Smart Infinity Introduces New Brand Ambassadors

Smart Infinity recently announced their new brand ambassadors, retail power couples Donnie and Crickette Tantoco and Raul and Joanna Francisco at Provenance Art Gallery, Shangri-la at The Fort.

Together, the two couples have come on board to support Smart Infinity in its goal of delivering topnotch service to Filipinos.

As transformative figures in their fields of influence, the Tantocos and the Franciscos seek to bridge gaps for the Filipino. They full embody the vision of Smart Infinity of allowing every member to experience the best of the digital world while curating these experiences according to their passions. 

Smart Infinity ambassador Donnie Tantoco describes how he makes the choices that set the trends. “First of all, we have to understand our customer very, very well–how she likes to dress herself in the different occasions of her life, whether she’s at work, whether she’s socializing, whether she’s travelling. So we try to understand her lifestyle.” “If you look at the DNA of Smart and the innovation they have done over the years, I think I see them parallel with us in our own small way that we are also innovators. 

We embrace that DNA of leading change, we saw this is something we can really integrate into our lives — the privileges, the services, the concierge,” says new brand ambassador Raul Francisco. 

Smart also recently launched a new logo and along with it, a slew of innovations that make it easier for its members to fully live the Smart Life.

“We want to recognize not only those who have conquered their boundaries and attained success in their own lives, but those who have done well in sparking change in other people’s lives as well. We want to inspire others to follow suit by providing them excellent technology and services -- tools they need to start leading the change”, says Julie Carceller, Head of Smart Infinity and Smart’s Multi-Segment Marketing. 

Held at the Provenance Art Gallery at the Fort, the launch provided a well-curated experience for guests as they were treated to an evening of exquisite art, food, and music. Apart from the introduction of Smarty Infinity’s new ambassadors, guests were given a glimpse of the premium lifestyle that is in store for Smart Infinity members through featuring the limited edition Samsung S7 Edge Silver, Samsung Gear VR, and the new Samsung Gear 360. 

All 3 devices may be enjoyed with a Plan 8000, while Plan 5000 members receive the Samsung S7 Edge Silver with a Samsung Gear 360. On top of these devices, Smart Infinity curates the plan according to the needs of members; whether you’re a traveler that needs to stay in touch, a family that stays connected to each other through a reliable network, or even enthusiasts who seek more out of life and their mobile needs. Smart Infinity enables you to lead the change through priority services and exclusive privileges such as a dedicated Infinity officer, a worldwide concierge, and access to special events.

Visit smart.com.ph/infinity or get updates from the brand on Instagram @smartinfinity

My Year with Smart Infinity: 8 Things I Love

You know you're a Tita na when the basic phone plans just won't cut it.

I need Internet 24/7. I most especially need it when I travel. I make calls and texts to family, friends, the household staff. I don't need bill shock, at the end of each billing cycle. Most of all I don't want to have to wait in line to pay for my bill.

Fortunately, I upgraded to Smart Infinity last year, and I get all that and more, with my 3500 Consumable Plan. It is so worth it! Here are 8 reasons why:

1. I got first dibs when they launched the iPhone 6. Which was a huge thing, given that the phones practically sold out as soon as they hit the stores. The latest phones out now for Smart Infinity subscribers are the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, Samsung Edge Plus and Note 5 devices. You may get them free, when you sign up to Smart Infinity.

2. It's a Travel enabler.  For really frequent flyers, Smart Infinity's Enhanced Roaming Plan will really take bill shock out of the equation. Another great travel experience with Smart Infinity? PAL Mabuhay Miles bundled with your new phone!

Since I don't travel as heavily as I did before, I just use Smart Surf Abroad, where I basically just spend Php550/day for my internet use while abroad. It's available to all Smart subscribers, actually. I'm huge on phone use, more so when I am abroad because I like to stay in contact with Dada and/or the kids back home, I use Waze to get around, get an Uber ride, or just share photos on my IG account.

3. Shopping! Oh yes. With Smart Infinity, you get your elixir of choice. If shopping is more your thing, there's the SSI Purple Card to take care of your fix.

My Smart Infinity privileges definitely came in handy when Dada had to go on a business trip, and he needed a casual winter jacket. Used my stash of Purple Cards at Marks & Spencer, and walked away with this classic quilted jacket he's always had his eye on. Loved that we got it, almost for free!

4. More gadgets! My Smart Infinity x Switch gift cards came to the rescue when I needed a new Macbook to replace my Macbook Pro that got dropped and would no longer turn on. Such a lifesaver,  given that it subsidised a substantial chunk of the cost of my Macbook Air, and for this alone, my Smart Infinity plan was worth it! 

5. One of a kind experiences. Like the Trifecta launch I attended, featuring BenCab + Samsung Note 5 partnership. To watch BenCab himself draw Sabel live, that was breathtaking!

6. First dibs on tickets to musical spectacles!  It has become tradition for Smart Infinity to bring over all the world-class, must-watch musicals, because they do not only aim to provide the best mobile service, they also want to offer the most delightful experiences to their subscribers. Last year it was Chicago. 

This year, it's Les Miserables! I've seen this years ago in London, and I cannot wait to take Berry to see it here!

7. When it's time to pay the bill, No lines! While technically, bills can be paid online, or via an auto-debit arrangement with your bank, it's good to know that Smart Infinity subscribers no longer need to line up if they have to pay at a Smart center. Just say you're a Smart Infinity subscriber, and you can take the express lane, when paying your bills. Because time is luxury!

8. Giving back + More. Smart Infinity is not just about the unbeatable phone service, fancy affairs, gadgets and treats. Smart Infinity donates to the PLDT-Smart Foundation to help fund their causes.

Smart Infinity also gives us practical perks, with First Call 24/7, a new way to get professional health care advice whenever, wherever. Service is free for Metro Manila subscribers until December 31, 2015. Call *800 or your Infinity Relationship Officer to learn more about First Call 24/7.

I've had a great year with Smart Infinity, I can't wait to see what's in store for  2016! Really, I cannot  imagine going back to a basic plan, after this!

It's about time you enjoy these exclusive plans, perks and privileges with Smart Infinity too! For more about Smart Infinity, visit www.smart.com.ph/infinity. 

MFO Paris Series: The Airbnb Apartment

The first thing I did when I got to our Airbnb apartment after freshening up, was to head out to the pharmacy. 

On the way to one of the many I visited that afternoon, I happened to pass by the Arc de Triomphe, which was oh, just in the neighborhood. 

Crazy good right?!

Our Airbnb apartment was in the 8th arrondissement, a jewel box of a place (read as tiny but pretty, haha) that was clean, bright, airy and complete with all the comforts a traveler would need - washer/dryer, iron, ironing board, extra towels, hair dryer, etc. Our host even had a bottle of wine for us. I immediately felt right at home. Haha.

I loved that while the apartment was contemporary in look and feel, the floors were just as I would expect from Parisian apartments - with those classic chevron wood patterns.

Another plus? I had a full length mirror in my room, that was perfect for my outfit shots. Heehee.

This was the view from my first floor room. I lavettt!

Our apartment was right on Rue Washington, flanked by Avenue des Champs-Élysées on one end, and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré on the other end. Talk about Shopping Temptation Central.

Whenever we would head out towards Champs-Élysées, ito lang naman yung nasa dulo ng kanto. The Louis Vuitton flagship store.

We didn't have an espresso machine in the apartment, but we would get our coffee at the nearby Paul boulangerie, where we would sit outside and watch the early risers walk this scenic stretch of a sidewalk.

We had front row views of Champs-Élysées. Amazing how major this avenue is, but the traffic is nothing like ours here in Manila.

I think we only spent €200 a night for our apartment, which is extremely reasonable considering how well-equipped it is, and of course, the location can't be beat. Gotta love Airbnb. There's nothing like being in Paris and living like a local, in one of the best districts too.

Speaking of which, Airbnb has come up with a convenient mobile app that, through Smart, will now bring the world at the fingertips of Filipino travelers who are in search of a home away from home as well as an immersive travel experience. Read on to find out more:

The Smart x Airbnb Partnership

“A global pioneer in accommodations, Airbnb has revolutionized the way travelers search and book a suitable place to spend their getaways wherever they are headed around the world. It shows how a meaningful mobile innovation can shake things up and enrich the lives of people – and is very much aligned with our vision of a mobile-empowered lifestyle,” said Ariel Fermin, EVP and Head of Consumer Business at Smart.

To celebrate the groundbreaking partnership, all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid and Smart Bro subscribers may enjoy a P2500 discount for a minimum of P8,000 booking at any Airbnb-listed accommodation here and abroad.

Smart subscribers simply have to text SMARTAIRBNB to 2855 for FREE to receive the unique promo code that they can use to activate the discount whenever they complete their Airbnb booking.

The discount is limited to one booking per registered Philippine Airbnb user, but is open to all past and first-time bookers. Booking period us until March 31, 2016 with travel period until December 2016. For more details visit the Smart Airbnb page, and visit www.airbnb.com/smart to book.

Oh, and while in Paris, I did Smart Surf Abroad, which guarantees no bill shock on data roaming. I was on Waze, Instagram, Whats App, Viber, checking my emails and all that, the entire day, for 10 days and I only paid Php5,500 on data roaming charges.

Yes, I lived a pretty Smart Life while in Paris, staying in an Airbnb apartment and staying connected via Smart Surf Abroad. Too bad we missed out on this Smart x Airbnb discount offer, but there's plenty of time to use this for the next trip. Woohoo!

Next up: Pumping breast milk while traveling. Yes, it can be done!

Get Your Rose Gold iPhone 6s via SMART x UBER

Get the covetable Rose Gold iPhone 6s delivered in style right at your doorstep as unrivaled mobile services leader Smart Communications teams up with Uber, the world's most popular ride-sharing service, for the first ever iPhone midnight delivery service in the Philippines. 

Available from 12 am to 4 am of Nov. 6, the official launch day of the latest iPhones in the country, the service allows you to request the Rose Gold iPhone 6s (16GB) unit worth Php 35,990 delivered wherever you are in Metro Manila via the Uber app. 

Ordering your Rose Gold iPhone 6s (16GB) via the Smart-Uber midnight delivery service is simple, fast and convenient with these steps: 

1. Download the Uber app and allow location access 

2. Register / sign-in with your account 

3. Choose the Smart iPhone6s option 

4. Look for the Rose Gold car near you and input your delivery location for both the pick-up and destination fields 

5. Click on Request to get the iPhone 6s delivered to you. 

As soon as you've made the request, you shall receive a verification call from a Smart Representative, who will confirm your purchase and your payment method. Upon confirmation, your brand new iPhone will be on its way. Don’t forget to prepare your debit or credit card (strictly no cash payments) and valid ID to complete the transaction with the Smart Representative.

You can pay in 12-month installment at 0% interest if you opt for a credit card transaction. As an added perk, all iPhone 6s deliveries come with P2,000 worth of Rustan's gift certificates! 

Smart's ZERO handset cashout offer for iPhone 6s at and iPhone 6s is until December 31, 2015. To know more about Smart's unbeatable iPhone plans, visit www.smart.com.ph/iphone.

Smart Infinity offers Samsung Galaxy Note 5 BenCab Limited Edition

Smart Infinity, Smart Communications’ premium postpaid brand, has been known to delight its members by combining exquisite lifestyle experiences within the mobile space. With the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 BenCab Limited Edition, Smart Infinity offers its members the unique opportunity to own a masterpiece at the palm of their hands. 

Through this offer, Infinity takes mobile lifestyle experience to a whole new level by merging the latest smartphone technology and contemporary art via incorporating the invaluable aesthetics of National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera. 

Now, Smart Infinity members can live the Smart Life with a timeless masterpiece on hand. “It doesn’t get any better than owning a BenCab masterpiece,” said Julie Carceller, head of Smart Infinity. “Brilliant art by an artist as gifted as BenCab should not only be confined in one’s home or inside the museum,” she added. 

Limited edition 

Smart Infinity’s Limited Edition BenCab smartphone includes an exclusive Samsung Galaxy Note 5 with phone edition number engraved on its back, a BenCab commemorative art book, a BenCab designed protective hardcover, certificate of authenticity, BenCab’s digital wallpaper art and pre-installed Samsung Art Apps. This rich collection of BenCab works can easily resolve any art enthusiast’s fix for aesthetics every day.

“We recently held an event with BenCab, who delicately crafted an on-the-spot masterpiece using the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, demonstrating the convergence of art and technology by digitally illustrating his Sabel-inspired creation. Merging technology and traditional art to fit a specific and elegant lifestyle definitely represents Smart Infinity’s vision for its member,” added Julie Carceller.

“We are very proud of this partnership. This exemplifies the Smart Life by empowering our subscribers’ passions with the power of digital lifestyle.” This once-in-a-lifetime offer is available via Smart Infinity’s Consumable LTE Plan 5000, which provides its subscribers with 400 texts, 4005 pesos worth of consumable credits and 30GB of monthly data allocation. And in the tradition of providing exclusive treats to its subscribers, Smart Infinity is also giving away free 10 thousand Lifestyle options or 13 thousand Mabuhay Miles upon subscribing of this exclusive offer.

Aside from Consumable LTE Plan 5000, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 BenCab Limited Edition offer is also available in Smart Infinity’s Consumable LTE Plan 3500 and Consumable LTE Plan 8000. Own a piece of BenCab’s exclusive art works alongside the sleek and sought-after Samsung Galaxy Note 5 smartphone now.

For more information, please call the Smart Infinity hotline 848-8806 or visit Smart Infinity’s website http://smart.com.ph/infinity/samsungnote5.

SMART Infinity Brings Les Misérables to Manila + A Trifecta of Treats

"Look down, look down, don't look them in the eye!"

Actually, I'm going to look you in the eye and tell it to you straight, SMART Infinity is bringing Les Misérables to Manila, this March 2016! 

Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schonberg's legendary musical finally lands here, and SMART Infinity users are offered FIRST DIBS to ticket purchasing and a 10% discount, from September 29 to October 29, 2015.

Non-Infinity users still have a chance to enjoy privileges of course, just subscribe to Plan 5000 or Plan 8000 and you get two (2) VIP Orchestra tickets, a Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and your choice of PAL Mabuhay Miles/Purple Card/Switch gift cards plus a free download of the entire soundtrack of Les Misérables via Spinnr. This offer is also available when members opt for the latest Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+.

A theatrical showcase, fancy phones and shopping/travel - if that doesn't make an Infinity subscriber special, I don't know what else will.

According to Julie Carceller, Head of SMART Infinity, "SMART Infinity has always been about the unique lifestyle it provides befitting the most discerning clientele. In a nutshell, it's all about the eloquence and grandeur of the world of privileges it brings along with the best and latest handheld devices."

She's talking about the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ and the Samsung Note 5 of course.

"The latest Samsung devices, the S6 Edge Plus and the Note 5 have arrived in style via SMART Infinity. We want our subscribers to know that we are pairing the latest devices with options that address your chosen passion." offered James Chi, marketing manager of SMART Infinity.

And speaking of passion, Julie Carceller invited National Artist, the master of Philippine contemporary art no less, Bencab onstage to demonstrate how art and technology can merge seamlessly in true SMART Infinity style. Seeing him onstage, drawing Sabel, a recurring character in his body of work, was breathtaking. I was in awe the entire time and couldn't peel my eyes off the screen.

Completing the trifecta of unparalleled perks available to SMART Infinity subscribers is TRAVEL. 

The SMART Infinity travel tradition allows its members uninterrupted connectivity and data usage while enjoying travel perks, such as getting as much as Php46,000 worth of PAL Mabuhay Miles for  Plan 5000 and Plan 8000. 

These miles can be used for travel to PAL destinations such as Singapore, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Melbourne, San Francisco, LA or London OR for upgrades to business class. 

Miles are transferable too. Plus, more good news! By December 1, Philippine Airlines will be flying to Cairns, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand from Manila.

*For Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 get the the Note 5 or Edge+ for free plus SSI Purple Gift Cards/Switch Gift Cards/PAL Mabuhay Miles. Note that Plan 8000 gets both the Note 5 or Edge+ for free.

Visit the SMART Infinity website to see the latest plans, exclusive experiences and perks available to subscribers.

Get FREE Instagram with SMART

I'm guilty of spending way too much time on Instagram. Too much time. It's really a time sucker.

I start my day just browsing photos, and two hours later, I realize I have to go and really start my day.

Not that I'm complaining. I love how I can document life, i.e. share photos of the kids, our trips, my shopping finds, sale announcements, fun ideas, and everything else that I want to remember via Instagram.

I actually started a new hashtag #EverydayWithBXT on IG, so it's easy for me to look up my photos of Berry, Xavi and Tepper. It's a lot of fun seeing all their photos in one neat little album.

And if you are a SMART subscriber, you can do the same too, I mean browse and post on Instagram everyday, because it is now FREE for all SMART postpaid and prepaid subscribers.

Prepaid subscribers can enjoy free Instagram browsing and posting up to 30MB per day, along with any prepaid promo such as All Text 20, Unli Call & Text 30, All in 99 and Mega 250, among many others. 

Users who subscribe to any of Smart’s Surf Plus Plans can enjoy the Free Instagram offer as part of their freebie app bundle for 30 days. 

“More than just connecting, Instagram has allowed its users to give their friends and families a peek into people and the things they love the most—from the most vivid details of their daily lives, to the most exciting things that they are currently passionate about,” said Ariel P. Fermin, Executive Vice President and Consumer Business Group Head at Smart.

“It’s more than just ‘sharing’, ‘liking’ or ‘commenting’—Instagram is giving Filipinos the chance to preserve their precious memories in visual form, and Smart is proud to provide access to all of these anytime, everywhere through our innovative mobile services,” Fermin added.

The Free Instagram offer comes on the heels of the company’s efforts to help its subscribers live the ‘Smart Life’, which gives them access to the best digital services and most meaningful innovations that allow them to live out their passions in life. 

Experience the “Smart Life” via FREE Instagram on your Smart phone, along with a vast world of entertainment through iflix, FOX, SPINNR, YouTube, and other services. 

For more information on this offer, go to http://www.smart.com.ph/freeinstagram.

No Credit Card? No Cash? No Problem!

Smart e-Money, Inc. (SMI), the mobile financial solutions arm of Smart Communications, Inc., in partnership with Citi Philippines and Visa recently unveiled Charge2Phone or C2P, the country’s first sticker-based Near Field Communication (NFC) payment solution that is expected to revolutionize the way we pay for face-to-face and online transactions. 

This innovative payment technology enables Smart and Sun postpaid subscribers to use their phones not only for SMS, calls and browsing services, but also to pay for small-ticket items. Because it is linked to the postpaid account, one’s mobile number may be used for online transactions. 

Designed to fit the back of one’s mobile phone device, C2P effectively transforms the mobile phone into a credit card or wallet. Smart huh?

Charge2Phone is just one of the many innovations available to Smart subscribers, that makes life,  convenient, more entertaining and worry-free. To know more about how you too can live the Smart Life, visit http://smart.com.ph/smartlife.

Fam Cam Bam

Who says you need to install a fancy CCTV system when you can check on your loved ones via your mobile phone when you are away from home? Presenting:

If you are a PLDT HOME DSL subscriber, you can get the new Fam Cam controlled via Telpad, so you can check on your family wherever you may be. 

This is perfect not only for parents who often travel out of town for work, but any parent who goes to the office or even just steps out for a couple of hours to run errands.

Thank goodness for newfangled gadgets that make it easier to be a parent in this day and age. Live worry-free and live the Smart Life ;)

Entertainment Everywhere

The kids and I hardly get to watch TV these days, so our main form of screen time entertainment really is watching YouTube on my SMART iPhone 6. 

We've been doing a couple of videos just for fun, but last week, Berry asked me to take a video of her doing a toy review.

She received My Little Pony Princess Twilight Sparkle ponies for her birthday, and she was so excited she asked me to upload. It's so cute, I just have to share it with you here! 

Another guilty pleasure of late is iflix. We got first dibs to try it out prior to the launch and I've got to say, this is the black hole of entertainment.

Think 10,000 hours of TV and movies from all over the world - from Hollywood blockbusters to Koreanovelas, to BBC documentaries. that we can watch whenever we want, wherever, 24/7 on our phone, laptop, tablet, and TV.

Dada and I used to subscribe to Netflix so iflix is pretty much our version here in Asia. I think we were paying $15 a month for our Netflix subscription, but iflix is way more affordable.

Launched in partnership with Smart and PLDT HOME, the monthly fee for iflix is only P99 (about $2) for PLDT HOME and Smart subscribers and P129* (about $3) for non-subscribers. 

Here's a sneak peek of what you can watch on iflix.

Annual subscriptions for unlimited access to iflix for one year will receive a 15% discount to monthly rate. Not a bad deal at all for something that the entire family can enjoy.

Be warned. If you have friends who are suddenly discussing plot twists of a TV series, or lacking sleep from watching entire seasons of their favorite series, I am almost sure iflix is responsible for their behavior.

Ok, I better go now. I'm off to meet Anthony Bourdain to explore Parts Unknown ;)

iflix is a partnership between SMART and PLDT HOME and Hollywood heavyweights, Catcha Group and Evolution Media Capital. Check out iflix now and see what it's about at https://iflix.com/. 

For more on how you too can live the SMART Life, visit http://www.smart.com.ph/smartlife

Travel in Style with the SMART Infinity S6 & S6 edge

These days, I find it impossible to travel without a mobile phone. Whether it's halfway across the world, or a few steps out of our front door.

I use it to research on restaurants or tourist attractions, to get to our destination via Waze, and to keep tabs on where my travel companions are, in case we get split up. It's a trusted tool in sending photos of shopping bilins real time to family and friends. That way, we can all decide on a purchase, real time too. Heehee.

But here's where it gets better. If you sign up for the Smart Infinity Prestige Plan 5000 or Premium Plan 8000, you get a Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge. 

Either device will come compliments of your chosen plan, and will also include complimentary Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles* that may be used for International or Domestic flights, along with other perks. 

For those who simply wish to avail of the Samsung Galaxy S6, the device will come compliments of Smart Infinity Plan 3500 for a limited time, or until May 31, 2015.

Should you choose to avail of the pure PAL Mabuhay Miles package (no phone), you'd get enough points to fly to Cebu, Singapore, Melbourne, even London or New York.

This is the first time that Smart Infinity grants its members an exceptional experience of receiving a new, premium device such as the Samsung S6 or S6 edge and being able to take it along to a dream destination.

Release of the phones will be on April 18, 2015 but interested subscribers may now register their interest at smart.com.ph/Infinity/S6.

Plus, if you avail of the S6 or S6 edge plan from March 27 to April 13, you will get a chance to win an exclusive 3 day/2 night stay in Shangri-la Boracay plus flights c/o PAL for two (2), to Boracay.

"We are very excited to unveil the Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge with a package perfectly designed to suit the impeccable taste of the discerning set, and cater to the demands of their active, multifaceted lifestyles,” said Julie Carceller, Head of the Smart Infinity Business Group at Smart. 

“This is an offer that will allow our members to enjoy the best of both worlds – that is, the advantage of using a high-style, highly functional smartphone running on the country’s largest and most advanced mobile network, and the pleasures of exclusive perks on top of the renowned personalized service they can only expect from Smart Infinity,” added Carceller. 

“At Smart Infinity, it’s all about the experience. Beyond just providing superior network services and the latest, sought-after devices, we understand that Smart Infinity members are achievers who seek new experiences in life and leisure. Thus, we are providing plans that give our members the latest Samsung Galaxy devices which are tools for success, plus PAL Mabuhay Miles to serve our members unforgettable moments to celebrate their achievements.” said James Chi, Marketing Manager from Smart Infinity. 

For more about this offer, and the perks and privileges of being a Smart Infinity subscriber, visit http://smart.com.ph/infinity/S6.