Google doodle celebrates Philippines’ 119th Independence Day

Tweet

Illustrator Dan Matutina designs Independence Day doodle

Google Philippines joins the country in celebrating its 119th Independence Day with a special one-day only doodle on the google.com.ph homepage designed by Filipino illustrator Dan Matutina. This year’s Independence Day doodle combines the beauty of the Philippine flag and the country’s unique island landscapes.

This is Google’s eighth Independence Day doodle for the Philippines, and it features Filipinos gathered around the Philippine flag for a flag raising ceremony while sunrise can be seen over the water, symbolizing the Filipinos’ optimism in the face of adversity.

The Philippine flag was first raised on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite as a symbol of the country’s independence from colonial rule. Now, flag raising ceremonies are held in all schools and government offices while singing the Philippine National Anthem.

Clicking on the Google doodle will lead visitors to learn more about the history of Philippine independence.

“Doodle” is the name used for decorative changes made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists, pioneers, and scientists. Doodles make searches even more fun as we learn new things with each new design.

The first doodle was created in 2000 when Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin asked then intern and now Google’s chief doodler Dennis Hwang to design a logo for Bastille Day. Since then, the Google homepage has featured thousands of doodles, making search even more fun and entertaining.

Past Independence Day doodles

2009

2010

2012

2013

2014 

2015

2016

About Google

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

Free Wi-Fi in EDSA to be launched on June 12

Tweet

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), together with the National Telecommunications Commmission (NTC), will formally launch on Independence Day, June 12, free Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet services, dubbed as “Alay Para sa Malayang Pilipino,” in the whole stretch of Edsa.

Free Wi-Fi is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2016.

“I have ordered the newly-created DICT to develop a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies to improve Internet speed,” Duterte said during his Sona.

The chief executive further instructed the DICT “to provide Wi-Fi access in selected public places throughout the country.”

To make the Edsa project happen, the DICT has provided access points in all MRT stations and in between stations, and sought the help of local telcos to enhance infrastructure for cellular services along Edsa.

Service testing of the project has started, which identified the stretch of Cubao to Guadalupe as a priority area. 

DICT’s partner agencies include the Department of Transportation – Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3), PLDT and SMART, Globe Telecom, ABRATIQUE & ASSOCIATES, Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRT DevCo), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA, Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), and the local governments of Quezon City, Makati City, Mandaluyong and Pasay City.

Jack ‘n Jill Calbee’s online ambassador, Yassi Pressman at the launch of #DoTheCalbeats Dance Competition, Jack ‘n Jill Calbee makes it viral online

Tweet

Jack ‘n Jill Calbee heats up our digital screens by launching the #DoTheCalbeats Dance Challenge online! 

Jack ‘n Jill Calbee’s online ambassador, Filipino British model, actress, television personality, singer and dancer Yassi Pressman gets the party on, show how to dance the CalBeats and be one of the judges at the launch of #DoTheCalbeats Dance Competition at TriNoma Activity Center last June 10, 2017. 

There were sis university dance crews who battled it out during the launch of the #DoTheCalbeats Dance Challenge.

Congratulations to the Dance to the CalBeats Grand Champion - The PUP Power Impact Dancers, first runner-up -  the UE Extreme Squad and second runner-up - the UP Manila Indayog Dance Varsity. 

Dancers who have the rhythm to go viral are invited to make their own #DoTheCalbeats Dance Challenge dance covers.

Jack ‘n Jill Calbee will be on the lookout for the best dance covers starting June 10, and is giving away big prizes including Jack ‘n Jill Calbee treats, P20,000 in cash, and a trip for four to Japan for its first set of winners.

To join, participants can choose to go solo or dance in a group with a maximum of five members. They must video-record their best dance covers of Jack ‘n Jill Calbee’s “Konnichi-whoa” jingle; post this publicly on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the caption “I/We just made our own dance cover of the #DoTheCalbeats Honey Butter! Can you top this? #PotatoPros”; and tag Jack ‘n Jill Calbee on your posts to get spotted by the #PotatoPros.

The first set of winners will be announced by the end of July, so don’t miss out on this chance to showcase those fierce moves. Who knows, you might be the next “konnichi-whoa” dance sensation?

You may even take inspiration from the university dance crews who battled it out during the launch of the #DoTheCalbeats Dance Challenge at TriNoma Activity Center last June 10. Watch their dance videos by subscribing to Jack ‘n Jill Calbee’s YouTube page. 

Jack ‘n Jill Calbee’s online ambassador, Yassi Pressman, is seen enjoying Honey Butter Potato Chips in the #PotatoPros’ newest dance video.

Gather your friends and #DoTheCalbeats to win awesome prizes! Visit Jack ‘n Jill Calbee’s website at www.jacknjillcalbee.com to access the full mechanics of the #DoTheCalbeats Dance Challenge.

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

Tweet

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

Tweet

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.