THE PHILIPPINES has already firmly established its reputation as the "texting" capital of the world.

Manila Forwarders wants to extend that reputation and make the Philippines the regional and even global center for wireless applications for mobile communication by launching the secure website www.pisotext.com.

Gone were the days when Filipinos in the USA have to call their operator and set up an appointment with their loved ones in the Philippines to make telephone calls.

The development of SMS or "Short Messaging System" has leaped ones imagination twenty years ago. An off shoot of the satellite and internet technology, text messaging brings one in contact any where in the world 24/7 at the palm of their hands or perhaps within arms reach.

The short messaging system has been available as a standard feature on GSM phones even in the early '90s but it took Filipinos to turn it into a killer application and a dark horse of successful wireless messaging services.

This development has a lot of practical and traditional uses in this time of global community.

Business Sense

Manila Forwarders utilizes the SMS technology to provide better services to their growing market.

At Manila Forwarders' dispatch center, instructions and directions are given to their field agents via text messaging. The system is particularly helpful in giving street-by-street directions from the dispatch center's computerized plotting system to the specific Task Force vehicle scattered all over the region. Text messaging eliminates the need to write down the instructions since it could be saved on their cell phones. The dispatch system is complimented by a 2 way radio system for driving safety and other situations.

Traditional Sense

Filipinos are very family-oriented no matter the distance. If one would look at the monthly expenses of a Filipino household in the USA, one would notice that a chunk of them is telephone bills. Filipinos in USA are usually the ones who call the Philippines since the rates are cheaper, they have more spending money, and they are the ones who are eager to know the latest news in the Philippines.

Not Anymore

More than million text messages are exchanged in the Philippines everyday. Everyone from the fish ball vendor to corporate president carries a cell phone.

Status symbol is gauged on the cell phone model one carries. Some people change cell phones as often as new models arrive.

Cell phones come in different models and features. Some are compact. Some are bulky. Some functions as a computer. Some are radio and MP3 players. Some are video camera. There are some models that incorporate everything in one, too.

With all this developments in cell phone, the Philippines are on the tip of the spear with regards to usage and expertise in use.

Filipinos exchange text messages in the Philippines for only one peso per text and this is one of the reasons why it became an instant hit.

Now the same technology is now in the USA and 120 other countries via www.pisotext.com!

Piso Piso sa Amerika

Ones Filipino friends in the Philippines can now send text messages to you in the USA for only one peso per text. Yes, piso per text.

They could send you hi or hello without worrying for the telephone bills. You in the USA, on the other hand, can text back for only fifteen pesos (.26 cents) per text.

You do all of this on your cell phone that you carry everyday. No need to hurry up to go home to get to your landline or computer. It's with you every time!

You will also save on your phone bills since communication can be exchanged through this alone. Of course, it is also nice to hear your loved ones voice every now and then.

Complete Package

One can get a complete package, ready to text phone for as low as $99. It comes with Nokia 3390 cell phone, charger and a choice of Globe or Smart SMS with 100 PHP load. This model is easy to operate and maintain. This is for USA use only.

For those who travel to Philippines often, there is the stylish Samsung R225 that is blue screened and offers a lot of features. It also comes with a choice of Globe or Smart SMS with 100 PHP load, and of course, a charger. This can be used in the USA and 120 other countries including the Philippines. This package retails for $179 only.

Philippine Rentals

For Philippines travellers who do not need to get their own Philippine based cell phones, Manila Forwarders' sister travel agency, TravelPH.Com offers cell phone rentals for as low as five dollars a day with a minimum of 7 days rental. It is pre-loaded with PHP 300. It is valid for LAX to Manila travel only. Credit card deposit is required.

Maintenance & Customer Support

Manila Forwarder's Piso Text products and services are covered with manufacturer's warranties. Replenishment loads are available on line or through their authorized agent. Please visit their website at www.pisotext.com or call Manila Forwarders at 1.800.210.1019 for details.