The PR & Events Circuit

The country’s fastest growing property developer Profriends, Inc. continues to redefine the real estate landscape by introducing services that is beneficial for its homeowner.  Property Company of Friends, Inc. (PRO-FRIENDS), one of the fastest growing property developers in the Philippines and developer of two big projects in Iloilo, Parc Regency Residences and Monticello Villas, recently partnered with PLDT on its newest project launched last November 20, 2015. The newest technology in broadband known as PLDT FIBER-OPTICS technology is capable to deliver the country’s fastest plan. PLDT’s most robust and widest reach of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) facility spans to 100,000 kilometers nationwide enabling it to provide the digital lifestyle needs of Filipino homes. PLDT HOME Fibr runs on fiber-optic technology which is touted as the world standard for broadband.  “Through this service our homeowners are able to access fast and reliable communication lines. We always want to offer

Partnership aims to strengthen Globe position as purveyor of Filipino digital lifestyle Globe Telecom and Huawei Technologies signed a 5-year partnership deal to further enhance and expand the leading telecommunication provider’s mobile network to elevate the state of Philippine internet and strengthen its position as purveyor of Filipino digital lifestyle. Specifically, the partnership involves planning and design of a mobile broadband network utilizing latest state of the art technology trends aimed at creating a wonderful digital world for its customers. The project also involves the creation of a “mobile innovation center” to yield innovative products and solutions that would ensure Globe maintains its competitive edge and leadership in the intensely competitive local telecommunications industry. The partnership is provided for in a memorandum of understanding signed by Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu and Huawei Rotating CEO and Vice Chairman Eric Xu November 23.  G

ALLPHONES Philippines opened its 64th branch at the newly opened expansion wing SM City Iloilo . Allphones Philippines is partnership between Allphones Australia, TAO Corporation and Globe Telecom that seek to provide gadget-crazy Filipinos with the gadgets/ products that they need with the appropriate level of service that they deserve.

Aiming to reach “underserved” small and medium enterprises (SMEs) outside of Luzon, Esquire Finance, Inc (EFI) expands to Cebu. After building operational scale in Manila, EFI opens its doors to serve the “untapped” SMEs in the Visayas. “We are the direct response to the needs of SMEs,” said EFI President & Chief Operating Officer Navin Uttamchandani. Unlike banks who serve a low number of SMEs due to extensive collateral requirements, revenue-driven structure, and high minimum loan amounts; the firm offers non-collateral business loans which are tailor made for the client’s needs, goals, cash flows, capacity, and financial position.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the most anticipated shopping sales in the United States, are made more accessible and affordable to digital-savvy GCash customers through the international shipping provided by GCash American Express® Virtual Pay in partnership with My Shopping Box. “This is the fourth year for GCash American Express® Virtual Pay to participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale and once again we’re giving our customers a better way to enjoy the biggest discounts and most amazing shopping deals from their favorite international online retail stores,” said Xavier Marzan, President and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom, operator of GCash.

Aiming to cultivate technological entrepreneurship in Dumaguete, the first ever Startup Weekend Dumaguete 2015 will be held on November 27-29. “We want to introduce the local community to the idea that it is possible to locally grow alternative businesses that use non-traditional business models,” said Danah V. Fortunato, Executive Director of ICT Association of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental (ICT DGTE). The inaugural SW Dumaguete is a 54-hour event that begins with participants pitching startup ideas, developing such concepts into feasible businesses, and presenting them to judges on the final day. Winners will have their business ideas undergo development for possible launching to the market. SW Dumaguete will be at Audio-Visual Theater 1, Multimedia Center, Silliman University, Dumaguete City.

MANILA, 22 NOVEMBER – The highly-anticipated one-centavo seat sale by AirAsia is back, with promotional seats made available to all domestic destinations to/from Manila, Kalibo (Boracay), Palawan, Tagbilaran(Bohol), Davao, Cebu and Tacloban including international destinations from Manila, Kalibo and Cebu to Incheon (Seoul), Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Busan, Hong Kong and Macau and vice versa now available for booking at www.airasia.com from tomorrow, 23  November, until 29 November 2015. All-in promo fares are up for grabs now until 29 November 2015 only at www.airasia.com The travel period for red hot one-centavo seats* promotion will be from 1 May 2016 until 5 February 2017, with priority redemption 24 hours ahead from 0001hrs – 2359hrs (GMT+8) on 22 November for AirAsia BIG members, AirAsiaGo users, BIG Prepaid MasterCard and AirAsia Citibank card members. 

Every child has a dream.  Since she was a little kid, Ericka Rose Monteclaro has dreamt to be a teacher. Now that she is already in high school, she is closer to her ambition because of her perseverance to put her vision into a reality. Ericka’s admiration to her teachers is making her more determined so that she will become of them someday.  To prove herself that Kaya ang Pagbabago, Ericka has been rendering volunteer work as a day care teacher in their baranggay in San Pedro Day Care Center, San Jose, Antique during afternoons when she is free, on top of her regular schooling as Grade 7 in San Pedro National High School. 

For the third straight year, Globe Telecom President & CEO Ernest Cu is on the elite list of Global Telecoms Business Power 100 for 2015.  Cu is the only Filipino executive to make it to the Power 100 and among the top 10 in Asia.  The GT Business Power 100 annually releases its list of the most powerful people in telecoms worldwide.  This year’s list of Power 100 is different from previous year’s versions as inclusion was divided into a number of different categories such as operators in various parts of the world, over-the-top and content providers, hardware companies, among others.  Cu was listed in the Top Ten Operators from Asia. 

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 NOV 2015 – AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline for seven consecutive years, launched its all-new mobile application offering innovative new features, smoother functionality and an improved interface to provide guests with an enhanced and seamless flying experience with AirAsia. AirAsia's mobile app is nominated as the 'World's Leading Low-Cost Airline App' at the upcoming World Travel Awards. This enhanced version is now available in 11 languages and it can be downloaded from the respective app stores of both iOS and Android devices.

MiCab, the Cebu-based tech startup that developed a low cost taxi-hailing app, will be shares their experience as a startup or innovation-driven enterprise at the Startup Weekend (SW) Iloilo olast November 12. The tech start-up which started as a pitch during Startup Weekend Cebu in 2012 will also be sponsoring the inaugural SW Iloilo at UP Iloilo. MiCab’s Chief Executive Officer Eddie Ybanez will be a judge and Chief Marketing Officer Kenn Costales will be mentoring the participants for the 54-hour startup competition and seminar.

SM started out with shoes when Founder and Chairman Henry Sy, Sr. opened his first Shoe Mart store in downtown Manila in 1958.  He thought that if he could sell a pair of shoes to every Filipino, he could be a successful man. Two-toned boat shoes in hip colors for men  He, of course, became more successful than he ever imagined. His shoe store has evolved into a retail giant, a chain of super malls, and one of the country’s largest conglomerates.  Even today, SM continues to focus on footwear to serve a new generation of shoppers– updating its iconic Parisian brand, and bringing shoe shopping to a whole new level as the ultimate shoe destination with the widest selection of footwear for all ages and occasions.  There is even the Shoe City in SM Makati, which is home to the country’s biggest shoe department.

Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) posted a net income of P16.2 billion in the first nine months of this year, on consolidated revenues of P99.6 billion. Net income attributable to AGI amounted to P10.6 billion.  “The group’s financial performance continues to be compelling despite challenges faced by the gaming industry. We are strengthening the building blocks of sustained profitability and shareholder value in the long term,” said Kingson U. Sian, AGI’s president and chief operating officer.

Megaworld’s subsidiary, Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), the country’s biggest developer of integrated leisure and tourism townships, posted a 67% growth in its 9-month net income from P320-million last year to P534-million this year. GERI’s consolidated revenues amounted to P3.82-billion, 86% up from last year’s nine-month revenue of P2.06-billion. The company’s sustained growth is driven by aggressive real estate sales, contributing 79% in the consolidated revenues. 

Globe Telecom believes that the equitable distribution of the unused 700-megahertz frequency band currently held by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will help improve Internet speed in the country, and is one of the answers to the explosion of mobile data use. “Part of the solution to the clamor for faster Internet is the harmonization of the 700 Mhz frequency,” said Globe General Legal Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo.  “Giving active and operating telecommunications companies access to this band will allow the industry to provide broadband and data services at faster speeds and in a more cost-efficient manner,” he added.

HOOQ, Asia’s biggest premium video-on-demand service, brings you yet another same day as US telecast TV series, Supergirl. This digital exclusive is the latest addition to HOOQ’s suite of Warner Bros.’ DC Comics superheroes. Supergirl’s recent U.S. premiere attracted 12.9 million viewers, elevating Supergirl as this season's most-watched new series debut and another must-watch series on HOOQ, along with other superhero-themed series such as The Flash, Gotham, Arrow, and Smallville, and movies like Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Iron Man, The Dark Knight Rises, and Spider-Man. 

Property giant Megaworld, the Philippines’ biggest developer of integrated urban townships and the largest lessor of office spaces, achieved a net income of P8.35-billion during the first nine months of 2015, 12.52% higher than P7.42-billion (net of P11.62-billion non-recurring gain) during the same period last year.  Property giant’s 9-month rental income soared to record 24% to P6.44-B Its bullish performance during the three quarters of the year was driven by its aggressive expansion of its integrated urban townships across the country, the company’s pioneering real estate concept in the country that synergizes residential, office, commercial and institutional components of a community. Megaworld’s consolidated revenues grew 10.85% during the first nine months of 2015 on a year-on-year basis. The growth is an increase from last year’s P30.24-billion to P33.53-billion this year.

Globe Telecom, through its IT Enabled Services Group, has forged an agreement with ADP, a pioneer in outsourced payroll services with over 65 years of experience, to launch Globe Managed Payroll, the latest expansion to the roster of business solutions offered by the telecom company to its enterprise clientele.  (L-R) Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing, ADP Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific Don McGuire, and Globe  Chief Technology and Information Officer   and Chief Strategy Officer  Gil Genio seal the agreement between Globe and ADP to offer payroll solutions to Philippine enterprises. Globe Managed Payroll provides an end-to-end solution that includes Time and Attendance, Payroll, and eventually a Human Resources Information System, providing customers a specialized outsourced team to manage payroll and human resource requirements that will let the organization focus on its core business.

Emperador Inc. generated 45% more in revenues from January to September this year compared to the same period of 2014. Consolidated revenues this year amounted to PHP29 billion, inclusive of foreign operations.  Net income reached PHP4.7 billion this year, up about 3% year on year. Domestic volumes in the second and third quarters of this year were better than the first quarter, reflecting a 4% year-on-year increase in the combined sale of goods in the second and third quarters of 2015. 

Globe Telecom is advocating responsible use of mobile devices in school campuses for the country’s learning institutions to effectively leverage advancement in information and communications technology. “Internet is a valuable source of information and an important additional teaching tool.  As internet now plays a major role in the lives of young people, learning institutions should take the opportunity of motivating students with the use of ICT-tools to make their learning experience more enjoyable and sustainable,”  Globe Director for Corporate Social Responsibility Fernando Esguerra said.

Filipinos are now increasingly adopting mobile and digital technologies for salary loan applications and disbursements. This changing behavior corresponds to the digital shift of consumers and improving confidence in using digital financial services.  Over PhP4-B disbursed via LANDBANK Mobile Loan Saver in less than a year "We're seeing a positive shift to mobile and digital for the consumer loan market as they provide convenience and easier access to financial services. Our successful experience with the LANDBANK Mobile Loan Saver in less than a year is reflective of this progress and we are seeing this accelerate in the coming months," said Orlando B. Vea, president and CEO of Voyager Innovations, the digital innovations arm of PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

SM City Iloilo brought the Yuletide cheers by sharing a  MerrySMChristmas   with the Ilonggos  as it unveiled its 2015 holiday   centerpiece with sweet and musical spectacle last Saturday, Nov.7 It ushered in enthusiasm for this time of the year when excitement builds up as everyone prepares to " deck the halls with boughs of holly ", or waiting for someone who " is coming to town ". W hile some are getting ready to " rock the night away " or just do some " pa rum pum pum pum ", other just prefer a " silent night ". No matter what the choices are, it only means one thing - Christmas is really just around the corner!

Globe Telecom said its board approved the declaration of a fourth quarter cash dividend of P20.75 per share for common shares following the strong financial performance in the January-September period. The dividend will be paid to shareholders on record as of November 24, 2015, with payment date on December 4, 2015.  Payment date set on  Dec. 4  for shareholders on record  Nov. 24 . The aggregate fourth quarter cash dividend payment is aboutP2.75 billion and on an annualized basis, represents about 76% of2014 core net income, said newly-appointed Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert de Larrazabal, previously the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

McDonald's is making Christmas a season of sweet swirls! Enjoy its  New Holiday Desserts available in KIT KAT® McFlurry with Caramel Crispies, KIT KAT® McFlurry with Choco Bits, Hazelnut Brownie Sundae, and Peanut Butter McDip

In a recent meeting, environment ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations unanimously approved the nomination of Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument (MTHHNM), making it the Philippines’ eighth ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP).  “As MTHHNM steps into the pantheon of Southeast Asia’s natural treasures, we wish to generate greater appreciation for the environmental uniqueness of this natural park in the island province of Camiguin,” said Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje. The inclusion of MTHHNM in the list of AHPs was made during the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment, which was attended by environment ministers and their representatives.

Ilonggos waited and lined up as early as 7AM for the Kapuso Mall Show with Alden Richards on Nov. 6, 2015. Fans as far as Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Negros Occidental joined Iloilo folks at Robinson's Place Iloilo's Paseo de Iloilo (portion of  De Leon street between the mall and parking building) for the Pambansang Bae's mini-concert after gaining superstardom status as part of the phenomenal AlDub. "Don't underestimate the power of AlDub Nation"

Acropolis-based Estrada family is the first customer in the Philippines to subscribe and experience a home broadband plan with internet speeds of up to 1Gbps powered by Globe Telecom. As part of its efforts to uplift the state of internet services in the country by giving customers access to a faster internet experience with lower monthly service fees (MSF), Globe recently unveiled its new roster of home broadband plans powered by fiber-to-the-home (FFTH) technology, providing customers the fastest fiber connection speeds at home now available at a more affordable price. In photo are Ray, Marivic and Sari Estrada together with Globe Retail and Transformation Management Head Joe Caliro (leftmost) and Horan (rightmost) during the launch of the telco’s partnership with global movie franchise Star Wars to offer customers offerings and experiences in and beyond the cinema. With the new Globe Platinum Broadband Plans, home broadband customers can enjoy a broadband plan with internet

Ilonggos will soon be having a triple treat as popular retailers will soon open at SM City Iloilo Northwing.  H&M, Forever21 and Uniqlo are expected to be part of the global fashion brands that will occupy a large portion of the new wing specifically, the Upper Ground and Second Floors.

Globe Telecom has announced key senior management appointments and organization changes effective November 9, 2015 to further strengthen its position in the industry as the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle and align its operations on current global trends. Gil B. Genio will be the new Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO). As CTIO, Genio will lead an integrated network and technology organization and the overall vision, development and execution of network and technology architecture and strategies, proactively responding to business and market demands. He will continue to be the company’s Chief Strategy Officer.  Genio is currently Chief Operating Officer for International and Business Markets.  

Fans and communities all over the world are gearing up for the much-awaited release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. With a little over a month away before its premier in the Philippines, the Star Wars fever is definitely heating up with all the social media buzz and on-ground experience that Star Wars fanatics have been raving about.  Globe Head of Stores and Retail Transformation Joe Caliro dressed as a Jedi, introducing the Star Wars digital connectors that are exclusively available at Globe GEN3 stores Leading the pack is the country’s purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle Globe Telecom, whose partnership with Disney Southeast Asia allows the leading telco to bring the Star Wars fever to a new level with a series of experiences and offerings in anticipation of the movie premiere this December. 

Can't wait to get your hands on the much anticipated Rose Gold iPhone 6s on launch day? You can have it especially delivered in style right at your doorstep as unrivaled mobile services leader Smart Communications teams up with Uber, the world's most popular ride-sharing service, for the  first ever iPhone midnight delivery service in the Philippines. Available from 12 am to 4 am of Nov. 6, the official launch day of the latest iPhones in the country, the service allows you to request the Rose Gold iPhone 6s (16GB) unit worth Php 35,990 delivered wherever you are in Metro Manila via the Uber app. Just request for a Smart iPhone6s on the Uber app, prepare to pay using your credit or debit card, and get ready to have your new phone delivered to you in style.

The holiday spirit is in the air as SM City Iloilo is set to have a grand launch this November 7, 2015! Mall shoppers can look forward to another grand Christmas centerpiece to be unveiled this Saturday to usher in the yuletide season. The event will also feature as The Voice of the Philippines Grand Winner Jason Dy as he serenades shoppers on this momentous event.  SM City Iloilo invites Ilonggos on November 7 and join in welcoming the 2015 Christmas season!

SINGAPORE, October 2015 – AirAsia took home the coveted title of Best Low Cost Carrier at the inaugural 2015 Travel Weekly Asia Reader’s Choice Awards as voted by the leading travel trade magazine’s strong base of readers comprising of seasoned travellers and industry players. Logan Velaitham (centre), CEO of AirAsia Singapore accepting the award from Arnie Weissmann (left) , Editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly and Senior VP and Editorial Director of Travel Group, Northstar Travel Media and Mr Ian Jarrett (right), Editor-at-large of Travel Weekly Asia.  Readers of Travel Weekly Asia magazine casted their votes from 14 August to 25 September 2015 on www.travelweekly-asia.com to choose their favourite travel and hospitality establishments out of 31 award categories ranging from airlines, cruise lines to travel agencies and hotel chains. 

Bring the all joy, love and beauty of Christmas to your home with delightful ornaments and décors from SM Home.   There are stars, balls, reindeer, and snowmen that recall nostalgic Christmases at home; as well as creative touches that bring a modern spin to holiday decorating.  

Wholesale club giant S&R will set its footprint in Iloilo city and will open its doors by 2016. In a courtesy visit with Iloilo City  Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, S&R President Mr Anthony Sy said he was impressed with the development of Iloilo City "Pinipili po namin ang mga cities na pinapatayuan namin" said Sy . "We have a checklist of requirements na dapat ma meet ng city and number one po doon and very important para sa amin ay ang local governance" Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog assured S&R that the city of Iloilo is a business friendly city and its one of the Top 5 Most Business Friendly City in the country.

Strongly believing that employee engagement will further drive company growth and performance, Globe Telecom recently launched its first Globe University campus, showcasing the company’s commitment to invest in its people, motivating them towards personal and professional development.  Globe Telecom’s success as the leading mobile brand in the country is attributed in part to its efforts to create wonderful work environment for its employees, which in turn helps spin the company’s Circle of Happiness., a philosophy rooted in the belief that happy and engaged employees create more opportunities for better products and services which Globe customers enjoy. Happy customers, in turn, circle back towards increased growth and revenues for higher shareholder value.