Grander, more thrilling prizes up for grabs in the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway Year 2

Tweet

PLDT Home shows love to its loyal customers with the return of the Grand Giveaway promo! From September 1 to December 31, 2022, over 200 new and existing PLDT Home customers can take home grander, more thrilling rewards and prizes during the monthly draws, and a chance to win Maya credits and P5 million cash (tax-free) in the grand draw. Winners for the grand draw will be announced on January 30, 2023.

Christmas sure came early because PLDT Home will be giving away P100,000 Philippine Airlines e-gift cards to five lucky winners, plus a host of exciting prizes including Apple iPads, Nintendo Switch OLED consoles, Samsung Galaxy A32 5G phones, TP Link Wifi 5 Mesh devices, and e-vouchers from Shopee and GrabFood.

Joining the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway is simple! Follow these easy steps.

1. Enroll your PLDT Home account in the PLDT Home Rewards Program by clicking this link or by visiting pldthome.info/grander2022.

2. Earn Crystals. For every five Crystals earned, you get one raffle entry.

3. You can also use these crystals to redeem discounts from the following brand partners

PLDT Home Rewards goes #Grander with new video

To kick off the Grand Giveaway promo, PLDT Home Rewards is also launching a new video featuring Filipino actress, singer, model, and Home ambassador, Gigi De Lana.

In the new video, Gigi shows how subscribers can do it better and get a shot at a grander life by simply being a member of the PLDT Home Rewards program.

You can watch the video here:

https://youtu.be/9M5ko3llrP4

It’s really rewarding to be a PLDT Home subscriber with all these grander prizes and rewards! Be a member by signing up, earn Crystals and get a chance to win P5 million cash (tax-free) and more!

You can’t miss this Limited-time Easy Speedboost offer from PLDT Home!

Tweet

PLDT Home drops Easy Speedboost, the most affordable and fastest Fiber plans upgrade promo you shouldn’t miss!

All PLDT Home Fiber subscribers are in for a treat as they get three (3) grand gifts: free speedboosts, hassle-free upgrade, and a chance to enjoy the fastest speeds with the biggest price-drop offer until September 26!

Upgrading your speeds is now easier than ever! All eligible subscribers will be notified via email and SMS on the free speedboost.  Simply reply YES and enjoy upgraded speeds with a minimal add on of P50.00 or P100.00 monthly.

“We continuously innovate our products and services to address the evolving needs and increasing demand for bigger bandwidth of families at home. The Easy Speedboost is a way to make our fastest internet speeds more accessible and affordable to our customers as we enable them to do things better in their work, study, and entertainment activities at home,” said Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Customer Management.

PLDT Home powers homes to be smarter as it delivers internet speeds up to 10 Gbps with equal upload and download speeds for multiple devices. With strong connectivity in every part of the home, families can keep all their devices – from security cameras to smart appliances – running without interruption.

For parents working at home or for kids who are now back to school with a hybrid study set-up, PLDT Home Fiber provides the fastest and most reliable connection for their daily essentials. What’s more, with a seamless connection, families can enjoy wider entertainment activities with access to the best digital contents from Lionsgate Play, Viu, HBO Go, Cignal, and NBA League Pass.

Philippines’ Fastest Broadband

PLDT Home remains the undisputed fastest broadband in the Philippines for five consecutive years as it was once again awarded in the Ookla® Speedtest Awards™ Q1-Q2 2022. PLDT bested all major internet providers in the Philippines, achieving a speed score of 77.91. It also logged the fastest download and upload speeds at 210.83 Mbps and 234.21 Mbps, respectively.

Ookla® is the global leader in internet testing and analysis. The Ookla® Speedtest Awards™ recognizes network operators worldwide that have delivered exceptional internet performance and coverage within a market. The award is based on Ookla’s rigorous analysis of consumer-initiated tests taken with Speedtest™.

Know more about the Easy Speedboost at www.pldthome.com.

 

Watch Emmy Awards 2022 live: Stream the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards from anywhere in the Philippines only on Lionsgate Play – powered by PLDT Home!

Tweet

A night of glitz, glamor, and good television awaits the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, with the small screen’s brightest stars congregating for their big moment. Viewers can expect another memorable and star-studded Emmys – from the stellar mix of shows that have redefined quality viewing the past year to Saturday Night Live’s longest-running cast member Kenan Thompson hosting this year’s program.

From anywhere in the Philippines, Filipinos can stream the Emmys 2022 live on September 13, 8 a.m. (Philippine time) as it happens at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Viewers can catch every bit of the awards show only on Lionsgate Play with their PLDT Home Fiber connection.

Next to frontunners Squid Game, Stranger Things, and Euphoria, Lionsgate Play series Gaslit ranks among the Emmy candidates ready to quietly stun the show with four nominations. The political docudrama bagged four nominations: Outstanding Cinematography For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup, Outstanding Sound Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series, and Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Limited Or Anthology Series. Starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn, Gaslit centers around the lesser known characters that took part in the 1970s Watergate scandal.

Lionsgate Play fantasy comedy Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas starring Jane Levy and Skylar Astin also received nominations for Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming.

Gaslit starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn. Credit: Lionsgate Play

Bringing the much-anticipated annual television awards live for the first time on the platform, Lionsgate Executive Vice President Amit Dhanuka said, "Lionsgate Play is a premium streaming platform catering to a diverse set of audiences across the globe. It’s our constant endeavor to ensure the best of entertainment for our viewers – taking this thought further, we are delighted to livestream the 74th Emmy Awards® across three territories – India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. There have been some phenomenal performances both in front of and behind the camera. With exciting performances and glorious victories, this year is set to get more vibrant and regal.”

Stream the 74th Emmy Awards this September 13, 8 a.m. exclusively on Lionsgate Play and experience the fastest and most reliable connections powered by PLDT Home, the country’s fastest fixed broadband service five years running as awarded by Ookla. New and existing PLDT Home subscribers can enjoy Lionsgate Play’s wide library of world-class and award-winning shows and movies for free until June 1, 2023 by simply creating a Lionsgate Play account and redeeming their vouchers at https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay.

Do it Better at Home and in life with Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola-Manzano

Tweet

Watch the power couple in this new PLDT Home video

As two of the most sought-after celebrities in the Philippines, power couple Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola-Manzano know all about living a life juggling all their passions. Aside from their on-camera projects, the Manzanos are also well-known content creators, entrepreneurs, and loving fur-parents to their dogs -- Chanel, Chewy, Louis, and Sky.

With multiple online work and activities, it is incredibly important for the couple to always have the fastest connection at home. That is why in PLDT Home’s newest Do It Better campaign, the Manzanos show how the country’s fastest home broadband network suits their different lifestyles and needs with the best digital products and services. The Manzanos gave us a glimpse of their daily life and how PLDT Home enables them to handle tasks such as vlogging, holding meetings, arranging their finances, and taking care of their pets, just to name a few.

“The internet is a vital part of our everyday lives. It helps us to connect to each other and learn new things. When you are open to learning new things and exploring new possibilities, you will surely be able to do things better at home and in life,” said Jessy Mendiola-Manzano.

“The fastest connection of PLDT Home makes everything simpler. We live in an age where everything must be quick and instant. Having a fast and efficient connection gives you more chances to do things better for yourself and others in a day, whatever hat you have on,” Luis Manzano added.

Life at home made better

As Filipinos embrace a more digital lifestyle, PLDT Home continues to address the demand for better, faster, and stronger connections.

With the fastest Home Fiber plans, subscribers can do more at home. The whole family can comfortably watch their favorite shows on HBO GO, Lionsgate Play, and Viu, or work, study, create content, level up in their games, and enjoy the convenience of smart gadgets in the home.

With the fastest internet speeds, families can do all of these and more without worrying about having enough bandwidth for everyone.

PLDT Home remains the undisputed fastest broadband in the Philippines for five consecutive years after it was once again awarded at the Ookla Speedtest Awards Q1-Q2 2022. PLDT bested all major internet providers in the Philippines, achieving a speed score of 77.91. It also logged the fastest download and upload speeds at 210.83 Mbps and 234.21 Mbps, respectively.

Learn more how you too can #DoItBetter at home and in life powered by the fastest fixed internet, PLDT Home. 

Watch Luis and Jessy Manzano on PLDT Home’s video here. Visit this link to know the best PLDT Home Fiber plan for your family.

PLDT Home, Google launch Be Internet Awesome online series

Tweet

New kid-oriented show aims to teach kids how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online

Be Internet Awesome’s lead characters - Sam Elora (L) and Robo-berto

Following its partnership announcement to further strengthen efforts in educating Filipino kids and families about internet safety and digital responsibility, the Philippines’ leading home broadband and digital service provider PLDT Home and Google joined forces in creating a kid-oriented video series online.

The Be Internet Awesome online series combines animation and live action — featuring Gen Alpha whiz Sam and his trusty friend Robo-berto in fun-filled yet enlightening adventures on how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online. The series is based on the values of Google’s Be Internet Awesome global program and is directed by Manny Angeles, an award-winning director and producer of kid-oriented and animated shows.

Available in both English and Filipino in the Philippines, Be Internet Awesome aims to teach children the fundamentals of leading a digital life which includes what kind of information to post on social media and how to deal with cyberbullying among others. This is part of the many efforts of Google to help keep people safe online.

(L-R): PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business Home Group, Jeremiah de la Cruz; Google Philippines Marketing Head, Gabby Roxas; First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Product Management and Marketing, John Henri Yanez

“Our children are true digital natives. They grew up with the internet and everything the digital world has to offer. But as they broaden their horizons for discovery and learning, it also exposes them to risks and dangers,” said Jeremiah de la Cruz, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Home Group, PLDT Inc. “Through this original series, we at PLDT Home want to translate the teachings from Google’s Be Internet Awesome program into an entertaining and practical show that children can enjoy watching while learning about online safety early on.”

“PLDT Home’s partnership with Google for Be Internet Awesome aligns with our larger group-wide commitment: to strengthen customer-centricity. At PLDT, we not only find ways to simplify technology and experience for our customers, but we also strive to do business responsibly by putting their safety and well-being at the forefront of all our products and services,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of PLDT Inc. And Smart Communications, Inc.

In 2021, PLDT also invested over P2 billion in cybersecurity and protection filtering. The country’s largest integrated telco has since been very active in detecting, responding, and preventing both domain and content-level access to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) within the network. PLDT’s Child Protection Platform has blocked almost 300,000 URLs linked CSAM by the end of May and prevented more than a billion attempts to access these illegal sites from November last year to May this year.

“After launching Be Internet Awesome in 2021 in the Philippines, we are glad to have found a like-minded partner in PLDT who champions the same values when it comes to protecting kids online. Through PLDT and more potential partners in the future, we hope to scale Be Internet Awesome and provide more families with a practical way of teaching digital safety and wellness to their children so they can become responsible, confident explorers of the online world,” said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director of Google Philippines.

Actor and TV host KC Montero and family

Stratworks PR Director Mark Christian Parlade and sons

Edu-preneurs and media personalities Edric and Joy Mendoza with their family

(L-R) Actor, singer and writer Franco Laurel and daughter with PLDT Assistant Vice President and Head of Marketing PR

The Be Internet Awesome online series will premiere on the PLDT Home YouTube channel on July 8, 2022.

PLDT Home inks exclusive partnership with Lionsgate Play for the next big thing in streaming

Tweet

Lionsgate Play — the fast-growing Southeast Asian streaming platform of the global content studio behind major franchise properties such as John Wick, The Hunger Games, Power, and many more — launches in the Philippines this June

Enjoy a bigger, bolder, and more powerful entertainment viewing experience at home today as PLDT Home, the Philippines’ fastest broadband service provider, partners with premium streaming platform Lionsgate Play.

Lionsgate is a leading Hollywood studio that has created and distributed some of the world’s biggest properties, including the blockbuster film franchises The Hunger Games, Twilight Saga, John Wick, and Saw; and the television series Mad Men, one of the most acclaimed shows in television history. By simply subscribing to a PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1699 or up, Filipinos can enjoy and experience the best of global content across action, comedy, drama, horror, and thriller genres — and more of Lionsgate Play’s signature offerings from the comfort of one’s home.

"PLDT Home and Lionsgate are bringing entertainment straight from the box office into people’s homes. From the best love stories to the best of horror down to the most action-packed films and shows, the world’s best content is simply a push of a button away with Lionsgate Play for all new and existing PLDT-powered homes,” PLDT Home Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business-Home Group Jeremiah de la Cruz said. “This partnership is part of our continuing mission to provide our customers the fastest broadband connection in the country so that they can better stream their entertainment choices including the most exciting and irreverent stories from Lionsgate Play. Beyond PLDT-powered homes, Lionsgate Play shall also be available to Smart customers soon."

“Our endeavor has been to ensure viewers are provided with a curated lineup of great content, spread across genres for the best viewing experience,” Lionsgate Executive Vice President Amit Dhanuka said of the partnership. “Taking this forward, we are excited to partner with PLDT Home to launch Lionsgate Play in the Philippines. We are reaching out to a large and diverse sector of consumers with a digitally-driven offering enabling them to ‘play more, browse less.’ We look forward to more Filipinos enjoying the best of what Hollywood has to offer!”

Among the content available at the Philippine launch of Lionsgate Play is American crime drama Power. With rapper and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as executive producer, Power follows the triumph and trials of drug dealer James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick) as he tries to leave his life of crime behind to manage his own nightclub. Power is one of American premium cable TV’s most watched and highly-rated shows.

Also among Lionsgate Play’s banner content is futuristic action film Apex. This Bruce Willis starrer follows Thomas Malone (Willis) as a wrongfully-convicted prisoner given a chance at freedom.

Now available locally through Lionsgate Play is the critically-acclaimed drama Gaslit, starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn. The new series spotlights Martha Mitchell (Roberts), wife of former US President Nixon’s Attorney General John N. Mitchell, discovering the full extent of the Watergate scandal in the 70s.

Lionsgate Play also features the studio’s most commercially successful films and film franchises: The Hunger Games follows hunter Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and her heroic adventures in a post-apocalyptic world; John Wick tells the story of the titular character (Keanu Reeves) forced to return to his life as a hitman to avenge the death of his beloved puppy; the Twilight Saga follows the epic love story of teenager Bella Swan (Kirsten Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson); SAW trails the sadistic machinations of John Kramer or Jigsaw; Knives Out follows a detective (Daniel Craig) in his investigation on the mysterious death of a wealthy novelist (Christopher Plummer); and many more.

The streaming service also carries some of Lionsgate’s most iconic and groundbreaking series such as Mad Men, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning period drama starring Jon Hamm that’s widely considered to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time; and The Royals, a drama chronicling the tradition, opulence, and scandal that surround a fictional modern-day royal family. Lionsgate Play also gives PLDT Home subscribers first dibs on the hottest new shows including Becoming Elizabeth, which chronicles Elizabeth I’s rise to power and all the intrigue and betrayal that came with becoming the Virgin Queen. Catch these shows and more very soon on Lionsgate Play!

In time for the Philippine launch of the streaming service, both existing and new subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber Plans 1699 and up will be given exclusive access to Lionsgate Play without the additional charges until June 1, 2023.

Enjoy a bigger, bolder, faster, and more powerful entertainment home viewing experience at home with Lionsgate Play, exclusive in the Philippines through PLDT Home. 

To learn more about Lionsgate Play, visit https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay.

Pop-rock diva Gigi De Lana reveals her secret hopes and dreams

Tweet

If there’s one reward that Gigi De Lana would love to receive from all her hard work as the fastest-rising singer and musician today, it is certainly not something material.

“I’m very thankful for all the good things that have been happening to me lately, but that one thing that will make me be truly at my happiest is seeing my mom healthy and happy and live a longer life,” Gigi confided to the media in her online launch event as PLDT Home’s ambassador.

“My mom is battling stage 4 breast cancer, and she has been my inspiration and motivation to pursue my dreams.”

From being the frontwoman of viral YouTube cover band The Gigi Vibes, Gigi, at 26, is fast becoming local entertainment's next big star. She recently released her self-titled debut album under Star Music and made her feature film debut as Love Mae in Four Sisters before the Wedding in 2020.

Yet, Gigi considers being busy and swamped with work a blessing. She calls this career take-off the start of a fulfilled dream, one Mommy Imelda has long prayed for.

“My mother has a lot of dreams and hopes for me. I want to make at least some of them come true. And I want to prove to her that she has been right all along to believe in me even before anyone else ever did. She dreamed I’d make it big one day, be seen on huge billboards and all that,” Gigi revealed.

And so, Gigi’s role as PLDT Home ambassador was another welcome blessing for someone who’s built her career around fast, strong, and interactive connections online.

“So, imagine how happy she was when I told her the news that I am now a PLDT Home ambassador! It was a dream come true for both of us and it felt very rewarding,” Gigi added.

Having just successfully released her first single “Sakalam”, Gigi has never been busier, having just released her album a few months ago. She’s just thankful that on most days she can work from home with her band and spend quality time with her mom.

“You know, it’s not an exaggeration to say that the connection my mom and I share is as strong as PLDT Home’s internet service. We always try to connect online even when I’m away! She’s the sweetest! She makes it a point to support me by buying me clothes online and catching my band's next livestream! Thanks to PLDT Home,” she gushed. Gigi De Lana and the Gigi Vibes weekly YouTube live show is powered by PLDT Home Fiber’s lag-free and seamless internet connection.

Gigi wishes to spend more years with her mom. She prays that Mommy Imelda gets to see her fulfill all their dreams together, including singing for a teleserye, appearing on a billboard, and starting a family. She hopes to do more things with her—eating out, traveling, shopping, more traveling and shopping!

For now, Gigi sees to it she spends quality time with family no matter how busy her career gets. It’s one of her non-negotiables and one that allows her internal compass to always point to the true north. Because, for Gigi, having a successful career will always remain secondary to having a fulfilling life with her family.

“When I can’t balance my time with work and family, I feel like there’s an empty space inside of me. And I don’t want to feel that way. I wouldn’t trade being with her for anything in the world. I love her so much,” Gigi said.

Make every day rewarding with PLDT Home Rewards

Like Gigi who believes that spending quality time with her family at home is what makes every day rewarding, PLDT Home subscribers can make building the strongest connections at home even more rewarding with the PLDT Home Rewards program.

Join the PLDT Home Rewards Getaway Giveaway! Simply register for free via pldthome.info/caltexpldtrewards until June 30, 2022. And you’ll get a chance to win one (1) of five (25) Caltex StarCash Cards worth P20,000 each to gas up and more.

Once registered, start collecting Crystals for simply enrolling your account to electronic billing, signing up for upgrades, or paying your bills on-time and in-full. And now, earning from PLDT bills payments are made even easier as members can now earn 5x more Crystals monthly as PLDT Home Rewards now gives 1 Crystal for every P50 paid. Collect enough Crystals and get more amazing treats and perks including discount vouchers from dining and retail partners (such as The SM Store, Shopee, GrabFood and a whole lot more!) and bill credits for PLDT, Smart, Cignal, and Maynilad.

Learn more about PLDT Home Rewards and the Getaway Giveaway promo by visiting pldthome.com/rewards

Vince Velasco on building an easy fitness habit at home - Kickstart your fitness journey with the PLDT Home ambassador and one of the metro’s most sought-after fitness instructors!

Tweet

Rain or shine, now is the best time to start your fitness journey. Whether to feel good about yourself or prepare for your vacation at the beach, getting in shape is always done best when you’re inspired and having fun, says TV/events host, fitness instructor, and PLDT Home ambassador Vince Velasco.

“The key is to do something you find fun so you avoid burning out, and then, to consistently work on one’s weaknesses and integrate them with the exercise that they love,” he shares as his number one workout advice.

Vince spends a lot of time keeping fit at the gym, and as a diehard NBA fan, he takes inspiration from some of the strongest and most athletic basketball players in the league — all of whom, he follows closely on social media and in the games accessed through the NBA League Pass powered by PLDT Home.

Among his fitness inspirations are Michael Jordan and Dwayne Wade and aside from their athleticism, Vince loves the NBA for the intense rivalries and matchups. As the NBA Finals draws closer, he gets to view the games and the play-by-play commentaries on his gadgets anytime of the day through an NBA League Pass powered by PLDT Home.

“The NBA League Pass is a game-changer for us especially if you love stats and data," Vince says. “It offers live stats so you get to track the teams’ standing, and because I’m always on-the-go, the multiple viewing feature makes the experience optimized whether I’m watching from a phone, a tablet, or a laptop.”

Vince also enjoys the interactive features of the NBA League Pass. “The polls and other activities in the app keep the games interesting,” he says. “So aside from witnessing the games live and on-demand, there’s also the entertainment aspect that can be appreciated by die-hard basketball fans and after-hour athletes alike.”

Over time, Vince’s fitness journey led him toward hosting, modeling, and even acting. He is now one the most sought-after fitness instructors in the metro serving as an inspiration to many others! Curious on how Vince reached and maintained his peak form? Read on to know more about his fitness pointers!

1. Draw from your motivation

From his studio work as a boxing and high-intensity workout instructor, Vince eventually took his classes to the digital space because of the pandemic. He later witnessed the rising demand for his Zoom classes and fitness videos, as more people did their workouts at home. Through PLDT Home Fiber’s fastest and strongest connection powering his home, Vince was able to conduct his workout classes with no interruption.

He finds teaching others as his own way of paying it forward to those who are struggling with their own fitness goals and other body issues.

"I was overweight and had body image issues when I was younger. Seeing so many people have the same issues as I did inspired me to help them to achieve their fitness goals," he said.

2. Take it easy

To lose weight, Vince first went through rigorous exercises and put together a calorie deficit program for months. He kept his workouts intense with cardio sessions and strength training sessions. He followed a clean diet, staying away from sweets and other processed foods.

“I used to fall off the wagon from time to time. Later, I learned to take things slow and methodical,” he recalls. “Now, I just eat intuitively, work out consistently, and stay in a calorie deficit diet. There's really no need for you to be averse to desserts and carbs all the time.”

3. Stay inspired!

Vince keeps himself motivated through the support of his family and friends. “My personal fitness journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. I had to work on it, and improve my fitness and career goals from a more realistic and enjoyable perspective,” he says. “Now, I find it extremely exhilarating to pass on that feeling and mindset to others.”

For non-stop basketball action, PLDT Home subscribers can avail of of the monthly NBA League Pass package at PHP 485. The pass provides unlimited access to an entire season of NBA games in high-definition for one whole month. 

For more information on how to enjoy the NBA League Pass via a PLDT Home subscription, check out pldthome.com/nba-leaguepass.

5 most breathtaking Baguio sites showcased on The Broken Marriage Vow

Tweet

Keep up with all the raging drama with Viu Premium powered by PLDT Home!

Photo credits: Viu Philippines

The log houses we all wish our parents own plus Baguio’s pine trees and gorgeous mountain views fill the backdrop of the emotional roller coaster hit drama series that is The Broken Marriage Vow.

Almost every episode lands on the trending pages of social media platforms. The show has become so popular it’s now one of the top titles on the streaming platform Viu, made cheaper and more accessible through a Viu Premium account powered by PLDT Home.

The marriage of Dr. Jill Victorino (Jodi Sta. Maria) and David Ilustre (Zanjoe Marudo) may have crumbled because of his affair with Lexy Lucero (Sue Ramirez). Yet, as we’re watching the frustrating and heartbreaking moments, we can’t help but think, “Tara, let’s go to Baguio!”

Beyond the riveting drama, we also find ourselves captivated by the sights all found within our Summer Capital. Raring to travel again? Here are a few of the series’ most iconic filming locations you, too, can visit while channeling your inner drama heroine!

Burnham Park

Located in downtown Baguio, Burnham Park is the city’s most famous park. Here, you can go boating on colorful swan boats, people-watch by the lake, even ride a bike. If you’re Dr. Jill, however, the park designed by Daniel Burnham may just be the perfect place for you to take a walk to clear your mind — and maybe plan your revenge — after discovering your husband is into some monkey business.

Camp John Hay

Surrounded by pine trees, fresh air, and the most amazing log cabins, Camp John Hay is a no-brainer must-visit for anyone visiting Baguio. To really complete the healing nature-filled experience, go enjoy the green scene and have a meal in Chef Billie King’s Le Chef Restaurant at the Manor.

Camp John Hay is more than just a sanctuary for our The Broken Marriage Vow family — in fact, it’s where most of the drama goes down.

Photo credits: Viu Philippines 

White House of the Lord of Scents

In real life, the White House of the Lord of Scents is the abode of fragrance mogul Joel Cruz in Camp John Hay. While not a public tourist destination, it has become an attraction of its own because of its signature floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight its sweeping spiral staircase.

This is also where the show’s most iconic scene (colloquially called the batukan scene) happens. Knowing her husband is cheating with the daughter of the wealthy Luceros, Jill decides to invite themselves to dinner at the Lucero house for a grand confrontation.

Photo credits: Baguio Country Club 

Baguio Country Club

This is where Lexy Lucero’s parents often meet Jill — either as friends hanging out over lunch or in later episodes as enemies trading barbs as they are too civilized to go at each other’s throats.

The famous 117-year-old landmark isn’t just home to the best raisin bread and banana bread in the country, it also offers some of Baguio's most breathtaking views!

Kennon Road

While definitely picturesque, Kennon Road is also among the country’s most hazardous thoroughfares. Cliffs bracket the narrow road, making for a very steep fall if one is not careful. The tragedy snaking through this beauty fits the outwardly perfect Ilustre family finally succumbing to its own troubles.

In a scene shot along Kennon Road, Gio confronts his mother for not having time for him while Jill tries to console him. Jill soon realizes the gravity of the situation, now taking a toll on her conflicted child. It’s a raw moment that zooms in on children often becoming the biggest victims of a broken family.

We live for the nonstop scandal and drama of The Broken Marriage Vow, but we also find comfort in how directors Connie Macatuno and Andoy Ranay handle touchier subjects on the show.

Entertainment made better (and cheaper) at home!

See the drama on The Broken Marriage Vow unfold further in Baguio’s sights to behold — through a Viu Premium access powered by PLDT Home’s fastest and most reliable connections! Enjoy more of the hottest Asian content with no ads and same-day subtitled releases for select titles at just P80/month, the cheapest in the Philippines and already charged to your account!

Learn more by visiting pldthome.com/viu.

 

Miss Universe PH 2022 Celeste Cortesi bares #UniquelyBeautiful heart for family. The newly hailed queen is also this year’s Miss PLDT Home!

Tweet

Besting 31 other candidates with her unique beauty, wit, and passion for her advocacies, Pasay City’s Celeste Cortesi clinched the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 crown. The Filipino-Italian beauty is also now the new Miss PLDT Home titleholder.

The 24-year-old Cortesi is no stranger to pageants, after representing the Philippines at the Miss Earth competition in 2018. In this year's competition, Cortesi showed grace, intelligence, and candor in conquering the Miss Universe Philippines stage. She shares, “I am excited to be part of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization. I will be working with them to advance my advocacies for women’s education and protection of our country’s indigenous people and rich cultural heritage.”

Besides her advocacies, Cortesi proves that she’s a queen with a uniquely beautiful heart. Throughout the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, she has been outspoken about her deep love and care for her family. “Since I was a kid, my parents have taught me the power of gratitude and kindness for everyone I meet. I always believe that being grateful creates a ripple effect and in turn, brings the best out of people.”

Cortesi further emphasized the importance of strong bonds with family and loved ones. In her winning answer at the final question and answer portion, she said, “If I could stop time, I would spend it with my family, especially my mother. It’s been two years since I haven’t spent time with my family because they live in Italy, and I came here in the Philippines just by myself. If I had a chance to spend one day, I would definitely be with my mom, and I would just tell her how much I love her and I miss her.”

As the newest PLDT Home Ambassador, Cortesi shows that strong connections can powerfully conquer distances. After winning the Miss Universe Philippines title, she even shared a heartwarming tribute for her mom on social media with the caption: “Far from each other, but always connected. To make you proud is the greatest fulfillment of my life.”

Joining Cortesi as this year’s Miss Universe Philippines titleholders are Miss Universe Philippines Tourism Michelle Marquez Dee, Miss Universe Philippines Charity, Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx, Miss Universe Philippines 1st runner-up Annabelle McDonnell, and Miss Universe Philippines 2nd runner-up Ma. Katrina Llegado.

PLDT Home is the official broadband partner of Miss Universe Philippines. As the fastest and most powerful internet connection in the country, PLDT Home has been enabling families – just like Cortesi’s – to do things better and to build stronger and more meaningful bonds at home.

Cortesi will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2022 pageant to be held in December in San José, California.

Follow and be part of her Miss Universe journey of using the hashtags #BeAStrongerYou, #MUPH2022, and #UniquelyBeautiful. Stay updated with the latest news about PLDT Home through its social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pldthome), Instagram and Twitter (@pldthome).

Opposing political views in the family? Watch #UsapTayo video

Tweet

In a few days, Filipinos will cast their votes in the May 9 national elections. To say that the road to the elections has been tumultuous is an understatement–it’s no secret that differing political views and miscommunication have put a strain on the relationships within Filipino families.

As a brand that promotes strong and meaningful connections at home, PLDT Home has always believed that the home should remain a safe space for every family member to speak up and listen with an open heart.

This is at the heart of #USAPTAYO, PLDT Home’s newest video that encourages every Filipino family to sit down and have meaningful discussions and create stronger connections at home, especially during the elections.

Wondering how to create an open, safe space in a divided household? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Set the mood for an open, honest discussion. 

Clearly establish that your relationships with each other matter more than loyalties to any candidate, cause, or ideology. So, hold off on reactions or judgments that may hurt or turn off your family members. Remember that everyone’s feelings are valid, but the language of truth is love, softly and humbly spoken.

2. Disarm each other with positive, sincere language

Everyone prefers to be validated so prepare to concede a few things and pivot to positive language. For example, your siblings might be intractably advocating for their candidate, so tell them you admire them for being headstrong or decisive. Just make sure you say this sincerely and authentically.

3. Find a common ground

You may support different candidates but if you bring yourselves to accept that you have more important things in common than not, you would be on better footing for the talk. Your dreams and aspirations, both individual and shared, would be a good place to start.

4. Discuss intelligently but consider feelings

Sure, be ready with logic, facts, and your candidate’s credentials, but do not get drawn into a heated debate. Consider that every individual is different and that one’s decisions may not always be based on logic, but emotions or experiences.

5. Ensure that love is at the center of it all. 

Family members may differ in opinion when it comes to political beliefs, but we must remember to put love in the center of our discussions and in the way that we treat our parents, siblings, children, and other relatives. After all, we can influence each other for the better when we live and love by example.

This coming national election and beyond, let us remember the value of compassionate and meaningful discussions to make better, stronger, and meaningful connections at home.

Watch PLDT Home’s #USAPTAYO video here. To learn more about PLDT Home, visit www.pldthome.com.

Gretchen Ho: ‘Meeting NBA legends only humbled me down’

Tweet

Having had the privilege to meet the likes of Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry once upon a time, PLDT Home Ambassador Gretchen Ho reveals the most important life lessons she’s learned in her career as a sportswoman

Volleyball may have been Gretchen Ho’s ticket to fame as one of the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Fab Five during the 2010s — the sport that paved her way to being a celebrity athlete and journalist. But catch the PLDT ambassador in a heart-to-heart, and she’ll let you in on her first great love — basketball.

“My dad was a basketball player in his youth, so he would always teach us how to play and keep us abreast with the latest basketball games. My three brothers and I grew up to be basketball lovers! We’re a very sporty family, so enjoying the NBA with them was just one natural way we bonded together,” Gretchen recalls.

From an NBA fangirl to a bona fide sportscaster who has covered the games on location and met the league’s stars in person way back when, Gretchen — like many other basketball fans — has found new ways to enjoy the games despite the pandemic. The TV5 and One News anchor remains updated with the league’s 75th season through the NBA League Pass, the NBA’s premium live game subscription service. Using the League Pass, made more affordable and accessible through PLDT Home Fiber, Gretchen is able to watch the games and other exclusive content with the family — an experience that triggers many childhood memories and even life aspirations.

An NBA fangirl’s dream

One of Gretchen's most memorable NBA moments was watching the historic Chicago Bulls - Utah Jazz Finals Game 6 back in 1998. At eight years old, she saw Michael Jordan steal the ball from Karl Malone, with the Jazz leading 86-85 and with 18.9 seconds left. A young Gretchen found herself sharing the victorious moment as MJ nailed that game-winning jumper to give the Bulls their sixth title.

“When Michael Jordan made his final winning shot, I was jumping up and down the bed in my pajamas! Sabi ko nga nung bata ako, pangarap ko maging NBA player — hindi WNBA, NBA talaga! I don’t know why I said that to my dad as a young girl!” she recalls with a laugh.

While the opportunity to be an NBA player remains a hoop dream, Gretchen was able to experience the next best thing: Covering the NBA All-Star Weekend twice in a row as a sports journalist.

“It was surreal for me and a great privilege. Seeing all the top NBA athletes come together to play felt like being in the Disneyland of basketball. It was great seeing how agile, strong, and flawless they were in their play,” she enthuses.

Among Gretchen’s biggest NBA fangirl moments were in 2018, when she interviewed Chris Bosh who was then set to retire from a blood clot injury; and in 2019, when she saw Michael Jordan himself in the historic Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in Los Angeles.

“I’ve always loved every chance I got to tell these stories. As an athlete and a sports fan myself, I've always made sure to pour my heart into sharing these inspiring journeys to the audiences,” she says of the experience.

Her hardcourt inspiration

It is every sports fan’s dream to meet their idols in person. In Gretchen’s case, not only did she meet Golden State Warrior’s Stephen Curry, she also hosted two events for him during his time in Manila.

“Steph Curry is a phenomenal game changer—the first player in NBA history to make 3,000 career 3-pointers. And yet, he stays humble. I love who he is inside and outside the court. He’s very playful on the court and a great family man off it,” she shares.

Gretchen personally feels drawn to stories of underdogs who had fought through with nothing but perseverance — much like San Francisco’s Golden Boy.

“Beyond the games, what I love about the NBA are the inspiring stories the league's stars carry with them. It’s amazing how much hard work they put into their craft to stand out and make a mark among other great basketball players around the world,” she says.

“What I love the most are stories of players who have been undervalued yet have worked their way up with constant improvement, quality in performance, and commitment so they can be the best they could ever be. I think this is relatable to anybody who aspires to be better in whatever they do.”

A growing NBA community

It’s this underdog arc that Gretchen finds relatable to many Filipinos — known for pulling through adversity in any sport, career, or just about any situation.

“It’s no secret. Everywhere you go in the Philippines, there’s always a basketball court! If not a full one, there’s at least a makeshift one on some post or board,” she muses.

Gretchen especially feels delighted that Filipino athletes are now making it in the league. Take for example Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson and Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green, she says, two Filipino-American athletes now sharing the NBA court for the first time and making a mark in the league.

“This just goes to show that the Filipino can make it. I love it when Jordan and Jalen openly acknowledge that they are Filipinos! It makes the dream to send a full-blooded Filipino even more reachable when you see the two of them doing well in the NBA!”

These days, even with no NBA field assignments, Gretchen stays updated with the league through her devices. As the excitement continuously piles up on the NBA’s historic 75th Anniversary Season, Gretchen remains connected to the world’s biggest basketball league — through the NBA League Pass powered by PLDT Home.

For fans like Gretchen who can get technical about the games, the NBA League Pass offers live stats and multiple viewing options. It also includes the NBA Mobile View, which delivers a closer shot of the action optimized for viewing on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

“It is a great way to keep up with the jam-packed schedule of games, storylines, and tributes. With NBA League Pass, I’m able to watch the marquee games live and on-demand,” Gretchen says. “I also love that it has many great features — like using different camera angles so I can view every heart-stopping moment the way I want to!”

With NBA League Pass charged to your PLDT Home Fiber bill, Filipino homes can have a virtual front-row seat to a variety of games for as low as P85 a month!

PLDT Home remains the undisputed fastest broadband network in the Philippines after an impressive speed performance for the second half of 2021, dominating its telco rivals with a Speed Score™ of 77.24 at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards. With the brand’s fast and reliable internet connection, NBA fans can enjoy uninterrupted sports action and continue to be updated on the league and its biggest stars this season and beyond!

For more information on how to enjoy the NBA League Pass via a PLDT Home subscription, please visit the official website at pldthome.com/nba-leaguepass.

Photo credits: Gretchen Ho