PLDT High Speed Hitters Exhibit ‘puso,’ Hope to Finish PVL Reinforced Conference on a Victorious Note

     The drum beats on for the PLDT High Speed Hitters as they shoot to clinch a third-place finish in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Wednesday, September 4. Although not in the championship game at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City, the High Speed Hitters are committed to finish the conference with “puso” ringing through the end. The Manuel V. Pangilinan-backed team lost their finals ticket after a heartbreaking 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 24-26, 15-17 loss against the Akari Chargers in the knockout semifinal. “Personally, nahirapan akong tanggapin nung una kasi feeling ko malapit na naming maabot ang goal namin as a team,” said team captain Kath Arado. “Pero kahit masakit para sa amin kung ano ang naging outcome ng game, pinakita ng team kung gaano sila ka-professional bilang manlalaro at ka-passionate sa sport. For this, I remain thankful.”

     PLDT's conference stint was the epitome of “puso,” as the team played the entire tournament without leading local scorers in Savi Davison and Kianna Dy – who were both out due to injury. Despite that, the team made a spirited run to the semifinals, facing the undefeated Akari Chargers as the fourth overall seed. The High Speed Hitters were close to sealing the deal, but breaks of the game did not turn into their favor. They ultimately fell short of a finals stint against powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, facing sister team Cignal HD Spikers for the bronze medal instead.

PLDT High Speed Hitters Exhibit ‘puso,’ Hope to Finish PVL Reinforced Conference on a Victorious Note

Feature: ML Payroll PRO

     We cannot deny that the pandemic has hit micro, SMES and even big companies real hard. Business owners were forced to shut down their business and many employees lost their jobs. In a span of four years, the world has changed and those who closed their doors are gradually stepping up to re-establish their venture. Starting a business can be challenging and overwhelming for first timers because there's a lot of things to consider and one of them is employment management. 

     Planning to start a business and worrying on how to manage the back-office department? Fret not because ML Payroll is here to help micro, small and medium business owners in managing their payroll system. I know that business owners these days are looking for accessible, easy to use, efficient and reliable system to assist their employment supervision. Because of this, ML Payroll is the perfect partner in managing not only the employees' salary but also other aspects in the HR department. To know more about ML Payroll and the features of their system, click read more :)

Feature: ML Payroll PRO

The Ultimate Guide to Scoring Cash and Cool Gadgets from Maya this Back-To-School Season!

     The back-to-school rush is in full swing! As you navigate this busy season, Maya, the #1 Digital Bank App in the Philippines, is here to help you ace it with a chance to win ₱10,000 in cash and cool HONOR gadgets. Here’s how you can rack up those raffle entries and boost your chances of winning big:

The Ultimate Guide to Scoring Cash and Cool Gadgets from Maya  this Back-To-School Season! 

Miss Universe PH 2024 and PLDT Home Ambassador Chelsea Manalo bares all in Metro.Style cover

     Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and PLDT Home Ambassador Chelsea Manalo talks about staying connected with her loved ones and being her best self in Metro.Style’s latest digital cover story.

     Chelsea impressed the whole nation with her performance in Miss Universe Philippines’ swimwear and eveningwear segments. But it was her Q&A about overcoming restrictive beauty standards that captured the hearts of Filipinos and ultimately secured her the win.

Miss Universe PH 2024 and PLDT Home Ambassador Chelsea Manalo bares all in Metro.Style cover

PLDT Home New Fiber Unli All Plans with Unli Mobile Calls and 2x Faster Speeds

     PLDT Home is revolutionizing family connectivity with its new Fiber Unli All Plan1399. This plan has unlimited mobile calls and double internet speeds, ensuring everyone stays connected effortlessly. PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plans now have enhanced Unli Fam Call, a feature that lets the whole family enjoy free calls and texts from mobile to mobile, unlimited calls from mobile to landline, landline to landline, and landline to mobile. To enjoy this feature, customers can nominate five (5) Smart or TNT numbers as part of the Unli Fam Call.

     The Fiber Unli All 1399 delivers speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which is twice as fast as the previous plan at 50 Mbps. The Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 delivers great value for money – combining in one bundle a family calling circle and high-speed internet with unlimited Cignal TV– which allows customers to enhance their lifestyle while spending less for their digital services.

PLDT Home New Fiber Unli All Plans with Unli Mobile Calls and 2x Faster Speeds

Love, Bonito's First Permanent Store in the Philippines Now Open

     Love, Bonito, Southeast Asia’s leading omnichannel womenswear brand, is proudly expanding internationally with the opening of its first permanent store in Metro Manila, the Philippines. Spanning over 2,000 sqft, the store is located at the premium Greenbelt 3 Mall and officially opens on August 4, 2024. The announcement comes off the back of the brand’s rebranding and assortment revamp this March, and further hones in on its brand vision to be the go-to destination for Asian women globally.

We know the malling culture is huge here in the Philippines and we’re so excited to finally put our roots down. We have received overwhelming support from the Filipina community, where we experienced 90% YoY growth in 2023 solely through online orders! Through customer data from our e-commerce website and various pop-ups around Manila, we’re finally hard launching our first brick-and-mortar store, with unique elements that cater to the Filipina customer,” shares Dione Song, Chief Executive Officer of Love, Bonito, in her opening speech.

Love, Bonito's First Permanent Store in the Philippines Now Open

PLDT Home Powers Bantayan Island, Boosts Local Tourism

     Bantayan Island, a pristine gem in the Visayas, has transformed from a tranquil escape into a thriving hub attracting tourists, remote workers, and digital nomads alike, providing a perfect blend of productivity and relaxation.

     Internet connectivity has been pivotal to this development in Bantayan Island. Now powered by PLDT Home’s most reliable fiber connection, Bantayan Island is primed to further enhance the quality of life of its locals and boost its economic growth. Fast and stable internet connection enable businesses in the Island to operate efficiently, empower residents to access essential online services, and allow visitors to enjoy seamless work and leisure experiences.

PLDT Home Powers Bantayan Island, Boosts Local Tourism

L-R (clockwise): Madridejos Vice Mayor Vincent Y. Villacrusis welcomes PLDT Home representatives

during a courtesy visit in Bantayan Island, Belvin Fariolen, a home-based mom-preneur in Bantayan Island High Speed Hitters Shiela Kiseo, Mika Reyes, and Iza Viray graced PLDT Home’s Beach Volleyball Clinic in Bantayan Island

Living the Dream: Tourism and Micro-Entrepreneurs Thriving in Bantayan

     Bantayan’s pristine beaches, rich culture, and warm hospitality have always drawn tourists. Now, with PLDT Home’s high-speed internet, the island is an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers seeking a blend of productivity and relaxation. The stunning natural beauty, combined with reliable connectivity, creates a perfect environment for inspiration and work.

Internet is one of the necessities of our tourists. Before they book, they ask if the area has a good internet connection. Here at Myrna’s Pension House, we have two [fiber plan] accounts with PLDT Home. For as long as tourism is booming here, I can say that I’m stable here,” says Madelle Tibay, a Pension House Manager in Bantayan Island.

     For home-based entrepreneur and virtual assistant Belvic Fariolen, a reliable home internet helps their family thrive in the Island. She’s grateful for having access to digital opportunitiesso that she can work and earn from home while also being a full-time mom.“My home business is online selling of bags, perfumes, and clothes. I’m also a virtual assistant. I like the work set up I have now because I’m just at home and I don’t have to spend a lot. The most important thing is that I can also focus on my children.”

Enhancing Island Life

     Beyond economic advantages, PLDT Home’s connectivity empowers the local community, significantly enhancing life in three (3) municipalities of the island: Bantayan, Madridejos, and Santa Fe. Residents now have better access to online education, healthcare services, and government programs. This digital transformation has improved the overall well-being of the island’s population, ensuring that everyone can thrive in this connected environment.

     Madridejos Vice Mayor Vincent Y. Villacrucis enthusiastically supports PLDT Home’s initiatives for Bantayan Island’s digital transformation. “Thank you for providing fast internet solutions in our province and providing a grassroot program through volleyball.”

     Bantayan Island represented Cebu Province, winning bronze at the Palarong Pambansa, a highly anticipated national sports event. To also support Cebu’s initiatives to encourage tourism through sports development in the province, PLDT Home brought PLDT High Speed Hitters Mika Reyes, Iza Viray, and Cebu’s very own Shiela Kiseo for an afternoon of Beach Volleyball Clinic at Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.

     As Bantayan Island continues to become more popular as a tourist destination, PLDT Home provides the digital infrastructure needed for its growth. By connecting and empowering more communities, PLDT Home is here with every Filipino family inmaking life better at home.Know more about how PLDT Home is enhancing the island life in Bantayan, watch this video.

Learning The Beauty Of Life: Taking Care Of Flowers With Your Kids

     Life can be so busy, but taking time to care for flowers with your kids is a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy simple moments together. This activity is not only fun but also a great learning experience for your little ones. They get to see how things grow, understand the importance of patience, and learn to care for something delicate. Take the time to go to a flower store or opt for an online flower delivery PH service. Plus, spending this time together can help strengthen your bond as a family.

     In this blog, we’ll share some easy tips on how to start a flower garden with your kids, the benefits of this activity, and some fun ideas to make it even more special. Whether you have a big backyard or just a small balcony, you can create a beautiful space filled with flowers and happy memories. Let's dive in and discover the beauty of life through flowers!

Learning The Beauty Of Life: Taking Care Of Flowers With Your Kids

Soup & Go® at Ajinomoto Konbini Experience

     Breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. It sets the mood for how you start your mornings and essentially becomes your fuel to kickstart your tasks, may it be in school, at the office, at home, or anywhere you’re meant to be for the day. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), considers this as a vital part of one’s twenty-four hour period, especially here in the Philippines, as it launches its first easy-to-make breakfast that takes less than a minute to prepare! This is the perfect companion for those on-the-go, and also for those who want a hassle free quick breakfast that doesn’t compromise nutritional value and that savory flavor.

     For the first time ever, a live demonstration on how to prepare the Ajinomoto Soup & Go® was celebrated at the Konbini. (A Japanese term for convenience store) Located in Market Market Taguig, the pop-up store is a site to see in the middle of the mall’s open space near the terminals, that mimics a real life convenience store which sells Ajinomoto products. This will surely catch everyone’s attention and excite you to explore what is in its glass walls. More highlights of the launch and what to expect in the Konbini & Go after the jump.

Soup & Go® at Ajinomoto Konbini Experience

(L-R:) Kazuki Kyoya, Category Manager, Marketing, Koichi Ozaki, APC President, Mika Makino, APC Director for Sales, Marketing and Public Relations

Maya Flexes Perfect Attendance for Your Back-to-School Budget!

     As the back-to-school season approaches, the financial stress can be overwhelming with expenses for new school supplies, school fees, and more. Budgets are often stretched thin, and anxiety levels can get high. Good thing, Maya, the #1 Digital Bank App in the Philippines, is here to help you breeze through this season with awesome rewards and financial flexibility.

Maya Flexes Perfect Attendance for Your Back-to-School Budget!

Home Credit Philippines: The Financial Ally for Every Filipino

     With a customer base of over 10 million, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) serves a wide range of Filipinos, with 78% percent of its sales coming from customers residing outside the National Capital Region. Recognizing the diversity within its customer base, Home Credit has developed offers tailored to resonate with various segments, aiming to empower their lives. In a recent event held by HCPH, Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH, mentioned that to provide financial and credit opportunities to Filipinos during peak shopping seasons, HCPH banners three year-round major campaigns where customers can purchase their products with great deals, including 0% interest installment rates: Summer Campaign, Back-to-School Campaign and Holiday Campaign. 

     According to her, they create campaigns with diverse customer base in mind. Their initiatives to make financial solutions more accessible through their campaigns enable them to live the life they desire. Home Credit Philippines are grateful that their efforts are well-received by their customers, and consider their recognition of the campaigns as a testament to their commitment to providing only the best initiatives that can truly benefit Filipinos.

Home Credit Philippines: The Financial Ally for Every Filipino 

Watch Modern Classics featuring Filipinos as Main Characters Only with PLDT Home StreamTV!

     So many titles, so little time! Streaming platforms are offering countless classics and current movies and series that it can get overwhelming when deciding what to watch on our limited free time. Where do you even begin? To really make the most of what’s out there, PLDT Home is offering StreamTV for only P229 a month with access to your favorite streaming apps. StreamTV is a device that lets you watch shows and movies, listen to music, and control all your smart devices at home. It features an Android TV, two microphones and speakers, Google Assistant support and Chrome cast technology, letting you conveniently control your content hands-free. 

     With PLDT Home’s fast and reliable internet connection, you and your family can surely enjoy binge-watching your movies and shows uninterrupted. There are several movies, series, and even sporting events that showcase high quality production, clever writing, and thrilling moments – altogether bringing pride to the Philippines in different ways. Here are some of PLDT Home’s recommended titles that you may want to include in your watchlist.

Watch Modern Classics featuring Filipinos as Main Characters Only with PLDT Home StreamTV!   

PLDT Home Powers Up Volleyball Nations League 2024 in Manila

     The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men makes a much-ballyhooed return to the Philippines for the third consecutive year as eight of the globe's best squads fight for bragging rights from June 18 to 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     Led by crowd favorites world no. 4 Japan, they are joined by first-timers United States (5th), making its first appearance in Manila. The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has partnered anew with PLDT Home for the third consecutive year, helping bring world-class volleyball to fans and athletes alike.

PLDT Home Powers Up Volleyball Nations League 2024 in Manila

PLDT Home First and Biggest Nationwide Fiber Fest

     PLDT Home launches Fiber Fest, the country’s first broadband festival, bringing its exclusive offers and rewards closer to families nationwide. Celebrity couple Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles are set to headline the event happening on June 15, 2024 in Brgy. Santa Cruz, Antipolo City.

     Adding excitement to this special weekend are professional basketball team, TNT Tropang Giga and e-sports personality and cosplayer, Een Mercado. Aside from getting a chance to do a meet-and-greet with their favorite stars and PLDT Home ambassadors during this fun-filled weekend, families will get access to the new Fiber Unli All plans, exclusive promos, entertaining activities and rewards from PLDT Home. “We are here for every Filipino family. Through our nationwide PLDT Home Fiber Fest promotion, we’re bringing our digital services closer to their homes. We will be going from city to city to make sure that we’re able to power every household with our most reliable digital solutions within 24 hours,” says Patrick Tang, PLDT First Vice President and Head of Home Acquisition Marketing.

PLDT Home First and Biggest Nationwide Fiber Fest  

For these Mompreneurs, Independence Day takes on Several Meanings

     As we commemorate the country’s 126th Independence Day, we also reflect on its meaning and relevance in today's world. Just as we had inspiring heroes fighting for the Philippines’ right to self-government and freedom from colonial rule in 1898, we have modern-day heroes that continue to contribute to the nation’s growth and to individual self-sufficiency today. These are Filipinos who overcome hardships to achieve personal and financial empowerment through entrepreneurship. According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, MSMEs “generate 62.4 percent of the country's total employment, contribute 36 percent of gross value added, and account for 25 percent of total exports.”

     Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community that supports starting and established mompreneurs, exemplifies the enduring spirit of Filipinos whose businesses create opportunities for our people. By creating products using materials and designs that are Filipino-centric impacts everyone in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It creates direct and indirect employment for suppliers and communities. If there is any modern-day example of heroes, it is Filipino mothers who are smart to realize that it doesn’t takes a huge capital to start a business. When they changed their mindset that it could be done, they did it. After all, when you’re fighting for your family’s future, you become brave like the hero you can be.

For these Mompreneurs, Independence Day takes on Several Meanings

One Million Giveaway for PLDT Home Subscribers

     New subscribers of PLDT Home have the opportunity to win as much as P1 million cash and other big prizes through its One Million Giveaway(OMG) promo.

     The promo is open to new subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1699 (or higher) who apply for and have their connections installed from May 15 to July 31, 2024. The grand prize of P1 million will be awarded to one (1) lucky winner, with ten (10) subscribers receiving P100,000 each, and 50 others winning free PLDT Home Fiber plan for a year.

One Million Giveaway for PLDT Home Subscribers

Power Mac Center Creativity Camp: Kids and Teens Workshop

     There are two things that kids and teens get excited about these days: summer vacation and more time to play their favorite online games or do their hobbies online. We cannot deny the fact that their gadgets are already part of their lives. Given that the advancement of technology has a big impact on our lives, even though there are disadvantages associated with the use of gadgets, playing online games, or simply watching YouTube videos, it has a remarkable advantage when used properly and responsibly.

     Kids and teens nowadays exhibit remarkable proficiency in digital technology. Their natural adaptability and early exposure to screens significantly contribute to their digital fluency. To nurture their skills further, Power Mac Center (PMC), through its official training arm Basecamp, has launched Creativity Camp: Workshop for Kids & Teens.

Power Mac Center Creativity Camp: Kids and Teens Workshop

Meet Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe PH 2024 and Newest PLDT Home Ambassador

     PLDT Home welcomes Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan as their newest ambassador. After standing out in the swimwear and evening gown segments, Manalo made an impact in the top 5 Q&A portion with her statement on how she could use her beauty and confidence in empowering others.

     "As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards," she said. "But for me, I have listened to always believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have."

Meet Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe PH 2024 and Newest PLDT Home Ambassador

The Ups and Downs of Motherhood

     In this motherhood journey, I learned and still learning the ups and downs every single day. When I discovered that I was pregnant with my only child, fears, worries, and questions kept swirling on my mind. Growing up in a big family, I said to myself that despite the challenges and hardships that will come along the way, I have my mother and my family who will always be there to support me. 

     Lo and behold, when I gave birth to Kenzo, the first person that guided me on what and what not to do was my mother. She gave instructions, reminders, and advises on minor mishaps and how to handle them. My sister-in-law was also there to check me from time to time. It's a very challenging role for first time mothers to do all the tasks by herself. From staying up late in the wee hours of night to check if  it's time to change the diaper, to feed a crying baby, and to find ways on how to tame a colic-y one. But all these sacrifices are worth it seeing the baby smile and feel loved through the gestures of this precious one. A decade and a half has passed and I'm still experiencing the ups and downs of motherhood but I'm loving the journey. Indeed,  “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” —Jill Churchill. Sharing more why there are no “on/of” and “pause” mode on motherhood after the jump.

The Ups and Downs of Motherhood 

Feeling the Motherhood Pressure? Watch this Heartfelt Mother’s Day Video

     Motherhood is definitely one of the hardest endeavors a woman can take in her life — there’s no manual or guide that can properly prepare you for raising children well. That’s why it’s important that mothers find the support that they can truly rely on. This is the message that PLDT Home gives moms in its new Mother’s Day video.

     The video highlights the concept of “backstage moms,” or moms who support other mothers as they navigate their responsibilities, challenges, and learnings through motherhood.

Feeling the Motherhood Pressure? Watch this Heartfelt Mother’s Day Video