Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, May 30, 2016

Globe Announces Partial Acquisition of SMC Telecommunications Business

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In a meeting held earlier today, the Board of Directors of Globe Telecom, Inc. (“Globe”) (PSE: GLO), through its Executive Committee, approved the acquisition and signing of a sale and share purchase agreement and other related definitive agreements for the following entities:

50% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Vega Telecom, Inc. (“VTI”) from San Miguel Corporation (“SMC”) (PSE: SMC);
50% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Bow Arken Holdings Company Inc. (“BAHC”); and,
50% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Brightshare Holdings Corporation (“BHC”).

VTI owns an equity stake in Liberty Telecom Holdings, Inc., a publicly listed company in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: LIB). It also owns, directly and indirectly, equity stakes in various enfranchised companies, including Bell Telecommunication Philippines, Inc., Eastern Telecom Philippines, Inc., Express Telecom, Inc., and Tori Spectrum Telecom, Inc., among others.

The transactions are intended to be completed immediately after the fulfillment of closing conditions specified in the definitive agreements.

The remaining 50% equity stake in VTI, BAHC and BHC shall be acquired by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (“PLDT”) (PSE: TEL) under similar definitive agreements.

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Congratulations to the winners of Flores de Ermita 2016:

Flores de Ermita - Model #12 Designer Miss Nica Castro
Flore de Malate - Model #14 Designer Mr. Don Cristobal
Flores de Turismo - Model #17 Mr. Renelson Espaldon

Flores De Ermita, Manila’s special version of the Santa Cruzan, was held on May 27, 2016, initially at the Manila Hotel and then at Robinsons Place Manila. It was graced by the lovely Miss Earth 2015 Angelie Gabrena Ong and Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada.

The Ermita Malate Business Owners Association's (EMBOA) Flores de Ermita - Parada ng mga Sagala and the Kasuotang Pilipino Fashion Show - has taken a giant leap forward showcasing the 2nd run of the Flores de Ermita event with young fashion designers of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines.

The Flores De Ermita is done to celebrate the city of Manila’s special version of the well-loved flower festival in May, the Flores de Mayo. It does not only celebrate the beauty in fashion but also revisits the charm of the Philippine capital and once known as the ” Pearl of the Orient” says Michelle Pe (EMBOA – President).

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San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is selling its telco assets (including the 700 MHz spectrum) to both Globe and PLDT/Smart for $1B as it finally bids farewell to being a third telco player in the highly competitive telecommunications industry.

SMC owns almost all of the 700 MHz spectrum (694 MHz to 790 MHz), previously assigned for analog television broadcasting before it was shifted for telecommunications use as TV migrated to digital. SMC would have used this to carpet the country with a “better and cheaper” mobile Internet service.

Negotiations between buyers Globe and PLDT and the seller SMC began shortly after the latter’s foreign telecommunications partner Telstra Corp. Ltd. of Australia backed out of a proposed partnership amid fierce opposition from local rivals as well as skeptics in Australia. Without a foreign partner, SMC would be hard pressed to raise the debt component of the estimated $2-billion investment necessary for a startup telecommunications venture. This was due to the fact that banks that were part of the lending syndicate required the conglomerate to have a foreign technical partner as a precondition for the loan.

SMC’s telco investments were made years ago and are mainly held under unlisted Vega Telecom Inc., its annual report showed. Vega is the holding company for publicly traded Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc., which holds most of the 700MHz along with High Frequency Telecommunications Inc., as well as Bell Telecommunication Philippines Inc. and Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc.

With the impending transaction, PLDT and Globe, respectively backed by Japan’s NTT DoCoMo and Singapore Telecommunications, now have the necessary assets to improve and lower the cost of Internet in the Philippines and will no longer have an excuse for their poor service, which has been subject of congressional inquiries.

The factors that led to this event, however, underscored how difficult it was for new players to enter the country’s telco sector. The Fitch Group’s BMI Research said in a report last month that weak regulation in the country was a powerful disincentive for big foreign player seeking to compete here. Specifically, BMI said both PLDT and Globe “used their market dominance and the ineffective regulatory regime to comprehensively block all avenues for the proposed joint venture (between SMC and Telstra of Australia), highlighting the risk of doing business in the Philippines’ telecoms market.”

I am so disappointed because change isn't coming at all. The PLDT-Globe duopoly has been around for so long already. We needed Telstra and otehr telcos like Telenor, Vimpelcom, and Axiata to come in the Philippines to set things right for all of us. I am just hoping that the newly minted Department of ICT or DICT will keep these two in check. In the absence of competition, government regulation would be the only solution to keep them playing fair towards the subscribers.

We just do not know what will happen. Will there be more monopolistic power or will they improve? The way I see it is that it is going to be more of a struggle, cashing into us little-by-little until the promised speeds that we should have years ago is still not upon us.

We would like to shout out to the new administration to stop this duopoly as the more players in the telco industry would mean better services and rates for the customers. It is about time we end the greed of these two telco giants and let others enter the playing field.

References: Inquirer.net

Telco to Expand Corporate Data Network for Enterprises

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Globe Telecom is investing close to $500 million over a five-year period beginning 2016 to expand its corporate data network to meet the ever-increasing bandwidth requirements of corporate and enterprise clients. This initiative is expected to attract more foreign investments and spur the growth of the Philippine economy.

“A growing number of enterprises today use software applications delivered via cloud which require significant bandwidth. Deploying fiber in key areas will enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness of businesses that will sustain the growth momentum of the Philippine economy,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, Globe Acting Chief Finance Officer.

The corporate data expansion is intended to support the growth of our business clients, capitalizing on the changing business landscape with the strategic use of digital technologies, Eala said. Expansion of the company’s corporate data network will address client needs for additional bandwidth as they embrace new network technologies such as Software Defined Network/ Network Function Virtualization, Cloud, Big Data, among others. This initiative supports the ICT requirements of finance, services, retail, IT-BPO and manufacturing enterprises as they expand their operations to Visayas, Calabarzon and Davao.

The infrastructure build for enterprises runs parallel with the company’s initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber in 20,000 barangays all over the country by 2020 to provide ultra-fast internet access to around 2 million homes nationwide. The massive infrastructure build also involves a capacity expansion program for both mobile and wireline using the different technologies that include 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi.

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New comedy series Playing House revolves around the lives of two women who try to live their daily lives with one significant thing in common: a baby!

Emma Crawford and Maggie Caruso have been best friends since they were young. When Maggie finds out that her husband is cheating on her with another woman over the internet, she looks for Emma’s emotional support. Emma leaves her budding career in China to be with her best friend. Together, they take care of Maggie’s newborn baby, Charlotte, while they deal with their own personal lives. Things get more interesting when Emma’s ex boyfriend, a cop, enters her life once more.

Emma and Maggie are played by real-life best friends Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham respectively. They also serve as creator and executive producers of the series. Playing House is originally aired by USA Network and showed its first episode in August 2014.

Playing House is joining Sony Channel’s roster of hilarious comedies, Superstore, Dr. Ken and Crowded in ROFLing Sundays, and will premiere on June 5, Sundays at 7:00pm on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

10 House-Hunting Tips for Newlyweds

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Just got married? Buying a home is the next big step for newlywed couples

Planning to get hitched this June? Buying a home together is the next big step for newlywed couples. While this is a major commitment and requires careful considerations, it is still an exciting experience knowing that you are looking for place to start your family.

Whether it is a house in the suburbs, a townhouse midtown, or a condo close to the business district, nothing beats a buying strategy and a good dose of fun when buying your first home together. Global real estate website Lamudi Philippines has put together a list of 10 tips to keep in mind for this major life milestone.

1. Assess Your Financial Situation

Before even stepping out of the door, it makes sense to look at your overall money situation. Sit down with your spouse and make an honest assessment of your individual and joint financial pictures and create a budget to know all your expenses. The plan will allow you to build your budget immediately and determine the type of house you can afford.

2. Set a Realistic Goal

Manage your expectations and set realistic goals. Understand what you want individually and as a couple. Determine how much money you have put aside for down-payment to know how much more you need to save up. As a rule of thumb, have enough cash equivalent to 20 percent of a property’s selling price for deposit. If you have less than this, some banks may not be willing to give you a housing loan.

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The Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2016 presented the Cherry Samuya Veric collection on May 29, 2016 at Discovery Primea.

Cherry is from Ibajay, Aklan and is a formal wear designer who used to work in Saudi Arabia and China. The designer's works are truly stunning and deserves a very loud applause. I love how patterns are played to produce something really elegant yet modern and edging into a more futuristic look. You'll imagine seeing yurself wearing the designs a few years from now. But wait, tehy are here already for us to cherish so kudos to the designer for being so innovative!

Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, and Maja Salvador are just some of the big names that have worn Cherry Veric's globally popular designs. Cherry VEric is just one of the hundreds of local and foreign artists coming together for the love of Filipino artistry. That's two decades of relentlessly celebrating Filipino fashion talent.

Each year, Philippine Fashion Week continues to provide a global platform for Filipino designers and brands to bring their stories to life. Stories of life, love, heritage, dreams, change, and the future–all expertly crafted and animated on the runways of Philippine Fashion Week.

Below are some of the remarkable designs of the talented fashion designer.

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The Rocky Gathercole collection was presented at the Illuminate: Ignite the Light on May 27 at One Esplanade.

Rocky Gathercole, an ardent, plucky, provocative fashion artist, exudes his dazing ideas into his Avant-Garde designs. A highly aggressive fashion designer with a taste for the unalike, Rocky continuously stage inimitable works of art on the vogue runway. Rocky Gathercole has made a niche in Dubai and Saudi Arabia for more than 20 years now. And he has now brought his amazing and atypical designs back to the Philippines.

Started humble beginnings in Pasay City Philippines, and made a career move that would launch him further in the fashion world, he then moved to the Middle East joining Calash Haute Couture and quickly made great impressions that would turn heads by leading designers, models and artists.

Rocky Gathercole has taken part in the International Miami Fashion Week getting lauding reviews. He was invited to feature his collections in several fashion shows including in New York.
The future holds no borderlines for fashion extraordinaire Rocky Gathercole and is starting to break in the wedding scene with some of the most unique and dazzling wedding gowns in the world.

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Philippine Fashion Week, (PhFW) is a bi-annual fashion week event held in Manila, Philippines. Dates are determined during the month of May, to showcase Holiday collections (instead of the autumn-winter which does not apply in the country) and again, during the month of October, to showcase Spring and Summer collections. It is the longest running fashion event in the country, and the largest fashion event held in Manila known as the "Olympics" of Fashion. The Philippine Fashion Week was founded by Joey A. Espino Jr and Audie Espino in 1997. They continue to lead the project as Executive Producers along with Espino brothers protege Conchitina (Tina) Herrera.

Filipino Designers such as Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, Oliver Tolentino, Albert Andrada, Jerome Salaya Ang, Noel Crisostomo,Jeffrey Rogador, Sidney Perez Sio, EsAc, Pat Santos, Arnold Galang, Roland Alzate, Raoul Ramirez, Lyle Ibanez, Cherry Samuya Veric, Philipp Tampus, Junjun Cambe, Mixy Dy, Jian Lasala, Randall Solomon,Kaye Morales,Boyet Dysangco, Anthony Nocom, Eric Delos Santos, Cesar Gaupo, Robin Tomas, Lesley Mobo, Frederick Peralta, Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno and Aureo Alonzo have presented full collections on Philippine Fashion Week's dynamic Multi-Media platform.

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2016 was held at Discovery Primea this May. This collection seen here showcases Arnold Galang's creations. Sticking to mostly black pieces, Arnold Galang still pulls off a well-thought collection with Coalescent Culture: The Peace Collection Series. Chiffon tops with embroidery and polka dot prints show that “he is putting focus on uniting diversified and creating something new from the union.”

Straightforwardly chic with monochromatic black–in his signature silhouettes and understated elegance–Arnold’s latest installment to his peace collection is a juxtaposition of independent expressions. With various textures and fabrications put together in a contrasting yet unified story, Coalescent Culture is elegant for the Holidays, with a great bold statement.

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It was another art attack in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) as Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI), LeBasse Projects and Honeycomb Communities, celebrates ArtBGC Mural Festival 2016, a 10-day mural festival featuring international and local artists to turn BGC's walls into public works of art.

Now on its sophomore run, ArtBGC promised to showcase more vibrant new murals and programs to make art and culture more accessible to BGCitizens.

They allowed us to have a one-on-one interview with the artists on different scheduled dates at their partner restaurants down at Burgos Eats by the Max's Group of restaurants (Yellow Cab, Teriyaki Boy and Pancake House) located at the Burgos Circle.

I had the interview opportunities with Andrew Schoultz, Nate Frizzell, Bunnie Reiss, and a Filipino artist who goes by the monicker of Trip63, and also with Anina Rubio, another Filipino who was assisting one of the main artists, Francisco Diaz.

All of the works of the artists were all stunning and visually delightful. It is true that they make the blank and plain looking firewalls of the BGC buildings really look a lot more interesting. It also gives people something to talk about as they all make their own interpretation of the meanings of each artwork. From big murals designed by artists like Andrew Schoultz, to smaller versions created by artists like Nate Frizzell, each one made these areas of BGC truly hotspots of masterpieces.

The video interviews are down below so please do watch them and learn more about these artists. I'm so sorry if I was not able to interview every artist that took part in these amazing project but I'm sure glad I was able to be somehow a part of the selected media who are now helping share their precious contributions to society.

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We took a lot of videos during the 3rd Lubao International Balloon Festival or #LubaoIBF2016 held at Pradera Verde located at Prado Siongco in Lubao, Pampanga and have posted some of the highlights during the same days between April 14 to 17, 2016 when we rode for the first time the hot air balloon and experienced the feeling of how it is soaring among the clouds and above the Lubao, Pampanga rice fields.

There were mixed emotions as we couldn't decide if we want to enjoy the view or take lots of phots and videos while up above the Pampanga sky. The heat of the flames the keeps the hot air balloon afloat was also somewhat distracting as we sweat so much that it was advised to have some water after a few hours up in the air.

Our balloonist from Spain was more than relaxed that he even opted to fly twice. We landed somewhere only to change tanks and flew again somewhere in Bataan. The second landing was a bit rough as we bumped into some tree branches, and our balloon making a "hop" during landing.

However, it was a very minor discomfort if we are to consider the overall experience. Since it was our first time to fly high and that the Philippine weather is really hot especially during summer, the morning flight was still not the most ideal as the balloons could have stayed longer and flew higher if the weather was colder in temperature.

But what would you expect from a tropical country like the Philippines. We are mostly known for our splendid beaches and not by hot air balloons. But Pampanga has surely made the Philippines widely known for having two hot air balloon events every year. Kudos to the organizers for putting us again on the map as a destination for hot air balloon festivals.

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This is great for a headliner statement: "Carrot Man" Jeyrick Sigmaton may just be on his way to become the next Asian supermodel.

Well, why not? The guy does have the looks and proud to be rooted from the Philippines, our beloved country where anybody can accidentally become a star if they have the looks that men and women would go gaga about...and all it took was just one viral photo that captured the hearts of Netizens and now he is for the world...ready to see his potential.

Netizens went ga-ga over a photogenic vegetable farmer in Mountain Province. This, after bakeshop owner Edwina Bandong posted on Facebook several photographs of the Igorot man carrying a basket of carrots, earning him the moniker "Carrot Man."

Jeryck Sigmaton has gone from an anonymous vegetable farmer to a famous apparel model. He is the face that launched a thousand clicks. He put Igorots back in the map! “Carrot Man” joins the likes of Kris Aquino, KC Concepcion, Matteo Guidicelli, and Alden Richards, who are also celebrity endorsers of the clothing brand.

What's next after wearing one of the collection of the internationally renowned designer Mr. Avel Bacudio on Boardwalkph Pictorial? Will his luck continue or is this just a fad until the next pretty face comes out of social media?

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Dream comes true for a very special little 13 year old girl from Estancia, Iloilo who became social media's little darling. Sometimes dreams do come true. Online sensation Rita Gabiola, popularly known as "Badjao Girl," was treated to a makeover. This girl is a gem! She got really something special. Those eyes that need no explanations. It says everything. Beautiful in and out, and of substance, a rarity these days. From 0 to 10 real quick. That's what a 'good face' can do.

She lands a scholarship from a sponsor, other promises of aid, and now check out her stunning photos below.

I hope help is provided, not only to Rita Gabiola, the Badjao girl who caught the attention of many because she's a beauty, but also to every native who wants to reach their dreams. As the song goes, "You know it's you babe..." When you photograph beauty today, it becomes a memorable past. Tomorrow's generations will be forever grateful of that ‪‎moment‬.

I'm happy for her. I could understand our fascination with aesthetics though I hope we can transcend that initial stage and seek meritorious system that will encourage the not-so-aesthetically gifted people to strive and be rewarded. I hope other Badjao children get the help they need through sustainable access to education and economic opportunities. May this media exposure help their tribes to have proper education, support, livelihood and other things that most of us have been experiencing.

Her only dream is to become a teacher someday and brings hope to the Badjao community and to help her family by getting viral through social media. There are always good things in store for all of us. We just don't know when they come. Just keep the faith for they will be provided in the most unexpected way.

Videos: Harte Hanks MOA Launch

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Opening ceremonies including a small program, a ribbon-cutting and a media tour were held at the Harte Hanks’ BPO facility located at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex in Pasay City, Present at the event were Pasay Mayor Calixto’s representative, Atty. Ray Glenn Agranzamendez, Acie Arroyo-Cruz of IBPAP, Nikki Gilladoga, AVP of SM Prime, Butch Valenzuela of CCAP, Benjamin Chacko, Harte Hanks’ Head of BPO Operations and Jonathan Bondoc, Site Director ofHarte Hanks Philippines.

Moderator during the short discussion was ANC Anchor Ron Cruz.

The Pasay facility, situated at Five E-Com Center, consolidates both of Harte Hanks Philippines’ former primary and secondary locations and creates seats for hundreds of additional new employees.

The US-based firm’s Manila affiliate employs about 2,000 IT-BPO workers, majority of whom are assigned at its primary location in Fort Bonifacio, Global City.

Jonathan Bondoc, Site Director for Harte Hanks Philippines, said the company prides itself as a BPO with a low-attrition rate, or turnover of employees, focusing on in-house programs that engage, enable and retain personnel.

“Our employees generally stay for the culture and work environment we provide,” Bondoc stressed. “We pride ourselves in a culture that is inclusive and embraces diversity.”

Below are videos from the event:

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We were fortunate to be among the few selected to be part of the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center tour. This awesome underrated attraction is located in Marikina Heights and is hardly noticeable unless you take a closer peek of the insides of this establishment.

From the name itself, they offer not just a broad collection of rare books but also a great number of artifacts from both local and foreign sources which comprise their "ethnology center" part. They have three buildings of which two are sort of dedicated for the ethnology part, aside from the ladies dormitory at one building which they use as a source of income to maintain their collection.

You'd be surprised to find out that the owner, Atty. Dominador Buhain, of the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center is the same owner of the Rex Bookstore. But the bookstore came first, and the collection is a result of the owner's numerous travel in and out of the country which earned him the recognition as among the most traveled individuals in the world.

We decided to take videos so our readers would get an actual walk-through of the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center so they could somehow experience the same amazement.

Of course, nothing beats being there in person so I encourage everyone to visit this place. Details can be found at their Facebook page or you can refer to our previous blog post about them.

The big bonus about the tour is that they packaged it with some lunch and snacks from two different restaurants. The organizers sure know how to pamper their guests.