In this new, technologically hyper-speed world, we have to be digitally connected to keep abreast with the times. Connectivity on the web is quite essential, especially in the home.

PLDT Home marks another milestone with Fibr as it now offers Cignal Digital TV. The service allows subscribers to enjoy high-definition TV using a dedicated Fibr connection. Additionally, it includes Clickplay, which streams on-demand movies. A dual-core Telpad allows consumers to keep everything all connected using one device.

Gary Dujali, PLDT Home Fibr VP, explained all this at the recent launch at Buddha Bar. It was exciting to hear him talk about PLDT’s culture of innovation and its commitment to provide Pinoys with the best telecommunication and digital entertainment services.

Ariel Fermin, EVP and head of PLDT Home, added that Fibr would further solidify PLDT’s market dominance. All this is critical to my kids, who are always on the lookout for faster download speeds, it seems.

Unique channels

On my part, I’ve been watching a lot of Cignal Digital TV while doing my Ironman bike training. The image is clearer and the sound is sharper, plus Cignal has quite a number of channels unique to its service.

In fact, Cignal has 78 channels, 19 of which are in high def. The exclusive channels include Colours HD, a lifestyle channel and Cartoon Network HD, which is of particular importance to my daughter Athena. To enjoy Cignal’s digital TV channels, Fibr subscribers only need to upgrade to the triple play package that includes broadband, landline and Cignal Digital TV. The Fibr triple play package puts all three services under one account. Up to three TV units can be connected as well.

Fibr now uses the Fibr modem, which is a wireless router at the same time. Speeds range from 8Mbps, available at a monthly plan of P3,500, to 100Mbps. At higher plans, the Cignal Digital TV service is bundled for free.

The rollout plans are all subdivision-centric. The usual starting points are the Makati villages Forbes and Dasma, and Fibr is now in over 600 subdivisions nationwide, and even as far south as Davao. Check your village’s connectivity at www.pldthome.com/fibr or by calling 101-FIBR.

Buddha Bar was packed during the launch, with Samsung Smart TVs all around the area. It’s the best device to showcase an HDTV service, and I’m sure the Samsung guys must have sold a few TVs as part of the show.

Brigitte Bardot forever

International fashion designer Albert Andrada was happy to lend me one of his beautiful dresses for the Fibr launch. At his shop in Greenbelt 5, Albert has several elegant dresses and gowns perfect for special occasions. At the opening of the traveling exhibition “BB Forever-Brigitte Bardot, la legende,” at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, I wore another feathery ensemble by Albert that was perfect for the French affair.

As a tribute to Brigitte Bardot, the most iconic French actress of her time, Sofitel Philippine Plaza presented a stunning selection of photographs that have been on tour in the US and China, and just now being displayed in Southeast Asia.

Adam Laker, GM of Sofitel, explained that the exhibition is in line with Sofitel’s desire to represent French elegance and culture across the world. The Brigitte Bardot exhibition reflects three of the Sofitel’s pillars of French elegance—design and innovation, gastronomy and wine, and culture and events.

The exhibition was launched at the Sofitel’s Le Bar. Manila’s crème de la crème enjoyed lavish French food, all prepared by chef Eric Costille, regional executive chef for Asia Pacific, and his team.

Highlighting the event was the elegant St. Tropez-inspired 21-piece fashion show of Albert Andrada in the colors of Lancôme’s new Hypnose palettes. The glamorous gowns were made with French laces, luminous printed taffeta and tulle with Swarovski components.

Philippe Tordjman, L’Oreal Professionnel brand ambassador, recreated the hairstyles that Brigitte Bardot is famous for. Lancôme recreated the icon’s signature look of smoky eyes and nude lips. Jewelmer’s pearls, meanwhile, gave the collection a very luxurious feel. The exhibit is on until Sept. 10.

Cult shoe brand

It was sort of an Albert Andrada week for me, as I also wore another of his outfits at the launch of Yosi Samra, the New York-based cult favorite shoe brand. Manila’s fashionable set got a full preview of the YS range of sparkly flats, ankle- strapped leather shoes and studded pairs at an intimate lunch held at the Terraz Bistro in the Zuellig Building.

Yosi Samra is the go-to favorite of Hollywood’s chic celebs like Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker and Halle Berry. The brand now has several boutiques in the city, including one at the Archaeology section and Gas in Greenbelt. There are also outlets at Rockwell, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia and SM Aura.

Johanna Chua, YS brand manager, happily informed the crowd that our market is one of the biggest outside of the US. The collection includes luxurious pairs in unusual leathers, including pigskin, and all at affordable prices.

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