Smart surges ahead as the PH’s leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers

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Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is now the Philippines’ leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers, as it serves over 430,000 customers nationwide as of the first quarter of 2025.

This translates to a significant 44% of the wireless broadband subscriber base share, outpacing its closest competitor’s 42% subscriber base share within the same period.

“This milestone achievement is a testament to our unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction and network excellence. Our growing subscriber base and market leadership also reflect the trust our customers place in our network and our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity,” said Anastacio R. Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer.

Connecting families in fiber-limited areas

Smart’s market-leading performance comes on the heels of its strategic launch of the Smart Home WiFi brand to carry products and services that cater to Filipino families living in fiber-limited areas, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

As part of its launch, Smart Home WiFi unveiled the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi. This prepaid and plug-and-play device offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to instantly set it up at home, in dorms, or small offices. It seamlessly connects up to 15 devices simultaneously, providing powerful internet access where fiber connectivity is unavailable.

Unlock the power of 5G

Smart Home WiFi is powered by Smart 5G, which enables customers to stream videos seamlessly, upload and download heavy files in seconds, instantly post and share content online, and play mobile games without lag.

Smart continues to strategically deploy its 5G infrastructure across the country as part of the PLDT Group’s continued investment in enhancing its integrated network, which is aligned with the Group’s commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience.

“The growth of our broadband subscriber base is just the beginning. Our customers can look forward to even more amazing products and innovative services as we continuously strive to delight them and cater to their evolving lifestyle needs - powered by our world-class network,” said Martirez.

Achieve Breakthroughs with the realme GT 7 Series

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Boasting powerful features and flagship-level performance, the realme GT 7 Series empowers fans to take a leap and keep the Power Within Reach

Change is often scary, but it usually holds space for growth and courage. Whether it’s shifting career, choosing to live independently, or prioritizing passion over career, exploring something new always requires thoughtful consideration and a lot of preparation, but it can also lead to something deeply fulfilling and meaningful.

As fans prepare to take that leap, it’s important to surround themselves with the right people and tools to make the transition smoother, more thrilling, and seamless. With the breakthrough performance of the realme GT 7 Series, they can keep the Power Within Reach and take a bolder step toward their biggest dreams.

Below are some tips to consider when deciding to take a bold move.

Create with Intention

Not everyone is privileged enough to intertwine passion and career. Some have to choose between the two, and deciding to break free from old routines in favor of passion isn’t a choice to take lightly. There are far too many things to consider and weigh carefully. But as cliché as it may sound, sometimes, not everything that’s lost is truly lost. After all, the dancing hand of blessing does not play favorites, especially for those who do things from the heart.

So, whether it’s finally choosing photography, baking, content creation, or any other artistic pursuit over the daily grind of a 9-to-5 job, one can rest assured that something meaningful often awaits. The good thing is that the realme GT 7 Series is equipped with a 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), allowing users to document their artistic masterpieces in crisp and clear detail. Paired with AI features such as AI 2K Live Photos for a livelier and more expressive photo, and AI glare removal that eliminates unwanted bright reflections, users' passion and creative vision can surely shine even in the dark.

Ask the Right Questions

Some are looking for signs, others for answers. But when it comes to switching careers, people often get clarity and make intentional decisions when they ask the right questions. From the shallows of the ‘whats’ to the depths of the ‘whys,’ a person’s quality of questions shapes the quality of their decisions.

But there’s no shame in not knowing the right questions right away, just as there’s no shame in not having any answers. For anyone at the crossroads, lost and confused, there’s comfort in the stories of others. They can turn to blogs, podcasts, or TED Talks to find solace in the stories shared online by those who were once in their shoes.

Whatever their go-to platform for advice, users can rely on the realme GT 7 Series’ huge 7000mAh battery to keep them company from sunset to sunrise. They won’t also have to worry about lags or delays when switching between apps, saving relatable video content, or taking screenshots of excerpts that hit the feels, because the realme GT 7 Series’ up to 24GB RAM and massive storage (512GB on the GT 7 Dream Edition and GT 7; 256GB on the GT 7T), can handle them all and more with ease.

Know the Pros and Cons – and Be Ready for Both

Even the best-laid plans can fall apart without the proper preparation. For those stepping into independence for the first time, it’s important to think beyond freedom and take into account the challenges and struggles that come with it. From budgeting and grocery shopping to managing emergencies and fixing things around the house, independent living demands not just self-reliance, but also the right tools to support the journey.

That’s where having a dependable digital companion makes all the difference. When life demands more, the realme GT 7 and realme GT 7 Dream Edition step up with flagship-level performance powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e processor, which is designed to help users multitask effortlessly, manage their to-do lists efficiently, and stay sharp and productive through it all.

Moreover, it also supports AI planner, a first-of-its-kind smart scheduler from realme that enables users to manage daily tasks with a simple double tap. This allows fans to easily keep track of their schedule, whether it's a work meeting or a spontaneous gathering with friends.

For fans ready to make a bold move, the realme GT Series can be their everyday partner for progress, empowering them to break through self-imposed limits and level up. The realme GT 7 is priced at PHP 37,999, while the realme GT 7T retails at PHP 29,999, available in IceSense Black and IceSense Blue colorways. Meanwhile, the high-end variant, the realme GT 7 Dream Edition, stuns in Aston Martin's Racing Green colorway and is priced at PHP 39,999. The Series is also available in realme partner stores nationwide.

For more updates and detailed announcements about realme and the realme GT7 Series, visit realme’s official website and follow its Facebook page.

Just circle it: vivo Y29 lets you search smarter, not harder

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Ever spotted something cool while scrolling and thought, “What is that?” Then came the old routine of screenshot, open browser, type a few awkward search terms, and hope for the best.

Say goodbye to that. The new vivo Y29 is here to rewrite your search story with Circle to Search with Google, which is an intuitive feature that turns your screen into a smart search playground.

What is Circle to Search with Google?

It’s simple: see it, circle it, get answers instantly.

The vivo Y29 makes it incredibly easy to search anything on your screen, whether it’s text, a video thumbnail, or a mystery item in the background. Just circle, scribble, highlight, or tap, and boom - Google delivers results without making you switch apps.

Circle to Search in action

The Circle to Search with Google is not just beneficial for students, but also for everyone.

• Students - Mid-review, you see a scientific term you forgot from high school. One circle later, you get search results, explained videos, even flashcards. All while staying on your PDF reviewer.

• Shopaholic - Scrolling through Instagram and spot a pair of boots that scream “Add to cart”? Circle to Search shows similar styles and where to buy them. Welcome to your new shopping shortcut.

• Traveler - Your TikTok feed shows a stunning cliffside view. You circle it and voilà, you get location, flights, and even travel tips. Now you know exactly where to add to your bucket list.

Meet your new AI-powered assistant

vivo didn’t stop at Circle to Search. The Y29 also comes packed with intelligent tools that simplify everyday life:

• AI Superlink – Ensures seamless, uninterrupted connections, which is perfect for online classes or lag-free gaming.

• AI Translate – Decode foreign subtitles, captions, and study materials in real time.

• AI Erase – Instantly clean up photos with a single tap.

• AI Enhance – Boost image quality for presentations or social posts.

Designed for everyday comfort

While Circle to Search powers your curiosity, the design of the vivo Y29 powers your lifestyle.

At just 8.09mm thin with a quad-curved back, it’s built for all-day comfort in your hand or your bag, which is perfect for on-the-go learning or long study sessions.

Available in Espresso Brown and Marble White, it’s not just smart—it’s effortlessly stylish. A phone that looks good in your hand and works hard behind the scenes? That’s the Y29 difference.

Circle to Search with Google is the headline feature, but the real story is how much you’re getting for the price.

For just Php 8,999, the vivo Y29 offers next-gen features at an everyday price.

Grab yours today at vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide, or shop online via the vivo e-store. Learn more about vivo Y29 by visiting the vivo website.

A New Chapter of Curated Discoveries at Lucky Chinatown

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As Manila’s urban explorers seek out the curious, the collectible, and the artfully designed, Lucky Chinatown remains at the pinnacle of collecting elevated finds in the heart of Binondo. A new wave of thoughtfully chosen spaces invites visitors to slow down, look closer, and engage in experiences that speak to both taste and intention.

Gashapon Bandai Official Shop

Tucked within this new capsule haven is a tactile celebration of Japanese pop culture, where the spin of a dial and the clink of a capsule promise a moment of whimsy. From collectible anime figures to intricately crafted everyday replicas, Gashapon is a playground of nostalgia. In a culture fixated on detail and rarity, this trending micro-universe captures the art of the miniature with high design sensibilities.

Nitori

Evoking the serenity of a Kyoto retreat while addressing the demands of modern living, Nitori debuts with understated grandeur. Its expansive space is more than a showroom—it’s a study in purposeful living. Clean-lined furniture, intuitive storage, and warm, textured textiles speak the quiet language of Japanese utility and grace. Nitori offers a blueprint for intentional living, where elegance and efficiency cohabitate seamlessly.

KKV

KKV invites discovery with every turn. The store reads like a design-forward bazaar—visually captivating, eclectic, and endlessly scroll-worthy. Here, rows of artful stationery and imaginative toys sit beside avant-garde cosmetics, trending home items, and unique snacks. For those drawn to aesthetic exploration, KKV offers a world unbounded.

Discover these refined new experiences and more, only at Lucky Chinatown—where the future of lifestyle meets the art of the find. For updates on how to join, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call (02) 8462-8888.

Work without limits with the OPPO Pad SE, #YourPadToSuccess

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In today’s fast-paced world of hybrid meetings, side hustles, and on-the-go content creation, staying productive without burning out is a top priority for young professionals and remote workers. This brings up the need for a durable, budget-friendly tablet built to help you stay on top of your tasks—and the OPPO Pad SE provides that.

Designed with practicality and performance in mind, the OPPO Pad SE makes your workday seamless and productive thanks to its Effortless Connect features and built-in support for Google Gemini, your AI-powered creative assistant.

Streamline your workflow efficiently

Chasing tight deadlines in your home office or switching between tasks at a café can be a breeze with OPPO Pad SE's productive capabilities for any work demand. Its O+ Connect feature provides seamless cross-device syncing, whether for your phone, tablet, or even iOS devices to work as one—making file transfers, screen mirroring, and drag-and-drop content sharing hassle-free.

You can also activate Google Gemini with a long press of the power button and access real-time assistance, allowing you to work smarter and simpler whether you're generating fresh ideas, translating emails, or organizing your day-to-day calendar.

Plus with its AI Assistant for Notes and AI Intelligent Document, writing reports, formatting notes, or translating files is faster and easier than ever, freeing you more time to focus on what matters.

Avoid eye strain while you power through tasks

Sometimes your responsibilities require you to go out and about but the sun’s glare makes it difficult for you to stay focused on your device. The OPPO Pad SE addresses this with its 11-inch Immersive Eye-Care Display that has an anti-reflective matte screen and TÜV Rheinland certification, so you can work or stream for hours without eye strain.

Adding to this is its massive 9,340mAh battery that guarantees all-day power that keeps up with your hustle without the need to hover near an outlet as it allows up to 11 hours of video playback and 33W SUPERVOOC™ fast charging.

And at just 7.39mm thin and 530g light, the OPPO Pad SE slides easily into your bag, making it a perfect everyday carry for students, entry-level professionals, and remote workers alike.

Be on top of your game with the OPPO Pad SE

Working hard and smart has never been this convenient, thanks to the OPPO Pad SE.

The OPPO Pad SE is available exclusively on OPPO's official Shopee e-commerce platform starting at Php 9,999. It comes in two elegant colorways: Twilight Blue and Starlight White.

Visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph and official Facebook and TikTok pages to learn more about the capabilities of the OPPO Pad SE.