Smart makes history with first-ever 5G Max-powered concert

Smart makes history with first-ever 5G Max-powered concert

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc., (Smart) made history with the country’s first-ever 5G Max-powered concert and experiential showcase—the Amazing 5G Max Experience—held last Dec. 14 on 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.

A leveled-up 5G connectivity, Smart 5G Max features significantly faster speeds for uploading and downloading, and ultra-low latency, providing customers with amazing mobile experiences.

Smart first launched 5G Max in BGC, a strategic and dynamic hub where professionals, students, and entrepreneurs converge, and to showcase its power, it mounted the Amazing 5G Max Experience.

Smart 5G Max-powered concert

To demonstrate what 5G Max is capable of, Smart seamlessly livestreamed the performance of OPM singer and songwriter Arthur Nery from Fully Booked on High Street to the screen on main concert stage on Fifth Avenue, leaving fans swooning with his heartfelt lyrics.

Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira, and AC Bonifacio also graced the 5G Max-powered stage with one electrifying performance after another before thousands of attendees, who enjoyed the free concert like an early Christmas treat.

Smart 5G Max showcase

Aside from enjoying the free concert, subscribers also enjoyed many amazing ways Smart 5G Max can elevate the digital lifestyle of Filipinos through the Creator’s Lab, Game Arena, Stream Theater, and 5G-powered Store.

Subscribers got the chance to explore the Creator’s Lab, an interactive area where they experimented with creating content and uploaded it on TikTok in a snap. On the other hand, mobile gamers got the chance to go up against celebrated esports teams, Smart Omega and Empress, on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Honor of Kings.

Smart subscribers also trooped to the Smart 5G Max’s Stream Theater, the best place to catch up on the latest shows on MAX and Netflix.

To showcase Smart 5G Max’s exceptional capabilities, real-time speed tests were conducted throughout the venue, showing Smart 5G Max speeds to be up to three times faster than normal 5G.

The event also featured exciting special prizes for attendees, adding to the rewarding 5G experience and making the event even more memorable for participants.

For updates on the next Smart 5G Max-powered event, follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

Read More

Transforming Lives, One Smile at a Time: Listerine and Operation Smile Launch Speech Camp for Kids with Cleft Conditions

Transforming Lives, One Smile at a Time: Listerine and Operation Smile Launch Speech Camp for Kids with Cleft Conditions

This holiday season, Listerine and Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) are spreading hope and transforming lives with the Gift A Smile Campaign. Through this inspiring initiative, five Speech Camps have been launched across the country, offering free speech therapy and oral health education to children who had gone corrective cleft surgeries. These camps not only help children rediscover their voices but also empower them with healthy, confident smiles – making the season brighter for families nationwide.

With cleft conditions affecting 1 in 700 babies born globally, the challenges go beyond physical appearance. Children with cleft palate often struggle with speech and are more vulnerable to oral health issues. While surgery addresses structural concerns, comprehensive cleft care, such as speech therapy, is essential for their development.

As part of its mission to transform lives, Listerine partnered with Operation Smile Philippines to donate ₱10 per bottle sold from September 22 to December 31, 2024. These contributions funded five Speech Camps in Cavite, Pampanga, Laoag, Naga, and Batangas, offering speech therapy to 20 children and equipping their families with oral health education.

The program kicked off in a heartwarming Speech Camp in Batangas, held at the Rotary Center - Rotary Club of Lipa City. The event brought together 20 speech pathologists and the Listerine® team to create a day filled with therapy exercises, games, and learning sessions on proper oral care.

“Listerine believes that healthy smiles are meant for all, and we thank our partners at Watsons and Operation Smile for helping us realize this mission,” said Robierina Carlos, Shopper Marketing Manager for Oral Care, Kenvue Philippines. “We are proud to have funded these Speech Camps in 2024, where we’ve helped bring back smiles to these kids while educating families on protecting their mouths with proper oral health. Until December 31, every Listerine special Operation Smile pack available at Watsons will continue to fund speech therapy sessions. Please visit Watsons to support this meaningful partnership.”

The backlog of children awaiting cleft care in the Philippines remains at a staggering 200,000. With the holidays upon us, Listerine and Operation Smile call on the public to embrace the spirit of giving by:

1. Referring cleft patients for free comprehensive cleft care, including surgery, dental services, and speech therapy.

2. Volunteering as medical professionals or support staff.

3. Donating to sustain life-changing initiatives like the Gift A Smile Campaign.

“The Speech Camp is OSP Speech-Language Pathology Unit’s testament to staying truthful to our mission to provide comprehensive cleft care,” said Anton De Leon, OIC-Head, OSP Speech-Language Pathology Unit. “This initiative ensures children and families from local surgical activity sites receive the training, assessment, and therapy they need, with home instructions provided by our dedicated speech-language pathology volunteers.”

For children with cleft conditions, oral health goes beyond appearance - it’s a vital part to overall well-being. At the Speech Camps families discovered the power of proper oral hygiene, guided by the Listerine team, to protect and celebrate children's new and healthy smiles. This holiday season, ignite the spirit of giving and help ensure every child’s smile shines bright with confidence and joy.

Read More

Pinoy rock queens reunite for “TANAW: The Repeat” concert at Newport World Resorts

Pinoy rock queens reunite for “TANAW: The Repeat” concert at Newport World Resorts

Due to insistent public demand, Pinoy rock queens Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas are staging another run of their sold-out concert, TANAW. The highly anticipated show will take place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on February 9, 2025 (Sunday) at 8:00 PM.

The powerhouse women of OPM, known for their defining contributions to the late ’90s and early 2000s music scene, will reunite for an unforgettable night of their biggest hits, collaborations, and new material. TANAW: The Repeat will also feature special arrangements of select songs, performed alongside a mini-orchestra led by The Manila String Machine, adding a fresh, symphonic dimension to their timeless music.

This second edition of the TANAW series serves as a heartfelt celebration of the enduring bond between these iconic artists and their dedicated fans. Through decades of navigating personal challenges, triumphs, and growth, these women have remained pillars of the OPM scene. The concert offers a chance to give back to the fans whose unwavering support has been a constant source of strength.

The title TANAW (translated as “to gaze” or “to look out”) speaks to the reflective nature of the event—whether looking back in admiration or gazing forward with anticipation. For these singer-songwriters, this reunion is not only an opportunity to perform together again but to share new and meaningful musical expressions, embodying both their individual journeys and their collective sisterhood.

The show marks the third time these six solo artists will share the stage together, after their unforgettable first reunion concert and its thanksgiving follow-up. From their days as frontwomen of some of the most influential OPM bands of the late ’90s and early 2000s to their successful solo careers, these women have become true queens of the alt-rock landscape. With sold-out tours, chart-topping albums, and a loyal fan base, their influence continues to resonate across generations.

This event is presented by Newport World Resorts, and in collaboration with GNN.

Tickets to TANAW The Repeat are available  https://tanawtherepeat.helixpay.ph.

Platinum: PHP 6,300

(Includes soundcheck pass, center-front seats, premium meet and greet, pre-signed posters)

SVIP: PHP 5,300

(Includes meet and greet, pre-signed posters)

VIP: PHP 4,500

Gold: PHP 3,500

Silver: PHP 2,500

Bronze: PHP 1,800

Read More

Great Taste White’s promo winners take home cash prize, meet Kathryn Bernardo

Great Taste White’s promo winners take home cash prize, meet Kathryn Bernardo

Friday, December 20, 2024

Great Taste White has been capturing people’s hearts with its tamang timpla of coffee with the right amount of creaminess and sweetness in each cup. Recently, the coffee mix brand invited coffee lovers to show their most energetic poses and smiles in the “Tamang Pose, Tamang Prizes Filter Challenge,” and selected 70 minor draw winners and 15 grand draw winners to take home exciting prizes.

The brand awarded motorcycles to the five grand prize winners: Janice Dela Cruz Garganta, Julio B. Culala, Jr., Sitti Shaira Alcid Reyes, Alvin Rechacho Adriano, and Gil Frances Ray Raden Pasatiempo. Meanwhile, Great Taste White gave 10 lucky winners P20,000 cash prize each.

Great Taste White invited the grand draw winners of the “Tamang Pose, Tamang Prizes Filter Challenge” to an awarding ceremony last October 29. Making their win so much sweeter, the brand treated its guests to fun games and extra gifts during the program.

To top it all off, the winners were able to spend time with the Great Taste White endorser Kathryn Bernardo. They got a chance to meet Kathryn and even play stage games with her, such as the acting game “MagpasiKATH.”

Just like the experience of drinking Great Taste White, the brand gave a tamang timpla of fun and happiness to the promo winners, spectators, and even Kathryn. It was truly a memorable experience for everyone looking for a sweet time.

Great Taste White offers the right coffee kick, with right amount of creaminess and sweetness, that many people have grown to love through the years. Get your tamang timpla Great Taste White fix at leading supermarkets and convenience stores.

Read More

Stream unli entertainment from HBO, Warner Bros., the DC Universe, and more in Max – powered by PLDT Home

Stream unli entertainment from HBO, Warner Bros., the DC Universe, and more in Max – powered by PLDT Home

Thursday, December 19, 2024

A brand-new streaming experience coming to your home when you apply for PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1799!

Max – a brand-new streaming experience will now be available to more fans in the Philippines through PLDT Home. Fans can stream the latest blockbuster movies, groundbreaking series, iconic hits, real-life stories, and family favorites from beloved brands like HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., Discovery, and beyond.

From December 10, 2024 to February 9, 2025, new customers of PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1799 will have two months access to the Max Standard plan included with their subscription. T&Cs apply.

Home of fan favorite content

Fans can access Hollywood blockbusters, culture-defining shows, best in class real-life stories across food, home, lifestyle, and documentary, family favorites, as well as recent premieres such as the HBO Original Dune: Prophecy, Max Original adult animation Creature Commandos and many more. Subscribers can also stream favorites like Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, And Just Like That..., The White Lotus, True Detective, and much more.

From the best of Hollywood movies, including the complete Harry Potter movie collection, Dune: Part Two, Barbie, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, Wonka, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, fans of Warner Bros. Discovery’s beloved collections can also stream Friends, hits from the DC Universe, The Conjuring Universe, The Matrix, and Sex and the City. Fans in the Philippines can also enjoy Drag Race Philippines and local originals like On The Job on Max.

For the first time, real-life stories from Warner Bros. Discovery’s renowned unscripted programming from Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, ID (Investigation Discovery), and HGTV will be available on one streaming destination, featuring hits including Deadliest Catch, Ghost Adventures, Property Brothers, Gold Rush, Dr. Pimple Popper, and Selena + Restaurant.

With Max, kids can also catch their favorite shows from Cartoon Network and CARTOONITO’s wide selection of content for kids and families from Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, and Tom and Jerry, to Looney Tunes and Teen Titans Go!

Better streaming experience

PLDT Home customers can enjoy an elevated streaming experience with Max on multiple devices (depending on their Max plan) with an easy-to-navigate interface including personalized recommendations, seamless search, genre rails, and brand hubs. Providing a more intuitive way of exploring Max, customers can create up to five unique profiles, each customizable with favorite characters as avatars, receive content picks based on viewing habits and customize profiles for kids, curated with age-appropriate content, and parental controls.

Catering to multiple types of households, Max’s subscription plans comprise the following:

Standard

● Stream on 2 devices at once

● Full HD video resolution

● Watch on more devices, including TVs

● 30 downloads to watch on the go

Ultimate

● Stream on 4 devices at once

● 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos as available

● Watch on more devices, including TVs

● 100 downloads to watch on the go (limits apply)

Unli entertainment guaranteed

Max is PLDT Home’s latest addition to its roster of global partners in entertainment. As the Philippines’ leading digital services provider, it is working on more content partnerships to further provide customers with the best entertainment experience at home.

“As Max launches across Southeast Asia, we are pleased to expand our partnership with PLDT to bring even more quality entertainment and iconic brands to Filipino audiences,” Tony Qiu, GM, Greater China and Southeast Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, said.

Meanwhile, PLDT Home First Vice President of Acquistion Marketing Patrick S. Tang said, “Our new and exciting partnership with Max is PLDT Home’s way of delivering not just unli entertainment to our customers, but also a reinforcement of our commitment to making quality time for Filipino families at home as fun, fulfilling, and meaningful as possible with its endless variety of entertaining content.”

“As the Philippines’ leading digital services provider, we aim to bridge Filipino families to the world’s best content platforms and other lifestyle innovations to further better their life at home in more ways than one.”

Enjoy unli entertainment on Max when you apply for PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1799, with two months of access to the Max Standard plan included with your subscription. For more information on PLDT Home’s partnership with Max, visit pldthome.com/max.

Read More

Make Clear Skin Your Last-Minute Stocking Stuffer as Posh Skin Co.® Lands at Watsons Starting December 15

Make Clear Skin Your Last-Minute Stocking Stuffer as Posh Skin Co.® Lands at Watsons Starting December 15

The holidays are a time for celebration, indulgence, and making memories, but the festive season can also wreak havoc on our skin. Give your loved ones the gift of flawless skin this holiday season with Posh Skin Co.® pimple patches. This stylish blemish solution is an ultimate holiday essential to keep you, your family, and your friends looking cute and ready for holiday photos.

Good news! Posh Skin Co.® is set to make your last-minute stocking stuffer hassle-free. All four designs of the pimple patches will be available in 100 select Watsons stores starting December 15. Now, you can get your hands on the fashionable pimple patches without having to wait.

The Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Clear Skin

Formulated with salicylic acid and hydrocolloid to tackle blemishes quickly and effectively, these patches are chic and practical stocking stuffers that help maintain clear skin throughout the holiday season. Perfect for either pre-family photo taking or post-party snaps, the fashionable patches are ideal for any skincare enthusiast or anyone in need of a gentle nudge to start giving their skin a little love.

The patches also feature a touch of whimsy with its trademarked animal designs. Choose from any of the original designs: a playful shark, a cuddly cat, a cheerful frog, or a buzzing bee. Appealing to skincare novices and aficionados alike, these fun, eye-catching designs give you a confidence boost while dealing with those pesky pimples.

Slip a set of Posh Skin Co.® pimple patches into any of your loved ones’ stockings for a thoughtful, trendy gift that’s sure to impress this holiday season.

Your Stylish Skin Rescue

Whether you’re shopping for a skincare lover or someone who needs just a little bit of self-care, Posh Skin Co.®’s pimple patches make for a self-care gift that delivers results.

Get these holiday must-haves for PHP199 on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok Shop, and the official Posh Skin Co.® website. The pimple patches will be available in 100 select Watsons stores beginning December 15.

Check out Posh Skin Co.®’s website and follow their social media pages (TikTok | Instagram | Facebook) to learn more.

Read More

Breeze and Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. Empower Filipino Youth Through EcoPlay

Breeze and Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. Empower Filipino Youth Through EcoPlay

Breeze, in partnership with Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), has launched Breeze EcoPlay: Sige sa Mantsa, Tuloy ang Laro, an initiative designed to empower Filipino youth through the transformative power of active play.

This partnership, which spans elementary schools across Taguig, Pateros, Marikina, and Quezon City, uses traditional Filipino games to cultivate teamwork, sportsmanship and resilience among young learners, while celebrating the value of getting dirty in the process.

The Breeze EcoPlay: Sige sa Mantsa, Tuloy ang Laro program integrates traditional Filipino games into the physical education curriculum. With an expected of over 2,000 children participating from the partner schools, Breeze EcoPlay has deeply impacted students by encouraging them to embrace stains as badges of learning and growth.

To launch the initiative, Breeze and KCFI hosted the first ever EcoPlay olympics last December 10, 2024 at the Marikina Sports Center, where over 700 students attended and had a chance to play Filipino games such as Tumbang Preso, Patintero, and Agawan Base. “Our goal with Breeze EcoPlay is to build resilient and well-rounded changemakers who are unafraid to get dirty in pursuit of meaningful experiences,” said Lara Santos, Premium Laundry Business Performance Manager. “Through this campaign, we are cultivating future leaders who understand the importance of teamwork and grit through these games which are more than just a source of fun—they are platforms for children to develop resiliency and sportsmanship.”

The event also honored exceptional qualities in the participating students through special awards such as "Batang Bilis at Liksi", “Batang May Lakas at Kumpyansa”, and "Batang May Tatag ng Puso at Kalamnan," celebrating their skills, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Breeze positions itself as a catalyst for positive change, going beyond laundry solutions to nurture character-building opportunities for children. “This collaboration with KCFI allows us to create a generation that sees stains as part of the journey and not as setbacks,” Lara Santos added.

The EcoPlay initiative doesn’t end here. Breeze and KCFI are committed to expanding the program, reaching more schools, and inspiring more children to embrace resilience and camaraderie through active play.

For more information about Breeze EcoPlay: Sige sa Mantsa, Tuloy ang Laro, visit Breeze Philippines official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/BreezePhilippines.

Read More

IKEA Pasay City opens its homes for the Filipino Christmas tradition of Carolling

IKEA Pasay City opens its homes for the Filipino Christmas tradition of Carolling

The holiday season in the Philippines is all about traditions, and this year, IKEA Pasay City is waking up the festive spirit with a weeklong celebration for the many Filipinos. As a destination for a fun day out, IKEA creates inspiration and memorable experiences for its customers through engaging store activities, making it the perfect place to celebrate the joy and traditions of Christmas.

From December 16 to 20, IKEA Pasay City invites everyone to relive a beloved Filipino tradition with its Carolling Week. As Christmas carolling begins to fade in today’s fast-paced generation, this event offers a chance to bring back the joy and nostalgia of going door-to-door singing holiday classics. Customers are welcome to step into IKEA’s roomsets and fill the spaces with the warmth of Christmas songs.

Adding a creative twist, participants can craft their own instruments, blending the timeless spirit of carolling with IKEA’s commitment to eco-friendly living. It’s more than just singing—it’s about creating cherished memories, reconnecting with traditions, and celebrating the season in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Participants of all ages, whether solo or in groups, are welcome to join the festivities. Perform one to two Christmas carols and have the chance to draw a special aguinaldo from IKEA co-workers. Lucky participants could win up to PHP 5,000 worth of IKEA Gift Cards to make their holidays even brighter! Everyone is invited to stay and get into the Christmas cheer as special performances have been lighting up the store throughout the week, including memorable performances by Christian Bautista and Maki, with a highly anticipated surprise performance on 20 December.

Whether it’s carolling, shopping for thoughtful gifts, or finding inspiration for holiday décor, IKEA Pasay City is the ultimate Christmas destination. It’s not just a store—it’s a happy place for making the season brighter and more meaningful.

Visit IKEA Pasay City from December 16 to 20, and let the sounds of Filipino Christmas bring your holiday dreams to life. For more details, visit IKEA Pasay City’s official Facebook page or shop online at www.IKEA.ph.

Read More

Family Movie Nights Just Got Merrier with These Films on Lionsgate Play

Family Movie Nights Just Got Merrier with These Films on Lionsgate Play

Gather your loved ones and celebrate the season with cozy Christmas movies for all ages

The Christmas break is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand, and immerse yourself in stories brimming with wonder and a dash of magic. This festive season, let Lionsgate Play bring the joy and warmth of the holidays to your home with a delightful collection of heartwarming films that the entire family will cherish.

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

This enchanting tale follows the eccentric owner of a magical toy store, Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman), who decides to hand over his beloved emporium to his young and shy manager, Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman). But when the store begins to lose its magic, Molly must discover her inner strength to save this whimsical world.

A Belle for Christmas

Right before Christmas, a widowed father (Dean Cain) and his two kids adopt Belle, an adorable puppy. But the festive cheer takes an unexpected turn when the father's gold-digging girlfriend (Kristy Swanson) nabs Belle. Now, the kids must put their heads together to get Belle back before Christmas.

Ace & the Christmas Miracle

After an unjust divorce, Amanda (Brande Roderick) is left scrambling to ensure a bright future for her 10-year-old son, Daniel. But just when hope feels out of reach, the Annual California Wine Country Christmas Derby brings unexpected hope. She hires Tony, a down-on-his-luck pest control technician, to keep her horse Ace (voiced by Jon Lovitz) out of the race. What seems like a simple job takes a whimsical turn when Tony discovers he can actually hear Ace speak. Together, they hatch a better plan to save the day.

The NeverEnding Story

Take flight on the back of Falkor, the magical luckdragon, in The NeverEnding Story. While not traditionally a Christmas film, its themes of hope, adventure, and imagination make it a perfect watch for this festive season. Follow young Bastian as he plunges into the pages of a mysterious book and becomes part of a story that has the power to save an entire world.

What will you watch first? Gather the family, grab your favorite snacks and hot cocoa, and immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas with Lionsgate Play.

Read More

A Creamy Discovery: Make Christmas Magically Budget-Friendly with the New Alaska All-Purpose Creamer

A Creamy Discovery: Make Christmas Magically Budget-Friendly with the New Alaska All-Purpose Creamer

Christmas is the season of joy, love, and unforgettable feasts—but who says you need to splurge to make it extraordinary? This year, discover the secret to turning your family’s requested creamy dishes into budget-friendly holiday showstoppers: the all-new Alaska All-Purpose Creamer.

Loved by 9 out of 10 Filipino moms, Alaska All-Purpose Creamer is the madiskarteng nanay’s ticket to transforming everyday ingredients into rich, flavorful creations that bring warmth and excitement to any Christmas table. With its velvety creaminess and versatility, this new pantry essential is perfect for both sweet and savory recipes—making it the ultimate ingredient for a truly magical Noche Buena.

“Hindi naman kailagan na napakalaki dapat ng budget mo para maging special ang handaan sa Pasko,” says Grace Tanfelix whose lifelong passion for cooking has blossomed into a thriving career in content creation. “Kailangan mo lang maging madiskarte sa pagpili ng mga ingredients na gagamitin sa pagluluto.”

The Sipo Egg — a classic Kapampangan dish of quail eggs, shrimp, ham, and veggies in a thick, creamy sauce — is a holiday favorite. “P’wede naman din na gamitin mo na lang kung anong meron ka sa bahay tulad ng leftover chicken breast or Vienna sausage,” Grace suggests. “For the sauce naman, I recommend using Alaska All-Purpose Creamer. Sakto kasi ‘yong consistency niya para sa Sipo Egg tapos masarap na siya even on its own. Siguradong taob ang rice cooker mo!”

No Christmas celebration is complete without a touch of something sweet, and here is Ang Cooking Ina, Hazel Cheffy to share the ultimate dessert hack.

“Paborito ko talaga ang creamy desserts tuwing Pasko,” Hazel shares. “As in the creamier, the better. That is why I love using Alaska All-Purpose Creamer. Ang lakas din kasi talaga niyang maka-special ng pagkain tapos mura pa. I can easily whip up a huge batch of fruit salad, buko pandan, or my famous banana cream cake para din sa mga bibisita sa amin nang hindi gumagastos ng malaki.”

With Alaska All-Purpose Creamer, you can serve your family and friends’ most requested and favorite holiday dishes bursting with flavor and holiday cheer—all while staying on budget. Available in leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide for only Php 45. You can also find Alaska All-Purpose Creamer online via their official Lazada and Shopee stores.

Read More