Thursday, March 12, 2026

Cinema in a box: PLDT Home Life unveils StreamTV+ for ultimate entertainment




PLDT Home Life raises the bar for home entertainment in the Philippines with the launch of StreamTV+ – a new premium streaming device created in collaboration with Sagemcom, Bang & Olufsen, and Dolby. This powerhouse lineup features global experts in hardware design, cinematic sound, and smart technology to create one sleek device designed for the way Filipino families stream and connect at home.

StreamTV+ is the latest innovation from the country’s leading telco, going beyond fiber-fast internet to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience customers have been waiting for. It’s the dream setup for many: with stunning 4K visuals made richer with Dolby Vision, multi-dimensional sound powered by Dolby Atmos, audio refined by Bang & Olufsen, and voice control of TV and smart home devices powered by Google Assistant, it transforms any living room into a smarter, more cinematic space – without the clutter of multiple gadgets.

‘Cinema in a box’

StreamTV+ packs crisp visuals, expertly tuned audio, and smart technology into one sleek, compact streaming box.

As a global leader in high-end communication solutions, Sagemcom served as PLDT Home Life’s technology partner in designing the core hardware of StreamTV+. This ensures the “cinema in a box” promise is built on world-class reliability and cutting-edge design – delivering a sleek, easily portable hub that brings all major streaming platforms together in stunning 4K clarity.

Thanks to Dolby Atmos technology and audio that is refined by Bang & Olufsen, StreamTV+ delivers clear dialogue, balanced sound, controlled bass, and immersive audio that enhances movies, shows, and live sports – without the need for additional sound equipment. Expect a true, three-dimensional soundstage that brings the roar of a stadium or the subtle whispers of a thriller directly into your living space, no matter the content source: Netflix, HBO Max, Cignal, and more.

Beyond just an entertainment box, StreamTV+ transforms into a hands-free smart home command center with integrated voice control. The device supports Google Assistant, allowing users to control their TV and compatible smart home devices through voice commands. Powered by Wi-Fi 6, StreamTV+ ensures stable, high-quality streaming for everyday use.  


The standard in home entertainment


PLDT Home Life launched StreamTV in 2024, redefining home entertainment with the combined capabilities of an Android TV device, an AI‑powered smart speaker, and a virtual assistant in one intuitive unit. The telco brand has consistently focused on initiatives that will provide subscribers with better value and enrich their digital lifestyle.

By recently partnering with global technology leaders for StreamTV+, PLDT Home Life delivers a cinema-grade entertainment experience that remains accessible to modern Filipino homes.

“It’s big sound and crisp movies and videos in a box!” said PLDT Senior Vice President and Consumer Business Head John Y. Palanca. 



PLDT Senior Vice President and Consumer Business Head John Y. Palanca


“At PLDT Home, we are committed to delivering best‑in‑class connectivity and digital solutions that push the smart home experience forward. By collaborating with global technology leaders such as Sagemcom, Dolby, Bang & Olufsen, and Google, we’re bringing cutting‑edge innovation directly into Filipino homes. This new offering integrates advanced hardware, immersive audio‑visual technologies, and an intelligent platform designed to deliver a seamless, cinema‑grade entertainment experience. It reflects our goal to empower customers with reliable, high‑performance tools that elevate how they consume content and enjoy their connected lifestyle.”

Duncan McCue, Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Bang & Olufsen, added, “We’re excited to bring Audio by Bang & Olufsen into more homes with the StreamTV+, delivering immersive sound that enhances both TV and music experiences for consumers.”

Olivier Taravel, Senior Executive Vice President of the Audio Video Solutions Business Unit at Sagemcom, stated: "We are proud to stand behind this groundbreaking product and to be PLDT Home Life’s partner in bringing the StreamTV+ to the Filipino market. This all-in-one solution delivers a unique value proposition that is driving higher customer satisfaction, loyalty, and a growing Net Promoter Score."

With StreamTV+, PLDT Home further strengthens its position as a leader in home connectivity and digital innovation. The focus goes beyond speed – it’s about delivering a complete, high-quality entertainment experience designed for Filipino families.  




Upgrade your home entertainment and transform any room in your home into a cinema with StreamTV+! PLDT Home Fiber subscribers can purchase their cinema in a box for a one time payment of P10,990 or P399/month for 36 months. Learn more at pldthome.com/streamtv and explore PLDT Home Life’s full suite of digital services at pldthome.com/life.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Road to PVL redemption: PLDT retools for championship bid after Japan training




New year, new season, and for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, a massive new chance to prove they belong at the very top.

After their fourth-place finish last conference, the High SpeedHitters aren’t just looking to participate in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. They look to reclaim their identity as champions, starting with a winning sweep against multi-titlist Creamline Cool Smashers followed by a four-set victory over the Bella Belen-bannered Capital1 Solar Spikers.


Fueling the fire

For the High Speed Hitters, coming so close to a podium finish last year wasn't a setback; it was a wake-up call.

"Last season was very challenging," said Coach Rald Ricafort. "Even though we didn't reach our final goal, the team learned a lot. We are working hard this pre-season to improve and hopefully reach our goal again this conference."

Team captain Kath Arado echoes this sentiment, noting that the hunger to bounce back is palpable throughout the squad.

"Gustong makabawi ulit. Tingin ko, ito pa din yung mindset ng bawat isa samin especially naging maganda yung training naminsa Japan at maraming kaming bagong natutunan individually and as a team,” she shared. “Tinitignan namin na one game at a time dahil halos lahat ng team ay lumakas."  





The Japan connection

To prepare for the grind of the All-Filipino Conference, the High Speed Hitters took their training to Japan. The experience wasn't just about physical conditioning; it was a masterclass in the "Japanese way" – speed, discipline, and flawless fundamentals.

"Philippine volleyball still has a long way to go," Coach Rald observed. "We saw kids from elementary to college having the same consistency and discipline that we aim to adopt. We want to play smart and be as mentally resilient as possible."

For the players, the trip served as a reminder that winning isn't always about power – it's about patience.

"Lagi itong nagiging paalala," added Arado. "Maraming pagkakataon na din kasi na sa kagustuhan namin matapos nayung game at makabawi agad, mas nahihirapan pa kami instead na mas makuha yung panalo. Ako as a captain, dapat sakinmagsimula na wag madaliin ang paglalaro. Na dapat kami yungmag-set ng tempo na familiar kami at makakapag-execute ng maayos na play.”


A new edge in the middle

Adding to the excitement is the arrival of middle blocker Seth Rodriguez. A former teammate of Arado at the University of the East, Rodriguez brings a mix of height and high-energy play that the team needs, especially with key players like Dell Palomataplaying abroad.

"I think my optimism and my 'pagiging palaban' (competitiveness) yung madadala ko sa team,” Rodriguez says of her transition. "Andun pa po ako sa adjustment stage, trying to keep up sa solid na system ng team. But my teammates always help me and they make sure na makasabay po ako sasystem na meron sila.”

Arado is confident that her old friend will be a pillar for PLDT. "Yung blockings nya siguro talaga yung sasandalan namin tsakayung competitiveness nya sa court na ‘pag nabigyan sya ng pagkakataon, ibibigay nya yung 100% nya para makatulong sateam.”

Because of this and the training experience in Japan, fans shouldn't expect the same old High Speed Hitters. This version of PLDT aims to be more technical, more disciplined, and significantly faster.

"Hopefully, fans will notice a more technical approach in terms of executing skills," Ricafort says. "We aim to play consistent, smart, and resilient volleyball."

For Rodriguez, the message to the supporters is simple: "PLDT fans, thank you sa pagtanggap sakin. Please continue to support us lalo na sa mga upcoming games namin this season.”

With the PVL All-Filipino Conference revving up, the PLDT High Speed Hitters aren't just playing for points – they’re playing for redemption. And with the speed of their namesake, they’re coming for the crown.  




Catch every moment of the PLDT High Speed Hitters' journey in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference by following them on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok. to stay connected to the action. For the best experience, stream the games in high definition via PLDT Home's high-speed fiber internet.

Monday, February 9, 2026

The Art of Self-Luvin’ with SM Supermalls

 



Can you feel it? Love is in the air! But it’s not the kind that sweeps you off your feet, just the love that feels safe, warm, and homey. Self love, of course!


Hey self-lovers, consider this a sign for you to slow down and to show yourself some well-deserved LUUUUV. Because this Heart’s Day, it’s no longer just about romance, it’s about keeping your heart happy, healthy, and glowing.


Through the melody of Olivia Dean, it really is so easy to fall in love—especially with the person who’s been with you through it all. And at your most loved mall, self-care comes as easy. Because from beauty essentials to wellness musts, we’re here to help you lean into the soft life, effortlessly unbothered. So mark your calendars, set the vibe, and celebrate love your way because #LuvIsYourVibeAtSM.



STEP 1: Cleanse Out Your Worries


Love needs breathin’, so let your self-LUV journey start with a clean base. Let go of the overthinking, the stress, and everything that’s been weighing you down. Reset the vibe, and give yourself a chance to clear space for a bolder, lighter version of you.


Aivee Clinic

Let Heart’s Day redefine what it’s like to destress and declutter. Revitalize your glow and go beyond skin deep with Aivee Clinic. Be prepared to welcome a brighter, new era of you. From tailored facials to advanced and doctor-led skin care treatments, your way to self-luvin’ is conveniently located here at the 5th Level, Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall. 


STEP 2: Treat Yourself To A Nail-Boosting Glow


Now, for the ba-ba-ba-baby steps. Because once the vibe is set, it’s time to step up the glow-up. The kind that instantly lifts your mood and reminds you that beauty has always been with you.




French Tips Organic Nail Lounge

Soft, natural, and oh-so-elegant… just like every nail art lover’s dream! Situated at SM Aura, French Tips Organic Nail Lounge gives your fingertips the glow up they deserve. Using organic-focused formulas and holistic approach to nail care, it’s the kind of self-care that looks good and feels even better.


Other Branches: SM Megamall, SM Podium 



Noon Talk Nail Lounge

Self-LUV should always feel like a celebration! Located at SM Mall of Asia, Noon Talk Nail Lounge can make every manicure feel like a milestone moment. With colors and finishes that frame your mood just right, this is where your nail glow-up gets personal and fun. 


Other Branches: SM Megamall



Ukiyo Beauty Bar

Make every look feel effortlessly put-together with minimalist hues and soft textures to match your vibe. At Ukiyo Beauty Bar, enjoy manicure and pedicure services you truly deserve. Its curated approach to nail care blends modern chic with timeless elegance, bringing in beauty with intention at S Maison. 




STEP 3: Moisturize Your Spirit, Protect Your Vibe


The final step? Lock it all in. Protect your peace, nourish your soul, and keep anything that disrupts your energy at bay. Let your freshly pampered self start anew. Softer, stronger, and glowing from the inside out.




Ayumi Elite

Extend the good vibrations and accessorize your look with intention. Experience the grooming techniques of Japan at SM Aura with Ayumi Elite, delivering an instant confidence boost through top-tier eyelash extension styling.


Other Branches: SM North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Podium 



The Spa Wellness

Seal in the softness through a deeply moisturizing treatment and wrap up your self-care journey at The Spa Wellness at the 5th Level of SM Podium, where peace meets pampering. From deeply relaxing massages to rich body treatments, this is your final moment to melt tension away, recharge your spirit, and walk out feeling all the LUUUV.


That's the art of luvin’, and anyone with a heart would agree. It's so easy to make yourself feel the love with SM Supermalls. Valentine’s Day or not, there’s always room to make time for care, calm, and a little indulgence.

This Valentine’s Day, #LuvIsYourVibeAtSM, your most loved mall of firsts and evolving finds. Because we’re here to make your Saturday night—and the rest of your life—filled with love.


Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events.


SM Supermalls Brings February Job Fairs Nationwide, Making Job Search Easier for Filipinos

 



SM Supermalls rolls out its February SM Job Fairs nationwide, enabling community opportunities through accessible employment channels making the application process faster and more

convenient, All For job-hunting Filipinos. Held across SM malls, the monthly #SMJobFair series connects

jobseekers with employers from retail, services, logistics, manufacturing, and other key industries.


In celebration of the Banatu Festival, celebrating the 76th founding anniversary of Cabanatuan City, SM

Supermalls kicked off February with a highly successful job fair at SM City Cabanatuan, demonstrating how career opportunities can be meaningfully woven into local festivities. Held last February 3, the job fair brought together 32 employers and a thousand jobseekers, with 90 applicants hired on the spot—underscoring the impact of aligning employment initiatives with community celebrations. By integrating

career opportunities into high-traffic events such as local holidays and festivals, SM Supermalls enhances the malling experience by offering purposeful activities that customers can conveniently engage with in their most-loved SM destinations.


Beyond serving as venues for celebration, SM malls evolve intocommunity platforms that create pathways to livelihood, growth, and long-term opportunity for Filipinos nationwide.


Flagship SM Group Job Fair set for February 26 at SM North EDSA Culminating the month’s activities is the highly anticipated SM Group Job Fair led by SM Retail on February 26 at SM City North EDSA—one of the strongest and most sought-after hiring events in the SM Job Fair calendar. Employers

from across the SM Group—including retail, real estate,food, logistics, and banking—will be offering a wide rangeof opportunities, reinforcing why so many Filipinos aspire to join the SM family.


As the largest retail chain in the Philippines, SM Retail continues to champion a workplace where people truly belong, thrive, and grow. Job seekers can look forward to purposeful challenges, meaningful career opportunities, and a culture where efforts are recognized and celebrated—making it #SoMuchFun to build a career at SM

Retail. Because at SM Retail, we’ve got it all for you—#OnlyAtSMRetail.


One-Stop Job Application Made Easy

SM Job Fairs go beyond job matching by

offering on-site government services,

allowing applicants to complete key

employment requirements in one location.

Participating agencies typically include the

National Bureau of Investigation,

Philippine National Police, Social Security

System, and PhilHealth, among others—

saving jobseekers time, cost, and multiple

trips.


February SM Job Fair Schedule

• February 12 – SM City Taytay

• February 13 – SM City Trece Martires

• February 16 – SM City Olongapo Central

• February 20 – SM City Legazpi

• February 25 – SM City Davao

• February 26 – SM City North EDSA

• February 27 – SM Center Muntinlupa

• February 27 – SM City Trece Martires

• February 28 – SM Seaside City Cebu



Jobseekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and valid IDs and visit the nearest SM Job Fair this February. For updates and mall-specific details, follow SM Supermalls on social media and join the movement through #SMJobFair. SM Supermalls Champions MSMEs—and the Filipino workforce.


Feed Your Empty PET Bottles into SM’s New Green Recycling Machines

  



GR Machines deployed in SM Malls nationwide set to make recycling easy, fun, and rewarding 

 

Your empty PET bottles have somewhere better to go than landfills—and SM is taking them there.

Through the newly-deployed Green Recycling Machines (GR Machines), SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) uses the nationwide reach of SM Supermalls to make sustainable action easy, accessible, and rewarding for mallgoers all over the country.

"The GR Machines enrich the SM Group's existing waste management efforts under the SM Green Movement," said SM Supermalls President, Steven Tan. "Through the deployment of these machines, we hope to collaborate with our customers in caring for the environment by helping recycle PET bottles whenever they enter their most loved SM Supermalls."

Each GR Machine can be operated with ease by any user and can accept PET bottles up to two liters. Together, the GR Machines nationwide can collectively hold up to 5,000 bottles in one collection cycle which are compressed in-machine. The compressed PET blocks are then collected and given a second life by SM's hauling partner Sentinel which transforms the blocks into reusable items such as food trays.


Little makes much: Preserving the environment one diverted bottle at a time

According to the World Bank, the Philippines leaks more than 300 million metric tons of plastic waste into the sea annually—equivalent to around 9 percent of its improperly handled plastic waste. The Philippines was also noted as one of East Asia and the Pacific region's top contributors to ocean plastic pollution.

Recognizing that sustainability and protecting the environment is beyond the effort of one entity, SM has leveraged its presence nationwide through its properties to engage its customers and surrounding communities in maximizing the collection of recyclables especially plastics. Through SM Cares, its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM empowers communities to adopting sustainable practices through simple and accessible ways to take part in protecting the environment. Arresting the growing issue on pollution, the SM Group has enhanced waste segregation efforts to increase its collection and diversion of plastics from the environment since 2007 with its pioneer program, the Trash to Cash recycling market. 


SM Group's Trash to Cash initiative was organized by SM Cares as the pilot community program that encouraged customers to segregate recyclables like metal, paper, and plastic and exchange these for cash on a monthly basis. SM Supermalls also followed up this effort with the launch of two Reverse Vending Machines in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall which empowered customers to segregate aluminum cans and empty PETs in exchange for discounts on sports and leisure attractions. On top of these, SM also hosts nationwide coastal clean-up drives annually through the strength and effort of its workforce volunteers.


With the latest in mobile recycling technology, SM's GR Machines encourage customers to turn good intentions into daily environmentally-conscious actions in three easy steps:

  1. Feed any PET bottle up to 2 liters into the machine
  2. Confirm your deposit by pressing the prompt on the screen
  3. Await your reward

"This is just a glimpse into how SM aims to enrich the Circular Economy through the elevated role we play in integrating seamless waste management efforts, all for Filipinos. We are hopeful that with the addition of the SM GR Machines, our continued partnership with our customers in protecting the environment yields a more sustainable future" said Tan.

Customers can start depositing their plastic bottles in SM GR Machines across the following malls: SM North EDSA, SM City San Lazaro, SM Megamall, SM The Podium, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, S’Maison, SM Seaside City Cebu and SM Lanang.

Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 delivers a bigger, maxed out experience at SM Mall Of Asia

  


The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 is back and it is bigger than last year. Set at the Seaside Boulevard of SM Mall of Asia, the country’s biggest fireworks competition levels up into a fully maxed out experience built for how Gen Z shows up, hangs out, and shares moments.  




This year’s edition is a maxed-out experience, bringing an all-out global showdown of world-class pyrotechnics, music, and color. Each competing country lights up the night sky with high-impact visuals, perfectly synced to sound, designed to stop scrolls. Bigger bursts. Cleaner timing. Stronger crowd reactions. Every show competes for the title of Best Pyromusical Display, and every night delivers main-character energy.

The 2026 experience goes beyond fireworks. It is about the full vibe. Friends meet early, eat out, walk the strip, shoot content, and stay late. The fireworks are the peak moment but the night is the story. It is social, loud, and built for repeat weekends. This is not a one and done event. It is a weekly reset.



SM Mall of Asia continues to be the venue of choice for Gen Z, families, and friend groups. The open waterfront, easy access, and mix of food, entertainment, and hangout spots make it the go to place for shared experiences. Families turn it into a tradition. Friends turn it into plans. Gen Z turns it into content.

Adding to the fully maxed out experience is SM Mall of Asia’s wide dining lineup, giving guests plenty of options before and after the show. These include RICO'S LECHON, HAIDILAO, RACKS, ITALLIANIS, WATAMI, CBTL, MODERN SHANG, OLIVE GARDEN, BULGOGI BROTHERS, LECHONERIA, YAKINIKU LIKE, PEPPER LUNCH, DOHTONBORI, JATUJAK, PAIK'S COFFEE, KIWAMI, YAKINIKU KING, MAPLE TREE, DU HSIAO YUE, ROSSOPOMODORO, GERRY'S GRILL, TGI FRIDAYS, MESA, DONG WON, FELY J'S, BBQ CHICKEN, HOSHINO, CELADON, TAJIMAYA, KRAZY GARLIC, LONGHORN, and DESSERT 39.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 features top pyrotechnic teams from across the globe:

  • February 21. Opening Exhibition with the Philippines and Hermanos Caballer of Spain.
  • February 28. Fireworks Spectaculars of Canada versus Steffes Olig Feuerwerke of Germany.
  • March 7. LUX Factory of France against Martarello SRL of Italy.
  • March 14. Pirotecnia Minhota of Portugal facing the Pyrotex Fireworx of the United Kingdom.
  • March 21. Polaris Fireworks of China followed by the Closing Exhibition from the Philippines.

More than just a fireworks competition, this event shows why the Philippines is a destination for big, world-class lifestyle experiences. Bigger crowds. Bigger moments. Bigger energy. Your most loved mall, SM, brings it All for You with a fully maxed-out experience at SM Mall of Asia.