Globe rolls out investments for PH to become a digital nation

Five years after its successful network modernization program that saw mobile data exploding in the Philippines, Globe Telecom embarks on another nationwide infrastructure program that would enhance the country's Internet experience within homes and across businesses.  

Filipinos to experience better Internet in 2M homes by 2020

Globe announced that the bulk of the $750 million capex this year would be allotted to deploy fiber optic cables in 20,000 barangays all over the country to provide faster and more reliable Internet access in about 2 million homes nationwide. The infrastructure build is expected to take 5 years and will extend network coverage to more areas that currently have no connection or spotty service.  

“Data access is currently one of the most important drivers of economic competitiveness and growth. For the Philippines to fully take advantage of new digital opportunities, we need to create an Internet superhighway and provide ultra-fast internet connection that will enable growth in every corner of our country.  We want to make use of technological innovations to make Internet service experience at par with other countries in the world,” Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said.  He emphasized that elsewhere in the world, new digital trends such as cloud computing, mobile web services and e-commerce are already radically changing the digital landscape.

In line with its vision of ushering in a digital nation, the network build will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wirelines using different technologies including 3G, LTE and even Wi-Fi.  It will likewise replace the old copper wires that have been used for wireline connections in the past.

One of the most important advances in broadband technology, fiber optics offer the fastest way to access data, providing consumers with higher download and uploads speeds, lower latency, faster internet browsing including streaming of high-definition multi-media content, among others.

Cu also said that unlike the company's previous network modernization program, for the network build to be as pervasive as possible, it will also depend on other stakeholders such as the cooperation of local government units, and homeowner's associations.   "This is not just about the business of connectivity. This is also giving everyone the opportunity to create their own business and experience growth as a result of connectivity.  We have come to that point where we could all come together and make use of connectivity to benefit as many Filipinos as possible."

With its modernized network, Globe has positioned itself as the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle.  The company's mission is to create a wonderful world for people, businesses and the nation.  

Trash to Cash Recycling Market Fair set April 1 and 2 at SM City Iloilo

SM City Iloilo reaffirms its commitment to be a partner in keeping the environment clean by holding the Trash to Cash Recycling Market on April 1 and 2, 2016 at the car park area near Traveller’s Lounge.

The activity is held every first Friday and Saturday of the Month and engages the community to take part by bringing their recyclable items and sell it to scrap buyers—a way initiated to encourage involvement of different sectors in curbing solid waste management problems.

Waste items like old car batteries, papers, old computers, and other items that can still be recycled are accepted by buyers.

The Trash to Cash Recycling Market is a project of SM Cares Committee on the Environment. For inquiries on other environmental projects and how you can take part in these initiatives, you may contact telephone number 320 9609 or visit the official Facebook page of SM City Iloilo.

4Ps mom helps community to become "flood-free "

Flood has been the usual antagonist of all their dreams in Brgy. Calapawan, Roxas City. Residents of the said barangay mostly claimed that they could not plant anything directly into the soil because every rainy season, their place is submerged in flood. 

A resident, Ma. Theresa Malasa, 35, said one reason of flood in their barangay is the silted creek due to solid waste that is stuck along the creek despite of the clean-up operation conducted regularly by their barangay council. 

Theresa, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, said three typhoons have destroyed their house made of mixed materials apart from floods they are usually experiencing. Sad to hear that Theresa’s six children are usually suffering from diseases taken from polluted water. 

“I am always praying for a safe home and community for my children but typhoons has always wrecked it,” she said. 

Theresa said she did not expect that their problem will be given attention by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Kalahi-CIDSS project. 

She said that since their barangay has been a recipient of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or Conditional Cash Transfer, of which her family is also a beneficiary, so many projects have been implemented already in their barangay such as dredging of creek and road improvement which contributed to their daily living. 

With the new development in their village, Theresa said her family together with other residents are now actively participating in the regular clean-up operation of the barangay officials to help maintain the project as part of its active community involvement. 

Theresa said with the projects, she knows that when the rainy season comes, their barangay would be flood-free already

Globe announces highly-successful pilot run of Digital Thumbprint Program

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom announces the highly-successful pilot run of the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), the award-winning brainchild of Optus and Singtel first deployed in Australia. It was designed to increase high school students’ knowledge of digital citizenship and cyber safety by taking a critical look at their online behavior and helping them develop insights into the influences of the online world and the choices they are making.

High school students listen intently to a Globe volunteer during a Digital Thumbprint Program workshop 

“By empowering a generation of students with digital savvy and leadership skills, Globe is giving them a way to understand the individual impact of their decisions and actions as well as enhances their view of how technology can be used to create a #WonderfulPH,” said Fernando Esguerra, Director of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

He added:  “The youth is greatly represented in the online community. Thus, to prepare them for the immense benefits that a digital nation brings, we want them to learn how to discern proper online behavior, be aware of technology’s impact on their social activities, and develop skills on how to use technology to help them achieve life goals.”

                An assessment conducted by global consulting firm Karrikins Group of Australia showed that DTP had a very high impact among students of the two pilot schools ---- Dasmarinas East National High School in Dasmarinas, Cavite and Sico 1.0 National High School in San Juan, Batangas --- particularly on the topic of privacy and security settings on social media platforms.

“Key outcomes are increased knowledge, shift in the behavior of Filipino youth to improve their digital safety and security, and increased digital responsibility and etiquette. Leadership and empowerment outcomes also showed a positive attitudinal shift. With the success of its first period of delivery, Globe can be confident they can increase the reach and impact of the program at scale,” Karrikins said in its report.

The pilot reached over 2,280 students with more than half or 1,266  students and 36 teachers participating in the survey.  Based on the results, 96.7% of the students expressed satisfaction and enjoyment from the DTP workshops; 94.4% of students found the workshops relevant; and 100% of teachers said that their students learned something important and that the workshops were grade-level appropriate.  The program also received a Net Promoter Score of 91.7 from the teachers who said they would recommend it to other schools. 

The three DTP workshops use captivating, classroom-appropriate case studies and activities to stimulate and challenge. Digital Insight covers concepts on information security and online business models; Digital Impact focuses on the impact students have on themselves and others, including how to help friends who may be facing anti-social activity; and Digital Ambition helps equip students with strategies on how to use technology to aid rather than distract from their ambitions.

Karrikins was commissioned by Globe to conduct an evaluation of DTP effectiveness and impact to ensure that the program is able to deliver the highest quality education and behavioral change both online and offline.

To nominate a high school for the program, please email bridgecom@globe.com.ph.

Egg-citing surprises at SM Snack Exchange and Toy Kingdom

Many cherished Easter traditions have been with us for centuries.  Eggs, chicks, and rabbits are symbols of joy and new life that comes with the spring and Christ’s resurrection. 

These Kinder Joy Chocolates come with a surprise toy makes Easter more egg-citing at  SM Snack Exchange.   

 Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back to the 13th century.  It is said that eggs were formerly a forbidden food during the Lenten season, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance, then eat them on Easter to celebrate.

This Dutche Chocolates Easter basket is filled with sweet treats and playful eggs for little hunters.
Available at SM Snack Exchange

Likewise, the Easter Bunny was said to have first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania, and brought with them their tradition of an egg-laying hare called Osterhase or Oschter Haws.  Their children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs.   Eventually, the custom spread across the US, and with it, the fabled rabbit’s morning deliveries expanded to include chocolate, candy, and gifts.  Decorated baskets replaced nests.  

Hop on to these Zaini Egg Chocolates that come with your favorite characters like Sofia the First, Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf, Cars and Spiderman.  Available at the SM Snack Exchange

Whether you’re planning an Easter Egg Hunt at home, or just wish to give the kids a sweet treat, SM Snack Exchange and Toy Kingdom have fun and egg-citing surprises for everyone.  

Snack Exchange has chocolates, candies, and other sweet treats to celebrate Easter! An egg-citing surprise awaits kids in Kinder Joy and Zaini Egg Chocolates that come with a toy inside.  There are also colorful toy eggs and baskets from Dutche Chocolates; as well as lollipops in festive spring colors, swirls, and Easter shapes like bunny ears and colored eggs. 

Pretty bunny headbands from Toy Kingdom.

Toy Kingdom has amazing stuff that highlight the Easter spirit: adorable bunny headbands, as well as whimsical lanterns and pompoms that come with cute Easter cutouts. There are colorful and delightful eggs, wonderfully designed pails and baskets for Easter egg hunting.

Have a magical Easter with colorful Pompoms and Fancy lanterns, adorned with delightful Easter cutouts.
Available at Toy Kingdom

These Easter treats are available at SM Snack Exchange and Toy Kingdom Express outlets in The SM Stores and at Toy Kingdom Stores in most SM Supermalls. Also check out  www.thesmtore.com and Snack Exchange FB account: i crave:snack exchange and  visit ToyKingdomPH and toykingdom.ph  for more amazing toy surprises.   

BIKES on LIGHTS at the 3rd Iloilo Bike Fest

Iloilo Bike Festival, now the grandest gathering of cyclists in Western Visayas, introduces on its third year the “Bike on Lights” parade contest, an innovative side event that features bikes decorated in colorful lights and then showcased creatively. 

With the theme “Bike Safe Iloilo,” the parade contest is envisioned to emphasize the concept of road-sharing and promote a bike-friendly Iloilo City. Individual participants or in groups of 3 to 5 members will showcase in the night of March 19 their lighted bikes for the competition parade along Megaworld Boulevard.

Prizes at stake for the top 3 winners are gift certificates from Richmonde Hotel Iloilo worth P20,000 for the first placer, P10,000 for the 2nd placer and P8,000 for the 3rd placer.

“Bike on Lights” is among the side events in the week-long Iloilo Bike Festival which officially started on March 13. 

"Iloilo Business Park is committed to making Iloilo the the most bike-friendly city in the country. We welcome all participants to our township, which is a sustainable development that promotes the use of bikes," says Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong, vice-president for sales and marketing, Megaworld Iloilo Business Park.

The main event of the bike festival is the Festival Fun Ride, where about 3,000 local and international bikers are expected to tour around the scenic locations in Iloilo. Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and other officials will open the event at Iloilo Business Park as the official starting point on March 19. 

Through the partnership of Megaworld with the Iloilo City government, the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park will serve as the official home of the annual Iloilo Bike Festival until 2023. This is to further promote road-sharing as bike lanes emerge and public safety practices in Iloilo City.

Globe Telecom, Bharti Airtel launch affordable calling plan to PH

Globe Telecom has forged a partnership with Bharti Airtel to give Airtel customers from around the world access to an affordable calling plan to the Philippines via Airtel’s voice calling app airtel talk.

For as low as P700 per month, Airtel customers from around the world using the airtel talk app get access to unlimited calls to Globe/TM customers in the Philippines

With the partnership, airtel talk users can make unlimited high-quality VoIP calls to their Globe and TM contacts in the country for as low as USD14.99 or P700 for a 30-day period, or only P23.30 per day.

Available on both iOS and Android, airtel talk offers superior call quality, exclusive call me free service, multi-party conferencing, voice message chat, multi-device access, free audio/video app-to-app calling, and instant phonebook access.

“We are very excited about this partnership with Airtel as we cement our commitment to help bridge the gap between Filipinos around the world and their loved ones back home through affordable calling services and rates. Calling remains an effective means to connect Filipino families with each other and through this collaboration, we are able to offer an affordable calling plan via airtel talk. This is indeed another milestone in the regional telco landscape as two of the biggest telcos converge to give customers another innovative service that gives customers access to unlimited calling at a price within reach,” says Nikko Acosta, Senior Vice President for International Business Group at Globe.

Ajay Chitkara, Director & CEO, Global Voice & Data Business, Airtel said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone that will enable the Filipino diaspora residing globally to connect with loved ones back in Philippines using airtel talk at affordable rates. airtel talk currently caters to the communication needs of the ethnic Diaspora and has launched features like Share Credit with Friends that allows users to share Calling Credit with those who are unable to buy Credit due to any reason and Call Me Free which enables friends and family call airtel talk users for free using any airtel landline/Mobile.

To make unlimited calls to Globe numbers in the Philippines, an airtel talk user should download the airtel talk app, buy a Globe Philippines Unlimited Calling Plan, and use the airtel talk app to call their loved ones back in the Philippines at never before tariffs.

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. The company ranks amongst the top 4 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national and international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 307 million customers across its operations at the end of November 2014.

Italian guest chef whips up Italy’s regional dishes at Seda Atria, Iloilo

The delectable traditional dishes of the Italian regions find their way to Iloilo City on March 18 to 20, 2016 with “La Buona Cucina Italiana”, prepared by an Italian chef for Seda Atria at Pison Avenue, San Rafael, Mandurriao. 

APERICENA at Straight Up Bar at Seda Atria

Guest chef Salvatore de Vincentis will be preparing well-loved Italian regional dishes presented in modern, creative ways– a first for Iloilo. These dishes will be as pleasing to the sight as they are to the taste buds as the chef will use only the freshest of ingredients, including famous cheeses and lemons from his country to ensure distinct and authentic Italian flavors. 

The savory dishes will be served the “apericena” way (combination of “aperitif” and “cena” or evening meal) where dishes are in tasting portions in an appetizer buffet. Chef Salvatore will draw from the aromas and flavors of his childhood in Sorrento where he would assist his grandmother and later, restaurateur-uncle, in the kitchen. 

For example, Chef Salvatore’s version of caprese in a glass, consists of a delightful cream with the flavor of fresh mozzarella over a tomato-flavored foam and touched with basil in liquid form. Layered to represent the colors of the Italian flag, the dish teases the palate in just the right amount, encouraging diners to partake of the next item on the buffet and enjoying as much as they could of the special all-Italian selection. 

The apericena with wine buffet dining experience which offers an extraordinary range of cocktail must-haves together with a prime selection of the best Italian wines at Seda Atria will be on March 18 to 19, 2016 at Straight Up bar from 8 p.m. to midnight at P950 nett. 

On the other hand, dinner buffet is on March 18 and 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Misto. Lunch buffet is on March 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., also at Misto. These buffets cost P850 nett. Kids aged 7 to 12 years old pay P425 nett while it is complimentary for children aged 6 years and below. 

The chef promises, “I always cook with all my heart because diners can sense a chef’s passion in the way the food is presented. I wish for everyone to have a fabulous dining experience. My message is simple: sit, eat, and enjoy!” he says.

PH set to become world’s next tourism hub

Tourism has become one of the major economic drivers in the Philippines, marked with strong, continued, and uninterrupted growth in both visitor arrivals and receipts, making the country ripe to become the world’s next tourism destination.

According to the Department of Tourism, tourism remained profitable and accounted for an estimated US$5.0 billion or P227.62 billion worth of international visitor receipts in 2015. This is 5.92% greater than the 2014 total earnings, with the month of December 2015 yielding the peak of all tourism activities at P23.47 billion and the month of September 2015 registering the highest growth of 24.24%.

Inbound tourists surpassed 5 million mark in 2015 with Korea topping list,
Department of Tourism records show

Korea continued to be the top spending market with visitor spending amounting to P66.55 billion for the year 2015. The United States ranked second with P42.31 billion, followed by Australia with P12.83 billion, overtaking Japan which provided P12.20 billion to take the fourth spot. Completing the top five spending markets is China with visitor spending of P10.19 billion. 

For the year 2015, tourists spend an average of P4,888.82. They also spent heavily last year, with an average per capita expenditure of P48,350.44. Their average length of stay in the country is registered at around 10 nights.

In terms of visitor arrivals, the industry also marked another milestone as, for the first time in history, total inbound tourists surpassed the five million mark, with the Philippines welcoming 5,360,682 visitors in 2015.  Korea is the biggest source market with the year 2015 marking another milestone by providing 1.34 million visitors – the first country market to surpass the 1.3 million mark – accounting for 25% of total arrivals and posting a significant growth of 13.97%. The United States of America supplied the 2nd biggest influx of tourist arrivals, followed by Japan, China, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Canada, Malaysia, and United Kingdom to round up the top 10 countries.

“The strong performance of the industry may be attributed to the aggressive branding and promotional activities launched in key and emerging markets such as the Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) campaign in 2015,” Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said. “At the rate that the industry is growing, tourism has proven that it is an important pillar in the country’s economic growth.”

To further boost the growth of local tourism, the Department of Tourism, through its marketing arm Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) launched the Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign to drive urgency and excitement among foreign travelers to visit the Philippines and return for more fun, friendship, feel-good adventures, and fabulous memories to cherish in 2016. Foreign travelers will be treated to many new and exciting attractions and spectacular travel destinations that showcase the beauty of the Philippine islands and the warmth of its people. Returning visitors will also be given exclusive travel deals and special incentives. They can avail of special discounts on flights, hotel accommodations and tour packages after simply presenting proof of previous visits.

Aside from various perks and privileges, tourists and returning Philippine residents can also enjoy worry-free connectivity during their stay in the country as TPB renewed its partnership with Globe Telecom, as the telco is once again offering its Globe Traveler SIM to millions of tourists and returning OFWs for free. Globe Traveler SIM is a local prepaid SIM that offers affordable local rates for mobile data, calls, and SMS services. Users can also receive calls and texts from abroad for free and cut costs on mobile data by subscribing to TravelSurf, which allows them to surf the Internet on mobile for an affordable rate of US$11 for seven (7) days or US$23 for 30 days. Users can also call abroad for as low as US$0.40 per minute.

“We are privileged to once again partner with the TPB to help boost the travel experience with affordable call, text and data services, enabling them to stay in touch as well as share the beauty of the Philippines to the rest of the world through social media. With Globe, we ensure that even travelers get to live and embrace their digital lifestyle as their connectivity partner while in the country,” said Nikko Acosta, Senior Vice President for International Business Group at Globe.

Starting March 15, Globe is also launching Relive Wonderful Philippines, a video contest where international visitors (Non-Philippine residents and OFWs) can submit a video showcasing why they love the Philippines and what they want to do in the country again. The winner of the best video will win a ticket to fly back to the Philippines with a companion to their destination of choice complete with hotel accommodation and allowance from Globe.

For more information on the FREE Globe Traveler SIM and the Relive Wonderful Philippines video contest, visit globe.com.ph/traveler-sim.

Globe Business earns certification for excellence in IT service management

Globe Telecom information and communication technology (ICT) arm Globe Business achieved another milestone as it recently earned an ISO 20000 or the Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) certification through its Technical Services Support Management Group (TSSM).

ISO 20000 is an international IT standard certification awarded to companies which demonstrate excellence and embody best practices in IT management. It leverages on evidence-based benchmarks to ensure companies continuously improve delivery of their IT services.

“This certification attests to our preparedness and readiness to address the needs of our partners and clients so we feel honored to receive it as testament to quality service delivery,” said Mike Frausing, Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Services Group at Globe. TSSM provides end-to-end technical management for Globe Business clients, from service desk to service management.

Only two years after the group was formed, TSSM already earned its first certification, the ISO 9001:2008, also known as the Quality Management System. The ISO 9001 is an internationally-recognized business standard which guarantees that a company has a set of procedures and policies in place. 

As a company which places a premium and commitment on certification, Globe has earned various ISO accreditations over the years such as ISO 9001:2008 (for Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2004 (for Environment Management System) and ISO 27001:2005 (for Information Security Management System) which boost its Data Centers to fulfilling service requirements.

Meanwhile, the flagship MK2 Data Center together with IT- Enabled Group’s “Managed Professional services” were  likewise distinguished with the ISO 20000-1:2011 certification for IT Service Management System and Business Continuity Management System (for ISO 22301:2012), assuring customers that all of the company’s policies, processes and procedures are compliant to requirements of the five (5) ISO standards and corresponding management systems.

For more information about Globe Business, get in touch with your Globe Business Account Manager or call the Globe Business Premium Support Center at +63 2.917.2888 toll-free using a Globe mobile and landline. You can also visit www.globe.com.ph/business for more information.

3-Day Mall-wide Sale at SM City Iloilo on March 18-20

Great finds, fabulous bargains and good value for money! 

These are what to expect when you go shopping during the mall’s 3-day sale on March 18-20, 2016. . Shoppers can avail as much as 70% discount on great selections in any stores. 

More Value for Your Money

On March 18, there will be a SMAC Sale from 9am to 12 noon. SM Prestige and SM Advantage Card members will enjoy an extra 10% off on all items sold at SM Department Store, Ace Hardware, Our Home, Adidas, Surplus Shop & Toy Kingdom; and an additional 5% discount at SM Appliance Center.

BDO card holders are also given an extra privilege as credit card holders will get a 10% rebate while debit card holders have a 3% rebate on all merchandise purchased using their cards.

Come March 19 and 20 is the Mabuhay Miles Promo. Simply show your Mabuhay Miles Card to get 10% off on all regular priced items from participating tenant stores.

Win a Scooter

Aside from the great bargains, you will also have a chance to win one of two Suzuki Address scooters. For every single or accumulated receipt worth Php1,000; or a Php300 single receipt from SM Foodcourt; or single purchase of four SM Cinema tickets, you are entitled to one raffle coupon.

You can increase your chances of winning if: you shop on March 19 and 20; participate in SM’s survey; or present you SM Mobile App coupon. More raffle coupons will be given in these cases. You can get your coupons at the Lower Ground Floor and at the New Wing, fronting the Scenic Elevator.

The raffle draws will be held on March 19 and 20 at 10 in the evening.

Entertainment for Everyone

There is more in store for you and your family on these dates. In the afternoon, why not take a short break from your bargain hunting and head towards Cyberzone at the 3rd level of the new wing where you can sit back, relax and enjoy some musical entertainment.

Listen to the wonderful voices of The Voice Kids sensations Lyca Gairanod and Ehla Nympha during their Album Promo Tour on March 18. The next day, bubbly and talented Alex Gonzaga will also have her Album Promo Tour, while Alvin and the Chipmunks will show their own brand of entertainment during a Meet and Greet on March 20, all at 4 in the afternoon.

You can get premier seating plus an autograph during these shows if you present a receipt purchase of one CD album of the featured celebrity plus one Pepsi product or SM Ecobag. For the Alvin and the Chipmunks show, you will have a chance to have your photo taken with them when you present your receipt.

Mall hours on March 18 is from 9am to 10pm while on March 19 to 20, it will be from 10am to 10pm.

Valvoline™ launches 150th Commemorative Year

Founded in 1866, Valvoline™, the petroleum industry's first U.S. trademarked motor oil brand whose lubricants, chemicals and car products are available in more than 160 countries and territories worldwide – has officially launched its 150th anniversary celebration, which will continue throughout the 2016 calendar year and include a series of commemorative initiatives. 

"The unprecedented 150-year history of Valvoline is truly a milestone to be celebrated, with a heritage rivaling that of Budweiser, Johnson & Johnson, General Electric and Ford Motor Company, among others," said Sam Mitchell, Valvoline president. "We look forward to celebrating our storied history around the world as 2016 progresses."

Among other highlights of Valvoline's commemorative efforts for 2016 are the upcoming announcements of multiple alignments with public figures in the auto enthusiast, professional sports, social media and general consumer spheres – in addition to a heightened advertising presence on multiple networks and digital platforms. Valvoline will also soon unveil a new online community, which will include specially produced videos, articles and other engaging content.

"There's so much for us as a brand to look forward to as 2016 unfolds, and we are thrilled to be driving efforts for what will be a fantastic year of history and a celebration of the innovative American spirit that has produced our 150 years of success," said Jamal Muashsher, Valvoline's director of marketing for global brands.

Dr. John Ellis, founder

Key Valvoline brand milestones spanning 15 decades include:

• 1866: Dr. John Ellis founded Valvoline in 1866 when he discovered the lubricating properties of distilled crude oil, formulating the world's first petroleum-based lubricant. Valvoline™ oil was officially trademarked in 1873.
• 1895: The first-ever car race organized in North America was held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1895. The Valvoline lubricated, two-cylinder, one-and-three-quarter horsepower car won first place. And from this point forward, Valvoline would cement itself in racing culture. Today, team Valvoline™ races in numerous high-performance series worldwide.

• Early 1900s: As Valvoline entered the 20th century, it continued to gain traction in the auto world and became a recommended oil for the iconic Ford Model T, making Valvoline a household name as vehicle ownership rapidly expanded. The brand extended its product offerings internationally, and Valvoline's groundbreaking innovation continued, successfully pioneering one of the world's first aircraft engine motor oils (1910).
• 1939: Valvoline developed X-18, the first all-purpose gear oil. This innovation reduced mechanic shop product inventory and exceeded manufacturer specifications of that time.
• 1942-1945: Valvoline oil was widely used to lubricate allied vehicles throughout the duration of World War II.
• 1950-1954: Ashland Oil Inc. of Kentucky acquired Valvoline in 1950, ushering in a new era of innovation. In 1954, and with automakers shifting to powerful overhead valve v8 engines, Valvoline developed its All-Climate™ Motor Oil – eliminating the need for seasonal oil changes.
• 1965: Valvoline introduced Valvoline™ Racing Motor Oil to the world in the mid 1960s. Its superior technology was developed to better protect engines in high-stress situations and met the needs of the "muscle car craze" of the era. Used in multiple forms of racing, Valvoline racing oil became, and remains to this day, the best-selling racing oil of all time.
• 1970s-1980s: During this era, Valvoline won in the Indy 500 (1970), NASCAR Daytona 500 (1972) and gained its first Formula One World Championship (1978). In the 1980s, a string of Valvoline cars, driven by some of racings biggest legends, raced first across finish lines around the world. Valvoline also became an operator of its own service centers (1987), making Valvoline unique among its global competitors.
• 1990s: In 1996, Valvoline again led in product innovation with the introduction of Durablend™, its first synthetic blend motor oil. This development brought the many benefits of synthetic to a broader consumer base and pioneered protection for the smaller, high-RPM engines of the day.
• Early 2000s: While others were focused on new engines, Valvoline was busy tearing apart older ones to make them run better, as consumers began holding on to their vehicles for longer periods of time. The result was Valvoline's 2000 launch of Maxlife™ High Mileage Motor Oil – the first motor oil specifically engineered with technology that provides increased longevity for cars over 75,000 miles. Over the next 10 years, others would follow Valvoline's lead, and the category of high mileage oil became an industry staple. In 2005, Valvoline centers performed their 100 millionth vehicle service.

• 2010-2015: In 2011, Valvoline reported $2 billion in global sales. Two years later, Hendrick Motorsports announced a multi-year NASCAR agreement with Valvoline. A new plant was opened in India in 2014 – bringing the total of blending and packaging plants worldwide to 60. Product innovations continued with the release of NextGen™, a premium lubricant that also saves energy in production.
• 2016: Valvoline is celebrating its 150th anniversary stateside and across the globe. Additionally, Valvoline Instant Oil Change SM centers are expected to perform their 200 millionth oil change during the year.

"We are extremely proud of how far we have come as a company – but we are also motivated by where we hope to go," added Mitchell. "Our plans, products and service programs ensure that Valvoline will keep the world moving for the next 150 years. And as a company that is truly never idle, we want the world to know that we are just getting started." 

***

In the Philippines, specifically in the Visayas and Palawan, Valvoline is exclusively distributed by F&E Group. Valvoline oils and chemicals are available in the 12 member stores and service centers of F&E, in partner workshops and automotive supply dealer partners.

“We are proud that our stores, service centers and dealer partners are home for the world’s best brands like Valvoline,” said Filamie S. Aguillon, CEO and General Manager of F&E.

“Our role as a local partner of these trusted global brands goes beyond just selling them. We become our customer’s partners for a safe and joyful journey, and for profitable business operations,” she added.

She invites the motoring public and transport associated business operators to join the celebration of Valvoline’s 150th Anniversary throughout 2016.

For more information about Valvoline and F&E’s automotive products, services and solutions, contact +63 33 336 0000 or Like them at Facebook F&E Autostore.

Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park to host Bike Festival this March

Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park is again hosting thousands of bikers in this year’s Iloilo Bike Festival.

Riding to promote the use of bike lanes and healthy lifestyle in Iloilo,the 72-hectare township will serve as the host venue of the week-long festival, which officially starts today, March 13. It will be highlighted by various bike-related activities, leading to the grand 2016 Iloilo Bike Festival Fun Ride on March 19.

Around 3,000 bikers participate in last year’s Iloilo Bike Festival at Iloilo Business Park.

"Iloilo Business Park is committed to making Iloilo the the most bike-friendly city in the country. We welcome all participants to our township, which is a sustainable development that promotes the use of bikes, on our third year as venue host," says Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong, vice-president for sales and marketing, Megaworld Iloilo Business Park.

Starting Saturday, March 13, pocket events will be held around the township. Apart from the Fun Ride, other activities in the festival include a Bike Photo Exhibit, Bike Expo, Bike Training, Bike Festival Concert, Fun Bike Games, BMX Flatland, Pinta Siklista, Kiddies Bike Activities, Folding Bike Events, and a Food Festival and among others.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and other officials will open the Festival Fun Ride event on March 19, where around 3,000 local and international bikers are expected to tour around the scenic locations in Iloilo. Iloilo Business Park will serve as the starting point of the event.

“The annual staging of Iloilo Bike Festival solidifies the purpose to gather the Ilonggo community and show its commitment to healthy living. Megaworld will always be supportive to this kind of initiative,” says Palmares-Fong.

Through the partnership of Megaworld with Iloilo City government, the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park will serve as the official home of the annual Iloilo Bike Festival until 2023. This is to further promote road-sharing as bike lanes emerge and public safety practices in Iloilo City.  ###

3-Day Sale at SM CIty Iloilo on March 18-20

Shop this March 18,19 and 20, 2016 at SM City Iloilo’s 3-Day Sale and get a chance to win a brand new Suzuki Address!

Every P1000 single or accumulated purchase within the promo period from any participating SM mall establishment entitles shopper to one (1) raffle coupon.except for the following : SM Foodcourt - Customer gets one (1) raffle coupon with every P300 single receipt purchase, SM Cinema - Customer gets one (1) raffle coupon with every single receipt purchase of four (4) cinema tickets and SM Storyland - Customer gets one (1) raffle coupon with every P300 worth of ride tickets.Customers automatically get double raffle coupons for Saturday and Sunday purchases during the promo period. Customer can also present their SM Mobile App to avail of extra 2 coupons.

Up to 70% discount on selected items are in store for the shoppers aside from various exciting offers from tenants and affiliate stores.

Get additional 10% OFF in the 2-hour special of the SM Store and participating SM Affiliate stores on March 18 when using your SM Advantage, Prestige and BDO Rewards Card.

For Saturday and Sunday, show your Mabuhay Miles card and get 10% OFF on all regular priced items from participating tenant stores on March 19 & 20.

Great entertainment awaits the shoppers at the Cyberzone, 3rd Floor of the mall’s new wing. LycaGairanod and EhlaNympha of the Voice Kids are coming on March 18, 4pm. Alex Gonzaga will have an album tour on Mach 19 while Alvin and the Chipmunks will have a Meet and Greet on March 20.

To avail of  premier seats and photo opportunity with these artists, just purchase a CD or DVD at the venue plus 1 Pepsi or 1 SM Ecobag.

Meanwhile, SM Foodcourt will have the last 2 hours special from 8pm to 10pm wherein shoppers get to avail of special offers from Foodcourt tenants during these hours.

SM Storyland will also have the Mind games promo for 3-Day Sale. For every receipt purchase of one ride-all-you-can (RAYC) tag or individual ride ticket to the RAYC price in a single or accumulated receipt that a customer should present to the SM Storyland ticket booth, customers are entitled to play the Memory Game. Contestants should have 2 correct pair of pictures to automatically get a merchandize item. Customers will have 3 chances to get the 2 correct pairs in 20 seconds.

All these and more at SM City Iloilo’s 3-Day Sale! Happy Shopping!                                                                                    

Children of Balasan, Lemery Receive SM Cares Bears of Joy

The children of Balasan and Lemery in Northern Iloilo were among the beneficiaries of the SM Cares Bears of Joy from SM City Iloilo.

The shoppers and those who supported the project are a big part of this endeavor. For only P200.00, shoppers purchased a pair of Christmas Bears wherein they got to keep 1 and the other will be donated to the mall’s selected beneficiary/charity organization. 

Through the generosity of these people, the SM Cares Bears of Joy has become a reflection of sharing--an ancillary channel of love sending warm hugs from one person to those in need.

Through the One Meal group’s assistance in identifying the said beneficiaries, the aim to make more children happy by supporting the charity drive, surely brought joy to every child who received it.

Grand Easter Staycation at Days Hotel Iloilo

Days Hotel Iloilo celebrates the Lenten with its Grand Easter Staycation promo from March 20 to 31, 2016. Guests can avail of the Family Room and/or Suite Room Packages starting from PhP 5,000 and if book for two consecutive nights - 3RD NIGHT is FREE!

Inclusion for both packages are: 

• Daily buffet breakfast for two (2) adults and two (2) children 8 years and below.
• Free use of the gym
• Free wifi access

Avail of Days Hotel Iloilo's Grand Easter Staycation promo by booking directly through telephone number (033) 337-3297. 

On the same note you can also celebrate the COLORS OF EASTER with a special lunch buffet at the Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo on March 27, 2016 (sunday) from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Easter activities will start at 1:00pm.

Globe Media Excellence Awards now in its 5th year

Globe Telecom is staging its fifth Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA) this year to recognize excellence in journalism exemplified by print and online media as well as bloggers, and social media influencers in Visayas and Mindanao. 

Globe Telecom first launched its Media Excellence Awards in Cebu and Davao in 2012 to promote freedom of the press and media excellence by recognizing media practitioners who demonstrate excellence in their field of work.

Last year, GMEA expanded its coverage to Bacolod and Iloilo in Visayas, and General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga in Mindanao. In its fifth milestone year in 2016, GMEA is expected to become bigger, better, and grander. 

This year's GMEA is anchored on Globe Telecom's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and support for the #WonderfulPH campaign.“The critical role of traditional media organizations and, of late, the social media in forming public opinion makes it imperative for an ICT enabler like Globe to encourage excellence in this field as we all aspire to effect societal change towards a more wonderful Philippines,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.

Entries, therefore, must delve on the four Sustainability Focus Areas: care for the environment, innate care for our people, positive societal impact, and digital nation.

For the Visayas, entries must be published between May 2015 and April 2016. Submission period for the Visayas opens on March 1 while deadline for the entries is on April 29, 2016. The entries for Mindanao, on the other hand, must be published between June 2015 and May 2016. Submission period begins on March 15 while the deadline for Mindanao entries is on May 31, 2016.

GMEA 2016 will be covering Bacolod, Cebu, and Iloilo in Visayas and Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga in Mindanao.

There are award categories for print, broadcast, and digital media. For print media, recognition shall be conferred to the reporter of the year for print, explanatory/investigative story of the year for print, columnist of the year, and photojournalist of the year.

For broadcast media, awards will be given to the reporter of the year for radio, public affairs story of the year for radio, reporter of the year for television, and explanatory/investigative story of the year for television.

Finally for digital media, honours shall be granted to the blogger of the year, social media campaign of the year, social media advocate of the year, and the reporter of the year for online news portal.

No separate categories or distinction for journalists writing in Bisaya, Hiligaynon, and Chavacano-language dailies shall be made in recognition of the importance of developing these local languages as a way of strengthening national identity. The same standards of excellence shall be applied for all contenders for an award whether their works are written in English, Bisaya, Hiligaynon or Chavacano.

The Awards Night for the Visayas will be on September 22, 2016 while the Awards Night for Mindanao will fall on November 24.

e-learning startup Quipper launches in Cebu, eyes partnerships with schools transitioning to K-12

With the full implementation of the K-12 program this June with onset of the additional 2-year senior high school program, an education technology company out to improve the teaching and learning experience is now offering its services in Cebu. 

Yuki Naotori, Country Manager of Quipper, said the launching at Tisa Elementary School, which is plagued by many of the same challenges besetting high schools nationwide, exemplifies the company’s vision for a world where everyone has easy access to quality education. 

“This year is a pivotal one for Philippine education, with an estimated 1.2 to 1.6 million students beginning grade 11 in June. By providing excellent, K-12 aligned content on a platform that helps teachers streamline their teaching methods and class management while simultaneously providing students with an engaging yet effective learning experience, we hope to make this transition easier for both public and private schools in Cebu and the rest of the country,” said Naotori. 

To access the platform and content, teachers need to sign up at school.quipper.com, register their school, then invite their students to create accounts and join their class. Once students have signed-in, teachers can send assignments or exams and communicate with students via the platform’s messaging system. Educators are also able to upload their own content and access analytics on their students’ performance. The platform is gamified, so students get instant feedback upon answering, and earn ‘coins’ for correct answers, which they can use to ‘buy’ desktop wallpaper for their Quipper account. The use of Quipper School and all its features is free of charge. 

Founded by Masayuki Watanabe in London in 2010, Quipper is a member of the global conglomerate Recruit Holdings, which consists of 162 consolidated subsidiaries and generates $13 billion in annual sales. It opened its Makati office in the Philippines in 2014. 

Today, Quipper is eyeing local partnerships with schools in Cebu City and Cebu Province. “We are currently partnered with 33 DepEd divisions and 310 schools nationwide. Through these partnerships, we’ve provided much-needed assistance to schools aiming to create the most effective learning environment for 21st century learners,” said Quipper’s Country Manager. 

Quipper’s efforts are bolstered by the preliminary research findings of a commissioned study suggesting that students with consistent or even intermittent exposure to Quipper School are more likely to gain better scores, higher passing rates, and higher attendance rates. 

Dr. Ferdinand Pitagan of the University of the Philippines conducted the said research in a sample of 4 schools representing each DepEd district in the National Capital Region (NCR). Three Grade 7 Math classes for each school with different levels of exposure to Quipper School took part in the study. 

To help schools implement Senior High School, Quipper will be offering the following content for Grade 11 starting June 2016: Oral Communication, Reading and Writing, 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World, Komunikasyon at Pananaliksik sa Wika at Kulturang Filipino, Pagbasa at Pagsusuri ng Iba’t Ibang Teksto Tungo sa Pananaliksik, General Mathematics, Statistics and Probability, Earth and Life Science, Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics. 

As part of its preparations for senior high school, Quipper is also planning to launch a premium video service at the beginning of school year 2016-2017 to provide more comprehensive content and an improved learning experience for Grade 10 and 11 students. 

As of September 2015, almost one million students in the Philippines, majority of which are from public high schools in the NCR, are registered with Quipper School. 

Over 1,400 schools from 165 divisions nationwide are using Quipper, including Dagupan City, Legazpi City, Lucena City, Cavite, Mountain Province, and Nueva Vizcaya outside of the NCR as well as Bacolod, Dumaguete, and Silay City in the Visayas, and Tandag, Iligan and Zamboanga in Mindanao. 

SM City Iloilo to build an 18-storey twin tower along Diversion Road

These are BPO Towers SM has built (1,2 E-Com) and will build (3 E-com and CDO2).
How will SM City Iloilo's BPO Tower will look like?

SM City Iloilo is building an 18-storey twin tower along Diversion Road to the tune of PhP 1.7B. This was revealed today during a meeting for a city council endorsement needed for the project to be accredited by PEZA.

Councilor Dra. Candice Tupas presides over the Committee Hearing of the Iloilo City Committee
on Trade and Industry of which she is the Chairperson with regards to the request of SM
for their Peza Accreditation for their planned twin tower BPO building. 

To be located beside the 21-storey Injap tower, SM IT Tower though less in the number of floors will be taller than it's neighbor - sources say. Though plans are NOT YET FINAL and subject to changes as construction starts. 

INJAP TOWER and soon in the right side - SM twin towers
Photo from Panoramio Boxxer "jAz"

Sources say that the building will have a common base that will rise up to six floors while the twin towers will start from the 7th until the 18th. It will not only hold BPO offices (rumors say Teletech will eventually transfer in this building) but will also be leased as offices. 

Construction equipment in place at the site
Photo by Anthony Peregil

Construction will start as soon majority of the works at the SM Southpoint Expansion is finished. This is NOT an OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE from SM City Iloilo. Official PR will published when it comes out.

SM City Iloilo development plan (unofficial)

To speculate on the tower design, here are bigger images of some BPO towers SM has built and will build.

One E-com Centre at SM Mall of Asia

Two E-com Centre at SM Mall of Asia

Three E-com Centre at SM Mall of Asia

SM CDO2 Premiere complex in Cagayan de Oro