Fernando Esguerra, Globe OIC for Corporate Social Responsibility, demonstrates how TxtHIV operates. With him are (from L-R): PNAC Executive Director Dr. Chito Avelino; S&S TechnologiesPhilippines President and CEO Mark Soriano; and PHANSUP Chairman Oscar Picazo.

There are only seven countries in the world which are experiencing a steady increase in the number of HIV cases and the Philippines is one of them. The Philippines received 12 new cases of HIV daily in 2013 from only one case in 2009, with 95% of them involving males. Since 1984, 17,450 Filipinos have been reported with HIV, 1,599 of them have progressed into AIDS.

With this increasing number of HIV cases in the Philippines, Globe Telecom in collaboration with key partner organization launches the “TxtHIV to 8504” campaign. It's a SMS-based information, counselling and clinic referral drive for people who wants to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but are afraid of facing societal discrimination.

With your Globe postpaid or prepaid mobile number, you can just text HIV to 8504 and answer five yes or no questions via an interactive voice recording to check if testing is necessary. You will then be provided with contact details and addresses of the nearest specialized accredited health centers where you can go for assessment, counseling, and immediate treatment. All calls will remain very impersonal and confidential.

At present, only one percent of the general population has been tested for HIV since most people are afraid to ask for help or simply do not know where to get information.

So if you think you are at risk, you should really take the first step. TxtHIV to 8504!

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Banking used to be time consuming, and generally inconvenient –especially for people with full-time employment.

“Customers can be reluctant to visit branches, and it is more likely than ever that these customers will switch their main banking relationship. To cope with this change, banks today are striving to provide a strong digital channels offering,” says Ahmid Khidir of Misys Banking Solutions.

Mobile banking is one solution that is making the necessity of using your bank a simpler and faster process and an overall better experience. Are you thinking about getting started, but not sure where to begin? Here is a beginner’s guide to banking on your phone.

Registration

There are a number of different mobile apps that will allow you to bank from your phone. They are typically offered through your bank though there are third-party apps as well. If you’re just getting started with mobile apps, steer clear of the third-party applications. They may have security risks that apps don’t.

Text alerts vs. service applications

Stay on top of your account activity by having your bank send you a text message when your balance has reached below a certain amount or when a bill needs to be paid. They are also used to prevent fraud, such as in situations where someone may be trying to gain access to your online account.

Alternatively, you can download an app. "A technology-savvy consumer will use an application to pay bills or buy a mobile ticket and pay for the transaction in an intuitive way. A number literate person may prefer IVR (interactive voice response) or menu-driven means," says Srinivas Nidugondi, head of mobile financial solutions at Comviva.

Security

It was alluded to above – use service-provider applications (i.e. ones from your bank) primarily. Don’t click banking links you received in a text message or email unless you have specifically requested it at that point in time. You may enter your information for someone else to steal.

Ensure that you are not connected to public networks when using apps on your phone. Wi-Fi is easily hacked, so you shouldn’t share sensitive information while connected to them.

Keep a lock on your phone with a difficult password, or better yet always log out of your mobile banking. If you lose your phone, information can end up in the wrong hands.

Always download the app updates as they often contain repairs for flaws in security.

Functionalities

Banking apps are offering more functions than just checking your balance and receiving alerts. Here are a few.

Transferring and Depositing Money

Apps such as the Barclays PingIt App allow you to transfer money to friends and family using just their mobile number, which makes it even more secure. Chase also allows customers to deposit cheques by taking a photo of it and having it verified by the bank.

Paying Bills

Add and remove billers from your handset, as well as pay the bills as you receive them.

Online Shopping

A number of Merchants are now offering mobile payments – you use your phone as a credit or debit card for different payments.

"Airtel Money has merchant partnerships with over 1,800 brands across the country, including utility providers, insurance companies, mutual funds and local chemist and grocery stores," says Sriram Jagannathan, CEO of Airtel M Commerce Services.

The app for the Mercantile Bank of Michigan has partnered with PayPal, which allows you to use their service through your phone. It’s great for when those eBay auctions end during work hours!

Budgeting and Financial Planning

Simple, a third-party app, allows you to keep track of your expenses and will also inform you as to whether you can afford a prospective purchase.

Take connectivity to greater lengths as more devices are now being offered with Globe Telecom's Tattoo Prepaid Mobile Wifi.

Tattoo 4G Mobile Wifi - you don't even need to plug it in your laptop to explore online. Just turn it on and enjoy surfing. Plus you get to enjoy a Free Facebook access once a week for six months. For only P1995, you can connect up to 10 devices with a speed of up to 12Mbps.

Tattoo 4G Mobile Wifi + Powerbank - this is Globe's newest mobile wifi device which can fully charge your phone up to 3x (5,200 mAh). You can also connect up to 10 devices with a speed of up to 12Mbps. This is offered at P3,795 and of course you get to enjoy Free Facebook once a week for 6 months.

Tattoo LTE Prepaid Mobile WiFi + Powerbank -this will not only allow you to share your WiFi and charge your phone (1,780 mAh). You can also surf to the fastest beat with speeds of up to 42 Mbps and avail of the FREE 5GB worth of data, valid for 7 days upon activation. This is offered at P4,995.

So what are you waiting for? Experience a blazing fast internet connection with the new Tattoo Prepaid Mobile WiFi devices.

From expanding your social network while keeping your mobile phone and tablet in sync, or to experiencing the best that life has to offer non-stop by keeping your battery and connectivity signals full, Tattoo gives you the power of possibilities in better ruling your self-designed life and style.

For more information, please visit Globe Tattoo's Mobile Wifi website.

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If you’re considering picking up a good quality second hand Mazda car this year, you’re probably on the lookout for some handy tips and tricks that will help you save the most money possible, right? Well, luckily, I’ve been buying used for many years, and Mazda is one of my all time favourite manufacturers. So, I’m the perfect person to give you a helping hand. Don’t get me wrong, you’re not going to save thousands by following my advice, but doing so could mean you get to purchase an extra couple of beers the next time you’re in the pub.

So, if you fancy driving around in a cool sportscar like the MX-5, or even if you’d like something a little larger like the CX-5, it’s best to check all the details before ploughing ahead. Luckily, you can see the full car spec at Mil Cars Mazda and many other relevant websites, so there’s nothing stopping you from getting started straight away. Without any further delays then, here’s how to get the most for your money when buying a second hand Mazda this year.

Research Research Research

Before you even start looking as used Mazda models in the real world, you’ll want to spend some time browsing the internet in search of the best prices. Online auction websites are a good place to start, as they will give you an accurate idea of how much each model sells for. You can obviously expect to pay a bit more at your local garage or forecourt, but you should get a ballpark figure. Also, knowing how much they sell for online will give you some leverage when it comes to negotiating the price down slightly.

When you mention the BMW name to anyone, I can guarantee you that they will immediately conjure up images of prestigious, executive and powerful cars. Whilst this is true to a certain degree, many BMW models are actually catered for the general public rather than specific ‘niche’ markets such as the discerning company executive or someone that likes to show off their wealth to the masses!

It’s no secret that BMW has sold hundreds of millions of its models across the globe for several decades now, and there is no letting up in the German car manufacturer’s popularity. BMW is also known for its advancements in technology, having recently offered to the car market its first affordable luxury electric car, the i3.

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So what is it that is making millions of people around the world put their cash towards a BMW-branded car rather than any competitors? Here are some of the most-common reasons why.

They are affordable

OK, so spending £30,000 ($50,000) on a brand new BMW 4 Series Coupe isn’t exactly “affordable” to the masses, but on the secondhand market, BMW cars are actually pretty good value-for-money!

And the great thing is, you don’t have to end up buying a 20-year old model with 300,000 miles on the clock because there are many different models that you can pick up which are 5 years old or so, and have average mileage on the clock!

The thing about BMW cars is that, like with all cars, depreciation can cause a massive hit during the first 12 to 36 months of the car’s life, so if you’re looking for the latest model but don’t want to spend the massive price tag, get one that’s 3 to 5 years old for a good deal!

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Scion is a brand put on the market by the well-known Japanese automaker Toyota. The brand’s models are designed to appeal to younger customers, popularly known as “Generation Y.” These sleek, sexy vehicles have just what it takes to turn the eyes of ambitious, tech-savvy young people. What makes them truly irresistible is their low price given the high level of sophistication. It’s no surprise that youthful drivers are snapping these cars up all over the country!

Beginnings

Toyota has been selling automobiles of the Scion brand since 2003 in the United States and several Middle Eastern countries. The first Scion car was presented in the United States on March 27, 2002 at the New York Auto Show. Subsequent models made their debut at the Great Car Show in Los Angeles in 2003. During these early years, Scion cars were only sold at 105 dealerships in California. Now, due to their popularity, they are widely available across the United States. Since 2011, the Scion models are also available in Canada.

The latest in international film, music, and magazines can often carry a hefty markup. Watch the most recent films, keep up with international music and print media with these simple ideas, without the higher prices. Become a cosmopolitan shopper through a few quick deals, and stay up to date while also saving money with global media in a snap.

Register for Streaming Service for TV, Film, & Music

A great way to stay up to date with international content on a budget is to stream it online. Many pay-per-stream services exist, but you can also sign up for subscription services which license lots of movies, television shows, and even music for you as well. By buying in to a package streaming service, you save on higher individual prices, and can access more material for a flat fee. Keep in mind these will still have limited releases, but by streaming your content through globally accessible services, you are able to access this material when it is first available in your territory. When needed, you can use koalapaydayloans.com.

One of the best ways to access your favorite foreign media, is to sign up for the e-mail list, as you will be the first to know when content is released! Stay in the know by researching your favorite studios and directors, and find out who publishes the work! Most likely the content owner will have a way to stay connected with them on their website, and take advantage of this readily available way to stay connected! With these connections, you are able to save money by knowing when special bundle packages are released, or when items go on sale.

View or Sign up for Online & Data for Print News

Want to know what is going on globally, without having to purchase all those magazines in the local rack? Follow the path of the internet, and for the smart phone savvy, download your global news sources, right to your smart phone. You’ll be able to avoid costly prints, which are often more expensive in their foreign issues, and stay in touch with tons of media, in an instant. Full articles are usually available for a subscription fee, but many articles are available in shortened sample versions for free. If you want to read a particular story in more depth, while avoiding the subscription fee altogether, follow the news source a few weeks, and watch the same article become available in full-length. Many stories are licensed in full by common media sources after a week or two, in digital form, with no fees.

Watch out for False “free” Material

When surfing on the web for the newest musical, cinematic and other digital media, many are tempted by the “free” media bay items, in efforts to save a few pounds. Be wary of these seemingly free services as often there are hidden fees included with subscriptions, even if the website markets itself as free. Additionally, viruses associated with unlicensed material, open your computer and your wallet up to legal and financial liability.

Join the Community! (In-Person Clubs or Online Blogs) with Like-Minded Fans!

Word-of-Mouth may still be the hottest way to stay current on all media in the global landscape. Is your favorite album is coming out in a re-release with special bonus songs? Maybe there is also a live recording of a concert in your hometown? By staying connected with your true content-loving community, you can find out the best of what is available from your research, and theirs as well. This will keep costs down, as you can avoid double-purchases by knowing about these special releases, and buying the content you want the most. You’ll be shocked at how much you can save, and keeping up with current material on a budget will be done with ease.

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There are no hard and fast rules for buying a used car, but if you want to get the best possible deal for your money, and you want to avoid falling victim to frauds, you’ll need to be very careful when parting with your cash. You see, although you might well be an honest person, the same can’t be said for everyone, which is precisely why I’ve chosen to write this article today. I’ve been purchasing my cars second hand for a long time, and so I’ve got to learn about common issues and lies frequently told to buyers. With that in mind, spend the next few minutes reading through all the information in this post, and you should come away with a better understanding of how to make sure you don’t get ripped off.

I actually bought an amazing 2004 Mazda MX-5 last week, and through following my own advice I got a brilliant deal. You could easily achieve the same if you pay attention to all the points I’m about to make. So, without any further delays, here are 4 tips for people buying a used car this summer.

1. Do Your Research

The best way to avoid losing out is to spend some time researching your model of choice. That way; you should know enough about it to spot when something is wrong. Also, researching the model will mean that you’re more aware of how much it’s worth, and so in a much better position to haggle and get the price down.

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We all know how important it can be to have the right software solutions on our computers, as this can make a real impact on usability. There’s really no point spending hours or even days doing something that can be sorted in seconds with the use of the right programs, and this is why I’ve decided to write a short article today highlighting the ones you might like to check out over the next couple of weeks. Don’t worry too much though, as all of them are affordable, and none of them will break the bank.

You see, while expensive software can be good, for most people, the cheaper alternatives are just as functional. Of course, if you’re a professional photographer or something similar, you might want to lay out the cash. However, this will mainly be because it will go down as a business expense and get taken from your tax bill. So, spend the next couple of minutes reading through all the suggestions I’ve made below, and hopefully you’ll come away with a better understanding of what’s out there at the moment.

Microsoft Office

This is one of the only software packages I would ever pay for, and there are some very good reasons for that. While some people are happy to settle for open source alternatives like Open Office, it really doesn’t compare. If all you want is a word processor, just use the one that came preinstalled on your PC. However, if you want an all round package that will allow you to create letters, business cards, accounting spreadsheets, databases and presentations, you definitely want to have a look at The Software King or another reputable online seller, as they’re usually much cheaper than high street stores.

AVG Antivirus

While many people choose to pay for Norton Antivirus to secure their systems, in my own experience, AVG is one of the best free solutions around. You can, of course, pay for full cover with this program too, but the free option is just as good. You might have trouble finding out how to activate the free cover though, and so I’ll explain. You just need to go to “add or remove programs” in your control panel and start the uninstall process. Once you’ve done this, AVG will ask whether you want to completely uninstall or change to the free service.

CCleaner

I won’t tell you what the first “C” stands for, but you can probably guess. This program is absolutely essential, and absolutely free to download for all machines, no matter which manufacturer you chose. Basically, it searches through your computer to find files and programs that you don’t need, don’t use and that shouldn’t even be there. Unlike some of the other similar software available, this one digs really deep and permanently deletes files and programs other solutions simply can’t handle. Best of all? It’s tiny, and so you could have it downloaded and installed within a couple of minutes.

Well guys, you’ve read all the information, and now you know how to get the best computer software without breaking the bank. See you back here next time for some more wicked tech tips!

Would you like to be a celebrity? Many people would, but I don’t find the idea attractive at all. Being hounded by the media and people wanting to take ‘selfies’ with you isn’t my idea of fun at all. There would be obvious benefits such as the huge income that celebrity status often brings, and having a partner thirty years younger than yourself; they are in love, no, really.

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These people are famous for a reason; not all of the reasons are good, but a reason nonetheless. The world is clamoring to get the latest celebrity gossip and people spend millions of pounds every month in Britain alone, just to get magazines with the latest insights into the lives of the rich and famous.

If you are an autograph collector, these famous faces are a good source of material for your hobby. But how to get them to sign their names? That is often the difficult part.

Many look and adore the hair, makeup and fashion at the Academy Awards and red carpet event, and this year was no different. Celebrities did not disappoint as they poured in and paraded their fabulous hair styles. Here are some of the best hair looks of the night.

1. Jennifer Lawrence

Beautiful Jennifer chose a soft, romantic look as her hair was brushed back in voluminous waves. Blonde highlights gave her hair dimension and shine.

2. Sandra Bullock

Sandra went with a side swept hair do with big curls and a side part. This romantic look complemented her deep navy gown with a side gathered detail very nicely. The rich dark brown color was also eye-catching.

3. Julia Roberts

Julia shined on the red carpet with a hair style that turned heads. Soft curls framed her face while her hair was pulled back into a low twist. The style looked carefree and easy.

4. Amy Adams

Amy chose a style that was all her own. Not many actresses chose a sleek, sculpted updo, but Amy did, and it looked stunning. The top was pushed back into one sweeping wave and then joined the rest of her hair in a simple twist. Her trademark red hair was a hit!

5. Kerry Washington

While showing off her baby bump, Kerry also flaunted a half-up, half-down hair style. The top was cleanly pulled back with a side part, and the rest was simply curls and volume. This feminine and full hair do was beautiful!

6. Margot Robbie

Margot looked glamorous with her old Hollywood inspired hair do. The characteristic waves across her forehead and down her hair were gorgeous. Her dark brown hair color (with the faintest red highlights) was also striking.

7. Kate Hudson

Kate also stole the show with a killer hair style. Hers was a side sweep hair do with understated waves and dimensional highlights. The look had a retro vibe that accented her old Hollywood dress perfectly.

8. Charlize Theron

Charlize chose a style that was outside the trend box and sported a short, simple, clean (nearly pixie) hair style. The simplicity of her hair do was refreshing, beautiful, and complementary of the clean lines and silhouette of her black gown.

9. Olivia Wilde

Olivia looked stunning with an updo of beautiful proportions. Soft waves framed her face while the back was pulled into a network of loops and twists. The intricacy of her hair balanced the simple black gown that she wore to the event.

10. Maria Menounos

Maria caught every one’s eyes with her dreamy, soft hair style on the red carpet. Her hair was French braided back into a textured low bun with lots of volume and interest. The red in her hair color made her brown eyes pop.

The looks on the red carpet were stunning! Hollywood celebrities displayed a range of romantic and exquisite looks. From short, straight styles to intricate, curls, twists and hair accessories, these women were styled to impress. They carry on the tradition of the red carpet event—one of style and fashion. These hair styles will not only be remembered. They will be replicated and revered!