Globe, PLDT Sign Agreement to Cut Interconnection Rate for Voice Calls

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Globe Telecom signed a memorandum of understanding with PLDT to reduce the interconnection rate for voice calls between the two operators. This means the price of domestic mobile and fixed line calls between Globe and PLDT-Smart will be reduced, effectively benefitting consumers. The reduction of interconnection rates will not affect Globe to Globe (intra) calls as these are not subject to interconnect charges and are already offered to consumers in an unlimited basis. International calls will likewise not be covered.

Under the agreement, the two telcos committed to take steps to lower retail rates for voice, taking into consideration the reduction in interconnection rates. Both parties also committed to maintain GOS (grade of service) in interconnection. This means both operators will ensure that sufficient telecommunications circuits or routes are available for efficient transmission of calls.

The agreement is related to the issuance by the National Telecommunications Commission of a memorandum circular providing for a reduction in the interconnection rate between the two networks. Under the circular, interconnection charge for voice calls shall not be more than P2.50 per minute from P4.00/minute previously, representing a 38% reduction. The reduction shall take effect not later than January 1, 2017.

“For many years now, Globe has been strongly advocating the rationalization of interconnect access charge between the two telcos. We are confident that a reduction in the cost of interconnection for voice calls will eventually redound to a more robust economy, providing our customers with an affordable and easily accessible way of communication,” Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer Gil Genio said.

A New Family Adventure Awaits with the Premiere of Disney’s MOANA

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In recent years, Disney fans have witnessed a new generation of Disney Princesses – headstrong with a powerful spirit. Princess Moana joins in this new breed of Disney Princesses as her story comes to life in Walt Disney’s new animated movie, Moana.

Moana is an adventure-filled movie about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master way finder and fulfill her ancestors' unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.

In partnership with Disney Philippines, new and existing customers on a Globe myLifestyle Plan who avail of GoSURF Share or GoSURF with Rollover are instantly entitled to raffle entries to win two (2) movie invites to Disney's Moana, premiering in theaters on November 30, 2016.

The number of raffle entries corresponds to the GoSURF variant one is enrolled in. GoSURF 999 for example earns a customer 999 raffle points. The higher the GoSURF, the more chances of winning.

Davao IT-BPM Industry to Benefit from Globe Business Davao Data Center

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Growing exponentially, the information and communications technology (ICT) industry of Davao City, the largest local economy of southern Philippines and second largest economy to Metro Manila, will continue its upward trajectory ensuring economic development and providing employment opportunities in the region.

Davao City was recognized in 2015 as the 66th information technology and business process-outsourcing (IT-BPO) destination of the top 100 IT-BPO destinations in the world. This underscores the maturity of the City and the greater Mindanao region of its ICT readiness and capability.

With that in mind, Globe Business keeps its commitment to enabling a digital nation by accelerating the adoption of ICT enabled services across Philippine enterprises, specifically those based in the southern region.

Recently announced in the Wonderful World with Globe event in Davao, the Globe Business Davao Data Center will provide the ideal IT Infrastructure not only of businesses located in Davao, but also for enterprises in Luzon and Visayas.

“Globe Business is aggressively ramping up on investments such as the Davao Data Center to help our enterprise clients achieve local and global competitiveness. Instead of worrying about the maintenance of information, equipment and assets, the data center will secure our customers’ ICT requirements and will allow them to focus on their day-to-day business operations,” said Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing

Globe iPhone 7 Customers Helped Create a Global Filipino School in GenSan

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Thousands of Globe Telecom customers who availed of the new iPhone 7 contributed significantly in the creation of a Global Fiipino School (GFS) in General Santos City which allows teachers and students to access 21st century learning within and beyond the classroom.

With iPhone 7 and Globe myLifestyle Plan, customers were not only able to get the phone of their dreams but also had the opportunity to give back to various communities through the Globe of Good bundle.

For every approved iPhone 7 renewed contract, Globe made a donation to selected partner causes which included the GFS program. For this activity, all proceeds went to General Santos City SPED Integrated School (GSCSIS) where one-fourth of the 4,000 student population comprises of kids with special needs.

The transformation of GSCSIS into a GFS not only benefits regular students but also the special children who require online therapy and learning engagements using information and communications technology (ICT).

GSCSIS received from Globe and its customers a GFS Creative Space which is a multifunction ICT laboratory complete with netbooks, tablets, and projectors powered with superior internet connectivity. The Lab can be used in every class across different subject matters to encourage creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

At the same time, the school was provided with teacher training to empower the teachers with skills to seamlessly use ICT tools in their subject expertise. The teachers were also coached to share such knowledge to their colleagues to benefit more learners.

“The importance of ICT in education cannot be overly emphasized as it is a necessary tool in improving learning. Mobile internet adoption and the availability of affordable data-capable gadgets make it easier now for both students and teachers to access a vast library of information previously out of their reach. Thus, we are grateful to all our customers who renewed their postpaid plans for the new iPhone 7. With their support, we were able to bring 21st century learning to more teachers and students in public schools,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications during the Creative Space turnover ceremonies in GSCSIS.

At present, many public schools are still missing out on the benefits of ICT, prompting Globe to help address the concern through GFS. The program, which started in 2012, intends to transform at least one school in each of the 221 school divisions under the Department of Education into centers of ICT excellence within the next four years. By the end of 2016, Globe expects the program to be implemented in 80 untapped school divisions in the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Davao regions representing 80 schools with combined student population of about 120,000.

Thus, Region 12 Assistant School Division Superintendent Mario M. Bermudez, CESE, expressed his gratitude to Globe for helping provide quality education to the students in GenSan.

“The implementation of the K-12 curriculum is very challenging to DepEd knowing that there are many trials ahead but then these challenges are lightened by the support coming from our stakeholders like Globe. Educating our 123,000 elementary and secondary school students in the division of General Santos is not that easy if DepEd will do it alone. That is why we are very happy that at last we have come to a point where our partnership with Globe is getting solid, more functional. Our partnership will continue as long as our education officials and our teachers are equipped with the proper attitude, values, and skills. Globe Telecom is guiding us, capacitating us and giving us their support. What DepEd needs to do is to sustain what has been started,” he said.

Bermudez’ statement was echoed by Agney C. Taruc, focal person of Adopt-a-School Program and Brigada Eskwela in Region 12 who represented Regional Director Arthur Bayocot during the turnover ceremonies. “To develop 21st century learners, we need ICT. This is a very inspiring moment because we can now produce global students in a global Filipino school. We want this to be the showcase or highlight of Region 12 and we assure Globe that we will do our best so that the objectives of this program will be immediately realized.”

Based on the GFS impact assessment released by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) Global Market Research Company early this year, digital skills among teachers and students particularly on the usage of mobile technology and computer software, showed marked improvement. Students also became more well-rounded due to increased engagements driven by various pillars under the 21st Century Learning Framework. The notable increase in the presence of ICT equipment also resulted in more students and teachers now using ICT in their daily academic proceedings and becoming more engaged in the lessons.

GFS was recently recognized by DepEd as an official partner for the Adopt-A-School Program which aims to provide quality and relevant education to the Filipino youth through private sector participation.

For TM and Globe prepaid and postpaid customers who want to help public school students achieve their dreams, cash donations may be sent by texting GFS to 21580437 (0GFS) and following the instructions in the text messages. The general public, on the other hand, may deposit any amount to BPI Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Inc., Account No. 2421-0037-45. For inquiries, please email bridgecom@globe.com.ph.

Globe Seeks Rationalization of Permitting Process for Cell Sites as Data Traffic Rises Dramatically

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Globe Chief Information & Technology Officer Gil Genio emphasized at the recent DICT Summit, hosted by the Department of Information & Communications Technology, the need for more cell sites in the country taking into account dramatic rise in mobile data demand. He pointed out the company’s quarterly data traffic increased exponentially to 98 petabytes in the third quarter of the year from only 9 petabytes in the first quarter of 2013 amid growing customer propensity for multi-media content. To sufficiently meet growing customer demand for data, there is a need to rationalize permitting process for establishing new cell sites. The process, involving at least 25 permits, takes a minimum of 8 months to complete, Genio said. Above photo shows Genio (center), flanked by National Telecommunications Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba (right) and Chia Tan (left) Cisco Systems Director for Engineering Service Provider Asia Pacific Region Japan Region.

Who Wins the Ultimate Uber, Grab and Taxi Comparison?

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This is a battle for the cheapest fare in SEA.

The stakes are high for the ride-hailing market in Southeast Asia. Two big competitors, Grab and Uber, are competing to gain market share, which is expected to become a $13 billion industry by 2025.

Since its inception 4 years ago, Grab has created a strong foothold in Southeast Asia with funding support of $750 million by Softbank in September 2016 and has great plans to advance further in the region. On the other hand, Uber’s recent move of selling off its China unit to DiDi in August 2016 is a clear indication that they are focusing their expansion efforts in Southeast Asia as well. This is apparent as Uber has been doubling down on resources, staffing and technology. While this sounds great for consumers, the ride-hailing industry is getting intensively competitive in the region.

This study was conducted to compare and identify the cheapest mode of transportation between the two ride-hailing giants with local taxies in each major Southeast Asian country. Our research in Southeast Asia takes in account on price differences by Grab, Uber and taxies based on various price components and price points.


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In the Philippines, based on moderate traffic in non-peak hours, people spend on average 30 minutes for 5 kilometers travelling within the city center. As such, consumers prefer Grab as it costs about 95 Pesos as compared to Uber at 135 Pesos and taxies at 125 Pesos respectively.

We see a similar trend as well in farther distances as it would cost 285 Pesos by Grab, 330 Pesos by Uber and 325 Pesos by taxies when travelling from the city center to suburban areas of 20 kilometers radius at about 80 minutes of travelling time.

As of 17 November 2016, Uber is still widely unavailable in the country because of the absence of Google turn-by-turn navigation needed by the app, except in Manila. Grab is available in major areas of the country such as Manila, Cebu and Davao.


Source: iPrice Study

Hontiveros Leads HIV Testing, Pushes for Passage of HIV-AIDS Policy Bill

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As part of the World AIDS Day on December 1, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday underwent a voluntary HIV testing at the Senate. She said the test aimed to lift the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and show the public that there is nothing to fear, or to be ashamed of, in accessing these crucial preventive practices.

“It’s a test that can spell life or death," Hontiveros said, citing data from various agencies on the rising epidemic of the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, an infection that can lead to the breakdown of the body’s immune system through Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, lamented the stigma surrounding HIV and HIV testing. “We need to break down this barrier that prevents Filipinos from getting tested, especially that 1 in 2 persons living with HIV is not diagnosed," Hontiveros said.

The Senator said, if not curbed, there will be 133,000 people living with HIV in the Philippines by 2022. 80% of new infections come from men having sex with men. The median age of those diagnosed with HIV is below 35 years old.

"Young people are at the losing end of the fight against HIV”, lamented Hontiveros, citing some of adolescents' "risky behavior", which could lead to the spread of the virus.

"We need information that leads to action. Behavioral change comes from people who are well-informed. As long as we discuss HIV and the need to be tested in hushed voices, more people are risking their lives," Hontiveros explained.

The Senator also urged the government to provide people access to free HIV tests and options to protect themselves from unsafe sex. "Early diagnosis leads to early treatment and saves lives. Prevention, early detection and treatment must be made available by the government. No one deserves a death sentence," said Hontiveros.

According to Department of Health (DoH), there are 25 new cases of HIV infection in the Philippines daily. Hontiveros said that the increase on the rate of HIV incidence in the country is alarming as global HIV incidence is decreasing.

The Senator maintained that new developments in prevention and treatment are available and must be maximized by the government. “A scientific, human-rights based, and gender-sensitive national policy is needed in order to address this rising epidemic”, Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros early this year filed Senate Bill No. 376 or the Philippine HIV-AIDS Policy ACT to update the government’s response framework. Her bill seeks seeks a comprehensive, inclusive and localized response towards HIV-AIDS. If passed, it will repeal Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine HIV AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998. 

*Photo c/o Joseph Vidal, Senate PPRIB

SAP to Unveil SAP HANA 2

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SAP SE recently announced the SAP HANA 2 platform, the next generation of SAP HANA optimized for innovation. SAP HANA 2 includes and extends the proven technology from SAP’s breakthrough in-memory computing platform to provide a new foundation for digital transformation. In addition, new SAP HANA microservices are available by subscription through the SAP Hybris as a Service (informally referred to as “YaaS”) marketplace to spur developer innovation by embedding richer insight into modern applications.

“SAP pioneered in-memory computing with the launch of SAP HANA in 2010 and throughout our journey we have driven breakthrough innovation on a highly stable core data platform for our customers,” said Bernd Leukert, member of the executive board, Products and Innovation, SAP SE. “The release of SAP HANA 2 marks a milestone in the industry, as it represents the next generation of SAP HANA that will propel customers toward a successful and prosperous digital future.”

SAP HANA 2 is planned to be released to customers on November 30, 2016. The express edition of SAP HANA 2 will be available for delivery shortly after general availability to help organizations jump-start new development projects. As an innovation platform, SAP HANA 2 will deliver technology enhancements twice a year to support agile IT.

Can Your Cellphone Cause Acne?

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Too much exposure to mobile phone heat, not good for the skin.

People use mobile phones every day in more ways than one, unlike before when it was only meant for calls. Instant messaging came and it didn’t take too long for it to have games and other entertainment features such as a music player and a radio. Today, people use it to get information from the internet, while numerous apps have made it possible to do things with just the touch of their fingertips. But among the numerous features a mobile phone has, the camera is probably the most used of them all. From taking pictures and preserving memories to taking selfies and show off.

While mobile phones have given people the power to do things with just a swipe or touch of their fingertips, the constant use of mobile phones, especially those who are relentlessly taking selfies may cause some harmful effects on the skin. The heat coming from mobile phones is known to promote the number of antigens that could cause allergies, especially to those who already a history in having several allergic reactions. Combining this heat to the use of nickel and cobalt in the phone trimmings could also make the skin red and itchy. And with these skin irritation brought by having too much heat exposure from mobile phones, blemishes and acne could breakout on the skin.

Experts also have revealed gruesome details about the collection of dirt, bacteria, and other nastiness that builds up in cellular phone. When mobile phones get in contact to the skin to make a call, the skin is not only in direct contact with the bacteria, but it also starts to perspire and even trap oil in the pores. Worst yet, the pressure of the phone on the skin creates blemishes.

Luckily, America’s #1 acne treatment system, Proactiv Solution has a 3-Step System that is dermatologist-developed and is designed to help clear existing acne and prevent future outbreaks, while gently taking care of the skin. This will also make the skin always ready for a selfie without having to use any filters before posting it online.

The Internet Can Make or Break Your Company - Converge ICT

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The Internet has emerged as one of the most important products of digitalization. Over the years, it has revolutionized the way enterprises run certain business processes given its numerous benefits and positive implications. However, as it continues to yield new innovations, its uses also come at the price of new risks to security.

According to Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO and president of Converge ICT, if the Internet is not secure enough, enterprises become susceptible to incidents of data theft and attacks from malicious programs that may compromise business activities. These cases, also called cyberattacks, may also cause the loss of sensitive data such as consumer information, employee records, trade secret information, and intellectual property.

In a recent report, IBM, a global research firm, said that the number of cyberattacks across the globe now reached to 1.5 million cases annually. Seventy percent of these cases are left undetected and caused a total loss of $400 to $500 billion from its victims, including those from the business sector. Industry experts also predict that by 2019, these attacks are expected to cost of $2.1 trillion.

Internet users in the Philippines, composed mostly of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), have also experienced these problems.Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said that a total of 1,211 cybercrime incidents were filed with them from 2013 to 2015.