Investing in a Shared Tomorrow: ePerformax launches new site in Roxas City

In the heart of Capiz, ePerformax officially celebrates the grand opening of their newest facility in the country. Located at the Pueblo de Panay TechnoPark in Roxas City, this new site is further proof of the company’s continued commitment to growing and developing the Philippines as one of the leading BPO service providers in the world.

First opening their doors here on our shores back in 2002, ePerformax Contact Centers & BPO was one of the first contact centers in the Philippines. The company has primarily focused its operations on providing the highest levels of BPO and customer service to a select group of Fortune 500 companies. ePerformax provides support for their English-speaking customers in locations around the globe. The company utilizes voice, email, chat, messaging, and social media to handle customer interactions that include customer service, inbound sales and order entry, billing/account support, technical support, product/service support, website navigation support, and travel reservations, along with non-voice BPO activities to support clients’ comprehensive outsourcing requirements.

Teresa Hartsaw, President and CEO of ePerformax, looks forward to the company becoming a long-term partner in growing and developing Roxas City. “We want to be more than mere employers here. We want to become stakeholders in this vibrant community as well,” she points out, “ePerformax will provide long-term growth and career opportunities for all employees while ensuring that there is adequate work-life balance and integration. In today’s work environment, there has to be a partnership between the employee and the company and the community to really be successful. We are very excited about being part of Roxas City and Pueblo de Panay TechnoPark and creating a family environment and looking out for the well-being of everyone involved.”  

Fortunately, Pueblo de Panay TechnoPark is the perfect partner for ePerformax’s goal to create a holistic working environment for their employees. Bub Ong, Pueblo de Panay President and CEO, considers ePerformax a flagship partner in the TechnoPark. “We share the same values,” he says, “our drive to create a welcoming environment here in Pueblo de Panay, a place where people from different walks of life can come together, fits hand-in-hand with their commitment to the local community.”

The new facility will also house an ePerformax Global Communications & Management Academy. “The GCMA is part of our continuing strategy to invest in our people so they are ready for the evolution in BPO services,” says Mike Tanner, ePerformax Roxas VP and General Manager. “Our industry is becoming more sophisticated and requires a higher level of professional skills. We are invested in developing our employees to grow in their careers and maximize their potential. We feel fortunate to be here in Roxas and to find such a great community of people to work with.” 

Several multinational companies have come to trust and depend on ePerformax. One such client is PayPal. “ePerformax and PayPal have a mutual desire to deliver the best quality service as fast as possible,” explains David Reedy, Director of PayPal, “We are very pleased to be the first company to occupy the beautiful new building in Roxas City! We are already seeing the teammates deliver a better customer experience and look forward to continued growth.” With the level of service and care that ePerformax provides, it’s plain to see why the company has continued to prosper with their client-partners.

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Globe welcomes latest crowdsourcing speed test results in PH

Average fixed broadband download speeds in the Philippines now 5 times faster versus 2014

In reaction to latest news reports and blogs about the speed test results in the Philippines, Globe reiterated its commitment to improve internet speeds and the overall quality of experience (QoE) of internet services. The Philippines is now the most improved country in Southeast Asia when it comes to Internet connection, clocking 5 times faster fixed broadband download speeds according to a recent infographic released by Yugatech using the latest Ookla data.

The new infographic is a welcome update to previous infographics portraying the country as Asia's laggard. Based on the 2018 report by Ookla, the average fixed broadband download speed in the Philippines is 5 times faster than  in 2014.

According to Speedtest Global Index Report by Ookla for April 2018, fixed broadband download speeds have increased dramatically by 403% to 17.62Mbps as of April 2018, from 3.5Mbps in 2014.  The country is followed by Malaysia with 391% improvement.

For mobile, average download speeds in the Philippines continued to improve from May 2017 to April 2018, according to a Yugatech report citing an Open Signal data.

Globe was able to retain its position of having the widest 4G availability as its users were able to find its 4G connections 67.5% of the time, the report read.

“These consistent reports from Ookla and other crowd sourcing speed tests showed that our high network investments have started to pay off. We were able to improve our internet services by efficiently using our spectrum assets and improving our network continuously,” Joel Agustin, Globe SVP for Network Technology Group, said in a statement.

Globe Telecom is allotting $850 million to $900 million every year until 2020 as capital expenditures (capex), in a bid to continuously upgrade its network for its fast-growing data business.

In the first 3 months of 2018, Globe already spent around P6.6 billion to remarkably expand its network and support the growing subscriber base and demand for data.

In terms of wired broadband facilities, Globe was able to deploy fiber broadband in 12 cities in Metro Manila as well as in 19 provinces nationwide. Majority of the company’s fiber build are located in Quezon City, Sta. Rosa and Calamba in Laguna as well as in Cebu and Davao.

Globe continues to deploy VDSL and now includes 16 cities in Metro Manila and in 18 areas that include Bulacan, Cavite, Baguio, Cavite, Cebu and Davao City. VDSL technology provides high-speed Broadband service up to 200 Mbps using existing copper footprint.   

Agustin said that the total deployment using various broadband technologies reached more than 1 million lines since 2016. The company’s bid to deploy 2 million broadband lines by 2020 is expected to redefine home broadband experience for Filipinos amid growing customer demand for bandwidth-intensive multimedia content.

Using the 2600 MHz, Globe also fired up almost 200 massive MIMO sites, enabling a mobile network to multiply the capacity of a wireless connection without requiring more antennas.

The company’s deployment of massive MIMO technology has also been working to accelerate the company’s bid to roll out 2 million home broadband lines, with speeds of at least 10 Mbps by 2020. “The goal is to provide for the growing data service needs of our customers and the company will continue to aggressively roll out broadband lines using latest available technologies such as the massive MIMO,” he said.

In early 2017, Globe started the commercial deployment of massive MIMO to enhance mobile internet connectivity experience of customers in high-density areas. The commercial deployment of the MIMO technology forms part of the company’s efforts to further improve mobile and wireless broadband internet experience of its customers by expanding on its network coverage and capacities.

Globe continues to be aggressive in expanding its LTE coverage across the country by deploying additional 934 LTE sites using the 700MHz, 2600 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies in the first quarter of the year including Jolo, Tawi-Tawi, and Batanes. ###

INFOGRAPH CAPTION: Infograph courtesy of Yugatech. Released with permission from Yugatech

It’s Time to Watch These Star Wars Films on DisneyLife and Know More About Han Solo

Journey to a galaxy far, far away with the new app, powered by Globe Postpaid ThePLAN!

 In need of a refresher on the whole Star Wars series for the latest installment, Solo: A Star Wars Story? There’s no better way to do so than with the newly-launched DisneyLife app!

In the new film, moviegoers will see how Han Solo—the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy—meets his mighty future co-pilot Chewbacca, encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, and becomes one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld.

 With the new DisneyLife app, brush up on the epic space saga with a movie marathon of past Star Wars movies! The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Return of the Sith, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi are all available on DisneyLife for your binge-watching pleasure.

 Experience all the wonders of Disney in one app with Globe Postpaid ThePLAN. All existing Globe mobile Postpaid subscribers and new or recontracting subs for ThePLAN or ThePLAN Plus 999 and up from May 25 to August 31 will receive a free 6-month subscription to the DisneyLife app. Visit this website for more details on how to activate DisneyLife on your Globe Postpaid plan.

DisneyLife offers over 350 movies, more than 5,000 TV episodes, and over 6,000 songs from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars -- all in one app! Aside from regular Disney shows, customers can watch shorts, behind-the-scenes, and other special content. Plus, you can also stream your favorite Disney soundtracks. The app allows customers to download content for offline viewing and listening as well.

The DisneyLife app is compatible with iOS and Android devices. To learn more about DisneyLife promos, visit a Globe store now. Check out disneylife.ph or globe.com/content/DisneyLife for more details.

SM CARES WINS PRESTIGIOUS ALBERT SUSSMAN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AWARD

SM Prime’s pioneering housing project for survivors of super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) has won the prestigious Albert Sussman International Community Support Award of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Foundation, the global trade association of the shopping center industry.

Marissa Fernan, Vice President of SM Prime Holdings, receives the ICSC Foundation Albert Sussman International Community Support Award from Scott Harris, ICSC Managing Director of Asia-Pacific at the awarding ceremonies held in Las Vegas, USA last May 20, 2018.  

The award was conferred during the Global Retail Real Estate Convention (RECon) in Las Vegas, USA last May 20, 2018.

The Albert Sussman International Community Support Award is considered the highest honour in the community support award program of the ICSC Foundation which was organized to acknowledge outstanding humanitarian work of the retail industry in the community and recognize the industry’s most innovative and impactful initiatives.

The ICSC Foundation Community Support Awards recognizes outstanding community support programs of institutions, committed to social responsibility and community outreach efforts by retail establishments, their management companies, or retailers.

Prior to winning the prestigious award, SM Cares was also recognized with the ICSC Global Awards 2017 for Asia Pacific, held last October 24, 2017, in Bangkok, Thailand.

One of SM Cares’ partner NGOs, CFC-ANCOP, will also receive an additional financial grant from the ICSC Foundation.

SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy spearheaded the SM Cares Housing Project in which a total of 1,000 shelter units were donated in areas heavily struck by super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in Central Visayas.

The project is a joint undertaking of SM and its service providers, tenants, employees, and communities who all pitched in to build the houses and their communities. The disaster-resilient houses were given to the beneficiaries for free, and SM worked with several NGO partners for its community development, including livelihood and values formation activities.

Hans Sy said the award is a recognition of the valuable contribution of SM’s partners and the painstaking work the hundreds of volunteers had given into making the villages vibrant communities that they are today.

Sy added that the award is a testament to the courage and resiliency of the human spirit in the face of the biggest tragedy. “We have shown to the world how people could bounce back after a tragedy and how communities composed of strangers could thrive and grow together with the help of well-meaning groups and advocates,” Sy said.

There are four SM Cares’ Housing Villages in the Visayas, located in Bogo, Cebu (200 houses), Concepcion, Iloilo (200 houses), Tacloban (400 houses) and Ormoc, Leyte (200 houses).

Sy added that the award will serve as the company’s inspiration to continue to be stewards of the communities where their malls operate. “We are proud of this project because we have shown the Filipino bayanihan at its best. We have people working together to uplift the lives of our countrymen and through their determination to get back on their feet, they have achieved what seemed to be a daunting task of not only recovering from a tragedy but making it an opportunity to live better. We are inspired to continue doing this for more communities and for more people,” Sy said.​

"damOZel" The Wedding Rituals 2018

Every women dreams of a perfect wedding that includes the love of her life, celebration with family and friends and of course, to be in a lovely wedding dress during that important day in her life. Over the years, many Ilonggo designers have showcased their bridal gowns in the Wedding Rituals fashion show held at Robinson's Place Iloilo. This year, here are the bridal gowns made by the participating designers. 

Guest Designer Oz Go's creations:

The Wedding Affair at The Mansion

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Manggahan Festival 2018 Cultural Competition

Here are the results of Manggahan Festival 2018 Cultural Competition held last May 22,2018; 9:30 AM:

Major Prizes:
1st Place: San Lorenzohanon (San Lorenzo)
2nd Place: Hubon Binagtong ( Nueva Valencia)
3rd Place: Hubon Bulantihan (Jordan)
4th Place: Hubon Balsahan (Sibunag)

Best in Street Dancing:
1st Place: Hubon Bulantihan (Jordan)
2nd Place: Hubon Binagtong (Nueva Valencia)
3rd Place: San Lorenzohanon (San Lorenzo)

Minor Awards:
Best in Performance: San Lorenzohanon (San Lorenzo)
Best in Choreography: San Lorenzohanon (San Lorenzo)
Best in Music: San Lorenzohanon (San Lorenzo)
Best in Costume and Props: San Lorenzohanon (San Lorenzo)

MLyunMLyon winner from Neg. Occ. pledges to help more

For a returning Overseas Filipino Worker in Negros Occidental, investing her only jewelry changed the way of how she earned income for her family. 

After years of regularly availing MLhuillier's Quick Cash Loan, she will not only get her jewelry back this time, but also the million peso check she won in the MLyunMLyon Raffle Promo of MLhuillier Financial Services Inc.

"This is more than what I prayed for... this is an unexpected surprise from God," Elsie Ricablanca said, an OFW turned goods trader from Toboso, Negros Occidental when she received the P1 million check from MLhuillier.

She is one of two new millionaires through the MLyunMLyon Raffle Promo, the grandest raffle draw of MLhuillier happened during the Christmas season last year.

Ricablanca’s win is because of her many transactions under the Quick Cash Loan (QCL) service of MLhuillier where she regularly pawns her jewelry to add up in her capital for growing her small trading business.

ML’s Marketing Head for Events and Promotion Claudine Clarin said this is the grandest raffle of ML so far, as they do these promos every quarter. With this raffle, more transactions were made in QCL and KwartaPadala.

“Before we only give minor cash prizes to winners. But when we started the MLyunMLyon raffle last November, more transactions were made,” she said.

The raffle was drawn January 23 this year and picked two lucky millionaires from QCL and KwartaPadala services of ML. This moment made Ricablanca, a 48 year-old OFW turned businesswoman from Sagahan, Toboso town, a millionaire.

Clarin, together with Regional Systems Technician IreneoLastimosa, Area Manager Area B of Neg. Occ. Maria Clarice Erojo and Branch Manager ReyflorMagan turned over the P1M check (tax-free) to Ricablanca on March 14 at ML Toboso Branch.

“Now that I received the check, I am now happy that God gave me more than what I prayed for,” Ricablanca said with excitement, adding “I was just hoping that I have pawned in ML will be redeemed. But He gave me a million.”

‘LUCKY GOLD’

Ricablanca in an interview said that pawning of jewelry has been a way to circulate more money for her capital since 2015. With these transactions with ML, her business is growing and it gave her the way to help her neighbors through lending them money, she added.

She was an overseas worker in a taxi company in Dubai for almost eight years, and went back in the Philippines and started ‘bolante’ or trading goods like rice, and dried fish around Toboso with his husband who is a former lender.

Ricablanca said she started small but when she found out that she can avail low-interest rates through ML’s QCL service, she gambled to pawn her bracelet for P23,000 until it became a regular routine.

“I told my husband that we will just focus on trading and we both quit our job and bought a car to start our business and our capital was not enough to grow our business until we rolled out the money I got from my pawned jewelry,” she said.

Area Manager Maria Clarice Erojo also said that ML has only 3 percent interest rates which are comparably low with other pawning shops, adding with low-interest rates, every branch of ML is also taking an effort to remind and follow up their customers to not let their jewelry unredeemed.

Ricablanca also added that the services that ML staff are offering made it easy for her to comply with regularly paying the interest rates and the principal amount she loaned.

“We want to earn the trust of our customers through doing beyond what is told to us. When we get their trust, they continue to patronize MLhuillier like what Miss Elsie does,” Erojo said.

Ricablanca said that she makes 3 to 4 transactions weekly as more people are asking her help especially when there are emergency situations.

“Maybe my gold (jewelry) are just lucky because more opportunities to grow my business opened when I started pawning with ML,” she said, adding “The blessing also came because I am also lucky to share it with other people.”

With P1M on her hand, she said she wanted to put up a bakery shop to grow her business and help more people in need in her hometown, as God had already fulfilled her wishes she asked Him.

MORE TO COME

Clarin said they will create more promos to reach out more customers and give them the services offered by ML.

“After this, we will have more, with the same mechanics this year,” she said, but this time they will give two winners up to P500,000 and 100 winners of minor prizes.

Erojo said that more raffles will be conducted to attract more transactions from loyal customers, assuring that the service they provide them is safe and secure.

“We will find ways to make them happy in return for the trust they put into us,” she said.

Ricablanca also said that though she already has a million in her hands from ML, she will continue to patronize QCL and other services offered by her trusted financial partner.*

Complete your entertainment experience with the Globe At Home WiFi TV Pack!

Now available for a special price of P2,999

Watching local teleseryes and going online are the top two entertainment forms for many Filipinos. Now you can get the best of both worlds as Globe At Home and ABS-CBN bring you the new WiFi TV Pack! This jam-packed bundle comes with the Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi device and the ABS-CBN TV Plus Box. With the WiFi TV Pack, families can watch the latest Kapamilya shows clearly, then surf and catch up anytime.

Find out what else you can do with the Globe At Home WiFi TV Pack!

Watch the latest ABS-CBN shows with better quality

With the ABS-CBN TV Plus, you can watch the latest primetime shows with better picture quality compared to analog transmission. Aside from the free TV channels, customers can also get access to exclusive channels like DZMM Teleradyo, Cinemo, YEY, and the Knowledge Channel.

Watch trailers, teasers, and previous episodes

Never miss out on your favorite shows again! With the Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi device, you can go online and catch highlights of previous episodes. You can also watch trailers and teasers to upcoming teleseryes and Star Cinema movies! Enjoy these on your own terms, as the Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi device does not require installation or monthly fees.

Catch up on the latest news about shows and celebrities online

Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi boasts 2x faster speed, 2x stronger signal, and 2x wider coverage than pocket WiFi. Staying up to date on the latest in local showbiz has never been easier!

Follow your favorite Kapamilya stars on social media

With a reliable connection, stay updated on what your favorite stars are up to by checking out their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

Get two entertainment devices in one bundle! Complete your living room setup with the new Globe At Home WiFi TV Pack, now available for a special price of P2,999.

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To learn more about Globe at Home WiFi TV Pack, visit the website at broadband.globe.com.ph/prepaid-wifi and order it from the Globe Online Shop at shop.globe.com.ph/products/broadband/wifi-tv-pack. You can also call the Globe hotline at (02) 730-1010 or visit any Globe Store.

 

The Grandest Iloilo Supermart

Globe myBusiness Academy now online to reach more entrepreneurs nationwide

May 9, 2017 - Globe myBusiness, the micro, small and medium enterprise arm of Globe Telecom launches today its online learning site designed to provide entrepreneurs with easy access to lessons and insights from industry experts anytime and anywhere they may be.

Called Globe myBusiness Academy Online, the website was created to reach more entrepreneurs nationwide.  This new alternative provides articles, live-streamed or pre-recorded workshops and webisodes from leaders in Food, Tourism, Education, Finance, Retail and Manufacturing sectors, among others, thereby, giving anyone interested some guidance on how they can succeed in the business that they are passionate about.

“Whatever industry you belong to, and whatever stage of your business journey you’re currently in, there’s a lot for you to learn and benefit from in Globe myBusiness Academy. Even if you’re not a business owner yet and are only considering starting a business, the Academy can also be a source of inspiration for business concepts and motivation to get you started,” said Derrick Heng, Senior Advisor for Globe myBusiness.

Last year, a total of 53 Globe myBusiness Academy sessions were run in Metro Manila and in other key cities.  Globe myBusiness Academy is a program specially created for new and existing business owners to learn important tips, get key business advice from more experienced colleagues and experts in various industries for free.

With the added online platform, existing and potential business owners can now learn from Globe myBusiness’ partners and distinguished clients on the fundamental basics and advanced tips to get them where they want to be in their business journey.

Globe myBusiness Academy online is part of the team’s mission to inspire and empower MSMEs all over the Philippines.  Apart from offering business solutions that ease the daily operations and overall strategy of entrepreneurs and executives, Globe myBusiness Academy is the go-to source of expertise and inspiration for startup owners as well as experienced business people.

“This all relates back to the purpose of Globe, where we see a Philippines where families’ dreams come true, businesses flourish and a nation admired. We try to uplift these entrepreneurs by creating a community of learning through first-hand experience and valuable insights of industry experts and reputable partners, said Heng.

From connectivity options to software and hardware upgrades, Globe myBusiness’ solutions are specifically developed to aid entrepreneurs in every stage of their business journey.  Beyond providing the tools business owners can use to succeed, it has also established itself as a resource provider and leader in various business industries, enlightening entrepreneurs on the trends, practices, tips and strategies that can help them run their businesses.

Get you where you want to be in your business journey and help steer your business to success. To learn from Globe myBusiness Academy, please sign-up for free at https://mybusinessacademy.ph

Globe volunteers lend a hand to Julyan’s Farm to help people with special needs

Julyan's Farm in the sprawling ranch estate of Zambawood  in Zambales started with a dream to cr

eate a place for Julyan, the second child of the owners, who was diagnosed with autism. Away from the fast-paced city life, Julyan found a sense of security and routine at his farm where he plants flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables and tends to fowl and livestock. The farm now not only serves as a haven for Julyan but also for the community and other people with special needs.

Touched by the story of Julyan and his farm, 23 Globe employees carried the company's advocacy to bring a Globe of Good by giving the farm a helping hand. The employees happily planted sunflower seeds, not minding the scorching heat of the summer sun. Sunflowers are not only beautiful ornamental plants but its oil and seeds are extensively used in the food industry as highly-nutritious energy food.

"As part of its employee engagement, Globe encourages its employees to do volunteer work so they can collectively share their time and effort to do a Globe of Good," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications. 

"Julyan's Farm was an ideal place to do our annual volunteer time off (VTO) as not only did it provide the opportunity to volunteer but also a place to relax and reinvigorate ourselves amid the busy grind of everyday work life," she added.

Zambawood is open to everyone who wants to visit a place of tranquility. It boasts of a breathtaking view of the Zambales mountain ranges, the scent of pine trees and the calming sound of the sea. The farm meanwhile is only a short walk from the lovely Beach House where visitors can rest and spend the night in comfort. One can also enjoy the simple pleasures of the countryside as well as the fresh and healthy food cooked by the in-house chefs, with ingredients coming from Julyan's farm. 

"As much as we value our customers and clients, we also value the well-being of our employees. The Globe VTO is a chance for everyone to care for others especially those who are less privileged than our employees," said Crisanto.

Globe nurtures its employees desire to help by giving them the opportunity to volunteer for a day. This includes activity-based and skill-based volunteering to support work with a partner group or community, organizing people who want to join various advocacies and provide pro bono services, capacity building, or skills transfer. 

In 2017, volunteerism in Globe reached an all-time high of 52.8 percent of total employee base, with 3,803 employees volunteering for various social development causes. 

The employee volunteerism activity at Julyan's Farm is in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 which aims to conserve and restore the use of terrestrial ecosystems given that agriculture is an important economic resource and means of development. 

Summer gets hotter with the Fashion Nomads

This summer, SM City Iloilo is bound to make things even hotter.

Outfits from the top local and international fashion brands, will be showcased on the runway on May 4, 2018, 6pm at the Event Center.

Fashion Nomads is a fashion show featuring summer’s trendiest collections and styles perfect for the great outdoors. Directed by Mr. Kevin Piamonte with the styling of Ms. Katrina Loring, the show will feature collections from

Collezione, Mags, Maldita, Mossimo, Mossimo Kids, Great Kids, People are People, Folded and Hung, Levi’s, Uniqlo, Forever 21and the SM Store.

Iloilo’s young and hip well-loved personalities Maxwell Jesse Figueroa, Erin Louise Santos, Breanna Ysabelle Parreno, Gaby Ybanez, Janina Fernandez, Ceyan Garanchon, Marian Ausan, Demi Jainga, Jerah Gallinero, Bianca Bierneza, Denise Belmonte, Margaux Blas, Jaya Pearl Cartujano, Alexie Brooks, Tin Daria, Shayne Macquiran, Nicole Gorriceta, Gian Franco Go, Matthew Du, Andrew Roth, Paolo Locsin, Jacob de Leon, David James Corro, Jr Agustin and Renz Melliza is set to to wear these trendy collections suitable for the summer season.

This event is also supported by David’s Salon, Bangs Tony and Jackey, Stretch Center, Salon de Rose, Fujifilm, Picture City and Mrs. Wharton