globe. On that basis, Globe said that its “legacy network” was better than that of Smart.

This is the same legacy network that Globe officials have admitted, in several recent occasions, to be congested.

This selective reading of the test results defies arithmetic, and, more importantly, flies in the face of consumer experience.

Globe’s press statement also contains a substantive misinterpretation of the test results in one of the key parameters – the Average Receive Signal Level. Globe said in its statement that: “The final metric is the Average Receive Signal Level with a minimum acceptable range of -85 dBm. Both telcos did not make it to the standard.”

The truth, however, is quite different: Both carriers actually passed the standard. Globe registered a score of -69.83 dBm. But Smart delivered lopsidedly better results: -62.63 dBm. In this parameter, the lower the negative number is, the better the signal. Translated into layman’s terms, what this result means is that Smart’s signal level is up to five times stronger than Globe’s. In terms of customer experience, a stronger signal level means better indoor coverage, resulting in better voice quality, less drop calls, faster and more reliable SMS and higher data speeds.

Though we are encouraged by the NTC test which validates our network superiority, Smart continues to work hard in order to provide our customers superior service. By completing our network transformation in mid-2012, we are now moving on to deliver to our subscribers next generation services such as the Long Term Evolution, or LTE. This is vital because we realize that, in the end, it is the satisfaction and judgment of our customers that really matter.

UP Pep Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video

UP Pep Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video


Video credit: TheABSCBNNews on YouTube

Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video

Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video


Video credit: TheABSCBNNews on YouTube

UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video

UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video


Video credit: TheABSCBNNews on YouTube

UE Pep Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video

UE Pep Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video


Video credit: TheABSCBNNews on YouTube

FEU Cheering Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video

FEU Cheering Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video


Video credit: TheABSCBNNews on YouTube

NU Pep Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video

NU Pep Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video


Video credit: TheABSCBNNews on YouTube

DLSU Animo Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video

DLSU Animo Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video


Video credit: TheABSCBNNews on YouTube

Adamson Pep Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video

Adamson Pep Squad - UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 Video


Video credit: TheABSCBNNews on YouTube

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Artista Academy Kicks Out Four Students in One Night

Artista Academy Kicks Out Four Students in One Night


After a memorable weekend in Hong Kong last week where they performed for thousands of OFWs and had the time of their lives in Hong Kong Disneyland, last night’s Kick Out episode proved to be most devastating for the Artista Academy students as four of them were instantly expelled in one sweep.

Alberto Bruno, Marvelous Alejo, Nicole Estrada and Stephanie Rowe joined the ranks of Artista Academy kickouts after they failed to make the grade in the now intensifying competition for the coveted P20 Million total pizes, the biggest pot to be given away by any talent search in the country.

With eight contenders remaining in TV5’s grandest and most intensive artista search, the students will have to work doubly hard if they are really intent on making it to the grand finals and winning the title of Artista Academy’s Best Actor and Best Actress.

This week, in line with their “Fearless” challenge, the remaining eight students will be doing two horror flicks to be directed by highly acclaimed director Topel Lee. The short films will be shown in the Live Exam this Saturday and will comprise a portion of the grades to be given by the Live Exam critics.

Artista Academy Principal Wilma V. Galvante also announced in last night’s episode that the eliminated students will form a group called Tropang Kickout and will be given one production number in upcoming Live Exams. Though expelled from Artista Academy, the kickouts continue their extensive training at the Asian Academy of Television Arts (AATA) and are bound to be professional ‘artistas’ when they graduate.

Artista Academy airs weeknights at 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. on TV5.

Mikael Daez Chosen by Malacanang as One of Peace Ambassadors for the "I AM FOR PEACE" Campaign

Mikael Daez Chosen by Malacanang as One of Peace Ambassadors for the "I AM FOR PEACE" Campaign


One of GMA's leading men Mikael Daez was formally introduced by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPA) as one of the "I am for Peace" national ambassadors at the Malacañang Palace.

The "I AM FOR PEACE" campaign seeks to mobilize public support for peace through the involvement and engagement of the general public. It aims to broaden the peace constituency by harnessing and empowering basic sectors such as youth, women, labor, civil society organizations, and media as advocates for peace and development.

Mikael shares that being chosen as one of the peace ambassadors in the country is a humbling experience. "I am much honored to be a national peace ambassador. I am looking forward in making the most of this opportunity to reach out to the nation and promote something I firmly believe in. At the same time, this gives me another way to reach out to people beyond my acting and television shows."

Meanwhile, Mikael portrays the role of Carlos Miguel in GMA's AfternoonPrime Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga which airs from Monday to Friday after Hindi Ka na Mag-iisa.

 

">"Be Careful with My Heart Sabado Rewind" Wins Weekend Morning TV Ratings

"Be Careful with My Heart Sabado Rewind" Wins Weekend Morning TV Ratings


The pilot airing of “Be Careful With My Heart Sabado Rewind,” which featured the beginning of the unique love story of Yaya Maya (Jodi Sta. Maria) and her ‘Sir Chief’ Mr. Lim (Richard Yap), won the ratings game last September 15 based on the data of Kantar Media.

The replay of the hit TV series garnered 15.1% national TV ratings, compared to its rival show in GMA, “Ang Simula ng Aso ni San Roque at Paglalakbay ng Itinakda” which only got 13.7%.

Reminisce the romantic moments in the past episodes of the country’s no.1 daytime TV program through “Be Careful With My Heart Sabado Rewind,” every Saturday, before “It’s Showtime.”

Meanwhile, continue to spread the good vibes in the morning and fall in love with “Be Careful With My Heart,” weekdays, 10:45am, before “It’s Showtime” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com, follow @becarefulheart on Twitter; and ‘like’ the show’s official Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/becarefulwithmyheartofficial.

Kapuso Stars All Set to Perform at ‘Dolphy: Alay Tawa’ Fundraising Concert Tonight at SM Arena

Kapuso Stars All Set to Perform at ‘Dolphy: Alay Tawa’ Fundraising Concert Tonight at SM Arena


The biggest celebrities from media giant GMA Network, Inc. will join the much awaited tribute concert honoring the legacy of the late King of Comedy – “Dolphy: Alay Tawa,” which is happening tomorrow night.

The two-hour spectacle organized by Dolphy’s children headed by actor-director Eric Quizon is a fund-raising concert participated in by the three television networks: GMA Network, ABS-CBN and TV5. It will feature the biggest names in the local entertainment industry including kapuso stars Aljur Abrenica, Dennis Trillo, Enzo Pineda, Heart Evangelista, Janno Gibbs, Joey de Leon, Jolina Magdangal, Marian Rivera, Mark Herras, Michael V., Ogie Alcasid, Rachelle Ann Go, Raymond Gutierrez, Rocco Nacino, Roderick Paulate and many more.



Directed by Al Quinn with Bibeth Orteza as scriptwriter, “Dolphy: Alay Tawa” will be happening tomorrow, September 19, 7:00pm at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. As with the other networks, the concert will also be telecast on GMA-7 on a later date.

Donations are encouraged for people to see the show. A minimum donation of P150 is equivalent to one ticket at the General Admission, P250 for the Upper Box and P450 for the Lower Box. Tickets are available at www.smtickets.com and in SM ticket outlets.



For more information about GMA shows and stars, follow its official accounts on Facebook www.facebook.com/gmanetwork and on Twitter www.twitter.com/gmanetwork.

Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2012 Photos

Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2012 Photos



 (click to enlarge)



Photos courtesy of @itsmejodiii @TeamPH2012, @supremechino, @AiahBruce, @inzatiable, @botloy, @NixAlanon, @ianneseventeen, @carlochu, @KBManalo, @ikayisadork, @xengzulueta on Twitter

Monday, September 17, 2012

Kapuso Actors Join Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2012

Kapuso Actors Join Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2012


Kapuso stars turn up the heat as they make their way towards this year’s Cosmo Bachelor Bash happening on Tuesday, September 18 at the World Trade Center.

Two of GMA’s top leading men land in this year's Cosmopolitan’s Top 10 centerfolds showing off their jaw-dropping bodies. Alden Richards and Mikael Daez are all set to turn the ladies on with their irresistible and captivating looks.

Despite having a busy schedule, One True Love lead actor Alden makes it a point to work-out which is evident in his improved form. Meanwhile, Mikael, whose star shines brighter than even this year as he top bills GMA Afternoon Prime's Sana ay Ikaw na Nga, is just as ready to show off his godly physique.

Making the event even hotter are homegrown Kapuso talents and Starstruck graduates Dion Ignacio, Rocco Nacino and Enzo Pineda. Other Kapuso actors who will appear in the much-anticipated show are Dominic Roco, Pancho Magno, Marvin Kiefer, Jay Gonzaga, Benedict Ramos, and Rey Talosig.

Brace yourselves as Kapuso stars heat up the Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2012.

Zac Efron Fever Intensifies!

Zac Efron Fever Intensifies!


Hollywood's hottest A-Lister is set to take Manila by storm for the highly-anticipated PENSHOPPE FanCon 2012 on September 29, at the SM MOA Arena.

There is much to celebrate this September: Zac Efron, who at one time was Hollywood's highest paid teenage actor during his High School Musical days, is coming to Manila.

After getting his big break as Troy Bolton in the High School Musical trilogy, Zac is confirmed to visit Manila for the annual PENSHOPPE Fan Conference 2012, the clothing brand's biggest event in its 26 years of presence in the local retail industry. The 24-year old global superstar is currently the most recognizable name in the brand's "PENSHOPPE All Stars" campaign launched this year. He will be seen live at the Mall of Asia ARENA stadium on September 29, 2012. Gates open at 6 p.m.

In recent years Zac continues to add impressive movie roles under his belt, with each project getting more challenging each time. Since his early days doing musical flicks, he has crossed over to light romantic comedies (17 Again, New Year's Day), to more dramatic and mature roles (Charlie St. Cloud and The Lucky One). More recently, he starred alongside heavyweights Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack and Nicole Kidman in the period drama The Paperboy, and was recently at the Toronto International Film Festival for the film At Any Price with Dennis Quaid.

His career portfolio is proof that he is easily one of the most in demand stars in Hollywood today. Clearly, Zac is on top of his game and will certainly stay in the limelight for years to come.

PENSHOPPE starring Zac Efron, incidentally, scores the unparalleled record of being the biggest celebrity endorsement in the Philippines (to date). At present the brand showing no signs of stopping, effectively boosting their staying power and branding awareness both locally and internationally.

When asked about his thoughts on his first-ever clothing endorsement, Zac shares, "I think the brand is cool and casual. You see, I am a very casual dresser so this partnership fits me perfectly." He adds that the brand's philosophy – by Filipinos, for Filipinos – is what attracted him to say yes.

"My father has been to the Philippines several times," shares Efron, "so I've always wanted to visit and try the local dishes like adobo."

The star shows sincere excitement with the prospect of visiting the country for the first time. "Well, first of all this [event] is an amazing, amazing excuse to go to the Philippines. I have always wanted to visit the Philippines. My dad has been telling me great stories about it," he shares.

Since PENSHOPPE made the announcement public, the entire country has been buzzing with anticipation about his arrival. Billboards of the event have been plastered all over the metro, as well as in every media outfit in the country. Of course, the excitement is most palpable among Efron's diehard fans, causing quite a stir in the different social networking sites, with everyone eager to finally see their favourite heartthrob in person.

To score tickets, simply shop at any participating PENSHOPPE stores listed in their official mechanics. For every single receipt purchase worth P800, you get a General Admission pass. For P1,200, an Upper Box pass; P2,500 for Lower Box, P3,500 for Patron; and at least P5,000 for the VIP seats. You must then request for a FanCon voucher signed by the store manager. All you have to do next is to present your voucher to any SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com) branch nationwide to exchange to a ticket.

The complete list of participating branches are: PENSHOPPE stores located at SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM San Lazaro, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa (Main Mall), SM Fairview, SM Southmall, SM Marikina, SM Pampanga, SM Baguio, SM Lucena, SM Batangas, SM Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, SM Cagayan de Oro, Ayala Trinoma, Glorietta, Festival Supermall – Filinvest Alabang, Robinson's Place Manila, Eastwood, and Ali Mall.

PENSHOPPE Fan Conference 2012 starring Zac Efron is a project by leading entertainment agency PR Asia Worldwide for PENSHOPPE 2012/13. For more information, follow PENSHOPPE's official Twitter account @PENSHOPPE or LIKE them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/penshoppeofficial.

Edgar Allan Guzman Plays Closet Gay in MMK this Saturday

Edgar Allan Guzman Plays Closet Gay in MMK this Saturday


Cinemalaya best actor Edgar Allan Guzman will portray the character of a closet gay in “Maalaala Mo Kaya” this Saturday (September 22).




Ritche (Edgar Allan) dreamt of being a seaman to prove to everyone, especially to his father, that even though he is gay, he can still succeed in life. But because of the fear of being insulted and belittled by his classmates, Ritche decided not to show his true identity. How hard is it for a young man seeking for the society’s approval to come out of the closet?




Aside from Edgar Allan, this week’s “MMK” will also feature Lito Pimentel, Jobelle Salvador, Eda Nolan, Ryan Boyce, David Chua, Bryan Homecillo, Art Mendoza, Joseph Bitangcol, and Quintin Alianza. It was researched by Akeem del Rosario, written by Benson Logronio, and directed by Nick Olanka.



Don’t miss another touching life story this Saturday in “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK), after “Wansapanataym” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.mmk.abs-cbn.com, and follow @MMKOfficial on Twitter and visit the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MMKOfficial.

Arny Ross is Eliminated in Protégé The Battle for the Big Artista Break

Arny Ross is Eliminated in Protégé The Battle for the Big Artista Break


After getting the lowest combined text votes and judges' score, Arny Ross from Southern Luzon was eliminated in GMA-7's "Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break" on Sunday, September 16 during the show's 4th elimination night.

Kedebon Colim is Eliminated in The X Factor Philippines

Kedebon Colim is Eliminated in The X Factor Philippines

Kedebon Colim, the X Factor Finalist with the least reason to stay in the competition, was finally sent home on Sunday, September 16.

Kedebon was joined in the bottom two by Gary V.'s Daddy's Home.

Pilita Corrales, Gary V. and so with his mentor Martin Nieverra voted against Kedebon.

‘Lorenzo’s Time’ Down to Its Last Three Weeks

‘Lorenzo’s Time’ Down to Its Last Three Weeks


ABS-CBN's top-rating primetime drama series "Lorenzo's Time" featuring the unconventional team-up of Zaijan Jaranilla and Carmina Villaroel is nearing its end.

Since it aired on July 2012, the hit teleserye topbilled by Zaijan Jaranilla and Carmina Villaroel has touched the hearts of viewers through the unique and touching tale of the 'little man' named Enzo (Zaijan). Now that "Lorenzo's Time" goes down to its last three weeks, the plot continues to thicken with the revelation that Jonas (James Blanco) and Enzo's long lost brother Archie is one and the same peson. Will Mildred (Amy Austria-Ventura) succeed in sparking up a sibling rivalry between Enzo and Jonas? Who will end up with Kathy (Carmina)? What will Enzo do when he discovers that his disease is back? "Lorenzo's Time" will air its final episode on October 5.

Don't miss the last three weeks of "Lorenzo's Time, weeknights, after "Walang Hanggan" on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. Fans can now add Lorenzo as their Facebook friend, simply log on to www.facebook.com/EnzoMontereal or follow @lorenzos_time on Twitter.

Christian Bautista Releases 10th Anniversary Album ‘X Plus’

Christian Bautista Releases 10th Anniversary Album ‘X Plus’


Ten years has passed since Christian Bautista was introduced to showbiz, but he remains to be one of the most sought-after balladeer of his generation here and abroad.

Universal Records joins Christian as he celebrates his first decade with the release of X Plus, a collection of songs which celebrate his 10th year.

X Plus includes Christian's rendition of three of the biggest theme songs from top rating teleserye – Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan (from Walang Hanggan), Nag-iisang Bituin (from Princess and I), and Nag-iisang Ikaw (from Precious Hearts Romance presents Pintada).

X Plus also gives a glimpse of what's next for the balladeer by the inclusion of the remix version of Unphotographable, used during the Philippine Fashion Week. The sweeping ballad What Can I Do is also part of the compilation.

Christian was recently awarded with the Male Pop Recording Artist of the Year by the Star Awards for Music for his album Outbound, adjudged Pop Album of the Year.

The album also includes his version of the hit Love Moves In Mysterious Ways, Beautiful Girl and new recordings of previous hits The Way You Look At Me and Hands To Heaven (featuring Zia Quizon).

X Plus supports Christian's 10th anniversary concert X Class at the Meralco Theater this October 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14. For tickets, contact Ticketworld 891-9999.

TRACK LIST:

1. GAANO KADALAS ANG MINSAN (From the Teleserye Walang Hanggan)
2. NAG-IISANG BITUIN (From the Teleserye Princess & I)
3. NAG-IISANG IKAW (From the Teleserye Precious Hearts Romance presents Pintada)
4. UNPHOTOGRAPHABLE (Remix)
5. LOVE MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
6. WHAT CAN I DO
7. BEAUTIFUL GIRL
8. THE WAY YOU LOOK AT ME
9. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH MY HEART w/ Sarah Geronimo
10. HANDS TO HEAVEN feat. Zia Quizon

 
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