DITO acknowledges results of second technical audit, Provides updates on current developments

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DITO Telecommunity, the country’s newest telco player, in a briefing with members of the media acknowledged that it has passed the second government technical audit based on national population coverage and minimum average broadband speeds as stated in the report sent by the National Telecommunications Commission.

DITO Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) said that with respect to the calculated National Population Coverage, DITO now covers 52.75% clocked minimum average broadband speeds of 89.13 Mbps and 853.85 Mbps for all 4G and 5G sites, respectively. 

“We have mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. The results truly express the hard work and dedication exerted by everyone in DITO to ensure faster, more affordable, and world class connectivity for Filipinos wherever they may be,” the DITO CAO added. 

Atty. Tamano further clarified that the regulations surrounding the guidelines of the independent audit was included in the CPCN of DITO.

“We should bear in mind that RG Manabat was chosen among a list of qualified auditors based on a vetting process set forth in NTC memorandum circular 09-09-2018. The chosen auditing firm reports directly to the NTC. DITO will only be advised of the results through the final report furnished by the NTC,” Atty. Tamano added. 

In response to the issue of speed tests conducted by third parties in relation to the government audit, DITO Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Retired Major General Rodolfo Santiago said, the government audit test areas were near point, mid-point and far point. This method effectively ties the speed test with population coverage. “

We believe that other third-party tests were conducted beyond our far points which have resulted in slower speed readings among other reasons. Note that the number of 4G and 5G sites covered by the technical audit numbered 3094, and 604 respectively,” General Santiago further explained,  

ROLL-OUT UPDATES

As for where DITO is now in terms of its roll-out efforts, the CTO disclosed in the same briefing that it has already a total of 4,384 towers under mobilization, with 3,094 towers integrated, have laid out 18,074 km – land-based fiber optic cable, and have made its presence felt commercially in more than 233 cities since its launch in March of this year.

In terms of commercial availability, DITO last September 3 opened 18 areas and is opening 48 cities more cities this month. The initial 48 are as follows: 

SEPTEMBER 3, 2021

Bustos, Bulacan

San Ildefonso, Bulacan

San Miguel, Bulacan

Santa Maria, Bulacan

San Nicolas, Pangasinan

Candelaria, Quezon

City of Tayabas, Quezon

Pagbilao City of Tayabas

San Antonio, Quezon

Sariaya, Quezon

City of Butuan (capital), Agusan del Norte

Santa Josefa, Agusan del Sur

Linamon, Lanao del Norte

Gitagum, Misamis Oriental

Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental

Libertad, Misamis Oriental

Initao, Misamis Oriental

Alabel (capital), Sarangani

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Orani, Bataan

San Rafael, Bulacan

Pulilan, Bulacan

Jaen, Nueva Ecija

Quezon, Nueva Ecija

Lubao, Pampanga

Alaminos, Pangasinan

Bolinao, Pangasinan

Urdaneta, Pangasinan

Urbiztondo, Pangasinan

Bani, Pangasinan

Bugallon, Pangasinan

Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Victoria, Tarlac

Dumaguete, Negros Oriental

Valencia, Negros Oriental

September 17, 2021

Norzagaray, Bulacan

Lupao, Nueva Ecija

Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya

Laoac, Pangasinan

Dasol, Pangasinan

Aguilar, Pangasinan

Bautista, Pangasinan

Binalonan, Pangasinan

San Jacinto, Pangasinan

Tayug, Pangasinan

Nagcarlan, Laguna

Lemery, Batangas 

Maragondon, Cavite

Lucban, Quezon

September 24, 2021

Balagtas, Bulacan

Bacolor, Pampanga

Santa Barbara, Pangasinan

Malasiqui, Pangasinan

Sibulan, Negros Oriental

PHASE 2 SUBMARINE CABLE CONNECTING LUZON, VISAYAS, and MINDANAO TO BEGIN SOON

In addition, a surprise announcement was made by General Santiago when he pointed to the phase one completion of the submarine cable link connecting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao which has in fact been in service since March 2021. He further added that the Phase 2 of the project that links Palawan to the rest of the country as well as provides redundancy for the Visayas and Mindanao loop is soon to begin.

“DITO is creating a modern telecommunications infrastructure, a network that does not rely on the existing infrastructure of anyone but by building our very own, not just for the ever-growing subscriber base of more than two point six million, but for the Filipino people,” concluded General Santiago.

Purchase your DITO SIM Cards online and snag these exciting deals this month!

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DITO treats you to exclusive discounts and activities with 9.9 offers on Lazada and Shopee

DITO Telecommunity is adding more and more cities across the country to its growing list of covered areas. To celebrate its over 2 million subscribers and its continued expansion, DITO is offering great deals when you conveniently purchase your SIM card through select online channels.

Add to cart DITO on Lazada and Shopee

Add DITO to the list of your favorite stores on Lazada and Shopee to enjoy exclusive offers available to online shoppers. Get your DITO SIM card for only P40, with free 1GB of data valid for 7 days. Customers who purchase 5 SIM cards will also get P60 off on shipping fee.

DITO’s SIM card and P99 promo can also be purchased as a bundle for just P139. The P99 Promo is inclusive of 10GB high-speed data, with unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls, and 300 minutes of calls to other networks. Customers who purchase 2 or more SIM cards will also get P60 off on shipping fee. You can also get your DITO SIM, inclusive of 25GB high-speed data for 30 days, with unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls, and 300 minutes of calls to other networks for only P199.

Existing subscribers can also load their SIM with DITO’s 99 and 199 Data Promos on Lazada

Sweeter deals on 9.9

On top of these online exclusive promos, DITO also joins this year’s Shopfest activities on Shopee and Lazada. Starting September 8, you can get even more discounts and offers by tuning in.

On September 9, you can get P50 off on DITO’s 25GB promo plus P60 off on shipping fee with every purchase, and score DITO’s 10GB data with SIM for only P125 plus P60 off on shipping fee for every purchase of 2 SIMs. Finally, purchase 5 DITO SIMs at P40 each and get P60 off on shipping fee.

Livestreaming treats for the rest of September

Be sure to tune in on the following dates and times to be one of the lucky viewers to get exclusive vouchers on both Shopee and Lazada! 

For Shopee, September 8 and 9, (Payday Sale) September 15 and 30, (Shopee Live) September 8 (8PM-11PM), September 9 (12PM-8PM).

For Lazada, mark your calendars for the following Lazada Live schedules: (Big Brands 9.9 Sale) September 8 to 11, (Pre-Sweldo Sale) September 14, (Women’s Fest) September 21 and 22, (Men’s Festival) September 25 and 26, (Sweldo Sulit Sale) September 28 to 30.

Visit DITO Telecommunity’s website (www.dito.ph) and @DITOphofficial social media pages for more details.

UNIQLO to Launch High-Performance AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Shorts

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Innerwear with technology to support women through different life stages

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the launch of AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Shorts, feminine care innerwear to support women through bodily changes in different stages of their lives. UNIQLO’s Femcare innerwear line, which includes front-open innerwear and maternity items, has continued to expand and evolve with unique technologies based on customer feedback. AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Shorts will be available at UNIQLO Philippine’s Online Stores uniqlo.com/ph and the UNIQLO App from Monday, September 27.

UNIQLO’s first liquid-absorbing sanitary shorts

Three-layer construction for all-day dryness

The dependable three-layer construction comprises a quick-drying and odor control layer that keeps the surface against the skin comfortable, an absorbent layer able to hold up to 30-40ml of liquid, and a water-resistant layer made of laminated water-repellent fabric. The absorbent layer only covers the crotch area, while the water-resistant layer extends across the back up to the waist, keeping the rear dry while reducing unpleasant stiffness.

AIRism and a seamless construction deliver silky comfort

The use of silky and smooth AIRism fabric in a seamless construction provides superb comfort. The gusset portion in the crotch has a bonding finish that crimps the fabric to minimize leakage from the seam needle holes.

AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Shorts - Product Details

Four color variations that can be matched with Wireless Bra 3D Hold

Three-layer construction crotch area

Water-resistant layer fully covers the hip and prevents leakage

Launch date: September 27, 2021 (Monday)

Availability: UNIQLO.COM/PH and UNIQLO APP

Price: Php 990.00

Sizes: S-XL

UNIQLO Femcare Innerwear to Fit Women’s Lifestyles

Maternity Shorts & Leggings

The maternity shorts and leggings series help women stay comfortable throughout the maternity period, from the early to late stages of pregnancy.

Maternity Shorts

(Low-rise) Php 390.00

Maternity Shorts

(High-rise) Php 390.00

Maternity Leggings

Php 790.00

Relaxed Innerwear

Employing various innovations to achieve functionality without restricting the body, UNIQLO Relaxed Innerwear products are also popular among women with various lifestyles and everyday needs.

AIRism Bra Tank top

Php 990.00

Wireless Bra (Shapelift) Php 1,290.00

Wireless Bra

(3D Hold) Php 1,290.00

Wireless Bra

(Relax) Php 1,290.00

About UNIQLO LifeWear

Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, Helmut Lang, PLST (Plus T), Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam and J Brand. With global sales of approximately 2.01 trillion yen for the 2020 fiscal year ending August 31, 2020 (US $19.06 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2020 rate of $1 = 105.4 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has more than 2,200 stores in 25 markets including Japan. In alphabetical order, the other markets are Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, U.K. U.S. and Vietnam. In addition, UNIQLO established a social business in Bangladesh together with the Grameen Bank in 2010, and today there are more than 15 Grameen-UNIQLO stores, mostly located in Dhaka.

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere. For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.

realme kicks off ‘Ber’ months with festive discounts of up to 50% off at Lazada, Shopee 9.9 Sale

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The arrival of the ‘Ber’ months is undeniably significant in the Philippines as it marks the start of the longest holiday season in the world. As early as September, Filipinos start getting into the yuletide spirit, whether it be listening to their favorite holiday jingles, or preparing their Christmas decor.

Whether you want to get a headstart on some Christmas shopping, or just want to reward yourself with a much-needed tech upgrade, here’s some exciting news for you! realme, the country’s number 1 smartphone brand as of Q2 2021, joins in on the early holiday fun with incredible discounts and deals during the 9.9 sale on both Lazada and Shopee.

From September 9 to 11, you can avail of discounts of up to 50% OFF on realme smartphones and TechLife products, among many other offers such as free shipping and shopping vouchers.

During the Lazada 9.9 Big Brands Sale, the realme Squad can look forward to shopping for their favorite realme smartphones at amazing prices. Among them is the power-packed realme C25S equipped with a Helio G85 Gaming Processor and 6000mAh battery, which will be available at P900 OFF for the 4+64 GB variant (P6,590), and P1,000 OFF for the 4+128 GB variant (P7,490). The real value champ realme C11 2021 offering all-around reliability at an accessible price will also be available for only P3,990 (P1,000 OFF SRP).

If you’re planning to upgrade your wireless buds, the stylish realme Buds Q2 is worth adding to cart as it will be available at P400 OFF for only P890. Also included in the 9.9 Lazada Sale is the realme Smart TV, the brand’s first Certified Android TV in the country. The 32” variant will be available at P3,000 OFF (P8,990), while the 42” will be available at P4,000 OFF (P14,990).

Aside from the exciting discounts, Lazada shoppers are also in for a treat with free shipping, plus a P100 OFF voucher for a minimum spend of P5,000. A P150 OFF discount voucher will also be offered when you follow the official realme store on Lazada.

Prepare for an action-packed shopping adventure as realme also goes all out for the Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day! Starting at midnight on September 9, realme fans can snag up to 50% OFF on well-loved smartphones and TechLife products. These include the realme C21Y that boasts a TÜV Rheinland High Reliability Certification, an Octa-core 12nm processor, and a 13MP AI Triple Camera, which will be available for only P5,689 (P800 OFF SRP). The best-selling realme 8 5G which promises a no-compromise 5G-ready performance will also be offered at P1,200 OFF (P9,789) for the 4+128 GB variant.

Other realme products that will be on sale on Shopee are the realme Watch 2, your everyday wellness companion, which will be available for only P1,189 (P1,800 OFF SRP), and the realme Powerbank 2i at P489 (P300 OFF SRP).

realme shoppers can also expect other remarkable offers from Shopee such as free shipping, and a P150 OFF voucher for those following the official realme store on the platform. An additional 8% OFF will also be available when you use the code: GADGETZONE8, for a minimum spend of P1,500 (capped at P500).

With all these offers and more, the holiday season for the realme Squad is off to an even greater start! Be sure to join in on the 9.9 festivities and check out the realme Official Store on both Lazada and Shopee.

realme named top watch brand for Q2 2021

Need another reason to indulge in realme’s 9.9 sale? The country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for Q2 2021 was also recently hailed as the top basic watch vendor in the country for Q2 2021, according to global research firm Canalys. The brand accounted for 49% unit share with a whopping 2,286% annual growth, besting four other brands in the category. realme now holds this position in the basic watch category for two consecutive quarters, which serves as a testament to its mission of becoming every Filipino’s tech and lifestyle companion.

This success fortifies the brand’s commitment to improve the lives of Filipinos with reliable smart watches. “It is truly an honor to be recognized, not only for our smartphones, but also for our smart watches. This success would not have been possible without the trust and support of the whole realme Squad. This milestone further empowers us to offer only the best products and services to help empower and improve the digital-driven lives of Filipinos”, shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing.

For more info, updates, and other surprises, be sure to follow realme on Facebook at facebook.com/realmePhilippines, @realme_PH on Twitter, and @realmephilippines on Instagram. #realmePH

OPPO and Kengo Kuma Weave a Symphony for Milan Design Week 2021

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OPPO has partnered with the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to create a Bamboo (竹) Ring :|| Weaving a Symphony of Lightness and Form, a multisensory landmark installation for Milan Design Week 2021

Bamboo (竹) Ring :||  Weaving a Symphony of Lightness and Form by OPPO x Kengo Kuma

The world's leading smart device manufacturer and innovator OPPO has partnered with Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to create Bamboo (竹) Ring :|| Weaving a Symphony of Lightness and Form. The multi-sensory installation works to the theme “Creative Connections,” fusing architecture with music, design innovation, technological prowess, and user experience to create a sense of time and space, and will be on display in Milan’s Cortile dei Bagni courtyard for the duration of Milan Design Week, until 19 September. This is OPPO’s second time participating in Milan Design Week, having previously collaborated with the Royal College of Art for the 2019 edition of the design festival.

This landmark project also marks the second time OPPO and Kengo Kuma have collaborated on a design piece together, first debuting their original Bamboo Ring exhibition at the 2019 London Design Festival. The first iteration of the Bamboo Ring installation explored the harmonious relationship between humans and nature through the envisioning of lightweight yet strong structures made with bamboo and carbon fiber. This year, OPPO’s experiential installation pushes the original project further, using pioneering technology to engage all the senses through a series of orchestral scores composed by Japanese violinist Midori Komachi with Musicity. Taking inspiration from sounds found in O Relax, OPPO’s digital wellbeing application that offers comforting nature and city sounds from around the world, Midori composed various soundscapes based on the cycle of seasons, which moves through the structure along with the viewer.

“When I design architecture, I’m interested in designing the rhythm and the tone rather than the silhouette, and contemporary music gives us many lessons about how to create new rhythms and tones in architecture,” shares the creative visionary Kengo Kuma. “This pavilion is one of the explorations into the new rhythms and tones in architecture combining visual and acoustic experiences of the visitors.”

The installation’s woven structure, crafted from rings of bamboo and carbon fiber, becomes an instrument as the music travels through it via structural sound technologies originating from OPPO London Design Centre's research. Integrating various sound technologies like haptic motors, MEMS speaker strips, and exciters, the installation produces an immersive base and a range of higher frequencies that reverberate the bamboo to create an overall effect similar to a percussion instrument.

“OPPO is a human-centric brand, and our focus is on innovating for the people. We are delighted to partner with Kengo Kuma again, an architect who is known for seamlessly integrating nature and culture,” shared Jintong Zhu, Head of OPPO London Design Centre. “Together, we demonstrate how we can use technology and design to add value to our daily lives drawing on our philosophy principles of ‘Technology as an Art Form’ and our brand mission ‘Technology for Mankind, Being Kind to the World.’”

After Milan Design Week, OPPO will donate the Bamboo Ring installation to Arte Sella Park in Trentino, Italy, a contemporary art museum with outdoor exhibits made from natural materials and backdropped by the mountainous Sella Valley, where it will find its permanent home.

 

#OPPOMilanDesignWeek #OPPOxKengoKuma

 

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 50 countries and regions, with 6 Research Institutes and 5 R&D Centers worldwide, as well as an International Design Center in London. More than 40,000 of OPPO's employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

 

About Kengo Kuma

Kengo Kuma (b.1954) decided to pursue architecture at a young age, after seeing Kenzo Tange's Yoyogi National Gymnasium for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He studied Architecture at The University of Tokyo (completing a Masters in 1979) and established Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990. As Professor at the Graduate School of Architecture at The University of Tokyo, he set up the Kuma Lab to research new materials and conduct a course in advanced digital design and fabrication. His award-winning firm aims to design architecture that naturally merges with its surroundings, proposing gentle, human-scaled buildings. The office is constantly in search of new materials to replace concrete and steel, and seeks a new approach in a post-industrial society.