Netflix: A Year in Review of the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Netflix, the world’s leading Internet television network with over 86 million members in over 190 countries, streams more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. It was launched in the Philippines and 130 markets around the world on January 6, 2016. They’ve added over 9 million accounts since.

Netflix is for everyone, whatever your entertainment tastes are. Netflix original content offers something for everyone from drama to comedy series, from docu-series, to stand-up specials to films. As they’ve gotten to know people’s tastes, they’ve been shaping the service, adding content, languages and new features to provide the best possible Netflix experience.

Here’s how:

• No more waiting: Internet TV, delivered by Netflix, is changing entertainment forever by putting power in consumers’ hands. Netflix original series, films and documentaries premiere on Netflix everywhere at the same time, whether Narcos, Marvel’s Luke Cage or The Crown which means all Netflix members have access to a new title simultaneously.
• Original Series and Films: They committed to spending $5 billion on content in 2016, releasing 31 scripted shows (existing and new), two dozen original feature films and documentaries, a wide range of stand up comedy specials and 30 original kids series.
• Increasing the Catalog: They have doubled the content catalog for users around the world.

The Philippines binge:

• Some of the most popular shows for the year in The Philippines: Orange is The New Black, Stranger Things, Narcos, House of Cards, The OA, Marvel’s Luke Cage, The Crown, Designated Survivor.
• At which point did they get Hooked? Netflix found that viewers today do not base their decision to finish a series on the first episode alone. On average, it took 4 episodes for Filipinos to get hooked on a show. For example, when they watched superhero action shows Marvel’s Daredevil and Marvel’s Jessica Jones. Filipino viewers easily get hooked early on with shows that allow them to live vicariously through law-breaking characters featured in shows such as Narcos, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul.
• Binge-pairing: Like Netflix members around the world, Filipinos tend to pair their TV binge with a movie right after. Fans who loved Stranger Things wanted more of the same great thrills and chose Super 8, another sci-fi thriller set in the 80s. Meanwhile, Marvel’s Daredevil fans who hankered for more grim and gritty action and turned to Kill Bill Vol. 1

Delivering a great Netflix experience is just as important as creating great content.

Netflix is committed to spending $800 million on technology and development in 2016. Here are key innovations we rolled out in 2016:

• Personalization and the global algorithm: Previously, the personalization algorithms were regional or country-specific -- limiting a member’s recommendations to be based on similar viewers’ tastes confined to their particular country or region. By creating a global recommendation system, Netflix is now able to provide an even more accurate personalization experience, based not just on one country’s tastes, but by looking at the tastes of members around the world. This also helps local content travel around the world.

• Downloads: Netflix users share that they also want to continue their Stranger Things binge while on a road trip and other places where Internet is expensive or limited. Now we can download and watch shows without an internet connection on Netflix.
• Open Connect Devices.  Netflix’s Open Connect devices are provided free to ISPs to allow them to more efficiently manage their networks. They have devices present around the Asia region today to support a better streaming experience for users in the Philippines
• Video previews: They know we have less than 90 seconds to capture someone’s attention and get them excited about a title -- that’s why they’re introducing video previews into the TV browsing experience. The new television user interface uses video more extensively to bring content alive in real time and helps members decide whether to click play.
• 4K/HDR Technology: One of the advantages of streaming over the Internet is they get to be at the cutting edge of technology, providing the best picture quality for its members all over the world. Added over 600 of 4K content, Shows like the latest season of Chef’s Table, Marvel’s Daredevil now in HDR and they are working with Marvel on their entire slate.
• Partnerships/Devices: By partnering with consumer electronics companies, ISPs and mobile operators, including Globe and PLDT, they help provide a better streaming experience for consumers and enable Netflix everywhere. Many of these partnerships help drive constant innovation at Netflix, and also improve overall industry standards so that ultimately consumers everywhere get the best entertainment experience they can hope for.
• Netflix Recommended TV program: An independent smart TV evaluation program to help consumers identify televisions built for a superior Internet TV experience. Netflix Recommended TVs by LG, Samsung and Sony are available in the Philippines and around the world.

NETFLIX INTO 2017

• Next year, Netflix plan to launch over 1,000 hours of original content including:

• Marvel’s Iron Fist
• A Series of Unfortunate Events
• Sense8 S02
• Master of None S02
• Stranger Things S02
• War Machine
• The Discovery
• The Defenders
• Santa Clarita Diet

Globe Conducts Relief Operations in Bicol Region

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Globe Telecom conducted relief operations in Bicol Region provinces which were severely hit by Typhoon Nina during Christmas day. A total of 900 relief packs were delivered to Albay and Camarines Sur while 86 boxes of mineral water were transported to Catanduanes. Globe also set up Libreng Tawag and Charging stations in 16 locations across Oriental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Sur, Quezon, Sorsogon, and Marinduque to assist the residents with their communication needs. In photo, Relief Operations SPOC Sabrina Lumibao (leftmost) accepts the relief packs for Polangui, Albay on behalf of Representative Joey Salceda. With her are (from L-R): Jocy Silo, Globe Territorial Sales Head, Ren Osero, Globe Regional Sales Head for South Luzon 2 and Al Canete, Globe Territorial Sales Head.

New Year’s Resolution Again and Again

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It may have been said over and over again but the top “New Year’s Resolution” of almost all the Filipinos is “I will make sure to manage my body and my weight”. It sounds so cliché but it’s the reality, every year we feel like we are given another chance to make things right and have a fresh start. And to start it off, you focus on the things you can change within yourself. Aside from you will be a better person emotionally and mentally, you also strive to be a better person physically and this wouldn’t be so hard. Yes you need to exercise for the betterment of your health, you also need to eat properly to avoid getting ill and you must take a supplement that helps you detox and cleanse!

FatOut’s strength is its ability to REALLY help clean the colon and get rid of the waste as it is easily taken out of our system. The body flushes away the bad fat and toxins that may cause problems in our colon in the most convenient way possible! With FatOut, you will experience the revolutionary Sweep and Shred Formula which cleanses the colon and burn down fats for a healthier and sexier you which mainly promotes detoxification.

With Pu’er Tea extract which eliminates fats that are hard to digest, Aloe Vera Powder that detoxifies and cleanses the colon, Alfalfa that nourishes the digestive system, Oat Fiber that controls the appetite. Moreover, The Green Tea Extract is best known to effectively burn and shred fats by speeding up the metabolism andPsyllium Husk that sweeps away the toxins and cholesterol.

This New Year, you better make sure your body is healthy. Fit and sexy are just bonuses, you must focus on being healthy with FatOut!

FatOut is high content 100% Pure extract of Pu’er Tea, Aloe Vera, Alfalfa, Oat Fiber, Green Tea and Psyllium Husk that is made more effective than powdered ingredients. It is a product of extensive research and development that guarantees top quality and excellent promising health results which makes it absolutely different from other slimming supplements.

Note that, FatOut is not a medicinal drug and should not be used to treat the symptoms of any disease.

FatOut should be taken daily, before every meal, preferably with a warm glass of water. Available at all Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Available at a special promo BUY ONE TAKE ONE for a LIMITED TIME OFFER only.

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Temper Trap, The Ting Tings to Co-Headline 2017 Wanderland Music Fest Line-Up

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Wanderers dove deep into the unexplored parts of the #GlobeWanderland jungle last weekend, as they discovered the final acts of local & international artists for the annual music and arts festival this 2017! Globe in partnership with Karpos Multimedia, is bringing Wanderland for the 5th time in the Philippines. This time around, it will be held in the Filinvest City Event Grounds, Alabang on March 4, 2017.

“Globe once again brings its customers the jungle that is #GlobeWanderland. With a fantastic line up in the past 5 years, no doubt that this 2017, the audience will be in for another unforgettable show. With events such as Wanderland, we continue to be an inherent part of the digital lifestyle of our youth today, enabling them to enjoy what they love the most-- wonderful music from their favorite artists,” shares Globe Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Marketing, IssaCabreira.

Last November 4, 2016 at The Globe Iconic Store, 11 booming acts were announced during the #GlobeWanderland Jungle Battle - starting off with international acts, Mickey Sulit (AU), Honne (UK), LANY (US), and Woodlock (AU). Local talent line up then included Up Dharma Down (PH), Gab and John of Urbandub (PH), Tom’s Story (PH), Reese Lansangan (PH), Lola Amour (PH), Jensen and the Flips (PH), AngBandang Shirley (PH), and BannaHarbera (PH).

And finally the long wait is over for Wanderers who are bellowing for more acts to be announced when the remaining acts to complete the lineup was announced last December 17, 2016 during the Wanderland Line Up Reveal. Headlining international acts are Yuna(US), The Temper Trap (US), Explosions in the Sky (US), The Ting Tings (UK), Purity Ring (CA),and Fools and Foes (PH), and they are all set to give everyone a taste of the untamed jungle at #GlobeWanderland. 

Healthcare at the Digital Age

Wazzup Pilipinas!

2016 has been a year of adjustment and growth for the country’s healthcare industry. Developments such as the implementation of a universal health coverage through PhilHealth, the strengthened execution of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RP-RH) Law, the promotion of mental health education and assistance, and the government’s recent plan to distribute free medicine worth PHP2 billion to marginalized Filipino families show that the Philippines’ health sector is ripe for disruption especially with more focused government spending and investments on the digitization of healthcare.

For a long time, there has been a high demand for treatment and a low supply of accessible and affordable hospitals, equipment, and doctors. In fact, the ratio of rural doctors to the number of patients accommodated is 3 is to 100,000, while there are 7 city doctors for every 100,000 patients. On an average, it takes close to an hour or two for families to reach health facilities. Public hospital patients have to deal with overcrowding, while bearing with the pains of recovery. Even with the presence of medical programs and infrastructures for public use, majority of Filipinos still shell out money for medicine and other fees, which is why many forgo consultations and opt for self-medication.

The Department of Health (DOH) acknowledges that there is a clear disparity between the quality of service received by those who can afford medical aid and those who cannot. In its Philippine Health Agenda, DOH unveiled its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for years 2016 to 2022. These include financial protection and lower healthcare costs, quality medical services both in private and public infrastructures, and a responsive health system.

One of DOH’s many initiatives to achieve its SDGs is an eHealth Strategic Framework, which aims to integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with healthcare. This allows medical facilities to streamline information systems, make use of electronic medical records, process online submission and receipt of clinical results, automate operations and business processes, and create fast access to data and research for healthcare workers. For instance, Telemedicine—the use of ICT to connect with patients for immediate treatment—is quickly gaining popularity, especially in the Philippines where many areas are still in great need of accessible healthcare.

Globe Business, SCMAP Partner to Forward PH Supply Chain Industry

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The rise of the internet has definitely pushed businesses to respond quickly to market demands. It is not only crucial that enterprises give customers what they want, but also ensure that their supply chains are running smoothly and efficiently. To discuss the future of the supply chain industry, Globe Business, the information and communication technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, held a Supply Chain Interactive Workshop for executives from various retail, manufacturing, and logistics companies.

The goal for the workshop was to promote sustainable practices of improving supply chain management with Globe spearheading the Code of Conduct for suppliers.

What made the workshop different from other forums was that it enabled over a hundred guests to not only participate as an audience, but also to discuss the pain points and intended improvements on the supply chain industry. Participants were also able to witness the synergy of their industries through various group activities. The speakers tied up these activities with product solutions from Globe Business, putting emphasis on how these can help supply chains all over the country.

“Globe Business always makes it a point to provide enterprises with up-to-date technology that will ease the flow of operations. In turn, businesses can focus more on their customers. The point of this workshop is to facilitate an exchange of ideas, which will help us understand what your supply chains need and enable us to offer you the best solutions,” said Mike Frausing, Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Services Group.

Energy Sector Pushes “Bayanihan” for Quick Restoration of Power in Town Centers and Nearby Communities by New Year

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As Typhoon Nina exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the entire energy sector, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE), has mobilized various assets for the quick restoration of power facilities in Southern Luzon and parts of Visayas downed by superTyphoon Nina.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi instructed immediate restoration of power facilities using “bayanihan” or Task Force Kapatid in the typhoon-hit area as the priority of DOE and the energy family.

“The DOE commits to mobilize as many technical personnel and transport the necessary equipment and facilities to attain 100% energization of main commercial areas with hospitals, vital government offices, banks and other necessary communal facilities before New Year,” emphasized Sec. Cusi.

He added that priority towns include: Daet in Camarines Norte; Naga City, Goa, Tinambac, Iriga City, Libmanan in Camarines Sur; Ligao City, Legazpi City and Tabaco City in Albay; Sorsogon City in Sorsogon; Boac in Marinduque; and, Calapan in Mindoro Oriental.

10 Productivity Tools for Writers You Don’t Want to Miss

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Whether it comes to academic papers, copywriting, content writing, blogging, fanfiction writing, or anything in between, being a writer is not that easy, even if you are fond of what you are doing. However, while students can order their papers from professional writing companies like Your Writers, for freelance writers it’s the way to earn a livelihood. The truth is that sometimes it is simply hard to focus on what you are writing about. No wonder, productivity continues to be the top issue for writers of any kind. If it is true for you too, consider the following tools you don’t want to miss!

1. Oktopost

Oktopost is an easy-to-use online marketing tool that allows you to manage and measure all of your publishing activities across different social media accounts. It can greatly facilitate communication with potential customers.

2. Anti-Social 

Make a step further and turn off the social parts of the Internet while working. Anti-Social is an incredibly simple and effective productivity tool that blocks you from all your social media accounts.

3. Everhour

Everhour is a time tracking app that easily integrates with the most popular project management tools. It offers many useful opportunities for writers, including the ability to create highly customized reports and accurate invoices.

4. Writing Prompts

If you are stuck with your writing, Writing Prompts may come in handy. This user-friendly app that randomly generates different words, colors, sketches, and other types of writing is a great tool for inspiration.

5. Calendly

Since the writer’s productivity largely depends on scheduling, you need a handy tool for planning your work, meetings, conversations, etc. Calendly is a good choice for such a task. This app can easily save your time and improve productivity.

6. Grammarly

Grammarly is one of the best online proofreading tools that can not only help you avoid all possible grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors but also check your paper for style and plagiarism. Besides, it can be your personal grammar coach.

7. Canva

This easy-to-use online service makes design simple for everyone. So the next time you need an eye-catching blog post, presentation, or any other content, Canva is the right tool for creating images and graphics. 

8. PromodoroApp

If you think that frequent breaks help stay mentally agile, PromodoroApp is just for you. This useful time management tool can help you learn and measure your productivity.

9. Powtoon

Powtoon can create amazing animated videos and personalized presentations, which makes it a must-have tool for web content writers who want their work to be more unique and interesting to website visitors.

10. Evernote

Last but not least is Evernote. This effective online note management tool is exactly what you need to write down your ideas and thoughts on the go. Install this app on your mobile device, and you will be ready for even the most unexpected brainwave moments.

These online tools can greatly facilitate the process of writing and increase your productivity. Just try them out, and you will never go back to working on your own!

Globe, GCash, Cauayan City Ink Strategic Partnership to Deliver 1st World Internet

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Globe Telecom and the Cauayan City government have hammered out a strategic partnership to deliver 1st world internet services as well as create a digital cashless ecosystem, which will be undertaken through GCash.

The partnership involves deployment of an integrated network plan to improve mobile coverage and provide high-speed internet service in the city. The rollout forms part of Globe Telecom’s One Digital City initiative, intended to expand network coverage and enhance capacities, particularly for fixed-line, in a bid to elevate the state of the country’s internet.

“Accelerating ICT development enhances inclusive economic development as it significantly improves delivery of public services, enables enterprises to access valuable information and spur transformation in growth areas. We are grateful for the support that the Cauayan city government extended to Globe and we hope to replicate this partnership in other areas in the country,” Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said.

As part of using technology for governance, GCash, the mobile money platform of Globe, and Cauayan City have embarked on a pioneer initiative to implement the co-branded Citizen ID cards initially for 5,000 government employees and constituents to provide easy access to social and financial services that will bolster the economy forward. Eventually, the IDs will be rolled-out to all 130,000 constituents of the city.

The Citizen ID may be used to electronically pay government fees and taxes, utilities and other bills electronically and purchases from local merchants; for disbursement of salaries, stipends, allowances and other benefits to citizens, government employees and volunteers; and in the provision of easy, fast and flexible Fuse loans for sustainable livelihood development programs for micro and small and medium enterprises.

Enabling e-payments will help increase access to social and financial services for citizens, reduce opportunity cost lost in cash handling, and tighten security of funds and transparency in government transactions.

Globe has been aggressively ramping up network investments as it gained access to new spectrum resources following partial acquisition of San Miguel’s telecommunication assets such as the 700 megahertz (MHz). Specifically, the company committed to deploy 4,500 sites in about 95% of cities and municipalities in the country within a 3-year period.

The company’s collaboration with the Cauayan city government is also in line with its initiative, which started early this year, of creating an internet superhighway by deploying high-speed broadband technology. Specifically, the company plans to deploy high-speed broadband technology in 2 million homes nationwide by 2020.

Globe has also been pouring significant investment for its corporate data network with additional investment of $50 million. The company started rolling out a capacity expansion program for its corporate data network to address bandwidth requirement of its enterprise clients as they make use of various data solutions to improve business efficiency, enhance productivity, and boost competitiveness. With the partnership, the initiative to enhance Globe Telecom’s corporate data network is also expected to benefit enterprises based in Cauayan as well as help promote social inclusion through technology.

Paperless Billing to Save Thousands of Trees for Environmental Sustainability

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As a strong advocate of environmental sustainability, leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom encourages its millions of postpaid customers to help save thousands of trees and reduce greenhouse gas emission by enrolling their fixed and mobile accounts in the paperless billing program.

Moreover, the program not only allows Globe postpaid customers to do their share in environmental protection and conservation but also provides convenience and up-to-date delivery of electronic billing statements and notification via text messages. All customers who opted to go paperless can enjoy the benefits of receiving their bills within five days after the cut-off date, viewing their bills online anytime and anywhere, and easily downloading their bills in their computers, tablets, or mobile phones.

“We work in solidarity with the rest of the world in ensuring that we take better care of the planet for the sake of the generations that will come after us. We thus make every effort to ensure that while we do our best to meet the current and future needs of our customers, we do so without compromising the welfare of the environment,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

She added: “We can reduce the impact of our business operations to the environment by doing this together with our employees, business partners, and clients. When our customers subscribe to Globe Paperless Billing, for instance, they are in their own small way helping save the earth by lessening the amount of trees that are cut down to make paper.”