Globe brings HOOQ, Asia’s first video-on-demand service

HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos talks about Asia’s video-on-demand service, a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros.

MANILA, Philippines—Internet people, it’s time to get it right.

The big fight against data theft and piracy has found a strong ally in Globe Telecom, as it sets to revolutionize the business of legitimate online download and streaming by launching HOOQ, a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment.

There’s only one goal in this groundbreaking mission—to change the way Asia consumes entertainment.

More than 10,000 local and international movies and TV shows will soon be made available for on-the-go Globe subscribers as HOOQ spellbinds with accessible and affordable viewing pleasures that are worthwhile, all-the-rave, and most importantly, legal.

It’s a dramatic shift in digital lifestyle. The prevalence of connectivity and digital usage in Asia also means there is a greater demand for compelling content, which will not only satisfy their cultural and entertainment fix but will also gratify them to an extent that there’s guarantee for long-term support.

No one can go wrong with Hollywood movies as it is the bastion of glitz, glamour and lifestyle that Filipinos hold dearest. Hence, the prestigious partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment and Sony Pictures certainly adds fuel to the fire of digital media consumption and redefine the way people patronize their favorite films and TV shows. Whether you’re in the mood for a Harry Potter or “Smallville” reruns, HOOQ will hook you up with some of the best choices to achieve widescreen or small-screen happiness. Local content will be made possible in partnership with GMA, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment and ABS-CBN.

Peter Bithos, HOOQ chief executive officer, shared that the Philippines was the perfect place for HOOQ’s kickoff in Asia, as Filipinos were deeply enamored by local and Hollywood content, and were always in love with really good stories. He acknowledged that the Philippines was an emerging market that truly loved to consume entertainment.

“People have amazing stories, 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,” he said.

Bithos, former Globe Telecom chief operating advisor, believes that the telco’s distribution partnership with HOOQ proves its vision, leadership, and outstanding capability in providing premium entertainment services to the already growing market of digitally-savvy Filipino consumers.

According to a 2014 Nielsen report, 85 percent of digital consumers watch online video at least weekly, second highest in Southeast Asia after Thailand. Moreover, seven in 10 digital consumers watch TV content and movies through online sources like video-on-demand, the second highest penetration in the region at 71 percent.

“We consider connectivity as an essential part of daily life. 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. 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 network for smartphones. We see HOOQ as a critical offering representing the future of the industry,” said Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom president and CEO.

Ceaseless innovation and business leadership

The launch of HOOQ in the Philippines also came on the heels of Globe Telecom’s most recent feats.

GMovies, a first and the only one of its kind mobile application in the country developed by Globe Telecom, recently partnered with Power Plant Cinemas, to offer moviegoers an all-in-one app that will provide the convenience of buying tickets and reserving seats on their mobile phones.

With GMovies, the cinema experience will never be the same again. Consumers can easily browse through current and upcoming movie releases nationwide, check daily schedules, reserve the best seats and purchase movie tickets on the go. It is a free downloadable app for anyone with a smartphone running on Android or iOS platforms. To date, the app has reached 100,000 downloads on App Store and Google Play.

“Our main goal is to give more people access to a convenient way to enjoy the movies. With its world-class cinema equipment and facilities, Power Plant Cinemas can give our customers a movie experience like no other, so they can get inside and not in line,” said Glenn Estrella, Globe vice president for digital media.

GMovies is part of its app portfolio that provides customers hassle-free services. It lines up with GServices to manage one’s postpaid account, GCloud for personal storage services, and GDeals for discounts, freebies and exclusive Globe offers.

For 2015, Globe looks forward to a more competitive market, given the many shifts in lifestyle, digital usage and customer preference. With the momentum built, coupled with the launch of HOOQ, Globe is optimistic that things are only going to get better. The Philippine market should be ready.