DITO Telecommunity Unveiled DITO Home WOWFi, Powering The Future of Digital Homes

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DITO Telecommunity recently launched its newest DITO Home WOWFi, the first 5G RedCap WiFi in the world for home use powered by DITO's true 5G network. Unveiling an exciting new product at the Next-Gen Home Connectivity Media Conference on October 18, the fastest-growing telco in the country, brings an affordable 5G connectivity straight to Filipino households.

From L-R: Mr. Art Samaniego (ICT Head, Manila Bulletin), Mr. Jayvee Fernandez (Tech Editor, Philippine Star), Mr. Abe Olandres (Editor and Founder, Yugatech), Ms. Evelyn Jimenez (DITO Chief Revenue Officer-Consumer), Ms. Cleo Loque (Founder-Hiraya Pilipina), Mr. Joey Ong (Founder-DadBud PH), and Mr. Jasper Evangelista (DITO Brand and Marketing Director)

According to Ms. Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business, this latest home broadband offering aims to provide Filipino households the home internet they need as they usher their way in this era of smart homes and digital innovations.

Ms. Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Telecommunity Chief Revenue Officer - Consumer

"As we embrace digital transformations, we come in as a young telco to help Filipinos thrive in the digital age, helping them connect, learn, and grow without barriers. Indeed, we can truly power the future of digital homes in the Philippines,” Jimenez said.

5G RedCap is a new 5G standard and critical evolution of 5G originally called NR Light, an essential part of lightweight 5G offering the right balance of 5G capabilities such as low latency, high peak data rate, and maximum capacity.

This emerging technology is globally used for industrial and manufacturing. But here in the Philippines, DITO is bringing this technology straight to Filipino homes, allowing households to enjoy the benefits of 5G at a very affordable price.

Ret. Maj. Gen Rodolfo Santiago, DITO Telecommunity Chief Technology Officer

“We are confident that RedCap will reshape how homes access the internet, providing an affordable, reliable, and high-performance alternative to existing technologies,” said Ret. Maj. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, Chief Technology Officer of DITO Telecommunity.

DITO officially launched its latest product offering during its recent Next-Gen Home Connectivity Media Conference on October 18. DITO gathered several technology experts to share their insights and perspectives about RedCap technology and its contribution to Filipino households' digital transformations.

Guest speaker Abe Olandres, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Yugatech, shared that RedCap is a simplified and cost-effective 5G connection where users can enjoy the advantages of 5G without the need for high bandwidth He also explained that RedCap only operates on 5G Standalone networks, which can deliver the true 5G experience to Filipino households.

Mr. Abe Olandres, Founder and Editor in Chief of Yugatech

“5G RedCap does not mean reduced benefits. On the contrary, it perfectly fits the needs for specific cases, uses and devices. It offers a great middle ground for a problem that’s been waiting for a reasonable solution since the mass adoption of 5G,” Olandres said.

Meanwhile, Art Samaniego, Information and Communications Technology Head of Manila Bulletin, discussed the numerous benefits of 5G RedCap to Filipino households, such as increased capacity for more devices, smart home innovation, stable performance for wearables, more reliable connection for remote work, online learning, and micro businesses.

“5G RedCap technology opens up incredible opportunities for Filipino households. From increased network capacity, to enhanced smart home automation, reliable connections for work and education, and improved performance of wearables, RedCap truly brings the future into our homes. It represents a smarter, safer, and more efficient way of living, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical everyday benefits,” Samaniego said.

Samaniego and Olandres also stressed that RedCap plays a vital role in the broader adoption of 5G  This technology will connect more devices to 5G networks and expand the 5G ecosystem, which can drive the growth of 5G in the country.

Mr. Jasper Evangelista, DITO Telecommunity Brand and Marketing Director

Jasper Evangelista, DITO Brand and Marketing Director, highlighted the numerous advantages of the new DITO Home WOWFi. He stated, “As we introduce this new technology in the market, we want to debunk the notion that 5G is only for the elite or privileged. This product will make 5G more accessible to everyone, especially for the underserved market.” Evangelista added, “DITO Home WOWFi has the potential to truly power the future of digital homes across the Philippines.”

Mr. Jayvee Fernandez,  Technology Editor of the Philippine Star

Mr. Joey Ong, Tech Editor at the Philippine Star Founder of DadBud PH

From L-R: Ms. Cleo Loque (Founder- Hiraya Pilipina), Mr. Joey Ong (Founder-DadBud PH), and Mr. Jasper Evangelista (DITO Brand and Marketing Director)

During the media conference, Evangelista, along with invited technology experts and guests like Jayvee Fernandez, technology editor of the Philippine Star, Joey Ong, founder of DadBudPH, and Cleo Loque, owner of Hiraya Pilipina, discussed the importance of internet connectivity in their everyday lives. Fernandez highlighted a key benefit of DITO Home WOWFi—its wireless setup, which eliminates issues with cut wires. Meanwhile, Ong emphasized how the new technology supports parents working from home, while Loque shared how DITO Home WOWFI’s easy plug-and-play feature can help boost her productivity and support the growth of her online business.

DITO Home WOWFi– Your All-Around Home WiFi

DITO Home WOWFi Smart Home during the Next-Gen Home Connectivity Media Conference at Ascott BGC.

Powered by DITO's true 5G network, DITO Home WOWFi is the most value-packed wireless broadband in the market. Its starter kit is priced at Php 1,990 with complimentary unlimited 5G data and bonus 50GB 4G data for 30 days.  The succeeding monthly load option is only at Php 790 for 30 days with UNLI 5G and bonus 50GB 4G data, which only applies to 4G covered areas.

DITO Home's pioneering product is made possible through its partnership with Huawei Technologies, a global leader in 5G deployment.

Step into the future of next-gen home connectivity with DITO Home WOWFi, now available at the DITO e-Shop, DITO Experience Stores, Device Retail Partners, Sales Blitzes, and DITO official stores in Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

For more details about DITO Telecommunity, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or visit https://dito.ph/.

#iPhoneforEveryONE: Home Credit makes it easy for Filipinos to own the iPhone 16 series

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Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, collaborated with Digimap for the launch of the highly anticipated Apple iPhone 16 Series in the Philippines.

During a midnight salubong event held on Oct 17 at One Ayala mall, Home Credit unveiled exclusive deals and promos, and flexible installment plans that make purchasing and experiencing the Apple’s newest devices easier for Filipinos.

“Our goal at Home Credit is to help Filipinos enhance their everyday experiences. By providing easier access to the latest devices, like the iPhone 16 Series, we enable individuals to easily upgrade from entry-level to top-tier devices that suit their needs. We are excited to offer these flexible installment options and great deals at Digimap, ensuring that more Filipinos can enjoy these devices without worrying about their budgets, making the #iPhoneforEveryONE a reality,” said Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH.

With just a 30% downpayment, customers can own the iPhone 16 with 0% interest on up to 12-month installment plans or 1% interest per month for up to 24-month installment options.

“At Digimap, we are dedicated to bringing the latest Apple technology closer to Filipinos. Our partnership with Home Credit makes it even easier for more people to experience the newest iPhone 16 Series, thanks to their financing services that are easy on the wallet. This enables Filipinos to live, play and connect—integrating the best technology into their daily lives, especially as we continue to embrace an increasingly digital lifestyle,” remarked Jill Baysa, Head of Marketing of Digimap.

The midnight launch featured an engaging Home Credit booth filled with interactive activities, graced by the Home Credit Salubong Squad: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, Mr. Manhunt International 2024 Kevin Dasom, and TikTok stars Ms. Deliciousness and Poca, with Sean Ortega and Patsy Reyes as hosts.

Additionally, the first 16 customers who purchased the iPhone 16 through Home Credit won exclusive Apple products—ranging from MacBooks and iPads to Apple Watches and AirPods—along with photo opportunities with the Home Credit Salubong Squad.

Acquiring the iPhone 16 through Home Credit is quick and hassle-free. With just one valid ID, eligible customers can get approval in as quick as one minute. To secure fast pre-approval for product installments, customers can download the Home Credit App from Google Play or the App Store or speak with a Home Credit sales representative at any Digimap branch for assistance.

“With minimal requirements and a fast approval process, we are making our financing offers accessible to more Filipinos. We will continue to ensure a seamless experience for our customers, making Home Credit’s products and services readily available to meet their needs,” Paul concluded.

The iPhone 16 Series is available in the following variants: the iPhone 16 in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB; the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB; the iPhone 16 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB; and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Customers can visit any Digimap branch to purchase the iPhone 16 with Home Credit’s installment options. For availability, they can check their preferred Digimap location here.

Home Credit’s iPhone 16 Series promos are also available through its partner stores nationwide, such as Abenson, Aerophone, Beyond the Box, Cellboy, Digimap, Digiplanet, Digital Walker, Fone Style, Gadget Headz, Greentelcom, Guanzon, In-box Personal Phone and Accessories, JI Telecom, Octagon, Power Mac, Silicon Valley, The Loop, Wiltelcom, and 8telcom, or at over 5000 Apple resellers nationwide.

To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph, or follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). 

PNP, with aid from GCash, uncovers online exploitation and trafficking on social media, messaging apps

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The Philippine National Police, with the aid of GCash, has uncovered the proliferation of online children and women trafficking during recent arrests of cybercriminals conducted by the law enforcement body.

A human trafficking suspect allegedly exploited victims on a popular social media platform. Posing as clients under various aliases, he purchased pornographic material from victims and then used it to coerce them into further sexual exploitation. The victims were subsequently trafficked to the Middle East for forced labor and prostitution, reportedly using various social media aliases including Lester James Ang, LJ Garcia, Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Dave Garcia, and Mark Harly Dave Garciano. He was eventually traced and arrested by an operation led by the PNP Anti-cybercrime group.

Two more separate cases of online child sexual exploitation have been reported by PNP-ACG involving a suspect named Mary June Netuliano Espiritu, who was put into custody for purportedly selling explicit videos of her daughter on social media. In a similar case, Leonisa Postetad Ligo is facing charges for allegedly prostituting two minor victims through a popular messaging app.

As the largest digital ecosystem, GCash recognizes its role in keeping the public and cyberspace secure— while safeguarding the well-being of women and children.

“To create a financially inclusive cashless ecosystem, we must ensure that the digital landscape is safe for users and their children by supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts against cybercrimes. Our commitment extends to protecting the community from all threats, especially involving women and children,” said GCash vice president and head of corporate communications Gilda Maquilan.

GCash urges the public to report any incidents of scams, fraud, or cybercrime to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) by calling (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or by emailing acg@pnp.gov.ph. Users can also report cybercrimes through the official GCash Help Center at https://help.gcash.com by messaging Gigi on the website and typing 'I want to report a scam.' Alternatively, they may contact the GCash hotline by dialing 2882.

For a safer digital experience, GCash reminds its users to remain vigilant, never share their MPIN or OTP, and avoid clicking on suspicious links that could lead to phishing or fraud. GCash will never ask for personal information through private messages.

BingoPlus Foundation adds the “Plus” in health and livelihood initiatives in General Santos

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In line with its commitment to improving community health and livelihood, BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive, has successfully completed a series of initiatives in General Santos, under its KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS programs. These efforts aim to address critical public health challenges while empowering vulnerable communities with sustainable economic opportunities.

KalusuganPLUS: Sanitation facilities benefit 3,000 residents

In a series of turnover ceremonies in September 2024, BingoPlus Foundation handed over five sanitation facilities in the barangays of San Isidro, Ligaya, Tinagacan, Calumpang, and Bawing. These essential facilities are expected to benefit nearly 3,000 residents, addressing a long-standing gap in access to clean water and proper sanitation. Notably, the barangay of Bawing is home to Badjao communities, which have historically faced challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation.

BingoPlus Foundation’s KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS programs reach 3,000 residents in General Santos

This effort is in line with the Philippine Approach to Total Sanitation (PhATS), a nationwide initiative that promotes improved hygiene and sanitation practices, contributing to the achievement of local government units' (LGU) Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) campaign. PhATS emphasizes sustainable sanitation practices to prevent waterborne diseases and improve overall public health.

This initiative is particularly critical in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, where only 73.8 % of families have access to basic sanitation facilities, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (March 2023). As lack of hygiene practices persist in some rural areas, this imposes a significant health risk in the region, which has also seen a return in polio cases. The newly built facilities address this gap, and BingoPlus Foundation is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding public health in one of the country’s most underserved areas. ​

BingoPlus Foundation turns over sanitation facilities to five barangays across General Santos City. (Turnover ceremonies were attended by the representatives of the local government unit of General Santos City, city health officers, members of the communities, and the BingoPlus Foundation team.

Lack of sanitation facilities and proper hygiene practices in underserved communities result in significant health risks, further impacting financial stability due to medical expenses and inability to work.

KabuhayanPLUS: Training Center welcomes graduates

Beyond health, BingoPlus Foundation is also empowering marginalized sectors through its livelihood programs. In partnership with Barangay San Isidro, the Foundation celebrated the graduation of the first batch of trainees from its Dressmaking and Tailoring Training Center, which opened last June. The center is now serving its second batch of trainees, and applications will be open for Batch 3 through the barangay.

BingoPlus Foundation attends the graduation ceremony of the first batch of sewing and tailoring livelihood graduates in Brgy. San Isidro, General Santos City; L-R: BingoPlus Program Manager, Paul Tamayo; Brgy. San Isidro Chairman, Edward Frederick Yumang; BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director, Angela Camins-Wieneke; and DOLE’s Livelihood Development Specialist, Rexzairel C. Baing

Graduates are able to produce various products and design creations for their livelihood. Right photo credit: JV Sacramento, livelihood member

Part of the PLUS Centers for Livelihood network, this center collaborates with TESDA to provide NC II Certification in dressmaking, equipping participants—many of whom are solo parents and women—with valuable skills for employment or entrepreneurship. The program provides an alternative source of income and a sustainable livelihood for many in the community, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region.

Celeste Jovenir, DigiPlus Vice President for Investor Relations and BingoPlus Foundation COO, shares, “BingoPlus Foundation’s mission goes beyond providing aid; we’re here to uplift communities facing the toughest social challenges, from health and sanitation, to livelihood, in General Santos and beyond. Through KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS, we’re empowering individuals to rise above their circumstances and build a future full of hope and opportunity."

Cathay Pacific unveils Aria Suite, a new way to experience air travel

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Showcasing a whole new cabin experience in Business, Premium Economy and Economy onboard the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft

SINGAPORE  - Cathay Pacific is once again raising the bar for customer experience with the official unveiling of its all-new Business class, Aria Suite, together with its new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy onboard its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Cathay Pacific unveiled the new Aria Suite at an exclusive event presented by special guest Fala Chen (fourth from left), Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam (third from left), Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau (third from right), Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan (second from right) and Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Sharpe (second from left).

The airline's retrofitted 777-300ER debuted on its Hong Kong-Beijing route today (18 October) before progressively being deployed on other regional and long-haul routes. The new cabin experience was introduced at a special ceremony for distinguished guests, valued customers and Cathay members, members of the media and Cathay employees at Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited's (HAECO) hangar facility at Hong Kong International Airport on 16 October.

Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: "At Cathay, we believe in moving people forward in life. This purpose goes beyond simply flying customers to their destinations; we are deeply woven into Hong Kong's identity as a global aviation hub. To solidify our role in both the industry and the community, we've committed a significant investment of over HK$100 billion over the next seven years into our fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital and sustainability leadership, reflecting our confidence in Hong Kong's long-term growth and its position as a key player in global aviation.

"As part of this evolution, we are excited to introduce new seat products over the next three years, each designed to elevate the inflight experience for our customers. First, we are launching our all-new Business and Premium Economy cabins, and a refreshed Economy cabin on our retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER. These will be followed by a new world-leading First class experience onboard our 777-9s, and a brand-new flat-bed Business class product on our Airbus A330s. Through our investments in cutting-edge aircraft, innovative technology and groundbreaking facilities, we are dedicated to moving beyond expectations – in the air, on the ground and in every experience we create."

In the highly anticipated Aria Suite, Cathay Pacific has placed customer experience at the heart of the design and conception of its new Business class. Artistry and craftsmanship have gone into every detail to create a holistic and immersive experience where comfort, privacy and a sense of personal space are completely reimagined for customers. The result is an inflight journey that is intuitive and effortless.

For more information on Aria Suite and the retrofitted 777-300ER cabin experience, please see the accompanying fact sheet, here.

#CathayPacific