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| Globe’s Technology Strategy and Innovations Team in Lake Mapanuepe in Barangay Aplao, Zambales for the Philippines' first satellite SMS trial in partnership with Lynk Global Inc. Representing the team are (L-R) Senior Solutions Architect Peter John Custodio, Solutions Architect Bryril Alvarez and Senior Solutions Architect, and Innah Antoinette Perez. With them are (fourth from left) Mapanuepe Tour Guide Marianne Gonzales and Lynk Global APAC Technical Account Manager Ralph Cabello. (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Globe Telecom) |
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| Globe's Technology Strategy and Innovations Team preparing for the live demonstrations of the satellite SMS trial in the Lake Mapanuepe Viewdeck (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom recently held a successful end-to-end satellite SMS customer trial in a remote area with no reception in Zambales, a milestone in the company’s initiative to deliver connectivity in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). In the breakthrough test, Globe transmitted text messages using standard phones via Globe and TM SIMs through partner Lynk Global Inc.’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, marking a major breakthrough in providing reliable and inclusive connectivity. The historic trial marks the first time regular mobile phones on prepaid and postpaid accounts have connected directly to a satellite to send SMS. This is particularly relevant in the Philippines where many areas remain isolated due to the archipelago’s diverse geographical makeup.
The live demonstration conducted in a mobile blackspot in Lake Mapanuepe in Brgy. Aplao, Zambales utilized Lynk’s state-of-the-art “cell tower in space” LEO satellites that provide direct-to-standard-phone global connectivity in partnership with Globe. The test, which used a range of mobile devices, showed that direct-to-phone satellite communication is possible without any modifications to existing devices, allowing for widespread access and affordability. The innovative achievement highlights Globe’s dedication to expanding coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas where building traditional cell towers remains a challenge. “This is a significant step in our mission to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of location, stays connected to the world. By leveraging Lynk Global’s low-earth orbit satellite technology, we are breaking barriers and bringing the next wave of solutions to the remotest areas, allowing families, travelers and businesses to stay closer than ever," says Globe's Senior Director and Head of Technology Strategy and Innovations Gerhard Tan.
Globe will hold another trial in different scenarios in Mindanao this month which will solidify its adoption of this innovative technology. The company plans to fully integrate this technology in its network in order to serve more GIDAs. Globe currently has presence in over 500 GIDAs across the country. Globe has consistently led the way in introducing cutting-edge technologies to the country. This customer trial is only the beginning of the company’s vision to incorporate satellite-based communication into its services, further cementing its role as a leader in technological innovation in the Philippines.
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Watsons PH Advocates And Volunteers For Cleaner Shores In International Coastal Cleanup Day
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| Employees of Watsons Philippines participating in the International Coastal Cleanup 2024 at SM By The Bay (Image Source: raincheckblog/Watsons Philippines) |
Watsons, a leading health, beauty, and wellness retailer, demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability by participating in the International Coastal Cleanup Day along SM By The Bay last September 21, 2024. This global initiative aims to combat marine pollution and protect our oceans. This event’s objective was to raise awareness among the public about the threats that have been endangering our waters and about the little changes and adjustments that we can do in our daily habits to help in the global fight against plastic pollution in our waters.
Watsons has been active in this global campaign. Around the same time last year, Watsons partnered with leading mall operator SM for the International Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 — a remarkable initiative that resulted in collecting 100,000 kilos of trash by over 17,000 volunteers from private and public sectors. This time around, a total of 110 Watsons employees joined the initiative along with thousands of other volunteers from various organizations, and communities from both the public and private sectors. Together, they worked tirelessly to collect a total of 115,200 kilograms of trash and debris from the coastal area, contributing to our marine ecosystem’s overall cleanliness and health. “This is also one of our goals for this project — to inspire the spirit of volunteerism by Watsons employees serving as an example. Any undertaking this big requires the cooperation of many. And that’s what we hope to achieve with this project — to get people to believe in our cause of advocating towards a sustainable future and be inspired to take action,” said Watsons Philippines Senior Assistant Vice President (SAVP) for Marketing, Public Relations & Sustainability Sharon Decapia.
By actively participating in this event, Watsons reinforced its commitment towards sustainability under the ‘Planet’ pillar which is geared towards reducing environmental impact across the value chain. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader efforts to promote sustainable practices and encourage its customers to adoptenvironmentally-conscious habits. “As the leading health, beauty, and wellness retailer in the country, we at Watsons recognize our responsibility in educating the public about the big sustainability agenda. The changes that we can make in our consumption habits don’t have to be big. What’s important is that we consciously make these adjustments in the way we dispose of our trash, and that we start now. Let’s strive to be part of the solution, not contribute more to the problem," said Decapia. To learn more about Watsons’ sustainability efforts and how you can be part of future initiatives, visit your nearest Watsons store or checkout at the Watsons App which you can download via the App Store or Google Play.
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PLDT, Smart Empower MSMEs, Sari-Sari Store Owners In Laguna, Baguio
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. continue to empower small business owners all over the Philippines through various initiatives and partnerships under its eBizNovation program. “Through eBizNovation, we provide access to technology and upskilling trainings for MSMEs, farmers, and cooperatives and help them onboard to e-commerce platforms, to enhance their market and financial access and help them grow their businesses and income. This is part of PLDT and Smart’s commitment toward nation-building,” said PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Head Stephanie V. Orlino.
Together with Maya, the group extended support to the 1st Biñan City Sari-Sari Store Congress organized by the city government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region IV-A, held recently at Alonte Sports Arena. The event aimed to help sari-sari store owners in Biñan City grow their businesses through digital innovations, connectivity, financial solutions, and enhanced collaboration with suppliers and various stakeholders. During the opening of the event, representatives from PLDT Enterprise SMBiz and Smart shared with the attendees how to #BeCyberSmart and keep their personal and business transactions online safe and secure. The participants also learned about the state of Philippine MSMEs which make up over 99% of businesses operating in the country and is considered the backbone of the nation’s economy. Among those who participated in the Biñan City Sari-Sari Store Congress were Leah and Anthony Hipolito, owners of Yanie’s Bakeshop in Brgy. Sto Tomas. Apart from having a brick-and-mortar store, the husband- and-wife team also accepts orders through chat apps and delivers goods to their customers. Customers of both PLDT and Smart, the Hipolito couple shared that online orders make transactions more convenient for them and their buyers. Being online also helps them widen their store’s reach and increase their sales.
To further raise awareness on its eBizNovation program and how MSMEs can have wider market access through technology, PLDT and Smart also joined the Sustainable MSME Caravan organized by the United Nations (UN) Global Compact Network Philippines. Held recently at SM City Baguio, the event enabled PLDT and Smart representatives to share valuable insights on increasing the market access of MSMEs, through digitalization. PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation program for MSMEs, farmers, and cooperatives is also aligned with the group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly #1: No Poverty and #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
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PalawanPay Champions Filipino Pride With "Gawang Pinoy Para Sa Pinoy" Promo
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| (Image Source: Palawan News/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
There is a renewed love and pride for all things Filipino, from music and movies to fashion, beauty, art, and architecture. PalawanPay, a 100% Filipino-owned e-wallet app from the Palawan Group of Companies, wholeheartedly supports this movement and continues to help millions of Filipinos achieve financial ease and build better lives for their families. A “kasambahay” working in Metro Manila regularly sends money to her husband and children in Aparri, Cagayan via PalawanPay. A student in Manila receives his weekly allowance from his parents in Cebu through the app. An OFW father in Dubai uses international remittance partners to send funds to his family in Cagayan de Oro who then receive the money via PalawanPay. The app seamlessly connects people and families across the Philippines and beyond, anytime, anywhere.
The Palawan Group of Companies has launched a raffle promo for PalawanPay users called “Gawang Pinoy Para Aa Pinoy” where users of the e-wallet app can win trips to well-renowned beaches such as Palawan and Boracay, 2 NMAX motorcycles, PalawanPay credits, and Palawan Gold Bars. PalawanPay offers a range of convenient features including “pera padala” (send money), cash-in, cash-out, money transfers, pawn renewals, international remittance claims, as well as options to purchase jewelry and ProtekTODO micro-insurance. Users can also buy mobile loads, pay bills, and make payments to authorized merchants using QR Ph code. This nationwide promotion is open to individuals aged 13 and above. To join, simply upgrade your PalawanPay account to verified status and complete a one-time cash-in of at least Php500 within the promo period (August 9–November 9, 2024). PalawanPay users may cash-in either via any Palawan branch/outlet or via InstaPay.
For more promo details, please go to https://www.palawanpay.com/promos. Download the PalawanPay app now from the Apple Store, Huawei App Gallery, or the Google Play Store.
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Techforce Teams Up With ePLDT To Develop Super App For Pet Owners Community In PH
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/PLDT Inc.) |
System integrator TechForce Solutions Inc. recently partnered with ePLDT, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) subsidiary of PLDT, to develop a super app called Unleash which caters to pet owners and animal lovers. As Huawei Cloud’s first Core Partner in the Philippines, ePLDT helped TechForce integrate key Huawei Cloud services into the Unleash app so it could seamlessly combine and optimize multiple features such as e-commerce, social networking, and information hub in one online space to make pet-parenting easier and more enjoyable.
Techforce President Chie Malaki shared, “This project really hits close to home. As pet owners ourselves, there are a lot of things that we wish we had known sooner rather than later in terms of taking care of our pets – and it could be anything from specialty vets, trainers, transport, etc. I know other pet owners share the same sentiments, and this app really aims to solve that very problem. Unleash is created really with pets and pet owners in mind, truly a revolutionary app in this age of digitalization. We are beyond grateful for the assistance of ePLDT. And we’re very excited to unleash this app to pet lovers and pet owners alike." ePLDT utilized Huawei Cloud’s open-source technology which enables TechForce to easily integrate and connect with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). It also deployed Huawei Cloud’s Content Delivery Network (CDN) solutions to accelerate TechForce’s content and video distribution. With CDN, the Unleash app’s website load time is faster and will have better video stream quality as well as optimized download times.
“ePLDT’s multi-cloud expertise enables us to offer the right cloud solutions to customers and make it work for them based on their desired outcome. TechForce wanted to create a super app for the pet owners’ community in the Philippines and Huawei Cloud with its end-to-end solutions was the perfect enabler for the Unleash app. We were able to provide them exactly what they needed, a complete package that is cost-efficient,” said ePLDT President and CEO Victor S. Genuino. Additionally, Huawei Cloud’s Elastic Cloud Server (ECS) and Object Storage Service (OBS) fulfilled TechForce’s requirement for the Unleash app to be deployed flexibly in a secure cloud environment that is cost-efficient, allows for scaling storage resources, and provides recovery and backup. ePLDT is one of the country’s top providers of secure, multi-cloud solutions with strong strategic partnerships with the world’s most trusted technology brands. As Huawei Cloud’s Core Partner in the Philippines, ePLDT provides extensive IT support in addition to cloud implementation and 24×7 help desk services.
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PUMA Celebrates Everyday Runners With First SEA-Focused Running Commercial
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| (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/PUMA Southeast Asia) |
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| PUMA Deviant Nitro 3 (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/PUMA Southeast Asia) |
PUMA Southeast Asia (SEA) is proud to unveil its first-ever running commercial video that shifts the spotlight from elite athletes and podium finishes to the diverse and passionate community of everyday runners. This SEA-centric running commercial, aligned with the launch of the new Deviate NITRO™ 3, reflects PUMA’s commitment to empowering runners to define their own journeys, no matter their pace or experience level.
As the popularity of running continues to surge in the post-COVID-19 era, Southeast Asian runners face unique challenges, from extreme humidity to a lack of established running culture and community support. PUMA understands these obstacles and is dedicated to supporting runners across the region by offering innovative products and fostering a sense of community. The all-new Deviate NITRO™ 3, featured in the commercial, is designed with the needs of all runners in mind. This cutting-edge shoe combines PUMAGRIP for superior traction, PWRTAPE for targeted support, and nitrogen-infused NITRO™ foam for exceptional comfort and explosive propulsion. Beyond the product, PUMA is also launching local initiatives, including the PUMA NITRO Run Club, across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines to strengthen community engagement and encourage runners of all levels.
“We created this short video to resonate with everyday runners, not just the elite. At PUMA, we believe running is for everyone, and we’re committed to celebrating and supporting the diverse running community across Southeast Asia. By focusing on real everyday runners and their unique stories, we aim to inspire more people to embrace their own running journey as a joyful, inclusive, and judgment-free experience," said PUMA SEA Marketing Director Eleanor Wang. Through the campaign entitled “See The Run Like We Do", PUMA invites runners to celebrate their personal victories – whether it’s overcoming challenges, improving health, or building resilience. This commercial video is a testament to PUMA’s belief that every runner’s journey is worth celebrating.
