New Subsea Cable System to boost trans-Asian connectivity

A consortium of telecommunications companies has signed agreements to invest about $300 million for a submarine cable system in Southeast Asia that aims to boost data capacity in the region and upgrade local capacities.

The group is composed of the following:

• China Telecom Global Limited (CTG) of China
• Globe Telecom, Inc. (Globe)
• DITO Telecommunity Corporation (DITO) of the Philippines
• Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) of Singapore
• Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) of Brunei Darussalam

 

The planned Asia Link Cable (ALC) will be approximately 6,000 kilometers in length, connecting Hong Kong SAR China and Singapore as its trunk, with branches into the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam and Hainan, China. HMN Technologies Co., Limited (HMN Tech) was awarded as the system supplier and is expected to complete construction of the ALC by the third quarter of 2025.

 

ALC is seen to provide additional hyper-capacity within Asia and boost resiliency for international traffic. It will have a minimum eight fiber pairs in the system, with 18 Tbps/Fiber Pair minimum trunk design capacity, adding more capacity and diversity to existing networks in the region.

 

Here's what the Co-Chairs/CEO have to say:

“ALC is a great accomplishment of Asian carriers which overcame difficulties of Covid impacts, and it is also the only subsea project with zero face-to-face meetings from the MoU to the C&MA (construction and maintenance agreement) signing in the industry. ALC consortium adopts an open and inclusive principle and will attract more investors in the near future to make it more cost effective, which will reinforce the resilience of interconnectivity in Asia and better serve digital economy in the region."

-ALC Co-Chair Chang Weiguo (CTG) 

 

“We started planning and designing the ALC cable more than two years ago at the onset of the pandemic, having anticipated the inevitable growth in high-definition content consumption, trade and innovation in this region. Despite the challenges presented by safe management restrictions, we managed to come up with a system that will help meet the evolving needs of consumers and enterprises and boost local economies today and in the near future.”

 

-ALC Co-Chair Alan Tan (Singtel) 

“It is a great honor for HMN Tech to team up with the global leading telecom operators to provide innovative turnkey subsea cable solution for the ALC System. This new cable system will provide new impetus for the ALC consortium to establish digital and intelligent networks in Asia and around the world."

-CEO of HMN Tech Mao Shengjiang

An open cable system architecture is adopted for ALC, enabling parties to select and maintain independent line terminal equipment that would suit their customer requirement.

 

With strategic locations and bullish digital growth prospects in mind, there has been increased interest to interconnect the trans-Asian region, enriching the infrastructure for prospective customers. This subsea cable system will help enhance the existing facilities in catering future requirements in the region.

Top 5 reasons to dine at Marinatuna, Rogen Inn Compound

MarinaTuna, your one-stop shop for everything seafood, is now at Rogen Inn Compound, Mt. Apo St.  

The Bangayan family, who owns the newly-opened Rogen Inn, added the MarinaTuna brand to the roster of home-grown brands at the compound, that are set to provide Rogen Inn guests a variety of flavors. 

Here are the top 5 reasons why MarinaTuna at Rogen Inn Compound, should be at the top of your tuna and seafood destination list.

1. Location

MarinaTuna Rogen Inn is located in the heart of the city. It is actually right in the middle of the bustling streets of Torres, Ilustre, and Quirino Avenue. If you have businesses along these areas, then you need not brave the traffic just to fill your tummies with delicious food.

2. Wide Parking Space

Everybody needs some space (no pun intended) especially during chow time! No need to worry even if you need to find a gastronomic destination in a crunch because MarinaTuna Rogen Inn is located in an area with a wide parking space.

3. Buffet Breakfast

Marinatuna Rogen Inn serves buffet breakfast which includes your favorite day starters like eggs, sausages, corned beef, a selection of breads, rice, Pinoy Kakanins, fresh fruits in season and coffee.

Bestsellers: Tuna Panga

Bestsellers: Kare-Kare

4. Lunch Buffet

MarinaTuna Rogen Inn serves buffet lunch every Friday and Saturday for P549.00 only.

Bestsellers: Bihod/Tendon

Bestsellers: Crispy Buntot

5. Experience the 10 ways of serving tuna

MarinaTuna Rogen Inn serves the famed 10 ways of serving tuna, including Tuna Sashimi, Tuna Kinilaw, Bagaybay, Bihod, Tendon, Kare-Kare, Crispy Buntot, Tuna Panga, and Tuna Head with Eye Paksiw.

How do you serve tuna? Let me count the ways...

There are actually more reasons to go to MarinaTuna at Rogen Inn Compound. Aside from the seafood specialties, it also serves other dishes to non-pescatarians like Fried, Buttered and BBQ Chicken, and Beef dishes cooked in many different ways.

Bestsellers: Tuna Sashimi/Kinilaw

Surprise, surprise! MarinaTuna Rogen Inn has a special menu consisting of Japanese Cuisine selections like Gyoza, Kani Salas and Okonomiyaki for appetizers, Japanese Miso Shiro Soup, and California Maki.

MarinaTuna Rogen Inn
Address: Corner Mt. Apo and Lopez Jaena Streets, Davao City
☎ 317-1004
📱 0917-623-3576

Experiencing Ford: Destination Zambales

 

DatelineDavao on the wheel of the NextGen Ford Everest with PR Works' Mafe Barcelo and Brigada's Jhen Solis

Tough. Rugged. 

These words come to mind when you think about what makes a Ford, a Ford. It’s no surprise that the brand has become synonymous with machismo, that insatiable male pride. Imagine how surprised we were, an all-female crew for the Next Gen Ford Ranger and Everest Media Drive, the first time we touched base with these vehicles at the basement of the Swissotel Clark at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

(L-R) Lovely Carillo (DatelineDavao/eNews.PH), Doris Mongaya and Christ Gesultura (PR Works) and Julien Guanzon (iNewsPH) during the Ford Media Drive briefing at Swissotel

it turned out that this was no ordinary event because the moment we arrived and settled at the hotel, Ford AVP and Head of Communications EJ Francisco, and PR Works’ Doris Isubal-Mongaya with Chris Gesultura, rushed us to the basement for the first activity dubbed as the “Exercise”. It was no zumba though, because they had a different kind of exercise in mind, the one which left our mouths gaping as we chorused with the oohhs and ahhhs as we experienced first-hand some of the assist features of the Next Gen Ford Everest. 

The NextGen Ford Everest's Reverse Brake Assist is a practical feature as it detects rear hazard and automatically breaks for you

This vehicle is loaded with sensors that can detect hazards behind you. Even if you are an expert in reverse parking, you have to admit that it helps to have an extra eye at the back to take care of those blind spots. With Ford Everest Reverse Brake Assist, your car detects if there is an object, person, or even another vehicle at the rear. And if you don’t react in time, it will automatically brake for you. It also comes with the Active Park Assist feature which comes in handy if parking spaces are tight but you want to squeeze in. While it’s easy to be in awe of the park assist feature, you will find the reverse brake assist more practical.

Ford Philippines Managing Director Michael Breen 

It turned out that the basement rendezvous was just a preview of more exciting things to come for the morrow. We were expecting to do a typical test drive. You know, the one where you maneuver the car out on the street, with a guide in tow, for a few minutes and then head back? But Ford had another thing in mind.

Destination Zambales

The road less traveled. George Ramirez explains the Ford Media Drive route  from Swissotel in Clark, Pampanga to Mapanuepe Lake in Bgy. Aglao, San Marcelino, Zambales 

The final briefing by Team Ramirez gave us the goosebumps. They gave us a glimpse of what awaits us at the end of our journey for the Ford Media Drive—a chance to visit a secluded camping area known as the New Zealand of the Philippines. But to get to paradise, we have to drive for hours and pass through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), onto a long bumpy, narrow, and lahar-laden route. Before the “Ride and Drive” experience we were told to just sit through the ride as passengers if the drive and track were outside our comfort zone.

Team VisMin before the final briefing on D-Day

Team VisMin at the lobby of Swissotel. Ready for the Ford Media Drive

For someone who defines her driving comfort zone as a hatchback, small compact car, there are only two words to describe driving an SUV (Ford NextGen Everest) and a pickup truck (Ford Ranger)—WILDEST DREAMS! I was ready to enjoy the ride as a passenger until circumstances forced me to take the wheel of the sleek, black NextGen Ford Everest. We were car No. 15 which means we were the last one of the 16-car convoy, the last one being the sweep. Steering the SUV out of the basement parking of Swissotel and onto the highway was a breeze, with Jhen Solis of Brigada at the passenger seat trying to operate the radio and listen to the lead’s instructions, and Mafe Barcelo of PR Works at the backseat who kept telling me to put the pedal to the metal. 

Would have loved to explore Subic but we were just passing through as we were  following a tight schedule for the Ford Media Drive. No joy riding here as our lead driver kept telling us to move fast.

Achievement UNLOCKED!
Driving the NextGen Ford Everest from Clark, Pampanga to Subic 

Driving along the SCTEx at a minimum speed of 70 (as instructed by George over the radio), and most often reaching the maximum allowable speed of 100 got our adrenaline going. Was egged on to speed up else we would be left behind by the convoy, since we were already at the expressway and had to deal with big trucks and other vehicles cutting into the convoy. But there’s just no way this Davao-trained driver would break the speed limit. They found it hard to believe that we in Davao, were in fact, following the speed limit. Well, Durianburg has its own share of stupid and reckless drivers who soon enough found out that they were no match for the traffic enforcers’ speed guns.

Lady Ford drivers (l-r) Mafe Barcelo of PR Works, Jhen Solis of Brigada, Lulu Fajardo of Panay News and Juliene Guanzon of iNews

This time with Jhen at the wheel

The road to Subic was uneventful, except for the need to speed up to catch up with the convoy. A toilet break and driver change along the way gave us an opportunity to enjoy the view and the fresh air. First time to see an airconditioned toilet in the middle of nowhere, though. Got on the driver’ seat again from Castillejos to San Marcelino, Zambales. This was the bumpy and edge of cliff ride part, but now more relaxed thanks to Jhen’s playlist. It was easy to sync her phone with the vehicle’s user-friendly 12-inch touchscreen thanks to the Ford Everest’s wireless smartphone integration system. It was at this point when Mafe sounded off at the back since her phone was losing its juice. No problem because it also comes with a wireless charging pad in front and a USB charging port at the second row.

Maneuvering the Everest amid a narrow bumpy road with lots of incoming lahar-hauling trucks was smooth. It was a bit challenging, but bearable thanks to the music playing in the background and a scenic view of a long stretch of lahar land before us. 

The rough road going to Bgy. Aglao in San Marcelino, Zambales was no match for the Next Gen Ford Everest. Unbelievable how this SUV took us for a smooth ride even through the lahar river

We survived the Ford Media Ride and Experience drive from Clark, Pampanga, and arrived safely in Aglao, San Marcelino, Zambales. 

UP NEXT, the road to Rodriguez Ranch, the New Zealand of the Philippines and the eerie Mapanuepe Lake.

10ID personnel donate part of their pay for Typhoon Paeng victims

Personnel of the 10th Infantry "Agila" Division donated a total of P697,000.00 from their Subsistence Allowance for those affected by Typhoon Paeng during the relief operations in Maguindanao del Norte from November 13 to 14 this year.

The donation was used to buy 1,000 hygiene kits that includes the following:

• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• slippers
• mosquito nets
• bath soaps
• detergent bars
• packs of coffee
• pails

"Our service to our fellow countrymen does not only limit to security. It is also our honor and pride as soldiers, to help in any way we could anytime, anywhere," 10ID Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin said.

He lauded the combined efforts of the 10ID and 6ID personnel, even as he stressed the importance of helping each other during trying times such as disasters and calamities. 

The 10th Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Magdalena Custodio, together with the 6th CMO Battalion of the 6th Infantry Division, and the Local Government Unit of Datu Blah Sinsuat, distributed the relief packs to the residents of Barangay Pura and Barangay Matuber both in Datu Blah Sinsuat on November 14. 

A similar activity was conducted on November 13 by the 10ID and the Kiwanis International Philippines South District Division 6A, 6B, 7, and 8 led by Mr. Jimmy Go. Up to 720 families from Barangays Delican and Kusiong in Datu Odin Sinsuat benefited from the said relief operations.

The relief packs include:

• five (5) kgs of rice
• canned goods
• noodles,
• pre-loved clothing

"Nagpapasalamat po ako na kahit galing pa po sa malayo ang mga sundalo ay binigyan pa rin po nila kami ng tulong dito sa barangay namin (I thank the soldiers who went to our barangay to extend their assistance even if they come from a very far area)," said Normia Vilo, a beneficiary from Brgy Pura.

The LGUs of both barangays also conveyed their appreciation of the army's effort and said they look forward to the day when they could return to their normal lives.

Ford Philippines posts double digit growth

Ford Philippines sustained its strong sales after posting double-digit growth in its year-to-date and quarterly retail performance.

Year-to-date sales grew by 10 percent to 16,244 vehicles compared to a year ago with the Ford Ranger and Ford Territory leading the sales for the first nine months. Sales for the Ford Ranger increased by 12 percent to 7,484 units, while the Ford Territory continued its retail momentum with sales growing by 29 percent to 6,430 units. The Ford Territory retained its leadership in the small SUV segment with 52 percent market share.

On a quarterly performance, vehicle sales rose by 50 percent in the third quarter of the year from a year ago to 7,288 vehicles. Comparing it with the previous quarter this year, vehicle sales also posted a growth of 69 percent.

Ford Philippines also posted its highest monthly retail performance for the year in September, with sales rising by 62 percent to 2,896 units sold, driven by strong sales for the next-generation Ford Ranger at 1,311 units, Ford Territory at 812 units, and next-generation Ford Everest at 723 units.

“We thank our customers for their continued patronage of the Ford brand, as well as our dealers for their solid partnership in bringing our vehicles closer to more customers nationwide,” shares Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines. “Launching our next-gen vehicles in the last quarter definitely gave our retail performance a big boost, and we are definitely encouraged to sustain the momentum as we near the end of the year with more exciting offers and services for our customers.”

Stronger product portfolio

It was during the third quarter when Ford Philippines officially welcomed the arrival of the next-generation Ford Ranger and Ford Everest to beef up its product portfolio and keep up with the growing demand for pick-up trucks and SUVs in the market. The development of both next-gen vehicles started with customers in mind, with Ford teams spending time with consumers around the world to identify exactly what they were looking for in a pick-up truck and in an SUV.

The next-gen Ranger is bold and confident on the outside with a defined new grille, rear box side step, wider track and wheelbase, embossed tailgate and LED taillamps, and C-clamp LED headlamps that give it that unmistakable ‘Built Ford Tough’ look. Its cabin is completely redesigned with the Ranger-first digital instrument cluster, 10” or best-in-class 12” portrait touchscreen, 360-degree camera, and SYNC4^® with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability. An upgraded chassis and suspension ensure excellent ride and handling, whether riding with passengers, fully loaded with cargo or towing.

Meanwhile, the next-gen Everest is a standout on the road with its C-Clamp headlights, LED taillights, as well as the hands-free liftgate and panoramic moonroof. Sophisticated, spacious and beautifully-crafted with new soft touch finishes, its interior is designed and engineered to be a sanctuary with 360-degree camera, SYNC® 4A with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability and wireless charging pad. Stronger and wider, the next-gen Everest boasts of updated chassis and refined suspension, offering enhanced ride comfort and handling to customers.

Both vehicles come with a 5-year warranty to enhance the ownership experience. The longer warranty offering will cover the next-gen Ranger and Everest for up to 5 years or total mileage of up to 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

Reaching more customers – online and offline

Ford kicked off the launch of the next-generation Ford Ranger and Everest with an online reservation platform that took in customer reservations for both vehicles ahead of the public reveal. 

Available on the Ford Philippines website, the online portal is a safe and secure virtual platform where customers can reserve for their preferred next-gen Ranger or Everest variant anytime and anywhere – without having to physically visit a Ford dealership.

Close to 500 vehicle reservations and over 2,000 vehicle quote requests have been generated from the online portal since its launch.

Alongside the launch of the next-gen Ranger and Everest marked the return of Ford Philippines’ nationwide test drive event, the Ford Island Conquest (FIC), providing customers an opportunity to see and test drive Ford vehicles outside a Ford showroom. 

Now on its fifth year, the FIC features a mock-up showroom display, providing good opportunity for attendees to learn more about the vehicles and various ownership packages from Ford sales consultants. It is also home to the much-anticipated outdoor test drive course, which is designed to highlight key vehicle features, which include ride and handling, technology, capability, and safety. It also allows customers to enjoy cash discounts and other prizes if they reserve a Ford vehicle during the 3-day FIC event.

Over 800 reservations for various Ford vehicles were received over the last four (4) FIC legs, including almost 2,000 test drives conducted and over 3,000 prospects served. Customers can look forward to the next Ford Island Conquest test drive events at the SM Seaside Cebu on October 28-30 and at the Bonifacio Global City Amphitheater and Autofocus Test Drive Festival at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on November 18-20 with bigger cash discounts and promotions up for grabs. 

Actress Gillian Vicencio joins This isKwela Study With Me

FB live stream on October 26

Catch up-and-coming actress Gillian Vicencio as she shares practical tips and solutions to strike a healthy school-life balance at Globe This isKwela’s third "Study With Me” livestream event.

The much-anticipated study session will be aired on the online education community’s Facebook Page on October 26 at 7 pm.  

This isKwela is part of Globe’s commitment to equipping Filipinos with different ways to enable them to study better and smarter. It seeks to help the young and old discover learning opportunities, acquire affordable, accessible, and safe learning solutions, and connect to industry experts and celebrities.

"Globe aims to add value to its customers by helping them improve their time management skills for a healthy work-life or school-life balance. Introducing them to the necessary tools would help them achieve their personal and professional goals," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

The young actress will be joined by This isKwela's resident expert Teacher Imman. Together they will give tips on effective time management and striking a healthy balance between professional or academic goals and being with loved ones, or even by oneself. 

As an actress and student, Gillian knows a thing or two about handling her career and school life without sacrificing any or both. She is part of the first batch of Rise Artist Studio talent agency under ABS-CBN and played the role of the beloved character Tox in the hit series “2 Good 2 Be True.” She is also known for her role as Erika Sayco in the 2018 horror movie "Eerie.”

 

The first two parts of This isKwela “Study With Me” featured GMA talent Arianne Bautista, who helped teach about “Product Pricing for Entrepreneurs,” and ABS-CBN Star Magic talent JC Alcantara, who spoke on the theme “Turning your Passion into a Career."

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.