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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom has successfully deployed the Philippines’ first fully functional Private 5G Network designed to address major operational pain points and challenges in different industries. Installed at a Globe facility in Makati City, this dedicated on-premise wireless network showcases the potential of 5G to power advanced digital solutions that support critical functions with utmost reliability and efficiency. Unlike traditional public networks shared by multiple users, Globe’s Private 5G Network offers businesses a dedicated bandwidth, providing a higher level of control and security over their network environment. It also enables customization to deliver high-performance, low-latency, and secure connectivity exclusive to a specific organization, facility, or operation.
The service will soon be available to Globe’s Business-to-Business (B2B) clients, including those in ports, mining, and manufacturing, unlocking new possibilities across various sectors. “This milestone demonstrates our drive to provide cutting-edge connectivity solutions that cater to the varying needs of our clients. As businesses and organizations continue to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape, Globe’s private 5G network solution will be a key enabler in overcoming connectivity challenges, enabling new applications for different use cases and driving the next wave of digital transformation,” said Globe's Senior Director and Head of Technology Strategy and Innovations Gerhard Tan. To ensure its private 5G solutions remain at the forefront of innovation, Globe has been working closely with leading technology providers, systems integrators, and global enterprises.
The pilot run, done in partnership with Nokia Shanghai Bell, featured the integration of a Video Surveillance and Analytics Solution that enables people counting, facial recognition, gender detection, and vehicle plate tracking. These capabilities are particularly beneficial in ensuring operational safety, workforce management, and asset tracking, to help businesses operate more efficiently and securely. Globe’s Private 5G Network deployment signals the company’s continued commitment to driving digital innovation and providing B2B clients with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
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MPT Mobility Wins Best Philippine Customer Experience Award At Asian Experience Awards
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| MPT DriveHub (Image Source: Autocar Philippines/MPT Mobility) |
MPT Mobility has been recognized with the prestigious Best Philippine Customer Experience of the Year award at the 2024y Asian Experience Awards for the #DriveYourWay campaign for MPT DriveHub. As the digital innovations arm of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), this milestone marks MPT Mobility’s commitment to a customer-centric approach to delivering an elevated driving experience for Filipino drivers. More importantly, the recognition only cements the company’s critical role in supporting MPTC’s tollway services in enhancing the customer experience. With its #DriveYourWay campaign, MPT Mobility showcased the full potential of MPT DriveHub. By highlighting the app’s key features, the campaign offered a fresh perspective on improving the average Filipino motorist’s driving experience.
With innovative features like RFID account management and integrated third-party services — such as the ability to purchase and update CTPL insurance directly within the app — MPT DriveHub recalibrates and smoothens key aspects of the driving experience, establishing itself as the go-to smart travel companion for Filipino drivers. Currently, MPT DriveHub has reached 1,926,225 downloads with 1,189,589 user sign-ups. But beyond improving their customer’s driving experience, MPT Mobility is also making a significant step forward in addressing our country’s ongoing mobility challenges. MPTC and MPT Mobility’s upcoming initiatives, such as the Barrier-Free Program, reflect a vision of an integrated transportation network that aligns with the company’s mission to digitize critical public services, improve road safety, and enhance overall travel efficiency.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for MPT Mobility, but it’s just the beginning. Guided by MPTC’s five-star quality customer experience principle, MPT Mobility is committed to prioritizing customer needs in every pivotal stage of their driving experience. Looking ahead, MPT Mobility will continue to focus on fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and maintaining adaptability, ensuring a strong foundation for sustained growth in the Philippine mobility landscape.
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Infinix Fan Festival 2024 Celebrates XFans Community With Games, Music, And Awards
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/Infinix Philippines) |
Infinix Philippines has had a pretty awesome year. It launched new phones, held exciting events, and won international awards in 2024. Behind all this success is the unwavering support of the brand’s community of XFans. So before the year ends, Infinix hosted the Infinix Fan Festival 2024 at Sky High Bar in Pasig City to celebrate with fans and partners. The Infinix Fan Festival (IFF) was a lively Thanksgiving event where XFans mingled, played Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Honor of Kings (HOK) with friends in the gaming lounge, and posed at the photo booth. Guests also got to test out some of the brand’s newest phones at the Experience Booth, like the Infinix HOT 50 Pro+, the world’s slimmest gaming phone with four new colorways: Aurora Green, Blossom Pink, Rising Red, and Dreamy Purple. Popular Filipino singer Arthur Miguel also serenaded the crowd with his soothing voice.
“It has been a huge year for us, and we couldn’t have done it without our amazing XFans and brand partners. Your support has inspired Infinix to continue delivering the best products and experiences. For that, we are truly grateful,” said Infinix Philippines Marketing Manager Jelly Buan. The Infinix Fan Awards also recognized this year’s Fantastic Infinix Creator, Fantastic XClub Super Content Partner, and Fantastic XFans Leader. The Fantastic Fans Collaboration Awards were proudly presented to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Honor of Kings (HOK), recognizing their outstanding partnerships and contributions throughout the year. This award serves as a heartfelt appreciation for their dedication to fostering collaboration and strengthening community engagement within the gaming industry. The brand also gave prizes for OOTD of the Night, as well as raffle prizes to lucky fans. Capping off the celebration was a gorgeous fireworks display, symbolizing a bright and colorful year ahead for Infinix, XFans, and every person who was instrumental in the brand’s success this year. Attendees took home tote bags that they customized themselves during the party to show off their style and love for gaming.
As Infinix Philippines looks forward to the new year, Infinix Community Manager Willy Lloyd Cruz expressed excitement for more meaningful campaigns and collaborations to continue bringing the brand’s vision to life. “We are deeply grateful for the support you have given us this 2024. We are excited to share more events with you next year, 2025.” he said. XFans can continue supporting Infinix and get exciting updates on new products, events, and promos through the Infinix Philippines Facebook Community. Join now, so you won’t miss the fun!
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Weaving The Past Into The Future: Cebu Pacific Promotes Philippine Textile Arts
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| (Image Source: pageone/Cebu Pacific) |
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, is encouraging every Juan to discover more of the country’s cultural heritage as it unveiled its latest initiative to promote Philippine tourism – the QR Flight Codes — patterned after the traditional weaves of various local communities. These were made in partnership with Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), underscoring CEB’s commitment to enhancing domestic tourism while shining a light on the artistry and cultural heritage of Filipino weaving communities.
The QR Flight Codes highlights five unique weaving styles from different parts of the country including the intricate and nature-inspired markings of Ilocos Norte’s Binakol, the elegantly-colored stripes of Occidental Mindoro’s Ramit, the bright hues and iconic plaid design of Iloilo’s Hablon, the bold and colorful checkered patterns of Antique’s Patadyong, and the striking geometric patterns and vivid colors of Zamboanga’s Yakan. Scanning these QR Flight Codes placed strategically on billboards along major thoroughfares and airports across the country and in select magazines, will allow travelers to learn more about these traditional weaves and discover more attractions in the destinations where they originate. CEB collaborated with local weaving communities across the country to ensure that the history and significance of these fabrics are preserved in making the QR Flight Codes. These include the Paoay Weavers of Ilocos Norte supported by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the Hanunuo Mangyan of Occidental Mindoro supported by the Awati Ti Kape Community Development Program, the Baraclayan Weavers Association of Iloilo, the Patnongon Multipurpose Cooperative and Bagtason Loom Weavers Association of Antique, and the Yakan by Oriental Weaves of Zamboanga supported by MMSU.
To entice travelers to learn more about these weaves while exploring the Philippines, CEB has launched an exclusive seat sale until January 15, 2025 allowing travelers to book flights to all domestic destinations for as low as Php199 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period for this seat sale runs from January 4 to June 30, 2025. CEB operates in 35 domestic and 27 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.
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Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship, The Springboard To Your Dreams
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| (Image Source: DBedalyn.com/Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation) |
Rogie Royce Caradang was a college kid with a dream and global perspective. He knew he wanted to do more after he graduated, to expand his education so he could learn everything he could about science. It was Rogie Royce’s dearest wish to make a difference in the world of science which brought him towards his search of direction. Once he realized he was a perfect fit, a high achiever looking to broaden his horizons, he applied for the Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship and pursued his postgraduate studies in Japan. His experience in Japan was life changing. But Carandang knew that he was only going to get as far as he was willing to work hard. But in studying abroad and gaining a new springboard towards his dreams, he was able to breakthrough and even make consequential discoveries that may even lead to cures for illnesses like cancer.
Carandang started his Masteral Degree in Aquatic Natural Products Chemistry at the University of Tokyo in April 2013 and finished it in March 2016. He was able to publish his research in an international journal and parlayed his success into a position as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Connecticut Health. His journey exemplifies the Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship’s potential to create global impact while shaping professional and personal growth. “This scholarship is not just financial support — it is a transformative opportunity to broaden your horizons, advance your career, and make a lasting impact in your field,” says the now world-renowned Research Fellow. Carandang attributes his success to hard-work, finding the right focus, and then taking that leap off a springboard into more than he had ever thought he could achieve. The Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship program catapulted Carandang onto the international stage. Now it’s up to him to show the world what he is capable of. Nowadays, those goals are so much greater than he could have even imagined as a college kid. His post-graduate studies showed him new dreams, new problems, and new solutions and as a scientist, that’s all he could ask for.
The Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is a culturally immersive support program to encourage postgraduate studies in top universities in Japan. This grant supports deserving Filipino students looking to pursue master’s degree in Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition, Chemistry, and Engineering. The Program is seeking applicants now for the 2026 cycle of awards. Visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2026-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/ to know more.
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Philippines, Japan Strengthen Volleyball Ties For Regional Growth
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| FIVB Executive Vice President and PNVF and AVC president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara and Japan Minister and Consul General Takahiro Hanada (center) with Alas Pilipinas members Thea Gagate, Dawn Catindig, Vince Lorenzo and EJ Casaña (Image Source: Manila Standard/Philippine National Volleyball Federation) |
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) are committed to continue to strengthen their partnership as they look to raise the profile of the sport in the continent. Japan Minister and Consul General Takahiro Hanada led the turnover of volleyball supplies from the JVA last January 9, 2025 at the new PNVF Office at The Bonifacio Prime in Taguig City with Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and PNVF President and FIVB executive vice president Ramon “Tats” Suzara expressing gratitude as the Philippines gets another big boost nine months ahead of its hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships.
“With the sport seeing record-breaking attendances and emerging talents, I believe our cooperation comes at an exciting time for volleyball’s culture. We eagerly take this opportunity to support the Philippines’ emerging volleyball scene… We are proud to have this equipment in the hands of young and eager Filipinos. It is my hope that these volleyballs play a vital part in fueling the dreams and connections of the Philippines’ youth,” said Minister Hamada. Suzara, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to Minister Hamada and the JVA as the PNVF gets a huge help in its efforts to discover talent and at the same time expand the viewership of the sport, saying, “The Philippines is a volleyball country. That’s our main slogan now. These equipment will fuel the enthusiasm of young players in the provinces… These balls will reach many young players in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. We appreciate Japan’s continuing support of Asian volleyball and we hope to continue this relationship with Japan not only in terms of equipment but also coaching, national team training camps and even management.”
The turnover of the equipment, which includes competition-grade volleyballs as part of Japan's Sport For Tomorrow initiative, was also attended by several members of the Alas Pilipinas women’s and men’s national volleyball team including Thea Gagate, Dawn Catindig, Vince Lorenzo and EJ Casaña. Sport For Tomorrow is an international exchange and cooperation program on sports based of the commitment of the Japanese government. Through the said program, Japan realizes and harnesses the power of sports as a force for global prosperity and harmony. Suzara also proudly showed the Japanese consul general around the new PNVF Office which is also set up to be the headquarters of the 2025 Men’s Volleyball World Championship and, additionally, houses the AVC president’s office.
