Bringing together technology and art, Globe AT HOME introduces limited-edition router skins for its new 5G WiFi device featuring works of National Artists, turning everyday connectivity into a canvas for creative expression.
.JPG) |
| Globe CCO Darius Delgado excites audience during the launch with the idea of Plug, Play, and Power Up |
Unveiled at the “Art of Connection” launch at a:museum, the country’s largest digital museum, the latest iteration of Globe’s industry-leading 5G WiFi transforms the humble router into a collector's piece. The device now comes in two sleek base designs—Stone (White) and Blueberry—as well as exclusive skins with the renowned Philippine National Artists’ works.
 |
| Abigail Cardino, Globe’s VP and Head of Brand Management for Globe’s Broadband Business, talks about the newest innovation Globe now offers |
This unique collection pays homage to the richness of Philippine art, featuring the following iconic works from the country’s best-known artists:
VICENTE MANANSALA
was born on January 22, 1910 in Macabebe, Pampanga, but spent his formative years in Intramuros, Manila. From 1926-30, he pursued his undergraduate studies at the U. P. School of Fine Arts in Ermita. During his time as a student, future National Artists for Visual Arts Fernando Amorsolo and Guillermo Tolentino were professors and administrators at the university.
Beyond his collegiate years, Manansala would go on to be awarded several academic grants and scholarships to further hone his talents abroad in Canada, France, Germany, and the United States–a testament to his universally acclaimed genius. The creation of the art style known as transparent cubism can be attributed in its entirety to Manansala.
Today, Manansala’s works are highly regarded as masterpieces. When they aren’t consistently headlining art auctions locally and abroad, they can be found adorning the walls of major museums, institutions, and public buildings across the world.
Birdman (1973)
Oil on Canvas
Rendered in his signature Cubism style, “Birdman” was created by master modernist and National Artist Vicente Manansala in 1973, and in recent years came to light again because of a case of forgery that roused local art collectors.
The oil on canvas shows a man with a pole on one shoulder carrying the weight of several birdcages in geometric patterns. The Cubist masterpiece is owned by prominent art collector Judy Araneta Roxas, which she acquired from Mang Enteng, as he was fondly called, the same year it was finished.
In 2012, the painting was the talk of the town in art circles after auction house Christie’s Hong Kong offered an oil on canvas called “Bird Seller,” purportedly signed by Manansala in 1976. The painting shown in the online catalog of Christie’s was eerily similar to “Birdman” in terms of the styles and techniques used. The forged Manansala was later pulled out from sale just before the start of the auction, thanks to art patrons, including the elite group Friends of Manansala, who filed a complaint with Christie’s.
The forgery incident prompted a Senate resolution that called for the creation of a National Registry of Fine Art, which will act as a watchdog against forgeries and other fraudulent activities involving artworks.
The first Kapampangan to be declared a National Artist for Visual Arts, Manansala depicted contemporary Filipino life in his work. He is known for introducing “transparent Cubism,” which showed different aspects of his subjects through transparent planes.
***
CARLOS “BOTONG” FRANCISCO
Carlos “Botong” Francisco was born in Angono, Rizal on November 4, 1912. Like many of his fellow National Artists for Visual Arts, Francisco completed his undergraduate studies at the legendary U. P. School of Fine Arts in Ermita. Through his alma mater, Francisco would come to work with a group of artists that would later be called the Thirteen Moderns, who were altogether pivotal in shifting the paradigm of Philippine art from Fernando Amorsolo’s romantic style to the then-emerging modernist movement.
A famed and highly prolific muralist, Francisco’s many works decorate the most recognizable public institutions in the country, including the Manila City Hall, the Philippine General Hospital, Malacañang Palace, and the GSIS. Through his murals, Francisco sought to preserve and honor the everyday Filipino’s humble life. His works are grand in scale and vision, covering a variety of scenes, significant events, and local customs.
Francisco was also pivotal in the discovery of the Angono petroglyphs–a series of prehistoric cave paintings in his hometown of Angono considered to be the oldest known examples of art in the Philippines.
Pageant of Commerce (1956)
Oil on Canvas
***
ABDULMARI IMAO
Abdulmari Imao is the first Muslim recipient of the Philippine National Artist Award. He was a sculptor and painter who fused traditional Islamic design with Modernist patterns to result in vivid works that yearn for local color. Alongside wood sculpture and painting, he also learned advanced brass-casting, creative sculpture, ceramics, and advanced photo-chemistry. Mari was also one of few Muslim-Filipino artists who would work on the figurative genre in sculpture.
During the 60s and 70s, Abdulmari achieved recognition as the foremost designer of the Sarimanok motif, integrating the form of the Sarimanok and the fish on its beak or claws as integral elements of his paintings and sculpture. In recognition of his contribution to enriching arts in the country, Abdulmari Imao received the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award in 1968, the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 1990, and the Presidential Medal of Merit in 2005. Imao also became the first ever Asian recipient of the New York Museum of Modern Art or MoMA Grant to Europe and Scandinavia in 1963.
Marahuyo
Artist and sculptor Toym Imao chose his father’s unfinished work and finished it in his own modern aesthetic.
***
LARRY ALCALA
Larry Alcala is a Cartoonist and National Artist of Visual Arts. He created the popular cartoon series Slice of Life, which is a reflection of the many unique aspects of everyday Filipino life.
He started his cartooning career in 1946 while still attending school. After World War II, he created his very first comic strip, Islaw Palitaw, which was printed on the pages of the Filipino weekly magazine Liwayway. In 1947, he created the comic strip Kalabog en Bosyo, using Taglish (Tagalog-English) as the medium of communication of his characters.
In 1988, his Slice of Life received the Best in Humor award and was also cited for helping to keep alive the Filipino's ability to laugh at himself, through the lively marriage of art and humor, and through commentaries that are at once critical and compassionate, evoking laughter and reflection.
All in all, he made over 500 cartoon characters, 20 comic strips, six movies, two murals, and 15,000 published pages in his 56 years of professional cartooning career. He believed in the far-reaching role of cartoons in education and value formation.
“Sunday in Tanay" (Inspiration for ‘Barangay’ Skin)
Above skin is based on a Sunday in the life from Tanay province which is a depiction of “Slice of Life" and a reflection of the many unique aspects of everyday Filipino life.
With these skins, Globe AT HOME elevates the way Filipinos experience internet connectivity—not just as a tool, but as a meaningful part of their personal space.
Next-Level Design, Next-Level Connectivity
 |
| ainx Executive Director and Founder Brandon Leigh shares how the partnership with Globe came about |
Globe AT HOME is rolling out its next-generation router in partnership with rainx, a global technology company that offers a range of 5G routers and an end-to-end integrated ecosystem that optimizes the experience for networks and customers.
The new 5G WiFi device called the101 is more than just aesthetically pleasing—it delivers a seamless and powerful connectivity experience. Designed for modern homes and fast-paced lifestyles, the plug-and-play device offers fiber-like speeds without the hassle of installation. Its cutting-edge 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology ensures reduced latency for smooth video calls, gaming, and streaming, all while bypassing issues like fiber cuts and downtimes common with wired connections.
 |
| Filipino visual artist Toym Imao shares how he completed his dad_s unfinished work, which is one of the router skins of GAH 5G WiFi |
Scan-to-Connect: No more typing in long passwords—simply scan the QR code on the device’s LCD screen for instant access.
One-Tap Support and Easy Sim Registration: Manage connectivity needs with ease through the built-in display, which allows quick SIM registration and customer support access.
Geolocked for Stability: Consistent, high-quality internet performance, ensuring reliable service wherever it's set up.
Money-Back Guarantee: Customers can experience the device risk-free with a no-questions-asked refund policy within seven days.
“At Globe, we believe that technology should complement and enhance our everyday lives—not just functionally, but also aesthetically,” said Abigail Cardino, Globe AT HOME’s Head of Brand Management. “By showcasing the works of National Artists, we are making connectivity not just seamless, but also inspiring. These limited-edition designs turn our 5G WiFi device into a work of art that our customers can proudly showcase in their homes.”
With Globe continuously expanding its 5G footprint—now covering 98.51% of Metro Manila and key cities in Visayas and Mindanao—the 5G WiFi device is poised to bring fast, reliable, and stylish connectivity to more Filipinos than ever before.
The limited-edition artist skins will be available starting May 2025. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of Filipino artistry while enjoying the best-in-class internet experience.
Follow the Globe AT HOME facebook page https://www.facebook.com/globeathome/ for more details and updates.
