Loading your Globe Prepaid and TM Now Made Easy with the Puregold Mobile App

Nowadays, virtually everything can be done in the comforts of your home, with the help of the internet. From doing the groceries to loading your mobile phones---all can be done at home, given the advent of online stores and grocery applications.

Customers of Puregold have been saying goodbye to the hassle of long queues with the Puregold Mobile App powered by Globe Telecom. Launched at the beginning of the year, the app enables shoppers to safely buy their groceries online and also use features such as item barcode scanning or catalog selection, store pickup, and delivery.

 

As customer needs have changed and safety becomes a priority, Puregold together with Globe, launched the app's newest feature - Buy Load. Now you can conveniently load without leaving your home. Whether you are an Aling Puring Member retailer who needs load for your store or an individual who needs personal load— be it regular load or prepaid promos such as Go or Homesurf, the app can serve your loading needs. You may also buy your favorite Globe products - Globe or TM Prepaid SIMs, Call Cards, and Home Prepaid WIFI in the app. Customers may pay via Credit card, Debit card, GCash, or via P-Wallet, Puregold's very own in-app wallet.

 

“With the current situation, we want to help our customers to stay safe in their homes. By adding an in-app loading service with multiple payment options in the Puregold app, they can buy load credits anytime 24/7 anywhere they are,” said Puregold President, Vincent Co.

 

The service is available anywhere you are in the country as the load will be sent from the app directly to your prepaid device.

 

“With the increase in work from home and learn from home set-up, having ready access to prepaid load and promos is as important as having basic necessities in the house. We want to give our subscribers another platform in the Puregold Mobile App to avail of their load needs so they can always stay connected,” said Globe President and CEO, Ernest Cu.

 

Download the Puregold Mobile App now from the Google Playstore or the App Store and experience convenience in grocery shopping and buying load and other Globe prepaid products.

The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week from Sept. 20 to 27

Great food and great company are two of life’s simplest pleasures. So mark your calendars and get ready to feast on scrumptious food as The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang-Ilang participates in Manila Restaurant Week happening from September 20 to 27, 2020.

Indulge in a choice of starters like the savory Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli in light Parmesan Cream Sauce or Pomelo-Prawns Lumpia in Calamansi Honey Dressing; the main course of sumptuous Beef Tenderloin in Balsamic glaze with marble potato and market vegetables or Pampano cooked in Tandoori Oven with Peas Pilaf rice and stir-fried Asian vegetables; and dessert of Fresh Fruits Salad with Ube ice cream or Mango Panna cotta as dessert. The starter-main-dessert set is offered at only P980 net per person, but cannot be availed of in conjunction with other promos or discounts.

Manila Restaurant Week is an event under the “Manila, Support Local” Campaign, launched by the Bureau of Permits and City Government of Manila. The city-wide project aims to promote local food establishments in Manila that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. About 80 restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at affordable prices during Manila Restaurant Week.

Launched on September 15, The Manila Hotel played one of the hosts of the multi-venue simultaneous kick-off, which was live-streamed on social media platforms. The other hosts were Bayleaf Hotel, Lucky China Town Mall, and Robinsons Place Ermita. The virtual launch was marked by an online performance of Lea Salonga who sang her new single, “Dream Again,” the official theme song of the campaign.

“I believe we can do a lot in restoring the City of Manila back to its former glory under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno. We in the private sectors will always support you in this very worthwhile undertaking. Soon, Manila will be great again,” said Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President, in his opening remarks during the launch.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña gave their respective speeches before checking the 11 restaurants that showcased their dishes at The Manila Hotel’s Roma Salon—namely Café Ilang-Ilang, Century Park Hotel, Scorched, Golden Fortune, Luneta Park Hotel, Ilustrado, Tanabe, Jus & Jerrys, Patio de Conchita, Pares Kimchi, and Harbor View—and visiting the other venues, which was watched by thousands via live stream.

The Manila Hotel and all its outlets operate in strict compliance with health protocols, so our guests are assured of the highest standards of food safety and sanitation measures in accordance with the government guidelines.

For more information, you may check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@TheManilaHotel), or call 85270011 or 09989501912. For reservations, email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

ZRewards, Partners Turn over Care Packages to Jeepney Drivers

 ZRewards by Zeal, in partnership with Lalamove and Minimart.ph, has turned over care packages composed of food, toiletries, laundry supplies, and protective equipment, to jeepney drivers and their families who were displaced by the current pandemic.

The move was part of the HELPJEEP campaign launched by the three parties last July wherein the public was encouraged to take part by simply becoming a member of ZRewards for free.  ZRewards, in turn, committed to providing care packages upon reaching its target membership milestone.

“We are proud to have gone through this initiative to help our jeepney drivers and their families together with Lalamove and Minimart. It is important for us to proactively serve the community, and practice our commitment to make sure that no Filipino is left behind,” shared Zeal Entrepreneur in Residence, Glenn Estrella.

 

ZRewards is the country’s newest one-stop shop for premium and solid deals, discounts, and vouchers ranging from food, beauty, health and fitness, entertainment, among other offers, redeemable at online shops and physical stores.

 

For the HELPJEEP campaign, ZRewards partnered with on-demand delivery company Lalamove to access the Lalajeep drivers who were among the hardest hit by community quarantine restrictions. The jeepney drivers who lost their livelihoods were taken in by Lalamove in agreement with the Quezon City local government unit. Instead of carrying passengers, Lalajeeps carry goods for businesses that need a more affordable means to deliver their products. 

 

Minimart.ph, on the other hand, provided a generous discount for the items as well as free packaging and free delivery to the QC distribution site designated by Lalamove.

 

"The partnership with Zeal and Minimart is aligned with our goal to empower our Lalajeep community to continuously reach out to them. The jeepney community was among the most heavily affected by the pandemic, and we are very happy to continue to provide them a means to earn, and moreover, deliver possibilities of having a care package for them to provide essential goods." shares Lalamove Philippines managing director Dannah Majarocon.

 

ZRewards continues to support the stricken communities and anyone can help by signing up for free at  https://zeal.ph/signup.  ZRewards members will also benefit from the different discounted offers from a wide array of merchants such as Flowerstore.ph, Minimart.ph, Melo's Steakhouse, Beauty Scout, ZALORA Philippines, The Naturale Market, Audio-Video Solutions Corporation, Avignon Clinic, Digits Trading Corp, Harem Inc, AJ Wellness Corporation, IAJ Wellness Corporation, papemelroti, Malongo Atelier Barista, The Smile Bar, Chris Sports, Toby Sports and Trident Food Holdings, Inc.

 

ZRewards by Zeal is a brand of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe. 

Sony Electronics Introduces Alpha 7C Camera and the Zoom Lens, the World’s Smallest and Lightest Full-frame Camera system

(ASIA PACIFIC, September 2020) – Today, Sony announced several additions to their impressive imaging lineup — the Alpha 7C full-frame camera (model ILCE-7C), the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 (model SEL2860) zoom lens and HVL-F28RM flash.

The Alpha 7C is the world’s smallest and lightest[i]  full-frame body with uncompromising performance, featuring advanced AF (autofocus), high-resolution 4K video[ii] capabilities and more. When paired with the world’s smallest and lightest[iii] FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 standard zoom lens, this versatile combination delivers an experience unlike any other, maximizing portability and versatility without sacrificing any of the power of full-frame imaging. The HVL-F28RM flash allows users to broaden their photo expressions with outstanding compactness, and an intelligent light intensity control linked to camera face detection[i].

“We are committed to create the best tools possible based on the needs of our customers,” said Ryo Ochi, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.”

New Alpha 7C: Uncompromised Full-frame Performance in a Compact Design

The new Alpha 7C combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced AF capabilities and versatile video shooting functions in a stunningly light and compact design. The new camera features a 24.2MP (approx. effective) 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X™ image processing engine, offering high sensitivity, outstanding resolution, 15-stop[ii]  wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing.

Measuring only 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm and weighing just 509g[i], the Alpha 7C is a similar size and weight to an APS-C camera[ii], with only 1% more weight than the Alpha 6600. The Alpha 7C achieves the world’s smallest and lightest compact body² through  upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilization and shutter units, and the utilization of monocoque construction, which is often used in the bodies of cars and aircraft. Even in this compact body, the Alpha 7C features a 5-step[iii] stabilization effect that allows shooting snaps without a tripod. Moreover, despite the compact body, the high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery provides enough power to shoot for long durations in comfort, allowing you to capture up to an industry-leading[iv] 740 images[v] when using the LCD monitor, or 680 images¹¹ when using the viewfinder.

Outstanding Full-frame Image Quality

Sony’s new Alpha 7C combines high resolution with low noise for excellent image quality at all sensitivities, offering the user stunning image quality for shooting everyday photography and movies such as nature, portraits, sports, street photography, and more. Standard ISO extends up to 51,200 and is expandable to ISO 50-204,800[vi] for low-light environment captures with low noise. The Alpha 7C also supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output[vii] for natural gradations.

Advanced Autofocus

Using AI-driven functions, the Alpha 7C’s Real-time Tracking[viii] maintains accurate focus automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. In addition, “Tracking On + AF-On” now is assignable to a custom key and can now be activated at once while the AF-ON button is pressed. Moreover, the intended subject can be specified just by touching it on the monitor when “Touch Tracking” has been turned ON via the menu and is available for both stills and movies. The Alpha 7C’s AF functions also feature Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals[ix] to achieve a fast and accurate focus[x]. When using Real-time Tracking while “Face/Eye Priority in AF” is ON with a human subject, the subject’s eye, and face is detected and locked on in real-time with extremely high tracking precision.

The Alpha 7C provides wide, fast, reliable AF that locks onto the intended subject instantly without losing focus, thanks to its 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system covering approximately 93% of the image area, with an additional 425 contrast-detection points to ensure reliable focus, even in busy environments.

The Alpha 7C also features continuous shooting at up to 10 fps[i] with AF/AE (autoexposure) by using a newly developed shutter unit and refined image processing system. It is also possible to shoot continuously at up to 8 fps¹⁷ in live view mode, with minimal viewfinder/monitor display lag for easy, stable framing, even with intense subject motion. The Alpha 7C allows up to approximately 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst[ii] and achieves highly accurate and reliable AF precision in light down to EV-4[iii]. These features make it easier to capture fast-moving subjects.

Expanded Video Capabilities

Full-frame full-pixel readout without the need for pixel binning makes it possible to capture more than twice[iv] the amount of data required for 4K video (QFHD: 3840 x 2160)³, which is then oversampled to produce high-quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. In addition, the Alpha 7C supports HDR (HLG[v]) and S-Log/S-Gamut profiles, Slow & Quick motion, high-speed full HD recording at 120 fps^3, and other advanced video features which offer exceptional video capabilities to capture high-quality video footage.

Furthermore, the Alpha 7C features Real-time Eye AF (human) for video shooting. The eye is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability so that the operator can concentrate on the content rather than focus operation. Users can also customize AF Transition Speed in seven settings, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity in five settings, in their preferences. Touch Tracking functionality is also available for movie shooting.

The Alpha 7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD monitor, making it easy to record selfies, overhead shots, low ground-level shots or whatever the user requires. The MOVIE button has been placed on the top of the camera making it easier to operate while recording in selfie mode. Additionally, the Alpha 7C provides high-quality video recordings, not just for images, but also for audio. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for a cleaner, clearer audio recordings. Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for Alpha system moviemaking. Headphone and microphone jacks are also provided to accurately monitor recorded sound, and metadata attached to movie footage shot vertically on the camera allows the footage after transfer to the smartphone or similar device, to also be replayed and edited in the vertical position.

Designed for Reliable Operation

The Alpha 7C is designed with the user in mind. The touch panel LCD monitor is a large touch-sensitive 3.0 type with approximately 921 thousand dots, providing optimal visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and supporting touch operations.  The Alpha 7C also features a high-quality view mode for finer, more natural detail in addition to a 2.35 mega dot (approx.) XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ EVF. The Alpha 7C offers functions that simplify operation during and after shooting, such as Fn button customizations and more. It is also dust and moisture resistant[i] to support shooting needs in challenging environments.

To simplify workflow needs, Wi-Fi compatible wireless-communication functions allows images and movies to be directly transferred[ii] to a smartphone or tablet for convenient sharing, viewing, or saving. In addition to the conventional 2.4GHz band, support for the 11ac standard allows transfer via 5GHz band (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac)[iii]  so that users can select that stable and high-speed transfer with low interference. A USB Type-C® connector that supports SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2) is also provided, allowing fast transfer of images during PC remote shooting and power supply from external mobile batteries.

New FE 28-60mm F4-5.6: The World’s Smallest and Lightest⁴ Full-frame Zoom Lens with High Image Quality

The new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 offers the world’s smallest and lightest⁴ form factor in a standard zoom lens, delivering a high optical performance that achieves the high-resolution depiction of full-frame everywhere in the image. Optimal arrangement of the 3 aspherical lens elements effectively suppresses aberrations throughout the zoom range and realizes high resolution from corner to corner. A minimum focus distance of 0.99 foot (0.3m) (wide-angle) to 1.48 feet (0.45m) (telephoto) delivers close-up capability, making it perfect for everyday use or vlogging with a gimbal or grip.

At 167g and 66.6 mm, dia. x 45 mm, along with its mechanical and optimal optical design that features a retracting structure, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 achieves unrivaled compactness and lightness, allowing users to easily carry it all the time. From everyday shooting to scenery, portraits, and travel, it’s the ideal lens for any type of on-the-go shooting in a wide variety of environments. When combined with the Alpha 7C, the combination achieves uncompromising full-frame performance with the world's smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system¹. Even with its compact size and lightweight, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is dust and moisture resistant²² and accepts a variety of 40.5mm filters.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy AF allowing for Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, using a linear motor. In addition to Sony’s advanced AF capabilities, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 features an internal focus design which leaves the lens length unchanged with focus motion and close-up shots, enabling users to easily capture a wide variety of content from regular movie shooting to comfortable vlogging.

New HVL-F28RM: Compact Flash with Light Intensity Control Linked to Camera Face Detection⁵

The HVL-F28RM is a compact flash designed to match Sony’s mirrorless cameras for a compact, manageable system, and offers the type of reliable, stable performance that only a genuine Sony product can provide. When compared to the HVL-F32M, the HVL-F28RM features a 12% reduction in volume and 7% reduction in weight. This compact, easy-to-use flash unit delivers the capabilities and dependability to meet the needs of both professional and advanced amateur content creators.

The HVL-F28RM offers consistent GN28[i] light output, optimized light distribution, and continuous flash performance that won’t interrupt the user’s workflow, as well as stable radio wireless communication and multi-flash radio control. The new flash also features Sony’s newly introduced flash control linked to camera face detection⁵ advanced technology. When used with a compatible camera, the balance between the light falling on the subject’s face and ambient light is taken into account to automatically adjust accurate white balance so that the subject’s face is rendered with natural, lifelike color. In addition, flash compensation, light ratio, and other detailed flash parameters can be controlled directly from a compatible camera[i]. A camera custom key can be assigned to call up the flash parameter display so that adjustments can be made while looking through the viewfinder and gripping the camera. Flash parameters are shown in the selected camera display language.

A newly developed “Metal Shoe Foot with Rugged Side Frame”[ii] that also houses the unit’s electrical contacts offers improved resistance to physical shock and impact from all the directions. The Multi-Interface foot is fabricated from metal for higher strength. The HVL-F28RM also features a dust and moisture resistant²² design. When the HVL-F28RM is mounted and locked onto the Alpha 7C, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7R IV, and Alpha 9 II, durability to dust and moisture is improved, even when used in challenging outdoor environments.  

The HVL-F28RM also features simple, intuitive operation with minimal controls including +/- light level buttons, pairing button, test button, and the lock lever. Plenty of light is available for bounce applications. The flash angle can also be set as required via 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 120-degree click stops for easy positioning. The new flash also features a built-in wireless radio trigger for reliable flash triggering when mounted on a compatible camera²⁶ and paired with an off-camera unit. When used as a transmitter, the HVL-F28RM can control up to 15 flash and/or receiver units in 5 groups[iii] at distances of up to 114 feet (35 meters)[iv] for extraordinary lighting control and versatility.  The HVL-F28RM is powered by two AA (LR6) alkaline or NiMH batteries. A fresh pair of alkaline batteries can provide power for up to 110 continuous flashes (1/1 manual flash with alkaline batteries)^29.

Availability

The new Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera will be available in selected countries in the Asia Pacific from October 2020.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in selected countries in the Asia Pacific from January 2021.

The HVL-F28RM flash will be available in selected countries in Asia Pacific from November 2020.

To find out more about the Alpha 7C and “See What Small Can Do”, visit www.sony-asia.com/microsite/ILCE-7C/. Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new camera and Sony's other imaging products can also be found at www.sony-asia.com/alphauniverse/inspire, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony α - Alpha.

New content will also, be posted directly at the Sony Photo Gallery.

For full product details, please visit:

·       Alpha 7C: www.sony-asia.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7c

·       FE 28-60mm F4-5.6: www.sony-asia.com/electronics/camera-lenses/sel2860

·      HVL-F28RM: www.sony-asia.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-flashes-lights/hvl-f28rm

A product video on the new Alpha 7C can be viewed here.

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[i] Visit the Sony support webpage for functional compatibility information.

[ii] Design registration application is pending.

[iii] In group flash mode. 3 groups (A-C) in TTL or manual flash mode.

[iv] Sony internal test conditions.

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[i] 50 mm, at ISO 100 in meters

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[i] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and water-resistant.

[ii] Smartphone or tablet must have Imaging Edge Mobile installed. Please use version 7.2 or later.

[iii] Models sold in some countries/regions support IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) wireless LAN only.  5GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions.

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[i] Up to 10 fps in continuous “Hi+” mode, and up to 8 fps in continuous “Hi” mode. UHS-II compatible SDXC memory card required. Sony test conditions. Maximum fps will depend on camera settings.

[ii] Continuous “Hi+” mode. UHS-II compatible SDXC memory card required. Sony test conditions.

[iii] ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens.

[iv] 24p recording. Approx. 1.6x at 30p.

[v] HDR (HLG) images can be viewed by connecting the camera directly to a Sony TV that supports HDR (HLG) playback. 

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[i] With battery and memory card included

[ii] Compared to the size of Alpha 6600, 120.0mm x 66.9mm x 59.0mm and a weight of 503g (With battery and memory card included).   

[iii] CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off.

[iv] Among full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital cameras with autofocus function, as of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.

[v] CIPA standards.

[vi] ISO expandable to 50 – 204,800 for stills, 100 – 102,400 for movies.

[vii] Limited to 12-bit when compressed RAW is used for continuous shooting, BULB shooting, or when long-exposure noise reduction is [ON].

[viii] “Tracking” in the menu.

[ix] Available on still images only.

[x] Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations.

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[i] This function is only compatible with Alpha 7C as of Sept. 2020

[ii] When shooting still images. Sony test conditions.

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[i] Among full-frame interchangeable-lens digital cameras with optical in-body image stabilisation mechanism, as of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.

[ii] A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card is required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS speed class 3 or higher is required for 100 Mbps recording.

[iii] Among interchangeable zoom lenses for 35mm full-frame format digital camera bodies, as of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.

CDO Foodsphere makes Globe Cloud its top digital solution

 CDO Foodsphere Inc., one of the largest food enterprises in the Philippines, commended Globe Business for its role in the successful migration of the company’s warehouse management system from on-premise to the cloud.

Globe Business, together with  Amazon Web Services (AWS), conducted a Proof of Concept (POC) with CDO Foodsphere. This allowed the latter to test and experience AWS functionalities before fully migrating applications that monitor the company’s inventory.

Satisfied with the results of the POC, CDO Foodsphere decided to migrate its workloads to the Cloud. Since then, there has been no application downtime attributed to the service.  In addition, the business was able to reduce the time to resolve system incident reports from 150 days to merely a day. The company also saw a significant improvement in the performance and stability of the system amid the pandemic—a stark contrast from what CDO Foodsphere's IT and Operations teams had experienced in the previous years.

 

“Our on-premise legacy system had become too tedious to maintain. We had been experiencing unexpected downtimes—with restoration taking longer than expected,” mentioned Ria Vidal, Assistant Vice President for CDO Foodsphere Inc. “A few days or even hours of downtime would have had a significant impact on the business. It was a good thing Globe came in to help us migrate our workloads to the Cloud, just before the pandemic otherwise it would have been more difficult to restore on-ground applications. ”

 

"Aging hardware, performance issues, and scalability concerns are among the common challenges that our customers face when dealing with applications developed in-house or stored on-premise," shared Peter Maquera, Senior Vice President for Globe Business. "Add the complexities brought about by the pandemic—fixing systems on-ground becomes even more problematic. We’re glad that the success of CDO Foodsphere’s migration paved the way for other cloud migrations such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). We look forward to seeing one of the country’s leading household brands grow into a fully cloud-powered business.”

 

CDO Foodsphere understands the role that the Cloud plays in strengthening its resiliency and allowing it to achieve continuous product development, technological advancement, organizational efficiency, and excellent customer support. As a service to families and communities, CDO Foodsphere continues to lead and expand in order to provide products that are present in every Filipino home.

 

Empowering Philippine enterprises to remain resilient in disruptive times is Globe Business' priority.  It will continue to work with large corporations such as CDO Foodsphere to help them become a cloud-first company. Globe also collaborates with leading platform providers such as AWS and Cascadeo—Premier AWS Consulting Partner and Managed Services Provider, to support businesses as they scale and navigate their cloud transformation journey.

Gain a competitive advantage through improved business operations powered by Globe Cloud Solutions. To learn more, arrange a consultation with your Globe Business Account Manager today. You may also visit our website to find out how we can help you grow your enterprise with the Cloud.