Friday, December 15, 2017

Globe and SM team up for seamless digital experience in SM Supermalls through GoWiFi Auto

From L-R: Annie Garcia, President, SM Supermalls; Jeffrey Lim, President, SM Prime Holdings; Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings; Ernest Cu, President and CEO, Globe Telecom; and Willy Ocier, President, Philippine Global Communications, Inc. 

Imagine seamless digital connection while shopping and dining in SM Supermalls. Through the partnership and collaboration of Globe Telecom and SM Supermalls, mall goers will now be able to experience quality connectivity with GoWiFi Auto. This premium GoWiFi service allows customers to surf all day in 34 selected SM malls nationwide.

Illegal signal transmitters causing mobile service interference over 1,200 Globe Telecom cell sites | Monchster Chronicles



Since the start of 2017,  Globe Telecom has detected mobile service interference in more than 1,200 cell sites caused by illegal signal transmitters such as signal boosters, repeaters and RFIDs (radio frequency identification), which are commonly used for car parking or security systems in subdivisions, tollways and in residential, office and commercial buildings.

Honda Sweeps 2017 Philippine Automotive Awards


December 4, 2017 – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, won multiple major awards from different automotive award giving bodies in recognition of Honda’s excellence in the industry this 2017. 

OFWs can now give the gift of connectivity at home to their loved ones through SarisariPH

Globe Prepaid Home WiFi device is now available on online gifting service SarisariPH


Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) spend their time thousands of miles away from their families, working hard to provide for their loved ones back home. With the distance between them, the internet is one of the best ways to stay connected. Globe at Home is bridging the gap between OFWs and their families as the Prepaid Home WiFi becomes finally available on SarisariPH.

Honda Cars Urges Customers to Partake in Airbag Inflator Recall


December 62017 – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Hondas automobile business unit in the Philippines urges customers to take part in the voluntary safety recall of select models of the City, Jazz, Civic, CR-V, Accord and Pilot sold in the Philippines from 2001– 2015 due to a suspected defect in the airbag inflator of the driver side airbag.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Max’s Group partners with GCash on e-payment via QR Codes



Max’s Group CFO Dave Fuentebella tries the scan to pay feature of the
GCash App at Krispy Kreme

Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI), the largest casual dining company in the Philippines, has partnered with GCash, the pioneer in electronic payments using QR codes, to help jumpstart the country’s move into a cashless ecosystem.

Department of Energy - Petron EcoRun 2017 Results

Over 50 vehicles were fielded by local car manufacturers and distributors to join this year’s Department of Energy (DOE) Eco Run powered by the country’s leading oil company, Petron Corporation. The event was held last November 21 along a 216-kilometer route on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

I was so fortunate to be invited as an independent media observer for the Department of Energy (DOE) - PETRON ECORUN 2017 held last November 21, 2017. Forty-six other automotive

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Globe LIVE & 9Works Theatricals bring back a magical holiday hit, Menken & Ahrenn’s ‘A Christmas Carol’



After a successful 1st run last year, Globe LIVE together with 9Works Theatricals brings Menken & Ahrenn's A Christmas Carol, a Christmas theater-lover's favorite, back on stage this holiday season. The producers announced that they would have a totally new cast, set design, and coreography making it a totally new experience for seasoned theater-goers. The whole family can once again create new traditions by reliving the Charles Dickens classic through world-class production and timeless music.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

GCash to adopt Alipay cashless payment model in China and rest of Asia

This is the Monchster using the scan to pay feature of the GCash App at a beverage kiosk at Mercato, BGC. With me and showing me how easy it is to use is Jen Fidel, from Globe Telecom.


GCash is adopting the cashless payments model of Alipay, China’s leading third-party mobile and online payments platform, which is enjoying unprecedented success in China, India and the rest of Asia to give people ease, convenience, and security when purchasing goods and services from lowly street vendors to high-end shops.

Globe LTE network uses Massive MIMO to enhance customer experience.


MIMO is a method for multiplying the capacity of a radio link using multiple transmit and receive antennas to exploit multipath propagation.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Vision Petron opens Fuel Creativity Exhibit at Bencab Museum


(press release c/o Vision Petron)

 On its 17th year, Vision Petron, the multi-awarded national student art competition of oil industry leader Petron Corporation, opened its Fuel Creativity Exhibit at the Bencab Museum in Baguio, last October 14, 2017.  The month-long exhibit is a retrospective 

Sports: ONE Championship - Legends of the World - One Action-packed Fight Night this November 10, 2017 at the MOA Arena

Eduard Folayang could keep this Lightweight Championship belt if he wins or Martin Nguyen could take it away and be the first fighter ever in ONE Championship history to hold the championship belts of two weight divisions.
(image by Monchster)
(press release c/o ONE Championship)

7 November 2017 – Manila, Philippines: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), recently held the ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD Official Kick-Off Press Conference on 7 November at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams, Manila. In attendance was Vice President of ONE 


Emerging Urban Hub CLOVERLEAF BALINTAWAK Opens First Commercial Development


(Press Release and Photos c/o Ayala Land)

November 3, 2017 – A pocket urban center in Balintawak emerges with exciting new features that will invigorate the bustling Quezon City district. Cloverleaf, an 11-hectare mixed-use, sustainable

Sunday, November 5, 2017

2017 Honda Civic 1.5L RS Turbo: A Superstar Reborn


2017 Honda Civic 1.5L RS Turbo - Damortis, La Union
 By Monch "Road Monchster" Henares


At First Glance

I remember test-dating the Honda Civic 1.8 E a short time ago.  Today, with the 2017 Honda Civic 1.5L RS Turbo before me, it felt like I was meeting my gorgeous, sexy date all over again... but this time she had some upgrading done to her already voluptuous body. A Wing Spoiler topped her ever so bootilicious rear, and a glossy jet black grill that complimented her sleek and squinty LED Headlamps (with Daytime Running Lights). This more provocative and aggressive sister stood symmetrically low with perfect aerodynamic proportions, too.  I just knew this romance was about to rekindle, but this time with the more sophisticated twin. Hand me the keys please!

Saturday, October 28, 2017

San Miguel Corp.-Operated Toll Roads are all set to minimize the Horror this Undas Break


SKYWAY, SLEX, and NAIAX
It may be the season for Halloween and horror events, but the Skyway O&M Corporation (SOMCO), operator of the Skyway system and the NAIA Expressway, is ready to roll out its “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2017” to make driving this Undas not so horrifying. It's main objective is to ensure safety and convenience of motorists heading to cemeteries in southern Metro Manila and their home provinces in the south during the Undas break.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Sports: Feel The Rush with Petron at the Philippine Leg of the Formula 4 SEA Championship

Petron Fueled and Lubed F4 Racecar

Petron Corporation, home-grown makers of superior quality gasoline and engine oil,  presented to the media its hosting to the 2nd leg of the Formula 4 South East Asia (F4SEA) Championship which will be held at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) this weekend of Oct. 21 and 22, 2017. 

Thursday, October 12, 2017

ONE: Legends of the World - Folayang vs Nguyen: A Battle Between Two Friends

ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD City Skyline Face-Off, Oct. 10, 2017
Eduard “Landslide” Folayang vs Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen

What do you get when you pit the reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang against the newly-crowned ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen?



Tuesday, October 10, 2017

DTI launches the Go Lokal! Concept Store - Creating Opportunities for MSME's


The Go Lokal! Concept Store at Department of  Trade and Industry (DTI) Building on 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave, Makati City opens its doors to the public. It gives buyers the opportunity to check out latest local products of more than 200 Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME). All of which undergo extensive product development assisted by the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP). Leading the team of  designers and product specialists of the DCP is multi-awarded and internationally acclaimed industrial designer, Stanley Ruiz. 

Monday, October 9, 2017

Globe At Home Just Made High-Speed Internet More Accessible and Affordable


Media and blogger friends await excitedly for the revelation of the "Globe Home-Fi App" and "No Lock-Up Plans" at The Globe Tower

Are you dreaming of  no lock-up wifi plans with break-neck speeds and a hefty amount of data?

Sunday, October 8, 2017

2017 Honda Civic 1.8L E CVT - Bootiliciously Impressive | Monchster Chronicles

By Monch "RoadMonchster" Henares

The Hills Are Alive with the All-New 2017 Honda Civic!


Bootilicious!



At First Glance

Oh My God! What a HOT behind! Those were the first words I uttered when I saw the 2017 Honda Civic that evening. Its glowing red-angled hips made my head do a 360 as it gracefully did a turn around me. My heart was beating so fast knowing that soon I would be behind its wheel for one exciting week.



Thursday, October 5, 2017

NOKIA 8 Flagship Smartphone Returns To Capture The Filipino Hearts Once Again





MANILA, Philippines (September 29, 2017) – Ending weeks of anticipation, HMD Global unveils Nokia’s new flagship smartphone, the Nokia 8, along with other Nokia Android smartphones, today at the Intramuros Ballroom, Manila House, Taguig.

Nokia 8’s entry into the Philippine market reflects Nokia’s vision of growing its smartphone business in the country, the fastest-growing smartphone market in the ASEAN. The Philippine launch comes on the heels of a successful global launch that demonstrates continued support for the brand.

Monday, October 2, 2017

The Red Honda Badge is here: All-New Civic Type R arrives on Philippine shores


September 29, 2017 – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, is proud to announce that the long wait is over as the All-New Civic Type R has finally arrived here in the country. Customers can visit select Honda car dealerships to see the All-New Civic Type R starting 2nd week of October 2017.

Friday, September 29, 2017

The Wait is Over: All-New CR-V 7-Seater Diesel Turbo variants are finally here



September 22, 2017 – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, is proud to announce that the first batch of diesel variants of the All-New CR-V has finally arrived on Philippine shores. Diesel variants of the All-New CR-V will be available for delivery starting September 2017.

Palace commends Globe for contributions to telecom industry, internet connectivity

Globe holds the SEA-US cable system ceremonial launch in Davao City led by Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (3rd from left) and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar (2nd from left). together with them are (from L-R) Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert de Larrazabal, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, Globe Head Council Atty. Froilan Castelo and Globe SVP for Enterprise Group Peter Maquera.

DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday, September 22, commended Globe Telecom for their invaluable contributions to the telecommunications industry and for improving the internet connectivity.

"It's A Girl Thing" -- Empowering and Inspiring Young Women

(L-R) Riki Flores, Janina Vela, Pamela Swing, Abby Asistio, Kiana Valenciano, and Remi Cruz

Brought to you by Branded, the co-producers of YouTube FanFest, along with their partner and co-producer Globe Live, “It’s a Girl Thing” is a world-class festival designed to inspire, educate, and empower teenage girls whilst celebrating the privilege of being a young woman.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

MISS WORLD PHILS. 2017 AIRS ON GMA NETWORK PRIMETIME TONIGHT!


Who will win this year's Miss World Philippines crown?

2017 Philippine Trust Index results show rising trust in the government



Amid the wave of societal and institutional distrust observed across the globe, Filipinos run against the tide as their trust and confidence in the country’s key institutions increased, particularly the government.  This is according to the fifth Philippine Trust Index (PTI), a nationwide survey that looks into Filipinos’ levels and drivers of trust in six key Philippine institutions – government, academe, businesses, NGOs, church and media. 

Globe Awards 21st Century High-Speed Learning Program to Quezon City Public Schools


By Monch Henares

August 29,2017.  It's consistently been Globe Telecom's commitment to develop the country's telecommunications infrastructure to be world-class. Realizing the power of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in providing meaningful 21st century learning, Globe Telecom brings its Global Filipino School (GFS) program to Quezon City via Masambong High School (MHS). Guest speakers at the turn-over event at Masambong High School were QC Mayor Herbert Bautista and Congressman Vicente "BingBong" Crisologo.

Choi Garden Manila Sumptuously Opens It's Doors at the Winford Hotel and Casino



“Good food, reasonable prices, and quality service,” these are what make up a successful restaurant according to Choi Garden Manila President Benito Gaw as his team opened up at new five-star Hotel Winford Hotel and Casino (WHC) last August 18, 2017. Being the newest Choi Garden restaurant after branches in Greenhills and Makati, the WHC outlet will be the biggest. Catering mostly to families looking to celebrate, Choi Garden Manila has a seating capacity of 300 on the second floor with eight private rooms, a presidential room with lavatory, as well as a ballroom on the fourth floor which can seat up to 700 guests in a Chinese Lauriat-style setting.

ASUS PH CONQUERS MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY ANEW WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE ALL-NEW DUAL-CAMERA, ZENFONE 4 SERIES



Manila, Philippines (August 19, 2017) – After months of being near tight-lipped, ASUS Philippines finally unveiled the long-awaited Zenfone 4 series into the local scene – in the most unique and vibrant manner yet: the rising of its very own city at SMX Convention Center, Pasay, dubbed the Zenfone 4 City.

8th PDMEX 2017 - The Philippines' Largest Metalworking Show Shines Brighter Than Ever


PDMEX 2017


August 23, 2017, The 8th Philippine Die & Mould Machineries and Equipment Exhibition (PDMEX 2017) opened at the World Trade Center in Pasay City with simple ceremonies led by Bgen. Charito B. Plaza MNSA, Phd Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Mr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC).

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

All-New Honda CR-V Awarded 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating


Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, is proud to announce that the recently launched  All-New CR-V (August 8, 2017) has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (NCAP)The All-New CR-V is the first model of Honda to be awarded by a 5-star safety rating under the new ASEAN NCAP Assessment 2017-2020 Protocol. The new assessment protocol urges carmakers to give the best safety practices in the region and has been in effect since January 1, 2017. The remarkable results show Honda’s commitment in ensuring safety for everyone sharing the road.

TNT Tropang Ready, a Smart and Fun Way of Getting a Community Disaster Resilient


When a swarm of earthquakes hit Batangas in April 2017, it caused injuries to some residents and damage to some buildings. 
Students of Batangas State University (BatSU), however, were able to teach their families to assume the duck, cover and hold position while the tremors were ongoing, and later led them to safe locations after the shaking stopped. 

Globe Commercially Launched 14,500 km SEA-US Submarine Fiber-Optic Cable System


August 11, Manila - Globe Telecom commercially launched today the $250-million Southeast Asia-United States (SEA-US) submarine cable system which provides direct links between Davao and the United States for richer and enhanced international connectivity for businesses in Mindanao and the rest of the country.

Honda Launches the All-New 7-Seater Honda CR-V 1.6L Diesel Turbo 9AT AWD


Last Aug. 8, 2017, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, unveils the much-anticipated All-New CR-V, the first ever diesel model in Honda’s local lineup. As the growing demand of the Filipino market of an all-around comfortable SUV, the fifth generation All-New CR-V is designed with a new and efficient diesel engine complemented by a bold and sophisticated exterior styling that matches its premium and comfortable interior. All of these improvements of the All-New CR-V aim to provide our consumers exceptional driving performance and ride quality.

Miss World Philippines 2017 Chooses Thirty-Five Official Candidates

35 Beauties by the poolside of New World Hotel Makati
Photo courtesy of Miss World Philippines 

Thirty-Five Beautiful Ladies make the list to one of the most coveted pageants in the country, the Miss World Philippines 2017

Resorts World Manila Masters 2017, Returns with a Caring Heart on its Final Tour



The fifth edition of the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters will return to Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club from November 9 to 12, 2017 with a charity initiative to support families affected by an unfortunate incident that occurred in Resorts World Manila (RWM) last June 2.

OPPO Supports Sarah Geronimo’s “Finally Found Someone” Premiere and launches the OPPO F3 Sarah G Limited Edition Smartphone


OPPO Philippines gives its full support to the much anticipated big-screen comeback of Sarah Geronimo, who stars in this year’s biggest romantic-comedy, "Finally Found Someone". Pinoy fans are in for a roller-coaster-ride of emotions as Raffy (John Lloyd Cruz) and April (Sarah Geronimo) take us through their intertwining polar-opposite lives – living through a PR crisis with a cutthroat, career-driven over achiever, while the other end of the spectrum is an honest, sincere, and idealistic girl, who believes in the powers of the heart.

Tata Motors strengthens presence in Philippines with the launch of its range of commercial vehicles

L to R - Arthur Balmadrid, Vice-President of TAJ Motors; Cresencio Fernandez Jr., President of TAJ Motors; Rudrarup Maitra, Head (International Business), Commercial Vehicles, TATA Motors; Rustom Nagporewalla, Regional Head, Asean & Far East, Commercial Vehicles, TATA motors

Manila, July 25, 2017: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and among the top ten globally, today launched a range of commercial vehicles in Philippines.Tata Motors is making headway in the Philippines market through a distribution agreement with local partners Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., an important business conglomerate engaged in the local distribution of motor vehicles.  Through this partnership, Tata Motors will commence the supply of its commercial vehicle brands – the Tata Prima Range of Tractor Trailers and Tippers, the LPT range of Light, Medium and Heavy Trucks, SFC 407, and the Mini Trucks range of Ace and Super Ace.

The All-New Honda Civic Type R , the Nürburgring Track Record Holder, will soon be available in the Philippines

Civic Type R in Rallye Red
July 10, 2017 – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile unit in the Philippines, is proud to announce the availability of the much anticipated All-New Civic Type R. This is the first–ever Civic Type R model to be sold locally. All Honda Car Dealerships will start accepting reservations starting July 11, 2017.

Honda displays an exciting line up at SM Mall of Asia


July 18, 2017 – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s Automobile unit in the Philippines, invites customers to visit and see Honda’s exciting line up of vehicles at Honda’s display event at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium starting July 20 to 27, 2017.

OPPO Announces the F3 Sarah Limited Edition Smartphone

Exclusive OPPO F3 in celebration of Sarah’s 3rd year anniversary with OPPO



Manila, Philippines (July 12, 2017) — In celebration of Sarah Geronimo’s third year as an endorser of the Top 2 smartphone brand OPPO, the brand officially announces the Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition F3 smartphone composed of a special packaging box and Sarah’s signature at the back of the phone.

FREE Disney・Pixar’s Cars 3 movie tickets for new Globe At Home customers





Disney・Pixar’s Cars 3 is one of the most anticipated animated films of the year, and is the latest installment following the adventures of champion race car Lightning McQueen. Customers who avail of Globe at Home's new GoBIG and GoFAST plans from Plan 1299 and up can get to see the film with two free tickets!

Honda introduces the New Jazz with a sporty RS Navi Variant

The New Jazz

July 17, 2017 – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile unit in the Philippines, is pleased to introduce the New Jazz. Enhanced with additional features and sporty updates, the New Jazz aims to give customers the traditional fun driving experience as well as utmost utility and convenience expected from a Honda. Further, the New Jazz will now have a 1.5 RS Navi variant that will gratify customers looking for a more sporty hatchback.

Honda Cars PH rolls out redesigned Mobilio

New Mobilio

July 17, 2017 – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile unit in the Philippines, introduces the highly anticipated refreshed New Mobilio. The 7-seater Multi-purpose Utility Vehicle (MUV) now comes with a bolder and sportier exterior, enhanced interior, and upgraded comfort and safety features that satisfy the Filipino families’ needs and expectations in an all-around vehicle.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Globe Changes Philippine Entertainment Landscape with an Extensive Lineup of Productions

Globe Telecom's Albert De Larrazabal, Joe Caliro, and Popo Yambao announces the future of total entertainment during the media conference of The Rush at the Globe Auditorium in Bonifacio Global City on July 11, 2017.

In its commitment to elevating its customers’ entertainment experience, leading mobile brand Globe Telecom officially announces its move to change the entertainment landscape through the launch of its extensive lineup of productions that customers can participate in, enjoy, immerse, and express themselves in.

Product Review: Auto-Gard Waterless Car Wash and Glass Cleaner | Monchster Chronicles



By Monch "Road Monchster" Henares

Rainy days are here again. Don't you just hate it when it's bright and sunny outdoors and you spend two hundred pesos for a car wash, and as soon as you're 100 meters out in the street it drizzles. Just enough rain and road dust to mar your car's almost perfect shine. But last week, it was not only rain that fell from the heavens, but products from Auto-Gard USA that came in the mail for my review. I'm glad I discovered a quick and easy way to keep my car sparkling clean. Miraculously, it can be done in fifteen minutes

ONE CHAMPIONSHIP HOSTS TEAM LAKAY MEDIA DAY IN MANILA

Team Lakay

(Standing left to right) Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, Team Lakay, coach Mark Sangiao, Honorio “The Rock” Banario and Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly. (Sitting left to right) Danny “The King” Kingad, Gina “Conviction” Iniong, ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, April Osenio and Joshua Pacio.

Press Release

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), recently held an exclusive media day for Baguio City’s famed Team Lakay. The event took place at Vikings Venue at the SM Mall of Asia Bayside, Tuesday, 9 May.

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