Globe, LINE offer free int'l calls for the holidays

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom and communications app LINE are giving Filipinos abroad the opportunity to connect to their loved ones in the Philippines for free during the holiday season.

"If the family member here in the Philippines does not have Internet access, we can still give them the option to get connected," said Rizza Maniego-Eala, Globe senior vice president for international business.

From Dec. 24, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015, LINE users worldwide can make free calls to Globe and TM subscribers in the Philippines. LINE is an app that runs using mobile internet, and offers free text and voice messaging, voice calling and group chat.

"Calling is still one of the most popular ways to send Christmas greetings. Hearing the voice of a loved one saying 'Merry Christmas' definitely warms the heart of every Filipino. Furthering our commitment to bridging the gap between our kababayans around the world and their loved ones back home, we are happy to forge an alliance with LINE to let Filipinos, no matter where they are, enjoy worry-free and non-stop calls using the app," Eala added.

"At Globe, we know how much Filipinos value relationships, which is why we continuously strive to provide them with groundbreaking means to stay connected with those that matter most. Our partnership with LINE allows overseas Filipinos worldwide to share the joys of a truly Pinoy-one-of-a-kind Christmas with their loved ones despite being separated by distance," Globe Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Gil Genio said.

Greg Kim, head of LINE Philippines, said the app's collaboration with Globe ushers in a new era in telecommunications through the synergy of an app and a network which benefits Filipinos around the world who wish to connect to loved ones back home.

This most recent offering is part of Globe's line-up of services for overseas Filipinos, which include DUO International for 24 countries, international SIMs in the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy and co-branded partnerships in Hong Kong, Singapore and Saudi Arabia, among others.