Author: Rochelle Sy Chua

November 11, 2011 was a special day mainly due to the rare 3 number combination: 11-11-11.  However, there’s one more thing that made that day cool.  You know what it is?  Well, when I got an invite via email saying that Smart, HTC and Beats will introduce new HTC smartphones in Republiq club, Resorts World, I already knew then that it would be an awesome and uber duper fun party.  Smart has been known to throw crazy fun parties.  So this time around, I wouldn’t wanna miss it!

Republiq was booked from 6-10PM exclusively for the Smart-HTC event.  Boy, I was really excited!  I wanted to know more about the new HTC smartphones because I heard that they are part of a new line to feature Beats Audio technology to deliver studio quality audio.  That explains why the launch was held at the most popular party place in the Metro today.

Before the event started, we took a look at the gallery where they featured Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.  I was drooling but I knew I won’t be able to purchase one for myself as the price range is between Php10,000 to Php 30,000.  I can’t afford them at the moment.  However, I’m sure that some of you who are willing to shell out money to get the best audio quality would not hesitate to get a pair.  They certainly looked awesome!  I wish I was able to try them out though.

While waiting for the big reveal of the new HTC smartphones, we posed for the camera.  Barely Toast was the official photographer for the event.  I knew the company takes awesome pictures so we had Barely Toast take our pictures.  I loved the pictures! <3

Smart and HTC started the show by introducing their companies and explaining how they entered into the partnership.  They also showed some videos of the Black Eyed Peas and what we can expect with the Beats Audio technology.

They didn’t just simply unveil the new HTC smartphones.  They did it with style!  Smart and HTC invited DJs and dancers to visually show us what to expect with the new HTC Sensation XE and HTC Sensation XL.  Both HTC smartphones will feature the Beats Audio Technology.

Let me share the information that Smart and HTC gave to us about the new HTC smartphones during the launch.  Enjoy and start planning your expenses as you might want to get a handset for yourself.  Do note that the phones are available in the Philippines through Smart Communications Wireless Centers and through HTC authorized retailers.

• HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio (Php 31,500)

Pushing the audio boundaries – the HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio indulges the scenes with the astounding sound profile of Beats Audio.  Bundled together with exclusive custom made Beats headset, the HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio instantly transports you to a world of your own with crystal clear vocals and audio tracks and a fuller bass that leaves your feet tapping.

Shape and form – 126.1 mm (L) X 65.4 mm (W) X 11.3 mm (T), Weight: 151 grams (with battery)

Serving up a power boost – powered by an enhanced 1.5 GHz dual core processor, the HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio takes surfing and switching between apps to the next level.  The boost in the processor promises accelerated speeds and a long battery life of 1730 mAh allows you to enjoy the experience of the phone for hours.

Enhanced Features with HTC Sense 3.0 – never let a great shot slip away again with the new instant capture camera feature.  the moment you press the button is the same moment the photo is captured – each time, every time.  The revamped lock screen has also been transformed into a preview window to all the good stuff on your phone.  You can now check up on your portfolio, view your friend’s social network status and more, all on the lock screen.

A phone that just makes sense – HTC Sense is an experience designed around many little insightful ideas.  Ideas that seem so simple, you think “why hasn’t any one else thought of that? It just makes sense”.  It’s a phone experience full of lots of little surprises, delighting you every time.  Surprise yourself with simple things like flipping the phone to silence it, navigate roads with not just a map but a compass too or simply tap a word or phrase during your read and look it up on Wikipedia, Google, YouTube or the dictionary.

• HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio (Php 32,500)

Amplify your screen – the HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio is engineered to deliver an unsurpassed visual experience with its massive 4.7-inch WVGA screen display.  With its new superb lightweight upbeats headset, the HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio showcases outstanding multimedia content, bestowing you a phone that impresses the senses.

Shape and form – 132.5 mm (L) X 70.7 mm (W) X 9.9 mm (T), Weight: 162.5 grams (with battery)

Impressive from every angle – sporting a super sleek 9.9mm side profile, the HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio is designed to exude a premium look and feel inside and out.  Showcasing a pristine white chassis, this super phone boasts of both stunning aesthetics and functionality.

Enhanced features with HTC Sense 3.5 – never let a great shot slip away again with the new instant capture camera feature.  the moment you press the button is the same moment the photo is captured – each time, every time.  The revamped lock screen has also been transformed into a preview window to all the good stuff on your phone.  You can now check up on your portfolio, view your friend’s social network status and more, all on the lock screen.

A phone that just makes sense – HTC Sense is an experience designed around many little insightful ideas.  Ideas that seem so simple, you think “why hasn’t any one else thought of that? It just makes sense”.  It’s a phone experience full of lots of little surprises, delighting you every time.  Surprise yourself with simple things like flipping the phone to silence it, navigate roads with not just a map but a compass too or simply tap a word or phrase during your read and look it up on Wikipedia, Google, YouTube or the dictionary.

Oh, before I forget, both phones will have SmartNet installed 😀

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Smart, HTC and Beats launch HTC Sensation XE and HTC Sensation XL
HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio (Php 31,500)
HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio (Php 32,500)
Smart Communications & HTC authorized retailers

A lot of people have been joining the Apple bandwagon.  Yes, Apple-branded gadgets are getting more popular by the minute.  Ever since I bought my first Apple-branded product (iBook), I became a super Apple fanatic.  Apple just kept innovating products that make us want & need them.  My iPhone, iPod and Macbook Pro are things that I use every single day.

One downside for me is the price of those gadgets.  Boy, they are surely expensive!  Most of my earnings over the recent years were used to buy gadgets and its available accessories.  I never regretted buying them as they made my life easier.

All Apple-branded gadgets has a one-year limited warranty.  I made it a point to always avail an AppleCare Protection Plan for my Apple laptops so I can get 3 years limited warranty.

As you all know, the AppleCare Protection Plan doesn’t cover everything. It has limitations. Among them is:

(ii) Damage to the Covered Equipment caused by accident, abuse, neglect, misuse (including faulty installation, repair, or maintenance by anyone other than Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider), unauthorized modification, extreme environment (including extreme temperature or humidity), extreme physical or electrical stress or interference, fluctuation or surges of electrical power, lightning, static electricity, fire, acts of God or other external causes;

Well, good news!  You don’t have to worry anymore if you accidentally drop your Apple gadget or if some bad person steals your precious Apple-branded product.  Because Protect + is now here to cover that.

What is Protect +?

Protect + is a new “gadget” that will fortify your Apple experience. It is a very practical tool that will enhance the protection of your Apple gadget specifically Macbook, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, iMac, iMac Mini, iPad, iPod (no iPhones sorry).

Protect + ensures that your gadgets are repaired or replaced conveniently without interrupting your activities. It is an extension to your AppleCare warranty that covers theft and accidental damages to your Apple gadget.

It offers you a FREE 30-day trial within 7 days from date of purchase. Apple Protect Plus has flexible terms when it comes to duration of coverage and payment of premiums. It is available to you within 14 days from date of purchase.

Sometimes, we just have no control over thieves who may break in to our private space and unexpected things could happen to our gadget, let someone else worry about it. PhilFire Protect + will be there to take the hassle.

Protect + Benefits

Philfire will indemnify the insured against the cost of Repair or the Replacement of the Equipment (with similar specifications, which may be by way of refurbished equipment).

Philfire Insurance shall only be liable to pay for a maximum of (2) Repairs during the period of Insurance.

Protect + Coverage

• 12 Months Protection from Accidental Damage
• Standard Repairs and Unit Replacement
• 12 Months Protection from Theft

Flexible payment terms are available.

Protect+ is just an extension to AppleCare 1 or 3 years warranty, not a replacement.

How to Activate Protect+


1. Visit your nearest DigitalHub store to purchase your favorite apple gadget.
2. Ask for assistance from the sales representative to register for the 30-day free trial of the Protect Plus.
3. Visit the PhilFire website at http://www.philfire.com.ph
4. Click on the Products and choose “Protect+”
5. Create your own account by supplying your personal information and details of your purchase. (Purchase should be within 7 Days of purchase)
6. Successful Registration will be confirmed by means of an email verification of your purchase details.
7. For 6 and 12 months coverage, your insurance policies will be delivered to your preferred addresses

It’s really nice that Digital Hub, a leading Apple reseller in the Philippines, is offering 30-day free trial of the Protect +.  Since this is a new service, a lot of people might need some time to decide if they want to get additional insurance.  Well, once I get a new iMac by next year (or next next year:P), I’ll make sure I’ll get both AppleCare Protection Plan and Protect +.  I want to feel secure with my possessions and wouldn’t want to stress about it.  Accidents are inevitable and it’s something we cannot control.  So I’m really glad that Philfire has this new service.

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Protect +
Philippine Fire and Marine Insurance Corporation (PhilFire)
For more inquiries, you can visit any DigitalHub stores.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is my favorite bank.  I have been a client since I can’t remember when.  BPI just makes banking so easy for all of us and they kept coming up with more ways to make clients happy.

BPI has done it again this time as they celebrate their 160th anniversary.  BPI has teamed up with Globe Telecom to launch a commemorative Tattoo broadband stick that allows access to BPI Express Online and other BPI sites even without any prepaid load.  Gee, this is just too awesome!

During the launch, BPI and Globe executives shared with us what the product is all about.  They gamely answered all the questions that we had to ask about the new Tattoo BPI 160th anniversary stick.

So how is this product gonna make our lives easier?  What are the things that was made possible through the BPI and Globe tie-up?

Me and some fellow bloggers were able to try it out during the event.  It’s really cool as I observe what BPI 160th Commemorative Globe Tattoo Stick can do.  Especially for a heavy BPI Express Online user like me, this makes me so much happier.  Times like those made me realize that choosing Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) as my bank was something I did right! 🙂

BPI 160th Commemorative Tattoo Stick

• open to all BPI, BPI Family Savings Bank or BPI Direct accountholders enrolled in BPI Express Online.
• Regular Price: Php 995 —> BPI Price: Php 835
• available for orders from October 15 to December 31, 2011 (this is a limited offering so I suggest you get it).
• Ordering is done through www.mybpi160.com via online form.
• payments shall be made through BPI Express Online’s Bill Payment facility.
• delivery is nationwide and FREE of charge.
• delivery will be completed within 2-3 working days for Metro Manila and 5-10 working days for provincial orders.
• connect to the internet at up to 3.6 Mbps even while on the go.
• FREE 120 surfing hours valid for five (5) days PLUS 250 SMS to all networks valid for one (1) day
• you can access BPI Express Online and select BPI sites, without using up your prepaid load until December 31, 2012
• Call from your computer or laptop with the limited edition BPI-Globe tattoo stick
• 6-month expiry of no-load sim card still in effect
• reload via BPI Express Online, Express Phone, Express Mobile, Express ATM machines or through Globe prepaid cards, AutoloadMAX, Share-a-load and GCash.

Since it’s BPI’s 160th anniversary, they are giving us a chance to win a Blackberry from Globe!  In order to qualify for the raffle, we’ll need to reload our 160th Commemorative Tattoo Stick via BPI’s Express Online channels (every Php 100 load = 1 raffle coupon).  Reloading promo runs from October 15 to December 31, 2011. Isn’t it too cool?

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BPI 160th Commemorative Globe Tattoo Stick
A partnership between BPI and Globe Tattoo
Php 835
http://www.mybpi160.com