Philippines is now HOOQ’d , in partnership with Globe Telecom

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HOOQ, Asia’s video-on-demand service, debuts in the Philippines in partnership with Globe Telecom. HOOQ offers over 10,000 blockbuster movies & TV series.

HOOQ, Asia’s video-on-demand service, announced that it will kick off in the Philippines from late February in partnership with Globe Telecom. 

HOOQ, a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment, will enable customers of Globe Telecom to enjoy unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movie and television content, via any device including computers, smartphones and tablets.

Filipinos first in Asia to get access to extensive Hollywood and local content with Globe Telecom and HOOQ: Asia’s first video-on-demand service HOOQ has arrived in the Philippines, making Filipinos the first in the region to gain access to a library of over 10,000 international and local movies and TV shows with its partnership with leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom. A start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, HOOQ is set to change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment by allowing customers to enjoy online streaming access and an offline viewing option of movies and TV shows across smartphones, computers, and tablets. Speaking at a panel discussion during the Philippine launch of HOOQ held at The Green Sun in Makati are [L-R] Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Vice President for Business Strategy Anuraj Shavantha Goonetilleke, HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan and Sony Pictures Executive Vice President for Networks George Chung-Chi Chien.

Extensive Hollywood and local content

Filipinos can look forward to more than 10,000 movies and television episodes and TV shows including titles from partners Sony and Warner Bros. Customers can watch Hollywood movies such as Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Inception, while enjoying popular TV series such as Gossip Girl, Friends and Smallville. 

Local film and TV content will also be available through partnerships with the country’s top studios, such as GMA, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment, and ABS-CBN. Customers can watch local high-grossing films such as Metro Manila, A Secret Affair, Shake Rattle and Roll and Ang Tanging Ina, as well as classics including Dyesebel, Bagets and Bituing Walang Ningning. Highly-rated TV shows like My Husband’s Lover, Mulawin, Tayong Dalawa and Mara Clara will also be available anytime and anywhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=973uDXgtVG4&list=UU7hmtK8Y6jT1z13JKrrTyzw

‘Across the emerging economies, people have amazing stories and love stories. However, a few billion people have no quality way of seeing the best stories from Hollywood or their local market. HOOQ will change that. HOOQ will change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment,’ said HOOQ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter G. Bithos. 

‘The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual love of local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a perfect place for us to start,’ he added. 

The former Globe Telecom Chief Operating Advisor, Mr Bithos also announced its first distribution partnership. ‘Our partnership with Globe Telecom, the leader in digital partnerships in the Philippines, helps us bring Philippine customers a premium video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of Hollywood, Asian and Philippine video content across all devices,’ Mr Bithos said.

Globe Telecom’s customers first to get HOOQ at P199 per month

According to a Nielsen report in 2014, viewing online video content has become a pastime for digital consumers in the Philippines, with 85% watching at least weekly, the second highest in the region. The same report also revealed that 7 in 10 digital consumers in the country report watching TV content and movies via online sources such as video-on-demand, the second highest penetration of internet TV in the region at 71%. 

‘Now more than ever, Filipinos consider connectivity as an essential part of their daily lives. Our customers, whether prepaid, postpaid, or broadband, are increasingly embracing an always-on world where they expect a wonderful experience from innovative and engaging data and content offers. Right now, we are in the best position to offer this type of service as the leader in enabling the digital lifestyle of Filipinos and the number one network for smartphones. To meet their needs, we see the video-on-demand services offered by HOOQ as a critical offering representing the future of the industry. Now that consumers have access to a variety of international and local content, entertainment will now be more personal, and with Globe, this means experiencing it with the highest quality.’ said Mr Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. 

Recognising the value that video-on-demand services deliver to consumers, Globe Telecom will provide its customers with the ability to download HOOQ, which will soon be available to customers on a plan-based service for Philippine Peso 199 per month for access to thousands of movies, far more affordable than buying a ticket for just one movie. It will also be offered as a bundled service with the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband services.

HOOQ enhances digital lifestyles

‘Following the launch in the Philippines, HOOQ will be rolled out across Asia soon. The rapid adoption of connected devices means more people in Asia are able to access the Internet anywhere and at any time, driving demand for compelling content that enhances their digital lives,’ said Mr Jonathan Auerbach, Singtel CEO Group Digital Life. ‘HOOQ is set to change the way people across the region consume and enjoy entertainment.’ 

Mr George Chien, Executive Vice President, Networks at Sony Pictures Television, said: ‘We share the excitement of offering entertainment fans across Asia access to high quality video services directly to their mobile devices. HOOQ provides a unique combination of Hollywood and local favorites while providing a high-quality viewing experience they’ve come to expect in today’s digital world.’

Mr Anuraj Goonetilleke, Vice President Corporate Business Development and Strategy at Warner Bros. Digital Distribution said: 'We’re very excited about the launch of our joint video-on-demand business across Asia, starting with the Philippines. Providing world-class content to Asia’s entertainment fans will meet a voracious appetite for new and classic videos and TV episodes on-demand.’

The service will also be accessible to all customers in the Philippines through its website – http://HOOQ.tv. Through HOOQ.tv, customers can watch videos of their choice and pay for the subscription by credit card.

About HOOQ

HOOQ is a regional video-on-demand subscription service by Singtel, Sony and Warner Bros. HOOQ will deliver over 10,000 Hollywood blockbusters and popular local programmes to customers anytime, anywhere by enabling them to stream and download their favourite shows on their device or platform of choice. For more information, visit www.hooq.tv. 

About Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom is a leading full service telecommunications company in the Philippines, serving the needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connections, internet and managed services. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel who are acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Follow Globe Telecom on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobePH and Tatoo at www.facebook.com/GlobeTattoo as well as on Twitter @enjoyglobe and @choosetattoo and Instagram at @enjoyglobe and @choosetattoo. 

About Singtel

Singtel is Asia's leading communications group providing a portfolio of services including voice and data solutions over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms as well as infocomm technology and pay TV. The Group has presence in Asia and Africa with over 500 million mobile customers in 25 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. It also has a vast network of offices throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com

About Warner Bros. Entertainment

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms. A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product and brand licensing, and broadcasting.

Backroom Artists Stage Concerts on Valentine's Day

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Be ready to be entertained this Valentine's Day.

Whether you're in love or have fallen out of love, it's time to celebrate the love month.

Backroom artists have lined-up Valentine shows for everyone.

The comedic tandem of Pooh and K Brosas will stage a unique "love" concert at the Casino Filipino Pavilion on February 11. 

"Sa mga loveless, gugulong kayo sa tawa. Kalimutan niyo muna bf or gf, enjoy lang pag may time," says Pooh. "Let us enjoy ourselves," adds K who is also scheduled to stage a concert in KL Central , Malaysia on February 15.

Pooh and K will prove once more that laughter is the best medicine as they tickle your funny bones on February 18 for The Funny Valentine concert at Skydome SM North Edsa.

Bossa Nova Queen Sitti holds a Valentine show on February 11 at Casino Filipino Bacolod and will fly abroad for a concert in Du Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on February 13. "Everybody looks forward to celebrating the love month. I'm excited to be part of that special celebration," says Sitti.

Ai Ai delas Alas sings and dances her way to audiences’ hearts in a special show at Solaire Resort and Casino on February 12. 

"Dance with me. Sing with me. Let's have fun together. Masarap pag may kasama siyempre habang ikaw ay sumasayaw," says Ai Ai.

For inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email at backroominc@hotmail.com.

Share a Sweet and Heartwarming Valentine’s Celebration at Max’s

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Finding the perfect way to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day is sometimes tough. There are times that it is just hard to express it. The words come out all wrong.

Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate. Sharing food with your loveones is an intimate act. 

Here's a great time to share a sweet and heartwarming Valentine’s celebration at Max’s.

Catch the love bug as global Filipino brand Max’s Restaurant offers delectably sweet and exciting ways to share the love this February.

A Delightful Valentine celebration awaits all customers who will be dining at any Max’s Restaurant from February 13 to 15, 2015. Diners with a minimum food spend of PhP 1,500 will receive a box of yummy Choco and Caramel bites from Max’s Corner Bakery – all for free!

“Valentine’s Day is such a special occasion for Filipinos. It is during this season that we really go out of our way to show our appreciation for our loved ones. Max’s understands this endearing tradition very well. It inspired us to create the most romantic opportunities for our customers to celebrate Valentine’s,” shared Orlando Villanueva, Max’s Restaurant’s Marketing Manager for Dine-In, Take Out, Delivery, and E-Commerce. 

Max’s further sets the romantic mood with “Meal for Two,” an intimate all-day feast, for two that’s perfect for couples who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day while enjoying their favorite classic dishes from Max’s. Meal for Two creates the perfect date, with a regular half serving of Max’s sarap to the bones Fried Chicken complemented by a savory choice of Sizzling Tofu or Adobong Kangkong, steaming white rice, two glasses of iced tea or any Pepsi softdrink. This hearty meal is sweetly capped off with delicious Buko Pandan. Sharing an intimate meal with a loved one doesn’t need to be hefty on the pocket too. Max’s Meal for Two is only priced at PhP529, or with as much as PhP 191 savings for customers and is available until February 28.

For a sweet and fun Valentine’s treat, Max’s Corner Bakery is offering its Love Letter Cookies, Love Birds Cookies, melt-in-your-mouth White Chocolate Butter Cake, a delectably light and fluffy butter cake garnished with milky white chocolate shavings and topped with rich whipped cream and cherry; and yummy Choco Peanut Butter Cake, a rich and moist chocolate cake, filled with premium peanut butter icing and coated with delicious chocolate frosting. 

There's nothing sweeter and more romantic than sharing these sweet treats from Max's Corner Bakery!

“At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating with the people who are important to us. For Max’s, every season will always be about touching lives and creating memories that warm the heart.” Villanueva said.

Surprise your loved one with Max’s Delightful Valentine, or catch Max’s Meal for Two and Max's Corner Bakery's sweet treats for Valentine's anywhere in the Philippines for the entire month of February, available for dine-in, take-out and delivery. 

Visit your favorite Max’s branch and create the most romantic Valentine celebration for your special loved one.

Learn more about what’s new at Max’s by logging on to www.maxschicken.com.

Visit www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and be the first to know about the coolest offerings from the Filipino’s most loved brand.

Pan Pacific Manila’s Valentine Offers

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Valentine’s Day is here again and love is in the Air at Pan Pacific Manila! 

A Sweet Engagement

From February 14 to 15, Make your Valentine’s day getaway with your special someone more spectacular by staying in the Philippines’ first and finest Butler hotel. Enjoy value-added amenities like breakfast buffet for two at the Pacific Lounge, complimentary pre-dinner cocktails for two, Php 500 off per person on Valentine’s Dinner for two on February 14 and 24 hour Butler service. Rates start at Php 6,100 net, terms and conditions apply.

An Affair to Remember

Enjoy a Special 7-course Valentine’s Dinner perfectly prepared by our experienced chefs while enjoying the cityscape under the light of a thousand stars as a string quartet serenades you and your love one in this special day of hearts. Available for only Php 1,800++ on February 14, 2015, 7:00pm at the Pacific Lounge.

For enquiries and reservations, email enquiry.ppmnl@panpacific.com or call 318-0788 and ask for the Butler, of course!

About Pan Pacific Manila

The first and finest Butler hotel in the Philippines – ranked among the top Asia city hotels at the 2008 and 2009 Readers Choice Awards, named one of the best places to stay in the world at the Annual Gold List by the Conde Nast Traveler, and also awarded as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at the 2012, 2011 and 2008 World Travel Awards. 

Conveniently located at the heart of the historical and cultural district of Malate in the Manila Bay area, Pan Pacific Manila is a short drive to the city’s convention, exhibition and business centres and a walk away from shopping, food and entertainment establishments. A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business and leisure travellers with its excellent facilities and service, the hotel has 236 all-executive rooms and suites and 7 spacious function rooms. 

For more information, call (63-2) 318 0788 or visit panpacific.com/manila for more special offers.

Singapore Airlines launches Showcase and Travel Fair 2015, Feb 6 - 8 at Glorietta

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Visit the Singapore Airlines Product Showcase & Travel Fair at Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive from 6 to 8 February 2015 to experience the luxury and innovation of our Singapore Airlines Suites.

Singapore Airline airline launches the Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair 2015, which is a follow through of its successful showcase last year. This year, the airline has partnered with local companies as well as the Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group to bring more exciting deals and promotions. And, for the first time in the country, Singapore Airlines will be bringing in the Singapore Airlines Suites display seat so travelers can find out for themselves what the luxury experience is all about.

Shoppers attending the travel fair will be able to book flights at the aforementioned all-inEconomy Class promotional fares starting from USD145 to Singapore, USD210 to Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, USD690 to India, USD700 to Australia, andUSD 899 to Europe. In addition to that mentioned, passengers can also travel to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Dubai, Maldives, New Zealand, and South Africa. All Economy Class fares come with complimentary 30kg baggage allowance, gourmet cuisines and KrisFlyer miles that can be used for future travel.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MARIA JOSEPHINE OCAMPO, SVP, BPI CREDIT CARDS; MICHAEL DUMLAO, GEN. MANAGER, GLORIETTA MALL; PHILIP GOH, REGIONAL VP FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA, SINGAPORE AIRLINES; SEC. JUN ABAYA, DOTC; SEC. CESAR PURISIMA, DOF; CAROL ONG, GEN. MANAGER, SINGAPORE AIRLINES-PHILIPPINES; AND ADRIAN KWONG, AREA DIRECTOR PHILIPPINES AND BRUNEI, SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD.

For the first time ever in the Philippines, experience the Singapore Airlines Suites at the Showcase and Travel Fair from 6 - 8 Feb 2015 at Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive.

SIA launching the First Class Cabins, a new look for our SilverKris lounge, as well as more offerings. It’s a multi-million dollar investment in providing the best possible services for the market and our customers.

Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall shoppers may also avail of the exceptional all-in fares by simply showing proofs of purchase worth Php 1,000 single or accumulated from January 21 to February 28. Every Php 1, 000 receipt can purchase one ticket. Globe Platinum and Blue customers can also avail of these fares by showing their cards.

When you purchase any beyond-Singapore tickets at the travel fairs or from any Singapore Airlines and SilkAir ticket offices in Manila, Cebu, Davao and Kalibo from 6 – 8 February 2015, you 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.

All Business and Economy Class fares come accruable KrisFlyer miles as well as 40kg and 30kg baggage allowance respectively. Gourmet cuisines are served onboard. Free city tours await you if you have at least 5 hour transit in Singapore.

Besides exceptional all-inclusive promotional airfares wich star from USD 145 for Economy Class, and USD 800 for Business Class and additional opportunity to book a one-night Singapore Stopover Holiday (SSH) package or a one-day Singapore Explorer Pass SEP) at only USD 1.00.

With a Singapore Stopover there's never been a better time to visit Singapore!

These great airfares are exclusive to BPI Credit Cardholders, Globe Platinum and Globe Blue customers, Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall Davao shoppers, and KrisFlyer members. 

You can also enjoy 6 months Real 0% Special Installment Plan on your BPI Credit Card. 

For those residing in Cebu and Davao, you can also visit the SilkAir Travel Fair at Ayala Center Cebu andSilkAir booth at Abreeza Ayala Mall in Davao from 6 to 8 February 2015.

To book, visit any Singapore Airlines or SilkAir ticket offices, or call our Reservations at 756.8888 for Manila, (63-32) 505.7871 for Cebu, (63-82) 227.5301 for Davao and (63-36) 500.7226 for Kalibo

Singapore Airlines flies from Manila to Singapore four times daily and now departs from NAIA Terminal 3. Flight SQ910 leaves Singapore at 9:35 am and will arrive in Manila at 1:10 pm. SQ917 leaves Manila at 2:15 pm and returns to Singapore at 5:50 pm.

For bookings and more details, visit www.singaporeair.com, the SIA Mobile App, call the SIA Reservations Office at (+632) 756-8888, or contact preferred travel agents.