Globe expands roam-like-a-local offer, unveils new offers amid travel peak

As the peak season for international travel approaches, Globe is expanding its roam-like-a-local offer with GoRoam, launching the service in Malaysia after earlier rolling out in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

GoRoam is Globe’s response to the growing demand for affordable international roaming services. With GoRoam’s country-specific offers crafted to match local SIM card rates, travelers can enjoy seamless connectivity without the hassle of switching SIMs during their trips.

 

Globe users traveling to Malaysia may now avail of the GoRoam offer at P800 for 5GBs, valid for 10 days.

 

Early this year, Globe also launched GoRoam in these destinations:

●       Taiwan: P600 for 2.4GBs, valid for 10 days

●       Thailand: P800 for 15GBs, valid for 8 days

●       Hong Kong: P600 for 3GBs, valid for 5 days

 

These packages are meticulously crafted to align with the rates, data allotment, and validity periods of local SIMs in the respective countries.

 

"With GoRoam, there's no longer a need to juggle between SIM cards when traveling abroad since Globe has effectively bridged the gap in terms of convenience and compelling value. GoRoam underscores our unwavering dedication to enhance the roaming experience for Pinoy travelers," said Coco Domingo, Vice President of Postpaid and International Business at Globe.

 

Filipinos going abroad can now leave behind the hassles of swapping SIM cards, renting pocket WiFis, navigating unfamiliar mobile settings, or missing connections with loved ones. With GoRoam, users retain their original SIM, sidestepping the fuss of configuring a new one. The service guarantees uninterrupted connectivity, elevating the international travel experience to unparalleled levels of ease and connection.

 

To enjoy the GoRoam offers, Postpaid and Prepaid travelers can easily register via the GlobeOne app.

 

Learn more about Globe Roaming offers.

PetPal revolutionizes business for vets, helps expand clientele

 Dr. Paulo Mercado says PetPal helped him gain 90 new clients as it makes vet consultations easy and convenient. 

PetPal, a portfolio company of Globe’s 917Ventures, is transforming the landscape of veterinary practice in the Philippines. With its innovative solutions, PetPal has successfully onboarded over 1,000 licensed and accredited veterinarians and partnered with more than 300 trusted vet clinics across the country. 

PetPal's commitment to excellence is evident in its user-friendly platform, which is trusted by millions of pet owners nationwide. It does not only offer a seamless experience for pet owners but also provides veterinarians with an opportunity to expand their clientele and increase their revenue.

 

Dr. Paulo Mercado, DVM, shared how PetPal helped him grow his clientele.

 

“Through PetPal, I have gained over 90 new clients, all thanks to the convenience and accessibility of online consultations. PetPal has changed the way I practice vet medicine and allowed me to expand my clientele reach,” he said.

 

Similarly, Dr. Gladys Magdaraog, DVM, credited her career growth to PetPal.

 

“Since joining PetPal, my vet career has experienced tremendous growth. I have gained over 60 new clients and the increased demand allowed me to open my clinic’s second branch. My vet journey with PetPal has been incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally,” she said.

 

For veterinarians looking to elevate their practice, PetPal offers a myriad of benefits. From setting up a digital clinic to receiving marketing support and nationwide reach, the platform ensures that vets are well-equipped to serve their clients efficiently.

 

Moreover, joining PetPal is absolutely free, with no monthly fees, making it an attractive proposition for both up-and-coming and established veterinarians.

 

Miguel Guerrero, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at 917Ventures, passionately articulates the mission of PetPal, declaring, "PetPal is committed to elevating pet care standards across the Philippines and empowering veterinarians with the resources and backing they deserve to excel."

 

Dr. Gladys Magdaraog says her practice has grown with increased client demand through PetPal. 

Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures, added, "We are immensely proud of the trust and credibility PetPal has built in the industry. It's more than just numbers. It's about making a genuine difference in the lives of pets and their caregivers."

 

For pet owners, PetPal offers a comprehensive suite of services, from online consultations and home vet visits to vaccinations and grooming services. The platform also introduces the PetPal Club, where members can enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts all year long. Meanwhile, the digital pet booklet Pet Pawrtal makes it easy and convenient to track pets’ healthcare journey.

 

With its all-encompassing solutions, PetPal is on a mission to ensure pets live their healthiest lives. As the top digital pet care solutions provider in the Philippines, PetPal invites veterinarians to join their growing community and be part of the revolution.

 

Sign up and become a PetPal vet. Learn more about 917Ventures and its startups.

Globe supports Senate bills strengthening PH law vs online content piracy

Globe supports Senate bills that will amend the 26-year-old Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against online content piracy, measures that will protect the Filipino creative industries and customers who face risks online. 

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. have filed separate bills to strengthen the Intellectual Property Code, a parallel measure to House Bill No. 7600 by Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay's 2nd District in the House of Representatives which passed third reading in May 2023.

 

These legislative efforts are designed to update Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, which was established in 1997, well before online content piracy became prevalent.

 

"The Globe Group recognizes the urgent need to modernize the Intellectual Property Code, especially in the face of growing online threats such as online content piracy. It's crucial to safeguard our creative industries, their workforce, and consumers who might unknowingly access malicious links on pirated websites, jeopardizing their personal data," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

 

Amending the Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against online content piracy will institutionalize a landmark Memorandum of Understanding that the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently signed with Globe and other leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country to establish a site-blocking mechanism against pirate sites.

 

The MOU, the first of its kind in Asia, is a significant step forward against online content piracy as it establishes a voluntary site-blocking practice against the unauthorized distribution and sale of pirated content over the internet. The MOU also outlines the general principles and procedures for site blocking as it underscores collaboration between IPOPHL and ISPs.

 

Globe has consistently campaigned against online content piracy through the #PlayItRight initiative, promoting the protection of content creators in an era dominated by pirated materials.

 

As a member of the Video Coalition of the Philippines, established last year alongside major industry players and the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Globe has been at the forefront of advocating for robust intellectual property rights in the Philippines.

 

The proposed bills by Estrada and Revilla, both actors who are personally familiar with the perils of film piracy, aim to empower the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to restrict access to copyright-infringing sites and initiate site-blocking measures, supporting the creative sectors against rampant piracy.

 

Estrada's Senate Bill 2150, submitted on May 9, 2023, suggests blocking access to websites promoting copyright violations and proposes fines of up to PHP1 million. Meanwhile, Revilla's Senate Bill No. 2385, filed on August 1, 2023, focuses on enhancing the IPOPHL's authority and responsibilities.

 

Estrada highlighted the significant spike in online film piracy during the COVID-19 pandemic, with illegal online links to Filipino films, including those from the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, being widely shared on social media.

 

The IPOPHL reported a noticeable increase in online piracy and counterfeiting activities in 2020, with the number of reports and complaints exceeding the average in the previous five years.

 

Surveys by YouGov, commissioned by the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), suggest that enforcing site-blocking could greatly benefit the Philippines' P1.6-trillion creative industries, which contributed 7.3% to the country’s economy in 2022.

 

While 58% of consumers in the country interact with pirated content, many are willing to pay for legitimate content if not available on pirated platforms. The survey showed varied preferences for legal content consumption, with 53% opting for subscription services, 15% for pay-per-view, 28% for cinema, 13% for Blu-Ray or DVD, and 39% for ad-supported media.

 

Filipino consumers overwhelmingly support government action against online content piracy. The survey revealed that 45% support ISP restrictions on pirate websites, 27% are in favor of banning Android TV Boxes that access pirated content, and 39% back the prohibition of apps offering pirated content access.

Tagum-based Inventor Qualifies for Mindanao-wide Invention Contest

Carlos Detalo, Jr., inventor of the Tankless Foaming Machine

A Tagum-based inventor who was assisted by the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) qualified for the Mindanao Cluster Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) on October 4-5, 2023 at the VIP Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

Carlos Detalo Jr., an inventor based in Tagum City, Davao Region qualified for the said invention contest with his entry “Tankless Foaming Machine” under the Outstanding Creative Research (Likha Award) Private Funded category. 

He obtained funding in 2020 through the Industry-Based Engineering Design (IBED) initiative of the TAPI after he was hailed as the champion for RICE under the Utility Model Category in 2019 with his invention "Span On and Off Handle for 5-Gallon Bottle Container”.

His inventive acumen has not only contributed to regional recognition but has also garnered attention on the national stage as he was a qualifier for the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) last 2020. This year, his craft marked another significant stride in his inventive journey.

As Mr. Detalo advanced to the Mindanao-wide stage, his "Tankless Foaming Machine" invention became an inspiring figure for other aspiring innovators in the region. His success story epitomizes the power of innovation and the transformative potential of inventors in Davao. 

He said that the very core of his works were the people. He wanted to ease the life of ordinary citizens through his inventions.

“I also enjoyed joining a prestigious competition like this because this gave me a privilege to meet brilliant inventors from other places and learn from their craft as well,” he added.

RICE is a nationwide activity conducted by the DOST-TAPI in different regions to recognize the indispensability of Filipino inventors in society and national economic development. (DOST)

Globe's KmmunityPH and K-Pop fandoms unite to raise funds for #GirlsCan campaign

Globe’s KmmunityPH online K-culture community, in partnership with various K-pop girl group fandoms, has raised over P200,000 worth of donations for the World Vision #GirlsCan campaign, giving them access to safe drinking water, hygiene needs,  and a handwashing facility. 

Globe, through its KmmunityPH online K-culture community, in partnership with various K-pop girl group fandoms, has successfully raised over P200k worth of donations for the World Vision #GirlsCan campaign. This initiative marks a significant stride in the company’s commitment to women empowerment and support for subculture. 

Through collaboration with Filo-BLINKs (BLACKPINK), MIDZYs (ITZY), Once (TWICE), RevLuvs (RED VELVET), and MY (aespa), Globe was able to contribute to World Vision’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) under the Bawat Batang Pinoy Malusog Campaign. 864 women and girls in Antique will benefit from the WaSH program and will have access to clean and safe drinking water and handwashing facilities. Children and other members of the assisted community no longer have to walk and spend hours collecting and fetching water. This also aims to empower and help create a safe environment for women and girls, especially those living in remote areas, to go to school confidently with their menstrual hygiene and puberty needs met.

 

In addition to the fundraising efforts, Globe's KmmunityPH actively participated in the distribution of learners kits to 250 students in the Baseco compound, Manila.  Members of BLACKPINK Philippines and BTS PH fan groups joined the activity.  

 

“At Globe, we believe in the power of unity. Our partnership with KmmunityPH and the K-pop fandoms is a shining example of how we can come together to make a real difference. The #GirlsCan campaign is not just about raising funds, but it's also about empowering girls to break free from limitations, to dream big, and to shape their own futures. We are proud to be part of this movement, and we invite everyone to join us in creating a world where every girl can realize her potential by fueling their passions with Globe,” said Anne Calma, Head of Subcultures at Globe.

 

The #GirlsCan campaign is a transformative initiative that seeks to empower girls and young women, rooted in the belief that every girl has the right to education, health, and economic opportunity. It's a local take on a global campaign that was originally introduced by World Vision Australia in 2018.

 

The campaign also actively works to create a world where girls are free from fear, discrimination, and violence. In a country like the Philippines where issues like online sexual exploitation and adolescent pregnancies are prevalent, #GirlsCan serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action.

 

The collaboration between Globe and the fandoms on #GirlsCan aligns with the company’s sustainability strategy of creating a positive societal impact.