Disney, Globe Telecom launches Disney Channel apps in the Philippines

Disney fans in the Philippines can now watch all their favorite Disney programs, whenever and wherever they want. Disney Southeast Asia together with Philippines’ number one mobile brand Globe Telecom, launched the new mobile video streaming service via three new entertainment apps - Disney Channel App, Disney XD App, and Disney Junior App.

The Disney Channels Apps are available for download from the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store, and feature both live streaming of the Disney Channels and Video-On-Demand (VOD) service offering more than 100 full episodes for eligible Globe subscribers. All Globe Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers who sign up for their Globe Interactive Account will enjoy an initial 30-day free trial. After the free trial period, users can continue to enjoy full access to premium content with Globe stand-alone offers “Disney129” or “Disney299” subscription plans, or when they sign up for or re-contract on GoSURF 999 and up subscription plans. Users without a valid Globe Interactive Account can still download the apps to access limited VOD content. 

Designed specifically for kids to watch their favorite Disney entertainment anytime and anywhere, the Disney Channels Apps will provide hours of fun in a safe and kid-friendly digital environment that will immerse viewers in Disney’s magical world of storytelling and characters. The Disney Channel App will tap into the world of kids and families through imagination, laughter and optimism via favorite Disney movies and shows such as The Descendants, Phineas and Ferb, The 7D, Gravity Falls, and Art Attack. Designed for preschoolers, the Disney Junior App will bring to life engaging storytelling featuring characters that kids love deeply from series’ such as Sofia the First, The Lion Guard, Miles from Tomorrowland, Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Meanwhile, the Disney XD App will transport kids into worlds of hilarious, outrageous fun and inspiring adventures with series such as Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man vs the Sinister Six, Marvel’s Avengers Ultron Revolution, Star Wars Rebels, Pickle and Peanut, Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. 

“We’re excited to offer Disney fans of all ages more opportunities to watch, interact, personalize and enjoy Disney shows when and where they want it,” said Natasha Malhotra, General Manager, Branded Media and Content, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia. “The Disney Channels Apps feature a fun and engaging online Disney environment, designed around Disney characters and storytelling on a simple, child-friendly user interface. Parents will love the Disney Channels Apps as it provides a secure viewing environment to keep their kids engaged and entertained.” 

Disney and Globe also announced today that Disney Mobile smartphones will be available in all Globe stores starting 27 May, and will come with price plans that bundle 6 months’ access to the Disney Channels Apps.  

“Collaborating with Walt Disney Southeast Asia has expanded our opportunities here at Globe to provide more quality products and content for the whole family. Since we formalized the collaboration in 2015, we’ve been able to bring exciting movie experiences for our customers. This year, we further strengthen our association with the iconic Disney brand by not only exclusively carrying the first ever Disney Mobile smartphones but this time also giving our customers the Disney Channel Apps so that they can enjoy the best Disney programs on their mobile device,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan. 

Globe Telecom is the first telco in Southeast Asia to exclusively offer Disney Mobile smartphones through its most affordable myStarter postpaid plans for as low as P750 per month. Created for the trendsetting Disney fan and themed around popular Disney franchises, these smartphones carry the signature aesthetic of the Disney brand from its lively colors to matching themed accessories. The first Disney Mobile range for the Philippines comes in 3 design themes – Mickey Mouse, Frozen and Disney Princess. Customers can go to any Globe store or online to get the plans.  

Completing the Disney experience for Globe customers are the Disney-branded retail corners in all Globe Gen 3 stores nationwide. Disney fans can also purchase select Disney-themed mobile accessories. 

The Disney Channels Apps are available on supported devices including any iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch running on iOS 7.0 and above, and Android smartphones and tablet devices running Android 4.1 and above.

For further information on Disney Channels Apps, please go to: sea.disney.asia/Disney-app

To know more about Globe Postpaid and its Disney Mobile offers visit http://www.globe.com.ph/postpaid/disney-mobile

Kakanin vendor now a teacher graduate

“Sometimes you have to walk away from what you want in order to find what you deserve.”

Leaving her three children under the care of her husband just to work in Manila was the most painful decision she has ever made. 

Mary Cris Sanchez, 35, of Brgy. Catmon, Altavas, Aklan decided to work as nanny in Manila to help her husband provide the daily needs and school expenses of their children.

The luck, however, is still with Mary Cris when she was chosen to be one of the scholars of the Municipality of Altavas.

Opportunity knocked on her door, Mary Cris did not want to miss it so she decided to go back to Altavas and enrolled herself at the Altavas College with the course of Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED).

Another luck was when the Sanchez family was included in the PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program which cover three of their children.

With free tuition, Mary Cris was able to manage her expenses in school as well as her children’s expenses from high school and elementary at the same time.

However, the income of her husband from peddling tricycle was not sufficient for their daily needs. Having her small saving earned from previous job plus the income of her husband, Mary Cris decided to venture into small business like selling kakanin or native delicacies.

Mary Cris brought her delicacies to their school to sell them to her classmates every breaktime. Her three children also volunteered to sell in their classes.

The family has been into this livelihood more than two years already until one day Mary Cris’s husband Roger was diagnosed to have a dystonia – a state of abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscular spasm and abnormal posture. 

Mary Cris said upon knowing that the illness of her husband had no cure, she conditioned herself and their children that they need to strive hard for their family to survive.

Mary Cris is very thankful with the understanding and support of her three children. Time passed by, Mary Cris could not imagine how she survived from four years of struggle. Now, she is holding her diploma after graduating on April 5, 2016.

“Before, I am always holding my basket full of kakanin but now I am holding my diploma that reminds me of all my tears and sleepless nights overcoming all the hardships I have in my life,” she said.

Presently, Mary Cris is taking her review in preparation for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) on October this year.

Mary Cris hopes that she could pass the board examination so that she could apply and have a stable job that could sustain the needs of her family especially the maintenance of her husband.

“Thank God and to the program because it has helped us a lot to realize our dreams,” she said.

Lagaw Ta! Western Visayas Fiestas in the City at SM City Iloilo

Experience the fun-tastic, events and creativity of the people of Western Visayas at SM City Iloilo on May 23-29, 2016!

Now on its 14th year, Fiestas in the City has become an institutional event promoting the beauty and grandeur of the Western Visayas region. This year’s version promises more exciting events during the week-long event.

A grand opening will be held on May 23, 3pm at the Events Center. This will be highlighted by performances of the Claravall-Gonzales School of Dance and The Voice Kids Finalist Rock Opong.

On May 24, the Municipality of Oton will display their town’s pride and their residents’ creativity through the SandiyahansaOton, a watermelon carving contest 3pm.

The Department of Tourism 6 OperationWaterf’all or Water for All will hold their awarding ceremony for the Top 100 Water Conservation Champions 10:30am on May 25.

The Best of Ilonggo Cuisine will be showcased by three of Iloilo’s culinary wizards - Chef Miguel Cordova and Andrea Gorriceta, among others. A cooking demo will be at the event center, 3pm on May 26.

Another interesting event will take place on May 27 at 10am-3pm as iconic delicacies of the provinces of Western Visayas will be displayed in a form of a map at the event center. Delicacies such as bandi of Antique, Moledo of Aklan, Seafood of Capiz, Dried Mangoes of Guimaras, Bucarillo of Iloilo, Piaya of Negros Occidental and even the Buti. These delicacies will be shared to the shoppers in the afternoon.

A Grand Festival Parade will be held on May 28 at 2pm featuring Capiztahan, Dinagynag, Manggahan, and Masskara. These colorful festivals will go around the mall bringing the banner of pride of their respective provinces.

And as a part of this yearly event, the lovely muses of the region will join the Sagala of Festival Queens on May 29 at 3pm.

Aside from these colorful events, a Destinations and Trade Fair will also be held from May 23-29 at the lower ground floor near Adidas. Craft demos will also be featured at the Northwing from 10am-12nn and 3pm-5pm.

Fiestas in the City is a partnership between SM City Iloilo and Department of Tourism Region 6 together with the participating provinces and local government units.

Huawei adopts Globe Telecom’s Project 1 Phone recycling and recovery program

Leading global ICT solutions provider Huawei Technologies Philippines, Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Globe Telecom on the adoption of Project 1 Phone e-waste recycling program even as it turned over one van full of various electronic waste  as initial donation.

The contract signing and e-waste turnover was led by Huawei Vice President for Sales Bruce Liu and Corporate Communications Head Wellington Liutao.  It was in response to the P1P campaign initiated by Globe Business among its corporate clients to encourage donations of individual and company e-waste such as non-working or damaged phones and tablets;  mobile phone batteries, chargers, and accessories; printers, cartridges, and personal computers, among other electronic items.

Huawei VP for Sales Bruce Liu and Globe SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto seal the partnership agreement with a handshake. Huawei Corporate Communications Head Wellington Liutao (left) and Globe VP for Enterprise Sales Dion Asencio (right) act as witnesses.

“Our vision for sustainability is to Connect the Future so we are happy to be Globe Telecom’s partner in this endeavor.  We have a responsibility to contribute to the markets in which we operate internationally. Huawei is prepared to leverage its ICT expertise to increase efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and build a green, low-carbon society. We will continue to invest 10% of our annual revenue to Research and Development to ensure that we continue to innovate technologies and develop green products and solutions, “ Liu said.

Dion Asencio, Globe Vice President for Enterprise Sales said:  “Apart from adopting environmental sustainability efforts in our own organization, Globe Business is taking it a step further by making it possible for our enterprise customers to be involved in saving the environment integral to their corporate sustainability thrusts. That is why we are very thankful to Huawei for the partnership opportunity through P1P.  We hope that this will serve as an inspiration to other companies to help us achieve our 150,000 kilogram e-waste target this year.”

The two-year agreement involves a commitment from Huawei to gather all e-waste from its offices and employees to be collected by Globe and sent to its accredited partner Total Environment Solutions Asset Material Management (TES-AMM) Philippines for proper recycling, proceeds of which will go to  Habitat for Humanity for classroom construction.

Globe Business is leading the way in encouraging businesses to do their share in minimizing environmental impact of e-waste and countering its harmful effects on health through close collaboration with private corporations on the adoption of P1P.

P1P, the flagship conservation initiative of Globe, focuses on responsible e-waste recycling and recovery to ensure that harmful materials do not end up in landfills. It also aims to promote sustainability by engaging various stakeholders, customers, partner corporations and the public to donate their e-waste for the conservation and protection of the environment.  So far, from the 79,968.2 Kg of e-waste gathered when it was first launched in 2014, the amount increased to 124,572.19 Kg the following year.

About Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom is a leading full service telecommunications company in the Philippines, serving the needs of consumrs and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connections, internet and managed services.  Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel who are acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph. Follow Globe Telecom on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobePH as well as on Twitter @enjoyglobe and Instagram at @enjoyglobe.

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Driven by customer-centric innovation and open partnership, Huawei has established an end-to-end ICT solutions portfolio that gives customers competitive advantages in telecoms and enterprise networks, devices and cloud computing. Huawei’s 170,000 employees worldwide are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers. Our innovative ICT solutions, products and services have been deployed in over 170 countries and regions, serving more than one third of the world's population. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.

Globe Telecom, The Mind Museum bring the wonder of science to people everywhere

Globe Telecom and The Mind Museum (TMM) have joined hands to bring the wonder of science to teachers, students, and anyone interested in learning through a mobile app which gives users access to over 250 museum exhibits anytime and anywhere via their tablets or smartphones. 

The TMM app deals with a wide array of topics and questions especially relevant to teachers and students who do not have the time, means, or opportunity to visit The Mind Museum.  It is the first educational museum app in the country and promises a rich multimedia experience to anyone who downloads it. 

“With the TMM app, we can now truly say that science is everywhere. While being in the museum completes your fun learning experience, having the app brings you closer, like no other technology can, to what animates The Mind Museum inside and out. With this app, kids of all ages, especially students and teachers, will now taste wonder at their fingertips. We can’t thank Globe enough for partnering with us on this and for having “wonder-making” as part of their mission,” said The Mind Museum curator, Maria Isabel Garcia.

                       

“We are glad to partner with The Mind Museum on this app to give everyone a chance to access relevant and engaging educational content using their mobile device.  This is in line with Globe Telecom’s commitment to provide Filipinos with 21st century learning and education through Information and Communications Technology with the end goal of creating a digital nation for a #WonderfulPH,” said Fernando Esguerra, Director for Globe Citizenship.

To further support this goal, Globe and TMM are also teaming up on the Science Wonder workshop for teachers scheduled to start next month.  The roadshow will be conducted at select public schools which are also recipients of the Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program of Globe.  Through the one-day workshop, the teachers will be coached on how to use the different features of the app to make classroom learning more fun, interactive, and interesting.

For instance, even while cooped up inside the classrooms, teachers can still bring their students on a virtual tour of the museum using the Exhibit Guide.  This feature provides a map highlighting the exhibits in each gallery and information about them including quick access to exclusive content.  The app also sparks curiosity with some mind-starting questions on various K-12 topics which educators and students can take advantage of.

The TMM app also has a collection of do-it-yourself science experiments and demonstrations similar to those being performed by its resident scientists in the museum’s Atom Gallery.  The app provides step-by-step visual guides which can be done in the school or at home using readily available materials.

On the other hand, museum-goers may also take advantage of the app by checking out the Learning Footpaths where they can have themed, self-guided tours around the museum. For quick access to exclusive content about each exhibit, they can take a picture of the QR codes.  The TMM app is available for free download at Google Play and the App Store for Android and iOS users, respectively.

About Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom is a leading full service telecommunications company in the Philippines, serving the needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connections, internet and managed services.  Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel who are acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph. Follow Globe Telecom on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobePH as well as on Twitter @enjoyglobe and Instagram at @enjoyglobe.

About Mind Museum

The Mind Museum is a non-profit, award-winning science museum located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.  It is dedicated to providing an extraordinary educational experience that inspires the public understanding of science. For more information, please visit: www.themindmuseum.org and follow it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @themindmuseum.

SM Foundation to hold Medical-Dental Missions in Passi, Concepcion

SM Foundation Inc. is set to hold medical and dental mission in Passi City and Concepcion in Iloilo on May 25 and 26, 2016 respectively.

Thousands of beneficiaries will benefit from the said mission which is also in partnership with the Department of Health 6, Provincial Health Office and the local government unit of Passi City and Concepcion.

SMFI aims to give medical and dental aid to indigent families in the the said areas, by providing them free medical consultations, free dental procedures and free medicines.

Earlier, SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation, donated 200 houses for typhoon Yolanda survivors in Brgy. Bacjawan Sur in Concepcion. Meanwhile a two-storey school building was also donated to Efraim Santibañez Elementary School in Brgy Santo Tomas, Passi City, Iloilo.

Emperador to be distributed in the US this year

The world's largest brandy maker,Emperador, Inc., has recently signed a deal to bring its homegrown Emperador Brandy to North America, particularly in the United States.

Speaking at the company’s annual stockholders meeting Monday, Emperador, Inc. president Winston Co revealed that the Filipino-owned brandy will be available in the US market by second half of this year.

“We have signed an agreement to make Emperador brandy available in North America. So hopefully, by the latter part of this year, when you go to the US, you will be able to see Emperador brandy there,” Co said.

Aside from North America, Co also revealed that the world’s largest brandy company is also signing distribution agreements with 10 countries in central and eastern Europe.

“By 2020, Emperador will be a global brand, alongside our other newly-acquired brands,Fundador and Whyte and Mackay,” Co revealed.

Co stressed that while the company is already getting attention in Europe because of its landmark acquisitions of Fundador, Spain’s oldest and largest brandy; as well as Whyte & Mackay, one of Scotland’s largest Scotch whisky makers, it is also excited about the potentials of its expanded distribution in Asia, especially in China.

Emperador earlier this year completed its P13.8-billion takeover of the 286-year-old Bodegas Fundador from Beam Suntory, Inc., allowing the company access to the liquor markets of around 100 countries across the globe.

“This acquisition has further strengthened Emperador’s position as the world’s largest company and has made the Philippines one of the largest foreign investors in Spain,” Emperador Chairman Dr. Andrew L. Tan said during the meeting.

In 2014, the company acquired Scotch whisky company Whyte and Mackay Group Limited -- owner of the brands Whyte and Mackay, Jura and The Dalmore – for 430 million pounds or approximately P31-billion.

“By entering into the whisky business, we are tapping a new liquor category and potentially paving the way for future proofing of our liquor dominance in the country,” Tan said.

With the company’s aggressive expansion globally, he is optimistic that the share of overseas sales will equal those from domestic market to its total revenues over the next few years. Earnings from the international markets currently comprise 38 percent of the total.

“Eventually, the 50-50 (share is) very possible but we can’t say when. It can be 2020, it can be 2019. I really don’t know but we are pushing that very hard,” he said.

Your Summer survival guide, all on your Globe mobile

The summer season is in full swing, and getting ready for it should be a whole lot of fun as we run down some of the best apps that would make for another remarkable summer! From apps to help you get that beach body, down to curating your soundtrack, check out how you can get things done right on your mobile device!

Achieve your #BeachBodyGoals

Boracay? La Union? Baler? El Nido? Whatever your destination, show off a healthier and fitter you with the help of the KFit App! It is a revolutionary work out app that helps you discover, plan, and book a variety of fitness, beauty and wellness activities. Priced at Php 999 per month, you can download and book instantly via the mobile app to experience an array of workouts for you to try. 

For real time stories and a daily dose of funny

Share real time updates with your friends and family through one of the coolest messaging apps today, Snapchat! The popular mobile app lets you share moments with friends and even view Live Stories from around the world. You can take a photo or a video with it,add captions or doodles and even interactive filters to lend your messages more humor when you send to friends. Alternatively, your snaps can be added to your "story"-- a 24-hour collection of your photos and videos, which you broadcast to your followers. You can also follow your favorite Celebrities to see what they are up to!

Go get your game on!

For those days where you just want to take it easy, mobile games are just a tap away! Recently, top game developer and creator of Clash of Clans, Supercell, released their breakthrough mobile game, Clash Royale that will surely get you playing nonstop! An uncomplicated strategy game, anyone can easily get the hang of Clash Royale and stay on it for hours!  It is available on iOS or android devices. It is a fast paced, card based Player versus Player brawler. Collect clash troops and use them to conquer your opponent’s towers to win. Now this is something to keep you occupied for hours!

For laidback staycations

Staycations are also a good way to relax and catch up on your favorite TV hits and movie titles! Whether it’s alone time or a sleepover with friends, pop some popcorn and have an all-nighter with HOOQ.  Asia’s first online entertainment video service gives you access to a library of thousands of international and local movies and TV series. Enjoy an assortment of feel good movies and catch up on the latest series such as Supergirl and Ash Vs. Evil Dead.

Curate your Summer soundtrack

From shedding those extra pounds to your trips and staycations, Spotify has you covered, to give you the latest tracks. With the ability to create your own playlist, Spotify, offers the best music experience with access to over 30 million songs! And instant soundtracks, you can check out some of their best playlists that matches every mood and occasion.  

Experience all these apps on Globe Prepaid! 

As a Globe customer, KFIT is giving P300 off for every new sign up by using the promo code GlobeKFit for the Fitness Pass until May 2016. You can also create your own GoSAKTO promo to include Snapchat, Spotify and HOOQ. And on GoSURF50, you can level up on Clash Royale, and get free access to HOOQ or Spotify.

To know more about Globe Prepaid and its latest promos, visit, www.globe.com.ph/Prepaid.

Cycling app We are here wins Globe-backed Mobile App Design for Social Good category at adobo Design Awards

  In a country where traffic congestion is a perennial problem, a cycling app that aims to connect biking enthusiasts and provide bicycle-friendly neighborhoods caught the designing community’s fancy. Developed by Trisha Tobias, We are Here was chosen the winner of the Mobile App Design for Social Good category and recipient of the Lucille Tenazas Design Excellence Award at the recent adobo Design Awards. 

Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto (2nd from left)
presents the Mobile App Design for Social Good category at the recent adobo Design Awards
to Trisha Tobias (3rd from right), developer of We are here, a cycling app that gives cycling
and biking communities the means to connect while driving positive societal change.
Crisanto is joined by Angel Guerrero (2nd from right), President and Editor-in-Chief of adobo; Janelle Squires (3rd from left) adobo Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and event hosts Rovilson Fernandez and Marc Nelson.

Connecting friends and other bikers in the neighborhood who share the same route to places like office and school, the app establishes a common spot to meet up and creates a route to an area near their destinations, providing opportunity for people to establish bike groups or for people to simply undertake a lifestyle change together. Globe supported Mobile App Design for Social Good category to recognize entries in the mobile application format that presents creative solutions to social issues. 

“Design is not just about making an artifact but it’s also about creating a strategy. It’s also about creating an impact. I think the idea of using bicycles as a mode of transportation is something that is being underused in our country. I think from the standpoint of design, this design solution enhances civic behavior. The designer in this case was able to present a solution that will impact society. It goes back to what I’ve always thought; design is not just about making things. It’s about making things happen.” said Lucille Tenazas, founder and principal of Tenazas Design, as she explained her choice for the award.

For her part, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto stressed “the app fits the bill for a technological innovation that drives positive societal change. We hope this will further inspire development of technological concepts that will benefit our society as we all strive in creating a wonderful Philippines,” Crisanto said.

In her entry, Tobias emphasized that cycling is a good solution to reduce carbon footprint and cut back on costs. However, there is lack of awareness of bike rules and etiquette, which often leads to accidents and even death. Instead of seeing a road to progress, people see risks, so they choose not to bike. She said studies have shown that vehicular drivers are more cautious when there are more bikers and pedestrians in the vicinity. There is safety in numbers and encouraging people to bike together is the first step to changing mindsets.

Aside from connecting bikers living or working in the same community, the app also features weather forecast in a given location to provide bikers an insight on whether the day is optimal for riding as well as upcoming events where bikers will be able to respond to invitations from friends, or browse for a community bike rides in their area. Facebook page for the movement also aims to inform people of bike rules.

Megaworld’s Q1 income grows 12.13% to P2.63B

Property giant Megaworld, the Philippines’ leading developer of integrated urban townships and the biggest lessor of office spaces, grew its net income by 12.13% to P2.63-billion in the first quarter of 2016, from P2.35-billion during the same period last year. Megaworld's rental business boosted the company's first quarter growth, with revenues soaring to an all-time high of P2.29-billion, 15.18% higher than P1.97-billion in the same period last year.

"We have sustained our expansion plans for our office and mall businesses, which bolstered our rental revenues. In the next five years, we see our rental businesses become the key driver of our growth as we expect a continuing momentum in consumer spending and a remarkable growth in BPO revenues," says Francis Canuto, treasurer, Megaworld.

The company earlier announced that rental revenues will hit the P11-billion mark by the end of the year.

Consolidated revenues of the Megaworld Group, which includes its subsidiary brands Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), Empire East Land Holdings, Inc. and Suntrust Properties, Inc., amounted to P11.46-billion for the first three months of the year, up 9.49% from P10.47-billion in the same period last year.

Residential sales continued to grow in the first three months of the year. The company's residential business soared to P6.86-billion, up 10-percent from P6.24-billion in the same period last year.

"We continue to innovate our residential offerings that adapt to the diverse characteristics of each township that we build. That is why we are able to sustain the growth in our residential business," explains Canuto.

“Megaworld has laid out its groundwork of growth by making sound decisions and thorough planning of the vast land bank that we have. This year, we will continue to strengthen, if not expand, our township footprint, where we can build more residential, office and mall developments. Our healthy first quarter results is indicative of another positive outlook for 2016,” reveals Canuto.

Megaworld  now has 20 integrated urban township developments across the Philippines, namely: Eastwood City in Quezon City, (18.5 hectares); Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town Center (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio; The Mactan Newtown in Cebu (28.8 hectares); Iloilo Business Park (72 hectares) and Sta. Barbara Heights (173 hectares), both in Iloilo; Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); Twin Lakes in Tagaytay (1,300 hectares); ArcoVia City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); SuntrustEcotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares) and The Upper East (34 hectares) and Northill Gateway (50 hectares) both in Negros Occidental; a vast property beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando (35.6-hectares); and Westside City in the Entertainment City in Paranaque (31 hectares).

Megaworld’s GERI Q1 profits up by 51% ; real estate sales more than doubled

Megaworld’s subsidiary, Global Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI), the country’s biggest developer of integrated tourism estates, posted a net income of P209-million in the first quarter of 2016, up 50.84% from P139-million of the same period the previous year.

Consolidated revenues for the first three months of 2016 amounted to P1.46-billion, posting a growth of 65.23% from P885-million during the same period in 2015, as residential sales and hotel income soared to remarkable levels.

“The start of the year has been impressive thus far and we look forward to the rest of 2016 as we see a continuing momentum in our growth until year-end,” says Monica Salomon, president, GERI.

Real estate sales more than doubled year-on-year, soaring 102.79% to P1.12-billion in 1Q 2016 from P554-million compared to the same period in 2015.  This is attributed to strong residential sales in various residential projects, particularly in Boracay Newcoast in Aklan, Sta. Barbara Heights in Iloilo, Twin Lakes in Tagaytay, Southwoods City in Cavite-Laguna, and Alabang West in Las Pinas City. 

“Our goal is to expand to other key growth areas around the country, capitalizing on our strategic and scalable land bank all over the Philippines, ” explains Salomon. 

GERI presently has five (5) integrated leisure and tourism estate developments across the country covering around 2,146 hectares of land. These are Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island, Aklan (150 hectares); Twin Lakes in Laurel, Batangas near Tagaytay (1,200 hectares); Southwoods City on the boundaries of Carmona, Cavite, and Biñan, Laguna (561 hectares); Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares); and Alabang West in Las Piñas (62 hectares). 

Megaworld currently owns 82.3-percent of GERI and it has taken an aggressive role in transforming GERI’s vast land bank into integrated urban townships, the concept that Megaworld pioneered in the Philippines. 

Emperador Inc. posts PhP 1.4 Billion Net Income for 1st Quarter of 2016

Emperador Inc., the world’s largest brandy company and the Philippines’ largest liquor conglomerate, recorded nearly PHP9 billion in consolidated revenues in the first quarter of 2016 with net income amounting to PHP1.4 billion. 

The first quarter of this year also marked a significant milestone with Emperador taking over 286-year old Bodegas Fundador from Beam Suntory. Emperador and Fundador brandy production facilities, combined, make Emperador Inc. the largest brandy entity in the world. Winston Co, president of Emperador Inc., said, “We have an unprecedented and compelling ownership of vineyards, bottling facilities and distilleries. We already have 1,500 hectares of vineyard land, roughly 1,000,000 square meters of cellar and bottling facilities, and three distilleries in Spain.” 

Mr. Co added, “In 2014, the acquisition of Scotch whisky company Whyte and Mackay jump-started Emperador Inc’s transformation into becoming a world-class company. The acquisition of Fundador brandy sealed the deal making our company truly global with access to 100 countries. And today, our brandy and whisky product portfolio is comprised of standard, premium, super premium, and luxury offerings. While maintaining our brandy dominance in local liquor brands with Emperador brandy, we have enviable presence in foreign liquor brands in the Philippines with our Fundador brandy and single malt brands The Dalmore and Jura.” 

Emperador Inc. is majority-owned by Alliance Global Group, Inc.

Globe Telecom board approves P22/share cash dividend

Globe Telecom said its board approved the declaration of second quarter cash dividend of P22 per share for holders of its common shares.  The dividend will be paid to shareholders on record as of May 19, 2016, with payment date on June 3, 2016. 

“This second quarter dividend payout totals P2.9 billion. Including the dividend payout last March, the annualized amount will translate to around 77% of last year’s core net income,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, Globe Acting Chief Finance Officer. She added the P22/share dividend payment represents a 4.1% dividend yield based on the closing share price of P2,170 as of May 05, 2016.

Globe Telecom’s board also approved the declaration of the second semi-annual cash dividend for holders of its non-voting preferred shares payable on August 22, 2016 for shareholders on record as of August 10, 2016. The amount of the cash dividend shall be at a fixed rate of 5.2006% per share on a 30/360 day basis for the 6-month dividend period.

Globe closed the first three months of 2016 with consolidated service revenues of P29.9 billion, 14% higher than the same period in 2015. The sustained robust revenue growth was driven by gains across data-related product segments, as complemented by the continued subscriber growth for both mobile and home broadband. EBITDA margin was at 44%, higher than last year’s margin of 42% while net profit was at P4.3 billion, up 3% against the P4.2 billion reported in the year earlier period.

The company reported that mobile revenues grew by 7% year-on-year, reaching P23.1 billion in the first quarter of 2016 from the P21.6 billion reported a year ago, driven by the strong revenue performance mostly from the prepaid brands. TM, the company’s mass-market brand, increased revenues by 10% year-on-year while Globe Prepaid revenues posted a solid growth of 8%. Globe Postpaid revenues likewise posted a 3% growth from the same period of 2015 with its continued customer base expansion year-on-year.

APOS Summit gathers global key industry leaders to focus on future growth of video content creation and distribution

Asia’s premier event for media, telecoms and entertainment industry APOS (Asia Pacific Pay-TV Operators Summit) recently gathered leaders from established companies and fast growing new businesses fostering discussions on the video sector and the ecosystem of creating, distributing and monetizing content.

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu led the Q&A discussion on Game Changers and Disruptors 

as part of the APOS 2016 Summit

APOS 2016, held at Bali Indonesia last April 26 to April 28, focused on the video industry, including TV and digital video. A fast growing $105 billion business, leaders sought to explore its exponential growth with the rapid evolution of consumer behavior and choices. Its key themes were centered on exploring opportunities and facing challenges that come with it.

Among the top themes for APOS 2016 include the future of content creation and distribution, video streaming, content packaging and pricing in broadband, social video curation and sports in digital platforms, among others.

With hundreds of participants from telco to entertainment companies, the summit saw 60 of the most innovative company leaders share their expertise and points of view on the various themes. Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu participated in a discussion on Game Changers and Disruptors, sharing how the company continues to prosper in a high-growth but increasingly aggressive market. Cu touched on its play in strengthening its digital content franchises giving it a competitive advantage. Moderating this Q&A with Cu is Media Partners Asia (MPA) Executive Director Vivek Couto.

As Cu shared, “The cutthroat telco industry in the Philippines coupled with the rapid changing consumer behavior demands for us to always be several steps ahead. Maintaining competitive edge is dependent on the content we offer to our customers. Alongside that is the convenience of getting them to enjoy it on their device or broadband plans. This is why we’ve designed and continue to improve on our plans and bundles so that our customers can easily subscribe to whatever content we make available to them.”

Globe started building its content portfolio and offers in 2013 with the launch of its partnership with top music streaming platform, Spotify. Recognizing that music is an integral part of the lives of its customers, Globe started offering Spotify bundled with its consumable data promo, GoSURF. Since then, the company has established itself as the purveyor of the digital lifestyle in the Philippines and has acquired more global partners that allow it to offer over 54 million of its customers with a wide variety of content from games, sports, to movies. Its other partners include video-on-demand service, HOOQ, the NBA, and Walt Disney Southeast Asia.

APOS also served as the venue for Globe to announce its latest content partner Astro Malaysia Holding Berhad (Astro) through a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to offer Tribe over-the-top (OTT) video services to Filipino customers. The agreement also reflects the strategic intent of both parties to collaborate on content opportunities that will be distributed on Tribe and other platforms across the region.

Cu continued that, “Astro, through its OTT service Tribe, will strengthen our portfolio given the potential content we will be able to offer through this partnership. This collaboration with Astro will also be the first time Globe will play an active role in co-curating content.”

Tribe is an OTT service for ASEAN video consumers, which was recently launched in Indonesia offering live and on demand content comprising live sports, Asian movies, and TV series. The partnership will potentially see Tribe widening its reach into Southeast Asia as well as enabling more Filipinos to watch video content across multiple genres on their devices.

Launched in 2011, APOS is hosted and organized by Media Partners Asia (MPA), the leading provider of advisory, consulting and research services, focused on media and telecommunications industries across Asia Pacific.

Uniquely Filipino Tropical Summer at SM's Kultura

A touch of the tropics . . . a fresh spray from the ocean . . . and a palette of vibrant colors. Kultura celebrates tropical summer in a uniquely Filipino way.

There are ombré maxi dresses and caftans for the beach and beyond, as well as wooden fashion accessories. 

Bags take inspiration from nature with seashell, coral, turtle, and starfish prints; while woven banig hats are great head turners.

Kultura, for all things Filipino, features local artistry and craftsmanship through high-quality apparel, accessories, and gift items. All that’s left for the savvy shopper to do is book a destination, and the sunny season is guaranteed to be stylish.

The Tropical Summer collection and other summer essentials are available in all Kultura stores located at SM Aura Premier, SM Makati, SM Megamall, the SM Mall of Asia, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Cebu, and at the newly opened SM Seaside City Cebu. 

Molo Mansion in Iloilo City houses SM's Kultura Butik

Kultura boutiques are also located in Pico de Loro, Taal Vista, and the Molo Mansion, Iloilo.  Also visit its website at www.kulturafilipino.com.

Fishackathon 2016 Manila: Leveraging technology to save and protect fisheries and marine resources

Over 10 percent of the world’s population depends on fisheries and agriculture for their livelihood and for many people, fish is a major source of protein in their diet.  Yet, these vital resources are continuously threatened by overfishing, illegal fishing, climate change, water pollution, and other dangers to marine life. 

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg addresses the participants 

to Fishackathon 2016 Manila hosted by Globe Telecom

This situation prompted the US government to come out with Fishackathon in 2014 to tap the expertise of tech-savvy individuals through a two-day coding marathon aimed at developing apps that could benefit sustainable fisheries and the communities that they support. 

From just a handful of US cities during its first year, Fishackathon 2016 has expanded to 42 cities in six continents which included Manila given that the issue is very relevant to an island nation like the Philippines.

“The fish that the people rely on for food, the coastal areas which are so vulnerable to typhoons and water surges, eco-tourism, climate change, effects of pollution to coral reefs -- these are extremely important to the Philippines and that’s why we want to use your talent to help address these concerns. We know firsthand the efficiency and innovation that the tech sector can bring to the table in approaching one of the world’s biggest problems,” US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg told the participants during his opening remarks at Fishackathon Manila hosted by Globe Telecom over the weekend.

On the other hand, Glenn Estrella, Globe Vice President for Digital Ventures rallied everyone to make a difference both for the Philippines and the world even as he noted that Globe strongly supports the use of technology in saving and preserving the environment.

“Like any innovation, technology and marine protection are two different ideas that come together.  Greater ideas are born from the joining of the minds.  I witnessed how the telecommunications industry evolve and it is very exciting to see what we can do to improve everyone’s lives.  This hackathon is not about popularity or how many people will use the app but it is about solving a problem,” said Estrella.  “We would like to see more partnerships and events on other grassroots topics.  We need more activities that touch more people.”

Globe is currently very active in its sustainability campaign to create a #WonderfulPH through positive societal impact with the use of modern technology.  It has ongoing eco-tourism partnerships with  PUSOD on protection and enhancement of Taal Lake in Batangas ecosystem; Save Philippine Seas on protection of thresher sharks through engagement and education of community stakeholders in Malapascua, Cebu; Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative on the establishment of an environment hotline center in Boracay, Malay, Aklan; and Casa San Miguel on livelihood opportunities for those living along the coastal barangays of San Antonio, Zambales.

Fishackathon 2016 Manila was a joint effort by the US Embassy Manila, US Agency for International Development (USAID), mobile content marketing firm Tone, and Globe Telecom.

Globe Telecom now opens Gen3 Stores for Premium Dealership

After opening its 12th Gen3 Store in KCC Mall de Zamboanga recently, Globe now opens Gen3 for premium dealership nationwide. By opening new stores in strategic locations around the Philippines, Globe would be able to expand coverage and allow more customers to experience the latest in digital lifestyle. 

From left to right : Gino Guinto - Retail Area Head Central & North Luzon, John Velasco - Vice President for Partner Sales & Development, Jerry Lim - Premium Dealer Partner SM San Jose Del Monte Bulacan, Mr. Peping Lim, Mrs. Lun Sy, Suzette Villanueva - Retail Area Manager

Premium Dealer Jerry Lim is the 1st to avail the Gen3 Store under the premium dealership program which opened recently at SM San Jose Del Monte Bulacan. The store is the 13th Gen3 store nationwide and also the 238th Globe store nationwide. 

“The Globe GEN3 stores are home to various lifestyle zones with stories and exciting features for customers to experience and enjoy. These zones feature latest trends in product, people and even in business. Various lifestyle vignettes illustrate mobile and broadband technologies as connected solutions—featuring the latest devices, apps, digital connectors, gadgets and services that contribute to the total interactive customer experience” - says Globe Retail Transformation and Stores management Head, Joe Caliro.

Recently this year, Globe opened new Gen3 stores in places such as EDSA Shangri-la, Trinoma Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Legaspi Commercial Center and KCC Mall Zamboanga and more stores to be converted to Gen3 by the rest of 2016.

“With our Gen3 stores now open for premium dealership, Globe will be able to reach more customers. We can provide the same full customer immersive experience of our products, services and also elevate the customer experience of Globe customers nationwide.” – says Vice President for Globe Partner Sales and Development, John Velasco.

As of today, more than 100 Globe stores have been established with Premium Dealers and continues to grow with more partners. Interested parties can inquire about premium dealership of Globe stores to Ms.Judith Nanat of Business Development for Retail Builds & Development, email mlnanat@globe.com.ph.