Top 6 finalists of AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016 contest revealed

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Top 6 finalists of AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016 contest - (L-R) Dave Poblete (Makati); Daniel Magbanua (Quezon City); Neil Michael Cardano (Puerto Princesa); Atty. Eliseo Zuniga (Taguig); Kimberly Pauig (Pasig) and Mithilaya Miclat (Davao).

From over 500 participants in this year’s search for AirAsia Travel Photographer, six young aspiring photographers have been selected and presented to media and bloggers, Thursday, August 4 at Casa Italia, Burgos Park Bldg. Burgos Circle at Forbes Town Center in Fort Bonifacio. They are Dave Poblete (Makati); Daniel Magbanua (Quezon City); Neil Michael Cardano (Puerto Princesa); Atty. Eliseo Zuniga (Taguig); Kimberly Pauig (Pasig) and Mithilaya Miclat (Davao).

On its second-year, the photo contest is part of AirAsia’s continuous effort to inspire, engage and empower the youth to pursue their goals by traveling and sharing their stories through stunning images and photographs.    

The six finalists went through rounds of judging and were selected based on their personality, creativity, content, originality and technical or visual presentation.

(L-R) Tracy Abad of  Mellow 94.7;  Wawi Navarrosa of Thousandfold;  Nachi Ugarte of GRID magazine;  Rudy Kaw of AirAsia Group and David Viray, Brand Manager of AirAsia

The panel of judges consists of young leaders and veterans in the field of photography, branding and visual arts. Nachi Ugarte, creative director of GRID magazine; Jacob Maentz, documentary photographer; Wawi Navarrosa, artist/photographer, founder of Thousandfold; and Rudy Kaw, AirAsia Group’s head of branding, all shared their thoughts and advice to participants during the selection process held at Café Italia in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. 

The six finalists will be traveling to an AirAsia international destination this August for the final leg of the competition which includes series of challenges in landscape, portrait and food photography. The Grand Winner will be declared as ‘AirAsia Travel Photographer of the Year” and will receive 200,000 AirAsia BIG Points, surprise vacation package and more prizes from partner brands including GRID magazine and Flight 001.

Visit www.airasiatp.com for the webisodes featuring the journey of the six finalists or follow the hashtag #AirAsiaTP2016 #AirAsiaTravelPhotograper on other social media channels such as Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPH) including updates about the contest from Mellow 94.7’s Mad House radio show featuring Chris, Stan, and Tracy. 

The AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016 is also brought to you by AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme, Mellow 94.7, Grid Magazine and Flight 001 Philippines.




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Vina Morales takes center stage in Casino Filipino's shows this August

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Singer-actress Vina Morales brings a delightful musical treat to Casino Filipino (CF) patrons as she tours various CF branches and satellites for a concert tour this August. 

With CF’s monthly entertainment theme “Agosto Mo, Agosto Ko, Panalo!”, Vina is set to captivate the hearts of CF guests with her hit songs like “Hindi Ko Kaya”, “Sala sa Init, Sala sa Lamig”, “Sa Puso Ko”, “Kung Ako na Lang Sana”, and many more. 

The multi-awarded singer-actress who is celebrating her 30th year in show business this year will perform at CF’s branches in Pavilion (August 4), Angeles (August 6), Malabon Satellite (August 11), Cebu (August 13), Olongapo (August 25), and Tagaytay (August 27).

Vina says performing in Casino Filipino has always been an exhilarating for her. “I always enjoy performing in Casino Filipino and I am looking forward to do more shows with you all. Thank you for always including my name on your list of artists.”

The singer-actress said that her CF concert show will not be complete if her audience won’t get to sing and dance with her. 

“I will be singing familiar songs for the CF audience…and of course, my own songs which they always request. I always look forward to doing more shows at CF. Thank you for your never-ending support,” she said.

Aside from Vina, CF’s other featured artists this August include Joey G. (August 3 at CF Angeles); Wency Cornejo (August 4 at CF Olongapo and August 12 at Madison Satellite); Norman Mitchell (August 4 at Binondo Satellite and August 13 at Crown Regency Satellite); Klarisse de Guzman (August 5 at Mimosa Satellite and August 25 at Mactan Satellite); Jam Morales (August 5 at CF-Davao, August 12 at CF Pavilion, August 19 at Malabon Satellite, August 20 at CF Cebu, August 26 at Mimosa Satellite and August 27 at 365 Plaza Satellite); and Lloyd Zaragosa (August 6 at Tagum Satellite).

The acoustic band MYMP will also be seen at CF Tagaytay on August 6 and CF Iloilo on August 17 while Luke Mejares will serenade casino patrons on August 18 at the Manila Grand Opera Satellite and on August 26 at the Talisay Satellite.

Meanwhile, Cebuana singer and theater actress Dulce will also serenade CF Bacolod guests on August 8 and August 13 (with Jun Polistico at CF Angeles) while singer-comedian Andrew E. will entertain at Mactan Satellite on August 11. 

CF guests will likewise be treated to nights full of laughter as some of the country’s sought-after comedians perform in several branches. Among them are Tuesday Vargas (August 12 at Ronquillo Satellite and August 26 at CF Pavilion); Kim Idol (August 12 at CF-Davao and August 26 at CF Pavilion); and Norman Mitchell (August 13, Crown Regency Satellite).

OPM legend Freddie Aguilar will also be entertaining CF Tagaytay guests on August 13 while singer-composer Aiza Seguerra will be at CF Olongapoon August 17. 

Among other artists who will perform during the second half of August are Frenchie Dy (August 17 at Parkmall Satellite); Randy Santiago (August 18 at Binondo Satellite); Aegis (August 19 at CF Pavilion); Edgar Allan Guzman (August 22 at CF Bacolod); Nyoy Volante and Luke Mejares (August 24 at CF Angeles); Dingdong Avanzado (August 26 at Malabon Satellite); Maui Taylor (August 26 at Iligan Satellite); Giselle Sanchez (August 27 at CF Cebu); and Kakai Bautista (August 27 at CF Tagaytay).

For more details, please call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-20-46 or (02) 526-0337 local 2401 to 2403 or visit www.facebook.com/casinofilipino, www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists or http://www.twitter.com/casinofilipino /  www.twitter.com/casinofilipino.

Samsung releases all-new Galaxy Note 7, Globe to accept pre-orders starting August 6, 2016

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Smartphone giant Samsung finally unveiled its all-new Galaxy Note 7 at its unpacking event in New York City, and its features are set to the bar yet again in mobile technology and innovation. Philippines’ #1 mobile brand Globe Telecom is gearing up to take pre-orders starting August 6, 2016 via globe.com.ph/note7.

Maximizing a connected lifestyle, Globe complements the new Galaxy Note 7 with its customizable Globe myLifestyle plans.

The myLifestyle postpaid plans provide a personalized online experience through its variety of lifestyle packs designed for different interests ranging from entertainment, music, fashion, to travel, among others.

“Globe Postpaid always ensures we give our loyal customers access to the latest devices in the market. We are thrilled to finally have the new Galaxy Note 7 with its groundbreaking features that elevate the Filipino digital lifestyle. Best enjoyed on our myLifestyle postpaid plans, each one of our customers will be able to customize and maximize all the Note 7 features attuned to their passions and interests – from the basic services of calls, texts, and mobile data to exclusive content,” said Globe SVP for Consumer Mobile Business Issa Cabreira.

Samsung CEO D.J. Kho led the unboxing in New York City, unveiling Galaxy Note 7’s latest features. Galaxy Note 7 carries the latest innovation – the first ever Iris scanner for added security, alongside the enhanced S-Pen with higher precision and responsiveness.

Note 7 is also the world’s first mobile HDR video that can take footage in sharper colors and with high dynamic range. It also carries superior DSLR like Real Pixel Camera with the first ever dual photodiode sensor (2PD) in mobile, providing superfast autofocus and brighter and clearer images with f/1.7 lens that is excellent for low light. It is water and dust resistant, has an expandable memory up to 256GB and runs on an Octacore processor for smoother graphics.

To learn more about the perfect myLifestyle plan for you, you can visit www.globe.com.ph or visit the nearest store to you. 

Customers can follow Globe Telecom on Facebook www.Facebook.com/GlobePH and @enjoyGlobe on Twitter and Instagram for updates on pre-orders.

Globe keeps growth momentum in 1H; posts double-digit growth in revenues

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Globe Telecom sustained its growth momentum in the first half of the year, delivering a double-digit hike in revenues, reaching a total P59.6 billion, up 11% from P53.8 billion a year earlier. Despite heightened competitive intensity, the robust revenue growth was underpinned by the rise in data-related service revenues across mobile, home broadband and corporate data, driven by efforts in providing market-relevant data offers and the sustained investments in the company’s data network.

Globe recorded net income of close to P9.0 billion, up by 3% against the P8.7 billion reported in the same period of 2015. Core net income, which excludes the impact of nonrecurring charges, foreign exchange gains and mark-to-market charges, stood at P8.8 billion, higher by 2% year-on-year. EBITDA stood at P25.6 billion for the first six months of the year, a robust 13% increase from the P22.7 billion reported a year ago. Total operating expenses and subsidy grew by 9% year-on-year to P34.0 billion from P31.1 billion last year, to support the growing customer base and the expansion of the data network. EBITDA margin stood at 43%, slightly higher than last year’s margin of 42% and in line with the full-year guidance of 40%.

“We are proud that the company’s overall results in the first half remained robust amidst the heightened competitive intensity and the unique challenges and opportunities posed by increasing levels of smartphone penetration and mobile postpaid ownership in the market.” Globe President & CEO Ernest L. Cu said. “We believe that with the aid of the additional frequencies that we have recently acquired, Globe Telecom’s leadership as the preferred brand for Filipinos’ digital lifestyle choices will be strengthened moving forward. Our commitment in making continuous investments and the aggressive expansion of our network capacities are all geared towards addressing the public’s clamor for better internet service and creating wonderful experiences for our valued customers and shareholders.” Cu added.

Globe Telecom’s mobile revenues grew by 3% year-on-year, reaching P45.7 billion for the first half of 2016 from the P44.5 billion reported a year ago, driven by strong revenue performances of Globe’s prepaid brands. TM, the company’s mass-market brand, increased revenues by 5% year-on-year while Globe Prepaid revenues posted a solid year-on-year growth of 3%. Complementing the growth of the prepaid segment, Globe Postpaid revenues posted a 2% growth from the same period of 2015.

From a product perspective, the growth in mobile revenues was spurred by the sustained rise in mobile data service revenues, which grew to P17.8 billion in the first half of 2016, 46% higher than the P12.2 billion reported a year ago. The robust revenue growth was driven by the rise in smartphone penetration, on the back of increasing affordability and range of devices, and the popularity of Globe’s data-driven products and applications as more customers shift towards digital lifestyles. The growth in mobile data services offset the declines in mobile voice (-11%) and mobile SMS revenues (-16%), which are consistent with the trends in other telecom companies in the region and worldwide. Mobile data services comprised 39% of total mobile revenues, up from 27% in the first six months of 2015.

The company’s home broadband business likewise sustained its growth trajectory, significantly increasing both in revenues (+49% year-on-year) and subscriber base (+38% year-on-year). Total home broadband service revenues reached P7.0 billion for the six months just ended, with total subscriber base now reaching 1.14 million customers. The growth in revenues was driven by subscriber expansion in both fixed wireless and wired broadband solutions, due to the continued rise in demand for internet and data connectivity and the popularity of entertainment and other content-driven applications, such as HOOQ and NBA League Pass, among others.

Globe Telecom’s corporate data business surged by 55% to P4.9 billion for the first six months of 2016, from the P3.1 billion in the same period a year ago. This was primarily driven by the sustained demand for digital services across Philippine enterprises given the strong take-up of various data connectivity solutions, managed services, mobility solutions and cloud-based services. Traditional fixed line voice revenues likewise posted a 29% increase year-on-year to P1.9 billion as of the end of June 2016 from P1.5 billion a year ago following the growth of bundled home broadband plans.

PLDT opens premier VITRO Data Center in Makati

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Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT has opened the country’s biggest data center at Makati City, the country’s premier business district, to serve a wide range of organizations, particularly those handling vital data such as banks, business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, IT and content providers and government institutions.

VITRO, set up by PLDT subsidiary ePLDT,  is a network of world-class data centers, guaranteeing continuous business operations for enterprise organizations. Highly robust, secure and scalable infrastructure, unparalleled connectivity, and 24×7 technical support capabilities, allowing you to focus on your core competencies.

(L-R) Opening of VITRO Data Center Makati with Jovy Hernandez, FVP; Eric Alberto, PLDT EVP & ePLDT President and CEO; Nerrisa Ramos, Chief Operating Officer; and David Simon, Chief Technology Officer & Service Delivery & Operations Group Head.

The newest VITRO Data Center sits on a nearly two-hectare property with 3,600-rack capacity. It is equipped with systems and facilities to guarantee continuous operations, ensuring that businesses can utilize robust and scalable digital infrastructure, as well as world-class 24/7 technical support capabilities.

“PLDT is investing heavily in our VITRO data centers as we believe that these facilities are one of the basic building blocks of the country’s digital economy. This data center will be a vital resource for companies as they ramp up their own digital services,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The new earthquake-resistant, purpose-built data center in Makati is built on solid ground without seismic faults within its proximity. In addition, special architectural techniques and materials planning were implemented to provide the data center with fire-rated concrete walls and flood-protected design.

VITRO Makati is rated to withstand earthquakes up to intensity eight in the Richter scale. The data center is also compliant with global design standards.

“PLDT recognizes how vital it is for enterprises to ensure stable operations despite changes in the external environment. The need for scalable and secure hosting facilities to house and manage critical platforms is also growing in importance as the enterprise becomes more data-driven as a result of continuous digital transformation initiatives,” said PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto.

VITRO Makati offers one of the most secure and impenetrable structures in the Philippines with an eight-layer security design, guaranteeing that data and applications will always be protected and secured 

Each major component of the facility is configured with redundant counterparts in place that seamlessly operate to anticipate adverse events, including power generators and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units, among others. 

As part of the VITRO network of data centers, VITRO Makati also serves as a carrier-neutral Internet Exchange facility that provides numerous IP peering services, enabling access to local and international content.

VITRO Makati is also a Nexcenter-certified facility, allowing its clients to use globally standardized Nexcenter services of world leader NTT Com at some 140 locations in 84 cities of 19 countries, in addition to NTT Com’s Arcstar Universal One private-network service, which is already available in the Philippines and which is largely used by the country’s BPO industry.

“As the world becomes even more digitally connected, Filipino enterprises must leverage on new technologies to ensure the security and resilience of their operations. PLDT’s digital platforms can enable enterprises to take advantage of disruptive technologies, secure their operations, and promote growth in their businesses,” said Alberto.

The PLDT Group now operates seven data centers all over the country with a total rack capacity of nearly 7,000 to serve the needs of small, medium, and large enterprises across various industries, including banking, financial services, outsourcing, telecoms, and gaming.