Globe Joins List of Southeast Asia’s Top Companies - Bags Citations for Investor Relations, Dividend Policies

Globe Telecom was recently recognized as of Southeast Asia’s top companies for its investor relations and dividend policies by the Institutional Investor Corporate Awards organized by institutional investment publication Alpha Southeast Asia.

Globe was lauded for Best Senior Management Investor Relations (IR) Support and Most Consistent Dividend Policy based on the results of the annual poll conducted by Alpha Southeast Asia, the first and only institutional investment magazine focused on Southeast Asia.

 

The poll was participated in by more than 450 investors and analysts across Southeast Asia, which included fund managers with investment interests in the region, large institutional investors, insurance companies, pension funds, funds of hedge funds, private banks, equity and fixed income brokers as well as buy and sell-side analysts. Other categories include Most Organized Investor Relations, Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance and Poor Management Access and Investor Relations.

“Globe is one of Southeast Asia’s leading companies today. It has continuously raised the bar in corporate transparency, fair disclosure and good governance,” said Siddiq Bazarwala, Publisher of Alpha Southeast Asia.

Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe shared, “We are honored with this citation. This is a testament to our commitment in practicing good corporate governance and shareholder relations which significantly drives growth and sustainability of our business.”

In line with the company’s dividend policy of distributing between 75% to 90% of its 2010 net income, the Globe Board of Directors declared the first semi-annual cash dividend of P31 per common share, paid out to shareholders on March 18, 2011. On an annualized basis, the first semi-annual cash divided payment of P4.1-billion represents 84% of 2010 net income, similar to the previous year’s pay-out rate and translates to an attractive dividend yield of 7.8%, using end-2010 share prices.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Alpha Southeast Asia has bureaus and correspondents in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Bangkok. The monthly magazine is the first and only institutional investment magazine primarily written for institutional investors, asset and fund management companies in Hong Kong, Singapore, other parts of Asia, US, Europe and the Middle East, who are usually not as exposed to the region as much as they are to North Asian economies. The magazine also has a strong following among the region’s largest local corporates concerned about liquidity management, cash flow maximization and financial supply chain optimization. 

Two Public SPED Centers Receive Special Software, PCs, Internet Connection from Globe Telecom and Autism Society Philippines

Two of the biggest public Special Education (SPED) Centers in Metro Manila have been awarded desktop computers with special software and free one-year internet connection by Autism Society of the Philippines and Globe Telecom, respectively, to aid children with special learning and communication needs.

P. Gomez Elementary School in Sta. Cruz, Manila and P. Villanueva Elementary School in Pasay City were chosen to pilot-test the VizZle visual learning software which will be implemented beginning the incoming school year.  An initial batch of 12 teachers, seven from P. Gomez and five from P. Villanueva, already started undergoing training.

 

P. Gomez SPED Center has 28 teachers taking care of over 400 pupils, about 25 of which have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Prior to the entry of Globe and ASP, the school has no computer laboratory. On the other hand, P. Villanueva has 24 SPED teachers handling less than 300 pupils.  Its eight PCs were also donated by AS.

The turnover ceremonies were held as a contribution of Globe and ASP to the fourth annual World Autism Awareness Day which encourages activities that will help increase and develop people’s knowledge of autism and impart information on the importance of its early diagnosis and early intervention.

“I think the next frontier for Globe is providing connectivity for social inclusion.  We can begin with special children and later on, maybe also persons with disabilities.  The challenge is in finding a way for internet connectivity to be more relevant to special children.  That’s why we are glad to work with ASP.  We believe that the key to utilizing technology in the school set-up is getting help in delivering the use of technology.  Without a systematic or organized way of using the Internet in social institutions like schools, we may not be as successful,” said Jeffrey O. Tarayao, Head of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

There are currently only 231 public SPED centers in the country with an alarming 25:1 student-teacher ratio.  The figure leaves no room for dedicated attention for the unique needs of students which have a mixed host of disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hearing/speech/visual/physical impairment, among others.  Moreover, most of them have outdated, non-functioning computers and non-existent internet connection.

Cristina Estampador, ASP Program Director and Board of Trustees member, said that while VizZle is primarily designed for children with ASD, it can also be customized to fit those with mental and physical disabilities.  Through VizZle, she said learning can be made easier and fun since the software delivers the visuals, the auditory and the kinesthetic experience to the students.

ASP, being a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons with ASD, was able to acquire a technical grant of two full licenses of VizZle, a multi-awarded visual learning software that has the capability to add video and audio and share lessons across a web-based library.  It was created through collaborations with the Monarch Center for Autism and Children’s Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School.

Fun Facts: Sandy Bridge

Previous Post: Enhance Your Daily Work with Sandy Bridge

The 2nd Generation Intel Core processor family represents the biggest advance in computing performance and capabilities over any other previous generation. Below are some facts about the chip.

• If a processor were a country and its transistor count was a country's population, a 2nd Generation Intel Core processor would be the third most popular country in the world (995 million+) just behind China and India.
• There are close to one billion transistors inside a 2nd Generation Intel Core processor. If a car were to have one billion parts - compared to the 30,000 they currently have - it would take them most productive car manufacturer 114 years to assemble car.
• A 2nd Generation Intel Core processor contains more transistors (540 million) than the number of registered cars in the European Union, the U.S. and the Asia Pacific region combined.

• If every home in the U.S. had 30 light switches it would take the new chips about one nanosecond to turn all 3.57 billion light switches in the housing units in the U.S.
• A 32nm transistor found in the new chips can switch on and off more than 300 billion times in one second. It would take you 4,000 years to flick a light switch off the many times.
• If you equate the power consumption of a laptop based on the 2nd Generation Intel Core processors to electric clothing dryer, drying one load of clothes for 60 minutes is equivalent to running a laptop for 147 hours or 6 days and 2.4 hour. If you compare the processor to an electric oven, baking a pizza for 45 minutes at 350 degrees F is equivalent to running 67 laptops for 50 hours.
• The Intel Core processor is printed on very pure silicon, which is refined from common beach sand. So the sand you once stepped on at the beach may be powering your notebook today.

• If you were to take the performance boost enabled by Intel Turbo Boost to graphics-intensive applications and apply it to a Boeing 767 airplane, the plane could travel 50 percent faster. This means a flight that usually lasts one hour would take only 40 minutes.
• If you were to take the performance boost from the 2nd Generation Intel Core processor over the previous Intel Core Processor and apply it to a Boeing 767 airplane, the plane could travel two times faster. This means a flight that usually lasts two hours would take only 60 minutes.
• If you applied new Intel Turbo Boost Technology to your daily activities, you could accomplish more in less time, giving you up to four hours back of you day, time that was previously spent waiting for your technology.

• Integrating processing cores, memory controller and graphics systems on the same 32nm die joins a list of other disruptive technology "marriages" such as"-Cell Phones + Wireless Internet Access-Cloud Computing  Always-On Devices-Blogs + Google Ads-MP3 + NapsterYoutube + Flip Cams-Internet + TV

• Compared to previous generations, content creation is up to 42 percent faster and gaming up to 50 percent faster with the 2nd Generation Intel Core processors.
• The 2nd Generation Intel Core processor family is viewed by analysts as one of Intel's most important product cycles ever.

BUY 2nd Generation Intel Core porcessors now.

  

*products from amazon.com

*images from google.com

Globe, Digitel, Bayantel Now 100% Interconnected Nationwide

The networks of Globe Telecom, Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel) and Digitel Telecommunications Philippines (Digitel) are now 100% interconnected in all areas of common presence and operations nationwide, following the commercial activation of the local linkage between the networks of Globe and Digitel in Lucena City and the rest of Quezon province.

            The achievement of full interconnection between Globe, Digitel and Bayantel in all areas of common operations is a mandate from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), in compliance with Republic Act 7925, or The Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995. The law aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that benefit consumers.

Interconnected telecommunication network means that in areas where Globe, Digitel or Bayantel are present, customers of the competing telcos within a province or city can call each other locally via 7-digit local dialing without having to pay long distance rates. In the past, subscribers of rival telcos, regardless of whether or not they live in the same town, had to pay long-distance rates to call each other via landline.

“This is another milestone not only for Globe, Bayantel and Digitel, but more importantly for the public who will benefit from the interconnection,” said Melvin Santos, Head for National Carrier Relations of Globe Telecom, “Competition should not get in the way of serving the public interest and we have proven that even rival telcos can work together for the greater good.”

Globe and Digitel have established interconnection in common operation areas in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Bataan, Lucena, Sorsogon, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, and Zambales. On the other hand, Globe and Bayantel are both present in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Iloilo, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon. 

Meanwhile, PLDT has yet to fulfill full interconnection with its competitors. To date, both PLDT and Globe are locally interconnected only in Davao City, Batangas, Cavite, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Cotabato City. The two companies’ networks are not yet interconnected in at least 20 more provinces where both have commercial operations, including the provinces of Pampanga, La Union and Benguet.

Earlier, the NTC and the provincial board of Pampanga announced that PLDT and Globe will implement the interconnection of its networks in the province on April 15, 2011.

            “We’ve always been ready and waiting to interconnect our network with all our competitors,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Head of the Corporate and Legal Services Group of Globe, “We at Globe are fully supportive of the thrust towards developing the country’s Information and Communication Technology infrastructure, which will spur more growth, especially for the Business Process Outsourcing industry, and interconnection of landline facilities is a must if we want economic development to spread beyond urban areas.”

            After completing its nationwide interconnection with Digitel and BayanTel, Globe is hopeful that interconnection agreements with PLDT will be hastened for the benefit of the consumers as part of efforts to develop the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and provide consumers with a more cost-efficient way of communications. 

Globe Launches 4G Mobile

In a Philippine first, Globe announces a major expansion of its current 4G footprint by becoming the first carrier in the Philippines to launch the commercial roll out of 4G mobile technology. This rollout, the first phase of which utilizes the global standard HSPA+ or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, will complement Globe Telecom’s existing 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network. The rollout of Globe 4G mobile network will provide its subscribers high speed broadband access with the added convenience of full mobility. 

To date, Globe 4G mobile technology has been deployed covering sites across Metro Manila, which includes Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Taguig and the City of Manila. By end-2011, Globe expects to increase its 4G presence dramatically with continued expansion planned into 2012.

Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom said, “Globe is again pioneering innovation in the Philippines.  With the uptake in broadband both on mobile and through other devices, customers want faster broadband in more places. Globe is continuously looking for ways to improve our network infrastructure to meet the demand for quality services. In 2009, we were the first carrier to launch 4G through our WiMax network. Today, we extend our leadership by taking 4G mobile. With our high speed broadband rollout, Globe will continue to lead in customer experience by giving our subscribers better, faster, and more reliable broadband connections on their phone, laptop, PC or tablet.”

Globe will be complementing this launch shortly through the announcement of a suite of new multimedia services, 4G devices and offers for customers to enjoy.

Globe is already the first and largest 4G network in the country. Since April 2009, Globe has aggressively pursued plans to establish its 4G footprint in the country with industry leading availability of WiMAX. As the country’s 4G pioneer, with one of the largest WiMAX deployments in Southeast Asia, Globe has already made 4G available in over 1,500 sites in nearly 60 provinces across the Philippines, covering 365 cities, including Manila, Caloocan, Cainta, Antipolo, Taytay, Plaridel, Cabanatuan, Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Imus, Tanza, Calamba, Batangas City, Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro, and Zamboanga. 

About 4G and HSPA+

HSPA+, or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, is a 4G wireless, mobile, high speed broadband technology that allows for peak theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps with upgradeability for 84Mbps. With HSPA+ technology, subscribers will experience high peak rates, lower latency, improved “always-on experience”, better multimedia upload, high-speed web browsing, and faster streaming and downloads. Under Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at an average speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds. HSPA+ is the chosen mobile 4G standard for other carriers globally including AT&T and T-mobile in the US. 

Other technologies in the 4G category include Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) as rated by the International Telecommunication Union.  The ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues and establishes worldwide standards for seamless global interconnection. 

In November 2010, Globe also completed field trials of another 4G standard, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (commonly known as LTE) wireless technology together with the SingTel Group and NEC Corporation. The field trial verified a variety of LTE functions such as quality of service; latency and hand-over within urban areas were tested as these are required for commercial use of the technology. 

Globe Telecom Improves Mobile Network Quality

Globe improves mobile network quality

Makes significant investment on quality and capacity upgrade

Globe Telecom announced that it is investing US$500-million in the Philippines this year. A significant portion of this investment will be allocated to improve the quality and capacity of its mobile network infrastructure throughout the country.

 

            Network quality will be a top priority for Globe this year. As part of its network transformation program, the company is making one of its biggest network investments in quality and capacity to date, where the significant amount will be used for capacity build up, network modernization, and optimization. These upgrades in the network systems are expected to provide better subscriber experience in call, text, and data services for its 2G, 3G and 4G customers.

In line with this major investment, Globe earlier announced a major expansion of its current 4G footprint with the country’s first commercial rollout of 4G mobile technology. At its initial phase, Globe utilized the global standard HSPA+ or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access for its 4G mobile network. Complementing the company’s existing 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network, HSPA+ is a 4G wireless, mobile, high speed broadband technology that allows for peak theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps with upgradeability for 84Mbps. Under the Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at a typical speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds.

“Our customers are looking for better network quality, and this is what we are giving them. We are making a substantial investment in our network to improve the quality of our services to our subscribers. Certainly, the network on which our services are delivered play a pivotal role in achieving superior customer experience. By continuously enhancing our network facilities and operations, our subscribers will enjoy better quality and greater reliability for calls, text messaging, and data services,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom.

Cu added, “This year, we are making significant investments in upgrading and expanding our networks. One tangible result of which is the commercial rollout of 4G for mobile, making us the first Philippine operator with a 4G mobile network in the country.”

The 4G HSPA+ roll out expands the foray of Globe into new and up-to-date network technologies to provide its subscribers with high-speed broadband access with the added convenience of full mobility. Other technologies in the 4G category include Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

Enhance Your Daily Work with Sandy Bridge

Year after year, Intel Corporation introduces new product-lines of processors. The difference between the old versions with the new ones is always about the speed.

This year, 2011, Intel creates a huge leap to the future of laptops as the company introduces a chip that not only is faster than the previous versions but opens new technologies.

We now live in a time-crunched society, where we often find ourselves needing more time than we actually have. This is one of the reasons why Intel Processors are around. These little chips turn our accomplishments big.

Going online has become a staple to almost everyone in the world. Without the internet, people will not be able to perform their daily tasks fast and precise or find recreation during short breaks.

True to its ultimate goal in producing technologies that will enhance the performance of computer usage, Intel comes up with something new. Introducing the 2nd generation Intel core processor family.

So what's so different about the newest line of Intel Processors this year compared to the others? The 2nd generation Intel core processor family codename Sandy Bridge comes with a built-in graphics chip. No, your eyes are well. You read it right.


The world would never be the same without the existence of our ability to see. Our eyes play a vital role on our daily activities. Therefore, we have to take care of it. We have to treat it with the best views it can see at the highest quality. And Intel knows it all.

As long as we can remember, we know that the world we live in is the Physical and Digital world. It is hard to separate the two as we find it difficult in determining which is which. Using our computers everyday has  been a need to many. Thanks to the new integrated graphics chip in Sandy Bridge, there's no other way to determine the Physical and Digital world.


The 2nd Generation Intel Core processor family is the first "visibly smart" microarchitecture for combine visual and 3-D graphics technology with performance-leading microprocessors in a single chip.


Crisp colors and faster loads. These are what you should expect with Sandy Bridge.


Crisp Colors
When you buy a Sandy Bridge processor, you'll automatically get a free graphics driver. And no, not those bulky ones. Your processor contains a built-in graphics chip. This means you'll be saving a huge amount of money.


Faster Loads

Sandy Bridge is yet the fastest processor around as it has a built-in graphics chip- meaning the user will get high quality media (photos, videos, sounds, movie, etc.) in a jiffy. It bestows the turbo boost technology and the hyper-threading technology. It's like having all the technology of the previous Intel processors. Sleek, right?


Topping the list of the most number of social networking site users and Youtube users, Sandy Bridge suits to the Filipino market. Beyond just being consumers in the internet, Filipinos are widely known  as content-creators. They create a lot of photos, videos and other forms of media where they need high quality graphics chip and a much faster processor.


Next week, check this site for a list of facts about the 2nd generation Intel Core processor family.

Lapu-Lapu City Kadaugan Street Party 2011

On April 27, 2011, Lapu-Lapu City will begin the week-long celebration of "Kadaugan sa Mactan". Amusement will fill the air in the city as loads of activities are set up to entertain everyone who will be participating the event.

Aside from the main highlight of the event which is the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan between Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu-Lapu, this year's gathering will feature a samba-themed parade called "Rampada".

Be in Lapu-Lapu City when it happens and enjoy summer with these day-to-day activities that will sure fire-up the heat of the sun.

April 16, 2011 – Saturday 8pm – Mr. Lapu-Lapu – Hoops Dome, Gun-ob

April 17, 2011 – Sunday 5am – The Great Lapu-Lapu Run 3 – Lapu-Lapu City Hall Grounds

April 24-29, 2011 - 6pm-10pm 

– Food Festival – Mactan Liberty Shrine (to be participated by at least 30 hotels, resorts and food establishments in Lapu-Lapu City… great food will be made available at very affordable prices, from P5 to P99!)

9pm – Live Bands – Mactan Liberty Shrine (c/o San Miguel Beer)

April 25, 2011 – Monday 7am – Floral Offering with Air Force Band and Honor Guards – Lapu-Lapu City Auditorium

8am – Flag Raising and Short Opening Salvo for the Kadaugan sa Mactan 2011 – Lapu-Lapu City Hall Grounds

April 26, 2011 – Tuesday 8pm – Pre-Battle Ritual – Mactan Liberty Shrine

April 27, 2011 – Wednesday – Battle Re-enactment at the Mactan Liberty Shrine

6am – Holy Mass

8am – Flag Raising, Floral Offering, Military Honors (21 Gun Salute by the Philippine Air Force Contingent)

9am – Program Proper and Welcome Remarks by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz C. Radaza

9:30am – Battle Re-enactment

10am – Flower Drop

9:30pm – Fireworks Display

April 30, 2011 – Saturday – Kadaugan Street Party

6am – Olango Challenge – Tambuli Beach Club

5:30pm-3am – Kadaugan Street Party – ML Quezon National Highway (in between the old and new bridges)

Guess what? Admission is FREE! So, invite your family and friends to come along with you in the  Lapu-Lapu City Kadaugan Street Party 2011.