This service is really helpful for me since I work during US office hours and going to the nearest Western Union outlet is a bit of an effort for me. So, around 6:30 this morning, I called Unionbank’s hotline to avail of the said service.

At first, I was asked to agree with Western Union’s terms and conditions, which I immediately did I was then forwarded to a customer service representative to assist me with my transaction.

I was asked for my bank account and Western Union remittance details, was put on hold 2 times to verify my information, and that’s it. All in all, the entire conversation lasted for 11 minutes. The money was automatically converted to the local currency and credited to my bank account instantly.

Really convenient and fast… thank you Unionbank!, 1 Million points for you

Have you ever wanted a savvy mobile banking facility?  Well, look further no more.  UnionBank brings you the newest functionality to their mobile banking facility, in partnership with Globe GCash, eMoney Xchange.  eMoney Xchange allows UnionBank account holders (savings and checking account holders only)  to transfer funds to and from their GCash wallets.

Requirements to Enroll to eMoney Xchange

1. A valid and active UnionBank savings or checking account with sufficient funds
2. A valid and active Gcash wallet with sufficient funds
3. A Globe mobile number

After completing the requirements, call the UnionBank Call Center at 84-186 so that you can enroll your Globe mobile phone number and UnionBank account to the eMoney Xchange service.   Your enrollment to the service will be activated by the next banking day.

How eMoney XChange Works

You can now withdraw cash, top up or inquire the balance of your Gcash wallet through your mobile phone.  Just text the following keywords to 2318:

1. Transfer funds from your GCash Wallet to your UnionBank account: G2U space <amount>
2. Transfer funds from your UnionBank account to your Gcash wallet:  U2G space <amount>
3. Balance Inquiry:  BAL

UnionBank charges a minimal fee for each transaction.  The fee is P7.50 for every G2U transaction while P10.00 for U2G.  UnionBank also requires that you have a minimum of P10.00 in your UnionBank account.  All transaction fees will be deducted from the amount being transacted.

As with all bank transactions, there is a minimum amount of P100 per transfer.  The maximum amount is P20,000 per transfer.  Please note though that there is a maximum daily withdrawal of P40,000 which apply to ALL Gcash transactions.  Meanwhile, the maximum daily withdrawal for all UnionBank account withdrawal is P20,000.

eMoney Xchange is another nifty service for tech-savvy people who want the ease of banking on their fingertips.  For more details regarding eMoney Xchange, please visit www.unionbankph.com.

How to have your Western Union remittance credited directly to your UnionBank Account

1. Prepare your Western Union Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) and UnionBank account details
2. Call the UnionBank Customer Service Hotline at 841-8600, dial 7 for Western Union and listen to the instructions
3. Listen and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Western Union and UnionBank
4. A UnionBank Customer Service Representative will guide you through the entire process to complete your transaction
5. Receive your remittance in minutes

 Very Important Reminders

1. It is very important that the name of the recipient must match the UnionBank account name
2. This service can only be availed from 6AM to 10PM daily

Advantages of Using the Service

1. Convenience and security of having your money credited directly to your UnionBank account
2. Ease of online banking and additionally for Visa debit card accounts, purchase from any VISA accredited merchant
3. Withdraw your funds from any UnionBank, Megalink, Bancnet or Expressnet ATM terminal nationwide and VISA PLUS ATMs worldwide

Receiving your Western Union remittance has never been this simple, fast and reliable.  Moreover, this service is free for all UnionBank accounts.  They will even send you an SMS notification for every successful transaction.

For more information about this new service, visit UnionBank’s website or call UnionBank Customer Service at 841-8600.

To help you out, below is a list of 5 of the best fashion apps available to download to your smartphone or tablet device. Even better, they’re all free!

The Fashion Pixie: The best for discounts

Already a popular website, The Fashion Pixie is now bringing you news of the best designer and high street sales in the UK direct to your smartphone. They also list discount codes to be used in stores and online so it’s worth checking if you’re planning a shopping spree.

Go Try it On: Brilliant when you need a second opinion

If you need a second opinion on an outfit but want someone impartial to give it, this is the app for you. Take a picture of what you’re planning to wear for a wedding, date or party and upload it to this app and wait for comments on what other people think. It’s also a good place to find some fashion inspiration from real people around the world, rather than the same celebrities and models in magazines.

River Island: Top rated for easy shopping

There are plenty of shops that are taking advantage of modern technology, who can blame them? Being able to make purchases in just a few clicks from anywhere there’s mobile signal or Wi-Fi is an opportunity not to be missed by retailers.

River Island has one of the better shopping apps for fashion lovers in the UK. Not only are the products organised into different types of clothing and accessories, you can also browse suggested items based on a certain look. If you’ve found something you like but want a second opinion, you can email the item to a friend or upload the picture to your Facebook or Twitter account.

Style.com: Great for finding the latest catwalk collections

The Style.com app is great for those who like to find the top trends straight from the catwalks of New York, London, Paris and Milan. With this you will be inspired by the complete runway collections from the major fashion weeks, as well as coverage from all the best parties, videos and celebrity and designer profiles.

Stylish Girl: The best virtual wardrobe

With Stylish Girl, you can add your own items of clothing to the virtual wardrobe and create magazine-style collages to put together outfits without having to physically try on everything you own. You can also browse the Fashion Mall and Fashion Lounge for inspiration, record what you’re wearing in the calendar and even plan your holiday packing with the suitcase feature.

This guest post was contributed by Kathy Keable, written for those who love tech, fashion and beauty. She hopes this article can help you easily find the latest trends and best dress deals at Café La Moda offering designer and high street fashions online.

Use and Features of SlideDeck Content Slider

Content slider by SlideDeck allows you to present photos, text and other images as a slide show. It helps you organize the content of your website. It is very easy to use and compatible with WordPress blogs. Through WordPress admin integration, you can handle mixed content and use dual axis handling. Also, by using SlideDeck Content Slider Pro, it will make your SlideDeck compatible with Touchscreen gadget browsers. Plus, the Pro Support Team will always be ready to assist you.

What are the advantages of using Content Slider by SlideDeck on your website? This useful WordPress plugin allows your reader to easily navigate your site. It makes the blog or website easier to read and all information can be presented in one content slider.

Sample Content Slider by SlideDeck

Various business websites are now using Content Slider to make their website look more professional and easier to navigate. Products, services and important information can be contained in a SlideDeck content slider. Imagine how the simple integration of the Content Slider change how your website looks like. Another plus is that it is easy to download and use.

You can check more details on how to download Content Slider by SlideDeck online.

Bluetooth Headset for Blackberry

Having a Bluetooth wireless headset for you Blackberry provides a lot of convenience when making calls and listening music. Here in the Philippines, there is an online Blackberry store at  Shopinas.com, that provides a lot of options for Bluetooth headsets. Below are just some of the Blackberry accessories that you can find at their online store.

BB HS-300 Bluetooth Headset

BB HS-500 Bluetooth Headset

How to order

1. Go to their online shop at http://blackberry.shopinas.com/
2. Browse through all their products.
3. When you already decided on which accessory to buy, do not forget to contact the seller to ensure that the product you are interested to buy is still available.
4. Proceed with your online order. You need to create your own account at shopinas.com first before you can transact with them.

Payment Methods:

Here are your convenient payment options when buying items from this  store:

• BDO
• Bancnet
• PayPal

Shipping Option

Your items will be shipped via Air21. An additional shipping, handling and insurance fee will be added to your cart upon checkout.

Aside from Blackberry Bluetooth headsets, they are also selling Blackberry chargers, holsters and cases, so just feel free to browse their store and give us feedback on your transactions.

Handy and Functional Kindle Lighted Leather Cover by Amazon

Amazon Kindle Leather Lighted Cover is a latest designed cover for Kindles built-in with a small light. It can illuminate your Kindle to help you read anything with convenience. You can slide it away anytime if you don’t want your Kindle lighted.

The pebble-grain and contoured texture of the leather by this Kindle cover keeps you gadget secured. You need not worry of having screen scratches since its charcoal microfiber interiors are very soft. You can also fold this Kindle holder allowing you to read with just one hand. It is available in seven different colors. You can choose from black, burnt orange, chocolate brown, green, hot pink, steel blue and burgundy red.

How Does this Kindle Lighted Leather Cover Works?

With its featured LED reading light, Kindle lets you read anywhere at any time even if it is dark. Reading your Kindle has never been this portable and functional. The superior LED light illuminates your Kindle to brighten up its paper-like display without adding glare. This led light is part of the cover of your Kindle. Just pull the light out when you need it then slide it back when not in use. It does not require you to put batteries since it gets the power source from your Kindle’s battery.

Amazon Kindle Leather Lighted Cover is a portable gadget protector you can bring anywhere. It is not bulky, it is light, it protects your Kindle and it comes is various colors to match your preference. This Kindle cover is an ideal protective accessory for your most precious gadget.

Where to buy Amazon Kindle in the Philippines

Image from NKRX Facebook Profile

NKRX is a well-established online shopping business in the Philippines since 2006. It is a trusted shopping partner by various customers all over the country. You can shop gadgets and other tech needs on US sites and NKRX personal tech shopper can deliver the items you want at your doorstep. This business is owned by Kris and Nelson Villaceran.

How to Buy Products from NKRX

There are two methods to get your order from NKRX. One is through shipping and the other option is to pick up. For Metro Manila areas, shipping fee via LBC is 200 pesos or via Xsend 50 pesos. If you prefer pick up, you can get your items at Asiawealth Tower Leveriza St. Pasay City near LRT Buendia or LRT Vito Cruz stations.

Personal Experience

I actually bought my Kindle(s) from them. Yes Kindles since it is my 2nd time to transact with them (Sept. 20).  I actually stepped on my first Kindle huhuhu that’s why I needed another one. I also bought a red leather kindle cover with light from them.

Transaction is fast and hassle free. I went to their condo to pay and pick up my orders. The products are genuine and in good condition.

For more NKRX online shopping information, you can check details about the product I bought from them at http://tipidpc.com/viewitem.php?iid=11075529. You may also see their Facebook account http://www.facebook.com/nelsonkrx?sk=info.

Smart Netphone retail price is P9,900.  It is a reasonable price for an Android Phone with functional applications.

Image from Smart

Social Networking Powered by Smart

Access your favorite social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook using Smart Netphone. Enjoy your social streaming and update you status, comments, tweets and other social updates hassle-free. You can even chat with your friends with just one-click away. This Netphone social stream will be free until December 31, 2011.

Through Smart Netphone, you can combine your Facebook and Twitter account using MyGroups social networking. Anywhere you go, you can keep in touch or stay connected with your friends anytime. You don’t have to worry about being charged when browsing online. Smart Netphone 701 is featured with Safe Internet Browsing. It lets you enjoy browsing Netphone applications featured by Smart without paying a centavo.

Postpaid Plan and Prepaid Option

You can get this new product from Smart in Prepaid or Postpain Plan. You have various options to choose from depending on your usage preference and budget. Check out these prepaid and postpaid Netphone plan from Smart.

Postpaid Plan

Prepaid Plan

Beauty Bar is an online shop for makeup, accessories, fragrances, bath and body products, gifts and other items for daily use. It’s one of the country’s prestige beauty store offering imported products you can’t buy anywhere in the Philippines. This beauty shop offers convenient way to buy what you want through online shopping.

How to Shop Online at Beauty Bar

Beauty Bar shopping in the Philippines is very easy. You can pay them using you MasterCard or Visa credit card, or through G-Cash. Beauty Bar Philippines Shopping online offers free shipping for minimum product purchase of P2500.

Sample Products from Beauty Bar

Browse through their product lists and items available online. Details are provided for each product. It is very easy to find products here at Beauty Bar since their items are perfectly categorized. Their items can also be viewed according to price. Once you found an item that you want to buy, you can start adding them in your cart. Don’t forget to indicate the quantity of product you will be purchasing.

Seasonal Products and Beauty Bar Sale

Beauty Bar Philippines offers variety of products ideal for every season like during holidays, summer and rainy days. This is perfect for seasonal buying of products since Beauty Bar can provide you exactly what you need when buying online.

For budget-conscious ladies, Beauty Bar online offer product sale where you can save money when buying gift sets. You can check these items on their website.

Buying beauty products online has never been this convenient. You can check out Beauty Bar at http://shop.beautybar.com.ph/