PLDT Home brings fiber connectivity to Camotes Island, opening more digital opportunities for families and communities

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The new Fiber Unli All 1499 is now available to households in San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela.

CEBU, Philippines — PLDT Home has expanded its fiber network to Camotes Island, bringing reliable broadband connectivity to more families and communities across the municipalities of San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela.

Known for its powdery white-sand beaches, underground caves, and rugged cliff-jumping spots, Camotes Island is often called the “Lost Horizon of the South.” Its laid-back atmosphere and natural attractions make it a popular destination for travelers seeking a quieter tropical escape from crowded tourist hubs.

The expansion is part of PLDT’s ongoing commitment to help bridge the digital divide and to extend reliable connectivity to more communities across the country, including those on Camotes Island in the Visayas.

“Expanding into Camotes Island is about more than extending our network footprint. It is about helping close a connectivity gap that can limit access to opportunities. By bringing reliable fiber connectivity to island communities, PLDT Home is providing families with the digital infrastructure they need to participate more fully in today’s digital economy,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, PLDT Inc.

More digital opportunities for Camotes families

Residents may subscribe to the new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All 1499 plan, which offers unlimited fiber internet at speeds up to 200 Mbps.

The plan also includes 63 Cignal channels and HBO Max Standard for entertainment, unlimited landline-to-landline calls and landline-to-mobile calls to five nominated Smart or TNT numbers, and 9GB of Smart mobile data each month. By bringing home internet, entertainment, and mobile connectivity together in one plan, Fiber Unli All 1499 gives families more ways to stay connected while helping them make the smart choice for their household’s everyday digital needs.

The new Smart mobile data inclusion extends the home plan's value beyond the household. Subscribers can share the 9GB monthly allocation with up to three of their nominated Smart or TNT numbers, giving family members mobile data they can use on the go.

Reliable home internet can help students access educational resources, enable family members to work and communicate from home, and give families easier access to digital services such as online banking, telehealth, government platforms, and e-commerce. It can also support home-based entrepreneurs and local businesses that rely on connectivity to reach customers, promote their products and services, and manage transactions online.

Improved connectivity can also support Camotes Island’s continued development as a tourism destination by helping local businesses and residents promote the island’s natural attractions and local experiences to a wider audience while staying connected with customers, visitors, and communities beyond the island.

Working with local communities

PLDT Home partnered with local government units and community partners in San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela to introduce its fiber services to residents. The rollout includes community visits and information booths at key locations, including the Agora Public Market in San Francisco, the RBC Business Center near Poro Port, and an area beside the Tudela Municipal Hall.

The expansion also supports local employment through community-based sales and service activities. PLDT Home is engaging local agents and partners to assist households interested in applying for fiber connectivity.

Through its continued network expansion, PLDT Home reinforces its commitment to Filipino families and communities. It also underscores the PLDT Group’s broader nation-building mission to connect more Filipinos and extend the benefits of technology to communities beyond major urban centers.

Residents may visit PLDT Home booths and authorized local representatives in San Francisco, Poro, and Tudela to inquire about Fiber Unli All 1499 and check service availability in their residential areas.

Familiar and Fresh: How URC Continues to Surprise Filipinos After 70 Years

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Some favourites never go out of style—and they continue to delight in new ways. For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been a constant companion in Filipino households through quality and well-loved brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Maxx, Cloud 9, Cream-O, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste, among others. Staying true to its purpose of delighting everyone with good food choices, URC constantly evolves alongside the tastes and lifestyles of consumers.

Today, the company continues to excite generations of consumers by introducing fresh flavours, new formats, and exciting product experiences that prove innovation can come from the brands Filipinos already know and love.

Here’s how some of URC’s popular brands are continuously evolving to excite and delight everyone:

The iconic tasty hexagon snack keeps offering exciting flavours

As a staple in daily snacking moments of Pinoys, Piattos is widely loved for its signature hexagon shape, satisfying crunch, and classic flavors such as Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, Roadhouse Barbeque, Nacho Pizza, Roast Beef and Spicy Cheese. To excite today’s adventurous palates and satisfy evolving snack cravings, the brand continues to introduce more flavor options—from limited-edition creations like Beef Bulgogi and Truffle Cream, to exciting flavor combinations like its latest Cheddar & Sour Cream variant.

Alongside Piattos, other Jack 'n Jill favorites—including Nova, Mang Juan, and VCut—as well as classics like Chippy and Chiz Curls, continue to roll out exciting new flavor profiles, giving Filipinos even more reasons to look forward to snack time.

From sandwich cookie to full chocolate experience

Cream-O has long been the go-to treat for chocolate lovers, but URC has reimagined the brand to go way beyond the traditional cookie format. To satisfy modern cravings for premium and indulgent textures, the brand has expanded into an entire ecosystem, featuring Cream-O Cake Bar, Cream-O Cakewich, and Cream-O Premium. Its newest is the Cream-O Dark Choco, an indulgent cookie sandwich that offers a rich and bold chocolate experience.

The spirit of variety extends across URC’s biscuit favourites with Dewberry, Presto, and Magic Crackers, continuously adapting their formats to fit every kind of modern snack craving.

Reimagining the chocolate enjoyment with a new crunch

Known for its signature combination of nougat, caramel and peanuts, URC’s Cloud 9 chocolate has been a go-to treat for several chocolate lovers. The brand has been introducing new ways to satisfy sweet cravings by offering products like the new Cloud 9 Crunchies that bring a fun and crispy texture to a familiar favourite.

Alongside Cloud 9, other fun treats like Nips chocolate introduce vibrant flavors and formats, proving that chocolate moments can make any day a little sweeter.

Fruity freshness, now with a chewy twist

Maxx has always been a pocket essential for on-the-go freshness. Recognizing a growing consumer preference for playful, chewy textures, URC expanded its candy lineup with Maxx Chews. This chewy menthol candy comes in a convenient, value-packed three-piece stick that is tailor-made for the fast-paced routines of modern commuters and professionals.

Together with URC’s other candy favourites like XO, Dynamite and Lush, Maxx offers something for every candy craving and every moment that calls for a refreshing treat.

Offering refreshing tea favorites, and flavor innovations

As the pioneer of ready-to-drink green tea in the Philippines, C2 Cool and Clean introduced a refreshing tea experience to Filipinos. Alongside its Classic Green Tea, Apple, and Lemon variants, C2 continues to evolve its product lineup, introducing flavor innovations such as Raspberry, Dalandan and Peach. Its latest flavor, C2 Freeze Melon, brings an innovative twist on fruity tea with a delicious melon flavor and a refreshing coolness that lingers in every sip.

Brewing modern coffee moments, one cup at a time

As one of the country's most chosen beverage brands (based on Kantar's Brand Footprint report), URC’s Great Taste has a history of delivering innovative products - most notably by introducing White Coffee in the Philippines.

URC continues to elevate Pinoy’s daily coffee ritual with the new Great Taste Premium roast, a coffee mix that’s designed to give everyone a delicious afternoon coffee break companion with its Tapang-Sarap blend of dark-roasted robusta coffee, palm sugar and real milk - para Balik Lakas Sigla.

Bigger, bolder flavours for instant happiness

Payless continues to redefine value-for-money meals by giving consumers MORE at a sulit price, through its delicious range of instant noodle variants and bold innovations.

Its newest Payless Chili Garlic Mami offers a flavorful twist on a Filipino comfort food favorite. Made with rich chili oil and real garlic bits, this crave-worthy meal delivers a balanced blend of Anghang-Linamnam that elevates your everyday noodle cravings. Experience the kakaibang Anghang-Sarap na Tumatatak goodness of Payless Chili Garlic, available in Beef and Chicken flavors.

Moving into modern pet care

Beyond making everyday snacking moments more enjoyable for Filipinos, URC also supports joyful moments shared by pet parents and their fur babies. Through its award-winning pet care brand, TopBreed, URC has been supporting fur parents’ journey by offering quality pet care products including dog and cat food, and other pet essentials. This 2026, TopBreed brand started expanding its portfolio from dry dog and cat food to other formats like wet and treats, also TopCare cat litter.

Always something new to discover

For 70 years, URC has grown alongside generations of Filipinos—evolving with changing tastes, lifestyles, and everyday moments. As a lifestyle companion, URC stays true to what it has always stood for: bringing quality, flavor and everyday delight to Filipino homes.

 

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For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has grown into one of the Philippines' leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio of trusted brands enjoyed by millions of consumers locally and across international markets. Through decades of innovation and a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs, URC has built a lasting legacy of delivering quality products that enrich everyday life. Its iconic brands—including Jack 'n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx Candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee—have become household names, connecting generations of Filipinos through shared moments and the simple joy of great taste. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines), and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

Your head-to-toe glow-up starts here: Belo Essentials Glycolic Toner launches exclusively at Robinsons Department Store

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Every weekend from September 4 to October 5, shoppers can get the new multi-zone exfoliator for an exclusive price of P140

Finding an effortless, head-to-toe skincare solution that delivers visible results without breaking the bank can often feel like an endless search. Target areas like underarm, elbows, and knees - along with face - often require specialised care to address rough texture and stubborn dark spots.

This September, Belo Essentials is bringing its new Glycolic Toner to Robinsons Department Store nationwide. Robinsons Department Store becomes the first physical retailer to carry this exciting Belo Essentials product.

Why your skin will love the Belo Essentials Glycolic Toner

Specifically crafted to lighten dark spots and refine overall texture, the Belo Essentials Glycolic Toner packs a dermatologist-tested, gentle exfoliating formula with 5% Glycolic Acid that transforms dull, uneven skin to give you a smooth, radiant glow. Paired with Niacinamide, it can help fade hyperpigmentation and balance skin tone. It also has soothing Aloe Vera that delivers rich hydration and calms irritation after exfoliation.

The Belo Essentials Glycolic Toner is alcohol and fragrance-free, making it an ideal skincare product for sensitive skin types and can be used for multi-zone application across both the face and body. It’s a reliable and affordable daily essential for all beauty enthusiasts.

Exclusive Weekend Launch Promotion

To celebrate the exclusive nationwide rollout as Belo Essentials’ first physical store partner, Robinsons Department Store is hosting a special weekend launch offer. Every Saturday and Sunday from now until October 5, 2026, shoppers can pick up the new Belo Essentials Glycolic Toner across all branches nationwide for an exclusive promotional price of just ₱140.

If you’re looking to restock your skincare cabinet, don’t miss this chance to grab the Belo Essentials Glycolic Toner at your nearest Robinsons Department Store at a very low price. Share your store haul and experience with the product using the official hashtags #RobinsonsDepartmentStore and #BeloGlycolicAcid.

For more updates and information, follow Robinsons Department Store on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

vivo gives consumers more affordable way to own its phones

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For consumers who want to experience a vivo smartphone without necessarily buying a brand-new unit, there is another option worth considering: vivo refurbished phones.

Unlike ordinary second-hand phones, refurbished vivo units are brand-managed devices that undergo inspection, cleaning, and necessary repairs by vivo customer service professionals before being made available for resale. This gives consumers a more accessible way to own a vivo smartphone, while offering the added assurance of professional quality checks and warranty support.

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Refurbished vivo phones may come from units previously used by KOLs or ambassadors, as well as store display and demo units. Once these devices are returned, they are handled by vivo customer service professionals and undergo the necessary inspection, cleaning, and repair processes before being relisted for sale.

This is what sets refurbished vivo phones apart from ordinary second-hand devices. Rather than being resold as-is, refurbished units are professionally checked and prepared before being made available to another consumer.

For Filipino consumers, this means having another option when looking for a vivo smartphone that fits their budget. Refurbished units can make selected vivo devices more accessible, while the professional refurbishment process and warranty support provide added confidence compared with buying a phone solely based on its previous ownership.

Professional refurbishment with warranty support

For consumers, knowing that a device has gone through a professional refurbishment process can provide added peace of mind when considering a refurbished phone.

Refurbished vivo phones come with a standard one-year warranty, with the warranty start date determined according to the unit's classification and available proof of purchase.

There are two types of refurbished vivo phones:

● Pre-owned (LDU) – These are older demo or ex-display units that have been refurbished for resale. The product code carries a two-digit suffix, while the device and packaging carry a “Pre-owned” label.

● Near New – These are units returned within 15 days and subsequently refurbished for resale. The product code carries a one-digit suffix, while the device and packaging carry a “Near New” label.

For purchases with proof of purchase, the warranty starts on the purchase date indicated on the receipt.

For pre-owned units without proof of purchase, the warranty start date is based on the device's IMEI binding, activation, or sold date.

For Near New units without proof of purchase, the 90th day after the production date applies as the warranty start date, in accordance with vivo's warranty policy.

With clear classifications and warranty guidelines, consumers can better understand the refurbished unit they are purchasing and have the added reassurance of vivo's after-sales support.

How to buy a refurbished vivo phone

For Filipinos looking for a more accessible way to experience vivo, purchasing a refurbished unit is also straightforward.

Consumers can visit the official vivo website, go to the e-store, select products, and choose refurbished phones. Refurbished units can also be purchased through a vivo Store by selecting shop and then refurbished phones.

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Consumers can currently explore refurbished versions of the vivo X300 FE and vivo X300 Ultra, offering another opportunity to experience vivo's advanced smartphone capabilities through the refurbished program.

For Filipino consumers weighing their options when purchasing a smartphone, vivo refurbished phones offer a practical alternative to buying brand-new or ordinary second-hand devices. With professionally refurbished units, clear classifications, and warranty support, consumers can enjoy a more accessible way to own selected vivo smartphones while having the added confidence of vivo's after-sales service.

Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the official vivo website to stay updated on the latest vivo news, products, and available refurbished phones.

Meet Maya’s Special-Edition Bukad Card, Inspired by Philippine Nature, Powered by Visa, and Made from 100% Recycled Plastic

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The nature-inspired drop arrives as Maya completes its transition, with all newly produced prepaid cards now made from 100% recycled plastic.

A playful take on bukadkad, the Filipino word that describes a flower in bloom, Bukad takes inspiration from the richness of Philippine nature. Filipino visual artist and illustrator Raxenne Maniquiz brings this to life through her signature colorful illustrations, filling the card with flowers, foliage, wildlife, and little details to discover every time you look.

That connection to nature goes beyond the design. The Maya Bukad Card is made from 100% recycled plastic, bringing more thought not just to how the card looks, but to what it’s made of.

And the Bukad Card isn’t the only Maya card getting a material rethink. Maya has now fully implemented its transition, with all newly produced wallet cards made from 100% recycled plastic. It’s a move away from virgin plastic and toward giving existing materials another life, without changing the security, durability and functionality people expect from their Maya cards.

Of course, the Maya Bukad Card is made to be used as much as it is meant to be noticed. Powered by Visa, it can be used for purchases and ATM withdrawals wherever Visa is accepted around the world. And when you spend locally in the Philippines, you get 1% cashback on all in-store and online purchases.

From Card to Scarf

And if you’re tempted to wear it, you can. For a limited time, the design goes beyond your wallet, too. Raxenne’s nature-inspired illustrations also make their way onto the limited-edition Bukad scarf, bringing the colors and details of the Maya Bukad Card into something you can wear and style your own way.

The limited-edition Bukad scarf will be available exclusively at PURVEYR Fair on September 12–13 at the World Trade Center Tent. Fairgoers who purchase the Maya Bukad Card for PHP 350 can take home a Bukad scarf for free.

Can’t make it to PURVEYR Fair? The special-edition Maya Bukad Card will also be available starting September 9 on the Maya app. To order yours, simply open the Maya app, head to the Cards tab, and order the Maya Bukad Card.

From the Philippine nature that inspired its design to the 100% recycled plastic it’s made from, the Maya Bukad Card brings together Filipino creativity and more conscious design in something you can carry—and use—every day.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.