Telstra announces free calls to the Philippines in response to Typhoon Haiyan

Customers of Telstra, Australia’s leading telecommunications and information services company, who wish to check on family and friends affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines can call or text them free of charge.

All standard voice calls and SMS messages made to the Philippines between 6 a.m. on Monday, November 11, and 6 a.m. on Monday, November 25 from Telstra fixed or mobile services will be free of charge for its retail customers.

Gordon Ballantyne, Group Executive Telstra Retail, said Telstra wanted to offer support to its customers during this difficult time.

“We want to help our customers who are concerned about their friends and relatives in the Philippines affected by the devastating typhoon to check on loved ones. Calls and text messages to the Philippines will not be billed during this time,” he said.

Ballantyne said that while communication lines in the Philippines remain open in affected areas, customers were likely to encounter network congestion.

“We encourage customers to remain patient as difficulties and delays may be experienced when trying to connect,” he added.

In addition to providing assistance to our Australian customers, Telstra will match staff payroll giving contributions made to the Typhoon Haiyan Appeal activated by the Australian Red Cross.

“Telstra has strong ties to the Philippines, with a number of employees based there, and many employees in Australia with family and friends affected by the disaster,” Ballantyne said. “During this difficult period we hope these small gestures provide some comfort to those in need.”

The free calls and SMS offer applies to standard voice calls and SMS messages made from Australian (+61) Telstra fixed or mobile services to +63 (Philippines) numbers. For some calls, credits may be applied after the call or to the next bill.

For more information, please contact:

Marco Sindiong/Lu-Ann Fuentes

Ogilvy Public Relations Manila

Tel: (632) 238 7000

marco.sindiong@ogilvy.com or lu-ann.fuentes@ogilvy.com

Beware of Philippine Prudential

July 1, 2013 – Monday, my husband birthday and we decided to celebrate it at SM Fairview after we fetch Sundae in school.

We arrived at around past 12pm and we want to have our lunch immediately. Then there is this gay, Kelvin Flores, who approached us and introduced himself as an agent from Philippine Prudential. He said he will give us a freebie, gym bag or wall clock. They are not selling anything just a product presentation. Just to be polite, we gave him a moment to entertain him.

He said we have a chance to win a car, trip to Thailand or event a cash. We just need to listen to the 45-minute presentation. Since it’s for free and we are not really in a hurry, we give it a try. Honestly, I have been invited by a gay named Rannie in Gateway Mall in Cubao, but, I left my card holder in the office so he said that I just came back in the afternoon. I have all the access to the internet but unfortunately I was not able to do research after that due to my hectic schedule.

Going back, we signed up the form that tells that we are willing to attend the 45-minute presentation. He walk us to their office at the lower ground floor of SM Fairview. Just like Kelvin, they all look approachable, and then they introduce me to Jessica Joy Paviscino (not sure with her last name). We listen carefully although I’m not actually interested to whatever they will offer since I already have a Sunlife Insurance and a UITF, we are after the raffle, since I thought that this might be a birthday gift to my husband.

While listening to the presentation, they took care of Sundae at the next table. So nice isn’t it?

We didn’t notice that the 45-minute presentation lapsed to what they promised. And now my Sundae is having tantrums. So my husband decided to go out and play at the Grolier shop next to the Philippine Prudential’s office. While my husband is being warned by the staffs, they are not offering me to avail the Endowment Savings, which I only have to pay Php9,000 and no monthly installment after that. I said no since I cannot afford to open for another account and might not be able to support all the finances. But they really insist that the offer is not a GASTOS instead IPON.

And now another agent came forcing me to avail kahit magkano lang mam. I said I have a discipline when it comes to shelling out money.

Good thing, Sundae is now crying so we were able to leave the place.

So next time you see gays/gals from Philippine Prudential, turn away from them. I believe you can afford to travel or even buy a car without them.