The Real Reason Why the Internet is Slow in the Philippines

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"The main reason why Filipinos are paying more for slower internet connection compared to other countries is because PLDT acts as the country’s own backbone, able to control all the flow of internet traffic from Philippines to the outside. ISPs are also required to pay PLDT for using its ‘fake’ backbone instead of relying to real backbone service providers like PACNET to properly handle the data exchange for this country."

The lack of competition in the telecommunication industry leads to bad economic and social consequences, such as crappy services, lack of innovation and service improvement, expensive products and/or services, lack of jobs, and corporate arrogance, among many other things that would not make any Filipino happy except the oligarch that is responsible for such monopoly.

PLDT may use everything in its power to oppose and brainwash people in believing otherwise but it all boils down to who gets to gain more from the situation. We are not fools that can easily be bought by the marketing gimmicks of "free" and "unlimited" promos, or the many CSR activities supporting foundations, charitable institutions, or NGOs.

The government is fully aware of the situation yet it does not have the will power to use its authority to bring down, or at least moderate, this greed.

I am reposting this article found at reddit since I am strongly opposing the current situation - the real cause of why our Internet is too slow.

How PLDT Deliberately Keeps Local Internet Traffic Slow and More Expensive In Philippines

Media for Hire: Token or Not Token, That is the Question

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do we really need to specify what the complimentary "token" will be for every event invite that we help organize?

Does it really matter if there's a token or not?

We once told someone that getting invited to an event, especially if it's a direct invite (and not just a plus one or a recommendation from another media) is already a privilege because that means the organizers strongly believe we have the influence to help them share the news about their products, brands or services. The token given is just a bonus. The invite is enough as a reward because not everyone gets the honor of being part of an event.

We were laughed at.

It saddens us so much that some would need to ask for the details of the token before they agree to attend an event. We don't usually ask the organizers what particular items they will give, but sometimes we are forced because some would require to be compensated handsomely.

The right to be picky and ask for a specific "talent fee" is probably just for those that already have built a name for themselves as among the widely recognized and influential. Perhaps those who already have a "handler" managing their career are somewhat entitled. Those who have attained celebrity status can possibly demand their "asking price."

Delivering Quality Healthcare On Wheels

Wazzup Pilipinas!

While relief goods and medication are being transported to the victims of typhoon Yolanda, ten doctors in some of the country’s remote communities are bicycling their medical assistance to Filipino patients who do not have access to immediate healthcare even during fair weathers.

On the heels of the typhoon’s onslaught last November 2013, Primer Group of Companies—a company known for engaging in the retail and distribution of premium consumer brands in outdoor, fashion, wellness, and urban lifestyle—has dedicated itself to heeding the calls of vulnerable Filipinos through the C.O.R.E.’s Heroes on Wheels.

The C.O.R.E. is the advocacy arm of Primer Group which aims to convert the masses to heed the calls of environmental conservation, ecotourism, and community development.

In partnership with the Department of Health’s Doctors to the Barrios (DTTBs), the C.O.R.E. created its Heroes on Wheels program to strengthen the support networks of communities in times of need with the use of proper outdoor equipment.

According to Tin Villaflor, C.O.R.E. Program Officer, the Heroes on Wheels program provides its beneficiaries with the appropriate outdoor gear and transportation mechanism to immediately reach inaccessible areas.
This time, ten bikes were distributed to ten esteemed local community doctors.