CloudFone celebrates three years of success; Enrique Gil is the new endorser

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CloudFone recently launched their newest endorser to represent the brand among Filipino audiences. 

In celebration of its 3rd year in the business, homegrown mobile technology giant CloudFone has recently signed soap opera star Enrique Gil as its newest endorser, joining Xian Lim in the company’s roster of celebrity endorsers.

The 2014 Most Promising Male Star of the Year has truly leaped bounds as a breakthrough actor and dancer with several TV and movie projects, as well as dance albums. Indeed, Enrique Gil is a versatile and talented artist who has proved his mettle in well-loved TV series such as Forevermore and in the silver screen such as the blockbuster hit, Just the Way You Are. Given the breadth of his influence and reach, the 23-year old rising star is expected to attract a younger demographic for CloudFone as it rolls out more devices that will enhance users’ enjoyment of mobile apps and social media platforms.

“CloudFone constantly aims to be on the pulse of the market, and we believe that Enrique embodies the qualities that resonate with our youthful, more tech-savvy consumers,” said Eric Yu, President, CloudFone Philippines.

Nino Mendoza, Cloudfone Head of Sales; Enrique Gil; Celine Buendia, Cloudfone Head of Marketing

“With his vibrant personality, and passion for excellence, Enrique represents the best things CloudFone devices can offer such as variety of choices and specs, innovation and reliability.”

As the new face of CloudFone, Enrique’s active lifestyle perfectly shows how smartphones & tablet devices have become an integral part of our everyday lives and how CloudFone provides the perfect companion on-the-go that can keep up with the needs of today’s hypersocial youth. 

To help bring the latest technologies within everyone’s reach, Enrique will be headlining the last leg of CloudFone’s mall tour  in SM Megamall and Waltermart North EDSA, capping a nationwide tour that began in May 2015. CloudFone’s nationwide mall tour is the brand’s way of giving back for the 3 years of success by showing support for its dealers, as well as its gratitude to their loyal and potential customers. 

For the past two months, celebrities Jason Abalos and brand endorser Xian Lim have been going around the Philippines, covering a total of 113 stores in 30 malls in 19 cities, which include Baguio, Tarlac, Clark, Manila, Quezon City, Bohol, Lucena, Albay, Naga, Bulacan, Laguna, Marikina, GenSan, Tacloban, Cebu, Dagupan, Batangas, Davao, and Mandaluyong in an effort for CloudFone to reach a wider audience in say thank you to its loyal consumers. The stars, together with the CloudFone team, personally visited CloudFone kiosks and stores, and met up with dealers and staff, before surprising the crowd in each area.

The young hearthrobs entertained the audience with kilig performances, fun activities using CloudPad devices, and exciting games, coupled with CloudFone premium items and products that were given away as prizes. CloudFone users and selected members of the audience also had the chance to meet and greet their favorite stars up close and personal. 

As part of CloudFone’s giving back, the anniversary celebration also included a special price-off on select new and current CloudFone and CloudPad line-up of devices.

The discount promo that features reduced prices for 10 of the brand’s tablet and smartphone models by as much as 25%. 

The CloudFone Thank You Sale enabled more Filipinos to easily own smartphone models like the CloudFone Excite series, which is popular for its long-lasting batteries and affordable multi-core processors, as well as the social-ready GEO series. CloudFone also made their tablets more affordable, by reducing the price of their CloudPad range, which boasts clear and large displays, Intel processors and innovations such as crossover technology. 

Photos: Arts & Travel Magazine

MYNP Top 5 Finalists of SineNanay Film Festival announced

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MAKE Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation has unveiled this year's first SineNanay Film Festival.

According to Ms. Bemz Benedito, Managing Director of MYNP, the aim of the film festival is to recognize the greatest woman in our life, our nanay. "We tell the students to explore, provoke interpret and capture images of how they express their love for their nanays.”

The contest is open to college students (in group or individuals) from La Consolacion College Manila (LCCM) and Philippine Women’s University (PWU) using only a camera phone.

The selection committee was composed of members of the academe and MYNP officers. From 12 semi-finalists, the committee came up with five final entries from LCCM and PWU.

The entries include: Ma. Chrisma Alberto’s “NaTay” which is about a grandfather who takes care of his grandchild after her mother died while giving birth; the film “Istorya ng Pagmamahal at Sakripisyo” by Ella May Arevalo, She Villate and Camille Castañas revolves around the story of a sick mother who shows her undying love for her son up to her last breath; Ma. Ana Elaiza Lardizabal’s “Lipstick” showcases a different look at being a mother; a mother’s love knows no boundaries that not even an iron wall can stop her from fulfilling her obligations to her children in the film “Rehas” by Mary Joy Bonapos and Cathrene Anne Joseph while their other entry, “Mama’s Girl”, tackles the unconditional love and devotion of a mother for her daughter.

The finalists were recently invited to attend an orientation program conducted by Gawad CCP awardee Direk Nick Olanka and Mr. Gorio Vicuña, an expert in high-end CG animation, live action production, and visual effects for film and television.

The deliberation of winners will be held on the 3rd week of September. 

Indie and theater actor Arnold Reyes is the Festival Director of SineNanay.

Benedito shares that the film festival is a tribute to all mothers and a celebration of a child’s love for his/her mother.

Fil-Australian Justine Joy with her album "Fly Away"

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Filipino-Australian-based independent artist, Justine Joy is here in the Philippines and her independently produced debut album "Fly Away" is a testament of her fun and carefree spirit that soars high with her intense passion for music.

Justine Joy spent her childhood years honing her talent in singing by taking a vocal coach, joining singing talent competition, and performing in numerous school plays. In 2006, she was spotted by a dance talent scout and persuaded her to be part of the newly formed hip hop dance crew “Gigabeatz” and went on to dance and sing with them until 2008. Gigabeatz won and placed in the top spots in several local hip hop dance competitions such as “Looze Control” and “Groove Hills”, as well as performed at many local charity and nightclub events. 

In 2007, Justine was fortunate enough to dance with Gigabeatz as the front act to the acclaimed group “The Outlawz” created by the late legendary rapper Tupac Shakur on his 10th Anniversary Legacy Tour, at their Sydney show with local artists Lia Maja and Abel. Also in 2007, Justine and Gigabeatz placed 1st in the local song and dance competition “Boogie Tunez” (Justine & Gigabeatz - Boogie Tunez 2007), the first of its kind in the area. There she was approached by Australian artist Neska after winning and was congratulated and encouraged that she has so much potential in her performance skills and to keep working at it to make her performance art the best it could be. This led to a number of live shows for Justine in some of Sydney’s acclaimed nightclubs during that year and in early 2008. Furthermore in 2007, during the “19th Philippine Fiesta Kultura” Justine and Gigabeatz were the backup dancers for Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby’s live performances.

In March of 2008, however, Justine Joy took on a new career as a flight attendant in a prestigious international airline company. During this time she had to go on a hiatus from Gigabeatz and her performing as she was travelling the globe and her unpredictable schedule would not allow her to make it to regular rehearsals.

Around 2010, after a 2 year break, Justine felt it was time to start performing again, even if just for private family functions, as she missed performing and the stage so much. 

Her wish came true starting again in 2010, when she was asked to dance as an extra in local Australian-Spanglish rapper “D-Minus’” music Video “Set it Off” (D-MINUS - SET IT OFF OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO), and then again in 2012 for D-Minus’ clip “La Rumba”. When 2013 came around, her passion grew ever larger when she performed on stage again in the “25th Philippine Fiesta Kultura.” 

Justine Joy, songwriter, is now setting sights on fulfilling her dream of conquering the global stage with her true passion: music. In between her 'day job' and travels, she hits the studio to write and record tracks for her album. 

And finally, the moment has come to pass. With her formidable spirit, boundless energy, and impassioned showmanship, Justine Joy is raring and ready to fly away.

She is now in the Philippines to promote her carrier single “Tonight” which she also wrote included in her debut album entitled “Fly Away.” 

Now available in all Odyssey Music Stores.

You can catch updates on Justine Joy, visit her Facebook and   YouTube.  

Here are some clips of her performances at the RJ Bistro, Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Makati City during her visit in the Philippines. 

Public schools along Valley Fault System strengthen readiness for earthquake

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is doing a series of orientations on earthquake preparedness for principals and school administrators from 1,134 public schools from the National Capitol Region, Region IV-A, and Region III, surrounding the Valley Fault System. 

The orientation aims to equip school heads and administrators with the right information to increase the level of preparedness of schools not just for earthquakes but also for other possible risks. 

“There is no such thing as overdose of information. We need to cascade this disaster preparedness information,” Noel Bagano, Muntinlupa City Assitant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS), said.

DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) Project Officer Mariel Bayangos explained the comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education Framework. 

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) geologist Mabelline Cahulogan discusses the geologic hazards of earthquake to school principals and administrators from Las Pinas, Paranaque and Muntinlupa during the orientation of schools along valley fault system on earthquake preparedness.

“Why is there a need for us to have a common framework? We need to establish an overall strategy para kahit saan mang school tayo magpunta, we have a common language,” Bayangos said.

The Comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education is guided by education outcomes and, at the same time, anchored in the four thematic areas: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, and rehabilitation. Specifically, DepEd has adopted the Comprehensive Safe Schools Framework to align DRRM implementation in basic education, which is presented in three pillars: safe learning facilities, school disaster management, and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in education. 

Comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education Framework discussion encompasses the structural and nonstructural measures such as the adopted disaster resilient classroom design, the strengthened construction monitoring process, enhanced design of temporary learning spaces, the establishment of DepEd DRRM offices nationwide, and the policy on student−led school watching and hazard mapping.

Bayangos added that DRRM and CCA are already integrated in the K to 12 curriculum and the DRR reference materials are being uploaded in the learning portal.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Geologist Mabelline Cahulogan also discussed geologic hazards like the occurrence of ground rupture and liquefaction.

“We all know that the Philippines is situated at the Pacific Ring of Fire and it is crucial for us to be disaster prepared,” Cahulogan said.

“Everyday, our instruments at PHIVOLCS record at least 20 earthquakes. Hindi lang natin sila nararamdaman… We can live with the fault as long as we are prepared and ready. Hindi po natin kailangan mag-panic. Sa halip, kailangan lang po natin maging prepared,” she added. 

The geologic hazards discussion was followed by an open forum to address questions from school principals and education administrators relative to disaster preparedness.

Department of Education Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DepEd DRRM) Project Officer Mariel Bayangos explaining the Comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education Framework.

Family earthquake preparedness

The orientation ended with the briefing on the Family Earthquake Preparedness Homework in line with DepEd Order No. 27 entitled “Promoting Family Earthquake Preparedness.” The homework requires all students to answer a set of questionnaires with their parents to assess their family preparedness before, during and after an earthquake. The class advisers will discuss each of the questions and shall tabulate and summarize the answers which will be submitted to the school administration. The school heads shall be the one to discuss the results to the Parents−Teachers Association (PTA) and barangay officials.

Over 400 school principals, administrators and DRR coordinators from six Metro Manila cities (Las Pinas City, Muntinlupa City, Paranaque City, Pasay City, Taguig City, and Makati City) and Region III (Norzagaray and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan) participated in the five first batches of the said orientation. 

The orientation on earthquake preparedness will continue tomorrow at Jose Rizal Memorial School in Calamba City for those school administrators, principals and DRRM coordinators from Biñan, Carmona, Calamba, Rodriguez, San Mateo, San Pedro, Sta. Rosa and Silang, Laguna. More than 200 participants are expected to attend tomorrow. The last leg of the orientation on July 13 will be participated by principals from Manila, Navotas, Caloocan, Malabon and Valenzuela cities. 

Facebook with Free Data : Globe Telecom drives internet adoption in PH with complete suite of free Facebook

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"We are thrilled to connect more Filipino users to their favorite social networking site and drive the country’s positioning as the Digital Lifestyle Capital of the World. As more customers are embracing the digital lifestyle, we want to provide Filipinos more ways to access Facebook with free data and connect them to the rest of the world,” says Dan Horan, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business at Globe.

Globe Telecom announced that Facebook is back and it is here to stay! Customers can now enjoy Facebook with free data, Facebook 7-day trial for TM customers, and Free Facebook with GoSURF! You can also enjoy Spotify and casual games like Clash of Clans with your GoSurf plan!

The country’s leading mobile brand Globe Telecom reinforces its drive to boost internet penetration in the Philippines as it introduces more ways to get Filipinos connected to Facebook with the launch of a complete suite of access to the social networking site without data charges.

Continuing its commitment to enable the Filipino digital lifestyle with access to social networking to connect with people around the world, Globe is offering its customers Facebook with free data with a new in-app feature that allows customers to choose the type of Facebook access, Free Facebook for 7 Days for TM customers, and Free Facebook with a GoSURF subscription.

According to Facebook's official data, as of March 2015, monthly active users on Facebook in the Philippines has reached 43 million. This represents 23% growth when compared to March 2014. On the same period, mobile monthly active users reached 35 million, a 35% growth compared in the previous year. Daily active users hit 23 million, a 28% growth year-on-year. Finally, mobile daily active users in the Philippines reached 18 million, a 50% growth when compared to March 2014.

FACEBOOK WITH FREE DATA

Facebook with free data is a zero-rated, lightweight version of Facebook with limited access to photos and videos. Developed for people who are conscious of spending their mobile data, Facebook with free data will give customers more control over their data usage.

To use Facebook with free data, Globe customers will download and launch the latest version of Facebook for Android. They can also visit www.facebook.com in a browser on their mobile. They will then be prompted to opt in or out of Facebook with free data. If they opt out, they will automatically be directed to the full version of Facebook and charged their regular data rate. Those who opt in can begin browsing Facebook for free.

People using Facebook with free data will also get a data control button at the top of Facebook, which lets them easily switch between the free and the full versions of Facebook at any time. This button clearly indicates which version of Facebook the customer is currently using, and can be dismissed so as not to disturb browsing.

When a customer clicks a photo within Facebook, an external link, or any content that leads outside the Facebook app, they will be notified that they are leaving Facebook with free data and will be charged for data usage.

FREE FACEBOOK VIA TM CHOOSE-YOUR-NUMBER SIM

Available for the value of only P30, customers who have purchased the TM® Choose-Your-Number SIM will also receive the bonus of free access to the full Facebook experience for 7 days. Besides allowing customers to choose their own mobile number, the SIM also allows customers to register to different call, text, and mobile internet promos.

Mobile devices must be internet-capable and have a maintaining load balance of P1 in order to access free Facebook on TM® SIM cards.

FREE ACCESS TO FACEBOOK VIA GOSURF

For customers who want a full experience of Facebook with photo and video streaming access, they can register to a GoSURF data plan to access the social networking site for free. GoSURF is the telco's consumable data plan which paved the way for mobile users to embrace the habit of mobile browsing, with subscriptions growing by 131% and revenues by 124% over the last year.

As the only telco in the country to offer free access to Facebook with a complete browsing experience with a GoSURF subscription, Globe gives customers access to a full experience which includes viewing of photos, streaming of videos uploaded on Facebook, as well as posting, liking, sharing and making comments on the social networking site. Access to the Messenger app, excluding calls, is also free.

Available to Globe Prepaid and TM customers with a GoSURF subscription and to Globe Postpaid customers who will opt-in to the free Facebook promo, free access to Facebook works on any mobile platform, including the Facebook Android app and browsers (via m.facebook.com), without any maintaining balance.

Postpaid customers can access Facebook for free without any purchase requirement while Prepaid and TM customers will automatically get access upon purchase of any GoSURF promo. The validity of the free access to Facebook offer is the same as the subscribed GoSURF promo. 

Customers who have successfully registered on GoSURF will receive a text message notifying the availability of the free access to Facebook service, and will also see the “Facebook with Free Data” banner at the top of the mobile site or app once the free access to Facebook promo is activated.

Aside from Free Facebook, customers also get free access to premium content such as Spotify and top mobile games with GoSURF. With GoSURF50, customers get 300MB of data to access the internet and an additional free 400MB for music streaming and online mobile gaming for only P50 valid for 3 days. The games include Clash of Clans, Candy Crush Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Summoners War, Hay Day, Boom Beach, Soul Seeker, Dungeon Hunter 5, and Asphalt 8: Airborne. 

To get free access to Facebook on Prepaid or TM via GoSURF, simply register to any GoSURF promo and wait for the Facebook activation notification which will be sent via text message. For customers who wish to avail of the bonus FB trial for TM® SIMs, simply text BONUS FB to 8888. Facebook with free data launches once a customer has updated their FB app to its latest version and will automatically be available to those who are not on Postpaid or any GoSURF plan. For Postpaid customers, opt-in to free Facebook by texting FREE FB ON to 8888. To know more information, text FREE FB to 8888. To inquire about the promo, text FREE FB HELP to 8888. To check status, text FREE FB STATUS to 8888.

To know more or to keep updated about GoSURF, text GoSURF to 8888 or text “GoSURF FREE” to 8888 to get detailed information about the different freebies you can get with the promo. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph/gosurf.