Got an iPhone? Then head on to Appstore and get the latest Knotlink app. Now available for download. For more info, read below:

ADVERTORIAL  

I've been trying to do some mid-year financial management stuff to be a more responsible adult (*ahem*) when I chanced upon this great news from PSBank. Based on the news here in my town with all the ATM skimming and sudden deactivated card concerns, this is a terrific update and one I couldn't be more happier to find out and tell you about.


Philippine Savings Bank, more commonly known as PSBank, aims to deliver new products and services this year that provides a seamless banking experience for its customers. I'm a huge fan of technology, even if my folks raised me with the conventional way of balancing books and using a checking account. I find that using an online system and computerized money management gives me an edge, and not just because Math is the bane of my existence and it has never been my strong suit. And besides, with my precious work hours, I don't have time to visit banks always or wait 48 years in line for my turn. Tee hee! Having online access really is the best thing that ever happened to banking.

So with that being said, I am super pleased to know and share with you that PSBank is launching ATM Lock, a mobile-based service that allows clients to lock their ATM cards from use for as long as they prefer and unlock them when needed. Isn't that awesome? I mean, it adds great security for people concerned about ATM theft and having a peace of mind knowing that deposits are safe in ATM accounts.

The ATM Lock feature protects us further from fraudulent withdrawals from our ATM deposits. This is a wonderful action taken by PSBank. But why should you use ATM Lock? Here's two reasons:

1. It is CONVENIENT because you can closely monitor the status of your ATM cards anytime, anywhere.

2. It is SECURE because the lock system provides an additional layer of protection to PSBank ATM cardholders from ATM loss, theft, and skimming.

So if you are one of those people who unfortunately had a bad experience with ATMs, the time for worrying is over. Fret no more! PSBank is saving us a lot of trouble with their new ATM Lock. This is a really practical tool that can prevent those awful situations from happening ever again.



Now isn't that what clients and customers really need? Yes! And PSBank has delivered it!

For assistance and inquiries, call PSBank’s 24-hour Customer Experience hotline at (02) 845-8888, chat with us at PSBank LiveChat via www.psbank.com.ph, or visit any PSBank branch.

 

ADVERTORIAL

My nuclear family may be very small but I have an extended family that's very tight and close-knit. I guess you could say that goes for most Filipino families including ones living abroad. I remember when I was little, back in the 80s, and we get a high amount of long distance calls from loved ones sending us their greetings. There were also snail mails and cards sent with pictures and if we're lucky, maybe even a dollar or $20!

Fast forward to the present, some almost 30 years later since those times we had to walk to the telephone company and get into a booth to make a long distance phone call, getting in touch with people you love and family who are away has become just a click or two. Kids these days will never understand having to speak with a telephone operator to ring another person's phone. With today's technology, anyone can get in touch with almost anyone instantaneously!

Such things we take for granted, but not too long ago we had a moment of truth slapped to our faces when Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck our city last year. Phone lines died when the storm came in full force and our connection to the outside world, to the people who mattered to us, were succinctly cut. For days the only means to communicate was having to catch an elusive signal with very limited power supply just to get help and inform loved ones of our current status. Que horror. I never want to live through that again!

Since I work online, when I couldn't connect to the Internet, I was frantic! Our old DSL connection took months to get repaired so when PLDT finally came to town, of course, my in-laws who run a leading travel company in Ormoc signed up for it. I was able to resume work and get on with life. After all, tragedies occur and it's very important to keep on living. We got the 10 mbps package because there was a major need to book flights and a reliable connection was absolutely necessary. Because it was also the season of sharing and giving, we lent internet connection via WiFi to people who needed to go online to contact their worried friends and family. Using Skype or Facetime was a dream with the fast PLDT connection and we were even able to watch TV shows we missed post-Yolanda. Concerned people from all over were relieved to see updates we posted on our social media sites about how we coped up and survived the catastrophe. We were able to help ourselves and help other people at the same time. Apparently, having a stronger connection to the Internet gives you stronger family relations.

Throwback from December 2013.  #TBT

One of the things I learned then is that family will always be there for you. I was able to reach out to cousins and relatives who I hardly hear from, but because they were genuinely concerned about our well-being after the typhoon, we were able to connect and re-connect through Facebook chat and iMessages. Blood is definitely thicker than water so to speak.

Meet PLDT EVP and head of HOME business Ariel Fermin (left) and and PLDT VP and head of HOME marketing Gary Dujali (right).

I wasn't surprised to learn that PLDT HOME received a tribute in this year’s Araw Awards for the success of “Project Evolution” and “Ask Diego” campaigns, which are under the PLDT HOME Telpad and PLDT HOME DSL brands, respectively. The Branded Communications: Responsible Parenting category was where these two products garnered awards under. PLDT executive vice president and head of HOME business Ariel Fermin stated, “This inspires PLDT HOME to further deliver its commitment of benefiting Filipino families and homes by keeping them at the heart of our services and innovations.”

Indeed it is quite the honor to be given this tribute because the award-giving body, the Araw Awards, is dedicated to values in advertising and marketing communications. By promoting positive values and basic ideals of the rich Filipino cultural heritage like the family unit and national pride, as well as respect for elders, relationship with God, and so on. It's nice knowing that PLDT reflects this kind of social responsibility in their multi-sector industry. You can read more about how PLDT HOME champions family values with double wins in Araw Awards by clicking HERE.



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PRESS RELEASE






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Back in October, way before the supertyphoon Haiyan (Yolanda) ruined my Christmas plans, I was in the market for an iPhone 5S. I actually applied for a new Globe postpaid subscription (though recently changed my mind about getting one from SMART instead). However, this Christmas wish will probably be put on hold until we get to recover from the mess that Haiyan (Yolanda) made.

So in the meantime, I'm going to share with you an infographic on the "Latest Mobile Phones Sales Statistics & Usage Trends". Here's hoping this will help you decide on on what to get (or ask Santa to bring you) this Christmas season.


This Infographic is produced by Coupon Audit (provides Express coupons) and Basta Igat Sikat.

 <br /> <img style="max-width: 100%;" src="http://www.couponaudit.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Android-Dominance-And-Consistent-Increase-In-Overall-Smartphones-Usage16.jpg" alt="Latest Mobile Phones Sales Statistics & Usage Trends" /></p> <p> </a></p> <p> This Infographic is produced by <a href="http://www.couponaudit.com/coupons/express">Coupon Audit (provides Express coupons) </a> and <a href="http://www.bastaigatsikat.com">Basta Igat Sikat</a>. </p> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;">
Feel free to copy/paste the code above to share the inforgraphic on your blogs and html pages. 

Looking at the images and charts, it's pretty obvious that Android OS and Samsung is leading the market. I, for one, will not be getting an Android device and even one from Samsung. Why? 'Coz you know I'm an Apple fan girl. LOL. No really, I am comfortable with iOS and I got tons of paid apps that I don't think I can live without.

What about you guys? Are you a die-hard Apple fan, too? If not, do leave a comment below with your current mobile phone brand and model then try to convince me to switch to Android or any other kind of smartphone. *wink*



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Apparently I haven't been buying gadgets or reviewing any in the recent months. I can't even remember my last consumer electronics splurge; though if my memory serves me correctly it's been a year since I bought my Panasonic Lumix LX7. That's life, I guess. Change of priorities. Then I just started to become a beauty blogger, too.

Recently though I was tasked to make purchases for my FIL and MIL because they needed mobile computers. Of course, they're not power users so I recommended some ultrabooks because I've read so many great reviews about it. We ended up buying an ASUS Vivobook X202 and Lenovo S210. These two run on Windows 8 and both come with touch screen displays. OMGWTFBBQ. I am so behind, technologically-speaking.

Asus Vivobook X202E-CT333H 11.6" Touchscreen Laptop (Gray)

Lenovo S210T-59383240 Multi-Touch 11.6" Laptop (White)

My first impressions? Apparently, I'm very impressed! First and foremost, the startup and shutdown time. I have issues with computers booting for 48 years and a lifetime to turn it off. With these ultrabooks, it feels like turning on/off a tablet!

Both ultrabooks have the same specs except for the Lenovo a bit clocked higher at 1.60 GHz compared to Asus with just 1.50 GHz. The difference is not earth-shattering as their Windows Experience Index ratings are as follows: Lenovo at 4.5 and Asus at 4.3.


Personally, I type a lot so I prefer the Asus one... and it's all because of the brushed aluminum chassis. It makes typing feel so much better and more solid with every keyboard click. And I can't help but agree that for a budget-priced laptop, the Asus VivoBook X202 looks like a million bucks! Think Macbook Air from Apple minus the backlit keyboard. For me, the Lenovo feels more like a netbook because of the white matte plastic case and its touchpad is not as responsive as the one in Asus.


They both came with Windows 8 64-bit and installing 64-bit programs like Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom and MS Office is a breeze. I thought I was going to experience hiccups with the dual core CPUs since I've been accustomed to using an i7 for 2 years now, but it was not the case. Photoshop and Lightroom performed well and the programs opened and closed quickly! Perfect when you're in a rush. Now I'm thinking, this is the best blogger's budget laptop! With a 4gb of RAM, HDMI port (and even has VGA!), USB 2 and 3, and an SD card reader, it's got everything I need for creative writing! I think I might score one myself as I'm eyeing the red version of the 14-inch Asus Vivobook S400 ultrabook, which comes in either an i5 or a cheaper i3 processor. It's about time I get myself a mobile computer. Ahem. I've been working on a desktop for 2 years now. ;) Then again, I'll need to save up for one or maybe if Lady Luck is on my side, I might just win an ultrabook and if someone should sponsor me one (even just a loaner unit), I'm all ears and just an email away. Tee hee!

So how much are these babies? Well, I'm happy to say that the prices for both are very budget-friendly. The Lenovo was priced at PHP 19,999.00 and the Asus Vivobook X202 was PHP 20,995.00. Incredible, isn't it? I bought my mom's Asus EEE PC back in 2009 for freaking PHP 23,995!!!

Now, I have another confession to make. I have never used Windows 8 until now and I think it's really neat! Na uwat jud ko! The touchscreen on these ultrabooks/laptops make browsing so good! I mean, I so prefer using the fingers on the touchscreen over using the touchpad or a mouse. Everything is fluid like in iOS, which was pretty surprising to me, given my not so very pleasant experience with Windows that prompted me to switch to Mac!

The Lenovo or the Asus ultrabook is like an iPad but with keyboards!!! IKR. I'm so late and I need to be updated with technology now. I used to be such a gadget girl and a geek, but then life happened. LOL! So yeah, maybe now it's another time for a cool change? ^_^

So between the two, obviously the ASUS gets my thumbs up!

We bought these computers from Lazada Philippines and I have a P200 discount code if you guys are interested. You can use it in your next purchase at the online shop and it doesn't have to be a laptop. Also, did you know that you can do BDO installments when you buy from Lazada PH? CLICK HERE TO GO TO LAZADA PH!

If this code no longer works, PM me!  If you're nice, I may have a couple more to spare. ;)

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Not on GetGlue? Well, you're missing out on the fun! I am a huge fan of it and today, I just got my stickers! How to get your real GetGlue stickers is very easy. I'll show you how in a minute. But first, let me just say that I've been using GetGlue since 2011 and the first time I requested a set of stickers back then, I DIDN'T GET ANY!!! Hmmpf. But then I thought I'd try to request once more since I have unlocked these whole lot of stickers now...

My stickers as of July 2013.

I actually thought of deleting my GetGlue app back in 2012 when they stopped supporting check-ins to Books, just because I had lots of check-ins to those. But then I still watch a lot of movies and follow TV shows and it's a great place to interact with fans and people who have stuff to say. I rant when I hate a character or just whine about why a show has been canceled. Boooo! So yeah, I also tend to avoid checking in before I watch something because THIS IS SPOILER HEAVEN... OR HELL!!! LOL. So I check-in AFTER I watch something. ^_^

As of writing this, I have 625 check-ins and 109 followers. Hey, add me up, will ya? CLICK HERE!!! Noodle Boy was pretty impressed when my stickers arrived today because he actually forgot he even had a GetGlue account! Upon logging back in, we were laughing at his poor 53 check-ins only. ROFLOL. I, for one, am a big social network freak so it's not a surprise that I basically have an account with all major and popular social sites. Tee hee. Foursquare, anyone?

Stickers from GETGLUE!

So anyways, here's how to get real copies of your GETGLUE stickers. I used my desktop computer in doing so and not on a mobile device.

Login to your account. I personally just login using my Facebook account.

Check your GetGlue stickers and pick 20 of the ones you like.

GetGlue ships only 20 stickers at a time. So my first set is here and now I am requesting for another batch. Yey! I have 69 stickers currently so I think it might take a while to get them all because you can only request once per month.