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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/SM Supermalls) |
PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) scales up Filipinos’ tech and eSports experience as it supported the three-day long kickoff of the SM Cyber Month 2024 celebration held last August 2-4, 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall where thousands of gamers and tech enthusiasts from different parts of the country converge in a massive celebration of gaming, technology and pop culture.
“Through our strong partnership with SM and in keeping with our commitment to uplift the lives of Filipinos with technology and innovation, we are glad to be part of this year’s SM Cyber Month celebration as we continue to roll out innovative and relevant products, services, and solutions that enrich their digital lifestyle, particularly their mobile gaming experience,” said PLDT and Smart Consumer Sales Vice President and Head of Key Accounts Chito M. Franco. The kickoff started with an electrifying Celebrity Showmatch featuring local eSports stars Razzie Binx and Akosi Dogie, setting the tone for the exciting events to follow. The launch also introduced a new hero video with the hashtag #GotITAtCyberzone. The Cyberzone Gaming Arena was the epicenter of the action, hosting the Cyberzone Challenger Series with tournaments for popular games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM), Wild Rift, Tetris, Genshin Impact, and Tekken 8. Complementing the gaming experience are the latest tech gadgets and products available in Cyberzone being showcased as part of the Tech Fair and Great Gadget Sale. Throughout the event, customers visiting the Smart booth at the exhibit area were able to learn about the latest Smart 5G devices, SIMs, value-packed offers, and relevant promos that can give them the best mobile experience.
Another highlight of the SM Cyber Month Launch is a Meet-and-Greet session with the Smart-backed women’s professional eSports team Smart Omega Empress, the reigning world champions of Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2024 held at the inaugural eSports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans and gamers of all levels were able to meet and interact with members of the Smart Omega Empress comprising of Team Captain Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero, Rica Fatima “Amoreee” Amores, Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, Kaye Maerylle “Keishi” Alpuerto, and Gwyneth “Not Ayanami” Diagon during the MLBB event. On the other hand, the Cyberzone Hobby Corner in collaboration with Lodus was a major draw for card game and pop culture enthusiasts while a Cosplay Competition, co-organized with Toycon PH, added flavor to the dynamic atmosphere. For pop culture supporters, the Cyberzone Hobby Corner is a treasure trove of collectibles and merchandise. Cyberzone, in partnership with SM Cares, SMART, and PLDT Home, reinforces its commitment to sustainability by deploying e-waste collection bins in the Gaming Arena during the three-day SM Cyber Month Launch. This initiative, launched in June 2024 with bins now in over 65 Cyberzone branches and all SM Supermalls nationwide, aligns with the SM Waste-Free Future campaign, proving that fun and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand. The Gaming Arena goes green with e-waste collection bins to support the SM Waste-Free Future campaign, showing that fun and sustainability can coexist. Overall, Cyberzone’s SM Cyber Month Launch was a resounding success, setting the stage for a month filled with exciting promotions, competitions, and tech discoveries.
“We are delighted to have the support of Smart once again as we stage our annual SM Cyber Month. This year, we hope to elevate and empower the participants’ skills and engagement in the dynamic world of tech and eSports across generations,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin. Supporting this continuous increase in data usage among eSports and tech enthusiasts is Smart’s mobile network which was recently recognized for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience according to the latest report by independent analytics firm Opensignal. Smart’s mobile network covers 97% of the population, supported by the PLDT Group’s unparalleled and most extensive fiber footprint. Smart’s initiatives to deliver enhanced mobile products and services are aligned with the PLDT Group’s endeavors to narrow the digital divide and provide connectivity to all, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
