Globe Telecom partners with Radio Mindanao Network for relief distribution to typhoon-affected areas

More than a week after supertyphoon Yolanda hit the Visayas region particularly Samar and Leyte, massive properties remained ravaged and countless families are still starving and left homeless. In the spirit of unity and bayanihan, government and non-government organizations are pooling resources together to extend assistance by providing food, clothing, communication and medical assistance.

In order to expedite relief goods distribution to serve the immediate needs of affected families and individuals, Globe Telecom, under its Bangon Pinoy initiative, has partnered with Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) to help and reach out to typhoon-affected kababayans in the Visayas and Mindanao region.

RMN is one of the largest radio networks in the country with almost 60 company-owned AM and FM radio stations located around the Philippines.

            With the collaboration, RMN will serve as the relief distribution partner of Globe that will send the relief goods to various locations in the affected areas of the typhoon. RMN will also handle pick-up of goods from participating Globe Stores and other drop-off stations.

Currently, Globe has distributed relief goods to over 4,730 families and provided hot meals to over 3,000 individuals.

“We are grateful to partner with Radio Mindanao Network for this meaningful endeavor. It is truly rewarding to know that there are organizations like RMN that share the same vision as ours – to help our kababayans especially in times of need. We hope that through this partnership, Globe and RMN would be able to provide assistance to typhoon survivors in a faster and more reliable way,” expressed Fernando Esguerra, OIC for Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

“We would like to thank Globe Telecom for allowing us to extend our help to typhoon Yolanda victims by partnering with them in their relief operations and distribution. We hope that we may also inspire others to take part in helping our typhoon-affected kababayans in their own little way,” said Gene Sitjar, National Sales Director for RMN.

Bangon Pinoy is Globe Telecom’s enterprise-wide disaster response initiative that aims to have a unified system for donations, relief efforts, and corporate social responsibility programs across products and services. It is an integrated program that allows communities devastated by calamities to benefit from various efforts geared towards rebuilding and rehabilitation. It was first introduced by Globe in 2009 after typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng wreaked havoc in the country.  

Grab a Cab, Share Some Love

Globe teams up with GrabTaxi to slash off P70 booking fee for all Globe subscribers

  

            The Filipino spirit is tested once again with another calamity that proved that there is not a storm so strong that can wear out the country’s unity. Relief drives are being organized left and right, and everyone is filled with the same selfless action to help by sending out used clothing, canned goods, bottled water, medicines, as well as volunteering time and effort in relief operations, packing goods, and distribution to affected areas. Getting these contributions to its destination is already proving to be quite the challenge, with the urban traffic and the rigorous commute, yet everyone still finds a way to carry on.

               

Globe Mobile Data Services Head Jenny Granada-Echevarria with Grab Taxi’s Natasha Bautista partner together to provide one of the most convenient services especially for the season of giving.

                This is why Globe Telecom and Grab Taxi, the country’s leading taxi-booking mobile app, have teamed up to give the telco’s over 36 million prepaid, TM, and postpaid subscribers access to hassle-free and affordable commute during these times.

By stripping off Grab Taxi’s booking fee of P70, every Globe subscriber who is a Grab Taxi patron is assured of an affordable, safe, and comfortable ride around the Metro with savings to boot to encourage more donations. With Grab Taxi, you can volunteer in various relief and repacking operations and drop off donations worry-free, at a price that’s easy on the pocket.

“Given the recent devastation that happened in the Visayas, Globe, in line with our Bangon Pinoy program, constantly finds ways to make our offers relevant to the times and use our products and services in helping those in need. We hope that through this, we are able to contribute and provide convenience and bring more value to our subscriber's hard-earned money who are devoting their time and effort to be of assistance to others," shared Globe Mobile Data Services Head Jenny Granada-Echevarria.

                Currently, Globe and Grab Taxi allow customers to pay a discounted booking fee of P50 instead of the regular fee of P70.

Grab Taxi makes it possible for users to share ride details over Facebook and email, so loved ones can track taxi routes and other important details real time, making the journey safe and secure. The driver’s phone number, plate number, and other important details will be made available to users even before they get in the cab. Further, all cabs linked with the Grab Taxi network is of the finest quality, assuring customers a cool and comfortable cruise throughout the city.

                Download the Grab Taxi app for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Grab Taxi’s booking fee of P70 is free for Globe subscribers from December 1-15, 2013.

Globe to aid in community reconstruction via P15M Gawad Kalinga donation; holds disaster relief caravans

Concerned citizens flock at the Globe Prepaid On The Go caravan booth in Market!Market! to give donations for typhoon victims

Globe Telecom through its Bangon Pinoy (#BangonPinoy) program has pledged P15 million to help community reconstruction activities of Gawad Kalinga (GK) in the typhoon-devastated provinces even as the company holds mobile caravans to encourage donations for disaster relief efforts.

                The amount will be used primarily to build houses in GK Rotary Village in Brgy. Tambulilid, Ormoc, Leyte for the benefit of 100 families while part of the funds will be set aside for livelihood support to the residents.

                The institutional grant for GK was pulled together by Tattoo, Globe Telecom’s mobile and home broadband brand. A significant portion of the P15 million will come from the sale profits of Tattoo Prepaid Mobile WiFi from now until yearend and the 100 % profit donation from the plans sold by Tattoo Home Broadband in November and December 2013.

In addition, Tattoo will give 5,000 units of various Tattoo Prepaid Mobile Wifi and stick devices to be disseminated to the typhoon victims.

Gilbert Simpao, Head of Globe Broadband, said: "Apart from providing reliable connectivity, Tattoo would also want to extend all our resources to assist those who are most in need. And with majority of the families in badly hit areas losing their homes, Tattoo chose to focus on rebuilding and giving back sustainable life to families starting with Brgy. Tambulilid."

At the same time, the Enterprise Group of Globe Business provided WiFi connectivity to the GK Command Center in FTI Complex in Taguig City to enable fast coordination with the organization’s various partners in different parts of the country.  GK uses the internet service to perform webcasts via Ustream and to send real time updates of their activities. With GK relief operations in full swing this week, the business ICT arm of Globe Telecom will be increasing the bandwidth to 10 MBPS.

Meanwhile, Globe rolls out its Globe Prepaid On the Go caravan to raise subscribers’ awareness on various ways to help the typhoon victims.  Through the caravans which started at Market!Market! in Taguig City and Abreeza Mall in Davao City last November 16 to 17,  Globe subscribers may donate via any of five options:

1.       With every peso loaded in the Globe Prepaid On the Go Caravan, Globe Prepaid will match it with the same amount of donation for typhoon Yolanda victims. ​

2.       Through SMS. Text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe).  Amount can be any of the following denominations - 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000.

3.       Donation of old phones to be given to subscribers in affected areas.

4.      Redemption of Globe Rewards points in 5, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 denominations.  Text DONATE<space>YOLANDA<amount> to 4438.  One point is equal to P1.

5.       GCash donation to Red Cross via Mobile GCash APP or by dialing *143#> GCash > Others > Donate > Amount > MPIN > Red Cross.

The Globe Prepaid On the Go caravan will also be held on November 23 and 24 at the Activity Center of The District mall in Imus, Cavite; November 30 and December 1 at the Promenade of Harbour Point in Olongapo City, Zambales; and December 14 and 15 at Marquee Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Globe currently has 26 Libreng Tawag stations, 39 Libreng Charging sites, 8 Libreng Tawag and Charging booths, and three Libreng Internet facilities in Iloilo, Cebu, Leyte, Bohol, Antique, Capiz, and Pasay City. 

Over 200 Globe employee volunteers have so far provided relief packages to almost 4,500 families and hot meals to 3,000 individuals.

Details of Globe Bangon Pinoy efforts can be viewed at http://globe.com.ph/bangonpinoy.

Globe Bangon Pinoy is an integrated program that allows communities devastated by the recent calamity to benefit from relief operations, free call and text services, network restoration, and a series of community-rebuilding activities. It was first introduced by Globe in 2009 after typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng wreaked havoc in the country.  

Globe announces winners of 2nd Davao Media Excellence Awards

Winners of the 2^nd Davao Media Excellence Awards (from L-R):  Vinafel Araneta, ABS-CBN; Olan Emboscado; Bing Gonzales, Mindanao Times; Henrylito Tacio, Sunstar Davao; Allen Doydora, DYRD Sonshine Radio; and Stella Estremera, Sunstar Davao.  Together with them are Globe officials headed by Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications (2^nd from right), Jerry Yntig, Head for External Affairs – VisMin (right), and Jocel de Guzman, Head for External Affairs (left).

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom has announced the winners of the 2^nd Davao Media Excellence Awards who have shown exemplary communication skills in bringing social issues to the attention of the public via print, broadcast, or digital media.

                The nine media professionals and social media practitioners were feted during the awarding ceremonies held at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on November 21.

                “The 2^nd Davao Media Excellence Awards is all about making a difference and creating opportunities to move forward and to change for the better.  The print, broadcast, digital, and social media journalists of Davao should be commended for their sheer determination and unwavering passion for delivering stories that matter and for continuing to do more than just their jobs for a far more fulfilling purpose,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President for Globe Corporate Communications.

                Bagging the Reporter of the Year for Print award was Henrylito Tacio of Sunstar Davao who wrote “A season of floods” while Feature Story of the Year for Print went to “Watershed:  Our Treasures” of Stella Estremera, Editor-in-Chief of Sunstar Davao.  Each winner received P20,000 and a trophy while the editors got P5,000 and a plaque.

Columnist of the Year Renato Bartolo of Mindanao Times took home P15,000 and a trophy for his entry “Peace in Smiling Child’ while Photojournalist of the Year Robert Vincent “Bing” Gonzales also of Mindanao Times received P10,000 and a trophy for his entry “Picking up the Pieces.”

Vinafel Araneta of ABS-CBN was awarded the Best Reporter of the Year for TV for “Menor Trabahador while “Shabu mo diha” of GMA’s John Paul Seniel bagged the Feature Story of the Year for Broadcast.  For radio, top recognition was accorded to Allen Doydora of DYRD Sonshine Radio. All of them received P20,000 each and a trophy while the editors got P5,000 and a plaque.

                The Awards for Blogger of the Year and Social Media Advocate both went to Olan Emboscado who took home a total of P40,000 and two trophies for the recognition.

Russian relief goods handed out

CLOSE to 40,000 families in the calamity-stricken areas of Cebu and Leyte provinces have received the relief assistance extended by the government of the Russian Federation in the wake of supertyphoon Yolanda.

The nearly 60 tons of Russian relief goods were entirely released last Wednesday (Nov. 20) to the families affected by the supertyphoon in the Cebu northern towns of Sogod, Medellin, Malapascua, Daanbantayan, Tabogon, San Remigio, Tabuelan, and Borbon, the islands of Camotes and Bantayan, and the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban in Leyte.

The Russian relief aid arrived in Cebu on Nov. 14 aboard two Ilyushin-76 military freighter aircrafts which took off from the Ramenskoye airport in Moscow.

Including hundreds of boxes of canned goods and sacks of sugar, the relief goods were immediately repackaged for distribution and then transported without delay to the affected towns in Northern Cebu.

Russian Honorary Consul Armi L. Garcia said the relief goods came from the State Reserves of the Russian Federation (Rosrezerv) and were personally delivered by Gen. Vladimir Stepanov, the deputy minister for Civil Defense and Emergencies for Natural Calamities.

The relief aid was duly turned over to Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and Atty. Mark Tolentino, on behalf of the Cebu Provincial Government, for the distribution process.

“On behalf of the Russian government, I wish to extend my gratitude to all the school children and volunteers responsible for the efficient repacking of the goods,” Garcia said. “The joint efforts of the volunteers, the Sweet Alert Society and friends, together with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Provincial Government made it possible for us to deliver the goods to the families in the affected areas in such a short time!”

Consul Garcia also expressed total appreciation for the very enthusiastic response of Ateneo de Cebu by instantaneously opening its gymnasium for the temporary storage and repacking of the relief stocks.

GCash services now offered in Puregold Digos, Tagum, and Lanang branches

: Davaoenos visited the recently opened GCASH registration booth at Puregold Lanang to avail of the different  GCASH services such as bills payment, cash-in/cash-out, point-of-sale and domestic and international remittances.

GCash, the flagship mobile money service of G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the mobile commerce arm of Globe Telecom, strengthens its regional presence in Mindanao with its partnership with Puregold to offer GCash services in Digos, Lanang and Tagum branches of the supermarket giant in Davao.

With the said expansion, not only GCash subscribers and Puregold’s Aling Puring members composed of sari-sari store owners, carinderia operators, food resellers, and bulk buyers, but all customers can now avail of any GCash service at these Puregold outlets. GCash services include Bills Payment (Davao Light, Pag-IBIG, SSS, etc.), Cash-in/Cash-out, Domestic Remittance (Send and Receive Money), International Remittance via GCash Remit, and POS payment using GCash card.

“It is our commitment to better serve our customers in every possible way. As part of Globe Telecom’s commitment in expanding our business with Puregold, we will now be offering GCash services in these three Puregold branches in Mindanao. We hope that Globe subscribers and Puregold’s Aling Puring members will enjoy safe, secure, and hassle-free mobile money transactions at our designated GCASH counter in Puregold”, says Paolo Baltao, GXI President.

The availability of GCash outlets in Puregold branches is set to provide ease of access and convenience to Puregold shoppers who have GCash accounts as well as to Aling Puring members in claiming their remittances where GCash Remit is available in over 40 countries worldwide, sending money within the Philippines, and paying their bills through the customer service area at a Puregold branch nearest them.  

                “We are grateful to have GCash as our partner for this Mindanao ‘market invasion’. It gives us an opportunity to provide easier and more convenient shopping experience to our valued customers. What’s good about this is that they can also do other transactions like pay for their bills, claim their remittances and send money within the country via GCash services at these 3 Puregold outlets in Davao, aside from purchasing goods and services from us,” shares Antonio Delos Santos, Store Operations Head, Puregold Price Club Inc (PPCI).

The partnership between Globe and Puregold began in 2010 when the Aling Puring Super Suki SIM card was launched. It is a special multi-function SIM card exclusively for Puregold's Aling Puring members which allow them to receive text blast announcements, promos, and reminders at discounted call and text rates.

In 2011, a reloading channel for Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers as well as AutoloadMax retailers was unveiled, allowing Puregold customers and Globe subscribers to buy prepaid load for as low as P500 to as much as P150,000 from Puregold branches nationwide via its point-of-sale (POS) technology.

Last June 2013, GCASH also successfully participated in the 8^th Aling Puring Sari-sari Store Convention by offering Puregold GCash Card to over 200,000 Aling Puring members who attended the annual convention.

Globe “Bangon Pinoy” provides relief ops, hot meals to thousands of families in the Visayas

Various relief activities of Globe Bangon Pinoy (clockwise):  Manapla, Negros Occidental; Antique; Capiz; and San Remigio, Cebu.

Globe Telecom employee volunteers have trooped to typhoon-devastated areas in the Visayas region to provide relief packages to almost 5,000 families and hot meals to 3,000 individuals.

Globe Bangon Pinoy relief operations were held in Panay, Bogo, Bantayan, San Remigio, and Malapascua in Cebu;  Ormoc and Tacloban, Leyte;  Poblacion, Iloilo; Roxas City, Capiz; Barbaza, Antique, Manapla, Negros Occidental, and Kalibo, Aklan.

Hot meals, on the other hand, were distributed via Red Cross Mobile Kitchen in San Dionisio and Concepcion, Iloilo and Roxas, Capiz. while 50 sacks of rice were turned over to the Iloilo provincial office.

The relief packs are composed of basic necessities such as food and bottled water even as the company is set to send donations of usable clothes and footwear, sanitation kits, and blankets.

At the same time, Globe volunteers again lent their time and efforts to the repacking operations at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City.

                Meanwhile, Globe Tattoo has put up Libreng Internet sites at the Globe Store, Ground Floor, MFT Bldg., Real St, Ormoc City; JCT Hub, Ormoc City Plaza; and Mactan International Airport in Cebu.  This is in addition to the Tattoo Libreng Internet booths already operational in Villamor Air Base, Philippine Naval Base in Cebu.

Four more Libreng Tawag and Charging centers were also set up in Iloilo namely:  Lemery Municipal Hall, Concepcion Municipal Hall, San Dionisio Municipal Hall, and San Rafael Municipal Hall.  To date, there are 36 Libreng Tawag and 58 Libreng Charging booths in Cebu, Leyte, Bohol, Iloilo, Antique, and Capiz.

Outside of the affected areas, Globe Bangon Pinoy is rallying for help across the Philippines.  One of the initiatives is the TM Republikaravan, a one-stop-shop where subscribers may know more about typhoon-related activities of TM.

Likewise, TM has started its TM Republikaravan at the Angeles City National High School in Pampanga and Golden State University in General Santos City over the weekend.  More are scheduled at the University of Southern Philippines, Davao City (Nov. 20); Mindanao State University, Iligan City (Nov. 22); Brgy. 72 Covered Court, Moriones, Tondo, Manila (Nov. 23); Commonwealth National High School, Quezon City (Nov. 29); Waltermart, Gapan, Nueva Ecity (Dec. 1);  Glorietta, Baliwag, Bulacan (Week of Dec. 2-8); and Polytechnic State College, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur (Dec. 13).

During the TM Republikaravan events, TM will match every load purchased by the subscribers for donation to the typhoon victims and will also encourage teachers and students to give anything in kind.  All Rewards points used to purchase items in TM Sari-sari Store will be donated as well.

TM Republikaravan has also organized  “Dance for a Cause,” an Inter-barkada dance competition wherein the winning group will be donating half of their cash prize for the affected families.

Bangon Pinoy is Globe Telecom’s enterprise-wide disaster response initiative that aims to have a unified system for donations, relief efforts, and corporate social responsibility programs across products and services. It is an integrated program that allows communities devastated by calamities to benefit from various efforts geared towards rebuilding and rehabilitation. It was first introduced by Globe in 2009 after typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng wreaked havoc in the country. 

For more updates visit www.globe.com.ph/BangonPinoy. Follow us on Twitter @EnjoyGlobe (#BangonPinoy) and on Facebook.com/globeph.

Globe Telecom ups service in 16 more towns mostly in Samar, Leyte

Globe Telecom expanded further its cellular service in Leyte and Samar provinces as the telecommunications company continues to prioritize restoration of cell sites in areas that are hardest hit by the typhoon.

Globe said mobile services are now available in the towns of Isabel and Palo in Leyte; Lavezares, Rosario, San Jose, San Roque and Lope de Vega  in Northern Samar; Hinunangan, Limasawa and Sogod in Southern Leyte;  San Sebastian and Pagsanghan in Western Samar and Culasi and Laua-an in Antique, Dumarao in Capiz and Daanbantayan in Cebu

“Optimization of cell sites by increasing transmission power has resulted in substantial expansion of its cellular coverage in typhoon-stricken areas,” noted Robert Tan, Globe Chief Technical adviser.

The telecommunications provider said it also expects to restore cellular service in Borongan, Eastern Samar anytime soon. “A major cell site facility in Borongan is essentially intact and that would give us good umbrella coverage once transmission alignment is completed,” Tan said.

Globe has already restored network coverage in Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Guimaras and Siquijor.

In Leyte, municipalities with cellular coverage are as follows:  Bato, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Isabel, Kananga, Matag-ob, Matalom, Palompon, Palo, Santa Fe, Tabango and the cities of Baybay, Ormoc and Tacloban as well as the towns of Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Lilo-an,  Limasawa, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos,  Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, Silago, Sogod  and in Tomas Oppus in Southern Leyte.

In Samar island, on the other hand, areas with cellular coverage include Calbayog City, Catbalogan City as well as the towns of Gandara, Hinabangan, Jiiabong, Pagsanghan, San Sebastian, Marabut, Motiong, Paranas, Pinabacdao, Pagsanghan , San Jorge, Santa Margarita, Santa Rita, San Sebastian, Tarangnan, Villareal and Zumarraga all in Western Samar as well as the municipalities of Bobon, Catarman, Catubig, Laoang, Lavezares,  Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Palapag, Pambujan, Rosario, San Jose, San Roque and Victoria, all in Northern Samar.

In Panay, areas with mobile services include the municipalities of Altavas, Banga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Numancia, Tangalan, Nabas and  New Washington in Aklan and the areas of Ivisan, Dumarao, Tapaz and Roxas City in Capiz as well as the towns of  Anini-y, Barbaza, Belison, Bugasong, Culasi, Hamtic, Laua-an Patnongon, San Jose, San Remigio, Sibalom, Tibiao and Tobias Fornier in Antique.

Globe Telecom restores cellular service in Borongan, Eastern Samar

Globe Telecom restored on Wednesday its cellular service in Borongan, Eastern Samar, further expanding mobile coverage in Samar and Leyte islands , which were hardest hit by the typhoon. 

The telecommunications company said it was able to bring back cellular service in Borongan through the deployment of a cell site on wheels at around 5 pm Wednesday. This development will allow subscribers in the area to access call and text services.  The COW facility is located along E. Cinco St., in front of St Mary’s College.

Aside from Borongan,  mobile services  have also been restored in the towns of Isabel and Palo in Leyte; Lavezares, Rosario, San Jose, San Roque and Lope de Vega  in Northern Samar; Hinunangan, Limasawa and Sogod in Southern Leyte;  San Sebastian and Pagsanghan in Western Samar and Culasi and Laua-an in Antique, Dumarao in Capiz and Daanbantayan in Cebu.

The company said it will continue to prioritize restoration of cell sites in areas severely affected by the recent super typhoon.

Globe Telecom bags Platinum Asset Award for Excellence in Management and Corporate Governance

In testament to the unwavering commitment of Globe Telecom to integrity, transparency and best practices, the company has received a Platinum Award for Excellence in Management and Corporate Governance from The Asset, an integrated multi-media company serving the elite community of leading corporate and financial decision makers in Asia.

The Asset Excellence in Management and Corporate Governance Benchmarking Awards 2013 has gained a reputation with institutional investors for its independent and internationally recognized assessment of Asia’s listed companies in their business and governance performance.

The criteria used to assess the companies include a range of metrics of financial performance, which are also a proxy for gauging management acumen. But since the purpose of the awards is also to recognize the importance of sustainable growth, companies were also evaluated according to the quality of their corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental responsibility and investor relations.

“It is truly an honor for Globe to be consistently recognized both locally and internationally for its management and corporate governance practices.  This recent award is a testament to the unwavering efforts of Globe Board of Directors, management, officers, and employees to commit themselves to the principles and best practices of governance in the attainment of corporate goals while at the same time ensure transparency and social responsibility in company operations,” said Marisalve Ciocson-Co, Globe Head for Legal Services.

Through corporate governance policies, Globe is able to pursue the mandate to protect the interests of the investing public and is accountable for governing and providing direction to the corporation.  Globe firmly believes that good governance together with integrity and transparency are critical aspects to its success. 

Last year, Globe won the first ever Bell Award for Corporate Governance given by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and also received a similar citation from Hong Kong publishing giant FinanceAsia where the company garnered high marks in the Best Corporate Governance category.

Two Globe Bangon Pinoy Libreng Tawag centers up in Tacloban City; Libreng Internet offered in Mactan and Villamor airbase

Globe Telecom, through its Bangon Pinoy program (#BangonPinoy), has put up two Libreng Tawag Centers in Tacloban City as well as Libreng Internet facilities in Mactan and Villamor airbase for easier communications between the typhoon victims and their kins.

                The first Libreng Tawag station was set up at Globe FOBN in Naga-Naga while the second one is being housed at the Department of Labor and Employment Office, DOLE Compound, Trece Martirez St.

For Tacloban residents who opted to leave for Cebu and Manila, Libreng Internet is also being offered by Globe at the Mactan Airbase and Villamor Airbase, respectively.

                Power and communication services were completely cut off in Tacloban City for several days after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, leaving the severely-devastated area isolated from the rest of the country.

               

Globe also provided Libreng Internet via MyFi to Red Cross in San Jose, Antique to allow Red Cross to respond to online inquiries as to the whereabouts of residents in Culasi, Antique.

                Globe currently has 17 Libreng Tawag stations, 32 Libreng Charging sites, eight Libreng Tawag and Charging booths, and two Libreng Internet facilities  in Iloilo, Cebu, Leyte, Bohol, Antique, Capiz, and Pasay City.

                Meanwhile, Globe Bangon Pinoy continues to call for donations either in cash or in kind.  Relief goods such as clothes, footwear, mosquito nets, and blankets may be dropped off in all Globe Prepaid On-The-Go caravans, details of which can be viewed from http://globe.com.ph/bangonpinoy.  TM Republikaravan will also match every load credit sold in the caravans with a donation.

                For cash donations to Red Cross, it may be done via Mobile GCash APP or by dialing *143#> GCash > Others > Donate > Amount > MPIN > Red Cross. Overseas Filipino Workers who want to help may also visit any GCash Remit partner outlet in the country where they are staying to send their donation.

AirAsia offers assistance to Philippines typhoon victims with #toPHwithlove campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 November 2013 – AirAsia today announced it will run a donation and relief campaign called ‘To Philippines with Love’ (#toPHwithlove) to benefit the communities affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, which recently devastated the Philippines. The multi-tiered campaign will include collection of cash donations on board flights and at airports throughout the AirAsia Group network; as well as on the AirAsia Foundation microsite.  Free cargo space and free flights for accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aid and humanitarian agencies for relief efforts will also be offered in addition to 250,000 free seats for Filipinos abroad (OFWs) to return home.

The public will be able to make online donations on the AirAsia Foundation microsite www.airasiafoundation.com/typhoonhaiyan. The donation drive will run through 31^stDecember 2013 and the total funds collected on board flights, on ground at the airports, as well as through the online microsite will be channelled towards the Philippine Red Cross for relief efforts that are being carried out in the Philippines.

The AirAsia Group will match the total public collection and this amount will be managed by the philanthropic arm of the airline, AirAsia Foundation – for long term reconstruction efforts to rebuild the communities that were affected by the typhoon. AirAsia Foundation has started discussions with Habitat for Humanity Philippines as well as doctors from the public health service working on relief missions in areas in most need of help.

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia said, “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. Our own staff and their families in the Philippines have suffered as well, and we will stand by all Filipinos to fight through this test of time to find brighter skies together with the support of the Asean community. The AirAsia Group hopes to raise as much as possible by matching the total amount collected throughout this #toPHwithlove campaign to help send much needed emergency aid and to rebuild communities in the long run.”

As part of the #toPHwithlove campaign, AirAsia will be providing 250,000 free seats for Filipinos abroad who are looking to return home to their loved ones on selected domestic Filipino routes, as well as selected international routes into Manila. The domestic Filipino routes are from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Puerto Princesa; while international routes are from Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Miri into Manila. 

The free seats will be available for booking at www.airasia.com from 13^th – 24^th November 2013 and will be at 0 (zero) fare, and guest only needs to pay for applicable taxes and fees. Anyone with a valid Filipino passport or identification number will be able to book these free seats, which will be operated on AirAsia Zest flights.

“We hope these free seats will facilitate a smoother journey for Filipinos abroad to return home to their loved ones in light of the wreck which Typhoon Haiyan has created. AirAsia stands by all of you, and we are sure that the Filipino spirit and resilience will pull you through this. We will also mobilise volunteers from our AirAsia Allstar staff force throughout the region to assist as much as possible,” added Tony Fernandes.

AirAsia is also freeing up cargo space for delivery of relief goods and those who are keen to help, including NGOs, civic groups, aid and humanitarian agencies can send in their requests to foundation@airasia.com.  Instructions on delivery and cargo requirements will be provided after evaluation of the request.

The public can also log on to AirAsia’s Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) to find out more information on AirAsia’s relief efforts and the#toPHwithlove campaign as well as how they can lend a helping hand towards victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

AirAsia is firmly committed to the philosophy that no corporation can live apart from the community it serves. As a truly Asean airline, we will always extend a helping hand to the communities we serve in their time of need. 

Sony Introduces the Multi-Functional VAIO® Fit multi-flip PC

Offering an uncompromising notebook experience for productive work and play

• Revolutionary new multi-flip^TM hinge, which makes it capable of flipping and converting between laptop, tablet and viewer modes
• Thin chassis constructed with an aluminium hairline finish
• Best of Sony technology:  TRILUMINOS™ display, X-Reality for mobile, Clear Audio+^TM Mode for superior sound, Exmor™ RS for PC imaging sensor
• VAIO_® Inspiration Stream with a collection of core apps for unparalleled creativity

DAVAO CITY, Philippines, November 18, 2013 – Advanced technology may have enabled us with smartphones or tablets but neither of the two can really provide us a productive computing experience. In this regard, Sony has constantly introduced innovative products that equip us not just with mobile convenience but the benefits of increased productivity and creativity that smartphones and tablets alone cannot provide.  

In line with this, Sony is launching today another addition to its line of premium VAIO products – the VAIO_® Fit 13A/15A. An all new form factor to the design of VAIO_® notebooks, the VAIO_® Fit 13A/15A features a multi-flip^TM hinge that provide a variety of new ways to use mobile PCs while still enjoying the full functionality of a traditional clamshell laptop. It aims to suit the computing needs of everyone and is available in 13-inch, and 15-inch sizes.  Both units were first showcased at the Sony Center by Avid at the Glorietta Mall in Makati.

Sony has been introducing a wider range of premium and class-leading models and the Company is not about to stop. Sony has brought a slider PC with the VAIO Duo 13, the detachable tablet PC VAIO Tap 11, and VAIO Pro 13 which is the thinnest and lightest VAIO Ultrabook in the market.  And now, Sony takes pride in introducing the all new VAIO Fit Multi-flip PC.

The multi-flip PC that suits every computing need

The highlight of the VAIO_® Fit multi-flip^TM PC’s design is its revolutionary new multi-flip^TM hinge, which makes it capable of flipping and converting between laptop, tablet and viewer modes by flipping the display over the hinge. The laptop mode comfortably accommodates highly productive work, the same way as conventional notebook PCs. In tablet mode, it is best utilised for browsing the web, taking pictures, and writing with the digitizer stylus[1]. Lastly, with the viewer mode, the display can be flipped over so that you can share the experience of watching a video or movie with another viewer. This makes the VAIO_® Fit multi-flip^TM PC adaptable for any use, be it for professionals, students, designers or the everyday PC user.

Structured in a stylish, functional design; its thin chassis is constructed with an aluminium hairline finish. The notebook comes with a full pitch keyboard, touch pad and palm rest to give users a comfortable typing experience, as well as a backlit keyboard which allows for work in low-light conditions.

Powered by the best of Sony

Incorporating the best of Sony’s digital imaging expertise, the Exmor™ RS for PC imaging sensor found on the VAIO_® Fit 13A makes it possible to take high-resolution images of documents. Images are clear enough for the computer to recognise and tag texts in the photos, which works harmoniously with the CamScanner app. The back-illuminated CMOS sensor also ensures that there is reduced noise in low-light situations.

  

Besides the Exmor™ RS for PC sensor, Sony has incorporated other technologies into the VAIO_® Fit multi-flip^TM PC such as the TRILUMINOS™ display for mobile and X-Reality for mobile, adapted from technology used in the Sony BRAVIA 2013 range of TVs. These allow for a more vivid reproduction of colours on screen and ensure the sharpest picture quality. The VAIO_® Fit multi-flip^TM PC is also powered to deliver dynamic bass and soaring highs without distortion with the ClearAudio+^TM mode that uses a variety of sound technologies to deliver a superior audio performance. With one simple operation, users can enjoy music with the levels of sharpness and depth that the artist intended.

Inspiring Creativity

The VAIO_® Inspiration Suite aims to replace the necessity of pen and paper with a collection of core apps that allow users to seamlessly capture, edit and organise content on their VAIO_® notebooks. The VAIO_® Fit multi-flip^TM PC comes pre-loaded with a trio of apps to help users unleash their creativity: after shooting and reorienting images on CamScanner, users can then clip out the subject of the image using VAIO_® Clip, and write memos on top of the images with their digitizer stylus¹ in VAIO_® Paper. This gives users the same experience as drafting or sketching with pen and paper and much more.

The new, multi-functional VAIO_® Fit 13A/15A will be available in Philippines from Mid-November 2013 onwards.

Experience the all new VAIO_® Fit 13A/15A today. Visit the nearest Sony Center or authorized dealer now or log on to www.sony.com.ph; like us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SonyPhilippines; www.facebook.com/sonymobileph; and follow us on twitter:  @SonyPHInc. for more information.

VAIO® Fit 13A/15A

An all new form factor to the design of VAIO® notebooks, the VAIO® Fit 13A/15A features a multi-flip hinge that provide a variety of new ways to use mobile PCs while still enjoying the full functionality of a traditional clamshell laptop. It aims to suit the computing needs of everyone and is available in 13-inch, and 15-inch sizes.

Multi-flip PC

The highlight of the VAIO® Fit multi-flip^TM PC’s design is its revolutionary new multi-flip hinge, which makes it capable of flipping and converting between laptop, tablet and viewer modes by flipping the display over the hinge.

Powered by the best of Sony

Incorporating the best of Sony’s digital imaging expertise, the Exmor™ RS for PC imaging sensor found on the VAIO® Fit 13A makes it possible to take high-resolution images of documents. The back-illuminated CMOS sensor also ensures that there is reduced noise in low-light situations. It is also powered by Bravia’s TRILUMINOS display for mobile and x-reality for mobile. The VAIO_® Fit multi-flip^TM PC also has the ClearAudio+^TM mode to deliver a superior audio performance.

Inspiring Creativity

The VAIO_® Inspiration Suite aims to replace the necessity of pen and paper with a collection of core apps that allow users to seamlessly capture, edit and organise content on their VAIO_® notebooks. This gives users the same experience as drafting or sketching with pen and paper and much more.

VAIO Fit 13A Intel Core i5 (black and silver) is at 69,999; Intel Core i7 (black) at 89,999. VAIO Fit 15A Intel Core i7 is available in black at 79,999.