CYBERZONE: WHERE PASSION MEETS COMMUNITY

Gamers, Makers, and Deck Masters unite in SM Cyberzone community, a space where they can truly be themselves.

SM Supermalls is transforming the digital landscape by bringing together gamers, creators, collectors, and fans under one roof at Cyberzone. It is more than just a shopping destination; it is a vibrant space where ideas turn into amazing content, games come to life, and technology feels truly personal.

Here, enthusiasts can find everything they need to fuel their passions—from the latest gadgets and powerful upgrades to essential peripherals and tools. But beyond being a tech haven, Cyberzone serves as a community hub where people connect, explore, and celebrate the culture they love.

“By transforming Cyberzone into a unified space, we’re giving everyone a place to level up their passions,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing.

“As your most-loved mall, we are committed to fostering a healthy community where everyone can truly be themselves.” 

Meet the Tribes

Moment Makers

From ordinary days to gripping stories, creators are always ready to capture the world. Equipped with the latest action cameras, high-performance PCs, and smart editing tools, Cyberzone ensures their creativity flows smoothly from concept to finished content.

Cozy Gamers

For those who play for fun and connection, Cyberzone offers immersive audio gear and ergonomic controllers. It turns simple downtime into memorable moments, making every gaming session a well-earned escape.

Hardcore Gamers 

Beast on matches because of pro-level gear, thanks to Cyberzone that offers it all.  

Victory tastes sweeter with the right gear! Competitive gamers rely on sharp reflexes and strategy to win. Cyberzone provides the pro-level advantage they need—high-refresh-rate monitors, noise-canceling headphones, and precision mice—because every split-second decision counts.

Deck Masters 

Cyberzone belongs to everyone, whether you like online games or trading cards.

For lovers of strategy and collectibles, Cyberzone brings trading card culture to life! It is the perfect place for collectors and players to connect, compete in exciting tournaments, and unbox booster packs to find rare gems. With regular events, the community comes together to share a burning passion for the game.

Multiverse Fans 

Want to give life to your favorite fictional characters? Cyberzone is your place to shine and connect with fellow cosplayers.

Dreaming of bringing fictional characters to life? Cyberzone celebrates creativity and imagination! Dedicated cosplayers showcase their craftsmanship—from intricate makeup details to perfect accessories—during special conventions. Featuring showcases, merch booths, and interactive fun, it is the ultimate stage to shine and meet fellow fans.

Stan Squads

Fandoms make the experience complete! Even when cheering from the sidelines, "Stan Squads" capture every moment and spread the joy. Armed with the latest gadgets to document eSports matches, cosplay shows, and events, they are always ready to support their idols. Cyberzone ensures they have the right tech to never miss a memory.

“Cyberzone is not just all about gadgets and the latest tech. It’s about the community that uses them for their passions,” shared San Agustin.

“We are excited to provide gamers and creators a maxed-out experience that makes technology feel personal, and community gatherings are heartfelt.”

For MAXED-OUT tech moments and unforgettable connections, step into CYBERZONE — where #TechWeLike meets #ZoneWeLove!

Visit https://www.smcyberzone.com/ to learn more.

Converge Goes Electric: Building Resilience Amid Fuel Crisis

Boosting Operational Resilience and Sustainability Amid Global Oil Crisis 

FLEET TRANFORMATION. Converge is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, pursuing its sustainability goal of converting 20 percent of its fleet and contractor vehicles into electric and hybrid units by 2030.

Leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is strengthening its operational resilience against volatile oil prices and supply disruptions by aggressively transitioning its corporate fleet to electric vehicles (EVs).

In response to the ongoing global fuel crisis, the company is doubling its EV inventory, currently adding over 100 new units. These vehicles will primarily serve field operations, supporting the installation, maintenance, and repair services for subscribers across Metro Manila.

Driving Toward a Greener Future  

RESILIENCE IN ACTION. The company is doubling its EV inventory to better manage operational risks and stabilize costs amid the ongoing global fuel crisis.

Presently, Converge operates a fleet of over 120 fully electric and hybrid vehicles. This move is part of the company’s broader sustainability roadmap, which aims to convert 20 percent of its total fleet and contractor vehicles into electric and hybrid units by the year 2030.

“The ongoing oil supply crisis reinforces the value of sustainability, particularly initiatives that reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” said Laurice Esteban-Tuason, Converge Corporate Sustainability Officer 

“At Converge, we have been expanding our use of alternative energy sources for our data centers and gradually electrifying our service vehicles as part of our long-term effort to reduce carbon emissions,” she added.

A Strategic Move for Stability

Beyond environmental benefits, fleet electrification serves as a strategic business solution. By shifting to electric power, the company insulates itself from global market instability, ensuring more consistent operational costs and reliable service delivery regardless of fuel price fluctuations.

“Diversifying our energy mix will be highly beneficial, especially in terms of cost efficiency and environmental impact,” Esteban-Tuason noted.

Supporting Sustainable Mobility

POWERING UP. Converge has installed an EV charging station at its Pasig headquarters to support the mobility of its service and maintenance vehicles.

To support this transition, Converge has installed an EV charging station at its headquarters in Pasig City, specifically designed to service its line installation and repair vehicles. The company plans to roll out more charging infrastructure across its other offices in Metro Manila.

Furthermore, Converge encourages its employees to embrace green mobility through a car subsidy program that supports the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles among eligible staff.

LG Electronics Unveils Future of Smart Homes at LG Innofest 2026 APAC

Showcasing Region-Specific Innovation, AI Vision, and Growth Strategies for Asia

LG Electronics (LG) is setting the stage for the future of home living at LG InnoFest 2026 APAC, held from April 7–10 in Busan. Serving as the grand finale of the global series, the event gathered over 200 key partners and media representatives from approximately 20 countries to strengthen collaboration and unveil the company’s latest roadmap for the region.

Under the theme “Innovation, Forward Together,” LG presented a comprehensive lineup of products designed specifically for Asian lifestyles. The exhibition highlighted how the brand applies its signature “K-Tech” innovation to deliver practical, locally relevant solutions that resonate with diverse cultures and needs across the market.

Next-Generation Laundry Solutions

LG is expanding its laundry portfolio with the complete WashTower™ series, now including a new 25-inch model perfectly sized for Asian homes, alongside the existing 24-inch and 27-inch variants. Designed for maximum space efficiency, the range reflects LG’s deep understanding of varying housing environments. 

New top-load washers elevate fabric care using Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive™ (AI DD™), which optimizes movements based on fabric type and dirt level, while TurboWash™ 3D completes a full cycle in under 30 minutes. An automatic detergent dispenser further enhances convenience by measuring the exact amount needed per load.

The all-new LG WashCombo™ reinforces drying performance with Inverter HeatPump™ technology, offering superior energy efficiency that addresses the concerns of cost-conscious consumers.

Expanding beyond residential use, LG leverages over a decade of expertise to launch a new Commercial Washer-Dryer HeatPump Combo. Designed for heavy-duty operation, it features customizable programs, open API connectivity, and easy maintenance—set for global rollout following strong demand in Korea.

Smart Kitchens Tailored for Asia

LG’s new refrigerator lineup introduces the Fit & Max design featuring a Zero Clearance Hinge. This innovation allows the unit to fit flush against walls without wasting space, achieving a seamless built-in look while maximizing storage—ideal for compact kitchens. 

Addressing the high demand for ice in the region, LG’s advanced Ice Solution offers four types: Craft Ice™, Crushed, Cubed, and Mini Craft, perfect for daily use and entertaining.

For dish care, the latest dishwasher boasts an exclusive one-hour wash-and-dry cycle. Equipped with QuadWash™ Pro and Dynamic Heat Dry+ technology, it ensures powerful cleaning and perfect drying results while maintaining top-tier energy efficiency across all models.

Specifically for Southeast Asia, LG is launching a premium Built-In Kitchen Collection including ovens, cooktops, and hoods. A standout feature is the Camera Oven, which uses internal vision technology to identify ingredients, recommend cooking modes, and monitor food color for perfect results every time.

Immersive Experience & Future Vision

For the first time, InnoFest featured live commerce sessions, creating an interactive platform for partners to experience products in real-time. 

Attendees explored three exhibition zones designed to reflect diverse Asian home environments, styled with inspiration from popular Korean dramas to create a familiar and engaging atmosphere.

These spaces brought LG’s AI Home vision to life, powered by the ThinQ ON™ hub. This ecosystem seamlessly connects all smart appliances and IoT devices for a truly integrated home experience. ThinQ ON is already available in select markets and will roll out progressively across Asia, starting with Australia and Thailand. 

As part of its long-term strategy, LG is also expanding the LG Subscribe service across key markets like Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam, offering flexible appliance ownership and comprehensive care packages.

“Asia is one of our most dynamic and important markets, and InnoFest 2026 gives us a valuable opportunity to connect with our partners and share our vision for the future,” said Jaeseung Kim, Regional CEO of LG Electronics Asia Pacific.

“Building on our technology innovation, we are advancing AI-powered home solutions that reflect local lifestyles.”

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 .