From Sacrifice to Software: How One Man’s Family-First Vision Sparked a Tech Success in Bulacan

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On PLDT Enterprise’s “ROI’d to Success” podcast, Michael Sta. Maria of NBSI shares the journey behind a growing local tech firm rooted in resilience, family, and community impact.

Located in Norzagaray, Bulacan, this building is home to Northeast Business Solutions, Inc., a local tech company built on perseverance, purpose, and community. From these walls, NBSI develops digital solutions that help businesses across the country manage time, people, and growth.

For Michael Sta. Maria, success didn’t begin with software. It started with sacrifice.

Long before he led a growing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software company serving clients across the country, Sta. Maria was a young professional from Norzagaray, Bulacan who spent many years working away from home, missing important family moments in pursuit of stability.

“I really wanted to give back the investment and time to my family, as well as the time to myself. I never thought it would be possible. Before, I would doubt myself, but eventually, after almost ten years, we now see that, while we struggled in the past, we are now established and can run the business well and continue to grow it,” he shares on the latest episode of ROI’d to Success, the podcast collaboration between PLDT Enterprise and Hustleshare.

That turning point came in 2016, when Sta. Maria decided to take a leap of faith and build something from the ground up. The result was Northeast Business Solutions, Inc. (NBSI), a Bulacan-based software company specializing in timekeeping, human resource management systems (HRMS), and payroll.

What started as a homegrown solution to a common business problem — reliable and affordable payroll software — soon evolved into an enterprise payroll and timekeeping solution catering to small and even very large-sized companies. By 2018, NBSI had successfully launched its product in the Philippine market. But the story behind the code is as powerful as the tech itself.

Building a Business with Heart

For Sta. Maria, NBSI was never just about growth, it was about reclaiming time, not only for himself but for others in his community.

Coming from a humble background, he poured himself into mastering software development. His early career took him far from home, requiring long hours and frequent travel. But with his family’s unwavering support, he eventually found the courage to strike out on his own.

Sta. Maria also believes that no business thrives in isolation, emphasizing that, “It is very important to listen to our team. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years about the business from my people. Our employees are truly our ambassadors. And, of course, how they represent themselves is a direct reflection of our company.”

Today, NBSI serves as a pillar of local employment in Norzagaray, providing opportunities for young professionals to pursue careers in tech.

“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: If you plan to start your own business, be prepared for challenges—they are part of the process. But you will reap the rewards later. You can do it,” he adds.

Tech, Trust, and a Reliable Connection

NBSI’s growth, however, didn’t happen in isolation. Behind its ability to deliver reliable solutions to clients lies a strong digital backbone provided by PLDT Enterprise’s iGate.

“PLDT Enterprise helped us achieve zero downtime in internet connectivity,” explains Sta. Maria. This dependable connection allowed NBSI to provide seamless service to businesses relying on them for sensitive, time-critical operations.

“Thanks to PLDT Enterprise, our productivity increased by over 15%. Our client base grew, while our total working hours decreased—reflecting improved efficiency,” Sta. Maria shares.

Looking ahead, NBSI plans to expand further with PLDT Enterprise’s broadband upgrades and Smart 5G Postpaid Plans, a move that will better connect its mobile workforce and help support its rapidly growing client base.

A Platform for Progress

For PLDT Enterprise, supporting MSMEs like NBSI means amplifying their own stories.

“Through stories like NBSI’s, we see how meaningful technology adoption drives real, measurable business outcomes,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group at PLDT Enterprise. “Through ROI’d to Success, we give entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories, highlighting how they harness digital solutions to overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and inspire others.”

You can listen to the full ROI’d to Success episode featuring Northeast Business Solutions, Inc. now on Hustleshare via Spotify.

To discover more inspiring stories and learn how PLDT Enterprise’s solutions empower businesses, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ROId-nbsi-pr.

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About PLDT Enterprise

PLDT Enterprise is the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Dedicated to delivering innovative fixed-line, wireless, and ICT solutions, PLDT Enterprise enables businesses to adapt to evolving technological needs, optimize efficiency, continuity, and connectivity, and enhance customer experience. With a strong commitment to doing business responsibly, PLDT Enterprise aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling digital transformation, championing meaningful innovations, and bridging the digital divide.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.

Max Collins and Michelle Dee slayed perfect dreamy photos with vivo V50's ZEISS Style Bokeh effects

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When scrolling through social media feeds, users are automatically drawn to people who know how to hit all the right angles. Followers are always ready to double-tap and show love the moment their fave creators appear.

This is certainly true for content queens Max Collins and Michelle Dee who always steal the spotlight with every photo and video they post. Their ability to consistently engage followers and create buzz highlights their influence and star power in the digital space.

The two celebrities went viral once again after proving it only takes the vivo V50's ZEISS Style Bokeh effects to nail those dreamy shots, racking up likes, shares and plenty of love!

Max Collins' favorite? The Biotar bokeh

Every angle's a good angle for Max. No surprise, she's known as one of the country's prettiest. Her stunning portraits in 23mm, 35mm, and 50mm, all shot with the vivo V50’s Multifocal Portrait Mode, say it all.

But what makes her photos even more striking? She turns the Biotar bokeh into an art form!

Famous for its iconic swirl effect, the Biotar bokeh is inspired by the legendary ZEISS Biotar lens, a look that typically comes with a Php 23K price tag. But Max shows it only takes a tap with the vivo V50.

She plays around with the Biotar bokeh on a fun bestie night out filled with great food and drinks. The perfect touch for capturing those fun moments.

Michelle Dee stuns with the B-Speed, Distagon, and Planar bokeh styles

When Michelle steps in front of the camera, she’s all in. She commands attention, elevates every look, and turns every shot into a masterpiece.

With every effortless pose, she shows off her supermodel side. All the shots? Total magazine-cover material.

Michelle first brings the Distagon bokeh to life in her dressing room, where the soft-focus circles provide a luxe glow and added depth to her snaps, just like a Php 83K ZEISS Distagon lens would.

Once glammed up, Michelle steps into the hallway, confidently strutting and posing with the B-Speed bokeh in full swing. This effect delivers a smooth, shallow depth of field and beautifully blurred background. Inspired by the ultra-rare B-Speed lens, this bold style mimics the look of a lens valued at a staggering Php 219K.

Michelle Dee captured in 35mm with Planar Bokeh

Her top pick? The Planar bokeh. This effect is modeled after the Php 60K ZEISS Planar lens. Known for its precision, this style balances sharp detail and soft focus to perfectly highlight background lighting.

Max and Michelle make it clear that with the vivo V50, snapping dreamy, eye-catching bokeh content is smooth and simple.

Excited to explore all seven iconic ZEISS Style Bokeh effects? Get the vivo V50 now for as low as Php 25,999—Php 2,000 off its original price. Visit any vivo store nationwide or shop online now via Shopee, Lazada, or vivo e-store.

HUAWEI Partners with RUNRIO for Community Run Event to Take ‘Active Rings’ Movement to Manila

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Manila, Philippines — HUAWEI forwards its global movement to inspire communities to live healthier lifestyles as it brings its ‘Active Rings’ initiative to the Philippines. This marks the next major stop in HUAWEI’s worldwide series of high-energy fitness events across the globe.

As part of its ‘Active Rings’ fitness campaign, HUAWEI is partnering with renowned running events organizer RUNRIO to host a community run event. Happening on June 28 at Block 20, SM Mall of Asia Complex, the event will serve as a celebration of movement, fitness, and joy powered by HUAWEI’s innovative technology.

Enjoy Every Movement and Every Moment with HUAWEI’s Active Rings

‘Active Rings,’ a fresh take on HUAWEI’s successful ‘Light Up Your Rings’ campaign, redefines how the community connects with their health. Centered around the ‘Enjoy Your Moment’ philosophy, the initiative helps communities to keep moving in an increasingly fitness-focused world. It invites people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels to stay active anywhere, anytime, and anyway, not for perfection, but for joy, consistency, and personal progress.

HUAWEI encourages users everywhere to participate in the global movement with city-specific workouts. Some cities that have participated in the movement included Berlin, Paris, Mexico City, Shenzhen, and Madrid.

Run to Triumph with HUAWEI Wearables

The community run event will also spotlight HUAWEI wearable innovations, including the newly-released HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series. HUAWEI’s wearable devices feature the smart activity rings, which are designed to motivate users to keep moving throughout the day in order to meet their fitness goals. The blue ring reflects users’ movement, the yellow ring tracks workouts or aerobic activities, while the red ring shows the calories users burned. Every completed ring is a mini victory. Together, they build a sustainable rhythm of movement, strength, and self-care.

During the event, participants will get to put HUAWEI’s wearable devices to the test by wearing the smartwatches while running. Participants will be challenged to close out the activity rings during their run. More than a test of endurance, the community run event will showcase the unifying spirit of HUAWEI’s ‘Active Rings’ initiative. The event provides Filipinos a chance to be part of a movement that’s transforming how the world stays active.

To learn more about HUAWEI’s ‘Active Rings’ campaign and the community run event, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Galaxy Unpacked July 2025: The Ultra Experience Is Ready To Unfold

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SEOUL, Korea – – For years, Samsung Electronics has designed its devices around what people truly need, such as better performance, sharper cameras and smarter ways to stay connected. And, with Galaxy AI, it goes beyond what devices can do — it’s about how people interact with them.

As AI rapidly becomes the new user interface, it’s redefining our relationship with technology. No longer just a collection of apps and tools, the smartphone is evolving into a smart companion that understands user intent and responds in real time. This transformation moves us from reaction to anticipation – where, as AI becomes the UI, intent becomes instant.

The next-generation Galaxy devices are being reimagined around a new AI-powered interface, supported by breakthrough hardware built to unlock their full potential. This future is already unfolding, and the best of Galaxy AI and Samsung craftsmanship is about to be unveiled.

On July 9, Samsung Electronics will host Unpacked in Brooklyn, New York – a borough with an extraordinary spirit and a distinctive history. Brooklyn is where visionary thinking and bold ideas shape the future, so it’s only fitting that Samsung unveils the latest and greatest additions to the Galaxy portfolio in a place known for its culture, creativity, and collaboration. The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s YouTube channel beginning at 10 PM PH Time.

Stay tuned and make sure to visit https://news.samsung.com/ph/ for all upcoming teasers, trailers and updates ahead of Unpacked 2025.

Complete your registration to get a ₱5,000 e-voucher and a chance to win a Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.

Be the first to discover the new Galaxy Foldable. Sign up now: https://www.samsung.com/ph/unpacked/

#Galaxy Unpacked #Galaxy Unpacked 2025 

#Galaxy Invitation #Samsung Unpacked 

#Foldable #Galaxy AI

Rain or grind, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G has you covered

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It’s rainy season again in the Philippines and with unpredictable weather now the norm, it pays to have a phone built for anything—just like OPPO’s most durable and reliable smartphone yet, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G.

Upholding the #OPPOLangSakalam reputation, the OPPO A5 Pro is the perfect companion for life’s rainy moments.

Withstand the everyday bumps and drops

For students who commute, it can be sunny when they leave home but suddenly start raining before they reach school. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable phone like the OPPO A5 Pro 5G that’s built for unpredictable weather.

Beneath the stylish and modern exterior of the OPPO A5 Pro 5G lies a powerhouse of protection designed for real-world challenges. It boasts IP66, IP68, and IP69 rating that offers exceptional water and dust resistance. This means the phone is completely dust-tight and can withstand powerful, high-temperature water jets, making it ideal for outdoor use, rugged work conditions, or sudden downpours.

Stay in control, even when wet

Using your phone with wet hands or in the rain often leads to delayed responses or a screen that just won’t cooperate. With the OPPO A5 Pro 5G, those kinds of frustrations are a thing of the past as it stays responsive and reliable, without the need to wipe the screen dry.

Built with OPPO’s industry-leading Splash Touch Technology, it allows its screen to stay responsive even when it’s wet from rain, splashes, or freshly washed hands. This innovative feature is specially engineered to recognize and adapt to the unique way moisture affects touch input.

Grind without worry

Nothing is more frustrating than a dying phone battery during a hectic schedule with deliverables still left to accomplish. Battery reliability is non-negotiable and the OPPO A5 Pro 5G is ready to deliver.

Built for users who are always on the move, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G is equipped with a massive 5,800mAh battery, giving you the freedom to go all day without constantly hunting for a charger. When it’s finally time to recharge, the 45W SUPERVOOC™ fast charging ensures you’re not tied to the wall for long—perfect for busy days or spontaneous plans.

Live boldly, rain or grind

Rain or shine, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G is here to weather it all with you. Have the freedom to choose which variant perfectly fits your needs:

● The OPPO A5 Pro (8GB+128GB) is priced at Php 10,999 and is available in Mocha Brown and Olive Green colorways.

● The OPPO A5 Pro (8GB+256GB) is priced at Php 13,999 and is available in Olive Green and Mocha Brown colorways.

● The OPPO A5 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB) is priced at Php 15,999 and is available in Bloom Pink and Mocha Brown colorways.

To know more about the OPPO A5 Pro 5G, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.