SM Turns Malls Into Indoor Sports Hubs

SM Active Hub Brings Courts and Clinics to Valenzuela, Sangandaan, and Grand Central 

TEAM SPIRIT. SM City Valenzuela Mall Manager Engr. Christian Bryan Umali (Center) leads the opening of SM Active Hub. The initiative transforms mall spaces into indoor sports venues, providing a cool and safe environment for community fitness and youth training programs.

 

With temperatures rising, SM Supermalls is turning shopping spaces into cool, safe playgrounds for athletes and fitness enthusiasts! Through the SM Active Hub initiative, the company recently transformed mall atriums into multi-sport venues, launching simultaneous activities at SM City Valenzuela, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Grand Central.

This program converts common areas into indoor courts and training zones for basketball, badminton, taekwondo, pickleball, and more—offering the perfect alternative for community fitness and youth training despite the hot weather.

Action Across Northern Metro Manila  

SPARRING SESSION. Young athletes go head-to-head in a taekwondo exhibition match at SM City Valenzuela, part of the mall’s growing lineup of indoor sports programs.

HOOP DREAMS. A young basketball player goes for a layup during a skills clinic at SM City Valenzuela. SM Active Hub converts mall spaces into active zones dedicated to youth development and community health.

At SM City Valenzuela, the atrium came alive with energy as it was transformed into a dynamic sports arena. The two-day event featured exciting taekwondo demonstrations, basketball skills clinics, and competitive badminton matches, drawing huge crowds from the local community. 

POWER KICK. Student athletes from a local taekwondo club showcase their skills and powerful kicks during the SM Active Hub rollout at SM Center Sangandaan.

Just nearby, SM Center Sangandaan also opened its doors to sports lovers, hosting its own lineup of martial arts exhibitions and racket sports activities. Residents flocked to the venue not just to shop, but to watch, learn, and cheer for local athletes. 

Meanwhile, the fun extended to SM City Grand Central, where the lineup included children’s push bike races, fast-paced pickleball games, and badminton tournaments, solidifying the program's reach across Northern Metro Manila.

More Than Just a Launch

The excitement doesn't stop after the launch weekend! SM Active Hub will continue year-round with a regular schedule of fitness programs, including dance workouts, sports clinics, and training sessions handled by certified coaches and recognized sports organizations. 

Now celebrating its anniversary, SM Active Hub reinforces its mission to build stronger communities. It redefines the mall experience—proving that these spaces aren't just for shopping, but are year-round destinations for health, wellness, and sports excellence, welcoming everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes.

PLDT Enterprise Named Cisco’s Strategic Partner for Outstanding Performance

Reinforcing Leadership in Managed Network Services Through World-Class Solutions 

PLDT Enterprise is recognized among Cisco’s Top 15 Partners, honoring the company's strong sales performance and continued contribution to Cisco’s growth in the Philippine market.

Staying true to its commitment of delivering trusted, end-to-end digital solutions, PLDT Enterprise has once again been recognized by global tech leader Cisco as one of its top partners in the Philippines. Together with its ICT arm, ePLDT, the group bagged multiple awards, highlighting their excellence in networking, managed services, and solution delivery. 

PLDT Enterprise named Cisco SMB Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year, highlighting its leadership in delivering powerful solutions to small and medium businesses nationwide

Multiple Awards Reflect Strong Market Performance

PLDT Enterprise secured a spot among Cisco’s Top 15 Partners, a testament to its significant revenue contribution and vital role in driving Cisco’s growth in the local market.

The company also retained its title as SMB Partner of the Year for FY 2025, marking the second consecutive year it has been honored as the top partner serving small and medium-sized businesses.

Meanwhile, ePLDT was awarded Services Partner of the Year. This recognition underscores its position as more than just a technology provider, but a trusted advisor dedicated to delivering tangible business outcomes and long-term value to clients. 

Collectively, these awards validate PLDT Enterprise’s unified strategy in delivering comprehensive connectivity, cloud, and ICT solutions through its robust portfolio of digital services.  

ePLDT receives the Cisco Services Partner of the Year award, recognizing its role as a trusted advisor delivering long-term value and tangible business outcomes for customers.

“These awards reflect the trust our customers continue to place in PLDT Enterprise as they modernize their operations and strengthen their digital foundations,” said Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Product Management and Innovations at PLDT Enterprise.

“Our continued recognition by Cisco is a major encouragement for us to keep delivering reliable, secure, and scalable solutions—especially for the SMB market—while supporting our customers’ long-term growth and resilience.”

Driving Customer Value Through Trusted Partnerships

The partnership between PLDT Enterprise and Cisco goes beyond business growth; it is instrumental in advancing digital inclusion and innovation across the country. Together, they have enabled transformative projects, including the deployment of the 5G Standalone service platform in Manila, paving the way for next-generation connectivity solutions. 

As businesses adapt to evolving digital demands, PLDT Enterprise remains focused on delivering powerful Cisco-powered technologies such as Branch-in-a-Box, BEYOND FIBER, and Managed SD-WAN. These solutions are designed to help organizations boost performance, tighten security, and operate with greater agility.

To learn more about how PLDT Enterprise can support your business, visit: https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-cisco-partner-appreciation-2026-pr

PLDT Enterprise Strengthens Cadiz City’s Digital Infrastructure for Smarter Public Services

PLDT Enterprise and City Government of Cadiz representatives during the formalization of their partnership to implement a modern, city-wide digital infrastructure supporting improved public service delivery and efficient government operations. From left to right: Stephen Cadagat, Licensing Officer, Atty Mitch Borromeo, City Administrator and Mayor. Salvador Escalante Jr.,City Government of Cadiz, Ms Hazel Amoyan, CRM Head of Visayas, Sarah Jane Martin, Business Head, Western Visayas, Judianne Mata, Relationship Manager 

Empowering Local Governance with Reliable and Scalable Digital Solutions

In a move to modernize operations, the City Government of Cadiz has partnered with PLDT Enterprise to upgrade its digital infrastructure. This collaboration aims to boost operational efficiency and deliver faster, more responsive services to the public.

Recognizing the vital role of technology in governance, the Local Government Unit (LGU) sought to establish a reliable, secure, and scalable ICT foundation. This upgrade ensures seamless coordination between departments and guarantees uninterrupted delivery of public services.

A Commitment to Digital Transformation

This partnership reflects PLDT Enterprise’s dedication to supporting regional LGUs in adopting technology to improve governance. The initiative aligns with Cadiz City’s goals of enhancing transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric services while equipping employees with modern digital tools.

“Reliable connectivity is essential for local governments to deliver efficient and citizen-focused services,” said Ma. Hazel Amoyan, Customer Relationship Management Head – Visayas, PLDT Enterprise. “By supporting Cadiz City with a modern and resilient digital infrastructure, we are helping strengthen government operations while enabling technology-enabled public service delivery.”

The upgrade also supports the LGU’s compliance with Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act), ensuring smoother online transactions and streamlined processes.

“For us, technology is not about systems—it’s about service,” shared Hon. Salvador Escalante Jr., City Mayor of Cadiz. “This partnership helps our people experience government that works more smoothly, responds faster, and is better equipped to meet everyday needs. By strengthening our digital backbone, we’re making sure Cadiz is ready to serve its citizens today and in the years ahead.”

Building a Robust Digital Backbone

To achieve these goals, PLDT Enterprise deployed a comprehensive suite of connectivity solutions across various LGU facilities:

✅ Fully Redundant IP Backbone: Ensures reliable data connectivity and seamless communication between departments.

✅ High-Speed Internet: Supports daily operations, online transactions, reporting, and digital services.

✅ Unified Communication Systems: IP-based voice trunking and PBX systems, including PoE-enabled VoIP devices, simplify infrastructure and reduce costs.

✅ Network Monitoring: Real-time usage tracking and reports help optimize resources and performance.

Ensuring Uninterrupted Public Service

Prior to the partnership, the LGU faced challenges with fragmented connectivity and limited capacity. Today, with PLDT Enterprise’s solutions and 24/7 technical support, Cadiz City enjoys improved system reliability and continuous operations—even for mission-critical functions. 

With this upgrade, the City Government of Cadiz is now equipped with a future-ready foundation, paving the way for a smarter, more efficient, and digitally empowered community.

Be a Community Champion: Starbucks Philippines Celebrates Global Month of Good

As part of its annual Global Month of Good celebration, Starbucks Philippines is strengthening its commitment to serving communities while inviting more Filipinos to join the movement. 

This year, the campaign highlights a simple yet powerful message: anyone can be a Community Champion. Meaningful change happens through small, everyday actions that benefit the environment, the community, and the people around us. 

“Our local initiatives are grounded in the belief that meaningful change starts with strong community connections,” said Jamie Silva, Senior Manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience, and Social Impact at Starbucks Philippines. “From education to disaster response and volunteerism, our efforts show how collective action can create a lasting impact.”

Bringing Help Where It Matters Most

Starbucks continues to expand its reach through key partnerships:

💧 Access to Clean Water

In partnership with Planet Water Foundation and The Starbucks Foundation, the company has provided clean water access and hygiene education to an estimated 42,400 people nationwide. This April, a ninth AquaTower will be installed in Camarines Sur, benefiting around 7,000 more individuals.  

🎓 Building Better Futures

Through its partnership with HOPE, Starbucks helps build safe learning spaces for underserved communities. This year marks the completion of the sixth public school classroom in Sarangani, providing a conducive environment for students to learn and grow. 

🌱 Sustainability & Green Energy

Starbucks is also powering up green initiatives. Through a partnership with MPower, approximately 60 stores in Metro Manila now run on electricity under the Retail Aggregation Program, boosting operational efficiency and supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Powered by Service and Volunteerism 

The spirit of giving back is alive in Starbucks Community Stores located in Abad Santos, Tondo, and Maysilo Circle. In partnership with AHA! Learning Center, Young Focus Foundation, and Mano Amiga Philippines, these stores support education programs that have benefited over 1,500 learners through after-school sessions and leadership training.

Fighting hunger remains a priority too. Through the FoodShare program, nearly 3 million food items have been rescued from almost 300 stores nationwide and distributed to communities in need, in collaboration with The Philippine Food Bank Foundation and Grab Philippines.

You Can Be a Champion Too!

This Global Month of Good, everyone is invited to make a difference. A simple trip to Starbucks can turn into an act of kindness:

✅ Use "For Here" ware or bring your own tumbler and enjoy a ₱10 discount on your purchase!

Small actions, when done together, create big changes.

To learn more about Starbucks’ social impact initiatives, visit:  starbucks.ph/social-impact .

LG ELECTRONICS’ WASHTOWER™ SURPASSES 3.2 MILLION UNITS SOLD WORLDWIDE

Proven Innovation: Globally Recognized for Space-Saving Design and Energy Efficiency

LG Electronics’ (LG) WashTower™, the revolutionary all-in-one laundry solution, has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 3.2 million units in cumulative global sales. Seamlessly integrating a washer and dryer into a single, space-efficient unit, the WashTower combines LG’s cutting-edge technologies with a design centered on everyday convenience.

Trusted by Consumers Across the Globe

First launched in 2020, the LG WashTower is now available in 77 countries. It continues to gain popularity worldwide, with cumulative sales reaching over 1.6 million units in North America, 160,000 units in Latin America, and 130,000 units in Asia. This strong demand reflects the growing preference for smart laundry solutions that maximize space, save energy, and simplify daily chores.

AI and Core Technologies for Superior Care

The exceptional performance of the WashTower is powered by LG’s proprietary technologies, including Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive™ (AI DD™) and DUAL Inverter HeatPump™.

- Smart Washing: AI DD detects the load weight, fabric type, and soil level to select the optimal washing pattern, ensuring deep cleaning while minimizing damage to clothes.

- Gentle Drying: The DUAL Inverter Heat Pump technology enables low-temperature drying that is gentle on fabrics yet highly effective.

- Seamless Operation: Features like Smart Pairing™ allow the washer to communicate with the dryer to automatically set the perfect drying cycle. The Prepare to Dry function preheats the dryer before the wash finishes, significantly reducing total laundry time.

Evolving Solutions for Modern Lifestyles

LG remains committed to expanding its laundry lineup to match diverse customer needs. The company plans to introduce new models, enhanced AI features, and various color options to suit different preferences and home spaces.

To celebrate this sales milestone, LG is preparing a series of promotional activities in South Korea, with similar initiatives planned for international markets.

“The LG WashTower leverages our proprietary core technologies and advanced AI to deliver a more convenient clothing-care experience to customers around the world,” said Baek Seung-tae, president of LG Home Appliance Solution Company. “We will continue to build on our understanding of customers’ lifestyles and earn the trust of global customers through products and solutions that deliver greater convenience.”

Central Luzon’s First JCO Reserve Opens at SM City Marilao — And It’s Definitely Worth the Sip

JCO Reserve opens its first Central Luzon branch at SM City Marilao.

Experience premium coffee, dining, and desserts in a whole new elevated space 

Coffee and dessert lovers, rejoice! The much-awaited JCO Reserve has officially opened its doors, bringing its first branch in Central Luzon right here at SM City Marilao. This exciting launch introduces a more upscale and enhanced café experience to the north. 

JCO Reserve opens its first Central Luzon branch at SM City Marilao.

The new concept features a modern and cozy ambiance, perfect for leisurely meals, casual catch-ups, or simply treating yourself to a moment of relaxation. Beyond their famous signature donuts, JCO Reserve offers a curated selection of premium coffee blends, handcrafted beverages, all-day dining options, and freshly baked pastries—elevating the flavors and quality that customers love. 

Premium donuts never disappoint. Go grab a bite at JCO Reserve, now open at SM City Marilao.

JCO Reserve at SM City Marilao serves refreshing iced beverages.

The arrival of JCO Reserve further enriches SM City Marilao’s growing lineup of lifestyle destinations, giving shoppers even more reasons to dine, unwind, and reconnect with loved ones. 

Experience a satisfying meal with JCO Reserve’s all-day dining options. Visit their newly opened branch at SM City Marilao.

JCO Reserve’s premium coffee selections may now be enjoyed at SM City Marilao.

JCO Reserve at SM City Marilao is more than just a café; it is a space where every detail—from the rich flavors to the inviting atmosphere—invites you to slow down and truly savor the moment.

Specially made beverages are worth a visit at JCO Reserve in SM City Marilao. 

Cold beverages taste heavenly only at JCO Reserve located at the ground level of SM City Marilao.

Visit them today at the Ground Level and experience coffee culture, redefined.

Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

soundcore Launches Boom 3i: The Ultimate Floating Outdoor Speaker

Rugged, Waterproof, and Ready for Adventure: Engineered for Summer Fun

As summer heats up and plans for pool parties, beach getaways, and camping trips are in full swing, soundcore, Anker Innovations' premium audio brand, has launched the perfect companion for the season: the Boom 3i.

Engineered for all kinds of outdoor adventures, this rugged Bluetooth 5.3 speaker features an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, a unique floatable design, and up to 16 hours of playtime. It is available in three vibrant colors: Jungle Green, Deep Ocean Blue, and Adventurer Black.

🛡️ Built to Withstand the Elements

The Boom 3i is designed to keep the music playing no matter what. Thanks to its floating design, the speaker stays upright even when dropped in water, allowing you to enjoy tunes while swimming or lounging by the pool. It can withstand immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Durability is taken to the next level with:

- 5x Higher Saltwater Resistance: Tested for up to 2,400 hours of salt spray without corrosion.

- Shockproof: Can survive drops from up to 1 meter onto concrete.

🔊 Powerful Sound & Party Features

Don't let its size fool you. The Boom 3i packs a punch with a 40W output, featuring dual woofers and tweeters supported by bass radiators for crystal-clear highs and deep lows. 

- BassUp™ 2.0 Technology: Boosts bass output by 3dB, delivering twice the bass compared to standard speakers.

- TWS Pairing: Connect two speakers for true stereo sound and double the volume.

- LED Light Show: Programmable lights on the bass radiators dance to the beat, elevating any party vibe.

📱 Smart App Features

The soundcore app unlocks a suite of useful tools for safety and convenience:

- Emergency Alarm: Trigger a loud 96dB siren by holding the BassUp button for 5 seconds.

- Voice Amplifier: Project your voice clearly through the speaker.

- Buzz Clean: Uses vibration to shake off dust and water from the device.

🆕 Also New: soundcore Boom Go 3i

Expanding the lineup is the Boom Go 3i, a palm-sized speaker perfect for solo adventures. It delivers 15W sound, 22 hours of battery life, and also carries an IP68 rating. It features a versatile strap system so you can easily attach it to bags, bikes, or gear.

🛒 Pricing & Availability

- soundcore Boom 3i: ₱5,995

- soundcore Boom Go 3i: ₱2,995

Both are available now via soundcore.ph and official stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.