BlackBerry Kicks Off Global Scholars Program with More Than500 Applicants Ei

Eight esteemed women, led by Alicia Keys, will selectup to ten recipients from over 500 applicants to receive full four-year tuition scholarships in STEM-related fields

Globally, women are vastly under-represented in technology fields.  To help attract more women to our industry and address this massive gender gap, BlackBerry® ischampioning thenext generation of women leaders in mobile computing as they advance their careers in this highly-competitive industry.

The BlackBerry® Scholars Program, announced in May by Alicia Keys, BlackBerry’s creative director, is a global four-year scholarship program for outstanding women entering their first year of undergraduate study at an accredited college or university. The Program is designed to help drive the number of women engaged in mobile computing and related science, technology, engineering and math fields.

We are pleased to announce that in this first year of the program, we received over 500 applicationsfrom women across 43 countries over the two month application period. From this group, up to ten talented and passionate young women will be chosen to receive full tuition scholarships.

A panel of inspirational and accomplished women leaders in this spacewill choose the scholarsbased on their academic merit and passion for entering the mobile computing industry. This panel, headed by Alicia Keys, includes:

·         Barbara Stymiest, Chairperson, BlackBerry (Canada)

·         Shinta W. Dhanuwardoyo, Founder, Bubu.com; Managing Partner, Nusantara Ventures (Indonesia)

·         DelphineErnotte-Cunci, Executive Director, Orange (France)

·         Linda D. Hallman, Executive Director and CEO, American Association of University Women (USA)

·         Sara Martinez-Tucker, President and CEO, National Math and Science Initiative (USA)

·         Belinda Parmar, Founder and CEO, Lady Geek (UK)

·         Maria Teresa Ruiz, Astronomer (Chile)

In addition to providing full, four-year course tuition, BlackBerry® will also offer mentorship and professional opportunities to each of the scholars. Selected scholars are expected to be announced on the 31^st July.

BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Enjoy Viber your way with Globe Mobile Internet

Everytime, everywhere, and every device define today’s mobile and dynamic lifestyle. We constantly look for new ways to connect with our circles beyond call and text – wherever, whenever. That includes Viber, one of the most favorite instant messaging and calling applications in the world.

There are about 200 million Viber users globally, 6 million of which are Filipinos who can’t get enough of Viber emoticons and stickers that give messaging an exciting twist. Viber allows users to call, text, and send photos to each other, wherever they are in the world. Unlike some social networking apps, Viber can be used by almost anyone with a data-capable device.

Good news to all Viber fanatics. as Globe Telecom is now offering exclusive Viber data promos, another first in the country, to provide its Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers a new and fun way of connecting with friends wherever they are in the world. With the Globe Viber data promos, users don’t have to constantly search for Wi-Fi connection or pay additional data charges to get the conversations going. You are always Viber-connected wherever, whenever, worry-free.

For as low as P10, get unlimited access to Viber Chat for an entire day, powered by Globe Mobile Internet. Now here are 10 reasons on why you should get into Viber and subscribe to a Globe Viber data promo:

1. Once you download the application, you can easily use Viber. You don’t need to activate anything, create a username, think of a password, send out invitations or go through any registration process.

2.       Viber uses your mobile phone number and address book, and instantly shows you which of your friends already has Viber.

3.       While other apps require you to add contacts, wait to be approved, and maintain separate contact lists, Viber does not.

4.       Viber's cutting-edge technology ensures that sound quality of your Viber voice call is just as good as your regular phone call.

5.       Most apps drain your battery due to the images, graphics, and sound embedded into the app. Viber doesn't drain your battery or use up your device’s

memory, so you can use it over and over again.

6.       With Viber, you can enjoy a richer messaging experience and express yourself in more exciting ways through group conversations, use of fun stickers and emoticons, sharing of photos, videos, and more. 

7.       Globe offers Viber data plans which you can subscribe to for a worry-free connection: VIBER10 gives you unlimited Viber Chat for P10 valid for 1 day; VIBER20 for unlimited Viber Calls and Chat for P20 valid for 1 day; and VIBER 30 for unlimited Viber Chat for P30 valid for 5 days.

8. Using your unlimited Viber access, you can practically connect with your friends and social circles regardless of their networks and locations anywhere in the world for as long as they have Viber accounts. Send messages, emoticons and stickers, as well as share photos and videos for as low as P10 a day!

9.       You can register to any Globe Viber data offers even if you are subscribed to either SuperSurf or PowerSurf. Simultaneous registration to PowerSurf will allow you to surf other sites or click on other links within Viber without being charged the regular browsing rate.

10.   Globe alerts you on the expiration of your Viber subscription. A text notification will be sent to inform you that your subscription has expired, so you know when it’s about to end and when it’s time to register to the promo of your choice once again.

“On the back of our highly-successful partnership with some of the world’s leading mobile content providers, we welcome another tie-up with Viber as we bring the latest mobile application to Filipinos under our suite of mobile internet plans and offers,” said Jenny Granada-Echevarria, Head of Globe Mobile Data Services. “Enjoy Viber your way with Globe and connect not only with your friends within the Globe network or other local telcos, but also with your social circles with Viber accounts around the world.”

Want to find out more? Text VIBER info to 8888 or dial *143# and click on Viber Promos under Surf promos to get a Globe Viber data plan now.

Huawei’s first Windows Phone 8 smartphone lands on the Globe device portfolio, free at Best-Ever MySuperPlan 499

The new Ascend W1, Huawei’s first Windows Phone 8 smartphone, has landed Globe Telecom’s device portfolio, making it the first Windows 8 handset offering under the telco’s revolutionary Best-Ever MySuperPlan.

Available for free at Plan 499, Huawei Ascend W1 is a stunning and stylish alternative for consumers looking for great Windows Phone OS technology at a price that’s easy on the pocket.

With the Best-Ever MySuperPlan, subscribers get more than what they pay for with a plan value that’s almost twice the value of prepaid load. Plan 499 gives subscribers a plan value of P900 monthly, which can be consumed to avail of a combination of call, text or surf services.

“We are very happy to expand our device portfolio with this partnership with Globe as we allow more Filipinos to experience a Windows Phone 8 while enjoying Ascend W1’s unique features and superb functionality,” said Johnson Ma, Country Manager of Huawei’s Device Business.

“In line with our commitment to provide Filipinos with affordable smartphone options, we are excited to offer the Huawei Ascend W1 as part of our device line-up. Giving this handset better value is pairing it with our Best-Ever MySuperPlan, providing subscribers with a plan value that’s almost twice the value of prepaid load, as well as the full flexibility of choosing the contact period of their preference from 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months,” said Raul Macatangay, Head of Globe Postpaid.

The Ascend W1 is 10.15 mm thin and features a 4-inch IPS LCD 480 x 800 touchscreen with OGS Technology, powered by the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 MSM8230 dual-core 1.2 GHz processors and Adreno 305 GPU. With a 1950 mAh battery, the Ascend W1 has 470 hours of standby time, the longest among all smartphones in its class. The Ascend W1 features a visually iconic design inspired by a tropical island and comes in blue and white.

“We’re excited to partner with Huawei to bring the Windows Phone 8 experience to more Filipinos. Combine Windows Phone 8 with the unique features of the new HUAWEI Ascend W1 and you can have the most personal and convenient smartphone to complement your lifestyle,” said Jerry Bongco, Original Equipment Manufacturer Director, Microsoft Philippines. 

Other key features are a 4 GB internal storage expandable up to 32 GB via microSD, 512 MB RAM, and 5 MP rear camera and VGA front camera.

Globe GCASH bags prestigious Int’l Gold Quill Award

Globe Telecom’s social media campaign for the GCASH American Express® Virtual Pay won in the Social Media Programs category of the prestigious 2013 Gold Quill Award organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). IABC’s Annual Gold Quill Awards program honors the best and the brightest in international business communications.

The award recognized the GCASH American Express® Virtual Pay Black Friday social media campaign which generated over 4-million impressions on Twitter, Over P80 million worth of online media mileage, and generated the first-ever 100% positive social media feedback for Globe in November 2012 . The hashtags #GlobeBlackFriday and #GCASH also trended in the Philippines and in Singapore.

“Since GCASH American Express® Virtual Pay appeals to Filipinos who love to purchase items and enjoy great deals abroad, we leveraged on the popularity of the Black Friday Sale in the United States and made it our own big online sale event here in the country,” said Paolo Baltao, president of G-Xchange Inc., operator of GCASH. “With the campaign, we generated buzz on Twitter and made it one of the most-talked about events in the Philippines as well as in Singapore. We would like to thank the IABC for having recognized our efforts to launch an international event locally while harnessing the power of social media. ”

GCASH American Express® Virtual Pay is a unique product that enables GCASH users to shop in local and international sites that accept American Express as mode of payment and have their purchases delivered right at their doorsteps at affordable rates, without having to worry about settling additional importation duties and extra fees. To find out more about the GCASH American Express Virtual Card, just visit www.globe.com.ph/gcash-virtualpay.

This year’s IABC Gold Quill Awards competition received nearly 800 entries from companies and communication agencies from around the world. The awarding ceremonies were held at the Gold Quill Awards last June 24, 2013 at the IABC 2013 World Conference in New York City.

Southeast Asia-Japan Cable System strengthens Globe regional connectivity

The Southeast Asia-Japan Cable (SJC) submarine cable system is now fully operational, and strengthening Globe Telecom’ s connectivity with the region and the rest of the world.

The leading telecommunications company, which forms part of the consortium, said the SJC cable system will enhance its customers’ growing need for international connectivity as the undersea cable facility dramatically increases bandwidth capacity.

“The additional capacity  generated by the SJC system is highly cost effective, allowing  greater route flexibility, and enabling Globe Telecom to provide businesses and consumers future support for bandwidth- hungry applications, consistent with the explosion of mobile Internet and IT enabled services,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu.

According to Cu, the undersea cable system also provides resilient connectivity to other submarine cable systems, which will further enhance the company’s global link.  The cable system is expected to further enrich the way the Asia Pacific region, including the Philippines, interacts and communicates with the rest of the world, added Cu.

Operated by a global consortium of telecommunications and technology companies, the SJC cable system links the seven countries or territories of Brunei, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines, including option to link with Thailand.

The SJC is an 8,900-kilometer cable system, which further extend to 9,700 kilometers. 

At a project cost of around US$400 million, the SJC cable system consists of 6 fiber pairs with the initial design capacity of 28 terabits per second, the fastest speed an undersea cabling system can provide, to meet bandwidth-intensive applications such as internet TV, online games and enterprise data exchange.  To illustrate, the cable’s design capacity can support simultaneous streaming of up to 3 million high-definition videos.

Increased transmission capacity of the SJC cable system, in tandem with the company’s network modernization initiative, will further boost network coverage for its subscribers nationwide.  Globe Telecom’s $700 million network modernization program includes an aggressive roll-out of its own fiber optic transmission system.

This  will further enhance customer experience in terms of high-speed internet surfing, seamless video streaming, fast uploads of photos and videos, in addition to a more reliable network for both local and international text and voice calls.

Aside from the SJC cable system, Globe Telecom is also interconnected with the East Asia Cable system, Asia Pacific Cable Network, Tata Global Network–Intra Asia cable system, the City to City cable system and the Trans-Pacific Cable system, which encompasses the Unity, Tata Global Network-Pacific, Japan-US Cable Network and the US Domestic Access cable systems.

On the other hand, existing domestic cable systems of Globe Telecom, catering to transmission requirement connecting Luzon to various islands in Visayas and Mindanao, include the Fiber Optic Backbone Network1 (FOBN1), FOBN2 and the Boracay, Palawan and Coron submarine cable systems, which comprise the FOBN3.

The SJC is a global consortium of companies composed of Brunei International Gateway Sendirian Berhad (BIG), China Mobile International Ltd. (CMI), China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom), China Telecom Global Limited (CTG, an affiliate of China Telecommunications Corporation), Donghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Chunghwa Telecom, Co.,Ltd.), Globe Telecom, Inc., Google SJC Bermuda Ltd. (a subsidiary of Google Inc.), KDDI Corporation, Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin a subsidiary of PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk), and TOT Public Co., Ltd. (TOT).

Globe Telecom taps Aicent for LTE roaming connectivity with SK Telecom

 Globe Telecom strengthens its leadership in Long Term Evolution (LTE) roaming services by tapping global network services provider Aicent to provide seamless connectivity with SK Telecom.

                Using Aicent’s LTE Roaming Exchange solution, Globe Telecom and SK Telecom can create a continuous and seamless roaming experience for subscribers as they travel between South Korea and the Philippines by offering them transparent and automatic access to LTE services. With the solution, Globe Telecom acquires instant connectivity to more than 45 LTE operators worldwide via Aicent’s extensive network of operators all through a single IP connection.

              By implementing Aicent’s LTE Roaming Exchange service, operators like Globe Telecom and SK Telecom will realize better quality of service using a comprehensive, next generation IPX network, cost reductions with the integration of all IP services onto a single network, and improved network management through a robust set of web-based tools with comprehensive traffic reporting and troubleshooting capabilities.

                The LTE Roaming Exchange service of Aicent is a managed IP network ecosystem designed to deliver voice, data, and video services with assured quality of service and guaranteed security. Mobile operators implementing Aicent’s LTE Roaming service will have access to a growing list of LTE operators through Aicent’s extensive list of customers that cover most of the world’s countries allowing their international traveling subscribers to seamlessly roam between the two regions and enjoy a consistent 4G LTE experience.

                “As the leading LTE roaming operator in the Philippines, Globe realizes that it has become increasingly more important that we provide our subscribers with LTE coverage not only in the country, but also abroad as they activate their roaming services. By creating a roaming bridge with SK Telecom through Aicent’s LTE roaming solution, we are able to broaden our LTE coverage to South Korea, allowing subscribers to enjoy seamless and high-speed broadband and mobile data services,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, Head of International Business Group at Globe Telecom.

            Globe forged its partnership with SK Telecom in April this year that provided LTE roaming services to the South Korea telco's subscribers coming to the Philippines. Globe late last year partnered with China Mobile Hong Kong Co. Ltd. for the same LTE international data roaming service. Moving forward, Globe looks to expand its LTE roaming service with operators from Australia, Singapore, US, Japan, Canada and the Middle East.

                Aicent VP for Product Marketing MK Chang added, “The commitment by SK Telecom and Globe Telecom to continue their adoption and integration of LTE roaming technologies reinforces their positions as global leaders in the advancement of 4G LTE solutions. We are pleased that Aicent’s LTE Roaming Exchange was selected by both operators to create a trusted LTE gateway between their two networks."

With the Globe 4G LTE network, peak throughput speed will enable users to download and upload files, HD videos and other multimedia content at a much higher bit-rate, faster than HSPA and HSPA+ technology, with LTE peak speeds of up to 60 Mbps for outdoor coverage and 30 Mbps for deployments inside buildings. Instead of “pocket activations” or “hotspots”, the 4G LTE network rollout of Globe focuses on large contiguous areas of coverage to ensure greater and more stable coverage for customers. Targeting to cover close to 800 sites by yearend to serve broadband and mobile data services, the Globe 4G LTE network boasts of better outdoor coverage by using advanced antenna solutions.

                According to the Bureau of Immigration, figures showed that close to 1.1 million South Korean tourists visited the country in 2012, making South Korea the top source of tourists in the Philippines.

Globe Telecom honored as one of the best managed companies by Finance Asia

Globe Telecom was recently honored by Finance Asia with a citation as one of the best managed companies in the Philippines. Globe was cited by the leading financial publication in the region for its commitment to a strong dividend policy and investor relations. This marks the tenth straight year that Globe Telecom has figured prominently in Finance Asia’s survey of best managed companies in Asia. The awards event was held last June 19 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Tek Olaño, Globe Head of Financial Planning (center) and Jomari Fajardo, Head of Investor Relations (second from right) are shown receiving the award. They are joined in the photo by Lorenzo Roxas, chairman and president of Maybank ATR Kim Eng Securities (utmost left) Ramon Arnaiz, Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners chairman (second from left) and Manuel Tordesillas, Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners President.

Globe Telecom Employee of the Year: driving sales through innovation

Globe Telecom employee Alexander Amado is all smiles as he is declared Employee of the Year of the leading telecommunications company.  Applauding his recognition are Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (left) and Globe Chairman Jaime Zobel de Ayala

Alexander Amado, 32, is the regional sales head of Globe Telecom for Western Visayas in central Philippines. Amado was recently named Globe Telecom’s Employee of the Year for 2013 following an impressive performance that saw his team beating its own acquisition targets for the company’s major business segments that include Globe Postpaid, TM and Tattoo.

  

Despite the meticulous process of choosing the winner, Amado isn’t quick to take credit for what he has achieved.  “I was so humbled by the award. I felt that it wasn’t about me but it was really a celebration of all the small victories of Globe Telecom. ”

“There were so many wonderful stories. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I would have been very happy even if someone else brought home the award,” he said, referring to the other 13 finalists.

Still, it was his dedication and passion for work that may have tilted the contest in his favor. “I work with my mind and with my heart. Mind, because I make sure that our strategies will translate into action and heart because I make my job my personal mission.”

“I need to protect Globe Telecom and I need to grow where competition is strong. We have to know what the subscribers are looking for. With every subscriber that we get, that is a validation that we need to move forward to make the company number one in the market,” added Amado.

Despite being assigned to different regions in the country, Amado finds time to be active in various employee engagement activities. In fact, he has already served as president of Globe Voices at Work, a choir of Globe employees that performs and competes in different events. Amado is also a sports enthusiast and is a member of the company’s badminton team.

Aside from Amado, the following were honored as group employees of the year:  Edward Joseph Francisco, Office of the President; Abigail Cardino, International Business Eleanor Inabangan, Finance and Administration;  Evangeline Alvarez,  Network Technical Group; Imelda Anselmo, Transformation Management; Jacquilyn Simbajon,  Consumer Business;  Maria Cristina Francisco, Consumer Business; Marie Rose Gallevo, Office of the President; Lyn Atanacio-Cano,  Human Resouce Group; Michael Vincent Condez, Information Systems;  Vener Villasan, Corporate & Legal Services;  Jose Ronaldo Cabanez, BCFU; and Shydee Tiambeng, Transformation Management.

Other awardees include Cathernine Landicho-Going the Extra Mile Award; Maria Louisa Cabreira- Excellence in Leadership; Michael Christopher Dela Cruz- Globe Innovator; Lailani Pableo- Excellence in Customer Focus; Jose Edmundo Cuevas- Excellence in Customer Focus; Jonathan Legaspina- Outstanding Achievement; Non-Field Operations Group in Mindanao- Outstanding Achievement; Globe Postpaid- Outstanding Achievement.

Held annually, the Globe Excellence Awards recognize top achievers across ranks, positions, functions in the organization nominated by colleagues who recognize and celebrate the success of others. Awardees were selected by a panel of leaders. The Awards honor employees who consistently demonstrate that excellence in performance is achievable and attainable.  

Ynoc Int’l launches Sinotruk

HEAVY-DUTY trucks made by one of the largest truck manufacturers in the world – Sinotruk – are now in the Philippines to cater to the demands of the various industries for a specific type of heavy-duty vehicle or transport.

The exclusive entry of Sinotruk to the country is made possible by Emme Trading, owned by former Philippine National Police Director Gen. Edgar Aglipay who partnered with Ynoc International Trading for their Visayas operations. The launching of the trucks in Cebu was held on May 14 at Ynoc International’s warehouse in Mandaue City.

Mark Ynoc, the young and vibrant CEO of Ynoc International Trading, said they were right in their decision to bring in Sinotruk to the country as the trucks from China were built to last.

“Due to the government’s move to uplift our system in the transport industry and environment-friendly operations by restricting the registration of vehicles which are 15 years old and above, we will be able to serve most of the growing industries better, such as logistics, real estate, tourism, and mining,” said Ynoc.

Some VIPs from Sinotruk also arrived in Cebu to attend the launching together with Gen. Aglipay, who did the honors of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The Chinese Sinotruk delegation was composed of Peng Qiao, Song Jin Zhu, Liu Guang Rong, Tian Chong Bo, Fang Yue Hui, Sun Yao, and Liu Guo Qiang.

Sinotruk’s portfolio of products includes trucks for long haulage, distribution, construction, and for special purposes.

Ynoc International will be selling Sinotruk’s Howo, Golden Prince, Steyr King Hova, Hania, and Huanghe Prince models, along with Sinotruk tractors, tippers, cargo trucks, water and oil tankers, and other kinds of trucks made for a special purpose.

Ynoc International Trading was established on March 17 last year to augment the import and export industry of Cebu. It is a diversified trading company which creates a wide variety of world-class quality line of products, with warehouses in Mandaue City and San Remigio, Cebu.

Ynoc International Trading exports seaweeds, handicraft furniture, and dried mushrooms, to name a few, and will soon be raising factories for its export operations. In the meantime, Ynoc International Trading has expanded its operations in Mandaue, Bogo City, Tagbilaran City and soon in Davao City.

With the importation of heavy equipments begun, Ynoc International Trading is now set to venture into distribution of power transformers.

Globe Telecom first PH telco service provider to use outdoor distributed antenna system

Globe Telecom is the only telecommunications service provider in the country to utilize outdoor distributed antenna system (ODAS) solution, which provides stronger mobile phone signals minus the towering cell sites. Photos above are actual ODAS deployed in an exclusive subdivision in Metro Manila.

ODAS next best alternative to towering cellsites

Globe Telecom has unveiled the use of outdoor distributed antenna system (ODAS), which effects stronger mobile phone signal for its subscribers, becoming the first telecommunications company in the country to make use of such technology.

The next best alternative to towering cell sites, the ODAS solution is state of the art technology that makes use of a specialized lamp posts built with radio signal transmission capability, bringing unparalleled telecommunication service for its subscribers in strategic areas.

“The ODAS technology effectively brings coverage much closer to residents through the installation of lamp posts deployed along sidewalks. These facilities deepen mobile coverage by bringing radio signal closer to end-users and Globe Telecom is the first telco service provider in the country to use the ODAS solution,” said Emmanuel Estrada, Globe Head of Network Technologies Strategy.

According to Estrada, the ODAS solution also supports all frequency bands used by wireless carriers, including the cutting edge long-term evolution (LTE) technology, providing stronger support for mobile data services. 

“The ODAS technology effectively enhances end-user’s experience by providing stronger mobile phone coverage and higher bandwidth with the reliability of a conventional cell site,” said Estrada.

He explained that the ODAS solution is a dedicated system that uses fiber-optic cables to distribute a base station’s signals to multiple low power active antenna systems installed in nominal locations inside residential subdivisions.

This in effect allows the delivery of a more reliable service in the deployment area without the need for towering cell sites, he said.

“The ODAS solution does not only improve mobile phone signals, they also provide an alternative and efficient lighting system as Globe Telecom strives to provide value-added services to the communities we partner with,” Estrada said.

Estrada also stressed that radiation coming from cell sites is not considered harmful and is classified as non-ionizing, similar to radiation that comes from low-frequency devices such as transistor radios and microwave oven or baby monitors.

In fact, all cell sites and ODAS equipment of the company have also been given radiation safety certificates by the Department of Health, he said.

“It is a known fact that power from broadcast transmitters are at least 1,000 times higher than traditional cell sites and at least 10,000 times higher than signals from each ODAS antenna,” Estrada said.

               

He added that based on studies by the World Health Organization, there is no conclusive evidence to associate exposure to radio signals from cell sites or wireless networks with adverse health effects.

Globe extends free unlimited Viber service to prepaid subscribers

Globe Telecom beefs up its flagship unlimited call and text promo for prepaid subscribers by adding free unlimited Viber Chat for the same price.

            Globe Prepaid GoUNLI25 is a bundled prepaid offer with unlimited texts and unlimited calls to Globe/TM plus unlimited Viber Chat services without the need for Wi-Fi or additional data charges.

            Available to Globe Prepaid subscribers for only P25 valid for 1 day, GoUNLI25 allows subscribers to connect with contacts in any Globe network as well as with other users subscribed to other networks both in the Philippines and abroad, for as long as these contacts have Viber accounts.

            Viber is a mobile application that allows users to call, text, and send photos to each other, wherever they are in the world. With Viber, no registration, alias, or invitations are required. The app also instantly integrates with the user’s own contact list.

            “GoUNLI25 is a perfect offer for the youth who are always on the lookout for new ways of engaging with their social circles. Today, the youth and the prepaid market, in general, look for different ways to connect with their friends, and that means going beyond call and text,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Prepaid. “With GoUNLI25, our subscribers can now use Unlimited Viber Chat on top of unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM, all for the same affordable price of P25.  With the Viber Chat connection, subscribers can get in touch with practically all networks everywhere in the world using Viber’s revolutionized messaging technology and exciting features. It’s totally a new mobile experience for our subscribers because they can use emoticons, pictures and group messaging to enhance the way they connect with friends so they can go lang nang go.”

            GoUNLI25 is also available in longer validity options such as the 3-day variant for P67, 7-day variant for P150, and 30-day variant for P600. To register, subscribers can dial *143# and choose GoSAKTO.  They may also register by sending GOUNLI25 to 8888.

GoUNLI25 joins GoSAKTO in the telco’s roster of innovative offers and promos for its prepaid subscriber base. Launched in February this year, GoSAKTO lets prepaid subscribers create their own prepaid promo and choose the type and number of calls, texts and data they need for the day, week, or month, based on their needs, budget, and lifestyle.

The promo helped drive the acquisition of over half-a-million new Globe Prepaid subscribers in the first quarter of the year, up 32% and 71% from last year and last quarter, respectively. 

Prince Warehouse Club gears up for 2013 Sari-Sari Store Festival

WANT to open a small business? A sari-sari store for starters, perhaps? Or are you having problems managing your small retail enterprise?

Come and join the Prince Warehouse Club’s (PWC) 2013 Sari-Sari Store Festival on July 20 at the Cebu International Convention Center, where everyone will learn the fundamentals of putting up a small business while sari-sari store owners will discover solutions to whatever problems they are currently facing.

Robert Go, PWC president and CEO, said a free financial literacy seminar for small retail store owners will be among the programs in the 8^th Sari-Sari Store Festival to help them overcome their problems, such as improper financial management, lack of basic accounting knowledge, and inventory merchandising.

“They do not have the discipline to manage their finances and they do not have rolling capital,” Go said. “Most of them do not know how to run a business. That’s why we are here to help them.”

Prince Warehouse Club will also hold helpful discussions on entrepreneurship, micro finance, and sari-sari store best practices and success stories designed to help SMEs and would-be store owners grow their business and boost the economy as well.

According to Go, the festival is indirectly geared towards the improvement of the Philippine economy as the country’s retail industry, which comprised mostly of SMEs including sari-sari stores, generate approximately 57 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. So, if sari-sari stores grow, the Philippine economy will continue to grow.

Sari-sari store owners from all over Cebu Province are set to converge for this year’s PWC Sari-Sari Store Festival which promises to be bigger, grander, and more fun-filled than the previous events.

Now on its eighth year and with the theme: “Pakiglambigit: Sari-Sari Store Festival W8W Na!” the celebration remains to be the landmark event of Prince Warehouse Club whose Sari-Sari Society has grown to about 70,000 members coming from its branches in the North Reclamation Area, Old MCWD building, Danao City, Minglanilla, Argao, Baybay and Maasin in Leyte, Naval in Biliran, and Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte.

“The Festival is our way of expressing our gratitude to our loyal customers and acknowledging their continued support to the resonating growth of the company,” Go said.

Prince Warehouse Club is likewise celebrating the third anniversary of its micro-financing program, which has been providing financial assistance to PWC members and customers.

Launched in 2010, the “Pangpuno Puhunan Program” (PPP) was initially aimed at helping small sari-sari store owners get additional stocks from PWC through loan via the company’s micro-financing arm – R&J7 Credit Corporation.

“The PPP was initially designed for established store owners, but we later decided to extend it to those who are interested to start a sari-sari store business as well,” said Rhea Go, PWC chief operations officer. “We now also provide capital for would-be store owners aside from helping struggling small retail shops.”

Approximately 2,000 PWC Sari-Sari Society members, suppliers, distributors, sponsors, and exhibitors are expected to crowd the 1,500-square-meter Exhibition Hall of the Cebu International Convention come July 20.

Rina Go, PWC supply chain manager, said sponsor exhibitors will be provided strategically-located stalls to showcase their goods and where the public can buy retail at wholesale prices.

Just like in the previous festivals, sessions with relevant topics will be highlighted, while the whole-day affair will be capped by a variety show and the awarding for the Best in Booth Display, Most Outstanding Principals, Most Outstanding Distributors, Most Improved Distributors, and the Topsellers of the year.

The Prince Warehouse Club Sari-Sari Store Festival 2013 is co-presented by Nestle Phils.

Platinum sponsor of the event is International Pharmaceuticals Inc. Gold sponsors are Unilever, Century Pacific Group, Colgate-Palmolive, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc, Philippine Spring Water Resources, and Virginia Foods Inc.

Signing up as Silver sponsors are Universal Robina Corp., Procter & Gamble, Monde Nissin, and Zest-O Corp., while Bronze sponsors are Wellmade Manufacturing, LCG Group of Companies/Johnson & Johnson, Mead Johnson/Lactum, Sunpride, Eleven 22/Green Cross, and Kopiko.

Supporting the event are Aquadoble/Energizer Phils., Aries Distributors, Philusa, Marides, UBS, Rebisco, and Champion Detergent. Alcordo Advertising, Sun.Star Super Balita, and Cebu Daily News are the media partners of the Festival.

The Prince Warehouse Club Sari-Sari Store Festival 2013 is under the able event management of PRWorks Vis-Min.