Globe expands GoWiFi hotspots to 1,000 new locations in PH Partners with DICT for EDSA WIFI project

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GoWiFi, Globe Telecom’s premium public WiFi service has expanded to 1,000 more new locations and 10,000 access points in the Philippines to give more customers access to fast and reliable hotspots in high-traffic locations around the country.

This developed as Globe partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the EDSA WIFI project which aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity throughout the 24-kilometer stretch of EDSA.  DICT is targeting to reach over 13,000 public places across 145 cities and 1,489 municipalities nationwide.

GoWIFI was first deployed in Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) stations a year ago as part of the initial 126 hotspots and 2,500 access points opened by Globe for public use.  Aside from MRT-3, it is also available in other major transportation hubs such as select stations of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system and key airports around the country such as those in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao as well as in top tourist destinations like Boracay and Lio, El Nido, Palawan.

The service is also available in hospitals such as St. Luke’s Medical Center, The Medical City, Davao Doctors Hospital, Cardinal Santos Hospital, and Philippine General Hospital; local government units in Makati, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Caloocan, and Batangas; and some of the schools and universities like Far Eastern University and Bulacan State University.

GoWIFI may also be accessed in major malls such as Ayala Malls, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Robinsons Malls, and Gaisano Malls; convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Ministop, Family Mart, and AlfaMart; coffee chains like Starbucks, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Seattle’s Best Coffee, and UCC; and restaurants like KFC, Burger King, Kenny Rogers Roasters, and Wendy’s.

On GoWiFi, users can browse social media, check emails, watch videos, and download files with speeds of up to 100Mbps. A secure access point, It is available for users regardless of network provider, and is compatible with any WiFi-enabled device. Users are given free minutes daily of high-speed internet access where GoWiFi  is available.

“We’re paving the way for our customers to avail of a swift and dependable option when connecting to the internet, especially when they are on-the-go,” shares Globe Chief Commercial Officer, Albert de Larrazabal.

To enjoy the service, connect to the @GoWiFi network, wait for the GoWiFi portal to pop up (or open your browser) and then click the "GO" button.

Once the free minutes are up, Globe/TM customers and other networks can avail of a GoWiFi promo to continue their browsing by connecting to @GoWiFi_Auto. For P15, customers can enjoy 500MB worth of data allocation for one day, while P50 lets customers enjoy 1.5GB worth of data allocation for three days. Long-term customers can pay P99 for 1.5GB data allocation for 30 days. New GoWiFi users who are Globe, TM, or other telco customers may also avail of the Free Trial promo that will give them access to GoWiFi Auto for 3 days. This special trial is valid until August 31, 2017.

Customers can avail of this service and pay via prepaid load, charged to postpaid bill, credit card, or via Request-a-Fi - a feature that allows users to request for a GoWiFi package from their Globe or TM friends.

Globe continues to rollout more GoWiFi hotspots as part of the network’s goal to elevate the state of internet connectivity in the country. Soon, every Filipino will be given the chance to fully embrace a digital and connected lifestyle.

For more information on GoWiFi, visit the website at http://www.globe.com.ph/gowifi .

Meet the Next Generation of Nokia Phones

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The Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 - powered by pure Android, will be available in Philippines by end of June, together with the rebirth of the iconic Nokia 3310

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announced that its first Nokia smartphones range – comprising the Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 – will be available in Philippines by the end of June alongside the iconic Nokia 3310. Unveiled earlier this year at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the smartphones combine superior craftsmanship, distinctive design and powerful entertainment features with a pure Android experience, giving users the ability to use their phone, their way. 

James Rutherfoord, Vice President Asia Pacific for HMD Global, said: "Today marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the Nokia smartphones as we re-introduce this much-loved and trusted brand to the Philippine smartphone consumers, alongside the existing Nokia branded feature phones. HMD is committed to draw on the hallmarks of the Nokia phone heritage of quality, simplicity and reliability for an authentic and differentiating experience to appeal to the new generation of Nokia fans.”

Nokia 6: Powerful entertainment experience and superior craftsmanship

Combining superior craftsmanship and distinctive design with an immersive audio experience and a 5.5” full HD screen, the new Nokia 6 delivers a truly premium smartphone experience. The unibody of the Nokia 6 is crafted from a single block of 6000 series aluminium and is perfect for those who want a robust phone with outstanding entertainment credentials. The smart audio amplifier with dual speakers allow consumers to experience a deep bass and unmatched clarity, whilst Dolby Atmos® sound delivers a powerfully moving entertainment experience.

With outstanding colour reproduction, the Nokia 6 has a fully laminated display stack delivering excellent sunlight readability without compromising the slim form. Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 430 mobile platform and the Qualcomm® Adreno™ 505 graphics processor, the Nokia 6 strikes the perfect balance between performance and power consumption, designed to deliver premium quality entertainment with battery life to spare, maximising your entertainment experience on the go. The Nokia 6 is available in Matte Black, Silver and Tempered Blue– and will be available at PHP 11,990.

Nokia 5: Seamless, premium and durable design

The Nokia 5 has been precision engineered out of a single block of 6000 series aluminium to create a perfect pillowed body that flows seamlessly into the laminated 5.2” IPS HD display with sculpted Corning® Gorilla® Glass. Featuring a ground-breaking innovation in antenna design the Nokia 5 brings robust structural integrity, attention to detail and the quality of a high-end flagship. Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 430 mobile platform, Nokia 5 delivers excellent battery life, improved graphics performance – all in a package that perfectly balances everyday usability with a premium quality design. With additional features including an 8MP, 84-degree wide-angle front facing camera – to squeeze even more scene into your selfie – and excellent sunlight and low light screen visibility, there are plenty of reasons to keep the Nokia 5 out of your pocket and in your hand where it belongs. The Nokia 5 is available in Matte Black, Silver and Tempered Blue– and will be available at PHP 9,990. 

Nokia 3: Superior craftsmanship at an affordable price

This stunning new smartphone is designed to deliver an outstanding experience with unprecedented value. The Nokia 3 features a precision machined aluminium frame forged out of a single piece of aluminium, offering exceptional structural integrity and protection where it counts. Featuring a fully laminated 5” IPS display with no air gap and sculpted Corning® Gorilla® Glass, the Nokia 3 offers durability and superb clarity delivering a viewing experience that is second to none. With fewer reflections thanks to the polarised screen, the experience is crisp and clear offering unbeatable visibility even in bright sunlight. With seamlessly integrated 8MP wide aperture cameras (front and back), the Nokia 3 packs a truly premium quality smartphone experience into its compact and elegant form. The Nokia 3 is available in four distinct colours – Matte Black, Silver and Tempered Blue – and will be available at PHP 6,990. 

Always Pure Android 

With all Nokia smartphones you will always have the latest pure Android experience for your device. With monthly security updates your Nokia smartphone is safe, up-to-date as well as clutter-free – putting choice at the heart of the consumer experience. And with the latest Android come the latest features including the latest capabilities of Doze, which saves battery life while the phone is in a pocket or bag. The new Nokia smartphones feature Google’s most recent innovation, the Google Assistant, building further on a great Android experience. Our teams have worked together to ensure conversations with the Google Assistant happen seamlessly on Nokia smartphones.

Nokia 3310: 

Thin, light and incredibly durable, the Nokia 3310 is a head turning modern twist on one of the best-selling feature phones of all time. Boasting an incredible 22-hour talk-time and month long stand-by, the Nokia 3310’s fresh, colourful, modern design brings it bang up to date. 

Talk all day, text, take pictures, listen to music, and get hooked once more on the original mobile gaming hit Snake, all on a single charge. With its unparalleled month-long standby time, the Nokia 3310 encompasses everything you knew and loved in a sleek modern polycarbonate casing, and with inherent colour throughout its body the Nokia 3310 is more vibrant than ever before. Available in four colours – Warm Red and Yellow, both with a gloss finish, and Dark Blue and Grey both with a matte finish – the Nokia 3310 will be available at PHP 2,490. 

‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’ for marine conservation opens at Solaire

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In celebration of World Oceans Day, captivating underwater photos of multi-awarded photographers Anna Varona and Danny Ocampo presents ‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’ for marine conservation opens at Solaire. 

The exhibit is to highlight the beauty of the Philippine oceans and the urgent need to protect them and also to help the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines in their continuous efforts to conserve Philippine oceans and the communities that greatly depend on them.

WWF-Philippines’ work in protecting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park inspired the declaration of a one million hectare of MPA by the Municipal Government of Cagayancillo through a municipal ordinance covering its entire municipal waters and surrounding open sea. 

A sea turtle seen at the waters of Tubbataha Reefs National Park

The exhibit showcases a visual spectacle that will allow the public to see the beauty of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) such as the Marine Sanctuary in Tingloy, Batangas, Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Cagayancillo and Tubbataha in Palawan, and Tañon Strait in the Visayas. 

Anna Varona and Danny Ocampo presents ‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’

Anna Varona, who is a responsible tourism advocate and a marine warrior on top of being a professional photographer, believes that this endeavor is very much aligned with the 2017 World Oceans Day’s theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Future’ because it aims to spread awareness on the role of MPAs in long-term food security.

“MPAs ensure that our coastal resources are given the chance to regenerate and provide us food now and in the future. Aside from that, our fishermen are given much more stable and sustainable livelihood,” she said. 

One of the featured photographs in the Rule of 2/3rd Exhibit.

Danny Ocampo, who also campaigns for ethical and responsible diving and photography, hopes to influence tourists to be more responsible when they visit MPAs, especially since Apo Island has been instrumental in his journey towards marine conservation work. 

“Apo Island continues to inspire not only me but hundreds of individuals, organizations and policy makers here and abroad who have been there. Sadly, its popularity is beginning to be its bane and measures have to be taken to ensure that tourism and conservation complement each other,” he stated. 

Canon Philippines sponsored the printing of all portraits including the postcard versions of select photos that will be sold to help the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

The exhibit, which is supported by the Department of Tourism, is open to the public until June 22, 2017.

UN women’s forum features Coca-Cola Philippines 5by20 partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

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(Courtesy of the Philippine Commission on Women)

The UNCSW 61 session was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City with the theme “Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work.”The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) recently concluded its 61st session at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

A local delegation to the UNCSW session was led by officials of the Philippine Commission on Women; the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); and Coca-Cola Philippines.

(Courtesy of the Philippine Commission on Women)

Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Dr. Rhodora Bucoy deliberates the stand of the Philippine delegation on the sphere of women economic empowerment.

During the two-week forum, a parallel event session entitled "Here4Her: Making Reintegration Work for Filipino Women Migrant Workers" featured the partnership of Coca-Cola Philippines and DOLE under the Women Entrepreneurs Reintegrated and Economically Active at Home (WOMEN REACH) program.

Through the panel discussion, Coca-Cola and DOLE were able to share the journey and accomplishments of the WOMEN REACH program during its first year of implementation.

Panel speakers (from left) DOLE National Reintegration Commission for OFWs (NRCO) Executive Director Chona Mantilla; DOLE Assistant Secretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; Cabinet Undersecretary Gloria Tango of the office of the Office of the President of the Philippines; and Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, together with the rest of the Philippine delegation.

Among the panelists were DOLE National Reintegration Commission for OFWs Executive Director Chona Mantilla; Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan; DOLE Assistant Secretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; and moderated by Cabinet Undersecretary Gloria Tango of the Office of the President of the Philippines.

"The WOMEN REACH program partnership was conceptualized to help facilitate women economic empowerment and the effective reintegration of returning women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by providing them access to livelihood programs, building their entrepreneurship know-how and connecting them to resources that will help them establish their own small enterprises," shared Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead.

The WOMEN REACH program is a collaboration of the 5by20 Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines and the Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Legal and Livelihood) centers of DOLE. Central to the program intervention is to help improve the plight of returning women OFWs and mitigation measures to help address the impact of the feminization of migration to women OFWs and their families.

Coca-Cola Philippines, represented by Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, is the only private sector panelist invited by the UNCSW 61 Philippine delegation.

The STAR Program is part of the 5by20 global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to help economically empower five million women by 2020. Present in over 80 countries, the Philippines is a lead market in the said global initiative. DOLE’s Assist WELL center, on the other hand, is an integrated resources accessing mechanism established to address the challenges faced by returning women OFWs in the areas of welfare, employment, legal, and livelihood needs. The expertise and resources of these two programs posits a promising intervention that will help women OFW stakeholders under the WOMEN REACH Program.

The UNCSW panel discussion served as a platform for the sharing and exchanging of ideas and experiences both from the panel speakers as well as the audience in the constantly evolving world of work for women overseas workers.#

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. Our billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. 

For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

10 Reasons why you shouldn't miss this year's MAFBEX

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Are you ready for the Ultimate Foodventure?

It’s that time of the year again for the biggest food show in the country – the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo, bringing together a flurry of gastronomic wonders on June 14 to 18, from 10:00am to 8:00pm at the World Trade Center Manila. Organized by MAFBEX Events Management (a subsidiary of Worldbex Services International) and presented in cooperation with the Young Hoteliers Exposition and the Organization of Bar Professionals, this year’s show is sure to be packed with tons of surprises and exclusive events. 

To give you an idea, here are some among the many reasons why you should not miss the 11th MAFBEX!

1. Tasting Opportunities

Set to occupy a total of 15,000 sqm of exhibition space, which will house close to 500 exhibitors, explore and sample the diverse array of food and beverage products from both local and international brands. 

2. Fresh Local Produce 

Presented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, a special pavilion will be showcasing local and homegrown goods from all over the country. Among these include Guzto, Pia, Bahaghari Banana Chips, Merl's Delicacies, The Cracking Monkey, Seaweed Products, Wild Honey, Coconut Oil, Organic Salted Eggs, and Tamarraw rice among many others. Select regional offices including the Regional Field Office I, II, III, and IVA will also display their local produce at the pavilion.

3. Franchising Zone

More than just a destination for foodies, those who wish to venture into the food business are encouraged to visit the Franchising Zone. Among the participating companies include Delicious / Feicitas, KJA Globe, Mega Food Cart, Fosse Coffee Kiosk, Masterchef, David Fusion, JC Worldwide, and Pampanga’s Best.

4. Chefs of the World

A highly-anticipated event highlight at MAFBEX shows, the Chefs of the World gives you a unique opportunity to witness renowned chefs in action and even talk to them during the meet & greet session! Headlining this year’s Chefs of the World are Pokwang, Chef Sharwin Tee, Chef Deejay Santos, Chef Michelle Adrillana, Chef Mitchie Sison, Chef Philip Goulding, and Chef Alain Rion of Sofitel, to name a few.

5. Free MAFBEX Seminars

Feed not only your tummy but also your mind at this year’s MAFBEX Seminars. Open to all and free of charge, learn a thing or two straight from the F&B industry’s top practitioners and influencers.

6. Live Cooking Demos

Wouldn’t it be great if you could prepare your favorite dishes at home? Learn from the best as MAFBEX hosts a series of cooking demos by the most prominent chefs in the country such as Chef Boy Logro, Chef Dang Adrias, Chef Jackie & Maai Florendo, and Chef Xavier Btesh.

7. YHE Interschool Competition

Want to try something new? From a grueling Black Box challenge and Cake Decorating Competition to the Flair Cup 2017, Market Basket Challenge, and the Mocktail Punch Competition, bear witness to live culinary competitions for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

8. National Bartending Championships

Enjoy a boozy spectacle with the first-ever HRAP National Bartending Championships. To showcase their bottle flipping and flair skills at the Flairtending Competition are representatives from the Baguio Country Club, Cafe Havana, Dusit Thani Hotel, Holiday Inn, and Resorts World Manila. Meanwhile, to showcase their cocktail concoctions on the spot at the Classic Bartender Competition are contests from the Baguio Country Club, Diamond Hotel, Dusit Thani Hotel, Pan Pacific Hotel, Sofitel, Bellevue Manila, and OKADA.

9. MAFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition

Like a scene straight out of your favorite reality cooking competition show, feel the action heat up as amateurs battle it out for this year’s MAFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition. Divided into two rounds, the semi-finals and the grand finals, home chefs will be tasked to collect their ingredients on the spot and cook up a culinary masterpiece for the honor of being hailed as champion as well as a chance to win awesome prizes.

10. Eat for a cause

It’s not every day that you eat and get to help someone in need. At MAFBEX, you get to do both as part of the proceeds of the show will go to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.

For more information, you may follow #MAFBEX on Facebook and Instagram!