Discover the ideal air conditioner for your every need

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Air conditioners are not usually one-size-fits-all. Sure, it may offer standard features that one may expect from an air cooling solution, but it’s also essential for a homeowner to consider other factors before purchasing one.

What you look for in an air conditioner may not be the same as your neighbor's—so what may work for them may not always be ideal for you. Factors like room size, insulation, energy consumption preferences, noise levels, and even aesthetic considerations all play a crucial role in finding the right unit.

In case you’re still on the hunt for a perfect air conditioner unit, it’s important to make sure that it responds to your family and home’s unique needs. With this, Midea, the world's no.1 residential inverter air conditioner company, is here to help everyone navigate the season with ease.

For homes with compact space

With many Filipinos living in condominium units or compact apartments in Metro Manila, selecting an air conditioner unit that fits their space is usually their top priority. This not only ensures ease of use but also delivers the ideal balance of performance, convenience, and style.

If you’re living in dorm rooms, small houses, or apartments, the Midea Qube and Midea Window/Split are excellent choices. The Midea Qube Compact Inverter Window-Type Air Conditioner Series is designed for compactness and space efficiency, with dimensions of 471 mm in width, 482 mm in depth, and 345 mm in height. This lightweight unit is easy to install and features a Full DC Inverter, delivering reliable cooling and energy efficiency for everyday comfort.

Meanwhile, the Midea Window/Split Series Inverter Air-Conditioner is also a space-saving unit that measures 487 mm in width, 558 mm in depth, and 342 mm in height. On top of that, it is super quiet, making it perfect for small spaces. It also offers powerful cooling and creates a relaxing environment.

For energy-saving homes

The spike in electricity bills is commonly the factor that most homeowners worry about. Good thing, Midea offers energy-efficient air-conditioners that cool your home without sweating your bank accounts.

The Midea Celest Full DC Inverter Split-Type Air-Conditioner is a durable unit powered by AI ECOMASTER for 30% extra energy saving. It has the ability to lower the temperature by 5°C in just 10 minutes, allowing to reduce energy costs without compromising the cooling efficiency.

You can also save on your electricity bills with the Midea AirstillPro Full DC Inverter Series, which boasts a 5-star energy efficiency performance rating and is ranked as the most energy-efficient model among over 700 split models in the country. It also provides both gentle and rapid cooling and a customizable experience, allowing you to control the comfort mode to suit your preferences.

For modern, smart homes

In this digital, fast-paced world, some homeowners prefer the convenience of managing household tasks right from their smartphones in just a few clicks. Want your room to be cool before you get home? Want your air conditioner to adjust its temperature on its own in the wee hours? Midea has got the solution for you.

With Midea’s latest product and innovation solutions, they are offering the future of home cooling through the Midea Avigator Full DC Inverter Series–a smart and convenient air conditioner that has rapid cooling. Powered by AI Smart Control, it allows you to automatically adjust its cooling settings through the Midea Smart Home App. You can control it anytime, anywhere, with just one click away, making it a perfect unit if you’re looking for a smarter way to live.

However, if you’re looking for the full package – comfort, energy efficiency, and smart control, this is your sign to get the Midea AirstillPro Full DC Inverter Series. This unit offers three breeze modes: Breeze Away to prevent cold drafts, Breeze Mild to evenly cool the room, and Breezeless for ultra-gentle cooling for maximum comfort.

It can also be controlled through the Midea Smart Home App, giving you complete control from your phone. While it has advanced features, it remains energy efficient thanks to its inverter technology and faster cooling features.

From portable and space-saving designs to energy-efficient models with smart control features, Midea offers a wide range of air conditioners to keep you cool and help you find the perfect match tailored to your lifestyle, space, and needs.

To learn more about Midea’s latest products, visit www.midea.com/ph, follow @mideaph on Instagram and on Tiktok @mideaphilippines, subscribe to Midea Philippines Official on YouTube, and like @MideaPhilippines on Facebook.

PLDT Home turns K-drama fantasy into reality with epic Squid Game Seoul experience

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A first for any Philippine telco company in partnership with streaming giant Netflix, the leading digital services provider fulfills K-drama dreams with an unforgettable adventure as Squid Game drops its final season

Game face on! K-influencers and Squid Game fans Happee Sy, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar take on the challenge in real life – but did they make it?

PLDT Home, the Philippines' leading digital services provider, turned dreams into reality for five lucky subscribers with their companions and top K-culture influencers – Happee Sy Go, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar – by flying them to Seoul for an exclusive "Squid Game" experience.

A few days ahead of the third season premiere of Squid Game, winners and their companions plus the content creators explored the heart of Korean culture and visited iconic landmarks together. Most notably, they got to enter Squid Game: The Experience – a popular interactive attraction inspired by the hit Netflix series.

Launched last April, PLDT Home announced the promo with a successful press event to kick off the campaign while drawing excitement from Squid Game fans nationwide. This is a first for the telco brand, as it further pushes its promise of unli-entertainment beyond the home.

Blood pumping action: Happee Sy, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar join lucky PLDT Home subscribers as they tour Squid Game: The Experience in Seoul – packed with challenges inspired by the hit Netflix show

With the success of its first-ever flyaway promo, PLDT Home delivered on its promise to elevate entertainment – offering subscribers not just content, but unforgettable experiences. It highlights PLDT Home's commitment to enriching digital lifestyles beyond connectivity.

Once in a lifetime: Five lucky winners with their plus-ones get the trip of their life as PLDT Home flies them to Seoul for three days and two nights – all expenses paid!

"We are absolutely thrilled to have brought this unique 'Squid Game' experience to life for our subscribers and the vibrant K-life community," said PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing First Vice President Patrick S. Tang.

"This journey to Seoul is a testament to our unwavering commitment to go beyond connectivity and deliver truly unforgettable experiences. We are incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our customers who participated in this promo. Their love for the brand truly fuels our passion to continuously elevate entertainment.”

As the first of many such programs, the Seoul flyaway promo is proof to PLDT Home's intent to consistently enhance its subscribers’ experience with streaming leaders such as Netflix – with a whole world of exclusive benefits and premier entertainment waiting for them.

“This is just the beginning of many more exciting rewards and immersive experiences we look forward to bringing to the PLDT Home family. As a leading services provider, it is always our goal to offer a continuous stream of exciting rewards, innovative engagements, and unlimited entertainment activations for all our valued subscribers,” Tang added.

From just being fans of the show, new PLDT Home Fiber Netflix subscribers find themselves in luck right in the middle of the action in Korea!

Don’t miss out on PLDT Home’s exciting promos and rewards – get the PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 with up to 300 Mbps and the wide world of entertainment that comes with a Netflix Basic subscription! Learn more by heading to pldthome.com/fiber-netflix.

“Experience” Squid Game right in the Philippines when you apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan at any of the following PLDT stores: SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM SouthMall, SM Baguio, SM Seaside Cebu, and Abreeza Mall Davao. Enjoy a set of Squid Game-inspired games, gimmicks, and prizes at every store visit!

Hotel101 makes history as first Filipino company listed on Nasdaq

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DoubleDragon Corporation has achieved its goal of having its subsidiary, Hotel101 Global Holdings Corporation, with a deemed equity value of $2.3 billion, become the first Filipino corporation to be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.

Hotel101, an asset-light, prop-tech hospitality platform business designed for rapid global growth, listed at the Nasdaq in New York on June 27, 2025, under the ticker symbol “HBNB” and its shares are set to begin trading on July 1, 2025.

Hotel101 celebrated its U.S. public listing by ringing the Opening Bell last night (Manila time). Leading the bell-ringing were DoubleDragon Co-Chairmen Edgar Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong.

The approval to list at the Nasdaq came after completion of Hotel101's business combination with JVSPAC Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: JVSA), which JVSPAC shareholders approved on June 24, 2025.

“This is a historic moment for DoubleDragon, becoming the first-ever Filipino company with a subsidiary listed and traded on the Nasdaq,” said Sia, Co-Chairman and CEO of DoubleDragon Corporation and Founder of Hotel101.

He added that, “It reflects the strength of our vision and the dedication of everyone who has helped bring Hotel101 to this global stage. And we're just getting started – with a globally scalable model and a long runway ahead, we aim to redefine the industry and become a leading global hospitality brand working towards our vision of an inventory of 1 million Hotel101 rooms globally.”

Hotel101 CEO Hannah Yulo-Luccini said “Today is an exciting milestone in Hotel101's journey to become the world's first truly global one-room hotel chain.”

Hotel101 Global bell-ringing to mark its listing on Nasdaq Stock Exchange. In photo (left to right): Hotel101 CEO Hannah Yulo-Luccini, Hotel101 Founders Edgar Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, JVSPAC CEO Albert Cheuk Fai Wong, and Nasdaq Vice Chairman Robert McCooey Jr.

Hotel101 CEO Hannah Yulo-Luccini, and Founders Tony Tan Caktiong and Edgar Sia II, celebrate their landmark Nasdaq listing by proudly displaying the Philippine flag outside the Nasdaq building in New York City.

“Hotel101 was born from a simple, revolutionary idea: a ‘one room’ global hotel brand delivering consistent comfort and irresistible value worldwide. Our asset-light, technology-driven platform positions us to scale rapidly, with a goal to disrupt the hospitality industry globally with 1 million rooms across 100 countries.”

Hotel101's management believes that Hotel101 properties are efficient to build, maintain, and operate – as well as scale and expand through direct development, joint venture partnerships, and franchise arrangements.

Building on the success of Hotel101-branded properties in the Philippines – where there are two operating properties and a number under development – Hotel101 intends to accelerate its global expansion plans.

Hotel101-Madrid, a 680-room development adjacent to the new Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix Circuit in Valdebebas, is slated for completion in December 2025.

Earlier this month, Hotel101 signed a 10-year agreement with an affiliate of MATCH Hospitality AG, making it an official hotel partner of the F1 Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035.

In May 2025, Hotel101 signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia's Horizon Group to, subject to additional contract, establish a joint venture for the development of up to 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership underscores Hotel101's confidence in the Kingdom's dynamic tourism market, one of the fastest-growing globally under Vision 2030.

Construction is underway for Hotel101-Niseko, a 482-room property in Hokkaido, Japan. The company has also secured a site in Los Angeles, California, marking its entry into the U.S. market.

In parallel, Hotel101 is actively pursuing five additional joint ventures, further advancing its goal of establishing a presence in 25 priority markets in the medium term.

Hotel101's asset-light “condotel” prop-tech business model is designed to scale efficiently while maximizing value for both unit owners and guests.

Hotel101 generates revenue twice: first, from the pre-selling of individual hotel units during the construction phase; and second, from long-term recurring revenue derived from day-to-day hotel operations following completion of the units.

By pre-selling standardized hotel units, Hotel101 generates upfront capital to fund new developments and expand rapidly. Its long-term management contracts with unit owners create a stable and recurring revenue stream.

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.