On December 3 1992, 22-year-old test engineer Neil Papworth sent the very first text (SMS) message to Richard Jarvis of Vodafone. His message simply read “Merry Christmas,” unfortunately Jarvis had no way of replying.

Fast forward twenty years later. Texting has become the norm for staying in touch with family and friends. It has fostered a many long-distance relationships but caused a lot of heartbreaks as well.

Text messages have become part of everyone’s life just as much as brushing your teeth or having coffee in the morning —especially for us Filipinos, who have probably developed a lot of one-handed skills due to our obsession with texting.

But with the popularity of Facebook, social networking sites and smart phones, the traditional way of texting is slowly being replaced by instant messaging apps such as Blackberry Messenger, WhatsApp and Vibr that provide the same service but over the internet, and email and video calling over 3G and 4G networks.

In keeping up with the growing demand for a better and richer mobile experience with the use of smartphones, Globe Telecom unveiled its own suite of apps that will address the needs of mobile phone users.

If you’ve ever used Vibr or WhatsApp then you’d love the new GMessage app. This mobile messaging application enables users to send and receive free and unlimited messages with other GMessage users anywhere in the world. The app also allows users to send and receive messages with non-GMessage users for only P0.15 per message, which is even cheaper than sending a regular text message.

Aside from text, GMessage also allows users to share photos, videos and audio files. The app also incorporates an innovative technology called “Magic Words,” which can detect the context of a sentence and provide a link to what the user is talking about.

Globe is the first operator in Asia to launch GMessage, a new tool perfect for Filipinos who have led the world in text messaging over the last few years.

GServices, on the other hand, is the complete account management for Globe subscribers. With GServices, subscribers can check their prepaid load or outstanding postpaid balance, register to promos, share load to family and friends, check rewards points and redeem rewards, and view postpaid bills and have them sent to their home or e-mail address.

Hate lining up to pay your bills? Then check out the GCash app. It allows subscribers to pay bills, send money to family and friends via their mobile, Facebook or e-mail accounts, send donations without having to memorize keywords or access numbers, and get a 10 percent rebate whenever they buy a prepaid load. And with the recent partnership of GCash with American Express, you could even purchase from international online shops such as Amazon.com without the need to have a US shipping address.

Finally, the Gmovies app is a must for moviebuffs who want to stay updated with the latest movie schedule and reviews. Another first in the Philippines, the app provides users the convenience of e-movie tickets by letting them view movie schedules, choose seats, and pay for ticket purchases minus the hassle of long queues in theaters, especially during previews of blockbuster movies. Buying movie tickets is initially available in Ayala Cinemas, and soon in SM Cinemas.

“Once again, Globe leads in innovation with the launch of our mobile applications, thanks to our genius Globe developers and experts who designed, conceptualized, and produced the apps with such compelling functionalities and features,” said Peter Bithos, senior advisor for Consumer Business at Globe.

“With Globe Mobile Apps, we provide subscribers with unique, relevant and delightful content that will add value to today’s fast-paced lifestyle—whether movies, instant messaging, or financial and personalized services. Access to the apps is also easy and hassle-free, further empowering our subscribers to enjoy Globe apps, their way.”

The development of the new Globe apps is on the back of the increasing smartphone penetration in the country, giving more Filipinos access to the world wide web and the opportunity to take their mobile experience to the next level, beyond call and text. According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report, Filipinos are the world’s fourth fastest growing mobile internet users with 5 million new users during the third quarter of 2012, trailing behind China with 38 million subscriptions, followed by Brazil with 9 million, and Indonesia with 7 million.

GMovies and GMessage are initially offered to Android users via Google Play, and soon to iPhone users via the App Store. The GServices app is available on App Store and soon on Google Play. Finally, the Gcash app is available on the App Store, Google Play and BlackBerry App World.

To download the apps, type glb.ph/GMovies, glb.ph/GMessage, glb.ph/GServices, or glb.ph/GCASH on the phone browser, or send APPS to 8888. Standard mobile browsing rates apply.

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Yahoo! recently concluded the launch of Technostorm—an on-ground exposition featuring cutting-edge products and services from leading global and local brands. This includes Microsoft, Smart Telecom, Nokia, HP, Epson, Sony, Wi Tribe, PLDT, Sharp, Sun Cellular, LG, Samsung, Lazada, Globe and Philips.

Hosted by Yahoo!, the expo ran from November 26 to December 2, 2012 at the Trinoma Mall Activity Center.

Technostorm began with a “Virtual Expo” on Yahoo!, featuring the up-and-coming products and services of the country’s leading tech, telecommunications and connectivity brands. Utilizing Yahoo!’s rich media solutions, the brands created an interactive web page complete with product information, drive-to-site links, video features and a full preview of the gadgets before bringing these online experiences to the Filipinos on-ground.

“Technostorm is a celebration of all things tech. Yahoo’s digital capabilities provide a unique platform for Filipinos to explore, discover and understand the world of technology, and bring them face-to-face with gadgets and devices that create connectivity,” said Arlene Amarante, Country Ambassador and Sales Director of Yahoo! Philippines.