The Women Champions behind Masungi Georeserve

Women are changing the landscape. Some, more literal than others. Meet Billie & Ann Dumaliang, the two sisters behind the massively successful initiative to preserve and promote the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal Province. This Women’s Month, PLDT Home tells their empowering story through the #SheConnects video campaign.

Known to many as an ecotourism site, the real journey of the acclaimed Masungi Georeserve is a story to behold. Billie & Ann grew up loving and enjoying the scenery of their area since they were kids. Before it became a sanctuary, the assault of poachers and landgrabbers caused severe damage to its flora and fauna.

Inspired by their mutual love for the land, and by the example of their father, the sisters took up the call
to act. Billie left a profitable brand manager position and locked arms with her sister Ann and expanded
their family’s efforts to fight for the land they love. The two sisters then launched an expedition to reclaim and restore the forest and protect it, at all costs.

“There is a lot of opportunity to make a difference in the environment field. There is momentum, and while it is very difficult, it is also very rewarding and fulfilling.” Said the sisters in a recent interview.When asked about the dangers in the field that they operate in, they said, “Yes, there are indeed

inherent risks to conservation work. We manage these risks through learning best practices from the experts and our mentors, and also by forming alliances. It is important to assess each situation differently and react appropriately, when the need arises.”

Dubbed as among the ‘women masters’ for PLDT Home’s Women’s Month Campaign, the two sisters
share their excitement in telling their story to inspire and call on other women to become champions of
the environment, as well. Billie shares, “I am proud that even despite our physical limitations, we can do as much as men can. We are honored to be recognized as champions and to be with other amazing women who, like us, are very passionate in empowering our generation through our collective
advocacies.”

Asked about the importance of having connections and influencing one another, the sisters added, “We
recognize that we cannot win these fights alone. We need the help of all sectors to be able to create
long-lasting change for the landscape we are trying to conserve. It is important to come together with
different people like women and mothers to be able to change mindsets and cultivate new behaviors.”

Be inspired, connect and learn how, like Billie and Ann, you can be a champion too. Watch their masterclass video on PLDT Home’s YouTube page here.

The Modern CEO: Messy Bessy’s Krie Lopez on women inclusivity through social entrepreneurship

Messy Bessy started out as a vision to build an environment-conscious brand. From selling eco-friendly
cleaning products online, CEO and founder Krie Lopez’ vision became a bigger mission – to grow an
inclusive and sustainable social enterprise for women.

Having finished Management Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University, Krie Lopez is no novice in
social entrepreneurship, gaining experience as the former head of the corporate social responsibility
program of a global food and retail brand. After leaving her corporate job, Krie bravely built her own
social enterprise and in 2007, introduced Messy Bessy, which has become a popular home and personal
care brand with natural, environmentally sustainable and innovative composition.

A modern-day CEO, Krie has built an environment of mutual growth and wellness, not just for her
business, but more so, for her employees. She established their nonprofit HOUSE (Helping Ourselves
Through Sustainable Enterprises) in 2015, in an effort to replicate and scale the social program they
have incubated in Messy Bessy. She explains, “That’s been the core of what we do. If you look at Messy
Bessy, more than half of our workforce are working students. When you buy a Messy Bessy product,
you’re feeding into that system that’s providing these young adults with employment and education.”

Messy Bessy goes deeper into the support process by connecting their employees to suitable and
attainable future opportunities. This is especially true for the disadvantaged women in their team. She
adds, “We have family care programs that even go as far as engaging with their families. We also offer
interventions in sexual health, psychosocial support and financial literacy.” Speaking about the women
in her team, Krie acts as an enabler to further inspire and empower them. “These women deserve the
privilege to fight for themselves”, she continues.

Krie further shares that the end-goal of Messy Bessy is to make their employees “self-reliant.” She says,
“We take note of everything that we’ve learned along the way and identify what is really essential for our employees to be self-reliant. The big goal at the end of our program is for them to finish with a college diploma coupled with a rich work experience.”

The power of strong connections is also a crucial element for Messy Bessy. “Being a social enterprise, we
are able to use our network, our connections to build and support the dreams of our employees. Over the years, we realized that so many in our community are willing to help. In fact, there are people from large multinationals who are always willing to roll up their sleeves to help us thrive.’

In celebration of Women’s Month, Krie was named as a “Master Builder” for PLDT Home’s #SheConnects campaign, a series of video masterclass of women masters. Learn from Krie Lopez and other amazing women by watching their exclusive videos on PLDT Home’s YouTube page here.

Globe reinvents customers' everyday experiences with innovative life-enabling offers

Filipinos are very agile, always ready to adapt to new experiences and face challenges head on. Despite the pandemic, many are able to stay afloat thanks to digital means which remain abuzz with new platforms, services, bundles and plans that reinvent how we live.

Globe recognizes the challenges its customers continue to face given the current state of the pandemic. To support them, the company launched first-to-market innovations that redefine telco experiences that enable them to win each day.

“Today, Filipinos have better connectivity with truly proactive service here and abroad, powered by the largest mobile network and the fastest-growing 4G network in the country. More advanced technologies are also in place such as 5G and fiber plus pervasive network improvements,” shared Globe’s Deputy Chief Commercial Officer Issa Guevarra-Cabreira during the first-ever Globe Innovation Fest.

Globe stands as the industry pioneer and leader in 5G technology in the Philippines. The recent launch of Globe’s 5G roaming services in the UAE and Thailand are set to continue with upcoming launches across Asia, Middle East, North America, and several countries in Europe. The 5G roaming service is available to Filipinos traveling internationally, as well as subscribers of select foreign telcos visiting the Philippines.





Pioneering data as currency

With the internet as a new essential, data has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Globe pioneers the way customers use and extend the value of data by introducing data as currency in the Philippines. This applies to any Globe product whether mobile, Home Prepaid WiFi, or Reward for loyalty. With Globe's latest innovation, GBs to Points, customers can soon start converting their unused GBs to Globe Rewards points via the Globe One App. For Prepaid, the conversion is 1GB = 1 Rewards Point. For Postpaid, 1GB = 10 Rewards points. For Home Prepaid WiFi, 3GBs = 3 Rewards. Gigabytes or GBs may be converted into points at any time within the promo validity or before the plan’s cut off date.

More value and benefits everyday on mobile or at home

Globe Postpaid acknowledges the evolving needs of customers and the importance of flexibility and reliable connectivity. Introducing another first of its kind in the market, the new GPlan with GCash offers maximum flexibility for customers by giving them GCash credits which they can spend for anything they want and need -- whether it’s content subscriptions, shopping vouchers, or even home essentials like robot vacuums. Mobile and life essentials are combined in any GPlan type. Aside from generous data allocations, customers will receive unlimited all-net calls & texts, free GoWiFi when in transit, unlimited teleconsultation via KonsultaMD & 3 months insurance coverage via GInsure from Singlife with plan offers like GPlan with Device, GPlan Sim-only, and GPlan with GCash.

Globe Postpaid will also make available soon special offers using the iQiyi app, one of the world's leading online movie and video streaming websites for Korean and Chinese TV dramas, movies, variety shows, and Japanese anime. The mostly Asian content will be available using FREE and VIP versions accessible via iQiyi app or iQ.com. VIP subscription allows customers to get additional features like advanced episodes and no ads. iQiyi VIP offers will be available in GlobeOne and GCash apps next month.


"We know that our customers need mobile plans that fit right into their lifestyles and evolving needs. The GPlan gives them access to life's many other opportunities and perks, giving them more power to reinvent experiences on their own and of those around them," shared KD Dizon, Head of Globe’s Mobile Business.

For the discerning digital warriors at home, Globe At Home is boosting its plans’ speeds so customers may enjoy a faster and robust connectivity experience at home. Likewise, it has ramped up its entertainment and health freebies through its Unli Fiber Up plan with speeds of up to 100Mbps for only P2,899. With fast speeds and ramped up freebies, customers have what they need to do more at home! 

More than reliable connectivity, customers are also covered with 3 months worth of FREE GInsure medical coverage for COVID 19 and dengue of up to Php140,500. Globe At Home customers will also have access to free 3 months medical consultation through the KonsultaMD Family Plan. They get unlimited 24/7 access to licensed Filipino doctors through voice or video consultations, and will be able to receive e-prescriptions or e-lab requests via SMS or email as needed.

Customers may also choose their favorite entertainment via three months FREE access to Amazon Prime Video, HBO GO, and Viu Premium. For gamers, customers can enjoy Amazon Prime Gaming, which comes with the 3-month Amazon Prime Video access and offers in-game content for top games plus a selection of free games every month. With HBO GO, customers have unlimited access to thousands of hours of critically-acclaimed and award-winning content from HBO, the latest and biggest Hollywood Blockbusters and HBO Asian Originals — movies and series available across all genres including Warner Bros and DC. Lastly, Viu is the one-stop service for viewers to access the largest volume and widest selection of Korean content titles. Viu also brings Japanese dramas and animation, Filipino-dubbed shows, Asian dramas as well as Viu Originals to the home.

Assuring customers of reliable after-sales service, Globe At Home complements its products with a digital after-sales service through the Globe At Home app. Get support and avail of services like bills payment, plan upgrades, and volume boost to get more data using the app. Concerns may be resolved without calling a hotline or visiting a Globe Store by simply sending a message to the Globe At Home Facebook chatbot. To reach customers faster, installation is guaranteed to happen within 48 hours upon plan approval, exclusively for online application only. Requests for repair may also be done via the app.

"We provide #ExtraCareAtHome for our customers so they can get the most enriching experiences given the current situation. That's why we take the extra step in providing as much connectivity, health, entertainment and other essentials they need, while giving them peace of mind at home," said Darius Delgado, Globe’s Head of Broadband Business.







Helping SMEs and businesses in their digital transformation

As a digital solutions provider and in partnership with the national government, Globe myBusiness has been assisting hotels, restaurants and cafes through the Safe Recovery Campaign. Going digital, accompanied by proper safety protocols has allowed the hospitality industry to slowly gain its momentum back. Globe myBusiness offers solutions and services such as Amber, Rush, and KonsultaMD. Amber helps businesses reach out to their client base. Rush enables businesses with reward programs for their loyal customers. And to ensure the health and safety of staff and guests, GmB offers KonsultaMD. Moreover, Globe myBusiness has partnered with SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, to offer the Hygiene Monitored Program.

This program is a global initiative that aims to ensure the highest hygiene practices within hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other places of business. An SGS HM mark is an assurance to the customer that the establishment practices the best food safety methods.

“Many business owners have been facing additional challenges since the start of the pandemic. Globe myBusiness is their partner in recovery and ensures their own customers’ safety as they resume operations,” said Maridol Ylanan, Head of Strategy & Marketing, Globe myBusiness.

For corporate customers, Globe Business continues to work with clients and partners to ensure that enterprise businesses run smoothly and securely, as they propel their digital transformation. Globe Business helps in future-proofing businesses through connectivity, Cloud, cybersecurity, and a host of digital solutions, meant to reinvent the concept of 'anytime, anywhere'.

Through the Cloud, for instance, businesses are able to elevate their operations from on-ground activities to online. Companies that used to be restricted to maintaining servers on-premise can shift their workloads (applications, services, and capabilities) to the Cloud. To help enterprises progress towards digitalization, Globe fully acquired cloud professional and managed services company, Cascadeo. This investment will help attain the highest level of professional and managed service capabilities for multi-cloud operations, guaranteeing extensive experience and knowledge in designing, architecting, building, migrating, and managing workloads and applications on the cloud.

Aside from its acquisition of Cascadeo, Globe also staked a claim on business applications and consulting company, Third Pillar—the Philippines’ largest Gold Partner of Salesforce, the world leader in CRM solutions. Through Salesforce, businesses can take advantage of cloud-based applications that allow them to automate B2B sales processes, leverage on AI to support customers, and more. With its expertise in CRM and impressive list of success stories, Third Pillar serves as a guiding hand for implementing best-in-class technologies that help Globe customers achieve innovation, sharpen their competitive edge, and generate growth in a digital landscape.

“Collaborating with leading tech companies like Cascadeo and Third Pillar can help our clients achieve their goals which in turn will make an impact on their customers. In everything we do, our aim is to support enterprises across the country as they reinvent their success and contribute to the nation's recovery," said Peter Maquera, Senior Vice President, Globe Business.

Endless possibilities to do good


One of the greatest and most impactful risks we face as a community is the threat of climate change. Globe sees mitigating the impact of climate change as a whole of nation approach.

Globe continues to forge partnerships with government organizations and has committed to adopt frameworks like the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to help address climate-related risks through science-based research, financial information and disclosures. Proactively investing in initiatives that create real and lasting social impact is a testament to the company’s commitment in creating a #GlobeOfGood. Through innovations like Globe Rewards, Globe One, and GCash, customers are given the power to take action as a digital citizen — able to participate in various initiatives including proper e-waste disposal, recycling, rainforestation, energy conservation, marine biodiversity, and minimizing single-use plastics.

“Climate change will impact all of us so we need to be persistent in educating Filipinos on environmental threats and what every person can do to help. Actively participating in causes and increasing awareness on what's happening around us will go a long way in prevention and mitigation,” concludes Guevarra-Cabreira.

For years, Globe has been recognized for its sustainability initiatives. The company supports 10 UN Global Compact principles and contributes to 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 9 which recognizes the importance of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development, and UN SDG No. 12 - Sustainable Consumption and Production, which is about achieving economic growth and sustainable development by urgently reducing ecological footprint. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources.



For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

How Actors Can Make It during a Pandemic

 

photo credits to USA Today 

Actors have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, as have many others in nearly any industry. Most are not big Hollywood stars, which means they haven't earned millions to tide them over and are grappling with limited to zero income during this challenging time.

When The Wrap interviewed multiple up-and-coming actors and performers in both L.A. and New York, they found careers in the industry had come to a halt with no income from common backup jobs that have been affected either, such as waiting tables, bartending, and instructing fitness classes. One actress told the publication that within just a few days, every job she had lined up was gone with productions shut down. Studio sessions for her career as a singer and songwriter were put on hold, and her side gig working as a contractor for a marketing/social media/branding firm was gone too.

While the situation is bleak, things do seem to be slowly getting better, and there are ways for actors to make it during the pandemic that more and more actors have begun to discover.

Teach workshops

For actors who are highly skilled with experience in the industry, they might host virtual acting workshops or courses online for those who want to learn. Content can be generalized to attract a wide range of people or tailored to something more specific. The price you can charge varies depending on the quality of the content you plan to teach and how long the course is, but dedicating time to produce something many will be happy to pay for while they're stuck at home trying to make better use of their time can also guarantee more steady earnings for you.

Virtual Work

Flexibility and adaptability aren't everyone's strong suit, but it's important now more than ever. Actors can take advantage of our virtual world by utilizing online connections. Online acting is becoming increasingly popular, with many looking to hire by searching the term "find an actor" for everything from promotional brand campaigns and charity fundraisers to plays that will be live-streamed and all types of virtual events today. Audiences are missing those authentic performances, going to plays and such, but virtual events can at least bring the arts to people at home while helping to support actors in need of an income to help pay the rent and put food on the table.

Voiceover Work

Voiceover work can be lucrative and requires little to no in-person interaction. It can be used for nearly anything from gaming, podcasts, and audiobooks to commercials and dubbing films. There are lots of sites where you can upload your profile and find voiceover work today, from the Special Guest app to sites like Voices, Voice123, and TheVoiceRealm.

Do Your Own Project

If you have friends in the industry who are also out of work, you might join together to collaborate on a project. You could start a web series or write and perform sketches. These projects don't require a big budget, you might simply come up with a story based on one location that you have free access to. By creating your own work, you can stream it on YouTube, earn money from the views, and possibly get picked up too.

Samsung introduces new ‘Do-It-All’ Smart Monitor

Based on the latest Google Search Trends and the Entrepreneur.com survey done at the end of 2020, 76% of CEOs reported that their company’s productivity was either maintained or even increased as a result of working remotely. The survey also sighted that 70% of CEOs prefer that a portion of their employees continue to work remotely even after their offices reopen. Given this stark new normal, Samsung introduces their latest technological breakthrough, designed for both young professionals and students alike, the new Samsung Smart Monitor.

The world’s first “Do-It-All” screen, the Samsung Smart Monitor is highly adept in meeting all types of demands for work, entertainment, learning, gaming, and just about anything in between, without the need for a PC. 

The Samsung Smart Monitor is loaded with productivity features such as Remote Access, Office 365, and Samsung DeX. Remote Access allows users to have full access to their office PC or laptop via the Internet. With Office 365, documents and presentations can be viewed, edited, and saved in the cloud, while with Samsung DeX, Samsung Galaxy phone users will be able to easily connect with the Smart Monitor and open a desktop workspace.

The Samsung Smart Monitor also comes fully equipped with a slew of entertainment features in an easy to navigate hub for Netflix, YouTube, and other Smart TV apps, including AirPlay 2, Tap View, App Casting, and Screen Mirroring. It comes with a remote controller, a built-in speaker, and voice assistance through Bixby. Its versatility is also uncompromised as it comes with a USB type-C port on the 32” UHD M7 model, alongside other USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. So, not only is it a flexible work and study monitor, it also serves as a full entertainment hub for the whole family.

When it comes to e-learning, the Samsung Smart Monitor also has impressive features including Adaptive Picture which recognizes its surroundings and provides the best viewing experience possible, as the display automatically adjusts its backlight brightness by using ambient light sensors, thus reducing eye strain. It is also Flicker Free and employs App Casting and Tap View which easily displays the phone's screen on the TV. Besides this, it is also TUV Certified which means that the product has been thoroughly tested for safety and found to meet the minimum requirements set by the German Equipment and Product Safety Act.

The Samsung Smart Monitor comes in three sizes and configurations: a 27” Full HD monitor priced at P18,999; 32” Full HD monitor priced at P22,999; and a 32” Ultra High-Definition (UHD) monitor priced at P28,999. The main advantage of the UHD can be seen in its crisp clear picture clarity. It has four times more pixel density and can provide a workspace four times larger, than Full HD, while only taking up the same physical space. It will be available in all major retail outlets starting March 5, 2021.

From March 5 to 31, 2021, early-bird buyers of the Samsung Smart Monitor will get a premium Logitech MK120 keyboard and mouse set worth P1,000, plus a 1-year premium subscription to video streaming provider, Viu,


For more information on the Samsung Smart Monitor, visit www.samsung.com/ph.

Catch NBA All-Star 2021 with your NBA League Pass from PLDT Home Fibr

As the 2020-21 NBA season continues to excite hardcore basketball fans, PLDT Home Fibr enhances the entertainment experience at home with NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service, which delivers the most comprehensive live and on-demand access to NBA games and content in high-definition.

PLDT Home Fibr customers can subscribe to NBA League Pass by selecting from monthly and 3-Game Choice packages at Php 485 and Php 85, respectively, and charging the fees directly through their existing PLDT Home account.

With NBA League Pass, fans can watch the most awaited events of the season, including NBA All-Star 2021, which will be held on Sunday, March 7 ET (Monday, March 8 PHT) at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Hawks, where the league’s annual global celebration of the game will take place on one night for the first time. The rosters for the NBA All-Star Game will be determined through the NBA All-Star Draft, where the two team captains – Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant – will select from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves in each conference and make their picks without regard to conference affiliation.

NBA League Pass will provide PLDT Home Fibr subscribers access to the NBA All-Star 2021 with enhanced statistical overlays, alternative audio, and multiple viewing options. Adding more excitement is how subscribers can also have access to League Pass’ Next-Generation game viewing enhancements, including new camera angles, multiple in-language streams, in-depth analytics and statistical graphics, and trivia. 

What better way to watch the NBA action at home than with the country’s fastest internet, PLDT Home Fibr. Enjoy simultaneous video streaming of your favorite NBA games with your multiple devices at home as PLDT Home Fibr gives you the fastest and most seamless internet speeds perfect for the whole family. 

Get your NBA League Pass through PLDT Home Fibr. To subscribe, visit pldthome.com/nbaleaguepass.

Samsung Named No.1 Global TV Manufacturer for 15 Consecutive Years

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. topped the global TV market for the 15th consecutive year, according to market research firm, Omdia. Newly released data published recently notes that Samsung Electronics recorded 31.8% in global TV market share by revenue in Q4 2020 and retained the largest annual category market share by revenue in 2020, at 31.9%.

Samsung’s growth across the Visual Display Business reflects a commitment to the most premium at-home viewing experiences, coupled with the fast-growing QLED portfolio, category leadership in the ultra large screen segment over 75-inches, the introduction and expansion of a Lifestyle TV portfolio, and a series of industry, category and product “firsts” made possible thanks to Samsung’s constant drive for innovation.

"Consumers use screens every day to entertain, connect with loved ones, work, exercise from home and do much more. And we have seen how different lifestyles and routines have not only evolved, but converged,” said Jong-hee Han, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "We continue to be incredibly humbled by the trust placed in our vision and products; it is what drives our relentless pursuit to deliver cutting-edge innovation and a best-in-class screen experience that meets the needs of the modern-day consumer.”

Looking back over the last 15 years, Samsung’s innovation-led growth agenda has incorporated groundbreaking new technologies, while spanning multiple categories, reaching a wide range of consumers and use cases.

In 2021, Samsung expects to maintain its industry-leading market position with the introduction and expansion of core products and by incorporating proprietary technology and features across all TV lineups. This includes Samsung’s new Neo QLED lineup along with Samsung’s MICRO LED, Lifestyle TVs and a company-wide alignment of operations through long-term sustainability programs. Over the next few years, Samsung will continue to invest more in R&D and product development in strategic business areas to further strengthen its core and emerging technology offers.

For more information on Samsung’s TV products, please visit www.samsung.com/.