PLDT Enterprise Bolsters AI Adoption in the Workplace With Digital Assistant ‘Ellie’

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PLDT Enterprise is strengthening AI adoption within the PLDT Group with the launch of Ellie, an internal AI-powered digital assistant designed to boost productivity, collaboration, and operational efficiency—enabling faster and more responsive customer engagement.

Short for Enablement and Intelligence Engine, Ellie reflects PLDT Enterprise’s commitment to embedding AI into daily workflows. Accessible via Microsoft Teams, the platform provides teams with quick access to product information, sales materials, and a centralized, searchable knowledge base—helping employees work more efficiently and focus on higher-value activities.

“Championing AI within our own workplace allows us to lead by example as we transform into a TechCo - demonstrating how AI can enhance productivity and deliver more responsive outcomes for our customers” said Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group and PLDT Group AI Business Lead.

Through Ellie, employees can easily access product bulletins across PLDT Enterprise’s portfolio of solutions - from fixed and wireless to ICT - along with ready-to-use materials such as sales decks and client proposals. The platform also serves as a centralized, searchable knowledge base that enables teams to quickly find the information and stay aligned when engaging clients.

By consolidating key insights into a single interface, Ellie supports faster decision-making, smarter client engagement, and a more future-ready, AI-enabled workplace.

“Ellie reflects how we are approaching AI as a practical tool for everyday work - not just a future concept, but something our teams can use now to work smarter and respond more effectively to client needs,” said Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Product Management and Innovations at PLDT Enterprise. “As we continue to evolve the platform, our focus is on ensuring it delivers real value across the organization by supporting faster decision-making, better collaboration, and more impactful outcomes.”

Driving Digital Transformation from Within

The introduction of Ellie reflects PLDT Enterprise’s belief that organizations must embrace digital transformation internally to fully deliver its value to customers.

As the larger PLDT organization continues to advance AI initiatives, Ellie contributes to building a future-ready, AI-enabled workplace—one that leverages technology not only to support clients, but also to transform the way its own teams collaborate and innovate.

Learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s solutions, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ellie-ai-tool-pr.

Thai actress Freen Sarocha glows with vivo V70, highlights AI Magic Weather feature

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Thai actress Freen Sarocha shines in her latest Instagram post, effortlessly blending style and technology as she showcases the vivo V70 in its stunning Golden Hour colorway.

“Glowing a little extra with my vivo V70 in Golden Hour,” Freen shared, perfectly capturing the warm, radiant aesthetic of her photos. The device’s luminous finish, inspired by the hues of sunrise and sunset, complements her natural glow.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWipVKwkS-P/?igsh=NmZvZTlib2l2cWVv&img_index=3 ]

Freen's fave AI Magic Weather effects

Freen also highlights her favorite AI Magic Weather effects, showcasing how the vivo V70 transforms everyday shots into vibrant, mood-driven visuals.

Clear Sky 

Evening Glow

With Clear Sky, images appear bright, crisp, and full of life, bringing out natural colors and a fresh daytime feel. The scene looks effortlessly vibrant, as if captured under perfect weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Evening Glow adds warm, golden tones that create a more dramatic and intimate atmosphere. The sky takes on sunset-inspired hues, instantly giving portraits a cinematic, golden-hour finish.

“So fun playing around with its advanced AI visuals,” Freen shared, highlighting how easily users can switch between moods with just a tap.

In her post, Freen also gave a special shoutout to her Filipino fans, known as her “Girlfreens,” inviting them to experience the vivo V70 for themselves.

Aside from Golden hour colorway, the vivo V70 Lite is also available in Alpine Gray. Get yours today at vivo stores nationwide or online via the official vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

The Smart Saver’s Guide to Surviving Rising Prices

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At this point, checking prices before buying anything is already a must. One minute you’re grabbing your usual coffee, the next you’re doing mental math like, “Wait… has this always been this expensive?” Between rising gas prices, pricier groceries, and everything in between, it’s getting harder to pretend your budget hasn’t changed.

Now more than ever, it helps to be more intentional with how your money moves—because even small shifts can add up over time.

Here’s what that can look like:

Know your “default gastos”

Everyone has a baseline: your usual transport, food, subscriptions. The tricky part is these are also the ones that quietly go up. Taking a closer look at your weekly spend makes it easier to spot where your money is actually going, and where small adjustments can make a difference.

From there, it’s not just about cutting back, but spending smarter. Using tools that give something back like cashback or fuel discounts can help offset rising costs without needing to sacrifice as much.

For example for fuel expenses, using your Maya Debit Card can get you 5% cashback[1] with a minimum spend of ₱500, capped at ₱300, a small but practical way to ease rising gas costs.

If you’re using the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you can earn 1% cashback at Landers Caltex branches, plus up to 5% cashback at Landers Superstore, 2% on dining, and 1% on other transactions.

Even your regular purchases can stretch a little further. With the Maya Black Credit Card, your accumulated Maya Miles can unlock up to ₱1,500 worth of Pricelocq fuel vouchers in the app’s ‘Rewards’ catalogue, an easy way to turn routine spending into something more useful.

Because when it comes to rising prices, the goal isn’t just to spend less, it’s to make every peso go a little further.

If your money’s just sitting there, you’re losing a bit of it

With prices rising, idle money doesn’t stretch as far. That’s why more people are keeping their savings somewhere it can earn in the background, so even when you’re not actively saving more, your money is still doing something. With Maya, the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, you can earn up to 15% interest p.a. on your savings, just by using Maya for your everyday purchases.

Have a “just in case” fund, even a small one

Unexpected gastos hit harder now. A slightly higher grocery bill or a sudden fuel hike can throw things off. Setting aside a small buffer gives you a bit of breathing room.

For short-term needs, having access to something like Maya Easy Credit[2] can help you stay on track without dipping into your savings. It offers a revolving credit line of up to ₱50,000, payable in up to 30 days, helping bridge temporary cash flow gaps while giving you clear visibility into your repayment.

Use extra funds strategically

When you do have extra money, even small amounts, it helps to give it a clear purpose instead of letting it sit or disappear into everyday spending. Some are setting aside funds into goal-based savings, like Maya Personal Goals, where you can create up to five savings targets for things like emergencies, travel, or future plans. Each goal earns 4% interest per annum, with rates increasing the more you save, reaching up to 8% p.a. as you build your balance.

For those who prefer a more structured approach, options like Time Deposit Plus offer a way to lock in funds for a set period—whether 3, 6, or 12 months—earning up to 6% p.a. while keeping your savings untouched. With multiple accounts available, it’s a way to stay disciplined while steadily growing your money in the background.

Most of the time, it’s small tweaks like being more aware of your spending, letting your savings earn quietly in the background, and making smarter choices with everyday expenses, that make things feel more manageable.

At a time when everything feels like it’s getting more expensive, being a “smart saver” isn’t about doing less, it’s about being more aware of your finances. And with the right tools working quietly in the background, it becomes a lot easier to stay on track without overhauling your entire life.

To know more, visit maya.ph/MayaFuelCashback2026, maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor. 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.

[1] Promo runs until April 30, 2026. For more details, visit maya.ph/MayaFuelCashback2026.

[2] Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation.

Jollibee launches refreshing and budget-friendly summer treats as heat intensifies

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Summer in the Philippines is not just about beach trips or out-of-town plans. For many, it lives in everyday moments like merienda breaks, barkada hangouts, and quick cool-down stops after a long day.

As the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) signals the start of the warm and dry season, these small rituals become even more meaningful.

To match this shift, Jollibee, the country's no. 1 fastfood chain, has introduced its “Summer Delights,” a selection built around refreshment, affordability, and shareable joy.

“Summer brings out a different kind of energy in Filipinos. It’s more spontaneous, more social, and more driven by small rewards throughout the day,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “We want to be part of those everyday breaks by offering easy, affordable ways to cool down and enjoy.”

Headlining the menu is the Strawberry Burst Choco Sundae, priced at ₱65, combining chocolate and strawberry with popping boba for a playful twist. Customers can also opt for familiar coolers such as Iced Mocha and Soda Float.

Complementing these are the Fries Snack Combos starting at ₱69, which pair crispy fries with a choice of Choco Sundae, Mini Choco Sundae, or Soda Float. The combinations are available in different sizes to suit both individuals and groups.

The Summer Delights products are now available nationwide in all Jollibee stores for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru, and can also be ordered for delivery via the Jollibee App, the Jollibee delivery website, GrabFood, and foodpanda.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises! 

Manila Bulletin’s HATCH Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting Opens at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel

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The Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel came alive on March 25, 2026, as distinguished guests, artists, members of the media, and content creators gathered for the opening reception of HATCH 2026, the 8th edition of the premier art showcase by the Manila Bulletin in partnership with The Manila Hotel.

With the theme Contemporary Visions, Timeless Setting, HATCH 2026 bridges heritage and modern expression. This year’s edition brings together 12 contemporary and emerging Filipino artists, each invited to interpret the iconic acrylic egg transforming it into a compelling vessel of storytelling, identity, and imagination.

Set against the storied backdrop of The Manila Hotel’s Grand Lobby, the opening reception formally presented this year’s featured artists to the public: Marko Belo, Dino Blanco, Norman Blanco, Rachel Anne Lacaba, Jao Mapa, Raf Page, Tokwa Peňaflorida, JP Pining, Angelo Roxas, Alber Tabanao, Rene Tolentino, and Krishnamurti.

The event was graced by Mr. Basilio C. Yap, chairman of the board of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, vice chairman of The Manila Hotel and president of the Manila Bulletin; Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; and Leslie Araujo, brand and marketing manager of the Manila Bulletin and project head of HATCH 2026; alongside members of the media and content creators.

Welcome remarks by The Manila Hotel's vice president for sales and marketing Marvin Kim Tan

In his remarks, Marvin Kim Tan shared, “What began as a platform to showcase fresh ideas has grown into a meaningful space that champions creativity and emerging talent. We are proud to continue supporting this initiative and the community it has built over the years. Our sincere thanks to Manila Bulletin for their continued partnership, and to the 12 artists featured this year. When Ernest Hemingway visited in 1941, he remarked, ‘It’s a good story if it’s like The Manila Hotel.’ May this year’s exhibit at our Grand Lobby be another great story to tell.”

Inspirational words from The Manila Hotel president Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr.

Cris 'Krishnamuti' Villanueva is among the 12 artists featured in this year's Hatch exhibit

Jao Mapa joins the selection of featured artists in this year's Hatch exhibit