Globe boosts product portfolio with enhanced prepaid offer

Sustaining momentum of its prepaid business, Globe Telecom beefs up its product portfolio by enhancing its most availed prepaid promo GoUNLI25 with additional access to social networking and search sites for the same price.

With the new GoUNLI25, prepaid subscribers can send unlimited texts and make unlimited calls to Globe/TM, and now get free access to Facebook plus another free internet site or app of their choice still for P25 valid for 1 day.

Subscribers can choose from any of six top social and search sites such as Twitter, Instagram, Google, Yahoo, Viber or Foursquare to boost their new GoUNLI25 promo bundle, allowing them to tweet, post photos, search the Web, send stickers and emoticons, and check-in with no Wi-Fi or additional data charges needed.

To register to the new GoUNLI25, subscribers can dial *143#, select GoSakto, select New GoUnli25, choose Select your free site, and then select Subscribe Now. Prepaid subscribers can also register to the new GoUNLI25 using the GoSAKTO app now available in iOS and Android-powered devices, giving users a digital experience on mobile.

“As Globe Prepaid moves into serving the youth and their digital lifestyle, we take a leap into understanding that their social networks are now an extension of their lives,” shares Issa Cabreira, Vice President for Globe Prepaid Business. “This is the inspiration behind the new GoUNLI25, which offers unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM and now unlimited Facebook, and additional free access to the social networking or search site of choice without the need for Wi-Fi, providing the youth with more ways to explore and to stay connected online anytime, anywhere, without hurting their pockets. With the new GoUNLI25, we help the youth and the young at heart create a wonderful digital world that they can enjoy.”

According to TNS’ Mobile Life 2013, an annual study on behaviors of mobile users from 40 countries including the Philippines which involved 500 Metro Manila respondents aged 16-60, about 45% browse the internet from 32% in 2012 while 44% are accessing their social networking sites compared to 34% a year ago.

To know more about the new GoUnli25, visit www.globe.com.ph/gounli25. 

Globe Telecom wins Anvil Awards for Crisis and Disaster Communication and Annual Report

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom has won the Anvil Award of Excellence for the exceptional rendition of its 2012 Annual and Sustainability Report as well as a Merit Award for its Specialized Public Relations Program on Crisis and Disaster Communications “Glad to be Globe” social media campaign.

The Globe Corporate Brand Management Team led by its Director Roland Jonas Ferrer (middle), Anica Mayo (left) and Kristel Or (right) receive the Anvil Awards

The 49th annual Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, “honors organizations that have successfully addressed a contemporary public relations issue with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness.” 

The Globe Telecom 2012 Annual Report is an integrated financial and sustainability report compliant with the guidelines of the internationally recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 standard and has maintained its B+ level of assurance from TUV Rheinland.

Recognizing the impact of environmental and social issues concerns on the global economy, Globe is committed in integrating sustainability in its core operations, thus, it has combined its sustainability with its annual financial report since 2010 to improve stakeholders’ perception on accountability and transparency, and demonstrate the connection between corporate responsibility and business operations and strategy

Last September 26, 2013, the Globe 2012 ASR also bagged the Gold Award for Combined Annual & Sustainability Report at the 27th International ARC Awards, a highly-esteemed global competition honoring outstanding achievement in annual reports.

On the other hand, “Glad to Be Globe” has successfully countered the challenges posed by the company’s massive network modernization program last year as proven by the increase in positive online sentiments and the number of customers who participated and posted their “Glad to be Globe’ stories online. 

Since the launch of the “Glad to be Globe” campaign in February 2013, online positive sentiments grew to 42% from the January to September period versus 17% in 2012.  Likewise, the “Glad to be Globe” send-in your story execution generated almost 3,000 Twitter entries, 92 blog stories and five user-generated YouTube videos as customers proudly shared how long they have been with Globe and reminisced about their first few years with the brand.

Globe Blue makes the wonderful world of Globe more rewarding

Delights postpaid customers with special perks and freebies

Globe creates a wonderful world for its customers as it introduces the newest tier in Globe Rewards program - Globe Blue.

As a way to extend gratitude and to recognize the support of its loyal postpaid customers, Globe makes every experience even more enjoyable and rewarding by consistently making every day better through Globe Telecom’s launch of Project Wonderful.

As the latest addition to the Globe Rewards program, Globe Blue elevates the status of postpaid customers who spend at least P2, 000 up to P3, 499 monthly by giving them special perks and wonderful treats.  

“We are introducing Globe Blue, the newest tier in the Globe Rewards membership program as a way of giving back to our customers for their valued support. We believe that they deserve so much more and that is why we are recognizing them. As Globe Blue members, they can enjoy priority handling at Globe Stores nationwide which means that a dedicated lane will be available in 21 of our biggest Stores while faster service will be extended in the rest of our Stores. Members will also be assigned an exclusive hotline for quick and expert help with their account. Plus, they will receive a dual-purpose loyalty card which can be used to shop at any of the 34 million MasterCard merchants worldwide,” shares Mr. Raul Macatangay, Head for Globe Postpaid. “With Globe Blue, our customers will enjoy prioritized service plus perks like free movies, seasonal offers from our Globe Rewards partners, delighters they can look forward to during their membership year,” he added.  

Members can swipe the Globe Rewards card like a debit card at any MasterCard partner merchant, including BancNet, MegaLink and ExpressNet terminals, or withdraw from any BancNet, MegaLink, or ExpressNet ATMs nationwide. All transactions will be deducted from the user’s GCash wallet. 

In order to continue enjoying Globe Blue, members will need to maintain their level of spend. Spending more may also give them the opportunity to be upgraded to Globe Platinum, Globe’s premium membership tier where members enjoy the highest level of personalized service.  

To know more about Globe Blue, visit www.globe.com.ph/postpaid or call 730-1000.

Love Apptually: The Top 5 Romantic Apps for Valentine’s Day

The day of hearts is just around the corner and its meaning varies for different people in diversified relationship status. Whether it’s finding that significant other, or booking that romantic dinner, we unveil the Top 5 Romantic Apps to make this Valentine’s Day most romantic, memorable or just a tad more bearable.   

FOR THOSE WHO ARE SINGLE

OkCupid

Let’s face it, there is no other day that a single person dreads more than February 14^th. Just imagine all the traffic and packed restaurants filled with gleam-eyed couples trading spoonfuls of dark chocolate cake. So as a means of prevention for this state of romantic solitude, we suggest you get your hands on the OkCupid app—the absolutely-free worldwide dating app that helps you find a suitable date with someone close by or on the other end of the world. OkCupid lets you sign up with your Facebook account or make a separate account on your mobile. The app’s Quick Match feature takes its Cupid status a little further by ranking potential dates for you, while shooting out arrows for your potential Match, Friend, and Enemy.

FOR THOSE IN THE FRIEND ZONE

Love Quotes 500

The Love Quotes 500 compiles the finest collection of quotes from history’s greatest writers and thinkers so that you, yes you, can convey just how you really feel for your special friend. Borrow the sonnets of Shakespeare, or the tenets of Thoreau, and share your heart desires on Instagram or Facebook and patiently wait for that favorable reply. And if all these wonderful, passion-affirming words fail, then at least you can claim that you’re simply channeling your inner hopeless romantic by sending love to all your friends, which is probably what you guys are going to be from then on.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ONLY JUST BEGUN

Love Test Calculator

Amidst the glossy filters of new romance, make it a point to discover just how compatible you guys really are with the help of modern science. The Love Test Calculator app takes all those slum book questions to the realms of your favorite now-defunct dating show, with quizzes and questions that greatly gauge your compatibility. And once you passed this stage, the Love Test Calculator takes it a notch further with dares and challenges that fire the passion of your new love; think of it as the Truth or Dare of the digital age. And once the glitter and confetti of new love subsides, and you run out of sweet things to say, swipe over its Tender Words feature to take on a few romantic quotes.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE DATING

Zomato

A lifestyle and dining app that rates hotels and restaurants in the Metro could come in handy when planning your next sentimental hang out. With handy menu lists, reviews, and photos to inspire your momentous table for two, Zomato makes it easier for you to contact your neighborhood hole-in-the-wall for that special banquet reservation, or foo

d delivery, should you decide to eat in. And with special listings in 11 countries worldwide, you can never run out of options for your passionate affairs.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXCLUSIVE

Red Stamp

After the courtship and the constant dates, by now your romantic life has left a dent on your bank account, and you are advised to spend wisely from here on out should you wish to take your relationship further. So, anything cheap and cheesy becomes more desirable when reigniting that fire of amore between you. The Red Stamp app lets you send stylishly personalized cards and notes to your loved one’s. And since it doesn’t cost a penny, maybe consistency is key to keep the swoon coming, and with hundreds of pegged designs and styles, Red Stamp could keep your significant other guessing while poring over sweet love notes for every single day of the year.

And to nurture your blossoming romance, from finders to keepers, an instant, reliable, and strong mobile internet connection is best to have and to hold. Globe PowerSurf 299 offers a consumable mobile internet plan to keep that passion burning, while keeping unnecessary billshock out of your blossoming relationship.

Loved by both Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers, Globe PowerSurf 299 comes with 3000MB of mobile data that is good for 30 days of non-stop connectivity.

To register for dial *143#.  For more information on PowerSurf, visit http://.globe.com.ph/surf

Globe Telecom 2013 core net profit up 13%; revenues reach new record

Globe Telecom sustained growth momentum in 2013 as core net profit rose 13% to P11.6 billion as the strong performance of its mobile, broadband, and fixed line data businesses continued to drive revenue growth notwithstanding the onslaught of natural calamities in the last quarter of the year.

The company’s consolidated service revenues for 2013 reached a fresh record high of P90.5 billion, up 9% from P82.7 billion last year, driven by the continued growth in the demand for data connectivity across the mobile, broadband and fixed line data businesses, which improved by 8%, 20% and 13%, respectively. The robust top-line results prove Globe’s sustained execution excellence of products and promotions that remain relevant to its subscribers, backed by its improved network performance, as Globe moves forward in its network and IT transformation programs.

“We are happy and encouraged by what we have achieved in 2013, surpassing all our expectations. We have said in the past that 2013 is a transition year and the most critical period for the Globe, given the network and IT modernization projects we undertook through the year while competing in a fast evolving market. Our sustained growth momentum is an evidence of the underlying strengths of our superior products and services and the differentiated customer experience, we provide, said Globe President &CEO Ernest Cu. “Notwithstanding the impact of the recent devastation in the Visayas region due to typhoon “Haiyan”, which tempered the seasonal uplift in the fourth quarter, we still managed to end the year at a high note reaching all-time high gross consolidated revenues. While the resilience of our performance is welcome, we will not be complacent and will strive harder in 2014. Globe has always been and will continue to be firmly committed in creating more value for our customers and shareholders.” Mr. Cu added.

Mobile revenues, which contributed over 80% of total revenues, grew 8% year-on-year to P72.8 billion compared to the prior year’s P67.2 billion, owing to the sustained leadership of the Globe Postpaid brand. Globe continued to invest in acquiring and retaining high-quality postpaid customers, resulting in the growth of the subscriber base to over two million, up 17% from last year. The continued expansion of the postpaid subscriber base has resulted in the sustained growth of postpaid revenues to P27.1 billion, an 18% improvement year-on-year. On the prepaid segments, revenues grew 3% year-on-year despite the continued pressures on yields brought about by the shift from pay-per-use to value-based bucket and unlimited offers and the pervasiveness of multi-SIM incidence in the market. Total mobile subscriber base reached 38.5 million as of end-December, up 16% from the 33.1 million a year ago.

Globe’s broadband businesses flourished in 2013, registering sharp growths on both revenues and customer, expanding respectively by 20% and 22%, year-on-year. Globe ended the year with over 2 million broadband subscribers, with the fixed DSL and nomadic broadband segments registering growths of 24% and 11%, respectively. The competitiveness and affordability of the various offers launched throughout the year and the expanded pervasiveness of our fixed and wireless broadband network contributed to the robust performance in the year just ended.

The company’s fixed line data segment registered revenues of P4.7 billion, P524 million or 13% higher compared to revenues in 2012, mitigating the decline in traditional fixed line voice services. Growth in fixed line data revenues was attributed to the continuous demand for various communications and connectivity solutions to address the requirements of our enterprise clients.

Globe recorded consolidated EBITDA of P36.5 billion in 2013, up P1.5 billion or 4% against the P35.0 billion registered in 2012, as the revenue gains fully covered the increase in operating expenses. Operating expenses, which include subsidy and other operating expenses, grew by 13% from P47.7 billion to P54.0 billion, largely on increases in subsidy and re-contracting costs, trade and other provisions, and staff-and network-related expenses. EBITDA margin for 2013 stood at 40%, against 42% as of end 2012.  Driven by the growth in EBITDA, Globe’s core net income, which excludes the impact of non-recurring accelerated depreciation charges related to assets affected by the company’s network and IT transformation programs, grew to P11.6 billion from P10.3 billion in 2012.

On a sequential basis and consistent with seasonal trends, Globe’s quarterly gross revenues improved 2% in the fourth quarter of 2013, reaching P23.2 billion from P22.7 billion in the third period of the year. The recent Haiyan calamity in the central Philippines softened the revenue growth in the seasonally strong fourth quarter, directly through its impact on the subscribers in the affected areas and indirectly as consumers cut back on spending in favor of donating to relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Consolidated EBITDA registered at P8.2 billion, translating to EBITDA margins of 35% while core net income for the quarter registered at P2.1 billion.  

Globe continued to lead in the Postpaid segment with the AppleTM launches during the last quarter of 2013 starting with the iPhone 5c andiPhone 5s and the eventual release of the new iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display. This year’s iPhone launch (iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s) however, was scaled down and used to promote aid and relief efforts in light of the recent calamity “Haiyan” that affected millions of Filipinos in the Visayas region. Subscribers who attended the event were encouraged to bring in-kind donations as well as donate via Globe’s GCash facility. The iPhone 5c andiPhone 5s were made available under the Company’s suite of first-ever fully customizable postpaid plans (Best-Ever mySUPERPLAN) and the exclusive gadget upgrade program (iPhone Forever program).

Under the iPhone Forever program, new and existing Globe subscribers who are loyal iPhone users can swap their current devices to get a new iPhone every year for free or with minimal one-time cash out. The iPhone 5c 16GB can be availed starting at iPhone Forever Plan 1599, while the iPhone 5s 16GB is available at iPhone Forever Plan 1999, both for a contract of 24 months and are bundled with 1 gigabyte (GB) of mobile LTE surfing and free calls and texts. Higher value postpaid plans are also available: iPhone Forever Plan 2999, iPhone Forever Plan 5599 and iPhone Forever Plan 6999. iPadThe Air and iPad mini with Retina display, on the other hand, can now be availed with the following postpaid plans for 24 months contract period and complete with 85 hours of LTE surfing: iPad Air 16GB is available for as low as P1,624 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,125 monthly cashout while the 32GB variant is available for as low as P1,790 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,291 monthly cashout. Meanwhile, the iPad mini with Retina display 16GB is offered at P1,499 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,000 monthly cashout while the 32GB variant is available at P1,665 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,165 monthly cashout.

Setting another milestone in Philippine telecommunications, the company gave its over 38 million subscribers (Postpaid/Prepaid/TM) free mobile phone access to Facebook for a period of three months until January 2014 and which was subsequently extended until February 14, 2014. Globe worked closely with Facebook to enable customer experience innovations for the best free Facebook offer without the need for Wi-Fi. This campaign is in line with Globe’s strategy to bring more people online and overcome the fear of using mobile internet, and increase the habit of mobile browsing and surfing over Globe’s improved 3G, HSPA+ and LTE networks.

Moreover, Globe Prepaid conducted a 3-day mall gadget sale dubbed “Prepaid on the Go, Great Gadget Sale” wherein subscribers can get awesome discounts on various brands such as Samsung, Nokia, LG, Sony, Alcatel, Lenov, O+, Cherry Mobile, MyPhone, and Star Mobile. Subscribers may also trade-in their old phones or use their rewards points to enjoy up to 90% off for their purchase of phones and gadgets. Also, in order to drive subscription to Globe Prepaid’s GoUnli30 (one-day unli calls/texts, unli chat with the best chat apps) during the Christmas season, subscription to the promo qualifies its subscribers a chance to win a barkada trip for 4 to Singapore. Globe likewise launched the “Choose Your Number SIM” with FREE unlimited calls to Globe/TM and unlimited text to all networks plus Facebook.

TM, on the other hand, launched during the quarter TipIDD30 which offer four minutes of international calls to Saudi, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, UK, Australia and Japan for only P30 a day and AstigItxt20which gives its subscribers 30 international and all-network texts for only P20 valid for 1 day.

For the Broadband business, Globe continued to step up its best value offers with the new Tattoo Prepaid tablet bundles wherein its subscribers can save as much as P2,845 with these new offers which carry affordable tablet selection starting at P4,995 for a CloudPad 705Wor a SkyWorth S73 and P6,995 for a SkyWorth S82. All these new bundles come with FREE Tattoo Mobile Wi-Fi that connects up to 10 devices with speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps.Tattoo LTE Mobile Wi-Fi with LTE speed of up to 42 Mpbs was also made available for only P4,995 with FREE 5GB of data for 7days. Tattoo Postpaid on the other hand, now offers a FREE Mobile Wi-Fi with speed up to 12 Mbps with Tattoo unlimited Plan 999.

Globe once again expanded its international footprint with the launch of Globe local Italy SIM last November 24, 2013. Filipino communities in Italy can now enjoy calls to Globe in the Philippines for just five Euro cents per minute, the lowest among all Italian mobile operators. This was made possible with the partnership with Compagnia Italia Mobile S.r.l., one of the leading MVNOs in Italy, and Effortel Technologies, a Belgium-based network enabler company. Italy is now the sixth country where Globe has robust presence, joining the ranks of the USA, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

GCash, Globe’s mobile payment and remittance service, is set to expand its network service in the country by growing its user base with the recent partnership with TORCHe Global Marketing, Inc. (TGMI), a marketing consultancy firm focused on helping companies reach out to the widest possible consumer base through the latest technologies in mobile commerce and advertising. GCash services that will be made available for use of TGMI affiliates include PowerPay+ Card, Buy Load service and Gcash outlets. Also, during the last quarter of 2013, several initiatives on GCash were launched in order to expand its portfolio of services including real property tax payments via GCash available in Quezon City and Valenzuela; buy through blink coupon codes for subscribers to experience unlimited Movie and TV show streaming; or convert Gcash to rewards points. In addition, subscribers can now also apply for BanKO loan via GCash with low interest rate, fast approval and hassle-free loan payments. Loan credit and collection will be through their GCashPowerPay+ wallet. BPI-Globe Banko, the first mobile-based, microfinance-focused savings bank in the Philippines, have joined hands with US Agency for International Development, in helping rural communities gain access to formal financial services using their mobile phones. This partnership was announced during the launch of the mobile money financial service for the llijan Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

Globe Telecom to work closely with NTC in fair use implementation

In reaction to the recent letter of the NTC about alleged data capping, Globe gave its commitment to both the regulator and its data plan customers to step up its education drive towards the data usage and the possible impact of its fair use policy to data subscribers.

Globe underwent a massive network modernization program two years ago in order to increase capacity and improve network performance.  “We now have the most improved network in the country designed for the modern digital lifestyle of Filipinos,“ says Atty. Froilan Castelo, General Legal Counsel of Globe Telecom.  “We recognize that our customers have varying needs of data usage.  Consumer demand for data is steadily growing brought about by changing lifestyles and the influx of Smartphones. It is only safe to assume that a consumer’s data use will increase as they start enjoying the various platforms on digital and social media. This is the reason why we invested millions of dollars to modernize our network, built international submarine cable systems, and created, customizable product offers to give our customers a superior data experience,” adds Castelo. 

Globe first implemented its fair use policy in 2010 covering prepaid calls, texts and data promos.  The company enforced the policy for postpaid data plans only last month.  Even in the past until today, fair use only affects a small number of subscribers.  This is necessary to protect the network against abuse, examples of which come in the form of unli promos meant for consumers, but are used for business, text spamming using prepaid online promos.   

Globe enforced the policy for postpaid data plans to protect the data experience of the majority of subscribers who regularly use the network for work or leisure.  “The fair use policy is an industry issue that is being implemented by all Telco players in the country, even globally in the most advanced economies,” clarifies Castelo. 

Amid burgeoning consumer use of Smartphones and other mobile data devices, network data traffic reports showed a surge of over 300% during peak hours over the last 2 years. Data usage reached 47 gigabits per second (Gbps) in 2013 from only 12 Gbps in 2011.   Data user reports also indicate that heavy users, only account for less than 3% of total data subscribers, yet consume a disproportionate amount of network capacity.  This has led to a degradation of network performance during peak periods of the day and clearly affecting the majority of subscribers who use data prudently.

“We want our customers to understand that the ultimate goal of the policy is to protect them because we want the regular data users who use the internet for work or leisure to have a consistently great data experience.   Heavy users will affect their experience and this is what we are guarding against,” adds Castelo.

Compared to global leading carriers in the US (2GB/month), United Kingdom (500MB/daily), Thailand (2GB/month) or even locally, the 3GB per month is a sizeable amount of data which allows subscribers to do the following daily: 60 minutes of video streaming, download 4 songs, make 10 Instagram posts, send FB posts, tweets or emails, and browse your favorite webpages.  On the other hand, 1GB of data will allow a subscriber to do:  60 tweets and 474 emails and 20 mins of YouTube and 60 FB posts and 28 Instagram posts and browse 20 web pages, more than the adequate amount of data to use daily.  Illegal torrents and pirating of videos is a practice that will be curbed by the policy.

Globe equips typhoon survivors with mobile phones to kickstart their careers

A successful job applicant proudly shows the prepaid mobile kit provided by Globe Telecom to bring his career back on track

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom has equipped Typhoon Yolanda survivors with mobile phones that would help them begin their new careers.

About 200 cellular phones and prepaid SIM cards were distributed by Globe led by employee volunteers from the Network Transmission Group (NTG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) during a job fair held at Rizal Park for evacuees from Leyte and Samar who were brought to Manila to escape the devastation in Eastern Visayas.

“Many of the survivors either lost their mobile phones or got them wet during the typhoon, making it difficult for people to reach them and vice versa. By providing the survivors with the necessary communication tools, we at Globe hope that we are able do our part in helping them start anew and giving them something wonderful to look forward to,” said Fernando Esguerra, OIC, Globe CSR.

Of their own accord, the Globe volunteers reached out to different internal groups to provide tools for the job fair. Tattoo offered 50 broadband sticks and prepaid load to use for registration at the event, Prepaid provided tents, Manila Sales gave prepaid SIM cards with load, and CSR donated mobile phones. The cell phones and SIMs were given to the first 200 hires of the job fair.

As part of Globe Project Wonderful sustainable development platform, Globe is assisting calamity victims including its customers, business partners, and adopted communities in rebuilding their lives by providing shelter, classrooms, and livelihood opportunities.

               

The program is built on the values of volunteerism, hope, and perseverance, and on the belief that even in the toughest of times, Filipinos can rely on each other and collectively rise above the challenges.

Tattoo Offers the Fastest Internet Connection with its New and Improved Post-Paid Plans

Success entails the ability to multi-task and stay ahead – keeping yourself informed, delivering breakthrough results and completely unleashing your strengths. This year, Tattoo allows you to do just that as it transforms every minute into an opportunity to defy expectations with its fastest and most affordable Tattoo postpaid plans.

A wonderful mobile online experience awaits subscribers as Tattoo offers a wider range of postpaid plans that utilize the latest technology to deliver ultra-high-speed internet access. Starting with plan 299, all Tattoo post-paid plans are now LTE-ready allowing you to boost your regular connection to enjoy LTE speeds of up to 42 Mbps – no lag, waiting and buffering. Made specifically for goal-getters, Tattoo promises an internet connection speed that will allow you to instantly be updated with the latest trends, news and information. As internet connection speeds affect the amount of information that you can access, only Tattoo’s fastest connection assures you of the many possibilities that await.

“Tattoo has always been an enabler, a tool for our customers to create their own mark and defy the norms. We always seek to transform the way our subscribers live, work and play by offering them only the best postpaid plans. Knowing how fun-loving, dynamic, competitive, and goal-oriented our Tattoo subscribers are, it is just right to keep updating our offers to match their needs. This time, Tattoo offers seamless connectivity with its LTE-ready devices enabling you to become one step ahead of others,” said Dong Ronquillo, Globe Vice President, Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business.

With Tattoo, you can now avail a mobile Wi-Fi under Plan 299 and 499 for only Php 500 one-time cash out. Also stay on-the-go and never miss an opportunity with Tattoo’s free LTE stick or regular mobile Wi-Fi with your Plan 999. Stay online anytime, anywhere you need to with plan 1299/1799/2499 that now comes with a free LTE mobile Wi-Fi. All mobile Wi-Fi devices can power up to 10 devices. Subscribers of Plan 299, Plan 499 and Plan 999 may also upgrade their browsing speeds from 12 Mbps to LTE speeds of up to 42 Mbps for only P300 per month.

Open yourself to wonderful possibilities and experience a high-performance internet for an affordable price only with Tattoo.

Experience a blazing fast internet connection with Tattoo Post-paid Plans now all with LTE-ready devices. Learn more about these new offers at tattoo.globe.com.ph, visit any Globe store nearest you, or call 730-1010.

BPI Globe BanKO grants first-ever e-tricycle loan in Boracay

Helps promote a clean and “green” island

BPI Globe BanKO, the first mobile-based, microfinance-focused savings bank in the country, ventured into a tripartite agreement with the local government of Malay, Aklan and Gerweiss Motors Corporation to grant the country’s first-ever electric tricycle (e-trike) loan to help local drivers and operators in Boracay to purchase their e-tricycles that will spur continued business growth in the island.

Operating e-tricycles is in compliance with the local government unit’s initiative to promote environmental sustainability in the island, as well as help promote and reinforce the green efforts in Boracay.

The 10-seater e-trikes developed by Gerweiss Motors were given to the local drivers through BanKO’s e-trike loan.

"BanKO is committed to provide innovative banking products that foster corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. The e-trike loan program will help increase the local driver and operator's income and at the same time provide a cleaner and greener Boracay.  Through this program, we can support the local government of Malay, Aklan in making the island environmentally-sound and tourist-friendly. Eventually, we will expand these programs to other tourism areas, carrying the same objectives of financial inclusion and sustainable development,” said John Rubio, Head of BPI Globe BanKO.

“More of our tricycle operators will be able to own an e-trike with the help of BanKO. Because these vehicles are energy-efficient, their income will be higher, as it is more economical to power an e-trike than a petrol-fuelled tricycle, leading to a better quality of life. Hopefully, our program will become a model for others in the country to promote a safer, more productive community,” said Hon. John Yap, Mayor of Malay, Aklan.

(L-R): BPI Globe BanKO Head John Rubio and Malay Aklan Mayor John Yap beside one of the e-trikes granted to a local driver in Boracay

 The e-trike project is considered as the best solution to replace Boracay’s 536 fuel-powered tricycles with environment-friendly e-trikes in compliance with the local government’s vision of making Boracay as the first major tourist destination in the world to become an “e-trike island.”

Globe broadband services now available to local enterprises in typhoon-hit areas

With the recent normalization of Globe Telecom’s network in the Visayas region following extensive damage brought by Typhoon Yolanda, local enterprises may now avail of broadband services offered by the telecommunications provider in the region.

“We recognize the importance of communication services as a tool that could enhance business opportunities. We want to help the local economy in these typhoon-hit areas by making it our priority to restore network services that include not only voice and text services but also mobile data services, “said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu.  He stressed that in support of the government’s rebuilding efforts, Globe has accelerated the restoration of telco services in the area to encourage local businesses to resume normal operations, provide livelihood for local residents and in turn spur the local economy.

Following the devastation wrought by typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region, Globe Telecom recently launched Project Wonderful, which aims to provide support in rebuilding communities through sustainable development. The company’s corporate response to nation building, Project Wonderful endeavors to provide shelter to the homeless, bring education to the children, and generate livelihood opportunities for the jobless.

                For the housing sector, Globe through a P15-million donation of its mobile and home broadband brand Tattoo, will build houses in the Gawad Kalinga Rotary Village in Brgy. Tambulilid, Ormoc, Leyte for the benefit of 100 families as well as provide livelihood projects for the  residents. Repair kits for 500 homes will also be given to affected host communities in Culion, Palawan; Daanbantayan, Cebu; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar in partnership with Habitat for Humanity while another 940 shelter kits will be distributed in Malaya and Madalag, Aklan in partnership with Non-Timber Forest Products.

                For the education sector, Globe will establish 100 tent classrooms in totally damaged elementary and secondary high schools as well as distribute at least 5,000 learning kits for students and teachers in identified tent schools. Latest statistics showed that Typhoon Yolanda damaged over 1 million houses, more than 20,000 classrooms of public schools, and P17 billion worth of agricultural products in regions 4B, 6, 7, and 8.