Philippine mobile leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) announced a strategic and exclusive partnership with leading global music streaming service Deezer to bring the full breadth of music experience to mobile users in the country through Deezer’s Premium+ service.

With Deezer Premium+, more than 72 million Smart mobile subscribers nationwide will be able to enjoy unlimited web and mobile access to the most number of music tracks online and offline, all in high-quality and without the interruption of ads.

Deezer’s availability in more than 180 countries will also allow Smart to provide a seamless experience to mobile users who want to be able to listen to their favorite songs wherever they are, whether they are in the Philippines or overseas.

Smart will soon announce affordable streaming rates and promotions with Deezer that both prepaid and postpaid subscribers can enjoy. With this groundbreaking partnership, Smart users will be able to purchase a Deezer Premium+ subscription using only their prepaid or postpaid accounts.

“We are excited to announce this pioneering partnership with Deezer, which will deliver even more exciting music experiences to our subscribers and enhance their mobile lifestyles on the go,” said Mellissa Limcaoco, Innovation and Product Development Group Head at Smart.

“With SPINNR, we promised the total music experience to users at affordable prices. This partnership broadens our portfolio even further with millions of music tracks from Deezer, the largest digital music catalogue in the world, which users can enjoy whether they are here or abroad,” Limcaoco explained. “This strengthens Smart’s expanding suite of mobile content and application offerings that makes us a formidable player in the entire mobile ecosystem.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with Smart, the Philippines’ largest mobile operator, to provide music fans in Philippines easy access to all the music they can consume. This collaboration puts millions of tracks in the hands of millions of mobile users in Philippines whether they are at home or on the go,” added Steven Frank, Business Development Manager for Asia Pacific at Deezer.

Smart’s Limcaoco added that with Smart’s newly modernized network that now includes more than 10,000 4G-capable (HSPA+, LTE/LTE-A) sites all around the country, users will be able to enjoy seamless and unhampered access to various mobile services that include the likes of Deezer and SPINNR.

On mobile devices, the Deezer app can be installed on iOS, Android, Windows Phone as well as Blackberry 10 smartphones and tablets. It can also be enjoyed using traditional desktop browsers in laptops and PCs.  For more information, visit www.smart.com.ph or www.deezer.com.  - The Lifestyle Portal

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The CocoJul tandem is the strongest this month! If Coco Martin is hailed as our March 2014 Hunk of the Month, his onscreen partner Julia Montes on the other hand grabbed the title of March 2014 Babe of the Month here in our very own The Lifestyle Portal.

Julia is currently playing the character of Mona, pairing her again to Coco in ABS-CBN's TV series masterpiece, "Ikaw Lamang."

In our March poll, Julia defeated the other teleserye actresses namely Iza Calzado, Louise Delos Reyes, Max Collins, Toni Gonzaga, and Anne Curtis.

Well, here is the official result of your votes making Julia as our month's cover babe: March 2014 Babe of the Month.

Aside from her Primetime teleserye, Julia also celebrated her 19TH birthday last March 19. Definitely, March is really Julia's month! Cool!

Congratulations Julia and Happy Birthday! Julia rules the month of March!  - The Lifestyle Portal

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The month of March seems like a battle among your favorite TV series actors. Sam Milby and Gerald Anderson of "Dyesebel," Aljur Abrenica of "Kambal Sirena," Kristoffer Martin of "Paraiso Ko'y Ikaw,"  and even the ultimate heartthrob Mr. Piolo Pascual of the recent blockbuster flick "Starting Over Again" were all defeated by Coco who is playing the lead star of ABS-CBN's teleserye masterpiece "Ikaw Lamanng."

Here is the official result of votes making Coco your month's cover guy: March 2014 Hunk of the Month.

Coco is playing the character of poor but determined Samuel in "Ikaw Lamang." His love story with Isabelle (Kim Chiu) is very much appreciated by viewers and netizens making them the No. 1 hit in TV ratings and in the world wide web. The said drama series is also his reunion with Julia Montes who is playing Mona, the third wheel in the Samuel-Isabelle tandem. Julia and Coco created a phenomenal hit love team via "Walang Hanggan" in 2012.  

Congrats Coco Martin! Keep up the good work and more blessings to come!  - The Lifestyle Portal

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“What kind of life will my child have?”

A scared mom-to-be wrote to CoorDown (Coordinator of the National Association of People with Down Syndrome) when she learned she was expecting a child with Down syndrome. The organization, in collaboration with Saatchi & Saatchi Italy, responded by creating this #DearFutureMom campaign:

World Down Syndrome Day takes place on March 21st. Help spread the important message behind Dear Future Mom to help advocate the right to happiness and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

Official Hashtag: #DearFutureMom

Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-q4OnBtNU  - The Lifestyle Portal

Mobile services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has unveiled its lineup of exciting postpaid offers for the much anticipated Samsung Galaxy S5 as it gears up for the smartphone’s simultaneous Philippine launch on April 11.

Users interested in acquiring Samsung’s latest flagship device can get one for free at Smart Postpaid’s UnliSurf Plan 2000, which already comes with unlimited mobile LTE surfing, 150 minutes of calls and 200 of texts to all networks under a 30-month contract.

The Galaxy S5 will also be available for only P1,799 a month under UnliSurf Plan 999, with P800 monthly handset cash-out for 24 months. This plan comes with unlimited surfing for one month plus calls and texts.

“We’ve already said that Smart’s reliable LTE network is the perfect match for the Samsung Galaxy S5, but we’re throwing in additional exclusive perks so our subscribers can best enjoy this new flagship device with the leader in mobile,” said Kathryn Carag, Postpaid Marketing Head at Smart.

“We’ve found that users prefer to enjoy their Samsung smartphones with Smart’s robust LTE network, as reflected by the sales volumes of previous devices such as the Galaxy S4 and the Galaxy Note 3, the demand for which almost tripled last year compared with their respective predecessors,” Carag explained.

Interested users should register their interest now and watch out for more exciting deals and prizes coming their way in the weeks leading up to the local launch of the Galaxy S5, she added.

To be among the first to own the Samsung Galaxy S5, simply log on to www.smart.com.ph/s5 to register your interest in purchasing the latest top-notch smartphone from Samsung. Once registered, users will receive constant updates on promos, offers, and details about the local launch of the Galaxy S5 on April 11.

Exclusive Perks

As an added perk, subscribers who pre-registered and eventually subscribed to a Galaxy S5 plan will get exclusive premium deals from Smart, including free one month unlimited music streaming plus access to millions of tracks via a SPINNR VIP subscription and a chance to win one of ten Samsung Galaxy Gear devices to be raffled off on launch day.

Additionally, the first 200 individuals who subscribed to a Samsung Galaxy S5 plan on the first day of availability will be entitled to Smart Gadget Shield, a one-year free handset insurance which covers repair and replacement of the device in case of accidental damage or loss due to theft or robbery.

Limited Offer

But for those who want to move up to a more exclusive lifestyle, Smart Infinity also offers a host of Samsung Galaxy S5 plan for interested subscribers, starting with the Aspire Plan 3500 which offers the Galaxy S5 for free.

Those who want to get more with their device can choose to subscribe to the Prestige Plan 5000, which includes the Samsung Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch, and a choice of free P5,000 gift certificate or one month free monthly service fee.

The Premium Plan 8000 is also available for those who want the complete package, as it comes with the Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch, and a choice between a 32-inch Samsung Smart TV or P15,000 worth of gift certificates.

Being a member of Smart Infinity includes having personalized service and perks such as a personal Infinity Management Officer, access to the 24/7 international concierge service, a vanity number, a backup SIM, a dedicated hotline (*800), and VIP assistance at select stores.

Subscribers will also enjoy a variety of premium benefits such as access to premier events, lifestyle offers, and exclusive rewards all year round through their Smart Infinity subscription. These limited-time Samsung Galaxy S5 offers come with the standard 24-month contract, and will only be available until May 11, 2014. To know more on how to avail of these exciting Infinity offers, simply visit http://smart.com.ph/infinity.

Widest LTE Network

Unveiled during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in February, Samsung’s latest flagship mobile device features a 5.1-inch 1080p AMOLED display, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chip and a 16-megapixel rear camera.

Samsung has also updated the look and feel of the Galaxy S5’s chassis and software as it sports a dimpled rear cover and a refreshed look for its trademark TouchWiz user interface. It is available in Electric Blue, Charcoal Black, Shimmer White, and Copper Gold color variants.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 also allows ultrafast mobile Internet surfing via LTE connectivity. With Smart’s widest LTE network around the country, the first Philippine users of the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be able to enjoy blazing-fast Internet connections on their high-end device.

Smart currently has more than 10,000 4G-capable sites (HSPA+, LTE/LTE-A) nationwide backed by 78,000 kilometers of fiber backhaul, which makes the telco best-equipped to meet the data demands of its most demanding subscribers wherever they are in the country.  - The Lifestyle Portal

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Kapamilya sexy actress Valerie "Bangs" Garcia graces the cover of UNO Magazine for their 91st Issue. On the said cover, Bangs is described as "Bomb-Tastic!'

Well, here is the sexy Bangs Garcia putting fire on the said magazine cover:

Aside from this mag cover, Bangs is set to return to ABS-CBN's primetime TV series. Yes, she is part of the fantaserye "Dyesebel" with Anne Curtis, Sam Milby, and Gerald Anderson.

What can you say about Bangs on this cover?!  - The Lifestyle Portal

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Six gorgeous and beautiful leading ladies were vying for the title of Babe of the Month for this month of March 2014. Who among them captivates your heart?!

Will you vote for Toni Gonzaga who is fresh from the success of her movie with Piolo Pascual called "Starting Over Again" or will you prefer her rival in the movie who is Iza Calzado?! Or will you love to support your favorite TV series actresses namely Louise Delos Reyes  of "Kambal Sirena," Max Collins of "Inamorata,"  Julia Montes of "Ikaw Lamang,"  and Anne Curtis  of "Dyesebel"?!

Well, start casting your votes below:

Again, winner who will get the title will be determined by the most number of your votes! Vote now and support your idol!  - The Lifestyle Portal

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Now it's time to cast your votes for our very own The Lifestyle Portal's March 2014 Hunk of the Month!

Who among these six teleserye hunk actors will get the title and conquer the month of fire?!

Will it be the "Ikaw Lamang" actor Coco Martin, the "Kambal Sirena" hunk Aljur Abrenica, or the rival mermaid series hunks Gerald Anderson and Sam Milby of "Dyesebel"?! How about the young heartthrob Kristoffer Martin  of "Paraiso Ko'y Ikaw" versus the Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual fresh from the success of his box-office film "Starting Over Again"?!

Just like in the previous months, the March 2014 Hunk of the Month will be determined by the most number of votes! Vote now and support your favorite hunk!  - The Lifestyle Portal

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For a pretty large section of the population, the concept of spending a number of time in a club or around people is just not appealing. There are a lot of loners and introverts on the market, and just simply because they don't want to hang out with a ton of people, doesn't suggest that they want to spend all their time at home while watching computer or watching Netflix. There are actually some great ways to do things, without people. 

Outdoor activities like hiking are one great way for loners to get away from all this. When you are out in nature, you don't have to worry about running straight into a bunch of other individuals or being forced to socialize. Going off of the beaten track is fun and you get to see new things. Just be sure that you tell someone where you are going in case you enter trouble. 

 Taking on photography is another great way to go out and do things without being in a crowd. Going to someplace with a lot of artistic value which may not be in big population centers means that you can get away from people and stay creative. Abandoned areas or places where people don't go can cause some fantastic photo ops. 

 Even though bowling is portrayed as a family or team activity, it could also be done alone. You don't have to compete against other individuals, but can just try to get the best score possible. The best time to travel if you are trying to avoid the crowds is on the week night where there is not any league play or through the day on weekdays if you can manage it. Plan to get some equipment like a bowling ball, bag and womens bowling shoes to enable you to improve your score. Find a variety of great bowling stuff at shop.bowlersparadise.com.   - The Lifestyle Portal

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In celebration of the recently concluded biggest night in movies, Lifestyle Network will be holding a special treat for its viewers and movie buffs with the Oscars Big Quiz Night, happening in three legs this March.

At a time when Bar Quiz Nights are the country’s hottest trends, the Lifestyle Network will be paying a visit to Manila’s top Gastropubs to host the three-leg event, where anyone and everyone with an interest or passion for film can join in on the fun of the Academy Awards.

The events will be taking place at 8:00pm. The first leg, which will also feature performances by Up Dharma Down and Yolanda Moon will be happening on March 7 at the Alphonse Bistro, City Golf Plaza, Pasig City. The second leg will be on March 14 at Prohibition/Dillingers 1903, Greenbelt 3, Makati City; and the last leg of the Big Quiz Night will be at Aracama, 2/F, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

A group of three to five members may register at the entrance to join the Quiz Nights. They simply need to register at the door of any of these venues atleast an hour before the games begin.

The games will consist of two rounds namely elimination and finals round. The questions will come from these categories: Silver Screen, Red Carpet, and Surround Sound.

The team to get the most number of correct answers will be declared the winners and will receive special Oscar gift sets and cash prizes.  - The Lifestyle Portal

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