From Dream to Triumph: Celebrating the Journey of a Madiskarte Mom!

     You’ve gone from sketching out your business plan, to launching your dream, to scoring your first sales—congratulations, Mommy! You’ve done it. Your hard work and sleepless nights have finally paid off. You bravely set your fears and doubts aside, and leaned heavily on prayer—and here you are. 

     Launching your own business is far from easy. It demands thoughtful planning, unwavering faith, and real investment.Think of it as your learning curve—full of wobbling attempts, unexpected bumps, and valuable lessons. There will be moments filled with doubt and the urge to quit—but your passion and resilience will keep you going.

From Dream to Triumph: Celebrating the Journey of a Madiskarte Mom!

     Once business operations are firmly established, entering reputable business awards becomes a strategic necessity—serving as third-party validation, boosting credibility, visibility, and trust among customers, partners, and investors; research shows that 75% of consumers prefer award-winning businesses, 70% of businesses report increased publicity, 41% experience immediate revenue growth after winning, and 80% of employees feel more motivated when their company is recognized (Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce). Add to that heightened media and PR opportunities that extend beyond the award night, delivering long-lasting brand exposure and competitive differentiation.

From Dream to Triumph: Celebrating the Journey of a Madiskarte Mom!
Winners of Gawad Madiskarte 2024

     Awards aren’t just about the cash prize —they are catalysts for connection, recognition, and growth, especially once a business is firmly established. Earning a nomination alone can open doors by spotlighting a brand’s story and earning the trust of one’s community. It’s also a powerful morale booster—an affirmation that the late nights, bold ideas, and relentless effort truly pay off—and best of all, recognition endures.

From Dream to Triumph: Celebrating the Journey of a Madiskarte Mom!
Gawad Madiskarte 2024 Trophy by Ram Mallari

      It becomes part of the brand’s narrative, a permanent milestone reminding entrepreneurs of how far they’ve come and inspiring them toward greater heights. Now in its third year, Gawad Madiskarte 2025, organized by PLDT Home and Madiskarte Moms PH, celebrates the achievements of Filipina mompreneurs who innovate, inspire, and excel in their home-based and online ventures—especially those advancing sustainability and social impact.

From Dream to Triumph: Celebrating the Journey of a Madiskarte Mom!
Gawad Madiskarte 2024 Winners with their trophies and prize from Tough Mama

     I'm always teary-eyed re-watching the awarding ceremony because of the inspiring stories of the finalists and the winners. They always leave words and quotes to ponder and live by especially to aspiring mompreneurs who are always giving their best since day 1. 

From Dream to Triumph: Celebrating the Journey of a Madiskarte Mom!

    Past recipients, like Melissa Moscoso of Xavier & Xandrie—startup founder and eco-friendly brand owner of durable katsa fabric tote bags—have grown from humble beginnings to serving customers in more than 14 countries, powered by their madiskarte mindset. Her words during the 2025 awards still resonate deeply: “We have our own timeline—slow progress is still progress.”

From Dream to Triumph: Celebrating the Journey of a Madiskarte Mom!

Gawad Madiskarte 2024 Start-Up Division Diskarteng Eco-Friendly Winner

From Dream to Triumph: Celebrating the Journey of a Madiskarte Mom!

Awarding of Gawad Madiskarte 2024 Start-Up Division Diskarteng Eco-Friendly Winner Melissa Moscoso of Xavier & Xandrei

     This kind of heartfelt insight inspires not only the winners, but the entire community. Be part of this movement—your story matters, and the best is yet to come. Join the Madiskarte Moms PH Community and apply for Gawad Madiskarte 2025 now!

Patience, Chemistry, ‘Pusong PLDT’: High Speed Hitters Heading to 1st PVL Finals Match

     It’s time. After seemingly elusive chances at the podium in the past conferences, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are finally closing in on their first-ever Premiere Volleyball League (PVL) championship as they take on the Chery Tiggo Crossovers this Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     The Manuel V. Pangilinan-backed team definitely revved their momentum all the way up to a fever pitch. Finishing the short but sweet PVL off-season conference undefeated, the High Speed Hitters took out the Creamline Cool Smashers with a heart-thumping 5-set victory in the semifinals do-or-die.

Patience, chemistry, ‘pusong PLDT’: High Speed Hitters reveal game plan heading to 1st PVL finals match

5 Things Wednesday Addams Taught us About True Friendship

     Have you ever noticed how the shows we stream often reflect the way we live? Whether you're deep into a solo binge-watch or sharing gasp-worthy moments with family on the couch, the best stories stick with us. And with the seamless connection of PLDT Home Fiber, these cinematic worlds come to life without interruption, making it even easier to find powerful life lessons from our favorite shows. It shouldn’t be surprising then that Netflix’s hit series Wednesday offers more than thrills and mystery – it’s packed with insights that resonate with both ourselves and the people around us.

     You see, Nevermore Academy might be full of monsters and mayhem, but it also gave us one of the most unexpected – and heartwarming – friendships on TV: Wednesday Addams and werewolf Enid Sinclair. While one is a macabre mystery-solver and the other a colorful, social butterfly, their dynamic throughout the first season revealed a surprising amount about what it truly means to be a friend. Here are the five most important friendship lessons you can pick up from Wednesday and Enid:

5 Things Wednesday Addams Taught us About True Friendship

Championing Antioxidant Power for Everyday Wellness

     It's alarming! The 2023 National Nutrition Survey revealed that four in ten adults (39.8%) are overweight or obese. Even more concerning, nearly one in ten Filipino children are now affected: figures that exceed global thresholds and signal an urgent need for action. In today’s fast-paced world, the way we eat has changed—dramatically, and not for the better. Long work hours, relentless traffic, and the constant juggling of responsibilities have pushed families toward what’s quick and convenient. But the consequences are alarming. Fast food, canned meals, and processed snacks have become everyday staples—not just for adults, but increasingly for children. And now, the damage is showing. National health data paints a disturbing picture of a growing public health crisis.

     This crisis, however, isn’t just about individual choices. It’s the result of a food system stacked against healthy living—where highly processed, unhealthy options are cheaper, easier to find, and relentlessly marketed. As the World Health Organization warns, ultra-processed foods like sugary cereals, snacks, and flavored drinks now flood store shelves. Filipino children are among the most vulnerable. According to UNICEF, their diets are shifting away from fruits and vegetables toward dangerously high levels of sugar, salt, and fat. The impact is stark: between 2019 and 2022, the percentage of overweight children aged 5 to 10 jumped from 10.4% to 14%—and the trend is continuing among adolescents.

Championing Antioxidant Power for Everyday Wellness

Scenic Road Trips that Deserve to be on your Bucket List

     We don’t always take road trips to escape. Sometimes, we take them to feel more present, to discover hidden gems, and to make unforgettable memories. As writer Angela N. Blount once said, “Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”  In rural Philippines, where every curve in the road may reveal a mountain, a scenic cliff or a coastline, road trips are more than a way to travel, they’re a chance to reconnect with nature, with friends, or even with yourself. This is the kind of thrill that only a road trip can offer — an adventure that will stay with you for a long time.

     And with PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) promo, your next adventure could come with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, ₱1 million in cash, or free fiber internet for life. Before we tell you how, let’s talk about where to go. Here are four road trips from Manila that are scenic, soul-stirring, and full of moments that you’ll never forget. 

Scenic Road Trips that Deserve to be on your Bucket List

5 Real-Life ‘Squid Game’ Interactive Experiences to Add to your Bucket List

     There’s no denying it: Squid Game isn’t just a show—it’s a global phenomenon. The Netflix mega-hit isn’t just a gripping Korean action drama, it’s a cultural juggernaut that blends suspense, sharp social commentary, and unforgettable visuals. 

     The popular series hits all the right spots that made it take off as a viral phenomenon, to the point that its iconic games have been turned into real-world installations around the world. Now, you too can try your hand at some of the challenges the characters have gone through (without the deadly consequences, of course).

5 Real-Life ‘Squid Game’ Interactive Experiences to Add to your Bucket List

Stay connected with PLDT Home Always On

     Today, a few seconds of WiFi downtime feels like forever. When the internet connection drops mid-rant or mid-episode or the screen freezes during an important meeting, it’s more than a tech issue -- it’s a disruption to your life. Fret not, check out Always On: A Smart Hybrid Modem to always keep you connected

     When there’s unexpected downtime, PLDT Home’s Always On comes in as a groundbreaking solution. It’s a first-of-its-kind hybrid modem that combines fiber and LTE, with a built-in automatic switchover system.

Stay connected with PLDT Home Always On 

IKEA x Stockholm 2025 Collection Launch

     Some pieces don’t just fill a space—they tell a story. They become part of our great indoors, the spaces that we shape and shape us. They’re not just furniture, but silent witnesses to the extraordinary and everyday moments we build around them. They echo morning rituals, Sunday gatherings, reunions with friends and quiet nights with the family.

     For 40 years, IKEA’s STOCKHOLM collection has done exactly that, bringing warmth, simplicity, and Scandinavian soul into homes around the world, and transforming our indoor spaces into places of comfort and meaning. As the beloved collection marks its milestone anniversary this year, it returns with its most expansive and expressive edition yet—93 thoughtfully designed pieces that celebrate the beauty of natural materials, timeless design, and the quiet luxury of living well. From statement sofas made to last to handwoven wool rugs, chandeliers and mouth-blown glass vases, STOCKHOLM showcases IKEA’s commitment to a design philosophy that makes life better for the many.

IKEA x Stockholm 2025 Collection Launch

5 Awesome Things You Could Enjoy If You Had One Less Bill to Pay

     Imagine getting your monthly internet bill (typically costing around P1,000 or more) completely covered. That’s right: free internet, and with it, a whole new world of possibilities.

     Just think—if you had an extra ₱1,000+ in your monthly budget, what would you do? Here are five awesome ways to enjoy that extra cash:

5 Awesome Things You Could Enjoy If You Had One Less Bill to Pay

Haier and Abenson Unveils the Future of Home Entertainment with the Launch of the Haier Mini LED TV

     Haier Philippines, in strategic partnership with Abenson, officially launched its latest innovation—the Haier Mini LED TV—during a vibrant, experience-driven event held at Abenson’s Quezon Avenue Flagship Store. With the theme “Where Color Meets Innovation,” the event showcased how cutting-edge technology can elevate home entertainment and smart living for Filipino households. 

     Hosted by media personalities Aiyana Perlas and Noel Blanco, the event opened with a lively introduction and warm energy that set the tone for an afternoon filled with entertainment, innovation, and inspiration. In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Angeli Patricio, Senior Marketing Manager of Haier Philippines, emphasized that the Mini LED TV represents more than just another product in the lineup—it embodies Haier’s ongoing commitment to creating smarter, more connected homes for the Filipino market. “We’re not just unveiling a new television,” she said, “we’re presenting a smarter way of living.” 

Haier and Abenson Unveils the Future of Home Entertainment with the Launch of the Haier Mini LED TV 

PLDT Home Fiber Fest Grand Finale Celebration

     PLDT Home brings its pioneering broadband festival to a powerful close as Fiber Fest 2025 culminates with it grandest event yet – a full-day spectacle of connectivity, entertainment and community spirit – on June 28 in Pasay City.

     From Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, Fiber Fest has empowered Filipino communities with fast, reliable and accessible fiber connectivity. The Pasay leg Finale is set to raise the bar with a culminating celebration highlighting breakthrough offers and unforgettable community experiences.

PLDT Home Fiber Fest Grand Finale Celebration

PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Squid Game The Experience

     PLDT Home, the Philippines' leading digital services provider, turned dreams into reality for five lucky subscribers with their companions and top K-culture influencers – Happee Sy Go, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar – by flying them to Seoul for an exclusive "Squid Game" experience.

     A few days ahead of the third season premiere of Squid Game, winners and their companions plus the content creators explored the heart of Korean culture and visited iconic landmarks together. Most notably, they got to enter Squid Game: The Experience – a popular interactive attraction inspired by the hit Netflix series.

PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Squid Game The Experience

Game face on! K-influencers and Squid Game fans Happee Sy, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar take on the challenge in real life – but did they make it?

PLDT Home Fiber now in Prepaid – Unlimited, Reliable, Affordable Internet for the Family

     PLDT Home introduces a game-changing way for more Filipinos to enjoy fast, unlimited fiber internet—now available in a flexible prepaid option. Filipinos are always looking for practical, budget-friendly ways to stay connected, whether for work, school, business, or bonding at home. While fiber has long been the most preferred and reliable home internet solution, it was previously available only through postpaid plans. That changes with PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid.

     "Filipinos have a sharp eye for opportunity—embracing online gigs, remote work, and multiple income streams to uplift their families and chase their dreams. PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid supports this everyday hustle with fast, reliable internet that keeps up with their pace—no monthly bills, no lock-ins, just full control and flexibility,” says John Y. Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head of Home Consumer Business, and Sales and Development at PLDT.

PLDT Home Fiber now in Prepaid – Unlimited, Reliable, Affordable Internet for the Family

Celebrating World-Class Pinoy Excellence as Jollibee Launches Bida Best Ambassadors

     From humble beginnings to becoming a global force, Jollibee has always believed in one powerful truth: the Filipino is world-class. Jollibee proudly launches its newest campaign, “Bida Best, Bida Pinoy”—a bold celebration of Filipino excellence, honoring the country’s finest who continue to shine on the world stage.

     Hosted by Gretchen Ho at Whitespace Manila, the launch was a joy-filled special event honoring Filipinos who have achieved global success in their respective fields. More than just a campaign, “Bida Best, Bida Pinoy” is a movement. It champions the spirit of the Filipino and highlights the stories of trailblazers who prove that we have what it takes to succeed on the global stage.

Celebrating World-Class Pinoy Excellence as Jollibee Launches Bida Best Ambassadors
One of the highlights of the program was the Bida Best booth reveal, which is a special exhibit that contains special items from each ambassador, including Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey’s iconic Miss Universe gown and Hidilyn Diaz’s Tokyo 2020 Gold Medal.

Never Miss a Beat: 3 Reasons You Need a Failsafe Internet Backup at Home

     Imagine you’re on an important work call while your kids are researching online for a school project when suddenly, the connection drops. Your co-workers’ video freezes, and you hear your kids complaining about the internet. At this point, there is nothing you can do but wait for the connection to be fixed. If you don’t want to be caught in this situation, having a reliable backup is a must. And if you need more reasons why your home needs an “always-on” connection, here are three big ones.

Never Miss a Beat: 3 Reasons You Need a Failsafe Internet Backup at Home

Luminisce Unveils Ultherapy X Prime: The Next Evolution in Skin Tightening

     Luminisce recently launched the next evolution in skin tightening- Ultherapy X Prime at an intimate event alongside esteemed skinvestors and influencers. This next level of Ultherapy X represents a  groundbreaking advancement in non-invasive skin tightening that redefines the renowned Ultherapy experience. 

     During the event, wellness expert and health advocate, Dr. Kristina ‘Kaycee’ Cuevas Reyes Bacani, shared meaningful information about Luminisce and the services offered. Driven by a profound passion for patient satisfaction and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she discussed Luminisce's commitment to offering cutting-edge solutions for natural, youthful rejuvenation, further cementing its position as a leader in dermatological innovation. Sharing more about Ultherapy X Prime and highlights of the unveiling after the jump :)

 Luminisce Unveils Ultherapy X Prime: The Next Evolution in Skin Tightening
Dr. Kristina ‘Kaycee’ Cuevas Reyes Bacani

Myrtle Sarrosa for Timezone

     Timezone, the Philippines’ premier family entertainment destination, proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Myrtle Sarrosa, a multi-talented gaming content creator, cosplayer, singer, and actress, as its inaugural brand ambassador. This collaboration merges Sarrosa’s vibrant energy with Timezone’s mission to deliver innovative and memory-making experiences across its 50+ locations nationwide.

Myrtle Sarrosa for Timezone

SM Drops New Merch for DENR's Save from Extinction Campaign

     SM is amplifying its commitment to wildlife conservation with the launch of a captivating new merchandise line dedicated to six of the Philippines’ most endangered species. At the forefront of this initiative are plushies of the Philippine eagle, Philippine cockatoo, pawikan, dugong, tamaraw, and pangolin—adorable symbols of hope carrying an urgent message: save them from extinction.

     But there is more to this exciting campaign than cuddly toys from Toy Kingdom. SM has expanded its offerings to include chic new shirt designs from Kultura and a children’s apparel line from SM Fashion, inviting everyone—from eco-conscious advocates to young animal enthusiasts—to support the cause in style. Merchandise is available in select Kultura and Toy Kingdom branches: SM Podium, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, and SM Makati.

SM Drops New Merch for DENR's Save from Extinction Campaign

Honor Moms with More Than a Gift: Support Their Digestive Health This Mother’s Day

     Mother's Day is just around the corner; it's the best time to celebrate the women who hold our homes and hearts together. This special day honors mothers who navigate life’s many demands with strength, grace, and resilience, often putting the needs of their families before their own. But as they continue to give so much of themselves, it’s equally important to remind them—and ourselves—that they deserve just as much care, too. One of the most meaningful ways we can show that love? By investing in their health, starting from the gut.

     Mothers are the unsung heroes, tirelessly balancing demanding careers with the never-ending responsibilities of family life. A recent Milieu Insight survey reveals just how heavy this load can be, with 66% of working mothers in the Philippines struggling to manage both duties. And even as more Filipino women are becoming proactive about their health, particularly during pregnancy and postnatal recovery, nutritional deficiencies remain a widespread concern. This has driven a demand for high-quality supplements that provide reliable, long-term support. While it's true that moms often power through discomfort or stress, they shouldn’t have to. Simple daily practices, like supporting gut health, can make a significant difference in their well-being. Trust it when a mother says, "I have a gut feeling that something is wrong." Sharing more information about the importance of gut health and what supplements you can give moms this Mother's Day after the jump.

Honor Moms with More Than a Gift: Support Their Digestive Health This Mother’s Day

Master the SEO Code: How to Optimize Your Digital Strategy for Growth

     When it comes to getting your website noticed, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is your best friend. Simply put, SEO is improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo so you can attract more organic (non-paid) traffic. But here's the catch: as search engines constantly update their algorithms, it means you need to stay on your toes and adjust your strategies to keep up.

     Gone are the days of focusing solely on keyword stuffing and link building. Today, SEO is more about creating a seamless user experience, offering high-quality, relevant content, and meeting the needs of your audience. Ready to dive into the world of SEO? Let’s explore the essentials and how you can optimize your website for maximum visibility and traffic.

Master the SEO Code: How to Optimize Your Digital Strategy for Growth