Globe subscribers join ‘iPhone launch for a cause’

MANILA, Philippines - Unlike in previous years, Globe staged a simpler and more meaningful launch to welcome the latest iPhone models and used the event to promote aid and disaster relief efforts, where subscribers donated via GCASH and brought relief goods to help typhoon-stricken communities.

Augmenting the donations received at the event, Globe also matched the total GCASH donations of its customers, where proceeds will go to the Philippine Red Cross, one of the most active organizations in the country that conduct relief operations.

The move is part of the telco’s Bangon Pinoy integrated program that allows communities devastated by the recent calamity to benefit from relief operations, free call and text services, network restoration, and a series of community-rebuilding activities.

It was first introduced by Globe in 2009 after Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng wreaked havoc in the country.

“As part of our commitment to help in nation-building efforts after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda that affected millions of lives, we decided to scale down our iPhone launch this year and instead used this platform to augment what we are doing for our kababayans in the Visayas using our GCASH facility,” said Peter Bithos, Globe’s chief operating advisor for consumer business.

“This year’s launch also focused on providing a delightful customer experience for subscribers who have trusted our expertise in iPhone and leadership in postpaid,” Bithos added.

Globe recently launched the iPhone 5s and 5c under its suite of first-ever fully customizable iPhone postpaid plans, including an exclusive upgrade program dubbed as Globe iPhone Forever that allows new and existing subscribers to swap their current devices with an iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c, allowing them to get a new iPhone every year for free or with minimal cash-out.

For as low as Plan 1599 under the iPhone Forever suite of plans, subscribers can get the iPhone 5c 16GB for free over a 24-month contract period. Globe subscribers also get one-month free subscription to Globe Gadget Care and free access to Facebook mobile until January 2014.