The PR & Events Circuit

The country's leading mobile brand, Globe Telecom, fortifies its official partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) as it presents NBA 3X, an entire weekend of balling activities that will bring Filipino fans closer to their basketball dreams.   Happening at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall and Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on August 28 - 30, 2015, the NBA 3X will allow Filipino fans to enjoy a fantastic NBA experience like no other. All guests and visitors will play witness to the thrilling main event - the most-awaited 3-on-3 basketball tourney that will test the skills, talent, and perseverance of every basketball enthusiast who will make it through the nationwide search and elimination rounds. 

Curiosity buzzed as inquisitive media reps gathered at the recent event for OLX Philippines, the country’s leading online classifieds platform. It was an intimate event between OLX and the media to talk about the changes since the rebranding and their plans moving forward.  RJ David, Co-founder and Managing Director of OLX Philippines RJ David, Co-founder and Managing Director of OLX Philippines and one of the most successful online entrepreneurs in the country, talked lengthily about these changes. “We want to provide win-win exchanges for everyone by giving consumers equal buying and selling opportunities. We also want them to become more madiskarte in buying and selling 2nd hand items online.”

 As the leader in the digital lifestyle, Globe Telecom is gearing up to welcome the newest Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ to Philippine shores with an online portal to serve early customers. The portal accepts registration of interest among customers purchasing the latest devices from Samsung with the myLifestyle Plan from Globe. New and existing postpaid customers can visit the registration of interest portal available on the Globe website via www.globe.com.ph/postpaid/samsung/register to register and indicate their preferred Samsung handset model in advance, along with their name, mobile number, and e-mail address. The customer database will be used to update registered customers with postpaid plan offers and pricing details. A reference number will be provided to customers so they can track status of their application.

Globe Telecom, the purveyor of digital lifestyle in the Philippines, urges its customers to step up their online vigilance so they can better protect themselves from becoming victims of online hacks, identify theft and other cybercrimes.  As the leading provider of mobile digital services, Globe recently launched #ProTech101 campaign, an online information drive that seeks to inform netizens of the dangers of online crimes. The campaign also seeks to remind them to keep their accounts and valuable information safe.  Recognizing the immense benefits that the digital revolution has brought to its customers, Globe wants to instill awareness on the dangers that its customers could fall vulnerable to in this digital age.

The Philippine Startup Roadmap, launched at the just concluded third Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) in Boracay, looks forward to spawning some 500 startups with an estimated cumulative valuation of $2 billion by 2020.  Add caption Deputy Executive Director Mon Ibrahim of the Department of Science ande Technology-Information Communication Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) led the launch of the roadmap which he described as a list of what the Philippine startup community needs to do. The roadmap declares that its “main goal is to produce the next billion dollar tech startup from the Philippines.” ​“The launch of the roadmap is just the beginning,” said Tina Amper of TechTalks.ph, the community that organized the annual Geeks on a Beach conference.

Globe GCash Mastercard, a prepaid and reloadable ATM card which drives mobile money revolution in the Philippines, was named Bronze Stevie® winner in the 12th Annual International Business Awards for Best New Consumer Product or Service.  The product has received a string of positive feedback from the judges such as “good product considering the situation in Philippines”, “innovative revolution”, “bespoke for certain countries where bank accounts and credit cards are not easily available”, “how cool to have a MasterCard without the complicated procedure of having a bank account and money amount limitation”, “good performance achieved,” among others. Unlike traditional debit cards, GCash MasterCard does not require users to have a bank account nor maintain a minimum balance. Customers may fund their cards by going to any of the over 10,000 GCash outlets nationwide or by linking their online bank accounts.  Likewise, GCash MasterCard serves as an extension of a customer’s mobile

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Triennial Awards trophy emphasizes the gesture of extending a benevolent hand to another in need. From the base, the metamorphic human figure ascends, symbolizing responsibility and commitment to serving those who are less privileged.  Also conceived as a figure of the human soul, it touches the base where it originated. The absence of distinct facial features implies that it could be anyone of us—regardless of sex, religion, race, clan, age, status, and position—capable of following such a selfless path in life. Winners of the  6th RAFI Triennial Awards

Castillon and Diacolano (center) at the 6th RAFI Triinnial Awards at the Grand Convention Center Cebu The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. honored exemplary humanitarians from Mindanao for the 6th cycle of its Triennial Awards. Held last August 14 at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu, Anita Castillon and Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates, Inc. (KFPDAI)  led by its Executive Director, Hadja Giobay Diacolano were declared winners in the the individual and institution categories, respectively. Launched in December 6, 1996, during RAFIs 30th year anniversary, the Triennial Awards was established to recognize individuals and institutions who have committed themselves to building a more humane, equitable and caring society. It reflects the philanthropic, humanitarian and holistic ideals and values of the RAFI founders, Don Ramon Aboitiz and Don Eduardo Aboitiz.

After garnering record-breaking financial results in the first half of 2015, Globe Telecom has added another feather to its cap after being named as the top telco brand in the Philippines according to a survey by market insights provider and regional multimedia giant Campaign Asia-Pacific in partnership with global information and insights provider Nielsen. Globe leads the way in shaping the Philippines as Asia’s next digital hub Campaign Asia-Pacific’s report is part of a region-wide study dubbed “Asia’s Top 1000 Brands”, the region’s most comprehensive research on consumer brand perception and based on an exclusive survey conducted by Nielsen. In the Philippines ( www.campaignasia.com/Top1000Brands/CountryRanking/Philippines ), Globe ranked nine (9) places higher than its competitor and well above other Filipino brands in the fast food, restaurant, and airline industries.

AirAsia, the world’s best low cost carrier for seven consecutive years, is giving away free concert passes, discount treats and other exciting freebies in line with this year’s celebration of Kadayawan Festival in Davao City.  Starting today until 22 August 2015, all AirAsia passengers bound for Davao from Manila and Cebu will each receive a festival kit which provides them free and exclusive access to festival concerts of hottest local artists such as Up Dharma Down and Techy Romantics in SM Lanang, including passes to Arcadia Electronic Music Festival in D’Leonor Resort.

Leading Philippine telecommunications company Globe Telecom was honored as Telecom Service Provider of the Year and Mobile Service Provider of the Year for 2015 by Frost and Sullivan Philippines following a remarkable performance due to efforts and initiatives in the past year.   Globe CFO was keynote speaker at Customer Experience Philippines Summit (L-R) Frost and Sullivan Vice President for ICT Practice Ajay Sunder, Globe Chief Financial Officer Albert de Larrazabal and Globe Head for Investor Relations Jomari Fajardo as Globe Telecom receives the Telecom Service Provider of the Year and Mobile Service Provider of the Year awards   Globe Telecom, coming from its extensive transformation posted outstanding results by end 2014. It figured prominently in revenue growth, market share growth, product introduction and innovation, consumer acquisition, growth in subscriber base and business/market strategy. These resulted to Globe catapulting to leadership in the Philippine telecomm

David Foster arrives in Manila’s NAIA Terminal 3 on Sunday, 16 August 2015, via AirAsia flight AK9972 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 16-time Grammy-award winning musician, producer, composer and songwriter and appointed as the airline’s global brand ambassador for premium products is set to perform with Natalie Cole, Boyz II Men and Filipino singer Charice Pempengco in Araneta Coliseum on 18 August for The Hitman: David Foster and Friends Asian Tour 2015 . Photo shows Erick Arejola of AirAsia Philippines welcoming Foster in NAIA

Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) posted a net income of P11.5 billion in the first six months of this year, 5% higher than what was recorded in the same period of 2014. This was achieved on consolidated revenues of P65.4 billion, almost 11% higher year-on- year. Net income attributable to AGI went up by 4% to P7.5 billion. These figures are exclusive of non-recurring gains. “Our group’s sustained profitability continues to be underpinned by AGI’s subsidiaries as they all consistently show visible earnings. All the consumer-centric companies that are majority-owned by AGI exhibited profitability in the first half of this year,” said Kingson U. Sian, AGI’s president and chief operating officer.

Globe Telecom's customer base soared to a new record high in the first half of the year, reaching 52.7 million, a 17% jump from 45 million a year earlier as Globe continues to be the leading network of choice by smartphone users amid continuing customer shift to a digital lifestyle.  Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu (center) announces the company’s record-breaking performance in the first half of the year at a recent analyst briefing. Joining him from left are Chief Finance Officer Albert De Larrazabal, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Daniel Horan , Executive Vice President  & Chief Operating Officer for International and Business Markets Gil Genio and General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo.  Following robust customer acquisition, the company booked record-breaking financial performance in the first half of the year, generating service revenues of P53.8 billion, a 13% jump from a year earlier, resulting in a core net profit of P8.6 billion, a 14% growth from P7.6

Megaworld’s subsidiary, Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), the country’s biggest developer of integrated leisure and tourism townships, posted a net income of P339-million in the first half of 2015, up 69.6-percent from P200-million during the same period last year. GERI's Southwoods City in Southern Luzon Consolidated revenues for the first six months of 2015 amounted to P2.1-billion, a growth of 49.9-percent from P1.41-billion during the same period in 2014. Aggressive real estate sales became the biggest contributor to the company’s soaring growth in the first half of the year, which accounted for about 73% of the consolidated revenues.

The country's leading mobile brand Globe Telecom reinforces its partnership with Japan’s Brastel Co., Ltd., International Communication Operator through the launch of a new co-branded OTT service which allows users to save up to 68% in calling rates. Globe and Brastel entered into a business alliance agreement in February this year as strategic partners in Japan to offer a co-branded reloadable calling card for calls to Globe and TM numbers in the Philippines at a preferential rate. Starting August 1, 2015, Globe and TM customers have access to affordable calls via Brastel's 050 Free application with rates of just 10 yen per minute, from its current price of 32 yen per minute when calling from a mobile with 0091 prefix.

Megaworld, the Philippines’ biggest developer of integrated urban townships and the largest lessor of office spaces, achieved a net income of P5.43-billion during the first half of 2015, 12.51% higher than P4.82-billion (net of P11.62-billion non-recurring gain) during the same period last year. The company’s aggressive expansion of its pioneering concept of integrated urban townships and mixed-use communities across the country remains to be the key driver of growth for Megaworld. “The backdrop of the Philippines’ vibrant economy continues to benefit the local property market as evident in our first half results. We look forward to another bright year for Megaworld as we focus our efforts on aggressively expanding our townships across the country, and providing new and innovative offerings in residential, office and commercial businesses. This year, five new townships will be launched which will give us around 400 hectares of land for development,” says Francis Canuto, chief fina

From making 50 handcrafted papaya soap bars a day in 1994, GT Cosmetics Manufacturing, Inc. is now offering GT Papaya Lotion for local and international markets. GTCosmetics, the Cebu-based maker of soaps and skin care products, today introduced its GT Papaya Lotion in a press launch. Aside from the launching of the new lotion product, the event likewise highlighted the unveiling of the new look of the company’s creams line. This includes a classy new container, a new box, and increased content from 15 grams to 20 grams at no additional cost. Models ramped on-stage carrying oversized GTCosmetics Papaya Lotion and GT creams in new packaging wearing the Bohemian Luxe Themed Amano Line of Dexter Alazas.   

Mobile browsing and other data revenues reached almost P10 billion in 1 st  half of 2015, up 53% Globe Telecom continued to dominate the country’s mobile data segment after posting mobile browsing and other data revenues of P9.5 billion in the first six months of the year, a 53% growth from previous year’s level at P6.2 billion. On a quarterly basis, second quarter 2015 revenues reached P5.1 billion, up 16% from previous quarter at P4.4 billion.    According to Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Daniel Horan, Globe Telecom’s commitment to enabling the Filipino digital lifestyle remains solid as evidenced in the innovative offers and partnerships that brought the performance of its mobile data business to another all-time high in the first six months of 2015. This achievement brought the contribution of mobile data revenues to total mobile revenues by 23% as of 1 st  half of 2015, coming from 16% the previous year. With mobile data business growing at a rapid pa

Style is for everyone and every size with SM’s Parisian Plus collection. The iconic shoe brand has a line for ladies with shoe sizes 9.5-12, making it possible for them to be on-trend and comfortable at the same time. After all, there is nothing to be embarrassed about one’s shoe size, and Parisian Plus allows one to step out in style with flattering and fab designs. You’ll also be surprised how Parisian Plus’ wedges and chunky heels can actually make your feet look smaller, as most high heels do. Or how bows, buckles, lace overlays and other accents can make your feet look more petite.

Payment date on  Sept.2  for shareholders on record  Aug. 17 Globe Telecom said its board approved the third quarterly distribution of cash dividends of P20.75 per share following a record financial performance in the first half of 2015.  The dividend will be paid to shareholders on record as of   August 17, 2015 , with payment date on   September 2, 2015 . “Together with the previously declared cash dividends in the first half of the year, aggregate dividends to date is at  P62.25 per share, which is consistent with our prescribed dividend policy and in line with our commitment to a sustainable and competitive dividend distribution,” Globe Chief Finance Officer Alberto De Larrazabal said. According to Larrazabal, Globe dividend yield is estimated at 3.2% based on the closing share price of P2,572 as of July 30 while total shareholder return is estimated at 51.9%.“The company’s dividend yield is quite competitive compared to the yield of other listed companies and

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs, will be flying over the world-famous white sand beaches of Boracay on the second day of the upcoming Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) tech conference this  August 20-21, 2015 .  “Some of the most exciting developments in the world are happening with drones. These cool aerial gadgets are helping people do things in new and exciting ways. Drones and similar devices are going to rule the world so we better get ready,” said Tina Amper, TechTalks.ph founder and GOAB lead organizer. In the Philippines, drones have been used to survey damage and assist search-and-rescue operations after disasters. It also has enormous potential for use in other fields such as tourism and agriculture wherein drones have been used to count livestock and monitor the health of crops in other countries.  

Celebratory fares on 3 million AirAsia seats up for grabs from as low as P300.00, all-in! JAKARTA, 10 AUGUST 2015  – AirAsia,  the  world’s best low cost airline for seven consecutive years, today  reached another milestone with 300 million guests flown. The milestone was commemorated with a string of celebrations starting from Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, to TheRitz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place.   Jodie Lazuardie ,  a 30-year-old Art Director based in Jakarta was the lucky guest who booked the 300 millionth AirAsia seat. Jodie's flight booking from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta earned him a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a hefty 3 million BIG Points from AirAsia’s loyalty programme, also known as AirAsia BIG.  

Gears up for the final #NextLevelKa COC tournaments in La Union and Cebu and the Ultimate Clash championships in September   The first ever biggest nationwide #NextLevelKa Clash of Clans tournament brought together the country’s top clashers and gaming enthusiasts for the two-day competition Globe Telecom and Clash of Clans (CoC) Philippines, the biggest Clash of Clans community in the country, recently held the country’s first and biggest Clash of Clans Tournament and gathered hundreds of participants during its opening round held in Abreeza Mall in Davao and TriNoma Mall in Quezon City.

One year after its rebranding, OLX Philippines, the country’s leading buy and sell platform, announced it is now focusing on leveling the online classified ads   landscape to provide users with equal buying and selling opportunities. OLX Philippines Managing Director, RJ David Shortly after its rebranding, OLX established an office in Cebu to reach out to more users in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Earlier this year, it also merged with another classified ads platform. Through these adjustments, OLX continues to expand its reach and make online buying and selling accessible to more Filipinos.             “With the level of reach that OLX is attaining, we want to continue making it easier for more Filipinos to experience online buying and selling -- from the occasional sellers who are selling stuff for the first time to street-smart buyers who maintain a practical lifestyle,” says RJ David, Managing Director of OLX Philippines.  

Continuing its investments in modernized infrastructure and technologies in important areas around the country, Globe Telecom further reinforced its network strength by integrating advanced small cell technologies. In 2014, Globe partnered with Alcatel-Lucent (ALU) to roll out state-of-the-art wireless modern network technologies in the Visayas and Mindanao areas to improve coverage and data capacity to meet increasing consumer demand.  Included in the rollout are increased fiber backhaul, use of integrated macro and micro cell technologies with primary consideration for landscape and tourism potential of the region.   A small base station deploys localized coverage of 3G, LTE and WiFi signals with fiber backhaul of as much as 1 Gbps, providing up to three times better data experience than normal outdoor sites . In May 2015, tourist-laden Boracay Island was chosen as the initial rollout area for advanced small cell technologies.  Globe fired up additional 3G, LTE, WiFi and the

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) presented to the public the eight finalists of the sixth run of the RAFI Triennial Awards, the premier social development award in the Visayas and Mindanao. Given every three years, the award recognizes the philanthropic, humanitarian and holistic efforts of individuals and institutions in enhancing the quality of life of various communities and groups, or those helping build a more humane, equitable and caring society in the Visayas and Mindanao area.

 The Ayala Group of Companies has launched a mobile-based system for emergencies and disasters to ensure a unified, systematic, and efficient response plan for its thousands of employees.                 Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II, Chairman and CEO of Ayala Corporation demonstrates how ASSIST can benefit employees of the Ayala Group of Companies Called ASSIST (Ayala Sign-In System for Immediate Support and Tracking), the mobile app for Android and IOS was developed by Yondu, a wholly-owned IT outsourcing and mobile services subsidiary of Globe Telecom, to allow companies to track their employees during disasters and provide assistance, if necessary

Globe Telecom, through its International Business Group, has partnered with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Philippines to support the Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign which aims to promote the country as Asia’s top tourist destination. Globe is TPB’s first Philippine telco partner to offer affordable communication services to millions of  tourists and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)   returning to the country.   Launching the partnership between the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the country's number one mobile brand Globe Telecom to further boost Philippine tourism and promote TPB's Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign are TPB Chief Operating Officer Ramon Domingo C. Enerio III and Globe Senior Vice President for International Business Rizza Maniego-Eala. Globe is offering its Globe Traveler SIM for free to millions of international tourists and returning OFWs so they can enjoy seamless connectivity with affordable call, text and mobile br

Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc., the retail arm of the Vicsal Group of Companies, has acquired around 9,000 square meters of commercial property inside the Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld’s integrated urban township in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The Gaisano-led company is bringing its Metro retail store formats – Metro Department Store and Metro Supermarket – into the township, which is located along Megaworld Boulevard, just between Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and the Festive Walk Mall.  Executives of property giant Megaworld and Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. during the signing of the agreement. (From left to right) Kevin L. Tan, first vice-president and head of commercial division, Megaworld; Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, chief operating officer, Megaworld; Frank S. Gaisano, chairman and CEO, MRSGI; and Arthur Emmanuel, president and chief operating officer, MRSGI. “We are proud to have cemented a formidable partnership with Megaworld Corporation, one of the country’s most reputable