May 1, 2026

Live the ‘One Piece’ adventure at your fave malls and beyond

The Great Pirate Era isn’t just streaming – it’s landing in real life. In the Philippines, the journey begins at select PLDT stores, complete with an exclusive one month free broadband promo when you apply for Fiber Netflix 1599

GMA actor Vince Maristela (center) joins content creators Klen Cos, Awie De Guzman, Cholo Tolentino, and Prince De Guzman (left to right) set sail as the Straw Hat crew, bringing the world of One Piece to life at the PLDT Store 

With two successful seasons and a recently confirmed third one, One Piece on Netflix has transcended the screen. What started as a beloved manga and anime has become a global phenomenon, arriving just in time for summer, when the call to adventure feels impossible to ignore. The Great Pirate Era is here, and fans everywhere are answering it.

Across the world, One Piece has evolved into an “experience.” At the famed Netflix House Philadelphia, for instance, fans can step inside an escape room where teams of 6-12 race against time to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and find the hidden Devil Fruit through the show’s iconic locations.

If you’re dreaming of your own grand escape this summer – stepping onto the Going Merry or testing your mettle against the sea’s most notorious villains without having to fly to the States – you’re in luck. You can do all of that right in any of these real-life One Piece gimmicks and activations which are already making waves around the world.

For one, it’s no surprise that the birthplace of the series – Japan – offers the wildest experiences: from the towering life-sized statues in Kumamoto (the creator’s hometown) to the immersive Tokyo One Piece Tower (which long served as a pilgrimage site). Beyond these landmark installations, fans can also find themed cafes and pop-up events in Shibuya as if they’ve just walked into a panel of the manga.

Photo source: Klook

In Australia, the One Piece buzz has reached fever pitch with exclusive screenings and massive fan gatherings. Major cities have seen public installations that celebrate the show’s record-breaking viewership on Netflix. The One Plus Piece Cafe in Melbourne, for one, features a large-scale Tony Tony Chopper installation and series-themed memorabilia.

Photo source: One Plus Piece

But if all of that seems daunting – or downright expensive – you don’t need to cross the Red Line to join the adventure. Right here in the Philippines, home to one of the largest One Piece fandoms in the whole world, PLDT Home is transforming its physical stores into an immersive One Piece experience. It’s also the only telco in the country to bring this Netflix partnership to life.

Fans can head to select PLDT stores to see the world of the Grand Line come to life. For long-time readers of the manga and new fans of the Netflix live-action series alike, these store takeovers offer a chance to celebrate your fandom in real life.

And if you’re not yet a subscriber, you can also score a store and online exclusive deal! Apply for PLDT Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 (or Fiber Unli Plans 1699, 2099, and 2699) from March 15 to May 31, 2026, and set sail with ONE MONTH FREE BROADBAND (applied on your fourth month), a FREE Speed Boost, and FREE Installation with No Cash-Out to kick you off your journey the best way possible.



Visit the following locations for the experience:

        SM North EDSA

        SM Megamall

        SM Southmall

        SM Manila

        Ayala Fairview Terraces

        PLDT Jones

        SM Lipa

        SM Marilao

Stream One Piece: Into the Grand Line and enjoy more unli entertainment with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan – your all-in-one subscription for fast internet and premium entertainment. Apply today in-store or online at pldthome.com/one-piece-1MF and start your journey to becoming the King of the Pirates

realme 16 Series 5G opens first-selling offers with up to PHP4,498 worth of exclusive freebies

Beyond freebies, the lineup is made more accessible through Home Credit deals starting 
at just PHP 36 daily



realme Philippines is offering its latest realme 16 Series 5G for first-selling bundled with exclusive perks worth up to PHP 4,498.

The first-selling period runs until May 10, giving early buyers access to limited-time freebies, available in limited quantities depending on their chosen variant.

Customers who purchase the realme 16 Series 5G during the first-selling period will receive the following exclusive bundles:

realme 16 Pro Series 5G (worth up to PHP 4,498)
● 2,000 discount
● 5000mAh Power Bank
● Privilege Card (6-month extended warranty and screen damage protection plan)


realme 16 5G (Freebies worth 2,998)
● 1,000 discount
● 5000mAh Power Bank
● Privilege Card (6-month extended warranty and screen damage protection plan)

For purchases made from May 11 to May 31, customers will still receive a Privilege Card, which includes a 6-month extended warranty and screen damage protection plan.

Lucky Drop Promo


To make the launch even more exciting, realme is also rolling out the Lucky Drop Promo, happening on May 1-3 and May 8-10.

Customers who purchase the realme 16 Series 5G during the promo period will get a chance to win prizes worth up to PHP 14,990, including:

● realme Pad (4GB+64GB LTE)

● realme 45W Cabled Power Bank (20000mAh)

● Earbuds

To qualify, customers must purchase any realme 16 Series 5G smartphone from participating realme stores within the promo period. After purchase, store representatives will assist customers in completing the qualification process. Qualified participants will then gain access to the Lucky Drop Game for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Flexible installment via Home Credit & Credit Cards

To make the lineup more accessible, the realme 16 Series 5G is also available through Home Credit with flexible installment plans.

The realme 16 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB) can be availed for as low as PHP 60 per day, while the realme 16 Pro 5G is available at PHP 43 per day (8GB+256GB) and PHP 51 per day (12GB+512GB). Meanwhile, the realme 16 5G (8GB+256GB) can be purchased for as low as PHP 36 per day.

In addition, customers who purchase via Home Credit can enjoy an extra PHP 500 off their new device until May 10, 2026.

For Credit Card purchases, customers can enjoy up to 18-month installment terms at 0% interest, offering greater flexibility across payment options.

Online Exclusive Offers

The realme 16 Series 5G is also available via the official Shopee store with online-exclusive offers running until May 5 only. Customers can enjoy lower prices and bundled freebies for select variants, available in limited quantities only.

Unit                 :    realme 16 5G (8GB+256GB)
Shopee Price   :    PHP 22,499
Freebies           :   Akaso EK7000

Unit                  :    realme 16 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB)
Shopee Price    :    PHP 24,999
Freebies            :    Akaso EK7000 Pro

Unit                   :    realme 16 Pro 5G (12GB+512GB)
Shopee Price     :    PHP 28,999
Freebies             :    Akaso EK7000 Pro

For more updates on the realme 16 Series 5G, follow realme’s official website and Facebook page.

April 30, 2026

vivo Y31d arrives May 9 with 7200mAh BlueVolt battery


vivo will launch the vivo Y31d in the Philippines on May 9, featuring a 7,200mAh BlueVolt battery designed to last up to two days on a single charge, along with IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance for enhanced durability.

Extended battery performance

The device is designed for users seeking extended battery performance across daily activities. Based on laboratory tests, the Y31d can support up to 19.7 hours of TikTok streaming, 68 hours of Spotify playback, 13.2 hours of multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) gaming, 45 hours of video playback, 12 hours of livestreaming, and 14.5 hours of navigation.

The vivo Y31d also emphasizes long-term battery durability, offering a guaranteed six-year battery health supported by a 25-dimension safety protection system. The feature is designed to maintain consistent performance over time while safeguarding the device during use and charging.

The smartphone is equipped with 44W FlashCharge technology, which can fully charge the battery in under 90 minutes. It also supports reverse charging, allowing the device to function as a power source for other compatible gadgets.

Design and build

In terms of design, the vivo Y31d will come in two color options: Starlight Grey and Glow White. The finishes are aimed at different user preferences, with Starlight Grey offering a more understated, professional look and Glow White targeting users who prefer a more expressive style.

The device features a quad-curved back panel for improved ergonomics, a metallic camera module inspired by flagship designs, and a one-piece seamless frame. It is also rated IP68 and IP69 for dust and water resistance, adding an extra layer of protection for everyday use. Despite its large battery capacity, the Y31d weighs only 219 grams, making it optimized for all-day comfort.

More details about the Y31d will be shared during its official launch. Tune in through vivo Philippines’ official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Secure your future, empower your team: A Labor Day Guide to smart retirement planning



Labor Day is more than just a well-deserved break. It is a moment to honor the hard work that builds our nation and a prime opportunity to look toward the future. The focus is shifting from the daily grind to long-term security.

Whether you are an individual professional aiming for a graceful exit from the workforce or a business leader looking to protect your greatest asset, your people, understanding the landscape of retirement is essential.

The Reality of Retirement Readiness

Recent data from the Retirement Index highlights a significant gap in how prepared most professionals feel about their post-work years. While the ambition to retire comfortably is universal, the roadmap often remains unclear.

Retirement shouldn't be a period of financial uncertainty. It should be a "Golden Era," the time to enjoy the fruits of decades of labor without compromising your lifestyle. To bridge this gap, proactive planning is required. Traditionally, the three-legged stool of retirement must be sturdy in order to ensure a secure retirement: pension from social security, pension from employer-sponsored plans, and personal savings. However, the reality is, state pensions and company-sponsored pension plans are often insufficient, if any. Meanwhile, personal savings are usually spent on more immediate financial and health needs. Therefore, you need a guaranteed income stream, a sturdy third leg in your retirement stool, to ensure your transition to retirement is seamless and your personal savings are preserved.

For the Individual: Take control of your "Next Chapter"

Securing your future starts with a shift in mindset: treat your retirement fund as an essential "bill" you pay your future self. InLife’s Retire Assure, the country’s first true retirement product, available for Filipinos aged 18 to 60 years old, gives you the following features:
  • Guaranteed monthly pension so there will be no guesswork as to how much to set aside on a monthly basis to cover daily expenses;
  • Growth potential through cash dividends that have the possibility to increase your monthly income to account for potential medical costs and inflation, and preserve your savings for leisure and other expenses;
  • Guaranteed issuance feature that doesn’t require medical examinations;
  • Life insurance protection where beneficiaries stand to receive the higher of 110% of premiums paid, less payouts, or the guaranteed cash values in case of demise;
  • Flexible and convenient payments and payouts through annual, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly payments and the option to choose a peso bank account for receiving your monthly pension and potential dividends; and
  • Limited payment period allowing you to set aside a portion of your income over a period of five or ten years, or through regular payments until the age of 59 or 64.
They say, the best time to prepare was yesterday; the second-best time is today. Starting early can significantly amplify your pension fund. However, those who are transitioning to a more senior role in their careers aged 48 to 73, who were not able to start their retirement fund much earlier, may also avail of Retire Assure 2, the two-pay variant payable in two annual installments.

“At InLife, we believe retirement shouldn't be a source of anxiety, but something to be anticipated. Retire Assure empowers Filipinos to take control of their 'next chapter' with certainty. We want to help them build a future where their hard-earned lifestyle is protected and they can live with dignity," said InLife Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez.

For the employer: Strengthening the modern workforce




In today’s competitive talent market, professional fulfillment is deeply tied to financial peace of mind. Workplace benefits are no longer just perks but are strategic investments that encourage productivity and promotes a holistic well-being, ensuring enterprise sustainability.

By integrating retirement preparedness into your company’s benefits package, you provide employees with more than just a paycheck; you give a future, guaranteeing a stronger three-legged stool of retirement for them. Consider InLife’s Comprehensive Group Plan (CGP) which offers the following:
  • · Group life insurance and retirement to help you comply with laws such as R.A. 7641 (Retirement Pay Law) and R.A. 4917 (tax exemptions on private retirement plans);
  • · Fund Protection and Insurance Benefits with the retirement fund protected from depletion due to mortality and disability;
  • · Guaranteed interest as the plan earns interest at a guaranteed rate to build up your employees’ retirement fund. When actual earnings of the fund exceed the guaranteed rate, your company gets an additional 50% of the excess amount;
  • · Preservation of Capital with the fund guaranteed against capital loss;
  • · Administrative Fee that is only applied on fresh funds/new deposits and not on the accumulated retirement fund;
  • · Supplemental savings that enables you to customize your plan to allow employees to add their own contribution voluntarily and save more for their future needs; and
  • · Tax qualification assistance as we handle the BIR application process to qualify your retirement plan so that retirement benefits remain tax-exempt for your employees, while your company’s contributions are fully tax-deductible.
"Our CGP is designed to turn retirement preparedness into a competitive advantage for businesses. We want to help drive higher engagement and loyalty within the organization, while supporting employers in their efforts to provide their employees opportunities to build a more substantial nest egg for their future,” said Martinez

Labor Day should remind us to commit to a future where every worker can retire without worries. By combining individual foresight with robust corporate support, we can ensure that the finish line of a career is just the beginning of a vibrant new journey.

For more information on Retire Assure, visithttps://www.inlife.com.ph/retirement-insurance. For more information on InLife’s CGP, visit https://www.inlife.com.ph/group-insurance or email corporatesales@insular.com.ph.




***********************************

About InLife.

InLife is the first and largest Filipino life insurance company in the country, with over 115 years of uninterrupted service.

We bring more than a century of expertise in financial protection, risk management, savings, and investments to help Filipinos make informed and confident decisions for themselves and their loved ones. With an asset base of over P172.3 billion and a net worth of P43.3 billion, InLife continues to be a trusted name in life insurance. We serve our policyholders through 54 offices nationwide and an expanding digital footprint that ensures accessible service anytime, anywhere. Guided by our brand philosophy, “Love in Life,” we go beyond policies to deliver real love, empowerment and belongingness. Whether it’s for a secure future, a comfortable retirement, or peace of mind during life’s uncertainties, we are here to provide A Lifetime for Good. For more information, visit www.inlife.com.ph.

The Reset You Deserve is Waiting on the Shores of Samal


Leave the hustle behind this Labor Day and find your breath where the sky meets the sea as Discovery Samal welcomes you to trade your endless to-do list for the gentle lull of the waves and the quiet luxury of the island.

Picture your long weekend unfolding without a single rush by starting your morning with a peaceful stroll along the shore, spending sun-drenched afternoons lounging by the water, and gathering for sunset dinners where the food is as incredible as the company.

With curated island adventures and effortless beach days all in one place, Discovery Samal takes care of every detail so you can simply settle in and stay present.

A Long Weekend Made for Island Living

Escape the heat and step into a refreshing coastal sanctuary with the Happy Summer Room Package, curated for those who want their holiday to feel like a true retreat. With rates starting at Php 17,500 per night, this offer bundles everything you need for a seamless island getaway from arrival to departure. Your experience begins with a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival and includes daily breakfast for two at Morning Catch.

To help you embrace the island rhythm, the package invites you to the water with a one-hour session on a crystal kayak or paddleboard, followed by a complimentary foot massage for two to ensure you truly unwind. The perks continue throughout your stay with 15% savings across all food and beverage outlets and 10% off both spa treatments and additional watersports activities.

For My Discovery Elite members, the stay is even sweeter with complimentary mocktails for two, while Gold and Platinum members earn double points on their room spend. This summer escape is open for booking until May 31, 2026, with stay dates available until June 15, 2026.

Wellness Escapes for Rest and Renewal

If you are seeking a deeper, more restorative pause, Samal Escape Spa is offering the Happy Summer Wellness Promo, the perfect opportunity to recharge, and it is available until May 31. Guests can indulge in the Solasta Tropical treatment, a curated one-hour experience that comes with an additional 15-minute foot massage, all for the special price of Php 4,480 for two.

Designed as a midday reset or a soothing end to a day spent in the sun, this treatment focuses on simple, accessible ways to unwind. It is an effortless addition to your stay, ensuring you leave the island feeling completely refreshed.

Seasonal Offers and Playful Moments

Adding to the experience are Summer Delights, a lineup of beverages that reflect the bright, easygoing character of the island. Guests can choose from spirit-free selections priced at Php 250 net per order, including Magic Water, Buko Lamaw, and Tropical Samalamig. For something more indulgent, alcoholic creations at Php 400 net per order highlight local flavors, with blends such as Minatamis na Saging, Bulawan Breeze, and Summer Spritz.

Nearby, Arcade Blast offers a playful shift in pace. Guests can explore a range of activities at the Mindanao Pavilion, from a Single Game Pass at Php 300 net with one activity and two tokens, to a 3-Game Combo at Php 600 net with three activities and four tokens. Those who prefer longer sessions can opt for billiards or ping pong at Php 500 net per hour with four tokens included, or karaoke through Voice to the Max at Php 1,500 net for one hour with six tokens.

Together, these experiences add variety to the stay—something guests can dip into between beach hours or later in the day.

Your Labor Day Escape Starts Here

While Labor Day is a time to celebrate hard work, at Discovery Samal, it becomes a rare chance to step away from the grind, even if only briefly. Through a perfect blend of beachfront relaxation, curated experiences, and inviting accommodations, the resort offers a sanctuary where you can truly recharge and return to the world refreshed. For inquiries and reservations, visit https://www.discoverysamal.com, email reservations@discoverysamal.com, or call +63 84 308 2998.

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