Tag: PLDT

  • How Shared Streaming is Reconnecting Filipino Homes

    How Shared Streaming is Reconnecting Filipino Homes

    There was a time when TV night was an unmissable household activity, way before each person got their own screen on their phone, computer, or tablet. Watching TV meant gathering in the living room at the exact same hour, squeezing onto the same sofa, sharing a bowl of popcorn or chips, and experiencing every twist, turn, cliffhanger, and even commercial break together in real time.

    But over the past decade, personalized algorithms, individual mobile feeds, and doomscrolling gradually turned into an increasingly solitary habit, as everyone retreated into their own favorite titles, in their own time.

    Now, a subtle yet meaningful shift is taking place.

    PLDT Home HBO Max House of the Dragon S3 1

    Across generations – especially among young Millennials and Gen Zs – there is a growing desire for slower, more intentional experiences. Just as vinyl records, film cameras, journal writing, and board game nights have seen a resurgence, people are rediscovering the unique warmth of shared viewing, even when the medium they’re watching remains digital. According to MNTN Research, younger generations are more likely to watch “connected TV” together – Gen Zs have one of the highest co-viewing rates of any generation, followed by Millennials. Family TV nights may just see a comeback as a simple yet meaningful way to reconnect.

    In Filipino culture, entertainment has always been a collective experience. Whether it’s dissecting character motives, laughing over comical mishaps, or gasping at a jaw-dropping plot twist, reacting to a shocking scene alone doesn’t feel the same as experiencing it with family and friends. Watching together can turn ordinary television moments into an event.

    Only a few series showcase the power of group viewing, like the House of the Dragon Season Three with its recent finale on HBO Max. The eight-episode season has expanded in scale – with massive battles, shifting loyalties, and epic dragon scenes, setting the stage for an epic finale.

    Unli thrills and entertainment with PLDT Home Fiber Unli All 1499

    The best part is, making these living room moments effortless shouldn’t require juggling multiple bills or worrying about lagging connections. That’s where the new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1499 comes in. Designed to power full-household connectivity and entertainment, the plan comes bundled with a standard HBO Max subscription, giving families front-row access to the entire House of the Dragon series, alongside an expansive collection of hit movies, HBO Originals, and fan-favorite series.

    PLDT Home HBO Max House of the Dragon S3

    Beyond streaming, PLDT Home Fiber Unli All 1499 delivers a comprehensive home connection – combining unlimited fiber internet up to 200 Mbps with Cignal TV, landline calls, and 9Gb Smart mobile data. It ensures that while the main TV is hosting a Westeros watch party, other household members can seamlessly connect, browse, or stream their own favorites without compromising the home’s connection quality.

    This means the family can have a viewing party together, whether it’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms or other originals like Euphoria, The Last of Us, Succession, and more. More importantly, it means everyone gets a stable viewing experience at home, turning individual time into family time.

    In a fast-paced world dominated by quick clips and isolated scrolling, bringing back family TV night is a simple yet powerful way to pause, reconnect, and create shared memories right at home.

    Ready to level up your home viewing? Stream more unli entertainment with PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1499, the smart choice for your internet and entertainment combined.

  • Unlock 200+ PC games free for 1 year with PLDT Home Life’s IGV Game Pass

    Unlock 200+ PC games free for 1 year with PLDT Home Life’s IGV Game Pass

    Imagine gaining instant access to over 200 of today’s most popular PC games, whether it’s the most-awaited AAA titles or highly regarded indie projects. It’s easily worth tens of thousands of pesos, but it can now be unlocked with no additional cost for one full year. This is the game-changing value that PLDT Home Life is bringing to every Filipino family of gamers with the IGV Game Pass, which is now free with PLDT Home Fiber Plans 1699 and above.

    PLDT Home Life IGV Game Pass 1

    Forget the hassle and expense of buying games one by one, and that all-too-familiar hassle and pain of dropping at least P2,000 on a new PC game. Through the IGV Game Pass, you as a subscriber can now experience hundreds of games on Steam without spending more, turning home internet into the ultimate source of family fun and entertainment.

    More games, more value, zero worries

    The new offering is designed to deliver benefits that go far beyond just saving money: it transforms your PLDT Home Fiber Plan and your gaming PCs into a non-stop entertainment hub.

    With over 200 PC games spanning multiple genres and playstyles, everyone in the family will find something they love. From kids playing the latest online multiplayer titles with their friends to parents playing classic masterpieces from their younger years, unli home entertainment is guaranteed.

    Access some of the most popular online games among Filipino gamers right now, such as NBA 2K25, Counter-Strike 2, and PUBG: Battlegrounds, as well as some of the most highly acclaimed AAA titles from the past few years, which include Elden Ring, Black Myth: Wukong, and Cyberpunk 2077.

    Discover a new competitive passion or a co-op challenge for your family to conquer together, all for a cost that doesn’t break the budget the way games typically do.

    If your gaming preference is something out of the mainstream, you’re also in luck as the IGV Game Pass is constantly updated with fresh additions every month. You’ll constantly have new worlds to explore and new challenges to win.

    The best thing about the IGV Game Pass is that it lets you get the games you want in a way that’s both legit and affordable, plus you can go on any of your gaming PCs if you’ve got more than one and transfer your save progress via the Steam Cloud. Say goodbye to the risks of pirated games and annoying PC viruses. No more worries for parents about corrupted files or sketchy downloads – just pure, safe gaming fun and peace of mind for parents.

    PLDT Home Life’s complimentary IGV Game Pass to its subscribers is one of the latest offerings under the telco’s smart home category PLDT Home Life, which features device add-ons and digital services meant to round out and maximize the fast and reliable fiber internet connectivity.

    Powered by PLDT Home’s fast and reliable Fiber connection, you can be sure that everyone at home will receive the internet boost necessary to handle high-demand activities. Unlock high-power gaming as well as crystal-clear streaming and uninterrupted video calls through and through.

    Unli gaming, unli entertainment for all

    PLDT Home Life’s partnership with IGV solidifies its commitment to providing more inclusive and experiential home entertainment for Filipino families.

    “With around 65% of Filipino gamers playing on the PC platform, we saw a massive opportunity not just to cater to hardcore players, but to provide a fun, safe, and accessible way for the entire family to bond,” said PLDT Home SVP and Head for Consumer Business John Y. Palanca. 

    “Through our partnership with IGV, we are transforming PLDT Home Fiber into a gateway for unlimited entertainment for every household, regardless of age or playstyle,” he added.” “This is only the beginning. Expect more digital lifestyle services from PLDT Home that enrich how Filipino families live, connect, and play,” Palanca added.

    If you’re an existing PLDT Home Fiber subscriber, just upgrade to Speed Add-on 500 to unlock 200+ PC games via your IGV Game Pass for 12 months. Experience ultra-fast internet at 1Gbps speeds and get in the game with your upgraded Wifi 6 modem. Just sign up on http://igvault.ph with your IGV voucher code to gain access.

    If you’re a new PLDT Home Fiber subscriber, avail of any plan above 1699 to obtain your IGV Game Pass.

    Learn more about unlimited gaming with your PLDT Home Life – IGV Game Pass by visiting pldthome.com/unligaming. To know more about other device add-ons and digital services that could add life to your fiber-powered lifestyle, visit pldthome.com/life.

  • Transforming home entertainment for Filipinos with PLDT Home’s StreamTV

    Transforming home entertainment for Filipinos with PLDT Home’s StreamTV

    Taking the next level in smart home entertainment, PLDT Home introduces StreamTV – a groundbreaking device that streamlines the way Filipinos stream content, play music, and control their smart home devices.

    PLDT Home StreamTV 1 1

    Think of StreamTV ,  a game-changing, all-in-one solution that seamlessly blends the capabilites of an Android TV device, an AI-powered smart speaker, and a virtual assistant.

    StreamTV lets you transform any TV into a smart TV. Unveil a smart viewing experience on your screen within seconds just by plugging the device into the HDMI port. Watch your favorite shows and series in ultra-high definition 4K resolution. Binge-watch from the world’s biggest streaming platforms such as YouTube, HBO GO, Lionsgate Play, Viu, and NBA League Pass all available on the device.

    Offering an enhanced audio experience through its Dolby-supported speakers, StreamTV allows you to listen to top-trending songs, podcasts, or any mood-setting background music in crisp quality. Play and control the audio from anywhere at home with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth connection.

    Work and play with your newly upgraded “smart TV” as StreamTV also allows you to cast from your smaller devices through Chromecast and Screen Mirroring. The versatility of the device enables you to display your slides, play games, and more in full screen. Simply just plug in a camera, a joystick, or any other Bluetooth-enabled accessory for next-level entertainment. Additionally, you can join virtual meetings and video conferences from your StreamTV using the Google Meet app – allowing you to stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family without leaving your living room.

    PLDT Home Stream

    Unlock the future in home living and expect a hassle-free life on the daily with StreamTV, designed to connect to AI features. The device is Google Assistant-compatible – allowing you to manage your smart home tech through voice command. Easily control your devices and trigger your customized routines by simply saying “Hey, Google!” With two far-field microphones, StreamTV can detect your voice from across the room, providing a hands-free experience.

    Next-level entertainment for the whole family

    Behind StreamTV is the country’s leading digital services provider PLDT Home, always at the forefront of maximizing internet and technology to ultimately reward Filipino customers with utmost convenience, quality entertainment, and an upgraded lifestyle.

    Two and a half million families and over 98% of Filipino internet users aged between 16 and 64 had subscriptions to video streaming services in 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Agency. In the same study, music streamers were projected to increase by 1.7 million between 2023 and 2028. Despite only 42.2% of internet users having a smart TV, these numbers suggest that these Filipinos are seeking to enhance their home entertainment experience amidst economic circumstances.

    “We’re thrilled to unveil StreamTV that will truly revolutionize how Filipinos are entertained right from the comforts of their own homes,” says PLDT Home Vice President for Digital Services Evert Chris Miranda. “This groundbreaking product from a telco will allow families yo watch in rich resolution, listen in beautiful surround sound, and control other smart home devices through voice commands.”

    “This product is just one of many more entertainment offerings that will benefit PLDT Home customers in a fun way this 2024. As our homes continue to advance each day, there will be even more opportunities to make the most of our fiber-fast internet for a more enjoyable and fulfilling life with our families.”

    StreamTV is available for only P229 per month for 24 months to be charged to your monthly PLDT Home bill.

    Unbox FREE 12 months access to your favorite steaming apps when you purchase a PLDT Home StreamTV device from April 15 to June 30, 2024. Get to enjoy 4 months of Lionsgate Play, 3 months of HBO GO, 3 months of Viu, 1 month of CignalPlay, and 1 month of Pilipinas Live with your purchase. Promo period from April 15-June 30 per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-190824 series of 2024

    Visit pldthome.com/streamtv for more information.

  • PLDT and Cignal TV support Philippine Hosting of 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship

    The Philippines’ world-first solo hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship has gotten a boost as PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Cignal TV announced their support for the prestigious volleyball tournament taking place on September 12-28, 2025. 

    PLDT Cignal PNVF 1

    (L-R) Sen Alan Peter S. Cayetano, DOT Office of Film and Sports Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, Mediaquest Holdings Inc. and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez Basas, and PNVF President Ramon Suzara at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship press conference at the Marquis Events Place at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

    The country’s largest telco network PLDT will be the official broadband partner of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. Cignal TV, the pay TV arm of the MediaQuest Group, will be the event’s official broadcaster.

    “This is a great opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes and showcase our countrymen’s passion for sports,” said Manuel V Pangilinan, Chairman and CEO of PLDT. “The Philippines is now taking center stage in the world of volleyball. We look forward to working with the DOT and the PNVF to provide a top-notch experience for fans all over the world.”

    PLDT Cignal PNVF 2
    (Aries’ Photos) DOT Office of Film and Sports Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, Sen Alan Peter S. Cayetano, PNVF President Ramon Suzara, and MediaQuest Holdings Inc. and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez Basas pose with top UAAP, NCAA men’s volleyball players at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship press event.

    The Philippines is the first solo host nation of the biggest men’s volleyball tournament in the world. The event will also be the biggest FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship to date, as the tournament format expands to 32 teams. The sport has rapidly grown in popularity in the Philippines over the past few years, with a passionate fanbase supporting highly competitive leagues such as Spikers’ Turf, Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League. 

    PLDT Cignal PNVF 3

    PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan with Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) officers and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon Suzara (3rd from left) and Secretary-General Don Caringal (rightmost).

    “It will be a huge challenge to host the highest-ranking teams and fans from all over the world. But as Filipinos, we know we can create the best environment for everyone to compete at the highest level on our home soil.”, said PNVF president Ramon Suzara.

    The Philippine men’s national volleyball team’s preparations will begin with a comprehensive selection process for the player pool and the unveiling of a new team name. Aside from supporting the national team, PLDT was a key partner in the recent 2023 Volleyball Nations League in Manila.

    About PLDT

    PLDT is the Philippines’ largest fully integrated telco company. Through its principal business groups — from fixed line to wireless — PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks. 

    PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine — listed companies.

    Further information can be obtained by visiting www.pldt.com

  • MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet

    Offense, defense, and strategy all covered as the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Savannah Davison, and newly hailed skipper Kath Arado aim to win 1st first PVL title

    With three former MVPs on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Ahead of the league’s opening on February 20, all eyes are on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, as it faces 11 other participants, kicking off the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.

    Headlining the team are the terrific trio of Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter), Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), and Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter).

    PLDT High Speed Hitters 2024

    All once part of the national team, they came to prominence during their collegiate days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. They each carry three UAAP gold medals, among other silver finishes and individual awards.

    After finishing as PVL’s top scorer in her rookie year in the last conference, Savannah Davison is seen as a credible threat on the court. She contributed 202 points through 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces at the end of the eliminations. Davison competed at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 and national competition levels in the US, while completing her biochemistry degree at the New Mexico State University and MBA at University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business

    PVL

    Meanwhile, three-time PVL Best Libero Kath Arado takes on a new role of captain, as she mans the team’s backcourt defense with her precision and agility. Also a multi-awarded UAAP libero, she leads a lineup of veterans and former national team players including 2022 PVL Invitational Conference Best Middle Blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata and UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Samonte. Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and Far Eastern University standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo complete the roster.

    PLDT High Speed Hitters Coaching staff

    “We are excited to see volleyball court action resume this February. As always, we are here to support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season. We also hope to give a more exhilarating experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

    PVL champion coaches Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog along with Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, and Ervin Peralta banner the coaching staff. Paolo Escaño is tasked to supervise the team’s strength and conditioning.

    PLDT High Speed Hitters with PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business Home

    MVPs meet the MVP

    A few days before the new season kicked off, the PLDT High Speed Hitters dropped by the PLDT headquarters in Makati City for a courtesy visit with PLDT President/CEO, Manny Pangilinan.

    “The goal is to have as many Filipino volleyball athletes as possible representing us in international events—and maybe even the Olympics. We will continue to work with partner leagues and organizations to help make this possible. Of course, the work begins with our team. They make us very proud, and we hope they continue to play their hearts out on the court,” Pangilinan said.

    The team also had the chance to meet, interact, and play games with PLDT and Smart employees to promote the upcoming season.

    Volleyball fans can follow the journey of PLDT High Speed Hitters through Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

  • The iconic PLDT ad ‘Suportahan Ta Ka’ gets a real-life sequel

    Open and loving communication has always been the message of PLDT.  Remember the iconic tagline “Suportahan Ta Ka” from the 2000s TV ad? It’s making a comeback on PLDT’s 95th anniversary campaign.

    PLDT 95th Anniversary

    From the Suportahan Ta Ka TV ad produced by Ace Saatchi & Saatchi, actor and model Christian Vasquez played a young medical student who asked for his dad’s permission if he could shift his degree to Fine Arts. As he confessed his plans, his doctor dad said, “Kung saan ka masaya ti, suportahan ta ka [Whatever makes you happy, I’ll support you!].” This one line immediately became a hit in the 2000s.

    Twenty-two years since the TV commercial was launched, Christian Vasquez comes back with a true-to-life story that makes a heartwarming sequel for the iconic ad. Christian, now with two children, faces the same circumstances with his eldest son. On PLDT’s 95th anniversary video, Christian shares his own personal story.

    The video tells the story of Christian’s real son, Jason (who also stars in the video), who’s due to take the engineering board exam soon and is at the same time working in an IT 

    company. In the video, Jason is shown stressed and tired while reviewing for his board exam. In an online video call, Jason works up the courage to tell his dad Christian about his plan not to take the board exams and wishes to stay in his IT job.

    Christian expresses his disbelief and tries to encourage Jason to take the exam as it will open more opportunities for him being an engineer. Just as he’s about to tell his son off, he suddenly remembers the lesson he learned from his own story from 22 years ago — that he must also show support for his son’s dreams.

    At the end of the video, Christian emphatically tells his son that he supports his decision. From his dad’s “Suportahan ta ka,” Christian lets out the line “Palangga Ta Ka,” (which means “I love you”) highlighting his unconditional love and support for his son.

    Parents may not always agree with their children’s decisions, but in the end, love and meaningful communication conquer doubt. In the video campaign, PLDT highlights its message of enabling meaningful connection through every generation.  From grandparents to parents and their own children, PLDT enables people to make meaningful connections even when they are far apart. Or even when the family may not agree with your decisions — love prevails. 

    On its 95th anniversary celebration, PLDT reminds families of this powerful message and the importance of love, respect, and kindness in connecting with each other. 

    Watch PLDT’s 95th anniversary video on Facebook and YouTube.

  • 5 Important Life Lessons We Learned From 2 New K-teen Dramas

    Two Korean dramas made their premiere on Viu earlier and, by the looks of it, they’re on their way to becoming modern classics and huge hits.

    PLDT Home Viu My Perfect Stranger

    If you’re a murder-mystery fan, My Perfect Stranger is a fascinating whodunit with a twist: the main characters travel back in time to 1987. The male lead, news anchor Yoon Hae-Joon (played by the handsome Kim Dong-Wook), is trying to solve a series of murders to prevent his own death in the present. The female lead, literary editor Baek Yoon-Young (played by Jin Ki-Joo who at 34 can easily pass as a high school student), accidentally time travels and chooses to stay to get to know her mother more.

    PLDT Home Viu All That We Loved

    Meanwhile, All That We Loved is a story about two very close high school friends, Go Yoo (Sehun of EXO) and Ko Joon-Hee (Jo Jun-Young), and their object of affection, Han So-Yeon (Jang Yeo-Bin). Go Yoo is the school’s star basketball player while Go Joon-Hee is a shy, less athletic student. While the series also fast-forwards to when they are adults, the main story plays out when they are in high school.

    The two K-dramas have very different plotlines, but My Perfect Stranger and All That We Loved are both set in high school — and here are a few lessons everyone can learn from their stories about teenage life in South Korea:

    1. Have fun while you’re young

    In My Perfect Stranger, Yoon Hae-Joon finds himself in 1987 by way of a car that can travel back and forward in time (it’s not a DeLorean). In the present time, his own car stalls one rainy night and he chances upon the time-traveling car in a tunnel, which takes him to a Korean countryside village in 1987. The series shows that while Korean kids wore colorful outfits in the ‘80s, it wasn’t nearly as “wild” as they were in the West. But, like everywhere else, teenagers just wanna have fun, even in a rural Korean village. The 80s vibe is so fun to watch!

    2. Keep your friends close — they can literally save your life 

    All That We Loved opens with a big plot point. Go Yoo and Go Joon-Hee are wearing hospital gowns and fooling around — or at least the former is laughing while the latter is quite somber. In the next scene, they are being wheeled into an operating room where Joon-Hee is getting a kidney transplant from Yoo. The two boys have very different personalities, but their friendship keeps them close; Yoo defends Joon-Hee from school bullies while Joon-Hee and his grandmother provide him with a sense of family.

    3. Don’t let complicated family relations break you

    In My Perfect Stranger, Yoon-Young’s mom Lee Soon-Ae (Syeo Ji-Hye) commits suicide in the present, leaving her a note by the riverbank where she drowns herself. When she sees her mom in 1987, who is now younger than her, all her feelings of guilt make her stay. Yoon-Young tries to prevent her mom from marrying her dad who will not be a good husband. It’s amusing to watch the two women play out familiar family dynamics in reverse.

    In All That We Loved, Yoo’s parents are both doctors and have no time for him. This leads him to become very resentful and so he appreciates his friendship all the more with Joon-Hee. It is Yoo’s parents who look after Joon-Hee when he is beaten up by the school bullies and brought to the hospital.

    4. Knowing how to stand up for yourself is essential

    It’s a lesson that high schoolers need to learn: stand up for yourself or you will be bullied all your life. Yoon-Young tries to teach her mom Lee Soon-Ae to stand up against her classmate Ko Mi-Sook who orders her to do her writing assignments.

    Yoo also tries to teach Joon-Hee to stand up to bullies, telling him that he is taller than even their teachers, but it’s just not Joon-Hee’s personality to fight back — or at least not yet in the earlier episodes. Joon-Hee suffers from cellular memory syndrome (memories transferred through cells from an organ transplant) and when he is attacked by bullies, Yoo can also feel that his friend is experiencing physical pain.

    5. Walk your own path

    To the point of being stubborn, the main characters in My Perfect Stranger and All That We Loved are all headstrong and resolute in what they want. They are all charming and likable, but like with any good drama, we want to shake them by the shoulders and say, “Hey, communicate with each other!” or “Tell him about your past!” or “Tell her that you love her!”

    Stream My Perfect Stranger, All That We Loved, and more Korean hit dramas for only P80/month on your PLDT Home Fiber account – the most affordable Viu Premium subscription in the Philippines.

    Exciting rewards await existing PLDT Home customers availing Viu via their Fiber account. On their first month of subscription, they will receive 100 PLDT Rewards Crystals that can be used to redeem shopping vouchers and bill rebates. On their second month of Viu subscription, PLDT Home customers will receive a P100 Maya Cashback when they pay their PLDT bill via Maya.

    To know more, visit pldthome.com/viu.

  • PLDT celebrates win as PH’s undisputed fastest internet for 5th straight year

    PLDT Inc. (PLDT) has achieved a five-peat win at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards™ 2022 — a first for PLDT, and for the Philippines. 

    Global benchmarking company Ookla® announced that PLDT, the country’s largest digital services provider, achieved a top speed score of 86.52 in 2022, affirming the telco’s dominance and consistent performance in delivering the country’s fastest Internet speeds for the fifth consecutive year.

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    To celebrate this momentous achievement, PLDT hosted a star-studded party in Makati City. The event was attended by celebrities, brand ambassadors, content creators, influencers, as well as top executives from PLDT and Ookla®.

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    Among the celebrities present were Miss Universe Philippines beauty queens Gazini Ganados, Bea Gomez, Maureen Montagne, Billie Hakenson, and Kat Legado; model and entrepreneur Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez; social media personality Eric “Eruption” Tai; actors and PLDT ambassadors Franco Laurel and Jairus Aquino; showbiz personalities Dianne Medina and Roxanne Montealegre; sports host Aiyana Perlas; VJ and host Samm Alvero; content creators Kayla Javier and Andrea Angeles; and gamer and streamer Een Mercado. Talented P-Pop singer FANA wowed guests with an impressive performance, and everyone danced the rest of the night away to a long set of music hits played by DJ Miaow. The event was hosted by Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves.

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    Aries’ Photos

    PLDT executives, led by President and CEO Alfred S. Panlilio, received the official Fastest Internet 5 Years In A Row award from Ookla Chief Technology Officer Luke Deryckx.

    “PLDT’s commitment is to help build and empower the nation by setting the bar high in providing world-class digital services for Filipinos,” said PLDT President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio. “For the past five years, PLDT has made big strides to elevate our customers’ experience by delivering the best fixed network services. We intend to keep this momentum and to go above and beyond in ensuring that our customers get the best digital experience wherever they need it – at home, school, or the office.”

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    Aries’ Photos

    Ookla’s Chief Technology Officer, Luke Deryckx, affirms PLDT’s superior network performance for the past five years. He says, “With over 18 million consumer-initiated tests taken daily and billions of data points gathered, the Ookla data paints a clear picture of the performance, quality, and availability of virtually every network in the world. We are proud to recognize PLDT’s hard work in providing the fastest Internet experience in the Philippines and celebrate their achievements in superior network performance over the last 5 years.”

    PLDT’s five-peat win at the Ookla Speedtest Awards is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing Filipinos with the best possible internet experience and supporting the country’s digitalization

    For more information about PLDT’s Ookla Speedtest Awards, visit www.pldt.com.

  • Empowering Mompreneurs: PLDT Home Supports Madiskarte Moms

    PLDT Home believes that the future of Philippine entrepreneurship is female and digital, and the company is proud to support Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH). MMPH is an online community of mompreneurs who are building and growing their online businesses while taking care of their families at home. With the fastest broadband internet provider in the country, PLDT Home supports this group of 153,000 community members by providing digital business tools, knowledge and skills training, and networking opportunities. The group has helped many of its members grow their side hustles into booming online home businesses that have allowed them to support and build dreams for their families. 

    PLDT Madiskarte Moms PH
    These successful mompreneurs share the most important lessons they’ve learned

    The group became not only a go-to space for digital business tools, basic and necessary knowledge and skills training, and networking opportunities, but it also became an emotional and mental support system. MMPH believes in the importance of giving recognition to the passion and resilience that the members have shown all throughout their entrepreneurial journey, especially during the pandemic. 

    Hence, MMPH launched the Gawad Madiskarte Awards in 2022 to highlight and celebrate the most outstanding mompreneurs in the community. The winners were rewarded with more of the support that they need to expand their business further and their stories serve as an inspiration to every mompreneur who are working hard to reach their own dreams of success.

    Mompreneurs who inspire

    For mompreneur and Diskarteng Solid Award winner Abigail Madrigal, support from many people is always crucial when trying to get a business off the ground. She sold high-quality bedsheets on online selling platforms while balancing a full-time job and raising a toddler during the pandemic. 

    “I started this business with the capital of P10,000—equivalent to 50 yards of fabric in five designs that were sewn by my Nanay. Now, we have the house next to ours as a production area, with rolls and thousand yards of fabrics in almost 100+ designs,” she shared. 

    “MMPH gave me the important backing that I needed when I was starting. This platform landed me several clients and the word-from-mouth created from these transactions started the growth and reputation of my store, Mommy Matters. The posts that I read in the group also inspired me to work better on my venture,” Abigail said.

    Kaylynn Adolfo of The Asian Mommy is a Diskarteng Eco-Friendly winner for her line of locally-made reusable cloth diapers. Her business follows her staunch zero-waste advocacy, exemplified with the reusable diapers and environmentally friendly packaging.  

    Kaylynn learned that the network of like-minded people you meet can also be your biggest supporters and customers. “Through the Madiskarte Moms community, I have met moms that are now my suppliers,” she said. “I have also taken advice from other moms that has helped my brand flourish. The group has also helped me find customers multiple times.”  

    Protecting the environment is likewise the advocacy of Rosanna Dela Cruz Kabiling of Something Nice Environmental Corp., a winner for the Diskarteng May Puso award, whose biggest lesson was that committing to a good cause can bring you success. 

    Her business deals with the proper transport, treatment, disposal of hazardous waste; and reduce, reuse, recycle of scrap material for local and multinational companies. She values the supportive network that she has built with MMPH. 

    “I am happy to see a lot of mommies today who are open-minded enough to start their own business and who are fulfilling their dreams. The group helps me to realize how blessed I am,”  Rosanna  said.

    Madiskarte Mom Theresa Carbonell Buenaflor of Ellana Mineral Cosmetics was chosen for the Diskarteng Digital award, for using social media platforms to reach her customer base with her skincare, body care, and makeup products. Her inspiring insight is that one should always use technology and digital trends for better chances of success.

    “MMPH helped us believe that there are still good people out there who support our brand, especially during the challenges of the pandemic,” Theresa said. “I’m grateful for the support and reception of this group because it helped me believe that there are still good people out there who can support each other in these tough times.”

    Lou Neri Putian was the 2022 Diskarteng Home Biz winner.  She has emerged successful with her Sy Glow cosmetics and skincare products that are available through direct sales. She was able to thrive and properly manage her home business despite being a full-time mom raising her three kids, proving thatwith some diskarte and the right motivation, it is never impossible for moms to balance a business and being a mother.

    “I was inspired by the other Madiskarte Moms of the group in growing my business, which I juggled together with taking care of my kids at home,” she says.  

    PLDT Home aims to support the online community further, and help empower more women to achieve business success. 

    PLDT Home is set to hold the second Gawad Madiskarte Awards in May 2023 to recognize the Madiskarteng Pinays who have shown excellence in growing  their online home businesses and positive attitude in helping and inspiring other fellow mompreneurs. To know more about this year’s Gawad Madiskarte Awards, join the Madiskarte Moms PH online community here: https://pldthome.info/GawadMadiskarteWomensMonth2023. 

  • Keeping children safer online with Google 

    Most of the world is now online, even children. While access to the internet is beneficial for a child’s growth and development, it is not without risks–bad actors prey on the internet and children may unwittingly access age-inappropriate content. 

    Google, in its mission to promote digital responsibility and internet safety, has a slew of simple tools and solutions that provide parents an easy way to protect their children online. Here are some of these: 

    Keeping children safer online with Google
    Be Internet Awesome. Google and PLDT Home launched a partnership to teach more kids in the Philippines how to be safer and more responsible online. 

    Family Link

    Family Link is a parental controls app that allows parents to manage their child’s account and data settings. By linking the devices the children are using, parents can set screen timeouts, keep track of their digital activity, help change or reset their passwords if they forget it, guide them towards age-appropriate content, edit their personal information, or even delete their account if they feel it necessary.

    Be Internet Awesome

    Be Internet Awesome is a program and a portal that teaches children the importance of digital responsibility. Through its interactive games, downloadable modules, and an online show, parents, educators, and kids learn how to be smart, alert, brave, kind, and strong online.

    Lessons include sharing responsibly, being kind online, recognizing red flags and scams, securing personal information and privacy, and communicating their online concerns with a trusted adult.

    YouTube Kids

    As its name suggests, YouTube Kids, is the kid-friendly version of the video sharing platform. It uses a mix of automated filters built by YouTube’s engineering teams, human reviews, and feedback from parents so only age-appropriate content will be available for viewing.

    Supervised Experience on YouTube

    For families with teens and tweens, YouTube Kids may be too young for their growing minds. This is why YouTube introduced the supervised experience. The feature allows young viewers to watch content from the regular app–YouTube and YouTube Music–but under parental supervision and control.

    With a supervised account, parents select a content setting that limits the videos and music children under 13 can find and play. Supervised accounts also change the features they can use, the default account settings, and the ads they see. 

    Google Play Kids

    The Google Play Store is host to millions and millions of apps from around the world and it can be hard to find apps that are not only fun but also educational for growing children. This is why the Play Store introduced the Kids category that presents a curated selection of teacher-approved apps for various age groups.

    Here, children can learn a new language, early math skills, and play games that are appropriate for their age.

    SafeSearch

    SafeSearch is a setting you can toggle on and off using your Google account. It helps you filter explicit content from your Google Search results. Explicit results include sexually explicit content like pornography, violence, and gore.

    This is helpful for parents who want to keep their children’s searches safe while allowing them to explore the breadth of content available online.

    Go to safety.google to know more on how you can be safer and more secure online.