Broadband subscribers of wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and its subsidiary Smart Broadband, Inc. now have a more convenient way to buy load for their prepaid Smart Bro Plug-It, through Smart’s Mobile Banking Service (MBS).

Smart’s MBS offers bank customers the convenience of doing a wide range of bank transactions such as balance inquiry, fund transfer, bills payments, Smart Money Reloading, and prepaid reloading through their cellphone. It is offered by the telco leader in partnership with the country’s biggest banks and bank networks.

Prepaid reloading via Smart’s MBS previously only offered load for Smart Buddy and Talk ‘N Text. With now over a million prepaid Smart Bro subscribers in the country, Smart has expanded its MBS by making Smart Bro load also available through the channel.
“We continue to have bright prospects for mobile banking in the Philippines. This MBS expansion strengthens our commitment to provide the relevant mobile infrastructure to our partner banks, while making the process of loading a lot easier for our broadband subscribers,” said Tricia V. Dizon, head of Financial Services at Smart.

The service is open to all Smart mobile subscribers whose current or savings account in BancNet members Allied Bank, Asia United Bank, Chinatrust, City State Savings Bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Security Bank, and Sterling Bank of Asia, as well as in BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is enrolled in MBS.

Those already previously using MBS via their Smart cellphone simply need to check if their menu has been updated by Smart, for free, over the air. Subscribers may also choose to manually update their MBS menu by sending MBUPDATE to 343 for only P2.50.
An updated menu follows the sequence 1) select ‘Smart Menu’; 2) select ‘Smart Money’; 3) select ‘Mobile Banking’ 4) select ‘Reload Prepaid’; then 5) select ‘Smart Bro’.

To purchase Smart Bro load via MBS, simply follow the said sequence until the Smart Bro number, the chosen denomination, and the secure M-PIN are asked for. Available denominations are P30, P60, P100, P200, P300, P500, and P1000. Payment for the Smart Bro load will then be securely debited from the Smart subscriber’s savings or current bank account.

Smart subscribers that have yet to activate MBS on their cellphone may also visit www.smart.com.ph/money for the specific procedure required by their bank for mobile banking. More information on the convenience offered by Smart’s MBS and other financial services are available at the same site.

About Smart
Smart Communications, Inc. is the Philippines’ leading wireless services provider with 46.6 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-March 2011. Smart has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless data services, including mobile commerce services such as Smart Money, Smart Load and Smart Padala. Smart also offers 3G and HSPA services. Its Smart Link service provides communications to the global maritime industry. Smart Broadband, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers a wireless broadband service, Smart BRO, with over 1.4 million subscribers as of end-March 2011. Smart is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Philippines’ leading telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. For more information, visit http://www.smart.com.ph.

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Smart Bro prepaid load now available via mobile banking

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” has become the first of the franchise’s eight films to breach the $1-billion plateau.

Warner Bros. said the “Harry Potter” finale has grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise, although the first part of the series, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” remains the record holder in terms of ticket sales. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is expected to surpass “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” as 2011′s top grosser. “Pirates” currently holds the record with $1.032 billion thus far.

“Harry Potter” and “Pirates” are the only films to join the billion-dollar club, so far, although “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is inching closer with nearly $983 million in worldwide ticket sales. “Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” however, is still a long way from topping “Avatar” as the number one movie in terms of box-office earnings. The Steven Spielberg masterpiece has earned more than $2.780 billion worldwide. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is currently in eighth place on the all-time list.

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“Harry Potter” Finale Reaches $1-Billion Mark

After being accosted for the second time for DUI, American Pie actor Chris Klein has reportedly voluntarily checked into rehab.

His second incident got him entangled with the California Highway Patrol who had observed Klein’s car weaving through traffic. The actor was pulled over and failed the sobriety test. His alcohol level was .20, which is three times more than the legal limit in California.

Celebrity news source Us Magazine, reports that a representative for Chris Klein was quoted to have said: “After recent events, Chris was forced to take a clear look at a problem he has been trying to deal with himself for years. He understands now that he can not beat this disease alone. He thanks everyone for their support as he takes all the necessary steps to deal with his addiction and asks for privacy while doing so.”

Klein was also arrested on drunk driving charges back in 2005.

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When you find yourself drinking and driving a little too often, perhaps it’s time to consider checking into a rehab center for treatment.

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Chris Klein is now in rehab after second DUI

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Live Stream: On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers showed that defense wins Championships as they defeated their greatest NBA rival Boston Celtics 102-89 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Staples Center.

“I think people forget how good we are defensively,” said Lakers forward Lamar Odom.

Not surprisingly, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to victory with his game-high 30 points (10-for-22 shooting), seven rebounds and six assists. . Pau Gasol also had a magnificent all-around game with 23 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks while Ron Artest finished with 15 points in his NBA Finals debut, a lot of it came from beyond the arc.

The Celtics’ big four all finished with double figures. Pierce, Garnett and Rondo finished with 24, 16 and 13 points respectively while Rey Allen who only played 27 minutes because of foul trouble, scored just 12 points. He picked up his fifth foul late in the third quarter.

Game 2 of the 2010 NBA Finals will still be played in Los Angeles. The game starts at 8:00 p.m. ET.

UPDATE: The Celtics managed to defeat the Lakers 103-94 at Staples Center to tie the series to one game a piece.

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NBA Finals: LA Lakers vs Boston Celtics Live Stream (Free Online Video)

With MoneyGram Mobile you can now send money to any SMART Money account in the Philippines – and win! Now through June 30th any MoneyGram money transfer sent to a SMART Money account in the Philippines will automatically enter the sender for a chance to win autographed boxing gloves by world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao or a $100 prepaid Visa card.

More details here: http://www.moneygram.com/pacmangloves

Read the Press Release Below:

MoneyGram International Introduces Low Introductory Fees for Mobile Money

Transfer to Philippines SMART Money Account

Send up to $500 for only a $5.00 fee*

MoneyGram International announced today a low introductory mobile money transfer rate of $5* to send up to $500 from participating U.S. agent locations to any SMART Money account in the Philippines.

“Now that MoneyGram’s mobile money transfer service is available across the United States, including at all Walmart and CVS stores, we’re eager for people to try the service and experience how convenient and reliable it is,” said Ivy Wisco, MoneyGram’s Americas marketing manager for the Philippines. “The funds arrive quickly with no need to visit an agent location to collect funds.”

The low fee is available at agent locations in Arizona, Illinois, New York, Alaska, Maryland, New Jersey, Hawaii, Nevada, and Texas through June 30th. In addition to Walmart and CVS/pharmacy, mobile money transfers can be sent from Advance America, Albertsons, Nix Check Cashing, Raley’s, Save Mart, Times Supermarket and USA Checks Cashed locations.

“Mobile phones are more and more important to individuals and we’re delighted to provide simplified mobile money transfers to SMART Money accounts in the Philippines,” Wisco added. “Cash funds can be received at an ATM or at SMART Wireless Centers adding to the convenience of this service.”

To send funds to a SMART user, senders need the recipient’s SMART phone number. Funds can be sent to any SMART phone and receivers without a SMART Money account have up to 10 days to open an account at a SMART Wireless Center and collect the funds before funds are returned to the sender. Funds are deposited quickly for SMART phone users with SMART Money accounts and confirmed by an SMS text message to the recipient’s phone. Mobile money transfers sent from the U.S. to the Philippines are deposited to SMART phone accounts in pesos, based on a currency conversion fee.

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Win signed Manny Pacquiao boxing gloves from MoneyGram

MoneyGram International now offers special Philippines discount rate! From now through May 15th, 2010 MoneyGram users can send up to $899.99 to the Philippines for just $4.50 – with no minimum send restrictions.

Press Release Below:

MoneyGram International Offers Discounted Online Rates to the Philippines with No Minimum Send Amount

With MoneyGram’s newly redesigned website, sending money online is easer than ever for customers.

MoneyGram International (NYSE:MGI), a leading global payment services company, announced a new discounted rate to the Philippines with no minimum send amount as a limited-time offer for online money transfer transactions from April 15th, to May 15th, 2010. This offer is part of continuing efforts to enhance MoneyGram’s products and service offerings to the Philippines. Learn more at promo.moneygram.com/philippines.

In addition to the discounted rate and no minimum send amount, customers who send money online to the Philippines using MoneyGram’s Economy Service will see their funds arrive in three business days. With over 7,300 MoneyGram agent locations in the Philippines, it’s easy for those receiving the funds to find a nearby location. Plus, many locations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

MoneyGram recently launched an all-new consumer website, MoneyGram.com, making it easier and faster for U.S. consumers to transfer money and pay bills. Beyond the added convenience and simpler transactions, members of MoneyGram Rewards, the company’s loyalty program, can now earn Rewards for online money transfer transactions, such as discounts up to 10% on money transfer fees. Additionally, members can register to receive notices by email or SMS text message when funds are collected by their receivers.

Consumers can connect with MoneyGram on Facebook (www.facebook.com/moneygram) to join daily conversations, and see updates on offers for the Philippines and other money transfer destinations.

About MoneyGram International

MoneyGram International offers more choices to people separated from family and friends by distance or those with limited bank relationships to meet their financial needs. A leading global payment services company, MoneyGram International helps consumers to pay bills quickly and safely and send money around the world with funds arriving at available agent locations in as little as 10 minutes. Its global network is comprised of 190,000 agent locations in over 190 countries and territories. MoneyGram’s convenient and reliable network includes retailers, international post offices and financial institutions. To learn more about money transfer or bill payment at an agent location or online, visit www.moneygram.com or connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/moneygram.

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MoneyGram International Offers Discounted Online Rates to the Philippines