Globe launches new 5G routers featuring the works of Philippine national artists in an event in Parañaque City, April 2, 2025. Agatha Gregorio, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The works of Philippine national artists are featured on telecommunications company Globe’s newly released 5G routers in an effort to support local art. 

The skins for Globe AT HOME 5G WiFi router show the artworks “Barangay” by Larry Alcala, “Birdman” by Vicente Manansala, “Marahuyo” by Imao x Imao or Abdulmari and Toym Imao, and “Pageant of Commerce” by Botong Francisco. 

While a soft launch was held back in December 2024, the routers with more skins and covering more areas were officially launched on Wednesday, April 2, at a:museum in Parañaque City. 

For Toym Imao, the collaboration helps address a need to make local artwork more accessible to the ordinary Filipino. 

“‘Yung accessibility actually sadly— Filipino art— unless you go to the museums, hindi na-e-experience ng mga normal people […] You try to ride on the vehicles for transmitting information and images. And this is the internet— technology for that matter. There needs to be a collaboration meaning— with market-driven platforms in order to promote our local art,” Imao said. 

The artistic spin was also meant to give new life to the WiFi router, according to Globe Chief Commercial Officer Darius Delgado. 

“Normally kasi the routers are just appliances, right? Or equipment in the home. You will not see a family or a household really taking care of their modems, right? Because they’re not aesthetically pleasing […] So long as it works, you will hide it. This is different because it’s a personal device. You would love it. You will showcase it,” Delgado said. 

The Globe AT HOME 5G WiFi’s features also include do-it-yourself troubleshooting and loading, and an LED touch screen. 

The router costs P1,100 with subscription reloads ranging from P299 to P1,299.