HOOQ, a promising
Asia’s video-on-demand service, is partnering with Globe for its Philippine
debut later this month. This video streaming service is a brainchild of
Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment which will
most likely bring unlimited online streaming of videos which range from Hollywood
and Filipino movies to local television content. Of course you can access these
using any device including computers, smartphones and tablets.
Extensive Hollywood and local content
Filipinos can
look forward to more than 10,000 movies and television episodes and TV shows
including titles from partners Sony and Warner Bros. Customers can watch
Hollywood movies such as Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Inception, while enjoying
popular TV series such as Gossip Girl, Friends and Smallville.
Local film and TV
content will also be available through partnerships with the country’s top studios,
such as GMA, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment, and ABS-CBN. Customers can watch local high-grossing films
such as Metro Manila, A Secret Affair, Shake Rattle and Roll and Ang Tanging
Ina, as well as classics including Dyesebel, Bagets and Bituing Walang
Ningning. Highly-rated TV shows like My Husband’s Lover, Mulawin, Tayong Dalawa
and Mara Clara will also be available anytime and anywhere.
‘Across the
emerging economies, people have amazing stories and love stories. However, a
few billion people have no quality way of seeing the best stories from
Hollywood or their local market. HOOQ will change that. HOOQ will change the way people in
emerging markets consume and
enjoy entertainment,’ said HOOQ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter
G. Bithos. ‘The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual
love of local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a
perfect place for us to start,’ he added.
The former Globe
Telecom Chief Operating Advisor, Mr Bithos also
announced its first distribution partnership. ‘Our partnership with Globe Telecom, the
leader in digital partnerships in the Philippines, helps us bring Philippine customers a premium
video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of
Hollywood, Asian and Philippine video content across all devices,’ Mr Bithos
said.
Get HOOQ at
P199 per month
According to a
Nielsen report in 2014, viewing online video content has become a pastime for
digital consumers in the Philippines, with 85% watching at least weekly, the
second highest in the region. The same report also revealed that 7 in 10
digital consumers in the country report watching TV content and movies via
online sources such as video-on-demand, the second highest penetration of
internet TV in the region at 71%.
‘Now more than
ever, Filipinos consider connectivity as an essential part of their daily
lives. Our customers, whether prepaid, postpaid, or broadband, are increasingly
embracing an always-on world where they expect a wonderful experience from
innovative and engaging data and content offers. Right now, we are in the best
position to offer this type of service as the leader in enabling the digital
lifestyle of Filipinos and the number one network for smartphones. To meet
their needs, we see the video-on-demand services offered by HOOQ as a critical
offering representing the future of the industry. Now that consumers have
access to a variety of international and local content, entertainment will now
be more personal, and with Globe, this means experiencing it with the highest
quality.’ said Mr Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom.
Recognising the
value that video-on-demand services deliver to consumers, Globe Telecom will
provide its customers with the ability to download HOOQ, which will soon be
available to customers on a plan-based service for Philippine Peso 199 per
month for access to thousands of movies, far more affordable than buying a
ticket for just one movie. It will also be offered as a bundled service with
the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband services.
HOOQ enhances digital lifestyles
‘Following the
launch in the Philippines, HOOQ will be rolled out across Asia soon. The rapid adoption of connected devices
means more people in Asia are able to access the Internet anywhere and at any
time, driving demand for compelling content that enhances their digital lives,’
said Mr Jonathan Auerbach, Singtel CEO Group Digital Life. ‘HOOQ is set to
change the way people across the region consume and enjoy entertainment.’
Mr George Chien, Executive
Vice President, Networks at Sony Pictures Television, said: ‘We share the
excitement of offering entertainment fans across Asia access to high quality
video services directly to their mobile devices. HOOQ provides a unique
combination of Hollywood and local favorites while providing a high-quality
viewing experience they’ve come to expect in today’s digital world.’
Mr Anuraj
Goonetilleke, Vice President Corporate Business Development and Strategy at
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution said: 'We’re very excited about the launch of
our joint video-on-demand business across Asia, starting with the
Philippines. Providing world-class content to Asia’s entertainment fans
will meet a voracious appetite for new and classic videos and TV episodes on-demand.’
The service will also be accessible to all customers in the Philippines
through its website – http://HOOQ.tv. Through HOOQ.tv, customers can watch
videos of their choice and pay for the subscription by credit card.
Source: Globe
Source: Globe
