PH records faster Internet speeds in December, up 9 notches for fixed BB

The Philippines logged better Internet speeds in December, improving in both mobile and fixed broadband rankings as it sustained a steady climb, the latest report of global Internet speed monitor Ookla showed.1

The country rose 9 places to 63 out of 178 in median fixed broadband connectivity, recording a median download speed of 50.26 Mbps, up from 46.44 in November.

Mobile connectivity also improved at a 19.20 Mbps median download speed, up from 18.68 the month prior. This pushed the Philippines up a notch to 89th out of 138 countries.

The improvement came amid a steadily growing demand for reliable Internet connectivity, with millions of Filipinos still working, studying and streaming entertainment online as movement restrictions persist due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Scream" Rated R-16 Without Cuts, Holds Sneaks on Feb 1st

Paramount Pictures has just announced that its US No.1 box-office hit Scream will hold special sneak previews in selected cinemas nationwide on Tuesday, February 1st.  Horror fans are advised to check with their favorite theaters for the screening hours and ticket prices.  

[Watch the sneaks announcement video at https://youtu.be/rnUeWdf3T6I]

Scream, which opens wide in Philippine cinemas on February 2, has been rated R-16 Without Cuts by the Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB).  Fans are guaranteed to see the film in its integral, original version, complete with all the “strong language, gore, and graphic depiction of murders.”  As Ben Travis of Empire Magazine writes, “In an era of elevated horror, it's a gloriously gory basement party.”

A Sign of Things to Come for Print Shops with the Latest Large Format Printers

In our daily routine, few things stop us in our tracks like an awesome billboard or creative signage. With digital advertising increasingly gaining traction in the region, billboards and creative displays continue evolving to engage, entice and inspire us. Despite the many distractions in our world, glowing backlit displays, creative vehicle wraps, and vibrant POP displays are evolving to help brands gain attention.

Indeed, companies are finding more ways to incorporate engaging patterns, bold colours and unique prints into the lives of consumers by being more creative and innovative in their visual engagements. The latest advancements in printing technology, including advanced image processing software and high-density inks, are supporting these new applications with more sustainable processes that deliver impactful visuals that companies expect.

Bajula delivers nostalgia with sensual bliss on soulful new track “Bad Man”

First impressions might not be everything, but electronic soul duo Bajula shows inimitable promise with the release of their debut single “Catching You” a few months ago. The irresistible slow jam, whose retro-inspired R&B shows no signs of withering away, received consistent airplay at Jam 88.3 for weeks, and even gained traction online—thanks to its hilarious music video and sultry, infectious vibe.

Two months after the maiden song became available on various streaming platforms, Alvin “Vertigo” Guanlao and Jolo “Frazier” Juatco return with a follow-up track that blends bedroom R&B/pop confessionals with homemade instrumentation. 

Chuck Marabella As Engineer Topbills Miss Saigon Vienna Production

The most moving love story of our time MISS SAIGON, Cameron Mackintosh’s global smash hit production, is all set for  the gala night January 23 in Vienna, Austria. 

VBW Artistic Director Christian Struppeck brings the famous musical by Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg in the spectacular new version as the opening production at the Raimund Theatre, a 128-year old newly renovated theatre with Miss Saigon as the first musical to reopen it. 

The top-notch cast are as follows:

• Vanessa Heinz --- Kim
• Oedo Kuipers --- Chris                   
• Christian Rey Marbella --- Engineer
• Gino Emnes --- John
• James Park --- Thuy
• Abla Alaoui — Ellen,
• Annemarie Lauretta — Gigi.

Globe debuts first ever Eco-SIM in Asia Made from recycled refrigerator waste

As the country’s leader in mobile, Globe debuts the first-ever Eco-SIM cards in Asia for its postpaid mobile customers, contributing to environmental sustainability by recycling refrigerator waste, in time for Zero Waste Month in January.

SIM cards are among the smallest consumer items in the world, weighing around 4 grams each. However, with approximately 4.5 billion SIM cards manufactured every year[1], their combined weight represents an estimated 20,000 tons of plastic and other polymers, or the equivalent weight of 4000 jeepneys. 

Together with its partner, Thales, Globe has deployed Eco-SIM cards starting November 2021, made from 100% recycled materials including polystyrene waste from refrigerators, diverting this waste stream from landfills.

DOT Launches “ASMR Experience the Philippines” Project

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) invites everyone to go on an ambient sound trip and experience a destination through the distinct sounds that can be heard when all is quiet. 

In launching the “ASMR Experience the Philippines” Project, the DOT aims to bring people to certain destinations through ASMR videos that explore the natural sounds of a place, allowing one to tune into nature and be fully present in the moment.

The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (QJEP) defines Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) as a “special perceptual phenomenon in which some people can experience a tingling, static-like sensation in response to some certain auditory or visual stimulations”. It brings a pleasant feeling that one experiences in response to certain sounds, visuals, feelings, or descriptions. The sensation leads to contentment and relaxation.