Globe’s near-local roaming promo GoRoam expands to more destinations Now covers Japan, Canada, Vietnam, and Australia

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(Philippines) Making travel plans for the upcoming long weekend? Globe’s got some news that will keep you connected on your next trip in a simpler, more convenient way.

Globe has expanded the reach of its country-exclusive offers at never-before-seen rates to popular destinations including Japan, Canada, Vietnam, and Australia.

GoRoam’s expansion builds upon its successful “Roam Like A Local” promos earlier launched in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.

Now, Pinoy travelers can enjoy the convenience of using their Globe SIM in more countries while paying rates that rival local SIMs— a breakthrough in international roaming.

"This is a complete game-changer for Filipino travelers, saving them time, effort, and even money,” said Paula Rivera-Castillo, Globe's Head of International Business.

"We heard the call of our customers to expand GoRoam to their favorite destinations, and we listened. These -ber months, when you travel to Tokyo, Sydney, or Vancouver, you’ll immediately have access to data packages at prices within your reach without changing your Globe SIM. That's the power of GoRoam."

The new GoRoam offers include:

● Japan: 10GB for 30 days at Php 1,600

● Vietnam: 5GB for 10 days at Php 800

● Australia: 10GB for 30 days at Php 1,000

● Canada: 10GB for 30 days at Php 2,000

Globe has also supercharged existing GoRoam packages for the following destinations:

● Taiwan: 3GB for 5 days at Php 600

● Hong Kong: 5GB for 10 days at just Php 800

● UAE: 10GB for 30 days at Php 1,000

● USA: 20GB for 15 days at Php 2,000 or 30GB for 30 days at Php 3,000

GoRoam is also available in the following countries at current offers:

● Thailand: 15GB for 8 days at Php 800

● Indonesia: 25GB for 30 days at Php 600

● Malaysia: 5GB for 10 days at Php 800

● Singapore: 20GB for 30 days at Php 1,500

● South Korea 30GB for 10 days at Php 1,600

Activating GoRoam is a breeze through the GlobeOne app, with the option to subscribe up to a year in advance. Travelers can also easily track their data usage via GlobeOne, ensuring they stay connected.

GoRoam ensures that Globe customers can share their experiences, stay in touch with loved ones, and manage work responsibilities abroad.

With its unbeatable combination of close-to-local rates, generous data allocations, and the convenience of using one's existing number, GoRoam is poised to become the default choice for Filipino globe-trotters.

Looking forward to more trips this year? Good news: You can now conveniently book your data roaming offers up to 1 year ahead! Simply open the GlobeOne app, click Shop, and look for the Book in Advance banner to enter your country of destination, promo of choice and trip date. Even better is that you can cancel your booked promo for free, should trip plans change.

Download the GlobeOne and GCash apps to subscribe to GoRoam today. To learn more about Globe Roaming, visit glbe.co/roam.

“Taste True Australia” as Robinsons bring Woolworths brand to the Philippines!

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Woolworths, the no. 1 food retailer in Australia, partners with Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace and Shopwise to bring to the Philippines the Woolworths brand. The exclusive launch gives Filipino customers the opportunity to “Taste True Australia” introducing over 150 products across various grocery categories.

The Woolworths label will be initially available in 35 stores and will expand to more stores in the next months. Woolworths great selections of Australian honey, crackers, beverage, cereals, pancakes, salad dressings, sauces and pasta will delight the Filipino market. What’s even better is shopping for Woolworths products will be more convenient with just one click with GoRobinsons.ph, the Group’s e-commerce platform. The GoRobinsons mobile app can be downloaded in IOS and Google Play.

“Australia is globally recognized as a reliable supplier of superior quality products so it is with confidence that we bring in world-class products from Woolworths to the Philippines. We want to share with our customers these household favorites from Australia. It has always been our thrust to continue offering new products that will excite our shoppers every time they visit our stores.  Woolworths’ values are also consistent with the Robinsons Supermarket Group’s focus on health and wellness.” said Jody Gadia, Managing Director of Robinsons Retail’s Supermarket Segment.

Andrew Goudie, Woolworths International General Manager said: ‘We are thrilled to partner with the Robinsons Retail’s supermarket group and launch the Woolworths brand throughout the Philippines. Woolworths products reflect changing needs across many popular grocery categories where consumers are looking for not only trusted Australian quality, but healthier options. We are confident the range will be a great addition to Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, and Shopwise stores and we look forward to partnering with Robinsons Retail to deliver Woolworths product innovations into the Philippines.”

Australia and the Woolworths brand are globally renowned for being a trusted supplier of safe, quality Australian products that adhere to strict, world-leading manufacturing standards. Woolworths has also embraced the trend towards healthier eating and is committed to innovation, ensuring products are produced with no artificial flavors and colors, reduced salts, sugar and fats, and more whole grains and fibers - meaning food that’s better for you.

Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO said:  "I am very pleased that products from the Woolworths brand are now available locally.  This partnership between Woolworths and Robinsons Retail Group adds to strengthening the ties between our countries, especially as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. I look forward to Australians and Filipinos enjoying these products as much as Woolworths’s customers do across their stores in Australia.”

Now, for a limited time only you too can ‘Taste True Australia’ with a Woolworths exclusive launch promotion, offering a FREE Woolworths Foldable Shopping Basket with any minimum spend of PHP3000 which includes PHP500 of Woolworths products.

Established in 1924, Woolworths is Australia’s most valuable brand with over 1,000 supermarkets in the continent.

ADD SOME COLOR TO YOUR DIET AND GRAB AN AUSSIE ORANGE! Pack an orange for lunch for a juicy, flavoursome punch

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It is harvest season, farmers are out, and Taste Australia is bringing the highest quality Navel Oranges back from Australia’s south east regions to the Philippines. 

Only sourced from the highest quality crops, Australian oranges are at their prime from now until October and Taste Australia encourages consumers to make the most of the peak season and indulge in this colourful, sweet, juicy and nutritious fruit. 

Welcoming the citrus season to Manila, Hort Innovation’s Taste Australia campaign aims to cement existing trade relations and develop new partnerships between the two countries.

Head of Trade of Hort Innovation Australia, Ms. Dianne Phan, says she is thrilled to witness more and more Filipinos buying Australian fruits for their loved ones. 

“The Philippines is one of Australia’s top ten export markets for Navel oranges, with over 5,000 tonnes exported every year. This is the second year of the Taste Australia campaign running in the Philippines, we are really pleased to share our Navel oranges with Filipino consumers”. 

David Daniels, Market Access Manager at Citrus Australia, says "Australian oranges are lovingly and carefully grown and we are proud to share Australia's best produce with Filipinos. We encourage consumers to taste this vibrant fruit at major supermarket chains across Manila. Oranges aren't just for snacking: their versatility means they can be added to your savory and sweet recipes."

Famously known for their health benefits and soaring Vitamin C content, oranges contain natural flu-fighting properties, which may help in fending off nasty colds. Oranges are high in energy dense properties and are also known to assist in weight control, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and a healthy heart.

Oranges are the perfect addition for children’s lunchboxes or a quick easy snack for on the run, and are packed with antioxidants, fibre, folate and potassium. An incredibly versatile fruit, Australian oranges make for a popular decorative addition to household fruit bowls and will brighten up the table. Oranges can also be utilised in a number of unique recipes such as marmalades, or for entertaining purposes as a colourful addition to cocktails. 

Taste Australia allows consumers to take advantage of these much loved seasonal sensations, with product branded or promoted under its banner guaranteed to be perfectly ripe, fresh and sweet. Try this delectable fruit at in-store and sampling sessions taking place at participating retailers such as Rustan’s, Shopwise, Wellcome, S&R, Robinson’s, SM and other major supermarkets. Consumers can also find participating retailers, view trending recipes, learn helpful tips and tricks, or be involved in the latest conversations by following Taste Australia - Philippines on @TasteAustraliaPhilippines on Facebook and @TasteAustraliaPH on Instagram.

Australian Navel Orange

The first Australian citrus trees were planted in the late 1700s. Today, 2000 growers annually produce 600,000 tonnes of high quality citrus fruit with oranges being the most produced citrus variety. (76%).

The main variety of orange is the Navel which is usually seedless, easy to peel, skin, very sweet juicy flesh, and a small protrusion at one end that resembles a human navel (hence the name of this variety)

Australia’s diverse climate and pristine natural environment provides quality conditions needed to produce high quality oranges. South-east Australia is the major growing region – the Murray Valley of Victoria, the Riverina of New South Wales and the Riverland of South Australia. 

An orange tree grafted onto rootstock may take three years to begin producing fruit, whilst a tree grown from seed can take up to 15 years! Initially, a navel orange tree may produce as little as 9 kilograms of fruit, however when it is mature, this may increase to 180 kilograms per tree.

Australian Navel Oranges are available and in season from June to October each year.

Application and recipes

Australian oranges are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect anytime snack or addition to sweet or savoury dishes. Oranges are a great alternative to a quick fix sugary drink or a chocolate bar as they contain carbohydrates and B vitamins.

Must try recipes can be found at http://www.oranges.com.au/recipes. 

Health benefits

Australian oranges are famous for its high Vitamin C content and natural flu-fighting properties. They are also high in antioxidants, fibre, folate and potassium. Australian oranges have numerous health and nutritional benefits including:

● Nutrient density which is great for weight control

● Good source of folate which is perfect for pregnant women (may help prevent spina bifida) and the rest of the family (helps the immune system and heart)

● Great for blood pressure control with high potassium and low salt

● Rich in antioxidants which helps keep you fit and healthy throughout the year.

Selection and storage at home

1. Make sure to select fruit that has bright orange skin, is firm, and feels heavy for its size (avoid dry, wrinkled or softer looking orangesas they do not ripen further after harvest.).

2. Oranges can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature, and longer when refrigerated. 

● Store oranges unwashed as moisture on the skin can lead to mould. 

● Either peel or wash oranges in cool water before slicing. If cutting, use a clean cutting board to prevent cross-contamination.

● Do not freeze oranges or store them below 3°C.

Singapore Airlines and Visa Unveil Exclusive Offers for Trips to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Europe

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Singapore Airlines, together with Visa, invites travelers to jumpstart their adventure with its special all-inclusive Economy Class round trip fares starting from just USD190.

Singapore

Together with the Singapore Tourism Board, SIA brings an attractive all-inclusive round trip fare to Singapore from just USD190, for a minimum of two passengers travelling together. More of the Lion City is now also reachable through the Singapore Airlines Singapore Explorer Pass. With a top-up of just USD 48 per person, travelers may revel in over 20 different attractions (worth SGD 420), including Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds, Singapore Cable Car, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer and free rides on the SIA Hop on Bus.

Australia

From just USD630, an exciting Australian adventure awaits those who wish to visit Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia alliance provides more choice for domestic and international air travel to and from Australia, with attractive and seamless travel options across Australia. Passengers can smoothly plan their trip to various attractions in The Land Down Under and avail of more travel options and convenient connections. All-inclusive one way add-on rates are also available from USD 60 to USD 80, with trips from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to multiple destinations such as Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Mackay, Port Moresby, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.

New Zealand

Those who wish to discover New Zealand can kick-off their trips with an attractive all-inclusive fare of just USD800. Through Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Air New Zealand, passengers can make their adventure more exciting with the all-inclusive one-way add-on rates from just USD100 to either Queenstown or Wellington. 

Europe

This offer with VISA is also extended to European destinations namely Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rome and Zurich from USD 890. The special deal covers options to hop on from select cities to other favorite destinations such as Brussels, Dublin, Geneva, Hamburg, Madrid, Venice, Vienna via SIA’s airlines partners from just USD 60 to USD 120.

30kg baggage allowance, KrisWorld and KrisFlyer

The Economy Class fares come with 30kg baggage allowance, delectable inflight meals and personal KrisWorld inflight entertainment system on Singapore Airlines flights. Customers will also earn KrisFlyer miles that can be redeemed for future flights. Sign-up for free at krisflyer.com and subscribe to the e-newsletter to be among the first to receive the latest promotions of Singapore Airlines. 

Complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher & Free City Tour

Passengers travelling beyond Singapore can also redeem a complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher which can be used with no minimum purchase, at participating shops, restaurants and lounge at the Singapore Changi Airport. Free city tours await for transit passengers with at least 5-hour transit time.

The promotion is exclusive to Visa credit, debit and prepaid cardholders, valid for sale from 05 October until 31 October 2015 for travel out of Manila until 19 March 2016. For travel out of Cebu, Davao and Kalibo to Singapore and Australia, surcharges may apply. For bookings, visit Singapore Airlines or SilkAir Ticketing & Reservations offices, participating travel agents, or via singaporeair.com using promo code 328936256. 

Singapore Airlines flies from Manila to Singapore four times daily which conveniently connect to onward flights to the rest of the world. For more information, visit singaporeair.com

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plus.google.com/+SingaporeAir

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How to be a Registered Nurse qualified to work and live in Australia Registration now open for Free Manila Seminar

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Australasia, a region of Oceania, comprises Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Australasia is a continent of boundless beauty and opportunity. Many people wishes to take in the highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks, buzzing cities and picturesque lakes all while learning about its fascinating history and heritage along the way.

Are concerns about understanding the correct process preventing you from fulfilling your dream of building a successful nursing career in Australia?

If you are among nursing professionals who would like to create a brighter future in the Land Down Under, you can have your questions answered during free 2-hour seminars in Manila hosted by Aide Australasia (AA), an assistance immigration diversity employment organization that aims to help Filipino and other professionals within the Southeast Asian region achieve their dream to work and live in Australia.

Aide Australasia will assist overseas professionals access the vast opportunities and possibilities available in Australia.

The free seminars, which are scheduled on Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Binhi ng Kalayaan Building at the Rizal Park (Luneta), will accommodate only PRC –registered nurses and address their questions on how their can start their journey. 

Aide Australasia is led by Filipino-Australian Ms. Joie Lacson, a registered nurse with 26 years of experience in the Australian workforce. Her first-hand experience has made her realize that there is not one organization that can help Filipino nurses go through the whole process smoothly. That is when she decided to establish Aide Australasia, the first organization to offer a full-service delivery program and the support of knowledgeable and experienced experts in helping other professionals achieve their Australian dream. 

“My personal experience in migrating to Australia as a nurse has taught me that the concern is not limited to just knowing about the job requirements. It is also about the difficulty of looking for assistance in getting into the right school, understanding the different visas, securing the professional license, acquiring residency, and even looking for a place to live. 

Being away from your loved ones in the Philippines is also a big factor. This is why our mission in Aide Australasia is to provide service as a one-stop-shop service to assist and provide guidance to eligible professionals all these steps, and much more. Our objective is to help our Filipino nurses every step of the way,” said AA Director Joie Lacson. 

With these in mind, Aide Australasia has aligned and secured accreditation with all the relevant government and private organizations in Australia necessary for a smooth process for qualified Filipino nurses. This list includes key schools and universities in every Australian state, including New South Wales University, Flinders University, University of Adelaide and Melbourne University. 

During the seminars, which Aide Australasia is hosting for free, the AA Australian team of experts will give all the necessary information and conduct spot assessments for the participants. 

Each two hour session- one in the morning, one in the afternoon – will accommodate a limited number of participants. To be able to book a seat to the FREE AA Seminar, you may request for a Pre-registration Form through e-mail at aide.australasiaph@gmail.com or call 998-2790. You can also send an SMS request (text message) to 0917-5324780. 

For more information on how Aide Australasia can help fulfill your goal of living and working in the Land Down Under, please visit www.aideaustralasia.com . 

You can also “Like” us on Facebook to receive helpful tips and inspiring success stories who have already started their journey on this opportunity of a lifetime.

DepEd and AusAID boost Philippine education

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) signed the Memorandum of Subsidiary Arrangement (MSA) for the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Program to boost the education agenda at Neptali Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong, Friday.

“DepEd and AusAID have been partners in pushing the educational agenda for 15 years. This new partnership signifies the commitment of both parties to attain quality education for Filipino learners,” Secretary of Education Armin Luistro said adding that AusAID had always helped the education sector by implementing projects across the country—some of which covered Basic Education Assistance in Mindanao (BEAM), Technical Vocational Educational Project, School Building Projects for Basic Education, and other projects in partnership with DepEd.

The BEST Program, a Aus$150M six-year program, aims to assist the Philippines in improving learning quality and access to education in the context of the K to 12 program. The program would aid in teacher development, boost a unified management and information system, enhance education leadership and management, promote gender sensitive education, and advance curriculum, assessment and materials.

“Through BEST, there will be additional 1,000 classrooms, 40 science and computer laboratories, and two Indigenous Peoples’ Learning Centers for our learners,” said Luistro.

In addition to this, scholarships and trainings for teachers would be provided. A technology and research center focusing on Assessment, Curriculum and ICT in education would be established through this program. It would also aid in strengthening DepEd’s capacity for disaster preparedness.

The program would improve teaching and learning and strengthen systems within the Department. BEST would work at the national level and would provide intensive support to six regions initially—National Capital Region, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

Present at the signing of MSA were Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, Commission of Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, and Mayor Benjamin Abalos, Jr.

Sikat II seeks podium finish in world solar race today

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Sikat II Updates :

Glendambo, South Australia – The Philippines’ Sikat II has reached eight of the nine control stops of the 2013 World Solar Challenge, the global solar car race currently being held in the Australian continent. 

The country’s representative to the biennial event travelled a total of 2,171 solar miles, keeping its third place ranking in the Adventure Class. A solar mile is the distance traveled by a vehicle relying solely on the sun’s energy.

Sikat II is expected to reach the finish line in Adelaide on October 11.

Team Manager Dr. Alvin Culaba is hopeful that the Philippines will be among the top finishers. “The race to the finish line is exciting because we are being challenged by the unpredictable weather, but the team is confident that we will cross the finish line with the world’s best. 

Team Sikat Solar Philippines is composed of a core group of mechanical and electrical engineering students and faculty members from De La Salle University. Additional improvements, which took seven months to complete, were applied to Sikat II to make it race-ready for WSC 2013.

First Phil Holdings, First Gen, Energy Development Corporation, Sunpower, Ufreight, Shell, and Motolite helped make the improved Sikat II possible.

The solar car team wishes to further the cause of promoting the use of renewable energy and clean technologies in the field of transportation. 

Started in 1987, the World Solar Challenge has been a strong platform for young engineers and scientists from all over the world for the pursuing the ideals of sustainable transport. Forty-two teams from 24 countries are competing this year.

The Philippines is race-ready Sikat II gets pole position in World Solar Challenge

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Team Sikat Solar Philippines @World Solar Challenge updates: 

Darwin, Australia -- Sikat II, the country’s representative to the 2013 World Solar Challenge (WSC) in Australia, reached another milestone when it placed first in its class during the qualifying round of the world’s biggest solar car competition held at Hidden Valley Raceway on October 5. 

The Philippines clocked 2:30.53, beating closest competitor Team Aurora of Australia which timed 2:32.95. There are five other solar cars participating in the Adventure class. 

This achievement earned Sikat II the pole position in the biennial meet, beginning October 6in this Northern Territory city and will end in Adelaide on October 11. It covers 3,021 kilometers of the Australian Outback. 

This is the best performance of the Philippines in the qualifying round since it joined the WSC in 2007. Sinag placed 12th that year while Sikat ranked 19th in 2011. 

“I’m estatic that we reached the coveted pole position. The whole team has prepared hard for the past few days so I’m very happy,” says Carl Mamawal, Sikat II main driver. 

A core group of 20 mechanical and electrical engineering students and six faculty members from De La Salle University modified and made some improvements to the 2011 Sikat II car. 

First Phil Holdings, First Gen, Energy Development Corporation, Sunpower, Ufreight, Shell, and Motolite helped make the improved Sikat II possible. 

A total of 42 teams from 24 countries are joining in this year’s WSC, competing in three classes. 

For updated news and information on Sikat II and Team Sikat Solar Philippines, go to Facebook: Team Solar Philippines, and Twitter and Instagram: SikatSolarPh.