Crystal clear TV viewing now possible with ABSCBN TVplus

Filipinos can now experience the newest and biggest innovation that will transform their TV viewing experience as the Kapamilya network launched ABS-CBN TVplus, which promises clear picture and sound and will offer free exclusive channels on top of all the free-to-air channels available via digital transmission.

ABS-CBN TVplus, a digital box more popularly known as the ‘mahiwagang black box,’ brings dramatically clear picture and sound that is comparable to seeing a movie on DVD, a far cry from the prevailing analog system.

“Digital terrestrial television (DTT) is a major investment for ABS-CBN, but it is actually investing in our fellow Filipinos,” said ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III.

The ceremonial switch-on that marked the start of the digital TV age in the country happened February 11 at the ABS-CBN Center Road led by Lopez, ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio, and ABS-CBN head of access Carlo Katigbak.

“The ‘mahiwagang black box’ has long been ABS-CBN’s dream for our fellow Filipinos who don’t get to watch crystal clear TV. Now, everything will change for them,” Concio said.

“ABS-CBN is the pioneer of the newest innovation in TV. As we mark a new milestone in the history of TV, we want to thank every Kapamilya who has contributed to the transformation of digital TV from a dream to a reality,” said Katigbak.

ABS-CBN TVplus offers a more enjoyable TV watching experience for the whole family. On top of ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Sports+Action, viewers will be able to access four more exclusive free-to-air channels upon purchase of a ‘mahiwagang black box’ to be connected to a TV set.

These include CineMo, the first-ever all-day movie channel on free digital TV that airs a wide variety of action, comedy, and blockbuster movies of favorite Pinoy idols.

Kids can tune in to “Yey!,” an all-day children’s entertainment channel that features a mix of wholesome action, fun, adventure, and “edutainment” programs.

Knowledge Channel, meanwhile, is the only TV channel with curriculum-based programs and content for primary and secondary students.

ABS-CBN TVplus also offers DZMM TeleRadyo, which airs the live TV broadcast of all-day news, information, commentary, and public service programs from the leading AM radio station DZMM Radyo Patrol Sais Trenta.

“Our channels cater to all members of the family – young and old, male or female. Those who are not able to afford cable TV are offered more choices so they can enjoy watching TV and increase their bonding time with the whole family,” said March Ventosa, ABS-CBN head of narrowcast and DTT channels.

ABS-CBN TVplus is offered at an affordable one-time payment price of P2,500 only, with no monthly or installation fee. For a limited time, each box comes with an ABS-CBNmobile prepaid SIM card with P50 load that can be used to call, text, surf the Internet, or watch Kapamilya programs through the iWantv! app.

The ‘mahiwagang black box,’ has been developed to work with all kinds of  TV sets, even older ones, to get crystal clear signal.

It will be available initially at the ABS-CBN Store, ABS-CBNmobile Store, SM Appliance Centers, 2Go Express, Solid Service Center (Sony Authorized Service Channel), Villman, Silicon Valley and other electronic, appliance and hardware stores.

According to ABS-CBN DTT head Chinky Alcedo, ABS-CBN TVplus will be available where digital signal transmission is currently available, such as Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Benguet, and Metro Cebu.

For more information, visit the official website at www.abs-cbntvplus.com.

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Derek Ramsay believes in giving his all in every project he does. In fact, he would dare go to the extreme, even put his life in danger if need be, for a movie role or TV show.

Said trait makes him very suitable to be the host of “Extreme Series: Kaya Mo Ba ‘To,” the new weeknight-adventure-reality program that features stories of people with superhuman abilities and mind-blowing talents. In this show, Derek gives audiences a peek into the lives of people who were either witnesses to supernatural phenomena, survivors of extremely fatal experiences or bearers of bizarre skills.

Derek will also search far and wide across the country for our very own Extreme Pinoys who have been making waves in their respective fields. The show will also push Derek to the limit as the program challenges the “Extreme King” himself to undertake various death-defying challenges with various celebrity guests weekly.  One episode features a motorcycle driver flying over him in a stunt that Derek says “sent his balls up his throat.” But he did it for the sake of the show.

“I love to live life and when I do activities that are extreme, talagang nabubuhayan ang dugo ko,” explained Derek when asked what made him accept TV5’s challenge to host this kind of extreme program.

Aside from the “Extreme Series: Kaya Mo Ba ‘To” which premiered February 2 and airs weeknights at 10:15, Derek is also in the sitcom “Mac & Chiz” airing every Sunday on the Kapatid Network.

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Young or old, single or with a significant other, celebrity or not, we should all celebrate Valentine’s Day because it is the day of love — and remember that love isn’t just romantic but should be treated as an expression of friendship, respect, and all the cherished values we’ve grown up with over the years.

Dr. Ma. Venia Concepcion A. Javellana of Advanced Aesthetics — one of the sponsors of pop diva Kuh Ledesma’s 2015 Valentine concert “The Music of the Heart, the Magic of Love” happening this February 14 at Solaire Resort & Casino (the show reunites the Pop Diva with Music and Magic, the show band she started her career with more than 30 years ago; Kuh is marking her 35th year in the business this year) — says that if you’re looking for the perfect Valentine gift and don’t want to give the usual flowers, chocolates or something store-bought as so many others are doing, you could give the gift of beauty.

Advanced Aesthetics has beauty treatments and products formulated specially for Asian skin, which pigments easily when exposed to the sun and thus needs to be protected, maybe more than Caucasian or European skin.

One of the laser treatments that she advocates is the Q-Switch laser, which is one of the most gentle and has an immediate effect. It only takes 30 minutes (which also makes it ideal for busy celebrities like Kuh) and there is very little to no downtime after it is done.

All these treatments and other skin-protecting products are available at Dr. Javellana’s clinic. For inquiries regarding the laser treatments, products or gift packages, call or visit Advanced Aesthetics at the following branches: Bonifacio Technology Center  Rm. 305, 3/F Fort Bonifacio, Global City Taguig phone: 815-2976, (0905) 399.8046, South Center Tower Rm. 901 9/F 2006 Market St. Madrigal Business Park Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City Phone:850-4757, (0905) 399.8014 and Block 10 Lot 10 Soldiers Hills Village, Putatan, Muntinlupa City Phone: 842-3704.