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| (Image Source: adobo Magazine/Smart Communications Inc.) |
The PLDT-Smart Technolab offered future tech mavericks from Baguio City and Taguig a glimpse into the telecommunications industry. Graduating senior high school students from the University of Baguio widened their horizons by exploring upcoming cutting-edge communication solutions at the Technolab. With most of the students belonging to either the Accountancy, Business Management or Information Communications Technology tracks, the visit to the PLDT Group’s innovation sandbox was also a perfect opportunity for them to learn about the different careers in the telco space.
“I was so excited to see and try out the different gadgets in the showcase area. The experience solidified my decision to take up Information Technology in college,” said John Noel Ramilo, a Grade 12 student at UB. Bailey Cameron Tudlong, a Grade 12 student at UB, added, “I appreciated the lectures about the different technologies from experts at Smart. It was a great opportunity to learn how these digital innovations can be applied in the real world.” Strategically located in Makati, the PLDT-Smart Technolab is operated by the PLDT Group’s Network Strategy and Transformation Office (NSTO). Among the advanced solutions being explored in the sandbox are Open Radio Access Network (ORAN), transport network disaggregation, new Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies, Non-Terrestrial Networks, extended reality, and advancements in cloudification and home automation solutions. With customers as its North Star, the PLDT Group embarks on a digital transformation strategy to ensure its network remains at the forefront of providing the best customer experience. Other than these technologies, high school students from International School Manila (ISM) who are members of the school's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) club also learned about data science and cybersecurity.
“I’m considering majoring in data science. Hearing from an actual data scientist at Smart talk about his daily activities is inspiring,” said Jiyun Kwak, a Grade 9 student at ISM. “I’m looking at management science and engineering because I want to see how we can optimize our systems, especially in fields like agriculture. It was interesting to know how data is collected and how we can use AI and IoT to make processes more efficient,” said Hailey Yap, a Grade 11 student at ISM. Welcoming students to the PLDT-Smart Technolab highlights the PLDT Group’s much broader program for inclusive learning and its commitment in inspiring the youth to become the next generation of engineers and technopreneurs. These efforts underscore the group’s commitment in helping the country attain United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) #4 on Quality Education and #9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
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PLDT, Smart Back AI-Enhanced Learning In Philippine Schools
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) are reaffirming their commitment to inclusive education by supporting the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Central Visayan Institute Foundation – Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP). The innovative and crisis-resilient pedagogy was developed by esteemed Filipino physicists and Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Dr. Christopher Bernido and the late Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido. Speaking at the SEAMEO INNOTECH 16th International Conference with the theme “AI In Education: Unlocking Potential Through Accessible And Equitable Learning”, PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President (AVP) and Head of Stakeholder Management Stephanie V. Orlino highlighted the synergy between AI and CVIF-DLP, stating, “In recent workshops, we have demonstrated how AI can help teachers create and refine learning materials and assist in other administrative tasks, which leaves them more time to engage with students.”
CVIF-DLP is a student-centric teaching methodology that flips the traditional model on its head. Instead of lectures, students learn through self-paced one-page Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) designed to foster independence, discipline, and critical thinking. Teachers step in as mentors and facilitators who are focused on guiding students, rather than managing repetitive classroom tasks. Public-Private-Community Partnerships are crucial for AI adoption, especially in underserved communities. “Government can craft supportive policies, build the infrastructure, and conduct digital skills trainings; the private sector and civil society can develop the technology and provide access to devices and connectivity; the academe can generate the content; and the community of learners can ensure usage of the AI tools,” said Orlino. PLDT and Smart have long played a vital role in scaling CVIF-DLP, especially in far-flung and underserved areas of the Philippines. Buoyed by its decades-long partnership with the PLDT Group, the Department of Education (DepEd), has recognized the value of CVIF-DLP and plans to roll out the program in select public schools nationwide in the coming school year.
The CVIF-DLP highlights PLDT and Smart’s commitment to inclusive quality education through Information and Communications Technology, content, pedagogy and capacity building to ensure that there is #NoLearnerLeftBehind. The initiative is also aligned with the PLDT Group’s broad program to help the country achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #4 on quality education.
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Smart Launches Revamped Online Store, Rolls Out Postpaid Plan 799
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| (Image Source: Speed Magazine/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) is making it simpler and faster for more Filipinos to elevate their digital lifestyle with the launch of its revamped Smart Online Store, a portal where new and existing customers can conveniently explore and securely avail of the latest prepaid and postpaid offers with just a few taps on their smartphone or computer. As a special introductory offer, the revamped Smart Online Store is the launch platform for Smart Postpaid Plan 799, a SIM-Only Plan that comes with 15 GB open-access data for all sites and apps, 100 GB of 5G data for six months for use in Smart 5G-covered areas, Unlimited Calls and Texts with Landline Calls, and a complimentary Netflix Mobile subscription. As an added perk for subscribers who will subscribe to the new Smart Postpaid Plan 799, applications made through the Smart Online Store will receive 50% more open access data (7.5 GB) for the first six months.
New and existing subscribers can conveniently sign up for Smart Postpaid Plan 799 by simply going to the Smart Online Store, selecting “SIM-Only Plans,” and then choosing “Plan 799”. Customers must then fill out the required personal information to complete their online application. Initially available only on the Smart Online Store, Smart Postpaid Plan 799 will also be offered to all Smart Stores nationwide soon. Aside from enabling subscribers to avail of Smart Postpaid Plan 799 with just a few clicks, the Smart Online Store also allows customers to bundle a device with their SIM-Only Plan. Moreover, Smart Online Store’s intuitively designed portal makes it so much easier for customers to discover other value-packed products and services that suit their lifestyle – from data, call, and text offers, SIMs and eSIMs, to the latest smartphones.
The portal also allows users to reload for credits, avail of limited promos, purchase phones bundled with Smart and TNT SIM cards, buy devices under Smart Bro 5G promos, and order Smart and TNT SIM packages. Lastly, customers can enjoy a wide range of payment options with priority handling for select credit cards. The revamped Smart Online Store is just one of the many ways that make Smart simply reliable for Filipino mobile users looking to level up their digital lifestyle and enjoy the many benefits of technology.
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Globe Curates Intimate Art Experience in Support Of The Hapag Movement
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| L-R: Provenance Art Gallery’s Mio Dizon and Joanna Francisco, featured artist Andres Barrioquinto, Provenance Art Gallery’s Raul Francisco, Globe Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Marketing Officer Rochelle Vandenberghe (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom, in partnership with Provenance Art Gallery, held a private art vernissage and silent auction last June 5, 2025 at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell. The event brought together art, advocacy, and society leaders in support of the Hapag Movement, a Globe-led initiative that addresses involuntary hunger in the Philippines. The exclusive gathering featured a curated collection of works from celebrated Filipino artists including Andres Barrioquinto, Jayson Cortez, Max Balatbat, Martin Honasan, Jason Montinola, and Raffy Napay.
Central to the evening was the silent auction, which ran until June 7, with 50% of all sales proceeds dedicated to the Hapag Movement, a Globe initiative together with partners to fight involuntary hunger by providing sustainable feeding and livelihood training to vulnerable families. The other half directly supported the participating artists — underscoring Globe’s dual commitment to social impact and the local creative economy. Andres Barrioquinto, a Filipino visual artist, created the auctioned artwork. Barrioquinto is renowned for his surreal and hyperrealistic portraits, which fuse elements of nature, pop culture, and Asian aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from Japanese ukiyo-e and Baroque art, he constructs intricate, layered pieces using oil and acrylic on canvas. Barrioquinto’s contributions to art have been recognized including the CCP’s Thirteen Artists Award, and his works are featured in prominent collections throughout Asia. “This is more than a showcase of art — it is a statement of purpose. We are deeply grateful to our customers and partners who helped transform an evening of cultural appreciation into meaningful support for communities experiencing hunger,” said Globe Chief Marketing Officer Rochelle Vandenberghe.
Guests enjoyed a private viewing ahead of the exhibit’s public opening, alongside a curator talk by Stephanie Frondoso, light fare by Cibo, and personalized Globe giveaways. The exhibit remains open to the public until August 2025. This collaboration is part of Globe’s ongoing efforts to create impactful, human-centered experiences for its customers while advancing its core advocacies through the Hapag Movement.
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Clark 2026 Takes The Spotlight At JCI VIP Luncheon In Mongolia
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Junior Chamber International Philippines) |
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines, in partnership with JCI Manila and JCI Angeles City Culiat, hosted an exclusive VIP luncheon at the Juulchin Grand Ballroom during the recently concluded 2025 JCI Asia-Pacific Conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The event was designed to build anticipation for the upcoming 2026 JCI World Congress, set to take place in Clark, Pampanga. The luncheon welcomed over 150 Chief Delegates representing JCI chapters from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Distinguished guests included JCI President Keisuke Shimoyamada, Executive Vice President Mark Joseph David, JCI Philippines National President Felix Venson “Thirdy” Chua, and JCI Mongolia National President Munkhbat Chinbat, among others.
“This luncheon was our way of extending a personal invitation to our JCI brothers and sisters across the region. We’re putting together a dynamic program filled with meaningful activities that celebrate leadership, collaboration, and culture. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Clark come November 2026,” said 2026 JCI World Congress Director Luis Angelo “LA” Sevilla. The 2026 JCI World Congress is expected to draw over 5,000 delegates from around the world. The event will serve as a platform for young leaders to network, share ideas, and engage in dialogue about global challenges and positive change. It promises to foster unity, business collaboration, and cultural exchange among JCI members worldwide.
With JCI Philippines, JCI Manila, and co-host JCI Angeles City Culiat at the helm, the 2026 congress also seeks to rekindle the energy and legacy of the 1998 JCI World Congress, the last time the Philippines hosted the prestigious event. Set for November 11-15, 2026 in Clark, Pampanga, the congress marks a significant moment for the Philippines, positioning the country once again as a global hub for youth leadership, innovation, and impact.
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From Supermarket Aisles To Stadium Lights: Puregold Conquers The Philippine Arena With OPM Con 2025
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| (Image Source: SINEGANG.ph/Puregold Price Club Inc.) |
The Philippine Arena pulsed with music, lights, and pure Pinoy energy as tens of thousands of music fans came together on July 5, 2025 for Puregold’s OPM Con 2025. With a sold-out crowd and a star-studded lineup of today’s biggest OPM acts — BINI, Flow G, G22, KAIA, SB19, Skusta Clee, and SunKissed Lola — the event marked a bold new milestone in Puregold’s phenomenal rise in the entertainment space. Puregold Price Club Inc. Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad shared, “We’ve always believed that our connection with our shoppers goes beyond the checkout counter. We are gratified to know that through Puregold OPM Con 2025, we gave our loyal members an unforgettable celebration of Filipino music, talent, and pride on a massive scale.”
From the first beat to the final encore, the night unfolded like a love letter to the many sounds of original panalo music. Each set brought its own flavor, and the audience responded to every shift. The crowd was as diverse as the setlist. Everyday shoppers stood shoulder to shoulder with influencers and local celebrities. It was proof that music, like Puregold, cuts across communities. Thanks to ticket redemption events held nationwide, fans traveled from across the country, while some even flew in from other parts of Asia and the UAE, just to be part of the moment. Fans in attendance even got to enjoy a premier VIP experience that included a soundcheck party before the concert proper. On top of that, freebies overflowed from top consumer brands that included Nestle Bear Brand, Nestle Chuckie, Great Taste, Jack ‘n Jill, Cream-O, Coca-Cola, Nutriboost Kids, Nissin Wafer, Lucky Me!, Argentina, Angel, Tide, Safeguard, Cream Silk, Surf, Alaska, Doowee Donut, Del Monte Fruity Zing, Nestle Carnation, Nissin Noodles, Magnolia Cheezee, Purefoods, Champion, and Colgate.
From Luzon to Mindanao, Puregold’s OPM Con 2025 united Filipinos in a powerful celebration of identity, pride, and sound. As Piedad affirmed, “Puregold is about building meaningful experiences for the communities we serve.” And yes, more than just a concert, it turned out to be one of the most successful and talked-about music events of the year.
