Things you Need To Know about 5G

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Have you ever wanted to experience the real power of 5G at home? PLDT Home’s new Home WiFi 5G+ might be the answer. Bringing the future of 5G connectivity into your home, it offers faster speeds, greater capacity, and enhanced flexibility. Here’s why upgrading to 5G+ could transform your home internet experience.

Unlocking the Real Power of 5G

Faster Speed:

Imagine your current LTE internet speed multiplied by up to 10—that’s the kind of performance boost 5G delivers. The new standard for wireless connectivity, 5G can deliver as high as gigabit speeds for your device. With faster speeds versus its previous generation, 5G also delivers a more stable upload and download experience on a wireless connection.

Better Support for Connected Devices: 

When several smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, home security cameras, and even your personal smartwatch are connected all at once at home, 5G can support all these high bandwidth demand. As more household devices nowadays require connectivity, 5G allows better handling of simultaneous internet use.

Latency:

Latency refers to the delay between sending data from your device and receiving a response. 5Gcan reduce latency to as little as 1 millisecond. This is especially useful for interconnected devices at home and real-time online activities like gaming, video calls, and even emerging technologies like virtual reality, where every millisecond counts.

Why Choose PLDT Home WiFi 5G+?

Uncapped speeds and WiFi 6 Technology: 

The PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ device can deliver uncapped speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps, far surpassing the capabilities of other 5G devices some competitors use. With these speeds, downloading a full-length movie in seconds is possible! PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ also excels at connecting multiple devices up to 15 gadgets simultaneously. Whether it's video conferencing, HD streaming or gaming, PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ ensures smoother, more reliable internet for the whole family.

PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ also uses WiFi 6 technology, which supports faster data transfer and higher bandwidth compared to older standards. This enhances indoor coverage and performance, ensuring seamlessand uninterrupted online activities.

Network Coverage: 

PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) covers 97% of the population and is part of the Philippines’ largest integrated network that includes PLDT’s most extensive fiber infrastructure. With PLDT Home WiFi 5G+, you’re getting faster speeds and more stable and consistent connection with Smart’s 5G network that’s available in over 600 cities and municipalities nationwide.

Plug-and-Play Convenience: 

Setting up PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ is hassle-free. With a plug-and-play modem, there's no need for professional installation—just plug it in, register the SIM to activate, and start using high-speed internet right away. Whether purchased from PLDT and Smart stores, PLDT and Smart official store in Shopee, or in SM touchpoints, it’s never been easier to get connected.

True Unli and Flexible Experience: 

PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ offers a prepaid service. For a promotional price of ₱1,495, you get a modem, a 5G SIM card, and 15 days of unlimited WiFi. After that, simply reload your data as needed. What makes this even more unique is the true unlimited experience. While other prepaid services still use volume cap for loading, PLDT Home gives users a true unli experience whether you’re using a 4G or 5G device. You won’t need to worry about reloading and you have flexible load options depending on your need.

For more information or to check if your area is covered by Smart’s 5G network, visit PLDT Home WiFi 5G+.

PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid Offers Free Eat Bulaga Livestream Everyday

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Remember your childhood when you would spend noontimes watching your favorite TV show Eat Bulaga?

Well, Eat Bulaga! has gone digital now, livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube during their usual Monday to Saturday timeslot. Now, you don’t have to miss a single episode of the kulitan and tawanan, even if you’re not in front of a TV! PLDT HomeWiFi makes it easier too because now all its FamLoad All Access gives1GB of data for Eat Bulaga! live steam from Monday to Saturday 11:30AM to 2:30PM.

Of course, there’s more to these PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid perks! Here are five things you need to know:

1. You can get affordable internet for as low as P99

Fast internet at home is now more affordable and accessible! PLDT Home’s FamLoad data packs go for as low as P99 for up to 12GB of internet for three days. PLDT HomeWiFi’sFamload All Access offers give families to options to choose data packages up to 186GB that’s good for 30 days.

2. You can get data packages that’s right for your family’s needs

The FamLoad data packages are super flexible, and you can subscribe to the ones that best fit your needs.

You can adjust to a budget and grab something manageable like FamLoad All Access 199 for 38GB for seven days if you just need to do some light browsing, streaming, or social media surfing. Or if you and the family have huge data demands for work, school, and play, then the FamLoad All Access 1149 package is the best for you! It has a total of 186GB allowing everyone to do what they need with 2GB all access every day, 1GB data for Eat Bulaga Live Stream and 100GB more data for worry-free internet use of the whole family. You choose and control how much data you spend at home.

3. You can use it to watch Eat Bulaga! every day

The great thing about FamLoad promos is that not only does it give you the data you need for work and school, but it also makes sure you don’t miss a single day of Eat Bulaga! Famload All Access gives 1GB data every day to livestream Eat Bulaga! from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays, as long as your data pack is active.

4. You get free unlimited data for 15 days when you buy a new PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid device

For those who haven’t taken the plunge yet, PLDT Home WiFiLTE Advancedand 5G+ also make it enticing to get one: every new device comes with 15 days of unlimited data. That’s great value for your money right out of the box, meaning you and your family don’t have to wait to start enjoying fast and reliable internet at home! After the 15 days run out, you can then keep getting sulitinternet with the FamLoad All Access data packages.

5. It’s easy to subscribe to a FamLoad promo

You don’t have to run to any store to subscribe to a FamLoad promo every time you need to go online. While you can go to retail partners that have it available, you can also subscribe to a FamLoad promo anytime you need via the Smart App, as well as Maya and GCash, and other banking apps. It’s that easy!

To learn more about PLDT Home Prepaid Home WiFi, visit http://pldthome.com/homewifi.

PLDT Home Uncaps 5G+ Experience with Home WiFi

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PLDT Home ushers a new era of 5G technology in the country with the new PLDT Home WiFi 5G+, capable of delivering uncapped speeds of up to 1.5Gbps at the ground-breaking introductory price of only P1,495.

“PLDT Home has always been at the forefront of driving innovations in broadband technologies in the country. Backed by our robust network, our fixed wireless access (FWA) has the capability to deliver up to 1.5 Gbps. With an advanced device that connects to the 5G and 4G network, our PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ is changing the game in the wireless segment,” says Jeremiah de la Cruz, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business Home Group.

PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ is leading the next wave of fixed wireless evolution for Filipinos. "As we continue to expand our network nationwide, our customers on 4G can already enjoy its benefits now and look forward to the 5G experience with our continuous 5G roll-out. With the continued demand for fixed wireless solutions in the country, our focus remains – to deliver reliable connectivity for our customers’ better digital experiences at home,” he adds.

Delivering Gigabit speeds with 5G+

In today’s digital world, a strong internet connection is essential for work, school, and staying connected with loved ones. PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ features WiFi 6 technology that addresses these needs head-on, capable of speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps.

WiFi 6 offers dual band, built-in antenna and connects up to 15 devices at home, ensuring that everyone in the family can stay connected. This technology supports faster data transfer and higher bandwidth compared to earlier standards other internet providers still use. This enhances speed, range, and performance, ensuring seamless 4K streaming, smooth online gaming, and uninterrupted video calls for remote work or online classes.

Offering flexible connectivity

PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ stands out for its affordability and flexibility. The reloadable prepaid model allows families to manage their internet expenses effectively, avoiding installation fees and giving them control over their usage—perfect for those on a budget.

Its plug-and-play setup is user-friendly, requiring no complex installation, and customers can easily top up their data with options like FamLoad All Access, Unlifam, and Magic Data. With load prices starting at just ₱99, families can tailor their WiFi access to fit their daily needs.

To kickstart the real 5G experience, PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ offers unlimited WiFi for 15 days without any speed cap, available upon successful registration of the SIM that comes with the device.

Widest network in PH

The PLDT Group’s continued investments in enhancing its integrated network and in innovating its products and services are aligned with the group’s commitment to democratize access to the latest technologies like 5G, enable 5G for all, and deliver leveled-up customer experience across the country. Its mobile network Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) covers 97% of the population and is part of the Philippines’ largest integrated network that includes PLDT’s most extensive fiber infrastructure.

This initiative contributes to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to narrow the digital divide, provide connectivity to all, and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce the Group’s support for the Government's overall digitalization thrust.

For more information on PLDT Home WiFi, visit PLDT Home WiFi 5G+.

Best Deal Alert! Supercharge your home with an all-in-one broadband plan

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Five reasons why you should get PLDT Home Fiber Unli All

Today’s digital life has many advantages-- from the convenience of working remotely to staying connected with your family and having a variety of choices for entertainment at home.

But while more Filipinos have access to the internet today—an estimated 69 million who spend an average of nine hours online daily—the reality is that consumers are tightening their belts to prioritize their needs. At the end of the day, we must be smarter with our budget.

Fully understanding customers’ digital needs, PLDT Home offers a new Fiber Unli All plan which bundles unlimited internet with up to 2x more speeds, unlimited mobile and landline calls, and unlimited entertainment via Cignal TV. Thus, giving families more value for their money.

1. Unli mobile calls

The Fiber Unli All Plans come with an enhanced unlimited mobile calls feature, which lets the whole family enjoy free calls and texts from mobile to mobile, unlimited calls from mobile to landline, landline to landline, and landline to mobile. To enjoy this feature, customers can register five (5) Smart or TNT numbers.

2. Unli internet with faster speeds

The Fiber Unli All plan 1399 now comes with speeds of up to 100 Mbps speeds, which is twice as fast as the previous plan at 50 Mbps. Your whole family can enjoy playing games or watching online videos on multiple devices seamlessly. Downloading and uploading heavy files from the cloud can be done in a snap at double the speed!

3. Minimize spending on a plan

Not all internet usage is the same. A household of five obviously has heavier usage than solo nesters. Conversely, the same number of people may have bigger demands if they’re gamers or working from home, and lesser demand if they’re at the office all day.

Solo nesters may opt for the Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 while families with heavy bandwidth requirement may choose Fiber Unli All Plan 1799, ensuring that they get the best deal for their internet subscription based on their digital lifestyle.

4. Premium movies and TV shows

With Fiber Unli All, you can get Cignal Plan 290 with 93 amazing channels bundled into the deal!

This gives you access to Cignal’s vast selection of premium channels that feature daily choices of popular international and local movies, TV shows, sports, news and kids’ programming. There’s really something for everyone in the family to enjoy, whether it’s classic movies and TV series or highly anticipated new blockbusters. It’ll take your family’s movie night to the next level, for sure!

5. Simplified billing, multiple services

Receiving and paying for one bill for multiple services make it easier to do monthly budget and tracking expenses, potentially leading to further savings. The convenience of paying for an internet and cable TV services (plus unlimited calls or texts for free) all in one account also enables the convenience of using digital payment apps to schedule monthly payments.

PLDT Home gives customers the option to choose between Fiber Unli All Plans 1399 and 1799, ensuring that they get the best deal for their internet subscription.

Check out how PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans can supercharge your home by visiting this link.

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

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

Photo By Dookie Ducay

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The Bulaceña stunner talks about home, family, and growing up in every sense of the word as she becomes super charged for an exciting journey ahead

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

Photo By Dookie Ducay

Speaking to Metro.Style, Chelsea candidly talks about being away from her family in Bulacan, especially now that her Miss Universe journey is running at full speed. A lesson that she learned from her Miss Universe Philippines stint is the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones.

“(I always) value the time with the people who are really close to my heart,” she tells Metro.Style. When away from home, Chelsea makes sure to keep in touch with loved ones via landline, mobile, or the internet with reliable connection powered by PLDT Home. The new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 with speeds of up to 100 Mbps and unlimited landline and mobile calls covering 5 Smart/TNT numbers in the family allows her to go all out with stories and updates for her loved ones – providing her no limits as she inches closer to her dream.

Photo By PLDT Home

During her Q&A at Miss Universe Philippines 2024 most especially, Chelsea mentioned her mom to be instrumental in building her self-confidence – with constant reminders to believe in herself. Being the first Filipina of African descent to represent the Philippines, Chelsea not only aims to bring representation and diversity to the international pageant, but also to inspire women as her mom did.

Chelsea shows that staying connected with people who lift you up will bring out your best self. It’s also proof that your best self starts at home – with family and friends who have always been there since the beginning. Now, it’s her turn to use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to empower women not just in the Philippines but from around the world.

Read Metro.Style’s cover story on Chelsea Manalo here. Know more on who have always been there for her through her journey — and how she relies on PLDT Home to connect with her loved ones, fulfill her advocacies, and ultimately conquer her dreams here:

Just like Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and PLDT Home Ambassador Chelsea Manalo, you too can be your best self at home by subscribing to PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399, designed to give customers the best value for their money. Go super charged as you enjoy unlimited Fiber connection with speeds of up to 100Mbps, unlimited entertainment with Cignal, and unlimited calls to Smart/TNT all in one plan!

Never miss a connection with your friends and family. To know more about the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399, visit pldthome.com/fiber for more details.

Is your online lover too good to be true? Know the red flags of a love scammer

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Dating in the digital age has become easier with so many apps and services to choose from. By the end of 2023, it was reported that 441 million people were using dating apps actively, generating around $8.7 billion in revenues globally through matchmaking services.

The appeal of dating apps is that you’re not limited by geography. You can meet people online in your city or in another country; you get to see how they look like from their profiles; find out their interests; and if you begin chatting, you can judge if you’re compatible enough to go on a first date.

 

Many Filipinos have fallen victim to romance scams, among other fakery proliferating online. Now there’s a Facebook page that crowdsources information and experiences so that you can be more aware about scams. Called Online Alerto, it’s a Facebook community page dedicated to the dissemination of invaluable insights, resources, and strategies related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and responsible online behavior.

 

Acting as a collaborative platform, it facilitates members in validating their online purchases and transactions while fostering an environment where personal experiences are exchanged to help enhance online safety and awareness among all members. Online Alerto is absolutely free—all you need to do is join the community page to raise your own awareness about cybercrimes.

 

While identity theft and hacking are the leading cybercrimes globally, love scams are rapidly on the rise. In Southeast Asia, these crimes have two victims: those deceived by the scam and those that are trafficked into doing the scams.

 

Online Alerto has pooled resources on the internet for warnings and tips on avoiding love scams.   

 

                                                   

Avoid these red flags

• ·       The person expresses strong emotions and love for you very quickly, often within days or weeks of initial contact.
• ·     They quickly ask you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly on WhatsApp or SMS, where they can manipulate you more easily.
• ·       If an individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information, they could later blackmail you or extort money from you.
• ·       When you make plans to meet in person, they always come up with an excuse why they can’t.
• ·       They ask for money for various reasons such as travel expenses, medical emergencies, or business opportunities. This is often the biggest and most obvious red flag.
• ·       They tell you stories to elicit sympathy, such as being widowed, having a sick child, or facing some urgent crisis.
• ·       They ask you many personal questions, but they avoid sharing their personal details or give information that cannot be verified such as a home address or workplace.

 

What scammers say to hook you in

"I or someone close to me is sick, hurt, or in jail."

"I can teach you how to invest."

"I'm in the military far away."

"I need help with an important delivery."

"We've never met, but let's talk about marriage."

"I've come into some money or gold."

"I'm on an oil rig or ship."

"You can trust me with your private pictures."

 

Ways to protect yourself

• ·       Reverse search the person’s photo by using online searches like Google Images.
• ·      Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers use details shared on social media  and dating sites to better understand and target you.
• ·       Maintain a healthy level of skepticism, especially if things seem too good to be true.
• ·       Suggest a video call early in your communication.
• ·    Check their social media profiles for consistency with what they've told you. Look for a reasonable number of friends, photos, and posts over time. A lack of social media presence or a newly created profile can be a red flag.
• ·       If you decide to meet in person, choose a public place and inform a friend or family member about your plans. Ensure the person you meet matches their online presence.
• ·      Some dating apps offer identity verification features, like blue checkmarks, to indicate users who have verified their identity through the app.

Join Online Alerto on Facebook to better protect yourself from romance and other scams and learn from other people’s experiences.

 

 

PLDT Home’s first and biggest nationwide Fiber Fest brings exclusive deals and rewards

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

Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles lead the Fiber Fest Squad

Kim Molina

Jerald Napoles

Adding excitement to this special weekend are professional basketball team, TNT Tropang Giga and e-sports personality and cosplayer, Een Mercado. Aside from getting a chance to do a meet-and-greet with their favorite stars and PLDT Home ambassadors during this fun-filled weekend, families will get access to the new Fiber Unli All plans, exclusive promos, entertaining activities and rewards from PLDT Home.

“We are here for every Filipino family. Through our nationwide PLDT Home Fiber Fest promotion, we’re bringing our digital services closer to their homes. We will be going from city to city to make sure that we’re able to power every household with our most reliable digital solutions within 24 hours,” says Patrick Tang, PLDT First Vice President and Head of Home Acquisition Marketing.

E-sports personality Een Mercado

TNT Tropang Giga Rookie Kim Aurin

TNT Tropang Giga Ping Exciminiano

Feast on Exciting Deals

Offering the best value for money, PLDT Home offers Fiber Unli All broadband plans that come with unlimited Fiber internet, unlimited entertainment content from Cignal TV, and unlimited calls to PLDT, Smart and TNT.

At the PLDT Home Fiber Fest, customers who subscribe to Fiber Unli All Plan 1799 will enjoy free installation and savings of up to P3,600. Customers may also opt for P100 discount for their monthly service fee for the whole year.

Customers also get to enjoy freebies and prizes from PLDT Home, Cignal, Maya, MWell, Carmen’s Best. PLDT Home is also giving customers up to 220 Rewards Crystals which they can use for bill rebates and discounts from partner brands.

For existing subscribers who choose to upgrade their plans at the Fiber Fest weekend, they’ll enjoy P200 off from their monthly subscription fee for six (6) months.

And ultimately, subscribers can get a chance to win free one-year PLDT Home Fiber subscriptions and cash prizes up to P1 Million with PLDT Home’s One Million Giveaway (OMG) promo. PLDT Home Fiber Fest features a lot of exciting raffle prizes including cash and home appliances.

As part of the PLDT Group’s effort to also promote responsible electronic waste management and circularity among communities, PLDT Home brings its ‘Be Kind. Recycle.’ electronic waste (e-waste) collection drive at the Fiber Fest series. In cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the Global Environment Facility, PLDT’s ‘Be Kind. Recycle.’ program encourages families to donate for proper disposal and recycling their old and broken electronic devices, such as mobile phones, landline phones, routers, laptops, and chargers. E-waste boxes will be available at the PLDT Home Fiber Fest locations.

Starting this June in Antipolo, PLDT Home is set to bring the Fiber Fest in different cities nationwide throughout the year including Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Cebu, Zamboanga, and key areas in Metro Manila as a start.

Watch out for more details and event announcements about the PLDT Home Fiber Fest events on PLDT Home’s Facebook page here.

The enduring spirit of Independence Day heroes lives on in mompreneurs

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As we commemorate the country’s 126th Independence Day, we also reflect on its meaning and relevance in today's world. Just as we had inspiring heroes fighting for the Philippines’ right to self-government and freedom from colonial rule in 1898, we have modern-day heroes that continue to contribute to the nation’s growth and to individual self-sufficiency today.

These are Filipinos who overcome hardships to achieve personal and financial empowerment through entrepreneurship. According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, MSMEs “generate 62.4 percent of the country's total employment, contribute 36 percent of gross value added, and account for 25 percent of total exports.”

Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community that supports starting and established mompreneurs, exemplifies the enduring spirit of Filipinos whose businesses create opportunities for our people.

By creating products using materials and designs that are Filipino-centric impacts everyone in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It creates direct and indirect employment for suppliers and communities.

If there is any modern-day example of heroes, it is Filipino mothers who are smart to realize that it doesn’t takes a huge capital to start a business. When they changed their mindset that it could be done, they did it. After all, when you’re fighting for your family’s future, you become brave like the hero you can be.

From OFWs to business owners

For Lois Gabriel, mother of three daughters and an OFW in Dubai for six years in the early 2000s, the secret to becoming an entrepreneur was using her biggest skill: coordinating things. “Not everyone can coordinate with too many suppliers all at the same time. I am very good at reminding clients, following up suppliers, and doing quality control during execution.”

In Dubai, her degree in communication and her skill at organizing events paved the way to a side hustle in putting up events for her friends and church mates. When she came home to the Philippines to give birth, she decided to put up Lois Gabriel Events where she wears many hats as event coordinator, host and professional makeup artist.

“My first attempt didn’t materialize. In 2008, I enrolled at the School Fashion and Arts (SOFA) , where I took up makeup artistry. That was a game changer. I launched my makeup artistry page, clients were also looking for event coordination and that was the rebirth of Lois Gabriel Events. Currently, I have five people on staff and on call staff whenever I have events booked.”

The pandemic all but stopped her business but not her dreams. “My husband was earning enough for our daily needs, but we had no savings. Also, a very important reason for starting a business was my self-fulfillment as a woman and human being—that I am able to surpass the mediocrity cast upon women. It takes a lot of sweat and tears to be able to sustain a business.”

Another former OFW, April Ocampo worked in Macau and Singapore until the pandemic. In 2020, she was in the Philippines on maternity leave. For the next three years she was unemployed and became a full-time mom.

She wasn’t used to not working and suffered from post-partum depression. It caused her to question her worth, caused her anxiety and self-pity.“Napakaganda ng tinatakbo ng career ko noongwala pa akonganak. OFW po ako at tumutulongsapangangailangan ng pamilyanamin, may sarilingpera at kalayaan dati. Nawalan ako ng identity.”

To be honest, she says, putting up a business in the beginning was simply for herself, “para saakingsarili, para po sa sanity, at lalonglalo na po sa self-worth ko.”

In January this year, she put up Bounty Honey which sources wild honey in Mindanao. Her business began with only 18 bottles and P3,200.

Now, she is faced with the happy problem of supply since the demand for her honey is rising.

Leaving the comfort of the corporate world

Mommy Princess is a mompreneur who embodies an entrepreneur who tries her hand at business while an employee (she worked in BPO for 18 years) until she finally does it full time. During the pandemic, her company paid their employees three months despite halting work (they went back to the office after).

While stuck at home she sold homemade body wash under the name ISLA but pressed pause because she couldn’t find the right supplier. In 2022, she pivoted ISLA to handmade accessories using macramé and clay because they didn’t expire. “I’m a single parent with a 10-year-old and I still handcraft my jelwery pieces. When I have a lot of orders, I ask for help.” She employs stay-at-home moms and working students.

Mommy Princess says one of the biggest challenges in starting a business is limting one’s belief. “Whenyou’re surrounded by people that are not business minded, you get inputs like ‘Mahirapyan,’ ‘Naku saturated na ang market.’ The advantage in 2022 was it felt like everyone is starting a new normal life. So why not defy all the odds? What kept me going was my assurance that God got my back. His grace is sufficient.

Another corporate employee since she graduated from college, Ayeng Antonio-Mendez opened Abuela Café and Bakery in the last quarter of 2022 and began full operations in August the following year.

When you have a full-time job, starting a business takes courage because you are either leaving a regular income or if you don’t leave you’re adding more stress to your life. “In terms of our corporate job, we were doing very well. But on the business side, this is the most complicated because construction is ongoing then and there have been delays and additional costs.”

Mom to a four-year-old daughter, Ayeng says her family—her brother and sister-in-law, Ayeng and her husband—started the café because it was a long-held dream of her mom. “We are all working in the corporate world, and we thought why not we try to build our own business that someday our children will also benefit from and maybe continue. We also carry some recipes we had inherited from our grandmothers too. It’s like making their legacy and ours, combined, to continue evolving.”

These women have created a chain of impact around them—not only economically but also mentally: to be brave, to be open to new possibilities, to take on challenges along the way—that’s true freedom.

Empower yourself like these Filipino moms. Join Madiskarte Moms PH on Facebook.

The Verdict Is In: These Legal Dramas on Lionsgate Play Are Must-Watches

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What is it about legal dramas that captivate our attention? Is it the complex characters, the suspenseful courtroom scenes, or the high stakes that keep us on the edge of our seats? Lionsgate Play boasts a curated selection of riveting legal dramas that'll make you root for justice, keep you at the edge of your seat, and sometimes, even question your moral compass. From courtroom battles to behind-the-scenes drama, here's a must-watch list of the best legal dramas on Lionsgate Play.

Dark Waters

A gripping legal thriller that follows the real-life story of environmental attorney Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo), Dark Waters delves into the complexities of fighting a powerful corporation accused of contaminating a town's water supply. As Bilott uncovers a long history of pollution, the stakes rise, revealing the immense personal and professional sacrifices required to pursue justice.

The Sparring Partner

Based on actual events in Hong Kong, The Sparring Partner delves into the twisted psyche of Henry  (Yeung Wai Lun)and his accomplice Angus (Mak Pui Tung), who stand accused of murdering Henry’s parents. The courtroom drama unfolds through a series of interviews, revealing Henry's chilling demeanor and possible motives rooted in jealousy, greed, and sociopathy. Despite the seemingly clear-cut case against Henry, Angus' role remains ambiguous, clouded by coerced confessions and questionable evidence. As the trial progresses, the jurors grapple with their preconceived notions, further complicated by a disturbing re-enactment of the crime. The film critiques the jury's partiality and the sensationalism surrounding the case, offering a compelling yet grim reflection on justice and human nature.

Woman in Gold

In Woman in Gold, Helen Mirren stars as Maria Altmann, an elderly Jewish woman who, six decades after fleeing Nazi-occupied Vienna, seeks to reclaim her family's possessions seized during the war. Central to her quest is the renowned painting "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" by Gustav Klimt, a portrait of her beloved aunt. Teaming up with a determined young lawyer, Randy Schoeberg (Ryan Reynolds), Maria embarks on an arduous legal fight against the Austrian government, which regards these artworks as national treasures.

On the Basis of Sex

On the Basis of Sex chronicles the inspiring journey of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the most influential figures in American legal history. Portrayed brilliantly by Felicity Jones, this biographical drama focuses on Ginsburg's early career and her fight against gender discrimination. The film highlights her landmark case that set the stage for her future role as a Supreme Court Justice, making it a must-watch for those passionate about legal history and social justice.

Head over to Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home and Smart and start streaming these legal dramas today!

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the gift of wellness from Smart and mWell

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What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with the gift of wellness? This is why PLDT mobile services arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has teamed up with digital healthcare platform mWell to enable subscribers to redeem a Smart Health Pass, which can be used for essential health services.

Exclusively available to all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid, TNT, Smart Bro, and PLDT Home Wifi subscribers starting May 10 to May 16, 2024, the Smart Health Pass may be redeemed by users for only 199 GigaPoints on the Smart App.

Originally priced at Php399, the health pass may be used to avail of a doctor e-consultation, lab request, FREE medical e-certificate, and FREE accident insurance worth P20,000 valid for one month.

To enjoy this exclusive offer, subscribers may follow these steps:

1.     Sign up or log in to the Smart App, which is downloadable on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery;

2.     Go to the GigaPoints section and redeem the Smart Health Pass for only 199 GigaPoints.

3.     Wait for your unique code on the Smart App upon successful redemption

4.     Sign in to your mWell App account or download the mWell app and sign up for an mWell account to ENTER the code.

“Our partnership with mWell for this exclusive offer underscores our commitment to bridge technology and wellness so our customers are empowered to truly live more today. We encourage our subscribers to make the most of this opportunity to gift their mothers with peace of mind and wellness,” said Alex O. Caeg, Head of Consumer Wireless Business-Individual at Smart.

“At the heart of mWell lies our passion for making health and wellness accessible, available, and affordable to anyone, anytime, anywhere. With the Smart Health Pass, Smart subscribers can provide their mothers with all-in-one access to mWell’s health and wellness features, including the mWellness Score, Mind Health Score, and 24/7 Teleconsult. The Health Pass makes for a perfect gift for our mom heroes who deserve nothing but the best,” said Chaye A. Cabal–Revilla, Chief Executive Officer of mWell.

Smart subscribers nationwide can conveniently access and make the most of this mWell App’s services powered by Smart's award-winning mobile network, which was recently recognized by independent network analytics from Opensignal for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience.

Redeem the Smart Health Pass now on the Smart App at https://smrt.ph/GetSmartApp

PLDT Home's Heartfelt Mother’s Day video

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Feeling the motherhood pressure? #WeAreHereForYou, Watch this heartfelt Mother’s Day video

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

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

The video opens in a studio set up, where Jaclyn, a mother, appears to beperforming for her daughter Lottie. As if filming an actual show, Jaclyn plays the ‘perfect, gentle, and calm’ mom while trying her best to keep her head above water.

But motherhood isn’t a show or performance. The story shifts to Jaclyn who then loses her ‘perfect image’ and goes backstage to release her real emotions. That’s when her support system of fellow moms, including her own mother, comes in to show their support saying,“It’s okay to ask for help. We are here for you.”

Watch the video on YouTube here.

The story ends with PLDT Home thoughtfully reminding moms that there will always be a community ofparents – whether online or offline – thatthey can always rely on no matter what. It’s a timely reminder that when parenthood gets tough, it’s always okay to turn to people who can reassure and empathize with them. With the right support and community, moms can get through anything together.

For more heartwarming stories and videos, follow PLDT Home’s its official Facebook page and YouTube channel.