G Music Fest 2023 gathers 11,000 subscribers and fulfills a teenager’s dream

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G Music Fest was a blast yet again, as it showcased the remarkable talents of local homegrown artists—both established and up-and-coming—for a night of fun and music.

In its fourth year, G Music Fest left a remarkable impact as a Music and Creator Festival, as underscored by an impressive turnout of over 11,000 attendees, culminating in a night of performances from OPM talents on September 16, 2023, at the Circuit Grounds in Makati.

Attendees from all generations had their fill of original Pinoy music from seasoned and rising artists, such as Urbandub, The Itchyworms, Mayonnaise, Syd Hartha, December Avenue, Lola Amour, Dilaw, PLAYERTWO, Paul Pablo, Sugarcane, Ace Banzuelo, Joem, Nobita, Munimuni, I Belong To The Zoo, BINI, and Drag Race PH Season 2 Queens.

Moreover, since the festival also celebrated creativity and creation, the event featured the Creator Hub, which encouraged self-expression, learning, and creativity through various art and community-building activities, such as live murals and painting with Drip Splash and Paint It Fun.

Another major highlight of the night was showcasing the musical talent of Fritzy, a 12-year-old girl who is a local sensation in Quezon for her drumming skills. She also garners attention on TikTok.

Much to her delight, Fritzy, a loyal Globe customer, traveled from the province to join the #GMusicFest.  Backstage, she high-fived her musical idols and, to her sheer delight, joined December Avenue on stage to perform alongside them, showcasing her incredible drumming skills.

Overwhelmed by the experience, Fritzy exclaimed, "Being on stage with December Avenue was a dream come true! I've always looked up to them, and tonight, it felt like magic. Thank you, Globe! I can't believe I got to share the stage with my musical heroes. This is one of the best nights of my life!"

December Avenue's lead vocalist, Zel Bautista, shared his thoughts on the wonderful experience, saying, "Music has the incredible power to connect us all. Me and December Avenue had the privilege to share the stage with a young fan, Fritzy, letting her play the drums during our performance at Globe G MUSIC Fest. To see the joy, excitement and her passion, It reminded me of why I do what I do. Every artist starts as a fan, with a dream. I am deeply humbled to have played a small part in her musical journey.   When talking about passion, always remember why you started in the first place. Be patient."

As if the music and talent weren’t enough, attendees were also treated to a variety of food choices through handpicked food concessionaires, including Better than Ice Cream (BTIC), Kurimu, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Sizzlin’ Steak, Shakey’s, Potato Corner, and Army Navy. For those seeking refreshments, Jamba Juice, PICKUP COFFEE, R&B Milk Tea, Pocofino, and San Miguel Brewery served up beverages.

This event was made possible by Coca-Cola, Ayala Malls Zing, Klean Kanteen, KonsultaMD, Parlon, Klook, PetPal, HBO GO, Barangay Nestle, and KitKat. Special thanks go to Philippine Airlines, the official airline partner; BENCH, the official fashion partner; 0917Lifestyle, the official merchandise partner; and MYX, the official media partner.

0917 X Red Velvet Collection: The Ultimate K-pop Merch Drop Reveluvs Have Been Waiting For

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Calling all Reveluvs out there! Following its successful collaboration with SM Entertainment on EXO, NCT, and SMTOWN, 0917 Lifestyle is back at it again. Get ready as the 0917 x Red Velvet collection makes its grand debut this August!

With the unwavering commitment of Globe’s urban lifestyle brand to connecting people to their passions, this latest partnership with SM Entertainment, the powerhouse behind many of the K-pop industry’s biggest groups, is set to be the talk of the local Hallyu community.

Featuring designs inspired by Red Velvet's sizzling comeback album, "The ReVe Festival 2022- Birthday," fans can expect to be slayed with merchandise that screams K-pop chic. Whether you’re into colorful t-shirts and matching sling bags or cassette tapes, and bucket hats, this collection has got you covered.

"Every comeback is an event so we are beyond excited to bring the 0917 x Red Velvet collection to our K-pop-loving community. This collaboration embodies our brand's mission to continuously tap into subcultures and bring them closer to what they love. We can't wait for Reveluvs and K-pop enthusiasts to unbox and flaunt their new merch,” shared Gladys Rojas, 0917 Lifestyle Head.

Eager to snag these limited-edition pieces? Set your alarms! Be ready for the grand drop on August 31 across all channels. Whether you're shopping on 0917Lifestyle.com, the Globe shop on Lazada and Shopee, or hitting up the 0917 Bonifacio High Street Pop-Up Booth, make sure you're first in line!

A special shoutout to K-pop collectors: every item in this collection is SM Entertainment-approved, guaranteeing you authentic and top-tier merch.

This partnership also brings some fresh beats to the 0917 lineup, being its first major drop since the visual re-branding in July. It is also the second time the team is mixing it up with gadget accessories in the SME merchandise lineup, following the hit collaboration with EXO.

So, K-pop fam, whether you're a seasoned stan, a newbie to the fandom, or somewhere in between, the 0917 x Red Velvet collection is your ticket to being the ultimate K-pop aficionado.

For more deets and to keep up with all things K-pop and 0917, swing by https://0917lifestyle.com/.

KodeGo bridges STEM gender-employment gap, opens new opportunities for women in tech

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KodeGo, the innovative online tech boot camp by Globe's 917Ventures, is charting a new course for women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by providing opportunities that aim to address gender disparity in local employment.

The Philippines currently exhibits a 22% gender-based disparity in the STEM workforce, the largest in Southeast Asia, according to a study by professional networking platform LinkedIn. Although women make up 58.8% of employees in non-STEM fields, this figure dramatically falls to a mere 36.3% within the STEM sectors.

KodeGo's mission to democratize education for all is proving to be instrumental in this context, equalizing opportunities for women in these rapidly evolving and highly sought-after disciplines.

The online boot camp has a curriculum patterned after in-demand tech skills and soft skills sought by companies. Short-term tech-related courses include Full-Stack Web Development, UX Design, and WordPress Development.

KodeGo has seen an increasing number of women enrolling in its programs, with the number rising as

KodeGo increased the number of boot camps it offers. Currently, women make up 26% of KodeGo’s student population, with a total of 572 as of June 2023– a testament to increased female interest in traditionally male-dominated fields because of KodeGo’s dedication to offering accessible, gender-neutral education.

"KodeGo is deeply committed to addressing the glaring STEM gender-employment gaps in the country," said Cristina Gervasio, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at KodeGo. "By providing quality training, we aim to empower Filipinos, no matter what their gender may be so that they could be more competitive in the IT industry. We envision a future where the tech world sees equal representation of genders, fostering innovation, diversity, and resilience."

Recognizing that the most significant drop in female representation in the STEM workforce occurs between graduation and employment, KodeGo is intensifying efforts to provide a seamless transition for its graduates. By partnering with top-tier companies, KodeGo ensures graduates receive first-rate education and gain hands-on experience in real-world projects, further cementing their place in the STEM workforce.

As an initiative under 917Ventures, KodeGo signifies the Globe Group's ongoing commitment to improving the caliber of Filipino software engineers and promoting gender equality in the tech sector.

For more information about KodeGo and 917Ventures and how they are empowering women in the STEM fields, please visit www.kodego.ph and www.917ventures.com.

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About KodeGo

KodeGo is a study now, pay later tech school offering boot camps on different IT courses to equip beginners, upskillers, and career shifters with critical and highly in-demand skills while offering company-matching support to jumpstart and progress their IT career. KodeGo is a portfolio company under Globe’s corporate venture builder, 917Ventures.

If you still missed the SIM registration deadline, you have a final grace period to comply with the law

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Globe, TM, and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi users who missed the July 25 deadline for SIM registration will already feel the impact of non-compliance, with their outgoing services and incoming calls deactivated.

But, as stipulated in the implementing rules and regulations of the SIM Registration Act, they still have five days- from July 26 to 30– to catch up and save their SIM from permanent deactivation. Their incoming SMS is still left active so they could receive a One-Time Pin for SIM registration.

"Globe recognizes the essential role of uninterrupted mobile and broadband services in our customers' daily lives. So, as provided for in the law, SIM users get this last chance to register their SIMs after missing the initial and extended registration deadlines. Our team is committed to assisting our customers who need help. We strongly urge everyone to seize this opportunity to avoid any inconvenience," said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

To reactivate your SIMs and restore full mobile services, customers have to connect to a WiFi network and complete their SIM registration via Globe's dedicated platform at https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg or through the GlobeOne app. Globe Stores and EasyHubs are also open to assist walk-in customers who need assistance. Reactivation of full mobile services will happen within 24 hours following.

Failure to reactivate during this five-day grace period will lead to permanent SIM deactivation. As a consequence, all services, including incoming and outgoing text messages, calls, and mobile data connectivity will no longer be available. This may also impact access to active mobile applications, including banking, transport and other apps crucial for daily needs.

Starting July 31, 2023, all remaining load balances and promo registrations on unregistered SIMs will also be forfeited. Those with deactivated SIMs who need mobile services will have to purchase new SIMs, which will then also have to be registered to activate.

The SIM registration grace period is the final opportunity for customers to register their SIMs and secure their mobile services. Globe, TM, and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi customers are encouraged to act swiftly to avoid the consequences of permanent deactivation.

Customers are reminded that SIM registration is an integral part of the broader initiative to strengthen customer security and prevent fraud. Completing this step is necessary not only to retain their mobile services but to ensure their digital safety.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Globe At Home GFiber Prepaid advances digital access and literacy

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Recognizing the crucial role that internet access and digital literacy play in socio-economic development, Globe is committed to bridging the digital divide in the Philippines through its latest innovative solution, Globe At Home GFiber Prepaid.

GFiber Prepaid is designed to bring fast and reliable internet service to every Filipino household through its affordable fiber connectivity.

While digital connectivity has become a ubiquitous part of modern living, not all communities have equal access to its benefits. According to a joint study by Thinking Machines and the Asian Development Bank, the average internet speed disparity between the wealthiest and poorest cities in the country was a significant 21.03 Mbps as of 2020.

Customers may also find it costly to connect to fiber, plus having to deal with the usual lock-in periods for postpaid plans, potential bill shock, and the need for documentary requirements.

Moreover, slow internet connection often leads to higher costs and more time spent online, making online access unaffordable and impractical for many Filipino families. This lack of reliable high-speed internet has curtailed opportunities for remote work, distance learning, and e-commerce.

Globe aims to dismantle these barriers by offering a fast and reliable solution that is not only affordable but also fast and reliable with flexible payment terms. With GFiber Prepaid, households can experience fiber-speed internet through an array of flexible plan options and without lock-in periods. Through this service, customers can load up based on their browsing needs and what they can afford.

GFiber Prepaid is set to widen the market for fiber in the country and empower Filipino families with a more robust internet connection. For a one-time introductory fee of P1,499, customers will get seven days of unlimited internet, inclusive of installation. On-demand UNLIMITED promos such as GFiberSURF299 for seven days, GFiberSURF549 for 15 days, and GFiberSURF999 for 30 days are also available.

The new offering also comes in a fully digital experience through the GlobeOne app, where customers may access information on the latest promos, bills payments, customer support and account management, among others.

Further extending the reach of its service, Globe has partnered with GCash to offer a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) option via GCredit and GGives, ensuring that fast internet connection is within reach for even more Filipino families.

“GFiber Prepaid is more than just a product, it's our commitment to empowering every Filipino to thrive in this digital era. It aims to bridge the digital divide and democratize internet access,” said Raymond Policarpio, Vice President of Globe at Home Broadband Business. “We are also bent on equipping our kababayans with the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate and maximize the digital space safely and effectively.”

GFiber Prepaid is a critical enabler in Globe's commitment to advancing digital literacy across the Philippines. Through GFiber Prepaid, Globe aims to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills to use digital platforms efficiently and responsibly. This includes building digital skills, promoting online safety, and fostering digital entrepreneurship.

The company is dedicated not only to contributing to individual growth but also sparking a digital revolution that can accelerate nationwide progress. GFiber Prepaid is a significant step towards creating a more digitally inclusive Philippines where no one is left behind.

To learn more about Globe At Home GFiber Prepaid, download the GlobeOne app now via glbe.co/GLBOne.

Art meets philanthropy: Globe partners with ATIN Global and SEE Global to battle hunger through Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Exhibit

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Globe has joined ATIN Global and SEE Global Entertainment in introducing "Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition" to the Philippines and Southeast Asia, using the transformative power of art to battle hunger.

(L-R) Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer; Sabrina Co, Founder and creative director of ATIN Global Inc; Martin Biallas, CEO, SEE Global; Marlon Chen, Manila Symphony Orchestra Conductor; and Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta, Assistant Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross

This initiative brings together the beauty of Michelangelo's masterpieces with a noble cause – feeding the hungry and providing livelihood programs to uplift lives. It comes at a time when an estimated 13.5 million Filipinos* continue to grapple with daily sustenance amid persisting challenges such as unemployment and the high cost of basic goods.

To support the cause, a portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will go to the Hapag Movement, a program spearheaded by Globe that leverages technology and brings together an ecosystem of partners to address hunger and unemployment through supplemental feeding and livelihood programs.

Together with Hapag Movement mobilization partners Ayala Foundation, Caritas Philippines, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, World Vision Philippines, and Scholars of Sustenance, Globe aims to address involuntary hunger among 100,000 families in four years to create social impact at scale.

“At the Globe Group, we believe that great art, especially this one, should be shared with everyone, particularly with our kababayans. We understand that not all of us can afford to visit Rome so this is one of the best ways of doing it,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at the Globe Group.

“We are grateful to have Globe as a partner for this landmark cultural event in the Philippines. Through this partnership, not only are we bringing historic art to Filipinos, we are also able to spread awareness about involuntary hunger and encourage our patrons to help,” said Sabrina Co, Founder and Creative Director of ATIN Global Inc.

Citing the depictions of hell and purgatory in Michelangelo’s paintings, Crisanto pointed out how they are similar to the torment that millions of Filipinos are going through due to hunger.

“When you see hell, when you see purgatory in the Michelangelo paintings, maybe you can imagine what kind of hell people who are going hungry in this country are actually experiencing. And that is why we partnered with ATIN Global and SEE Global because we want to be able to put in the hearts of the people the appreciation of great art, but also to use this exhibition as a way of helping our fellow kababayans,” she said.

The internationally acclaimed exhibition, which has toured over 100 cities around the world, from New York to Shanghai and London to Melbourne, features reprints of 34 of Michelangelo's most renowned frescoes, including esteemed works like "The Last Judgment" and "The Creation of Adam."

Visitors of the exhibition will be transported to the Sistine Chapel through an ingenious multi-sensory experience, with the frescoes complemented by ambient Renaissance music especially curated by Manila Symphony Orchestra conductor Marlon Chan, and subtle scents reminiscent of the era curated by Sabrina Co, Founder of ATIN Inc.

Guests are allowed to photograph these magnificent works of art and enjoy numerous selfie opportunities throughout the exhibit. An Art Room is also open for parents and children to bond over coloring images that will adorn the Art Wall. For food enthusiasts, Caffe Michelangelo is there to offer a unique dining experience with Italian desserts and coffees.

The exhibition will run from July 1 to September 30, 2023 at the Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue, with rates at PHP 500 for students, Senior Citizens, and Persons with Disability, P650 for regular visitors on weekdays and P750 on weekends, and PHP 950 for VIP Priority Access.

For tickets and more information about the exhibit, visit www.sistinechapelphilippines.com. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on Instagram and Tiktok @sistinechapelphilippines, and Facebook @chapelsistine.

Know more about ATIN Global via www.thisisatin.com. To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

*SWS, March 2023

Get your HONOR Magic5 Pro via GPlan 2499 with 25GB Data, Unli All-net Call & Text, and Freebies!

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HONOR Philippines has just announced the availability of its newest flagship HONOR Magic5 Pro via Globe Postpaid Plans. You can now avail it through GPlan 2499 with one-time cash-out of Php 17,400 to enjoy 25GB Data, Unli All-Net Call & Text and Landline calls!

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Run, don’t walk! 

HONOR Magic5 Pro is now available through Globe Postpaid Plans 

with one-time Cash-out via GPlan 2499.

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“We are very excited to make our powerful flagship HONOR Magic5 Pro more accessible to our HONOR fans nationwide. The availability of HONOR Magic5 Pro in both offline and online Globe stores will give more options to Filipinos to get a hand of our industry-leading offer,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF MAGIC

HONOR Magic5 Pro boasts a Triple Main Camera combination alongside the AI-powered upgraded HONOR Image Engine, the HONOR Magic5 Pro has achieved the #1 position in the DXOMARK Smartphone Camera ranking for the first quarter of 2023.

Delivering an exceptional photography experience, the HONOR Magic5 Pro debuts an all-new Millisecond Falcon Capture feature, enabling users to capture complex scenes with remarkable ease and clarity. The camera also boasts a breakthrough AI Motion Sensing Capture, enabling users to shoot their best moments, every time.

The HONOR Magic5 Pro is equipped with IMAX Enhanced Movie Master to produce cinematic-style videos, bringing also an exceptional videography experience to smartphone users. On top of that, HONOR Magic5 Pro also guarantees an immersive viewing experience whether you are browsing, gaming, or reading with its 6.81-inch1 LTPO Quad-Curved Floating Display with a Novel Display Luminance Enhancement Technology.

HONOR MAGIC5 PRO IS NOW AVAILABLE VIA GLOBE POSTPAID PLANS

Available at select Globe stores nationwide and online (https://bit.ly/GlobeMagic5Pro), you can now take home HONOR Magic5 Pro in stunning Emerald Green or Midnight Black with one-time cash-out of Php 17,400 via GPlan 2499 that comes with Unli All-Net Calls & Text, Landline Calls, and 25GB Data. But wait, there’s more! When you renew or apply NOW, you will get a FREE HONOR Band 6 smartwatch and HONOR X3 Lite Earbuds both worth Php 6,000!

You can also get other HONOR smartphones via Globe Postpaid Plans; HONOR X6 with one-time cash-out of Php2,000 via GPlan 799, HONOR 70 5G with Zero Cash-out via GPlan 1999, and the viral HONOR X9a 5G with zero Cash-out starting with GPlan 1799!

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

HONOR X9a 5G to be available via Globe Postpaid Plans with Zero Cash-out, 13 GB Data!

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Leading global smart devices provider, HONOR, has officially announced the availability of its viral smartphone HONOR X9a 5G via Globe Postpaid Plans. Starting May 26, you can now avail HONOR X9a 5G with Zero Cash-out when you renew or apply for GPlan 1799 and above.

Available at select Globe stores and online, you can get HONOR X9a 5G in Emerald Green and Titanium Silver with Zero Cash-out when you renew or apply for GPlan 1799 that comes with Unli All-Net Calls & Text, Landline Calls, and 13GB Data.

“Even months after its release, the demand for HONOR X9a 5G hasn’t decreased, so we are proud to bring another option for HONOR fans to avail our hot-selling smartphone – Zero Cash-out when you avail GPlan 1799,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

EXPERIENCE THE ULTRA-TOUGH

Sporting a 120Hz Premium OLED Curved Display, the HONOR X9a 5G brings users a large screen of 6.67-inch with an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 93%, guaranteeing an immersive viewing experience for all your favorite content.

Its ultra-large 5100mAh battery in a compact body allows up to 2 days of daily use for a truly uninterrupted user experience. With just 30 minutes of charging, the HONOR X9a 5G delivers 12.5 hours of video streaming, sparing users from having to worry about their battery.

Arranged along the Matrix Star Ring, the powerful Triple Camera system – comprising a 64MP Ultra-clear Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Angle Camera and a 2MP Macro Camera – allows users to capture their daily lives in photos and videos that can be shared with friends and family at the touch of a button.

Other HONOR Smartphones available with Globe

Other available HONOR smartphones via Globe Postpaid Plans are HONOR X6 (https://new.globe.com.ph/mobile-phones/honor-x6) with one-time cash-out of Php2,000 via GPlan 799 and HONOR 70 5G (https://bit.ly/3MDh25E) with Zero Cash-out via GPlan 1999.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Globe Group’s 917Ventures, Ayala Corp and Gogoro introduce new era of sustainable transport in PH

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Companies launch Gogoro Smartscooters® and Battery-Swapping Pilot in Metro Manila, announce public availability by Q4 2023

Globe Capital Venture Holdings Director Bernie Llamzon, Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Gogoro Founder and CEO Horace Luke, Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu, and 917 Ventures Managing Director Vince Yamat at the launch of the Gogoro Smartscooters^®  and Battery-Swapping GoStation ecosystem in the Philippines. 

Globe Group’s 917Ventures, Ayala Corporation, and Gogoro Inc. on Monday made history as they launched Gogoro Smartscooters® and battery-swapping in the Philippines. The companies are introducing a new era in sustainable transportation that brings together smart, convenient and accessible electric two-wheelers to customers.

The announcement was made at a ceremony at the Globe headquarters in Bonifacio Global City where the three companies also announced the commercial public release of Gogoro Smartscooters® and battery-swapping stations in Metro Manila in Q4 2023.

“We in the Globe Group are very proud to bring Gogoro Smartscooters® and battery-swapping to the Philippines, a transport ecosystem that marries mobility innovation and sustainability. This year, Filipinos will have access to these electric two wheelers and Gogoro’s convenient and cost-efficient battery-swapping technology, another first in the Philippines,” said Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu at the launch.

Gogoro’s launch is the Globe Group’s debut in the climate tech space, as it continues to deliver innovations that address Filipinos’ daily pain points. As a better transportation alternative, Gogoro aims to address commuter woes on expensive gas prices while helping curb carbon emissions, in line with the partners’ shared commitment to sustainability, and the Philippine government's sustainable development agenda.

It also marks the Philippine entry of Gogoro, a brand that has transformed two-wheel mobility in Taiwan and fostered a new smart mobility industry with a network of eco-friendly businesses and end-users. In addition to Taiwan and the Philippines, Gogoro is also operating in China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Korea and Israel. 

Horace Luke, Founder and CEO of Gogoro, said the company is excited to bring the Gogoro ecosystem to the Philippines and is committed to replicating its success in Taiwan, where Gogoro has 540,000 riders and has deployed more than one million smart batteries at 12,000 battery-swapping stations. Gogoro riders have swapped more than 450 million total swaps, 400,000 per day, and Gogoro has saved more than 627,000 tons of CO2 since it launched.

“Our partnership with the Globe Group and Ayala Corporation in the Philippines is a major milestone in our mission to transform urban transportation and provide an accessible path for riders to adopt sustainable urban mobility and play a key role in battling climate change and making the world better for all. We look forward to working together to deliver a sustainable transport system that will improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a superior riding experience for consumers in the Philippines,” Luke said. 

At the event, the partners unveiled the first Gogoro battery-swapping station at The Globe Tower – the start of a network of Gogoro battery-swapping stations planned to be established initially in Metro Manila and eventually across the country. 

They also announced the Gogoro pilot in Globe, where 70 employees will be the first to try out the Gogoro Smartscooters® and battery-swapping. They will test the system for two months starting in May and share insights on their experience to ensure an even better customer experience once the e-bikes become available to the public later this year. 

"The Gogoro ecosystem is very convenient as its swap-and-go technology allows riders to swap out depleted batteries for charged ones in just seconds and go on their way. With the current traffic situation in the metro, these Smartscooters® will serve as an eco-friendly alternative to ease congestion while at the same time reducing carbon emissions,”  said Bernie Llamzon, Globe Capital Venture Holdings Inc. Director. 

917Ventures Managing Director Vince Yamat, meanwhile, thanked the government’s support for the shift to EVs as he cited the importance of enabling policy for electric vehicles to succeed in the country. 

It’s as easy as swap and go with the Gogoro battery-swapping station.

“The shift to EVs, particularly deploying Gogoro’s battery-swapping system, will go a long way with sustained government support that will allow private sector initiatives to prosper. Sustainable transportation projects are, after all, aligned with the government’s long-term agenda to promote environment-friendly transport options and foster digitalization as mobility needs of Filipino individuals and businesses rise,” Yamat said.  

The Globe Group, 917Ventures and Ayala Corporation consistently lead the way in utilizing technology to enhance the lives of Filipinos and safeguard the environment through their innovative change-making initiatives.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

917Ventures’ launches new revolutionary real estate marketplace Housify Fast-growing platform offers vetted listings, white glove service

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Globe’s wholly-owned corporate venture builder 917Ventures has launched Housify, a revolutionary real estate marketplace that instantly matches property buyers with trusted listings through verified sellers, a seamless inquiry process, and an easy-to-use website.

"We aim to make the property buying experience hassle-free for Filipinos and provide an avenue where buyers can conveniently search for properties that match their preferences and budget. We offer both brokers and buyers a high level of service, and those looking to invest in property will have peace of mind as we are the only Philippine marketplace with a roster of vetted sellers,” said Ina Gervacio, Housify Entrepreneur in Residence, who shared her thoughts about the platform's mission.

Housify caters to various segments of property buyers, including working millennials looking for condos in central business districts, families searching for their dream homes, and investors exploring vacant lots in nearby provinces. 

What sets the company apart from other real estate marketplaces is its no-duplicate policy, which ensures that listings are served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Within a short span of two months, Housify has successfully partnered with 95 brokerage firms and sellers, adding more than 2,000 verified listings to its database. Ayala Land, Alveo Land, Property Plus, Sui Realty, Presello, and Ledesma Properties are some renowned brokerage firms that have already joined forces with Housify.

Housify is committed to expanding its reach and is actively seeking to partner with more brokerage firms in the coming months to further scale its operations.

To find the perfect property on Housify, users may browse the platform's listings on www.housify.ph/properties and use the filter function to streamline preferences. Once the property is selected, users can fill out their basic information such as name, email address and contact number, and wait for the in-house specialist to contact them within 24-48 hours.

Housify also provides a cost-effective solution for brokers and property sellers as they can list their properties for free without any upfront cost. They will only be charged once they avail of marketing services and generate a minimum of three leads per month.

Housify is currently offering free property listing postings until April 30, 2023.  Those who want to take advantage of the platform's services may fill out their details at https://bit.ly/HousifySellerPromo.

For inquiries about partnerships with the platform, interested parties may email partnerships@housify.ph.

For more information on Housify and its services, visit www.housify.ph/properties,  send a message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HousifyPhilippines,  or email  info@housify.ph.

GCash rolls out ‘DoubleSafe’ to arrest account takeovers

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Intensifies information campaign vs scams through GSafeTayo

GCash, the Philippines’ number one financial app, rolls out ‘DoubleSafe’, a game-changing security feature to safeguard its users from account takeovers.

DoubleSafe strengthens the security of GCash’s 76 million users as it prevents unauthorized account access. Before DoubleSafe, GCash already required two levels of authentication or 2-Factor Authentication. The first level of security is the OTP (One-time PIN), a unique number combination sent only to the user’s mobile number. The second level of authentication is the MPIN (Mobile PIN) which is a 4-digit passcode that only the customer or GCash owner should know.

To reinforce the security of customers’ accounts, starting March 2023, GCash will now require all users to activate DoubleSafe in order to add an additional layer of security to their account. This feature will be activated for every first login to a new mobile phone to ensure the continued protection of its users. The feature uses facial recognition, which means that even if a user inadvertently shares their MPIN and OTP to fraudsters, their account cannot be accessed from another device without scanning the owner's face – ultimately preventing account takeovers.

Beyond this security feature, GCash is also closely working with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in going after fraudsters and scammers. This was formalized by the signing of a memorandum of agreement with PNP-ACG in 2022.

“GCash is one with the PNP-ACG in making sure that these cybercriminals are put behind bars while reminding the public on how to safeguard their accounts,” GCash Head of Fraud Management Miguel Geronilla said. “Together with the authorities, other relevant government agencies and our users, we can ensure that GSafeTayo.”

Along with the launch of Doublesafe, GCash is intensifying its GSafeTayo campaign through a series of awareness and education materials that will help customers identify and avoid fake sellers, suspicious links, as well as other common forms of scams.

Through the campaign, customers are equipped to join the fight, together with GCash, for true account security.

The campaign focuses on providing prevention tips to help the public avoid being scammed:

Don’t open unfamiliar links. Scammers often send messages with links, luring recipients with enticing “prizes” or a chance at a high-paying position. To counter this, GCash has stopped sending links via SMS, emails, and other messaging apps.

Never share personal information. It’s common practice for scammers to call individuals and pose as GCash representatives to gather personal user information. GCash will never ask its customers for MPINs and OTPs and will only reach out to customers through official channels.

Double check before buying. Fake online sellers and shops offer too-good-to-be-true deals to lure individuals into purchasing their products. GCash recommends double checking online offers, as well as checking reviews to ensure authenticity.

“At GCash, the safety and peace of mind of our customers are very important to us. With DoubleSafe and our intensified GSafeTayo campaign, our users will be protected from scammers and account takeovers,” said Geronilla. “But aside from security measures, we are also ramping up reminders to our 76 million users on how they can safeguard their accounts.”

To report scams and other suspicious activities, users can go to the the GCash Help Center via the GCash app or at https://help.gcash.com/, Chat with Gigi, and choose “I want to report a scam.”

Through GCash’s unrelenting efforts to protect its users’ hard-earned money and the collective cooperation of its customers and partners, we can make sure that with GCash, #GSafeTayo.

Globe Sparks Hope with Heroes of Learning Awards: Submit your Entries and Nominations Now

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When schools closed and the pandemic pushed education to remote learning, we knew that students would pay a heavy price. True enough, a 2021 research showed that 86% of students believed that they learned less under remote learning. 66% of those who attend classes virtually and 74% under hybrid learning were also no better mainly because of one reason: lack of innovative and technology-driven solutions to support these set-ups.

This troubling reality didn’t cause learners to falter, because Globe believes that it brought out the best of us, and we can see these inspiring stories every day.

As part of its commitment to uplift education through technology, Globe launches Heroes of Learning Awards, a search to honor modern-day heroes who shined bright or became a light for others amid obstacles. The awards will spotlight their inspiring journeys and support them further by equipping them with the relevant e-learning tools they need.

Students, educators, and parents are eligible to join, to be judged according to the following criteria: students must exemplify academic excellence, courage, and innovation. Parents must epitomize courage and innovation as well, while educators must demonstrate excellence in teaching, courage, and innovation.

More than just a trophy, chosen Heroes of Learning will be hailed as Globe for Education ambassadors and will take home Php 50,000 in GCash credits, Samsung Galaxy AO3 Blue 64GB loaded with P5,000 worth of Globe Prepaid credits, 12-month subscription to GFiber Unli Plan, Globe MyFi LTE, and on top of that, KodeGo full course scholarship worth Php 80,000, free 8-session tutorials with Edventure, and two e-passes to Ayala Museum.

Nominations and entries will be accepted on or before April 30, 2023. Announcement of winners will be via a private Zoom event on May 18, 2023.

Submit your entries or nominations now. Visit www.glbe.co/heroesoflearning for more details. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-161107 Series of 2023.

Let our inspiring students, teachers, and parents shine bright! Nominate them at 

the Globe Heroes of Learning Awards now.

‘I Want To Be Here’: KonsultaMD, Kiana Valenciano launch song to raise mental health awareness

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Telemedicine service leader KonsultaMD has teamed up with some of the country's hottest artists Kiana Valenciano, DJ Nix Damn P, and Curtismith, to raise mental health awareness through music.

KonsultaMD launched the song "I Want To Be Here,” co-written by Kiana and her friend Nieman in Los Angeles, as a powerful reminder that nobody is alone in facing struggles and that help is always available.

The collaboration is a continuation of KonsultaMD's mental health awareness campaign, which started with the successful Be Kind To Your Mind concert in 2021.

KonsultaMD is determined to make an even bigger impact this year, and found the perfect match with Kiana as they share the same goal: to educate and inform individuals about mental health and connect to people who are struggling with it.

"We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. We are proud to work with such talented and dedicated artists committed to making a difference. Together, we can break the stigma and raise awareness on mental health through the power of music,” said Cholo Tagaysay, CEO of KonsultaMD.

With video and chat options for mental health consultations, KonsultaMD is making it easier than ever to access mental health support. And now, with the release of "I Want To Be Here," the brand hopes to reach even more people with its message of hope and support.

Meanwhile, as an advocate of mental health awareness, Valenciano is more than happy to be working on this project, sharing that it was something she wished was already around when she was growing up.

She expressed hopes that people would be able to relate to the song and feel seen and heard, despite the noise of the world around them.

“We are really, really looking forward to sharing this song with you guys, and I think a lot of you are gonna be able to relate, and I hope you know that it’s okay, whatever you’re going through,” she said.

The Making of "I Want To Be Here" was a unique experience for the team. The biggest challenge was the distance, with Valenciano in the United States while the rest were in the Philippines. But 15 tracks and a couple of brainstorming sessions later, they finally found the perfect beat that hits right in the feels.

"I Want To Be Here" can be streamed on Spotify via this link, https://open.spotify.com/album/3Ey6P6x7ELs7DjIuuhtGsB?si=ToT3gMrYRoeD9DZz_wyiYg, and other music streaming platforms. Watch the official music video on FB via https://fb.watch/ijg20VYmDo/ and on YouTube via this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24CzvN3lw1k.

KonsultaMD encourages everyone to stream the song and share it with their friends and family to help raise awareness for mental health. Anyone struggling with mental health may reach out to KonsultaMD by visiting https://konsulta.md or downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.

Globe has taken up the advocacy of mental health awareness since 2010 when its impact started to be felt among the youth.