#1DERFUL Globe is #1inMobile in the Philippines

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Leading in local telco industry, Globe President & CEO Ernest Cua nnounces that Globe is #1inMobile in the Philippines. The announcement was done at the at the recent Annual Stockholders' Meeting, as Globe catapults to industry leadership in local telecommunications. The challenger brand becomes No. 1 in mobile in the Philippines.

On the strength of a remarkable company performance in 2014, Globe Telecom has established leadership in the Philippine mobile industry on multiple business fronts, making it the Number One mobile brand in the country. 

“Against mounting odds, we maintained a defiant and fighting stance against a long-time industry giant to achieve a phenomenal financial feat. From being a challenger brand, Globe has successfully waged a revolution in all fronts, from digital, technological and business, all the way to our corporate culture as well as making our financial growth sustainable in the long run,” said Ernest Cu.

The Globe chief executive added that, “The numbers reveal that we have already gained foothold in leadership in the local telco industry. We plan to sustain our momentum for the long haul as our driving force to continuously provide Filipinos with innovative products and services that will cater to their digital lifestyle.”

As early as the fourth quarter of 2013, Globe already made significant headway in taking over the leadership position over its rival company in postpaid and mobile data businesses in terms of consolidated mobile revenue market share, continuously widening its gap as of the same period in 2014. Meanwhile, its prepaid value brand TM has reached a virtual deadlock with Sun Cellular in the same category in terms of consolidated revenue market share.

The company disclosed during its Annual Stockholders’ Meeting that it achieved milestone-setting financial feats last year, bannered by a new high of P99-billion consolidated service revenues, besting the previous mark of P90.5 billion in 2013 representing a 9% year-on-year growth. It also generated in 2014 a core net profit growth of 25% to a record level of P14.5 billion and registered total consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, deductions, and amortization (EBITDA) of P39 billion, 8% higher than 2013. These were driven by the solid performance of its business segments amid sustained demand for data connectivity in its mobile and broadband businesses.

During the proceedings, the company also mentioned that its share price reached a new all-time high, closing at P 2,140 per share, up 22.3% from P 1,750 at the beginning of the year. 

Mobile revenues, which contributed 79% of consolidated revenues, grew 7% year-on-year from the prior year’s P72.8 billion to P78.1 billion in 2014. Mobile voice revenues, which accounted for 44% of total mobile service revenues, posted a year-on-year increase of 7%. Mobile SMS, which accounted for 37% of total mobile service revenues, closed the year at P29.1 billion, 1% above from P28.8 billion of end 2013, driven by the continued popularity of bucket and unlimited promotions. Globe closed the year with a total mobile subscriber base of 44.0 million, up 14% from 38.5 million subscribers last year. Fourth quarter’s gross subscriber acquisitions registered a quarterly-high of 10.1 million subscribers, 14% higher than last quarter.

In postpaid business, Globe claimed the top spot hinged on revenue market share, the new global standard for leadership claim and a reliable measure of market leadership used for telecommunications around the world. The company dominated this aspect in 2014 bolstered by P29.9 billion in revenues, as well as a 58% market share in a two-player environment, versus that of its two rivals which tallied P21.7 billion for a combined 42% revenue market share. 

To sustain market leadership this year, Globe continues to revolutionize the postpaid segment with the new myLifestyle Plan to enhance the digital lifestyle experience of its customers who have harnessed data and content usage on their phones starting at P499 a month, with built-in unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM. These come with premium freebies, Globe Cloud and Gadget Care. Other variants available are Surf Packs for mobile internet browsing with Spotify and NBA League Pass bundles, Lifestyle Packs for a richer data experience through music, productivity, life, shopping and social apps, as well as Classic Packs for extra calls and texts, both local and international.

In the mobile data front, Globe maintains its superior stance in the industry with revenues and data traffic growing faster than competition, powered by partnerships with global content providers such as Facebook, Viber, Spotify, NBA, and online entertainment service HOOQ, as well as better network performance to provide faster and more seamless browsing experience to enrich the Filipino digital lifestyle. 

The modernized Globe network also carried a higher volume of data traffic equivalent to 87,000 terabytes of data, a 270% jump from the year before because of the surge in mobile browsing and higher smartphone penetration among its customers. Mobile browsing and other data revenues generated P14.3 billion in 2014, 23% higher than the previous year. These figures were higher than competition which stood at P8.1 billion, giving Globe the upper hand in revenue market share with 64%.

Sustaining its digital roadmap for 2015, Globe unveiled its partnership with HOOQ to enable access to thousands of movies and TV shows from international and local content providers. Filipinos can access over 10,000 movies and TV shows including titles from Sony, Warner Bros., ABS-CBN, GMA Network, Regal Entertainment, and Viva Communications across their computers, smartphones and tablets.

The growth of the telco’s mobile data business will also draw support from the continuing network upgrade and expansion of its LTE TDD and LTE-FDD footprint. To enhance its wireless network infrastructure, Globe is activating more cell sites with the LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD ultra broadband access technologies for a more pervasive Long Term Evolution (LTE) coverage to ensure reliable and fast mobile internet service for its customers.

The telco also underscored its own brand of “sustainable revolution,” driving cost and efficiencies, leading to the company’s operational excellence and optimized profitability. It also trumpeted the “cultural revolution” by Globe employees whose invaluable contributions have propelled the company to a position of leadership not only in the Philippines, but also in the rest of the world.

The Multiple Intelligence International School helps enhance kids' particular intelligences this summer

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Summer vacation is here. Summer activities for kids, crafts, sports, outdoor fun, travel ideas, cool-down treats and lots more! The only thing to remember is to make sure your kid will have fun while learning something new.

Finding a workshop or an activity for your kid during the school break should be fairly easy with the metropolis brimming with plenty of options to choose from.

Multiple Intelligence International School, an advocate of the Multiple Intelligence (MI) framework implemented in the United States and other countries, is offering summer enrichment activities to help kids enjoy summer while developing their leadership skills and particular intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, body-kinesthetic, visual-spatial, musical, naturalist, interpersonal and intrapersonal, starting April 13 to May 8. 

For preschoolers, there is the Toddler Play Group, which is about learning how to interact and play with other kids between 1 to 3 years old. The Summer Activity Center is an introductory class for 3- to 5-year-olds to help prepare and give them an idea on how school is like. They learn about different themes that are explored through the eight intelligences. The Mind Explorers class focuses on observations of science, the environment and discovering how things work for those between ages 3 to 5. 

There is also Art Masters, which is basic art +classes for ages 3 to 5. Preschool SMART Leaders Camp teaches kids, aged 4 to 6, leadership and interpersonal skills outside the four walls of a classroom. Ballet, Spanish and Futsal for ages 3 to 7 are available as well. 

Those between 7 to 14 years old can enroll in Leadership Camp, MILO table tennis, Outbound Camp, which teaches pre-teens basic life skills and nature survival; and Magic for Beginners with instructor Jose Leonidas also known as Professor MagicAL. There are also Ballet and Taekwondo classes.

Workshops for teens aged 14 to 18 years old include Leadership Camp, International Relations Organization, which aims to develop teens' self confidence and public speaking in an environment of international school delegates; Outbound Camp, and College 101, which helps equip teens with practical and real life skills needed to succeed in college. They can also try Writer's Guild or MTAP or Math Guild.

Available for both pre-teens and teens are Piano, Voice and Beginners Violin; Master Fernando Sena Art Workshop, Fencing, and Chess. Other summer classes include Photography, Trumpets Playshop, and Functional Chinese. 

Lastly, Out of the Box is about exposing kids to situations that will give them an opportunity to apply the social skills necessary for interaction outside the classroom setting. Tech Revolution focuses on developing skills in graphic design, video editing, and PowerPoint presentation. Science Discoveries is about discovering the wonders of Science through practical application of scientific discoveries. 

For reservations and more information, call (02) 433 4948-49 for Preschool up to Middle School programs and (02) 929 1021 for Upper School programs. Email admin@mischool.edu.ph.

8th World Autism Awareness Day celebration with the Theme: Employment: The Autism Advantage

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The 8th World Autism Awareness Day celebrations and Light-It-Up Blue Ceremony held last Monday, April 6, 2015 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs, in partnership with Autism Hearts Philippines, host the local observance of the event with the Theme: Employment: The Autism Advantage.

The event inform the public of the importance of World Autism Awareness Day and employers of the prospects of hiring more individuals with autism.

SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs Bien C. Mateo, and  Fashion Designer and Textile Technologist Anthony Cruz Legarda, express that the program focused on the advantages of hiring young people with autism.

Every year, autism organizations around the globe celebrate World Autism Awareness Day to create better understanding of the lives of people with autism and their families.

Autism Hearts Foundation Director Ms. Solinda Bautista and National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Ms. Carmen Zubiaga, expresses hope and optimism that with continued work on informing the public about autism and the potentials of people with autism.

The 8th World Autism Awareness celebration hopes for job prospects for people with autism  and more opportunities would open up for them.

As affirmation of the relevance of this event, the UN estimates that more than 80% of adults with autism remain unemployed despite their potential. 

“Research suggests that employers are missing out on abilities that that people on the autism spectrum have in greater abundance than ‘neurotypical’ workers do – such as, heightened abilities in pattern recognition and logical reasoning, as well as a greater attention to detail,” it stated.

The hurdles that need to be overcome to unleash this potential include: a shortage of vocational training, inadequate support with job placement, and pervasive discrimination.

The event hosted by news anchor TJ Manotoc, also feature the Filipino Fashion Arts Autism Benefit, where designs by four children with autism will be brought to life in a fashion show by Filipino-American designer Anthony Legarda.

(https://instagram.com/msmyrnz/)

Two of the country’s most notable designers, Anna India Legaspi and Anthony Cruz Legarda took time to teach and guide selected number of young people with autism to paint on piña cloth.  Their finish products will then be exhibited via the Filipino Fashion Arts Autism Benefit Project for the whole world to see.

Present during the event were four of the five individuals selected to perform the task led by Best Buddies ambassador and Unilab Employee Vico Cham, Nick Huang, Ralph Sy and Nina Bantoto (she was not able to attend the program).

After a parade at the Mall of Asia compound, the event culminates at the Globe, where we're join by other countries in “lighting it up blue” in honor of every individual and family affected by autism.

A project made possible through the Autism Hearts Foundation in cooperation with the Unilab Foundation.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine

Epson powers projection mapping installation at the "Art in the Park"

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The latest edition of ‘Art In The Park’ featured a new, creative installation – a welcome change from the usual paintings and sculptures. Artist Derek Tumala created a ‘light installation’ that made use of projection mapping technology.

‘Polyflora’ -- a mural that plays on the synchronisation of geometry & light derived from the shapes of the plants – made viewers appreciate the distinctive appeal of using projection mapping to create art.

“I was thinking of how I can make an art installation that can be organically weaved into the park's aesthetics. Plants are the main component of the park where Art in the Park is initiated. The idea of creating Polyflora, a sculptural & mural piece, got me inspired on how plants organically form geometric patterns - often in repetition - and how it can form an abstract formation. By applying light through video mapping, it creates a mesmerizing presentation,” said ‘Polyflora’ creator Derek Tumala.

For his inspired installation, Tumala gives credit to the Epson projectors. 

“What's most important for my video mapping project is the quality of light that the projector provides. The Epson projector has excellent brightness that is great for video mapping projection. Details, contrast ratio, and colors are accurate and it transformed the illuminated surface into a mesmerizing piece. The transformative value that projection mapping creates can only be effective with a high quality projector like Epson,” added Tumala.

Derek Tumala was born in Manila in 1986. He received his degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Advertising Arts with distinctions at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila in 2006. He has exhibited his works in galleries and alternative spaces in the Philippines and Singapore from painting, photography, and video mapping installations. Derek’s constant exploration of the digital medium and its technology has led him to his current practice as an emerging multimedia artist that specialises in applying video mapping to sculptures and found objects. He treats video as a form of light which transfigures an object’s state or form, fluidly transforming its spatial nature.

Art in the Park is a project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines and Philippine Art Events, Inc., in cooperation with Barangay Bel-Air, Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA), Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Smart Communications.

The ninth ‘Art In The Park’ was held at the Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati. 

This year’s art fair brought together an assortment of 60 art galleries and independent art and student groups, as well as big name artists side-by-side with the soon-to-be knowns.

Make special events sparkle at Buddha-Bar Manila

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Buddha-Bar Manila, the metro’s most sophisticated restaurant-bar-and-lounge, is also earning raves as an events place that caters to different occasions. It is the perfect venue for events, launches, and other special gatherings as it can accommodate big groups in its spacious three-story structure and exclusive VIP rooms.

“Buddha-Bar Manila is a world-class venue for world-class talents,” says Arianne Aguja, marketing manager of Buddha-Bar Manila.

And it truly is.

Buddha Bar is spacious and large enough to accommodate special events and occasions

In the last 24 months, Buddha-Bar Manila has flown in some of the world’s most renowned turntablists, among them DJ Kirill Doomski from Buddha-Bar Kiev and St. Petersburg for Buddha-Bar’s Black Tie-themed Third Anniversary party, Egyptian-born DJ Mada, the resident J of Buddha-Bar Budapest with his unique mix of chill-out, electronic and world music sprinkled with an ethnic vibe, and Italian-born DJ Papa, the resident DJ of Buddha-Bar Monte Carlo and his repertoire of Lounge, Chill music, and World music. 

Over the past years, international guests and artists have dined and performed at Buddha-Bar Manila. The list includes American singer-actress Renee Olstead, American composer Jim Brickman, American pop rock group The Jonas Brothers, and the Miss Earth International candidates. E! News Channel held press conferences for local actress-TV host Anne Curtis and the country’s first reality series “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez.” Multinational and international companies also prefer to hold their Christmas parties, anniversary parties, and other company milestones at Buddha-Bar Manila. 

Buddha-Bar Manila is also noted for its staple celebrations rendered with unique concepts such as last year’s 5-Course Christmas Gala Set Dinner, Mardi Gras New Year’s Eve Ball with a Special New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet, and Halloween Fright Night.

Everything that people look for in an ideal and classy events venue can be found at Buddha-Bar Manila, from its soothing, exotic atmosphere, out-of-the-ordinary roster of food and drinks, and fusion music. 

To create a distinct Pacific Rim cuisine, Eastern flavors are thrown into Far Eastern Cuisine with hints of Western inspiration. The end results are culinary delights that perfectly blend in the classic with the current.

Buddha Bar chicken salad

There are understandably dishes that only Buddha-Bar Manila offers, foremost of which are the Warm Duck Wraps, The Crispy Green Fried Boneless Chicken Wings, sprinkled with Green Nori Flakes dipped in Chili Bean Sriratcha Sauce, the "Angry Chicken" which is fast gaining a following, the must-try Kani Salad, and the Grilled Salmon fillet, seasoned with lemongrass rub and served with curry lentils and Coriander yogurt sauce. 

A Buddha-Bar Manila gastronomic experience is never complete without a fill of its signature desserts like the sinfully delicious chocolate confection dubbed as Fever, the good old Heart of Darkness, and two Black Sesame variations namely the Black Sesame Baked Alaska and the Black Sesame Cheesecake.

To keep abreast with worldwide food trends, Buddha-Bar Manila values the importance of joining international gastronomic festivals like the annual European Culinary Season. 

Forever on the look-out for exciting, new ways to satisfy the palate, Chef Soc Santos, Buddha-Bar Manila’s Executive Chef, has prepared the First Quarter of 2015 Chef’s Special consisting of Ebi Cheese Maki, Broiled Jumbo Tiger Prawns, Roasted Black Cod with Eel Sauce, Banana Wrapped Lapu Lapu, Grilled Marinated US Skirt Steak, Thai Barbecue Chicken, best topped off by with Baked Black Sesame Ice Cream. These new additions come in rich harmony with Buddha-Bar Manila’s signature fare such as the celebrated Chicken Salad; spicy tuna tartare and a sumptuous line-up of sashimi and sushi creations. 

Constantly evolving and springing up surprises, Buddha-Bar Manila has gained a new moniker to add to its being an elegant dining place and party hotspot. It has become the most stylish events place in town where patented, out-of-the-box music, great food, and a relaxed ambiance come together to be savored to the hilt.

Buddha-Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. For reservations, call +632 8566859/+632 8566719 and 0998-983-3918. You may also reach them at info@buddhabarmanila.com or like and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @BuddhaBarMNL.