Wilcon Depot unwraps a big gift for Iloilo City

Wilcon Depot makes every shopping experience blissful, awesome and affordable for Ilonggos as they launched their 41^st large-format home construction retail outlet located at Diversion Road, Brgy. Dungon B, Jaro, Iloilo City last December 8, 2017.

The country's leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, Wilcon Depot increased their store footprints in the Visayas region as they started to unwrap the big surprise with a motorcade along the nearby barangays of its new operating store. It was joined by Wilcon valued suppliers and industry partners. The opening event continued at the store with a ribbon-cutting rite and store blessing to officially declare that the store is open for business. Wilcon Founder and Chairman Emeritus William T. Belo, Wilcon President and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan and SEVP-Chief Operating Officer Rosemarie Bosch-Ongofficiated the ceremony and were joined by the local government officials.

“We, at Wilcon, constantly aspire to bring our retail stores to more key cities in the country to provide more and more Filipinos the convenience and satisfaction they truly deserve in their home building shopping needs. Wilcon Depot Iloilo is a prodigious product of this aspiration and we are beyond excited to begin a harmonious relationship with all of you here at Iloilo,” said Wilcon SEVP-Chief Operating Officer Rosemarie Ong.

The retail giant continuously becomes the home of every modern furniture and exquisite products for Filipino homeowners' and builders' needs. As a top provider of home improvement supplies, Wilcon Depot has its full array of extensive and quality home building materials ranging from tiles, sanitary wares, appliances, plumbing, tools, and hardware. It also provides

  

DIY (do-it-yourself) items such as electrical, building materials, automotive, doors and mouldings, outdoor living, paints and sundries.

Wilcon Iloilo has a total sales area of over 10,000 square meters accommodating 2,000 strong and reliable local and international brands in the market, arranged in an organized and clutter-free manner inside an air-conditioned big box format store. Leading their operations efficiently, Wilcon maintains uniformity for the interior of their depot store that helps the customers to shop with ease.

Wilcon is a perfect partner for every homeowners and builders, as it yields for strong reputation to justify its continued existence as the most sought-after one-stop shop that provides great value and selection for your home building needs. Carrying its mission and commitment in delivering products and solutions of superior quality and providing excellent and reliable services, Wilcon assures Iloilo City to have the best products with high-grade features beyond quality that gives value for money.

Giving customers the satisfaction and unparalleled services, Wilcon offers numerous brands to choose from. Showcasing their exclusives brands through various product display, Grohe and Kohler Sanitarywares, Franke Kitchen Systems, Pozzi Bathroom Solutions, Koller Bathtubs and Shower Accessories, Direct Hardware are featured in their showrooms. Natuzzi Edition, Heim home interior and Heritage home furniture are featured at the Living, Kitchen, and Bath (LKB) showroom. While Spanish tiles like Alcalagres, Keratile, Rocersa, Cifre, Emigres, Keros and Oset alongside with Italian tiles such as Novabell, Energie Ker, Gardenia are made available in their Tile Studio. Also adding up to their lengthy product lineup is the newly launched Alphalux lighting solutions.

As it remains as the market leader in the business, Wilcon offers multitude of services that gives customers convenient shopping experience. Every Wilcon store has free parking spaces, reliable delivery service, and tile cutting service. They also provide a service that allows customers in creating their desired 3D layout through a computer software with cost estimate and product list made possible in Design Hub section inside the store. Valued customers can also avail their Wilcon Loyalty Card for free and enjoy promo exclusives and offerings.

“We want to be the fulfillment of every homeowners' and builders' wish of having a reliable partner in creating better home ideas. Wilcon Depot Iloilo is a testimony of our lifelong mission to help people build, improve and refine their homes for a sustainable and comfortable life as we pursue our aspiration of expanding our territory to provide more Filipinos home building service that is right and just,” Wilcon Founder and Chairman Emeritus William T. Belo said.

AirAsia Wins Two Awards At 2017 World Travel Awards Grand Final

AirAsia named World's Leading Low-Cost Airline for fifth straight year and wins the inaugural World's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew award

PHU QUOC, 11 December 2017 - AirAsia has been named the World's Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fifth year in a row at the 2017 World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final.

AirAsia emerged top in the category having received the highest votes from travel professionals and industry players from around the world, beating Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Ryanair, easyJet, Jetstar Airways, Norwegian Air, West Air, flydubai, Air Arabia, flynas, kulula, Mango and fastjet.

Asia's largest low-cost carrier by passengers also won the inaugural World's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew award, ahead of the same 13 budget airlines. The win builds on AirAsia's success earlier this year when it secured WTA's first ever Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew award and in 2015, when it became the first ever low-cost carrier to win Asia's Leading Cabin Crew, ahead of full-service carriers like Singapore Airlines, Korean Air and Cathay Pacific.

AirAsia Group Chief Commercial Officer Siegtraund Teh and AirAsia senior cabin crew Rosita Sulaiman accepted the awards at a gala ceremony held at the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in Vietnam yesterday.

Also present were AirAsia Berhad Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Berhad independent non-executive director Dato' Fam Lee Ee and AirAsia's Vietnam joint venture partner Tran Trong Kien.

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, "I am very proud to stand here today to receive our fifth WTA World's Leading Low-Cost Airline award in as many years. I've always said we are the world's true low-cost champion, and I'm thrilled to see I'm not the only one and the industry agrees with me. And we will only get better as we continue on our digitalisation journey to better understand what our guests want and to make flying a richer, more enjoyable experience, as we continue to strive to provide world-class service at the lowest fares."

AirAsia Group Cabin Crew Head Suhaila Hassan said, "An airline is only as good as its people, and we have some of the best. Two years ago, we were named Asia's Leading Cabin Crew by WTA, beating a field of full-service carriers. Since then, we've gone from strength to strength, winning the World's Leading Inflight Service award in 2016, Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew earlier this year and now, the first ever World's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew award by WTA. This shows our unwavering commitment to excellence and, as the world's best low-cost carrier, we promise to continue delivering to our guests onboard the best experience money can't buy."

The World Travel Awards is one of the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programme in the global and tourism industry.

Established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism and hospitality industries, the World Travel Awards brand is now recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

SM and BDO's Pamaskong Handog para sa Global Pinoy happens December 9

 

A grand homecoming celebration is set to treat overseas Filipino workers and their families as SM Supermalls and BDO partners for the "6th Pamaskong Handog para sa Global Pinoys," the biggest OFW Christmas party on December 9, 2017 in ten SM malls across the country.

 

This year, the homecoming festivities will showcase some of the country's brightest celebrities including KZ Tandingan who will be at SM City Cabanatuan, Sam Milby at SM City Pampanga, and Elisse Joson and McCoy De Leon at SM City San Jose del Monte. While Yeng Constantino will join the event at SM City Manila, Daryl Ong and Kyla will be at SM City Dasmariñas, Joseph Marco at SM City Lucena, and Kim Chiu at SM City Naga. With Daniel Matsunaga at SM City Iloilo and Xian Lim at SM Seaside City Cebu, JC Santos is set to charm guests at SM City General Santos.

 

Only on December 9, OFWs and their families can get 10% off on all regular priced items with a minimum of P2,000 single receipt purchase at The SM Store OFW Sale. Global Pinoy families can also get a chance to win prizes from BDO, Grand Videoke, Starmobile, The Body Shop, and Toy Kingdom. Also not to be missed are the giveaways and gift certificates from SM Storyland, SM Sky Ranch, Dickies, Jollibee, and Max's Restaurant, and special movie passes from SM Cinemas.

 

To join the Pamaskong Handog celebration, SM Global Pinoy cardholders can already pre-register at participating SM Global Pinoy Centers. Non-SM Global Pinoy members can avail of the membership card by visiting these centers as well. All they have to do is bring the requirements and pay a processing fee of P150 pesos. SM Global Pinoy cardholders or BDO Kabayan Savings account holders can come and join in the party with your family.

 

The SM Global Pinoy program is an initiative that provides accessible and convenient services specially designed for OFWs and their families. Apart from exclusive services, perks and privileges inside SM Global Pinoy Centers, the sites also offer remittance pick-up and foreign exchange, free internet access, hot and cold beverages, and mobile phone charging in 39 SM malls nationwide.

Don't forget to be part of a Global Pinoy Christmas at SM Supermalls! Get a chance to meet you favorite celebrities and win exciting prizes and freebies! Registration starts at 1:30 p.m.

 

To know more about SM's Pamaskong Handog and Global Pinoy Center, visit www.smglobalpinoy.com or visit the SMGPC Facebook page. For inquiries, you may email info@smglobalpinoy.com for further assistance. 

Senator Grace Poe keynotes Globe Telecom’s AttyATBP

Senator Grace Poe keynotes Globe Telecom's AttyATBP

Senator Grace Poe keynotes Globe Telecom's AttyATBP, an annual event organized by the company's Corporate and Legal Services Group (CLSG) where various government services from the Land Transportation Office, Philippine Statistics Office, Social Security System, National Bureau of Investigation, as well as free legal consultations, are provided to employees of the leading telecommunications provider. In her keynote address, Poe emphasized the need to fast track infrastructure permitting as a key to sustainable economic development in the country. She is joined in above photo by top company executives and employees that included Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu, Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe Chief Information and Technology Officer Gil Genio and Rep. Geraldine Roman, (1st District, Bataan), who also spoke at the event.    

Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 Presentation of Official Candidates

Globe myBusiness Academy gathers online sellers and industry experts

Passion and mission key to success in digital marketing, experts maintain

Pursuing your passion and finding a niche market are key to successfully using digital marketing for your business. This is what experts at the Online Sellers’ Summit advised. The event, hosted by the Globe myBusiness Academy, was recently held at the Hole in the Wall food plaza of Century Mall in Makati. Online sellers at the summit were given tips to boost sales through digital innovations while those still toying with ideas were given clear directions.

 

According to Derrick Heng, Senior Advisor for Globe myBusiness, online sellers should seize opportunities in the new era of doing business where “digital is the new normal.”

 

Bearing in mind the following factors, Globe myBusiness offers innovations to optimize the operations of online sellers:

 

 

· Increased demand for personalization

 

Customers demand products and services that suit their needs and lifestyles. Lana Macapagal, marketing communications manager of AdSpark, says online sellers need to keep in mind that 80 per cent of the digital content should be about the consumers and the remaining 20 per cent about the products they sell. Digital marketing is about brand awareness, she explains, and sellers need to keep their content interesting and keep adjusting to the needs of the audience.

 

For better customer reach, Globe myBusiness offers digital solutions such as AutoSMS blast to inform subscribers of the companies’ promos. At the same time, Business Website Builder allows online sellers to create a website and online portal for business, using a web-based payment system. Shopify, one of Globe myBusiness’ solutions, for example, assures customers their online transactions are easy and secure.

 

 

· Rise of the omni-channel and online presence

 

Customers now spend more time researching online before they go to the malls or physical stores. Therefore, online sellers should use different platforms to provide customers a convenient shopping experience.

 

Paolo Lacuna, head of Business Development for Facebook Philippines says there are currently two billion Facebook users and this is expected to increase to 3.8 billion in 2018. This being said, Lacuna urges online sellers using Facebook as a platform to think of the market as a global market and sell products from abroad because these are the products preferred by clients. He discloses online sellers can earn as much as US$33,000 per week using Facebook Audience Insight Tool to build client base and promote products.

 

To improve customer engagement, online sellers can tap Globe digital innovations such as Queuing Solution, a service that allows business owners to better manage store traffic using an automated SMS-based queueing system; Rush Rewards a platform which enables business owners to create a digital punch card that rewards customers for every visit or purchase; and Auto Appointment reminder, which automatically notifies customers of their appointments through SMS.

 

· Automated Business Operations

 

Online sellers can now simplify operations by automating work processes and boost customer satisfaction. Globe myBusiness offers a line of solutions for better management including myShopkeeper to monitor inventory and sales, as well as a G-Suite app to manage salon, spa and store devices. The Canvas app also eliminates paper and uses digital forms for business.

 

· The Power of Customer Advocacy

Online sellers need to increase advertising through photos and powerful stories since clients take photos and do reviews establishments. Social entrepreneurs also have ways of turning passion into profit and marketing a ‘purpose driven’ brand.

 

Jen Horn, founder of MUNI, says digital marketing should also sell ideas such as zero-waste by buying less packaged food.

 

Jourdan Sebastian, head of Taclob foundation says disasters can be turned into opportunities. For example, he says, he assisted survivors of typhoon Yolanda to rise above their misfortune by helping them go into the bag business.

 

Ricca Del Rosario, head of Half The Price (HTP) fashion online store, says she used digital platforms to promote cheaper clothing and eventually ventured into fashion design.

 

For more information on Globe myBusiness’ solutions products,, visit the website at https://mybusiness.globe.com.ph/solutions/, call the hotline at 730-1010, or visit any Globe store.

AirAsia and AJ Hackett Gather Bungy Battlers For Crazy Jump Day at Macau Tower

Ernesto Humberto Trevino Amezcua, winner of Best Costume and Best Jump of the Day, flanked by AJ Hackett CEO Alan John Hackett (R), AirAsia X Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz (L) and AirAsia cabin crew.

MACAO, 4 December 2017 - Macau Tower today hosted the seventh annual Crazy Jump Day, powered by the world’s best low-cost airline AirAsia and organised by the world’s top adventure tourism company AJ Hackett.

 Featuring the theme “AirAsia Destinations”, the costumed bungy jump event saw 23 participants from across Asia Pacific take the plunge from Macau Tower, the world’s highest commercial bungy jump at 233 metres operated by AJ Hackett.

 The participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia and China (which covers Mainland and Macao) were selected to jump by AirAsia and AJ Hackett via a social media contest held a month before Crazy Jump Day.

The participants were chosen for their creativity, storytelling skills and the relevance of their costume to the theme, which was inspired by AirAsia’s extensive route network of more than 130 destinations.

 The event was kicked off by Alan John Hackett, AJ Hackett CEO, Mdm Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, AirAsia X Malaysia Chairman; Mr Adam Lichtenstein, Regional Manager of AJ Hackett International and General Manager of AJ Hackett Macau Tower; Ms Celia Lao, CEO of AirAsia Hong Kong and Macao; Mr Simon Chan, President of the Civil Aviation Authority, Macao; Ms Cecilia Tse, Deputy Director of Macau Government Tourism Office; Mr Eric Fong, Director of Marketing Department of CAM Macau International Airport Co Ltd;

Mr Matthew Mok, AirAsia Group Head of Partnership; Mr Victor Kaw, Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia BIG Loyalty; Mr Francis Lam, Executive Manager of Macau Tower; Mr Alcuin Li, Director of Commercial Division, TurboJET and Mr Rutger Verschuren, Area Vice President – Macau Operations of Artyzen Hospitality Group Limited and General Manager of Grand Lapa Macau
After four hours of non-stop bungy action, Ernesto Humberto Trevino Amezcua was named winner of the Best Costume Award for his execution and wow factor. The Mexican national who currently resides in China also won the Best Jump of the Day Award for his style and excellent jump footage.

For having the best costume, Amezcua received a pair of AirAsia return tickets to Auckland, New Zealand, a chance for two people to experience the AJ Hackett bridge bungy and bridge climb there and 50,000 AirAsia BIG Points. He also won one AirAsia return ticket to Singapore, a chance for one person to experience the AJ Hackett Sentosa bungy jump, Giant Swing and Vertical Skywalk and 50,000 AirAsia BIG Points for his winning jump.

Best Costume first runner-up Nicholas Andrew Webber from Australia received one AirAsia return ticket to Singapore, a chance for one person to experience the AJ Hackett Sentosa bungy jump, Giant Swing and Vertical Skywalk and 20,000 AirAsia BIG Points, while second runner-up John Paul Esguerra Fernandes from the Philippines received 20,000 AirAsia BIG Points.

The judges comprised by Mdm Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, AirAsia X Malaysia Chairman, Mr Adam Lichtenstein, Regional Manager of AJ Hackett International and General Manager of AJ Hackett Macau Tower, Mr Matthew Mok, AirAsia Group Partnership Head, Mr Victor Kaw, AirAsia BIG Chief Commercial Officer and Mr Francis Lam Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre Executive Manager.

AirAsia Hong Kong and Macao CEO Celia Lao said, “It’s been really amazing to see all these participants dressed like destinations that AirAsia flies to from Macao, either direct or Fly-Thru via one of our key transit hubs. The inventiveness that went into designing and putting together such unique costumes is testament to the spirit of adventure and exploration one would expect from fans of air travel and bungy jumping.”

AJ Hackett CEO AJ Hackett said, “I am both delighted and amazed to see the effort this year’s participants made putting together their costumes. It’s also been amazing partnering with AirAsia for this year’s event and I want to send a big thank you to them for flying all these brave adventure seekers into Macao and making it possible for them to jump off the Macau Tower with us. It’s our wish that this yearly Crazy Jump Day event brings great value to Macao, the Macau Tower and our partners, and we look forward to holding many more successful events in the future.”

Macau Tower Crazy Jump Day 2017 is powered by AirAsia and AJ Hackett, in support of the goal to bring more visitors to Macao as well as to Macau Tower to experience the thrill and excitement of the world’s highest commercial bungy jump and SkyWalk.

AirAsia operates direct services between Macao and Kuala Lumpur (14 flights per week), Johor Bahru (7 flights), Bangkok (28 flights), Chiang Mai (7 flights), Pattaya (4 flights), Jakarta (4 flights) and Manila (5 flights), in addition to Fly-Thru services via Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to nearly 40 destinations across Asia Pacific.

 

 

 

 

  

GCash ‘Scan to Pay’ feature now at The SM Store nationwide

Manila, Philippines - GCash mobile wallet service announced today that its scan to pay feature is now available at all SM Store nationwide and at the information booths of SM malls.

This development makes it more convenient for customers to do their shopping, especially this holiday season as shoppers can already easily pay for their purchases without the need to bring cash.

Using GCash scan to pay method is like a walk in the park. A customer with a smartphone only needs to either download or update to the latest version of the GCash App, create an account and fund the GCash wallet through cash-in centers located across the country. Once done, the customer just has to tap on Scan QR and point the phone's camera at the item's QR code to pay.

The SM Store is the latest addition in a growing list of merchants which have embraced the GCash App scan to pay feature. Among the early adopters are Mercato Centrale in Bonifacio Global City and Ayala Malls, particularly Glorietta.

Anthony Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mynt, the financial technology company owned by Globe Telecom, Ant Financial, and Ayala Corp., said they have already begun the rollout of the QR code acceptance.

"We're not installing a device but just a sticker with a QR code. The customer simply scans that sticker so no need for additional machines for transactions and there's no cost to the machine but more benefits to the merchants. Cash is still convenient but there's also the issue of security and handling. With GCash scan to pay feature, we're bringing that down to the level where merchants can adapt," Thomas explained.

With the addition of The SM Store, the use of the GCash scan to pay feature continues to gain support among the top malls and merchants in the country.

Other well-known merchants currently using the feature are the Max's Group of restaurants, apparel brand Bench, and international brands specialty retailer Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI). Smaller sellers located at celebrity bazaar destination Noel Bazaar and in Mercato have also adopted this new cashless payment option.

Over the next few months, GCash will continue to aggressively roll out the use of the scan to pay feature in other locations nationwide to encourage more people to use it and enjoy its benefits.

Learn more about GCash by visiting www.gcash.com. Follow us on our social media channels: www.facebook.com/gcashofficial,www.twitter.com/gcashofficial, and www.instagram.com/gcashofficial.

 

Globe partners with Rise Against Hunger to help displaced Marawi families

Globe employees assemble nutritious meal packs for Marawi families

Globe Telecom recently lent support to international non-government organization Rise Against Hunger (RAH) as part of its ongoing efforts to help the displaced families in Marawi and to strengthen its employees volunteering program.

            Over 300 Globe employee volunteers participated in a hands-on Meal Packaging Program conducted by RAH for more than 1,500 affected families in Marawi who are now staying in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur. Together, they helped pack 100 meal boxes which will be sent to Marawi by the first week of December together with meal packs coming from other partner-companies of RAH. These will then be handed over by RAH to its beneficiaries in Saguiran together with officials of the local government of Marawi.

Globe is a staunch believer of holistic personal development and offers activity- or skill-based volunteering opportunities that can support employee advocacies. Employees are also provided two-day volunteer leaves so they can contribute further to social development.

            "Globe has been a responsible corporate citizen from the start. We have been at the forefront of espousing employee engagement by providing more opportunities for them to live out Globe service principles, create a culture of social responsibility and instill a sense of higher purpose. These, in turn, motivate us to be better at work, show malasakit and hopefully, create a positive change in the communities," according to Chelle Gray, Director for Globe Citizenship.

Jose Mariano Fleras, RAH Philippines Executive Director said:  "We thank Globe and its employees for helping us alleviate hunger amongst the families displaced by the Marawi siege. Remember that in each meal that you pack, you have given a part of yourself and your love and generosity will be felt by those in need."

The packs of nutritious meals contain rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and fruits, flavoring mix, plus vitamin and mineral sachets.The vitamins are in separate sachets and are only added after cooking to make sure the vitamins and nutrients are not lost due to extreme light or heat.

            There is a choice of savory meals such as Chicken Arroz Caldo, Beef Congee, or Fish (Anchovy) Flakes which come with MSG-free flavoring sachets. They also contain a dried vegetable mix composed of squash, alugbati or malabor spinach, camote or sweet potato tops, and saluyot or Jute leaves. For their sweet cravings, choices are Champorado (chocolate porridge) or Guinataan (coconut milk) which contains a dehydrated fruit mix made up of orange, sweet potato, banana and mango.

            The meals contain important vitamins and minerals that children need, especially the displaced kids who may have not eaten properly because of the siege in Marawi. Among these are calcium, which serves as the building block of bones and teeth. The meals are also rich in fiber and packed with many other important nutrients like Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and B12 and other Bvitamins that are important for metabolism, energy, a healthy heart and nervous system.

           

Aside from receiving packed meals, the beneficiaries are also encouraged to make the meals more appetizing by using local produce.

Globe is an active supporter of RAH which has been fulfilling its commitment to end hunger across the globe for 18 years. Established in 1998, Rise Against Hunger coordinates the distribution of food and other lifesaving aid to crisis burdened and developing areas around the world. Rise Against Hunger operates meal packaging locations in 21 cities throughout the U.S. and five international locations in India, Italy, the Philippines, Malaysia and South Africa.

            The Meal Packaging Program is just one of many endeavors supported by Globe for the benefit of affected families of Marawi. During the siege, Globe also helped the government and the displaced residents by providing free calls and texts to all Globe customers in the city. The telco leader also set up charging stations in evacuation centers located in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte and also provided various amounts of relief goods.

            Visit www.globe.com.ph for more details about Globe Corporate Citizenship.

Get Star Wars: The Last Jedi movie invites when you subscribe to a Globe Streamwatch Bundle!

Star Wars fans are in for a treat this Christmas, as Globe At Home gives away invites to the highly anticipated film Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

In the latest chapter of the beloved film franchise, Star Wars: The Last Jedi sees Luke Skywalker's return as he guides Rey develop her newly discovered powers, while the war between The First Order and The Resistance wages on.

From November 30, 2017 all new Globe At Home subscribers who also purchase a Globe Streamwatch Roku Powered device through Globe website, hotline, mall activations, and Globe stores in select locations will automatically receive two Star Wars: The Last Jedi movie tickets through GMovies. Passes may be redeemed starting December 13, 2017. They can also catch up on previous Star Wars titles with their new Globe At Home Plan & Streamwatch device through free access to HOOQ and Disney channel apps.

Globe Streamwatch is the telco's newest streaming device that allows customers to watch a variety of content across free and paid channels in different categories including sports, lifestyle, fashion, and more. It comes with three months access to top streaming content partners such as Netflix, Disney Channel Apps, and HOOQ.  Globe Streamwatch is available as an add-on for Globe At Home plans,month for 24 months, or for a one-time cash out of P 999.

Promo runs until January 20, 2018, PER DTI-FTEB PERMIT NO. 14094 Series of 2017. For more information about the promo, please visit www.globe.com.ph/broadband/StarWars. To subscribe to a Globe At Home plan, visit the website at https://shop.globe.com.ph/products/broadband/, call the Globe hotline at 730-1010, or visit any Globe Store.

A cashless shopping experience at Robinsons with GCash

GCash scan to pay now available at Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket and Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse, and G2000

Mynt and Robinsons officials at the partnership launch.  From L-R:  Jody Gadia, GM for Robinsons Supermarket Corp; Johnson Go, GM for Robinsons Department Store; Carmina Quizon, GM for Robinsons Specialty Stores, Inc.; Anthony Thomas, Mynt President and CEO; James Mauricio Aujero, Mynt Head for Merchant Acquiring; and Gina Salgado, VP for Robinsons Business Center.

With Christmas fast approaching, holiday shopping and other preparations are in full swing. Now, you can get the best deal this Yuletide season as GCash partners with Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse, and G2000 in Robinsons Galleria for your gift and shopping sprees!

GCash customers that use the scan-to-pay feature of the App may avail of a 10 percent discount on their purchases at the aforementioned stores starting November 28 until the end of December, 2017.

GCash allows smartphone users to go shopping with only the GCash App installed on their mobile units. The scan-to-pay feature by GCash is easy to use. A customer only needs to download or update to the latest version of the GCash App and install it on their smartphones. Once done, customers would need to fund their GCash wallets. To cash-in GCash wallets, shoppers can visit the Robinsons Galleria Business Center located inside the department store. They can also check their balance through the GCash App. When shopping, the customer just has to tap on the Scan QR on the App, point their smartphone's camera at the partner's QR code and simply tap pay.

With GCash scan-to-pay feature, shopping becomes easy, secure, convenient, and ultimately more enjoyable.  Transparency is one of the key features of GCash. All transactions using GCash can be viewed through the App, making sure that GCash users can track their shopping payments.

"Before, you need a POS or a reader for the QR code or the credit card. Today, we eliminate all that," says Anthony Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Mynt which operates GCash. "We just give a sticker with a QR code, and that's all the merchant needs. With everybody getting a smartphone eventually it will become the driver."

He continues, "For instance, if you go to a bazaar, you have to go to a central place to pay with credit because of the high cost of a POS terminal.  If you go to a merchant to pay, they have no change.  We plan to solve all of that by giving them individually all of these.  If you have a phone, you can accept GCash."

GCash is poised to be the top online payment system in the country, as It aggressively rolls out this cashless system nationwide. With this cashless payment system, GCash hopes to encourage wiser spending among Filipinos.

Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse, and G2000 in Robinsons Galleria  are the latest addition to the list of merchants embracing the scan to pay feature of the GCash App. The GCash scan-to-pay feature was first introduced in Mercato Central BGC and Ayala Mall, particularly Glorietta.

"Gcash will make it easier and more convenient for our customers to shop at Robinsons Supermarket," said Jody Gadia, General Manager of Robinsons Supermarket.

"Robinsons Specialty Stores, Inc. (RSSI) is thrilled to be part of the GCash community. As the retail industry goes more digital, we want to adapt to changes by allowing digital payments through smartphones in a safe and efficient way. We look forward to make this facility available across all RSSI stores to cater to our customers better" said Carmina Quizon, General Manager of Robinsons Specialty Stores Inc.

Johnson Go,  General Manager of Robinsons Department Store said: "This is definitely an exciting partnership between Robinsons Department Store and GCash.  GCash scan to pay lets customers use their smartphones to pay quick and hassle-free.  We're looking forward to the roll-out of GCash in more Robinsons Department Store branches."

Throughout its successful partnerships, many well-known merchants have adopted the GCash scan-to-pay feature. These include the Max's Group, Bench and SSI. Small and micro sellers like those in Noel Bazaar and Mercato have also adopted the new payment option.

With over 12,000 GCash partner outlets nationwide, including Globe Stores, Robinsons Business Centers, SM Business Centers, Puregold branches, 7-Eleven Cliqq kiosks, and TouchPay kiosks, among others, shoppers can easily fund their GCash wallets, use the scan-to-pay feature and enjoy the shopping this Christmas!

Iloilo Business Park - December 2017 Photos

Photos: フェデリコ ビラニュエバ デリアダ

Carlos P. Celdran: "Think of Iloilo. It's not that far away"

Thank you, Iloilo, for the hospitality and the education. I was surprised, I was enchanted, and I learned a lot about what it takes to make a livable city. Your people are charming, your city is beautiful, and your potential is staggering. I was impressed by the modern business district, the top notch roads, sidewalks, and airport, and the untapped tourism potential of Guimaras and Iloilo City. Your skilled bilingual workforce, your central location in the heart of the Philippines, your direct flights to HongKong, and cosmopolitan lifestyle are definitely an attraction for any investor seeking to get away from the madness of Metro Manila or Cebu. You have good schools, art galleries, convention centers, parks, plazas, heritage houses, safe public spaces, call centers, wine bars, artisanal coffee shops, faster internet than Malate, and best of all NO traffic. So anyone out there looking for a place to invest in tourism or IT, hold a convention, take a quick weekend vacation, retire, or raise your children - Think of Iloilo. It's not that far away. #investiloilo #iloveiloilo#palanggatour #visitIloiloNOW

Bike lane along Diversion Road. Photo by Carlos P. Celdran

Art Deco buildings at Calle Real Heritage Zone Photo by Carlos P. Celdran

A view from Camina Bahay na Bato. Photo by Carlos P. Celdran

Nelly Garden, A Lopez Heritage Mansion. Photo by Carlos P. Celdran

Iloilo River Esplanade. Photo by Carlos P. Celdran

Inside Jaro Cathedral. National Shrine for our Ladu of Candles, Jaro, Iloilo City
Photo by Carlos P. Celdran

Molo Church & Plaza
Old Chinese District of Iloilo City dubbed as the Athens of the Philippines
Photo by Carlos P. Celdran

The Office Pantry
Late Night Entertainment at SM City Iloilo Southpoint

Ng Chin Beng Hermanos Art Deco Heritage Building
Calle Real, now J.M. Basa st., Iloilo City
Photo by Carlos P. Celdran

A plate of Imbao shells served at Breakthrough seafood restaurant
Villa Beach, Arevalo, Iloilo City