PH Mobile Internet Ranks 6th in APAC in Latest Akamai Report

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For the first time in many years, Akamai Technologies included the Philippines in the country ranking for mobile internet speeds. And the results did not disappoint Filipino consumers.

With an average speed of 8.5 Mbps, the Philippines ranked 6th in the average mobile internet connection speed according to the 2nd Akamai State of Internet Report. The latest Akamai report also reveals that the Philippines also achieved 105.1 Mbps peak mobile speed which in the third highest in Asia Pacific next to Australia and Thailand.

Globe Telecom’s efforts to improve internet experience of its customers advanced significantly in the first 100 days of the Duterte administration, as the company managed to drive the mobile internet speed ranking of the Philippines with its 1st world internet campaign.

Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu reiterated the company’s commitment to improve the state of internet in the Philippines in order to make the nation admired globally. “More and more Filipinos are becoming dependent on fast and reliable internet connectivity, it is imperative that telco operators like Globe work closely with the government in expanding and improving telecommunication services,” Cu said.

Cu emphasized Globe is maximizing the use of additional frequency assets it obtained from the sellout of San Miguel’s telco assets in line with its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to deploy about 4,500 multiband, multimode software defined radio base station equipment to 95% of total municipalities and cities in the country, intended to improve overall customer experience in terms of speed and reliability of mobile internet services.

To date, Globe has already completed deployment of LTE 700 in 200 sites, mostly in Metro Manila as well as LTE 2600 in 900 sites, mostly in Visayas and Mindanao. According to Cu, sites where the LTE 700 and LTE 2600 have been deployed cover major business districts and highly-urbanized and populated areas in the country.

Cu further disclosed that Globe also expanded its GoWiFi network as it recently completed deployment of the service in close to 500 sites that include Ayala Malls, fast food chains, bus terminals, convenience stores and other public places. He added that Globe is working on widening its WiFi coverage and plan to deploy GoWiFi services in close to 1,000 sites across the country. This will provide WiFi coverage not only Metro Manila but also in Davao, Cebu, Bulacan, Cavite, Cagayan Valley, Cagayan de Oro, Nueva Vizcaya, Dumaguete, Zamboanga and Boracay.

Launched in 2015, GoWiFi, the company’ premium open national WiFi network, is now serving close to 3 million customers per month. The company’s national WiFi network is open to any customer with a WiFi enabled device. While customers are able to access the service for free for 30 minutes a day, customers can easily purchase GoWiFi credits which they can use in any GoWiFi hotspot.

According to Cu, the company is also about to complete deployment of free Wi-Fi services in all MRT Line 3 stations, enabling Globe customers riding the MRT to efficiently make use of their transit time as they are now able to access the internet for free.

The deployment of free Wi-Fi services is expected to benefit around 350,000 daily passengers of MRT Line 3. Each passenger will be given free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily, said Cu, emphasizing that provision of free WiFi services in all MRT3 stations is part of the company’s initiative to enhance network capacities.

Aside from MRT Line 3, Globe also signed an agreement to provide free Wi-Fi services in all 20 LRT stations. In addition to deployment of WiFi services, Globe will also provide fiber optic cable system that will extend the length of the entire LRT 1 and cover all LRT stations and LRMC’s depot in Pasay City. Globe also recently signed with the Metro Manila Development Authority a similar agreement that will allow the telco provider to deploy wireless infrastructure in MMDA controlled areas as part of its efforts to enhance network coverage and capacities.

The 2Q Akamai report also showed the Philippines has average internet speed of 4.3 Mbps in fixed broadband, up by 24% QoQ and 27% YoY. The country registered the strongest growth in Asia Pacific region in terms of “above 4Mbps connectivity adoption” at 33% adoption rate, growing 79% QoQ and 116% YoY.

For above 10 Mbps connectivity adopted, the country showed a 5% adoption, growing by 86% QoQ and 683% YoY. For 15Mbps connectivity adoption rate, the country is at a nascent 2.1% adoption, up 109% QoQ and 872% YoY.

Linksys Unveils New Routers Allowing Faster Wi-Fi Access on Several Devices

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I'm probably one of the many nowadays who no longer watch on TV. My favorite past time is to go on a movie and TV series marathon during weekends, and whenever there are several new content online, I browse through all the videos and music available on the many social media and video channels. These, together with so many other online tasks aside from my regular blogging, I could say I spend a great number of hours online almost everyday.

Now that's just me on my laptop and three mobile phones. There's still my wife who always chat with her friends and previous colleagues, and three kids who are equally engaged online doing their own interests like watching anime, playing multiplayer games, etc. That's around 10 devices (tablets, smartphones, laptops) at our home including our Smart TV where we can freely watch online streaming videos anytime.

I'm sure everyone of us would want to stream movies, play video games, listen to music, shop, check e-mail and more - all at the same time. But it would be a total disappointment if we'll just be facing buffering or loading time delays. I hate to watch a movie when it stops every few minutes.

Linksys Philippines now has a solution as they recently launched their newest routers equipped with Qualcomm MU / EFX MU-MIMO technology which helps to provide up to 3X faster speeds.

Jane the Virgin Shows More of Her Lovable Antics in Upcoming Season

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Avid viewers of Jane the Virgin are surely in for a surprising treat when everybody’s favorite telenovela returns to Sony Channel for a third season this October. 

The new season begs an all-important question: Will Jane finally lose her virginity? And if she does, to whom? Will it be to her husband Michael (Brett Dier), who has loved her for a long time? To her boss Rafael (Justin Baldoni), who starts to have feelings for her? Or to Sam (Miles Gaston Villanueva), a childhood crush who suddenly vies for her affection? 

Jane continues to manage the many things going on in her life as she endures an unexpected change, and her life suddenly becomes as dramatic and complicated as the telenovelas she has always loved.

Jane the Virgin Season 3 premieres within 12 Hours of the U.S. telecast on October 18, every Tuesday at 8:50 pm. First & Exclusive on Sony Channel

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, GSat Channel 48, Global Destiny Cable Channel 62, and Cable Link Channel 39.

Quesarito: A Quesadilla and Burrito Mash-Up Only at Taco Bell

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Torn between two classic Taco Bell favorites? No need to choose as Taco Bell rolls out its newest item on its menu – the Quesarito.

The Quesarito, as the name suggest, is a mash-up between cheesy gooey quesadilla and beefy meaty burrito. Imagine a Quesadilla made with Taco Bell’s signature three cheese blend and nacho cheese sauce wrapped around a burrito filled with seasoned beef, Mexican rice, cool sour cream and creamy jalapeno sauce. Its two delicious flavors coming together to create something truly extraordinary!

Try the new Quesarito exclusively available for a limited time only at Taco Bell branches in Gateway Mall, TriNoma and Alabang Town Center. Priced at P129 ala carte and P169 with nachos and a drink, this is a mash-up you wouldn’t want to miss.

For more updates, visit Taco Bell’s official website at www.tacobell.com.ph or follow on Facebook and Intsagram.

PH Has Highest Number of Depressed People in Southeast Asia, Mental Health Law Pushed

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Many Filipinos are suffering a crisis in the dark; the silent burden of impaired mental health."

This was the statement of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros as she pushed for a measure to address the mental health needs of the Filipino people.

Together with former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), celebrity endorser Jerika Ejercito and other advocates, Hontiveros filed on Thursday Senate Bill No. 1190 otherwise known as the“Philippine Mental Health Act of 2016.”

Hontiveros, who is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said that the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world without a comprehensive mental health law.

1 in 5 Filipinos suffer from mental disorder

The senator, citing several studies and government statistics, said that the country has the highest number of depressed people in Southeast Asia with schizophrenia as the top mental health disorder among Filipinos.

"1 in 5 adult Filipinos suffer from mental or psychiatric disorder. This represents an average of 88 reported cases of mental illness per 100,000 Filipinos. Also, the number of suicide cases in the country has steadily risen over a period of 20 years from 1992 to 2012," Hontiveros explained.


Lack of psychiatrists

In the rural health centers, Hontiveros said that 50% of adults visiting rural health centers in remote barrios were diagnosed to have some form of psychological illness. The senator also underscored the lack of psychiatrists in the country. As of 2014, she said that there are only 490 psychiatrists currently licensed to practice in the Philippines.


Rights of persons with mental health needs

Hontiveros’ bill seeks to identify and solidify the rights of persons with mental health needs such as the right to receive mental health services at all levels of the health care system. The bill is also pushing for the establishment of psychiatric and neurologic service in regional, provincial, and all tertiary level hospitals, recognition of other forms of treatment/non-medical alternatives and integration of mental health in the education curriculum.

“For the longest time, many people with mental health needs are silently suffering in the dark due to the lack of a comprehensive mental health law. It's time we uphold the people's right to mental health and protect the rights of those who require mental health services," Hontiveros ended

Macgyver Debuts as Highest Rated Series Premiere on AXN Since 2012

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The premiere of MacGyver delivered the highest ratings for a drama series on AXN since 2012. The highly anticipated action series premiered on Thursday, September 29 at 9:45pm and emerged as the #1 show for English general entertainment channels in the Philippines.

Paying homage to the original series, MacGyver stars Lucas Till as a 20-something Angus “Mac” MacGyver who creates a clandestine organization within the U.S. government where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem solving and vast scientific knowledge to save lives.

“MacGyver is such a beloved franchise and we are not surprised at how well-received it is,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia. “Our viewers have come to expect action, adventure and compelling stories from the AXN brand, and MacGyver delivers it all.”

During MacGyver’s premiere, AXN dominated at #1 amongst 22 English general entertainment channels with a 53% share. Apart from a strong drama series premiere, its evening primetime slot includes variety series Top 20 Funniest and reality series American Ninja Warrior. During the telecast of American Ninja Warrior, AXN is the top rated English general entertainment channel.

MacGyver also stars George Eads (CSI) and Sandrine Holt (House of Cards) and executive produced by Lee David Zlotoff (original series creator), Henry Winkler (original series executive producer), Peter Lenkov (Hawaii Five-0) and James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring).

MacGyver airs every Thursday at 9.45pm first and exclusive on AXN. Catch up on the first episode of MacGyver on http://www.axn-asia.com/programs/macgyver/videos/macgyver-episode-1.

Source: Kantar Media Philippines, Target: Pay TV2+

BFGoodrich Tires Announces Return to the Dakar Rally

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Michelin Philippines Chief Representative Michael Nunag relayed the announcement on October 4, 2016 from Greenville, South Carolina that BFGoodrich Tires is set to return to its rich history of winning at the 2017 Dakar Rally as the official tire supplier of the Dakar Rally.

When the Dakar Rally kicks off in Asunción, Paraguay in January, BFGoodrich Tires will be back on competitors’ vehicles on a large scale for the first time since 2012. In addition BFGoodrich will roll out the BFGoodrich Dakar Service Center, through which competitors will benefit from 24/7 technical expertise. The rugged terrain and unpredictable elements that racers face over two weeks and more than 5,000 miles of punishing competition across three countries is exactly the sort of proving ground that BFGoodrich seeks.

“BFGoodrich has a long-tenured racing heritage, and we’re excited to continue our global involvement in racing in the dirt with our official return to the Dakar Rally,” said Michelin and BFGoodrich Motorsport Director Pascal Couasnon. “Cross-country rally racing is a distinct challenge, and this race features some of the most complex terrains on the planet. As with other forms of racing where BFGoodrich competes, our commitment stays the same in this discipline. We continue to use all the technical information we learn in racing laboratories around the world to develop new technology and constantly improve our products while taking on the toughest conditions on Earth.”

Roll Over Unused Data for Free On Your Globe myLifestyle Plan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The availability of more online content has led to increased mobile data usage. People look to more ways to maximize their connected experience and Globe Postpaid finally introduces its latest innovations with the ability to roll over unused mobile data or share it with other users or devices.

A first in the Philippines, the amped up Globe myLifestyle plans with Data Rollover allows unused MBs to be carried over to the next month. This way, no MBs are wasted and customers get the most out of their mobile connectivity. Data Sharing on the other hand strengthens Globe Postpaid’s differentiated customer experience by providing hassle-free connectivity especially with multiple devices, eliminating the need for WiFi or hotspots.

“Giving the best digital experience remains our top priority. This means putting in place convenient features like rollover and sharing so that they have the chance to better use their data whether it is adding it to the next month or sharing it. Either way, our customers get a more immersive and enriched digital lifestyle experience,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan.


Using Data Rollover

Data Rollover is simply carrying over your unused MBs to the following month. With this, the validity of unused GoSURF MBs are extended for another month. As an example, if you used 2 GB of your 3 GB data allowance this month, the 1 GB left-over will be added to the following month’s data allocation. The service is available for all Globe myLifestyle plan customers free of charge. All one has to do is to register once to any GoSURF with Rollover variant, and the subscriber can begin enjoying the Rollover feature monthly. Rolled over data is consumed first before the current month’s actual allocation.


Data Sharing to family and other devices

Data Sharing on the Globe myLifestyle plan allows sharing of one data plan among family members or across a user’s various devices – all within one postpaid account. With this new feature, customers need not worry about draining their batteries from using their phone’s hotspot to share data with others. The new feature also gets a plus for convenience of getting everything in one bill, as well as great value for money – eliminating the need for extra postpaid lines or separate data plans for other devices. Sharing can be done to either NEW lines or EXISTING myLifestyle Plans within the same account, for a minimum charge of P100 Share Fee per share per month.

To avail of either of the latest features, customers should enroll to GoSURF Share & Rollover by calling 730-1000 or visiting the nearest Globe store to make the changes in the account.

To know more about GoSURF Share & Rollover, visit www.globe.com.ph/postpaid/rollover-and-share.

Miss Earth 2016: Empowered to Make a Change

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines once again plays host to the 16th edition of Miss Earth, the highly anticipated international environmental event that has been crowning beauty queens who serve at the forefront of promoting environmental awareness.

The announcement was made by Carousel’s Executive Vice President and Miss Earth founder Lorraine Schuck. Following the success of the Austrian staging of the event last year, Carousel thought it best to bring back Miss Earth to its home country where change is adamantly implemented in different sectors.

“It has always been our mission to encourage everyone to make a change in their day-to-day activities in terms of lessening their carbon footprint,” states Ms. Schuck. “Imagine the effects of these little steps if there would be millions who are willing to make that change.”

Carousel believes that the Philippine staging of Miss Earth 2016 will amplify the current administration’s stand on environmental issues. Both Carousel and the current DENR Secretary Gina Lopez have been partners in the past in a campaign for a cleaner and greener environment.

This year’s delegates are scheduled to visit ecotourism destinations in different parts of the country. A far cry from the leisure and touristy spots, Miss Earth 2016 will showcase the rich biodiversity of the country and encourage sustainability in the process.

“We understand the need to raise funds through the promotion of our tourist spots, but not to the point of compromising nature,” Ms. Schuck explains. “We also need to strike a balance between creating profit and conserving the environment for the benefit of small communities.”

90 delegates are expected to arrive by early October. Aside from the event’s thrust to promote environmental consciousness, Miss Earth 2016 promises to be another spectacular television event that will be seen in an estimated 190+ countries around the world.

“We are very thankful for the support we have been getting from different international television networks,” shares Carousel President Ramon Monzon. “Our international broadcast is not only an indication of the worldwide popularity of Miss Earth, but equally important, it’s also a sign that Miss Earth’s mission is being heard and done in various countries.”

The grand coronation night of Miss Earth 2016 is slated on Saturday, October 29, 7:00 PM at the MOA Arena, with local and international live telecast.

Tanghalang Ateneo Presents “Boy”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Who were you, who are you and who will you become? How much of you did you decide for yourself?

Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theater company of the Loyola Schools of the Ateneo de Manila University opens its 38th season: De/Constructing Narratives with Boy, a thought-provoking new play by award-winning American playwright Anna Ziegler. This will go onstage at the Ateneo de Manila’s Black Box Theater (Fine Arts Annex) on October 19-November 10.

The play, which just had its world premiere produced by Keen Company in New York City earlier this year, is translated into Filipino by Guelan Varela-Luarca and directed by Ed Lacson, Jr. Tanghalang Ateneo’s production of this play not only serves as its Philippine premiere but is also its first international staging and the first one produced outside of the original New York City production.

Boy is a story of self-realization and gender identity, a journey to find one’s self amidst doubt and confusion. The play follows the life of Adam Turner who, as a new-born baby, had an unfortunate medical accident resulting in his parents deciding to raise him as a girl upon the advice of a renowned psychologist. As Adam grows older, his confusion about who he is and what he wants to become in life becomes more and more apparent that his parents eventually decide to reveal to him his biological gender. The discovery leads Adam to re-create himself, severing all communication with his psychologist.