PLDT Gabay Guro celebrates TeacherFest 2016, the biggest tribute for teachers to date!

Almost 20,000 teachers from public and private schools nationwide assembled at the Mall of Asia Arena for PLDT Gabay Guro’s 9th Grand Gathering, also known as TeacherFest. Since its establishment in 2007, PLDT Gabay Guro (2G) has been able to grant over 1,100 scholarships in various state colleges and universities nationwide; train over 16,000 teachers; donate laptops and computers to schools and foundations and build over 40 classrooms located in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz.

As the educational arm and flagship project of the PLDT-Smart Foundation, PLDT Gabay Guro (2G) focuses on upholding the vocation of teachers. Its tagline “building the nation one teacher at a time” highlights the valuable role of teachers in leading their students to the future and shaping the next generation of nation builders. With the highly anticipated TeacherFest, 2G culminated its 9th year of trainings, scholarships and livelihood programs for the teacher beneficiaries, right in time for Teachers’ Month.

Like previous years, the 9th PLDT Gabay Guro TeacherFest honored the teachers’ hard work, dedication and impact on society with a day filled with their favorite celebrities, world-class performances and exciting, life-changing prizes. The event was graced by no less than Vina Morales, Pops Fernandez, MJ Lastimosa, Sam Concepcion, Michael Pangilinan, Jona Viray, Gary and Gab Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Lea Salonga, Pia Wurtzbach and more. On top of being star-studded, the celebration was glittered with amazing raffle prizes ranging from cash and trips to local and international destinations to the coveted Foton van and house-and-lot grand raffle from Perry’s group of companies.

“Each year, we look forward to this event which is our way of rewarding teachers for their valuable presence in our lives, and their selfless work which is recognized and appreciated,” PLDT Gabay Guro Chairman Chaye Cabal-Revilla said. “With this year’s TeacherFest, we are honoring nine years of our commitment to helping teachers change lives.”

“By treating our teachers to world-class entertainment and surprises, we pay tribute to them and give them a break from their daily challenges in the biggest way possible,” PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali added. “We look forward to giving them more wonderful, memorable days as well as our full support as they continue their mission of shaping our country’s future leaders.”

This year’s event is made possible through the help of the following partners: Perry’s Group of Companies, Foton, Intel, Devant, Honda and Suzuki for the motorcyles, PR Savings Bank and Manila teachers for the tricycles, Penshoppe, National Bookstore, Enchanted Kingdom, Splash, Tempra, Flanax, Bonamine, Vivalyte, Betadine, Gardenia, Bic, Art Attack, Microsoft, Smart, TNT, Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, First United Travel Agency, myPhone, Star Mobile, PECCI, PWC, Red Cross, SGV, The Flower Collection, San Marino Corned Tuna, Philippine Star and 51 Talk. For more information, visit gabayguro.com, like the PLDT Gabay Guro Facebook page and follow @PLDTGabayGuro on Twitter and Instagram.

The 9th PLDT Gabay Guro Grand Gathering was glittered with world-class entertainment and exciting, life-changing prizes headlined by the coveted Foton van and house-and-lot grand raffle from Perry’s Group of Companies. In photo are (L-R): Celebrity hosts MJ Lastimosa, Pops Fernandez and Andrew Wolff; Perry’s Group of Companies’ Finina and Barry Tugade; PLDT Gabay Guro Chairman Chaye Cabal-Revilla; Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach; house-and-lot winner Chita Mejia of Carlos L. Albert High School Quezon City; Smart HR Head Gina Ordonez; PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos; PDRF President Butch Meily; SGV Partner Ramon Dizon and PLDT Clarktel President Boy Castaneda.

World-class performers came together in one stage. (L-R): Multi-talented music icon Jaya, concert king Martin Nievera, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and the one and only OPM President Ogie Alcasid.

Miss Universe 2015 and Philippines’ pride Pia Wurtzbach graced the stage with her achievement walk and an inspiring message for the teachers.

Internationally-acclaimed music artist Lea Salonga delivered yet another phenomenal stage act.

The future of the Filipino home is here

PLDT Home unveils Smart Home in partnership with global heavyweights

Manila, Philippines (September 26, 2016) – Leading telco and digital services provider PLDT through its consumer business unit PLDT HOME is bringing the Smart Home suite of services to Filipino families with a string of partnerships with leaders in retail and entertainment. 

“This is a new era in digital as we make Filipino homes stronger, safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable via PLDT’s Smart Home which has powerful connectivity and an integrated suite of innovative, reliable and family-friendly products and services,” PLDT FVP and Head of Home Operations Oscar A. Reyes Jr. said. “This is made possible with several local and global partnerships that we entered into recently which are aimed at enhancing and enriching the lives of millions of digitally connected Filipinos powered by PLDT Home and Smart Communications for mobile services.”

New world-class partners

As an industry leader in the Philippines, PLDT HOME continuously pursues strategic and global partnerships to stay ahead of the game. Today, the company also announced key alliances with new partners including U.S.-leading video streaming platform from Roku Inc. for Internet TV; global internet television network Netflix for an extensive library of award-winning TV and movie titles; e-commerce giant Amazon for online shopping; and iWant TV, the leading player in the over-the-top (OTT) content platform in the Philippines.

The partnership with Amazon will soon open the door for Filipino book lovers to enjoy the popular Kindle e-book reader.

The Roku streaming platform allows users to easily stream their favorite TV shows and movies on their TV screens. It is the streaming platform with the highest engagement in the U.S. because of its diverse content offerings and user-friendly interface. Notably, Roku’s partnership with PLDT is its first streaming deal in Asia, making the Philippines the first country in the region to join the ranks of Roku’s international markets including Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. Roku services will be launched commercially in the country early next year.

iWant TV lets users stream their favorite ABS-CBN shows, both past and presently airing. Popular teleseryes like On The Wings of Love, Dolce Amore, Ang Probinsiyano and Till I Met You are easily accessible on-demand so avid followers can catch up on the latest plot twists and turns. News and current affairs shows are also available for streaming.  

With Netflix, users can watch today’s top original Netflix series such as House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Marvel’s Daredevil and Stranger Things. Netflix continually adds new TV programs and films to the service, bringing the joy of entertainment to over 81 million members in 190 countries.  Depending on the subscription plans, members can create up to four profiles within a single Netflix account. Profiles allow different members of the household to have their own personalized Netflix experience built around the films and TV programs they enjoy. There are also parental control settings to ensure a safe-viewing experience for kids. This will limit a child’s profiles to a variety of child-friendly titles they can enjoy.

Pillars of the home

“PLDT’s Smart Home is a home where digital innovations advance the security, safety, convenience and entertainment experiences at home and beyond. It is a home where communication and connection are made easier by digital technology,” Reyes pointed out.

PLDT’s Smart Home is built on these key pillars: connectivity, peace of mind, entertainment, and convergence and automation.

The connectivity that binds the Smart Home is enabled by the country’s most powerful broadband, PLDT Home Fibr, which delivers the Philippines’ first and fastest Internet of up to 1 Gbps. This allows for high-speed browsing of multiple websites and the country’s first symmetrical speed service which provides equal upload and download speeds.

Peace of mind is a commitment to parents manifested through PLDT Home’s products and services designed to help parents feel more secure about the safety of their children especially when they have to be away. These products and services include the home monitoring system Fam Cam; the multi-functional kid-friendly gadget Smart Watch; and the cyber safety solution Family Zone, all best used with the Telpad.

When it comes to world-class entertainment, PLDT HOME has always been at the forefront of providing subscribers with diverse and compelling content—from well-loved kid-friendly content like games and e-books (Disney through Telpad) and  sports (Fox Sports, NBA Premium HD via Cignal) to gaming (Steam) and video-on-demand (iflix). Subscribers also enjoy the benefits of compact access to information and entertainment through the most powerful PC in a stick—the TVolution Stick. Adding to this entertainment suite are the partnerships with Netflix, iWantTV and Roku.

Finally, PLDT HOME has pioneered the convergence of wired and wireless connections through the data sharing feature which allows subscribers to seamlessly share data to pre-connected mobile accounts with leading wireless service provider Smart Communications, thus revolutionizing the way families share and enjoy their high-speed connection.

Home of the future

“PLDT’s Smart Home evolved from our pioneering concept of the Connected Home,” Reyes said. “The connected home was our vision of the modern Filipino home wherein families are connected, entertained and secured with the help of digital innovations powered by PLDT HOME. It was the starting point of our journey. In response to the fast-changing digital needs of Filipino families, we are fortifying that vision with the launch of PLDT’s Smart Home. It is a more integrated version of the connected home, where each product or service interacts with each other to perform harmonized tasks meant to ease and enrich the lives of our subscribers. It’s a Home that cares; it listens, protects, interacts and simplifies our lives.

He furthered, “We don’t want to wait for the future to dictate the trends and the innovations. We are charting our own course and shaping the future through innovative use of technology, global partnerships, world-class content and a keen awareness of and commitment to our subscribers needs. Today is the beginning of the digitally connected and empowered home that we are building for Filipino families.”

On its 9th year, PLDT Gabay Guro continues to reach higher heights

Building the nation one teacher at a time

Nine years ago, a small group of like-minded PLDT executives banded together over coffee for an advocacy for teachers. With a common dream of being a catalyst of change in the lives of teachers, Gabay Guro was born and became the CSR arm under the PLDT-Smart Foundation.

What transpired after that fateful day revolutionized education-based advocacy efforts in so many levels giving birth to a holistic approach that was anchored on the now famous Gabay Guro pillars - Scholarships, Trainings, Housing and Educational Facilities, Livelihood Programs, Broadbanding and Computerization, and Teachers’ Tribute.

Gabay Guro managed to write off mediocrity since then, championing excellence and  paying tribute to teachers all over the country (and nearby countries) by bringing attention to their heroic deeds and at the same time, providing them with the necessary tools to contribute to the change in the lives of their students and their families.

To this day, Gabay Guro managed to thrive on volunteerism – mostly among the ranks of the executives from PLDT and Smart.

Nine years after, Gabay Guro has over 1,100 scholars in various state colleges and universities nationwide. There are over 300 LET passers, 496 active scholars as of August, 2016 and a projected 167 graduates in 2017. Gabay Guro also celebrates the fact that 137 scholars graduated with honors – 112 cum laudes  and 25 magna cum laudes.  Gabay Guro has also partnered with local government units to further teacher education.

The foundation has conducted trainings for over 16,000 teachers in the course of its nine years. Today, it runs eight training programs for teachers around the country namely: Teacher’s Treasure Chest; English Proficiency Training; Computer Literacy; Emotional Intelligence; Teacher’s Armor; Leadership Training; IT Sustainability and Literacy; and Unleashing Creativity in Teaching. At the same time, Gabay Guro answers to the needs of the times by doing grassroots anti-drugs trainings in schools.

Gabay Guro’s initiative on Broadband and Computerization has had great impact nationwide.  All partner-schools were recipients of either computers/laptop or internet connections from PLDT or Smart.

Knowing that shortage of educational facilities is a major disaster area in the Philippine education system, Gabay Guro has taken the cudgels in the construction of classrooms in the provinces, mostly those that have been hit by debilitating calamities. There is over 40 classrooms constructed and donated already in the ff. provinces: Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz.

Gabay Guro has grown to be the force that it is today. Whereas in the beginning, there were only a couple of thousand member-teachers under its stable, 2016 sees 20,000-strong membership (and growing!) at its helm and has easily taken over the leadership, the one that sets the bar of service, in all education-related NGOs around the nation.

Ms. Chaye Revilla and the Gabay Guro team of visionaries with her in the foundation, were propelled by this belief: “our nation’s children depend on our nation’s teachers to lead them to the future. And this teachers’ month, Gabay Guro gives tribute to those who teach the next generation of nation-builders.”

The pinnacle of Gabay Guro’s celebration is embodied in the tribute event held every year at the MOA Arena. Year after year, the organizers leave no stone unturned ensuring that it is in Gabay Guro where teachers get to be treated like royalty. Generosity at its finest, raffle prizes have grown to be the staggering house and lot and vehicle showcases and livelihood opportunities that they are today in every Gabay Guro tribute event.

The Gabay Guro’s 9th Teacher’s Tribute this year, the biggest gathering of the country’s celebrities, will not disappoint on Sept. 25 at the MOA Arena. Stellar names set to give the teachers the time of their lives on this day are Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Pops Fernandez, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Ms. Lea Salonga and Mega star Ms. Sharon Cuneta and more surprise guests on the big day.

This is the day where our teachers get to let their hair loose, meet the biggest celebrities, be treated to a whole day of entertainment and huge raffle prizes beginning with house and lot and vehicles., anything to remind them of their invaluable presence in our lives.

This year’s event is made possible through the help of the ff. sponsors: Perry’s Group of Companies (for the house and lot), Foton for the (Gratour Van),  Intel, Devant, Motorlandia (for the Honda and Suzuki motorcyles), Ropali,  Penshoppe, National Bookstore, Enchanted Kingdom, Splash, Tempra, Flanax, Bonamine, Vivalyte, Mundipharma, Gardenia, Bic, Art Attack, Microsoft, Smart Bro, Ultera, Talk N Text and 51 Talk.

The PLDT Gabay Guro grand tribute event is exclusive for teachers only. Admission is free. Follow Gabay Guro on Facebook, twitter and Instagram at @PLDTGabayGuro or visit the Gabay Guro official website gabayguro.com for more details.

 PLDT Gabay Guro executive volunteers Gary Dujali and Chaye Cabal-Revilla talk about the upcoming activities which will help build the nation one teacher at a time.

 PLDT Gabay Guro executive volunteer Chaye Cabal-Revilla shares what to look forward to in the 9^th TeacherFest tribute on September 25.

Acclaimed singer Jona Viray gives a preview of the world-class performances to expect in the grand gathering with her smashing rendition of “Hero”.

The coolest kid on the block, Bae-by Baste, and his new favorite gadget!

Bae-by Baste

With brother Sam-sam (left)

Mama Sheila and Baste

Eat Bulaga’s very own pint-sized cutie is not just huggable and lovable. He’s also smart when it comes to his techie toys.

Bae-by Baste, or Sebastian Benedict off-camera, is one of the co-hosts in the Philippines’ longest-running noontime variety show, and he is known for his irresistibly adorable antics. Like any kid his age, he loves his fair share of gadgets and his number one choice these days is the Smart Watch.

The Smart Watch from PLDT HOME is today’s coolest gadget for kids, and parents love it too. It can be used for taking photos, playing music and even recording sounds, music or funny messages. Kids can also get

notifications from games or apps like Facebook, and calls and text messages through the watch when it is paired with the PLDT HOME Telpad or a smart phone so Mommy or Daddy can easily send messages and friendly reminders if needed.

Bae-by Baste’s Papa Sol and Mama Sheila, as well as brother Sam-sam, are all in on the Smart Watch craze. They love how it can be used as a WiFi remote for the Telpad or smart phone cameras so it’s easier to take selfies or fun family groufies together.

Another cool feature that Papa Sol and Mama Sheila like is the anti-lost feature because it lets them know if the connected Telpad or smart phone is too far away. You can also click a button on the watch so that the connected Telpad or smart phone will make a sound to help locate it when it is misplaced. This is especially handy for kids who can’t help but be their usual carefree selves.

With the Smart Watch, there’s no down time when it comes to fun and bonding wherever Bae-by Baste is. Now, he’s not just the cutest ‘bae-by’ on noontime TV, he’s also definitely one of the coolest.

PLDT HOME subscribers who upgrade to a Telpad plan automatically get a free 1Mbps HOME DSL speed boost, and for only an additional P199 per month, they can already top up with a Smart Watch. The watch is also available to existing Telpad subscribers. Simply order online and it will be delivered for free. For more information, visit pldthome.com/telpad/smartwatch.

           

PLDT Smart SME Nation puts the focus back on MSMEs as part of nation-building mission

PLDT VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin talks about the key role of MSMEs in nation-building

MSMEs—or micro, small, and medium enterprises—are driving the Philippine economy to an interesting direction: inclusive growth.

As of 2013, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recorded 937,327 businesses falling under the MSME category, which accounts for 99.6 percent of all registered enterprises in the country. The micro segment is the largest segment, with over 800,000 registered entities that provide 2.3 million local jobs and generate 25 percent of the country’s total exports.

These figures highlight a new economic landscape where more and more people—even those with little to no capital or those typically excluded from the job market—generate and gain productive employment. Students, housewives, retirees, and individuals with limited physical abilities can participate in income-generating activities through starting their own micro-enterprises.

“PLDT Smart SME Nation believes in empowering individuals to become modern entrepreneurs,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head. “Entrepreneurship is not only about helping one’s self, but also about contributing to families and communities. Collectively, MSMEs contribute to an economically stronger Philippines.”

Leveling the playing field

Despite the increasing number of Filipino entrepreneurs and their growing economic impact, an overwhelming majority is missing out on profit and expansion opportunities.

“Only one percent of over 900,000 MSMEs have online presence,” noted Locsin. “With the rest of the world quickly moving to a more digital-centric business direction, MSMEs—especially the micro-enterprises—need to catch up, fast.”

A group dedicated to amplifying the business potential of MSMEs, PLDT Smart SME Nation offers the right digital tools to future-ready micro-entrepreneurs. Through a reliable landline and high-speed DSL connection, the SMART BizKit, and an online store powered by Tack This!, a micro-enterprise can reach and serve more customers with lower overhead costs.

“The digital arena is where MSMEs can directly compete with large enterprises,” added Locsin. “That’s why we support our entrepreneurs and help them conquer the digital landscape with our products and services.”

Gearing up for a digital future

Last April 22, 2016, PLDT Smart SME Nation gathered over 1,400 modern Pinoy entrepreneurs at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila for a day filled with revolutionary insights and key learnings from the country’s industry stalwarts. Dubbed TechIsland 3.0, the event is the first SME Nation business convention to be open to the general public.

To help MSME owners embrace a digital future and put their learnings into practice, PLDT and students from Pampanga’s St. Mutien College developed websites for each TechIsland 3.0 attendee. The students developed 30 percent of the websites, and will continue to work with PLDT Smart SME Nation for future projects to benefit MSMEs.

SME Nation also rolled out the TechMobile, a caravan of digital tools and solutions specifically designed for MSMEs, in several key provinces, including Negros and Cavite. Through this initiative, PLDT and Smart’s tech expertise can easily reach entrepreneurs wherever they are in the country.

Locsin added, “By empowering MSMEs to participate in the digital disruption happening in business right now, we also empower them to become active players in the journey towards nation-building through inclusive economic growth.”

To find out how you can become a digitally savvy micro-entrepreneur, visit www.smenation.com.ph.

PLDT SME Nation’s #BetheBoss is back

And they’re looking for the country’s most promising and tech-savy entrepreneurs

Manila, Philippines (June 28, 2016) – PLDT SME Nation’s pioneering social media crowd sourcing search for the new generation of entrepreneurs is all set to welcome a new batch of digitally-driven industry game-changers.

#BeTheBoss, in partnership with Rappler, is back for year two as it continues on its mission to recognize excellence in technological innovation and digital integration.

“Our goal is simple and poignant – to demonstrate how digital technology can empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and help them grow their business by looking to young and savy entrepreneurs who’ve actually done it,” VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin said.

Online nominations are currently ongoing until July 10, 2016 at rappler.com/betheboss. A panel of judges will short list the nominations and choose the top three finalists for each category. The final phase will be the online public voting which will comprise of 40 percent of the finalists’ score.

This year’s categories are:

                                                              

Boss for E-Commerce is for the e-commerce champ who knows how to own the internet and its opportunities through an innovative application or an online service;

Boss for Social Media is the entrepreneur who knows how to maximize social media platforms and use it for growing an online community;

Boss for Innovative Solutions is for the leader who thinks outside the proverbial box and utilizes technology to offer services and ideas that cater to a broad audience.

Last year’s first batch of winners and finalists, narrowed down from over 500 nominations from around the country, flew to Silicon Valley for a unique digital immersion in one of the world’s technological melting pots.

Boss for E-commerce Kim Lato of online tech store Kimstore, Boss for Social Media and top wedding photographer Jason Magbanua, Boss for Customer Service and queuing solutions company TimeFree Innovations founder Chino Atilano, Boss for Social Responsibility and Messy Bessy founder Kristine Reyes-Lopez, and Boss for Mobile readiness and mobile app MobKard founder Carlo Calimon also received mobile business kits from SME Nation.

This year’s winners will also get the opportunity to broaden their horizons and globalize their business with the Silicon Valley experience.

Locsin added, “For traditional entrepreneurs, digital can be daunting and discouraging. But that’s exactly what we want to disprove with #BeTheBoss. We want to show everyone that the right digital business solutions can actually democratize and level the playing field especially for MSMEs who are only starting to carve their niche in the industry.

PLDT HOME now lets subs ‘Pay Anytime, Pay Anyday’ with PLDT Pay Express Machine

Manila, Philippines – Lining up or rushing to the nearest PLDT office to pay your PLDT bills will soon be a thing of the past, as PLDT HOME and Bayad Center roll out the PLDT Pay Express machine.

The PLDT Pay Express Machine is a touch-screen, self-service machine that accepts cash notes like a vending machine. It is very easy to use with its customer-friendly menu buttons that make for an easy “Touch-Pay-Go” process and quick bills payment experience. And since these are located outside the PLDT offices, it means that customers can now make payments even beyond regular office hours, or even during weekends. Customers can truly enjoy the freedom to pay their bills any time of the day and any day of the week.

Subscribers of PLDT HOME, SME and Home Bro can now pay their bills on the PLDT Pay Express Machine. Prepaid phone customers of Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Sun can also do their load transactions in this machine. Currently, this service will be available in Mandaluyong and Marikina PLDT Sales and Service Centers. Future rollouts will be done until the end of the year, with Cebu, Davao, Baguio and other Metro Manila sites starting in May.

According to PLDT Consumer Credit and Collections VP Jonel M. Ladaban, the number of users has quadrupled from the time they piloted its use in December 2015. “We’ve also seen an increase in the number of repeat customers using this service which is indicative of growing confidence in its ease of use and convenience,” he said.

Earlier this year, PLDT HOME also launched the Pay Express Truck in Cebu and Manila. This mobile payment center doubles the cashier capacity in the PLDT Sales and Service Centers during peak periods, allowing for a faster payment experience.

Ladaban added, “In the pipeline are other initiatives like a mobile payment application and other digital payment platforms. This is part of our commitment to empower our subscribers by giving them freedom and control over their bill payment schedules, and provide them reliable end-to-end customer service.”

Ms. Universe on her new PLDT HOME TVC: 'This is my story.'

Miss Universe 2015 and Filipino pride Pia Wurtzbach is being featured in the latest TV commercial of PLDT HOME, representing the digital services leader’s flagship DSL brand.

This is one relationship that Pia is quite proud of and excited to continue with. Pia has been an ambassador of PLDT HOME since she became a Bb. Pilipinas titleholder in 2015. She remembers how much fun she had, going around the country promoting PLDT HOME DSL even in the remote areas of Mindanao. She says of the brand new partnership, “I am really very happy that PLDT HOME decided to continue with our relationship. I believe in what they stand for,” she said.

In the recently released TVC featuring the Filipina stunner, Pia is seen backstage as pretty little girls, all aspiring beauty queens, go through the rigors of beauty pageants with their number one fan and supporter—their mothers. Pia was teary-eyed during the pre-production for this commercial revealing that the story “felt really close to home.” She said, “This is my story. I feel that this was specifically written for me. I should have brought my mom with me today. I left her in the hotel. I want her to see this, too,” she told those around her during that meeting.

According to PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali, the heartwarming video is in honor of mothers and the beautiful connections they help create for their children. “The perfect combination of a mother’s unwavering support and the power of technology which allowed her to connect with the world, helped pave the way for Pia to achieve her goal,” he said. “With this new TVC, we hope to inspire and empower people in their own journeys towards their dreams. It is certainly an honor to have no less than the reigning Miss Universe help us spread the message that the strongest and most beautiful connections begin at home.”

Pia was endearing during the shoot. She made no effort to hide how she felt that the experience unraveling before her felt exactly the same as when she was still competing for the crown. “Her down-to-earth attitude makes her all the more loveable. She was genuinely enthralled by the little girls who acted with her in the commercial. She was playing with them and having fun until the end of the shoot. We didn’t even notice that she was already feeling under the weather. She even bought taho at one point! What a real trooper she truly is!” Gary pointed out.

The partnership between Pia and PLDT HOME DSL began when she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe in 2015. Since then, PLDT HOME has been a steadfast supporter of Pia’s Miss Universe journey. As PLDT HOME ambassador, she traveled around the country to help families create beautiful connections through the reliable family-sized connection of PLDT HOME DSL. Her powerful story also served as an inspiration to millions of Filipinos who were captivated by her journey and perseverance despite multiple setbacks.

As the country’s number one broadband, PLDT HOME DSL connects future Filipino achievers, like aspiring beauty queens who wish to follow in the footsteps of Pia Wurtzbach and newly crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2016 Maxine Medina, to opportunities and resources online.

It also helps them stay connected to their families and loved ones wherever their journey leads them, especially now with PLDT HOME DSL’s CIO Asia Award-winning data sharing service through the Speedster Fam Plan 1299. This plan offers speeds of up to 10 Mbps and a monthly data allocation of 50 GB. Subscribers who upgrade their Speedster Plan with a Smart Mobile Plan 399 or Plan 600 can share 6 GB of the 50 GB monthly data allocation to their smart phones so they can always easily reach out to the people that matter most.

PLDT Smart SME Nation gears up for its biggest tech summit for MSMEs TechIsland 3.0 to equip businesses for holistic digital transformation

Manila, Philippines – PLDT Smart SME Nation’s annual business convention for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is back, this time to help Filipino MSMEs discover uncharted terrains in the ever changing digital landscape.

Now on its third year, TechIsland aims to educate, enable and empower MSMEs to solve real life business challenges through technology. In the past years, the forum focused on introducing MSMEs to ICT solutions for business. According to VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin, TechIsland 3.0 will now focus on “conquering new territories and markets in today’s dynamic business by harnessing digital tools and platforms.”

“We’ve already established that digital is here and it’s here to stay,” he said. “Now that everyone is on it, it’s time to challenge the standard business mindset and give our MSMEs a new perspective in managing their businesses, capturing and expanding their markets and handling competition. Online is where the action is, and we’re giving MSMEs the tools to thrive and survive in the digital arena.”

Happening on April 22 at the Harbour Tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the highly anticipated business-to-business ICT forum is expected to draw in over a thousand participants including industry leaders, multinational organizations, start-ups and MSMEs from various industries. Unlike in previous years where participation was limited to IT practitioners, this year’s TechIsland 3.0 is now open to more people including professionals in the fields of marketing, sales, engineering, finance and procurement.

This year is also historic in TechIsland history because, for the first time, slots will be open to the general public on a first-come-first-served basis. 

The formidable line-up of plenary speakers include PLDT EVP, Head of EICB and ePLDT CEO Eric R. Alberto, DENTSU Jayme Syfu Chief Executive Officer and “Chairmom” Merlee Jayme, PLDT Chief Strategy Officer Winston Damarillo, and Uber Manila General Manager Laurence Cua, among others.

Registration to TechIsland 3.0 is free. For more information on how to be part of this historic gathering of ICT leaders and innovators in the Philippines, go to techisland.ph.

PLDT Smart SME Nation rolls out E-Commerce on Wheels for MSMEs

Techmobile is a caravan targeting MSMEs who want to venture out into the online marketplace.

VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin

Manila, Philippines - Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who want to digitally expand their businesses can now use a new mobile technology platform powered by PLDT Smart SME Nation.

The business IT leader recently launched Techmobile—a caravan comprised of business solutions and digital tools designed to empower MSMEs. It aims to empower MSMEs to be future-ready by optimizing and digitizing business marketing, operations, and management.

MSMEs who work with PLDT SME Nation benefit from a basic connectivity set-up for their business and consultation on which specific tools can help boost their business. Solutions include mobile connectivity bundles from Smart which are particularly ideal for MSMEs in regional areas where IT infrastructures may not be as fully developed.

Other IT business tools available are TackThis!­—an e-commerce website builder and Paymaya—an e-payment solution for faster and safer transactions. These tools are specifically designed to help MSMEs establish their online footprint.

For the month of March, Techmobiles will be deployed in Iloilo. Next stops for April will be in Negros and Cebu. During these caravans, PLDT Smart SME Nation will also be conducting Social Media for Business seminars featuring Apprentice Asia’s grand winner Jonathan Yabut. The seminar aims to participants with an in-depth workshop on online readiness for business. Yabut will also share insights and best practices on how MSMEs can utilize mobile applications as well digitizing business management and increasing brand awareness and customer base online.

“We are here to help MSMEs harness opportunities in utilizing digital technologies to make their services and operations more efficient, which will give them better chances at grabbing opportunities especially given market developments such as the ASEAN integration,” VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin said. “Our goal is to get our MSMEs online and encourage them to take advantage of the e-commerce space and other digital tools available like e-payment solution PayMaya. We aim to boost their capabilities as they form the essential backbone of the economy, representing 99 percent of Philippine businesses.”

Changing landscape

The business sector is perhaps the most transformed by the onset of the digital age as the latter has revolutionized the traditional ways of doing business. But unlike big companies that have the resources to acquire these technologies, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have limited means to usher their businesses into the digital landscape.

To help MSMEs succeed in today’s technology driven world, PLDT Smart SME Nation, the enterprise arm of the country’s largest telecommunications company, has made it its mission to provide them the connectivity, support and hardware tailored to meet their needs.

PLDT Smart SME Nation helps level the playing field by making enterprise-level asset, service and inventory management tools accessible to MSMEs as well as empowering them with mobility, connectivity and online presence. By promoting the migration or the adaptation of the digital platform for their business, MSMEs can save on operating costs while maximizing the opportunity to reach their growing online markets.

“Digitally empowering the MSME sector is our way of helping boost the country’s economic and business landscape. We are committed to enabling the success of all Filipino entrepreneurs, wherever they may be, and no matter how small or big their businesses may be,” Locsin added.

To know more about how PLDT Smart SME Nation can help your business, visit smenation.com.