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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Nokia) |
Nokia recently announced that Globe Telecom will deploy its Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) solution in key areas in the Philippines including North Luzon, South Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR), Visayas and Mindanao to modernize its infrastructure and provide a superior broadband experience to its customers. Once deployed, Nokia’s solution will support Globe Telecom’s residential wireline postpaid and prepaid broadband services. The new solution will help Globe Telecom optimize the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and introduce a capability to support Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, enabling Globe to offer the solution towards Fixed Mobile Convergence.
Nokia’s solution includes 7750 Service Router (SR) which will be used as a BNG platform to support broadband services with subscriber management, bandwidth management and per-subscriber policy control. Globe Telecom will also use Nokia’s 7750 SR Extended Services Appliance (ESA) to support Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) and Application Assurance functions. Globe Telecom Network Technical Group's Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering Joel Agustin said, “We are committed to continuously improving our network infrastructure to provide the best possible broadband experience to our subscribers. Nokia’s new BNG solution introduces capability to evolve into a flexible multi-access gateway that can combine wireline and wireless access technologies, enabling us to further increase efficiencies. We are looking forward to working with Nokia on this crucial initiative.”
Nokia Asia Pacific Vice President and Head of IP Business Kent Wong said, “We have a longstanding partnership with Globe Telecom and are now delighted to work on this initiative to modernize the BNG network for an overall improved broadband experience. Our industry-leading BNG solution equipped with multi-access gateway capabilities is based on 7750 SR and powered by our breakthrough FP network processor technology and proven Service Router Operating System (SR OS) will help build a scalable, flexible and energy-efficient broadband network and pave the way for future evolution towards Fixed Mobile Convergence.”
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Fisher Mall Hosts "Building The Galaxy" Fan Experience For The Benefit Of Make-A-Wish Foundation PH
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Fisher Mall Group Of Companies) |
In an effort to celebrate creativity and fandom for the benefit of the community, Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue launches “Building the Galaxy", a LEGO Star Wars fan experience presented in partnership with Pinoy Lego User Group (PINOYLUG), 501st Legion, Fight Saber Philippines, and Rebel Legion Philippine Base, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars for the benefit of Make A Wish Foundation Philippines. “Filipinos have an innate sense of care and compassion for one another, making it easy for our community to unite in support of a common cause or shared interest. It is this deep understanding and collective spirit that inspired our team at Fisher Mall to conceptualize ‘Building the Galaxy'. We made a concerted effort to partner with groups that share this common bond, ensuring that our celebration of LEGO Star Wars not only brings joy to fans but also supports the noble mission of Make-A-Wish Philippines," said Fisher Mall Group of Companies President Raymond Del Rosario.
Stunning LEGO Star Wars collocation from PINOYLUG and several private owners were put on display for “Building the Galaxy" with a promise to transport visitors into the heart of the Star Wars universe. Attendees will have the chance to explore detailed LEGO Star Wars models, from iconic starships to intricate dioramas, each piece a testament to the builders’ creativity and craftsmanship. 501st Legion Philippines, Rebel Legion Philippine Base, and Fight Saber Philippines, all known for their screen-accurate costumes and dynamic lightsaber performances, brought a vibrant and authentic Star Wars atmosphere to Fisher Mall. The lightsaber choreography tutorial and demonstration, offers hands-on experience in the art of lightsaber combat. The Toy Kingdom Selling Area will feature exclusive LEGO Star Wars merchandise, providing fans with the opportunity to purchase unique sets and collectibles. This space will be a treasure trove for LEGO enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike, perfect for adding special items to personal collections or finding the ideal gift. Don’t forget to make a donation for Make A Wish Philippines Foundation throughout the day.
Del Rosario concludes, “‘Building the Galaxy’ is a celebration that blends the magic of Star Wars, the creativity of LEGO, and the joy of giving back. We invite families and fans to join us at Fisher Mall for this unforgettable event, where they can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of LEGO Star Wars while supporting a cause that brings hope and happiness to children in need.” The "Building The Galaxy" LEGO Star Wars fan experience in Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue runs until June 30, 2024.
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PLDT, Smart Enable Meranaw Entrepreneurs To Thrive And Persevere Through Marawi Siege, COVID-19 Pandemic
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Meranaw entrepreneur Aslia Ilian Dimaocom leads the Pindoguan Farm Producers Cooperative (PFPC) in Lanao del Sur, a small cooperative that produces rice and Maranao delicacies like konsiri, pabrot, and tamongkos to benefit farmers, out-of-school youth, widows, and orphans. “After the Marawi siege and the pandemic, our cooperative’s income slowly went downhill. We were not able to sell our products due to the strict security protocols and lockdowns. Despite life’s challenges, we persevered. I am very thankful that I got to participate in PLDT and Smart’s training because it has brought us a lot of help. Because of PLDT and Smart, many businesses like our coop will continue to thrive in selling online,” said Aslia.
As the chairwoman of PFPC, Aslia makes it a point to continue learning new skills in order to elevate their cooperative. Despite multiple challenges that nearly destroyed their livelihood from the Marawi siege to the COVID-19 pandemic, she continues to focus on building more opportunities for their enterprise. One workshop Aslia made sure to attend was PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart)’s eBizNovation program to ensure that their business remains competitive. In collaboration with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, PLDT and Smart launched their first capacity-building program in Marawi City in 2022 to help cooperatives and MSMEs earn more by selling products online. This is where Aslia first learned the importance of online promotion and selling which have since helped their coop improve their income. This year, she also joined the PLDT group’s latest training on content creation and e-commerce entrepreneurship, leveling up her skills in the online marketplace.
PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation program aims to leverage digital technologies to develop and improve the lives and livelihoods of communities across the country. These efforts are part of the group’s commitment to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG #1: No Poverty, SDG #5: Gender Equality, and SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
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Cebu Pacific Leads The Way In Sustainable Philippine Aviation
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| (Image Source: Daily Guardian/Cebu Pacific) |
Cebu Pacific (CEB) continues to make strides across the three dimensions of sustainability – environmental, social, and governance (ESG), as highlighted in its recently released 2023 sustainability report entitled "Sustained Momentum". With the milestones featured in the report, CEB, the Philippines’ leading carrier, has solidified its position as the pacesetter in sustainable aviation in the country.
CEB’s environmental thrust centers on decarbonization:
• Modernizing its fleet with the advanced and fuel-efficient New Engine Option (NEO) aircraft. 43% of its fleet consisting of NEO aircraft, the airline reduced its carbon emissions by 161,000 tonnes.
• CEB aims to have an all-NEO fleet by 2028.The airline also saved 16 million kilograms of jet fuel by implementing flight optimization and comprehensive fuel efficiency best practices which further reduced carbon emissions by almost 51,000 tonnes.
CEB’s sustainability priorities emphasized strong social responsibility:
• Investing and empowering employees – evidenced by the signing of a collective bargaining agreement with Juan Wing Association of the Philippines, the airline’s cabin crew union.
CEB champions diversity, equity, and inclusion through its “IncluCEB Space” program, launched in 2023 to foster acceptance and empowerment among its workforces.
CEB received a 3-arrow golden recognition under the Golden Arrow Awards that recognized the airline as one of the top Philippine listed companies in corporate governance. Moreover, CEB improved its ESG performance in both its S&P Global ESG score and MSCI ESG ratings. The airline’s decarbonization initiatives were recognized with a gold rating by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation’s (CAPA) Global Airline Sustainability Benchmarking Report. CEB was likewise hailed the Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline in the Philippines by World Economic Magazine.
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Tourism Promotions Board Hosts SUSTAINABILISEA CSR Initiative In Taytay, Palawan
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| (Image Source: Journal Online/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines has partnered with Save Palawan Seas Foundation (SPSF) for its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, SUSTAINABILISEA: SPSF x TPB Create Hope: Bridging Sustainable Tourism with Environmental Welfare and Community Empowerment, which was held last June 5-7, 2024, in Sitio Calabugtong and Barangays Casian and Batas in Taytay, Palawan which has been facing challenges in accessing essential utilities like power and water. By working together, both TPB Philippines and SPSF marked an important step towards promoting sustainability, protecting the environment, and supporting local communities.
To cope with the problem of limited access to power, approximately 600 houses in the coastal towns of Barangay Casian — namely, Sitios Calabugtong, Dinet, Calampasiao, and Sitio proper — received 40 units of solar street lights, marking the start of the CSR program. Additionally, the TPB provided school materials to students and teachers in these sitios and organized a soup kitchen during the activity. The next day included coral propagation activities and marine conservation awareness. The seminar, which included practical instruction and direction by marine professionals and was organized in association with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), was held in the SPSF sanctuary. The participants planted around 200 coral fragments. Additionally, CSR participants also carried out a nature trek and a tree-planting event at Taytay, Palawan’s Lake Manguao, a freshwater lake nestled within the lush forests. It is home to many bird species and has become a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Its unique biological feature having no surface outflow that connects to the sea. The recent activity demonstrates TPB’s commitment to supporting sustainable practices for Lake Manguao’s conservation and protection, and assisting in maintaining the lake’s natural ecosystems.
This initiative also included planting 1,000 to 2,000 mangrove propagules in Brgy. Batas and coastal clean-up in Sitio Calabugtong. This was a noteworthy effort because mangroves shield the land from the damaging effects of harsh weather events. Coastal cleanup is equally important since it protects marine life from harmful waste. This is highly beneficial to the island’s coastal communities. This collaborative effort between TPB and SPSF underscores the importance of collective action in promoting sustainable tourism, environmental protection, and community empowerment. By working together, TPB has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability, environmental conservation, and community support.
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AirAsia Philippines Supports Cebu Connect To Elevate Seamless Customer Journey
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| (Image Source: AirAsia Philippines) |
Highlighting the importance of a safe and more seamless journey, AirAsia Philippines recently took part in the launching of Aboitiz GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation’s (AGMCAC) “Cebu Connect” initiative which aims to position Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) as a premier transfer hub for connecting flights through the initial Minimum Connectivity Time (MCT) of 60 minutes. Currently, AirAsia Philippines operates flights to and from MCIA via Manila and other destinations such as Boracay, Davao and Puerto Princesa. Future expansion plans include reopening of other popular international destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Narita, Osaka, Taipei and Seoul.
AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla lauded AGMCAC’s initiative claiming this is a win not only for the Philippines, but also for ASEAN, saying, “We commend AGMCAC’s initiative for simplifying airport transfers. This delivers a great boost for millions of guests gaining access to a wider network of destinations while making travel to numerous connecting destinations more seamless and convenient. Integrating Cebu Connect into AirAsia Philippines’ offerings will elevate the quality of our services and strengthen our position as the undisputed World’s Best Low-Cost Airline."
Apart from accessible transfers between AirAsia Philippines flights and those of partner airlines, Mr. Isla noted that with Cebu Connect, millions of guests will now have access to a wider network of destinations, stating, “Given the opportunity, we would like to offer new destinations such as Bangkok, Vietnam, Phnom Penh, and additional cities in North Asia. These potential routes will provide more travel options and strengthen Cebu’s position as a key international transfer hub in the region."
