Real-time Meralco payments at 7-Eleven CLiQQ Kiosks, now made possible by Bayad

Busy lifestyles have led a lot of Filipinos to rely on doing one-stop-shop errands at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Apart from buying goods, ready-to-eat cooked meals, and beverages, Meralco bills can also be paid at 7-Eleven CLiQQ Kiosks, available in over 4,100 branches nationwide.

Apart from enabling 24/7 payments at the ease of your own neighborhood, 7-Eleven has partnered with Bayad, accelerating Meralco payments from 24 hours to real-time or instantaneous posting. This will greatly benefit more Filipinos as it allows them to pay on time, and avoid overdue bills or disconnection notices.

Bayad, formerly Bayad Center and the pioneer brand in the outsourced bills payment collection service in the Philippines, is now a full-service fintech subsidiary of Meralco.

Apart from Meralco, Bayad has also activated Red Fiber, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and National Housing Authority (NHA) in the CLiQQ Kiosk’s biller network.

On top of these, Bayad is also expected to bring in more electric and water utility brands, government fees and contributions, tollway RFID, insurance, loans, tuition fees, and many others.

Ultimately, Bayad’s partnership with 7-Eleven underscores modern convenience and digital innovation, fulfilling its shared mission of making daily lives easier for Filipinos.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Ferrer underscored, “Our world moved faster than we could have imagined. We at Bayad had to swiftly up our game in expanding our payment channels as we cater to the demand of providing more accessible and secured bills payment services for our kababayans who are noticeably always on the go and are becoming more and more tech-savvy. Our partnership with 7-Eleven allowed us this opportunity, highlighting our shared vision for financial consumer empowerment and driving economic growth in the country.”

7-Eleven Managing Director for Digital, Jose C. Ang, shared, “As we celebrate our 40th year in the industry, this partnership with Bayad allows us to continue to stay true to 7-Eleven's thrust to continuously innovate modern convenience and enhance customer experience. We are excited to keep serving our communities and uphold our mission of being ‘the neighbor you can count on.”

For fintech and retail institutions like 7-Eleven that are interested in being a part of Bayad’s extensive payment channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

MMDA Honors Top Barangays in Results-Based Incentives Awarding for Solid Waste Management

Quezon City, January 10, 2025 – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) proudly recognized the top-performing project barangays of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) for their exemplary implementation of community-based solid waste management (SWM) under the project's Results-based Incentive (RBI) scheme. The awarding ceremony took place at the Red Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City, highlighting the success of the barangays in managing solid wastes in their communities and contributing to the minimization of waste in waterways, which is critical for flood mitigation.

A total of 12 top-performing barangays from across the 85 project barangays of MMFMP in Metro Manila were selected based on agreed performance measures on community-based plans and practices in waste collection, segregation, and diversion. Under the RBI scheme, these barangays consequently underwent a performance validation process led by a technical working group composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the De La Salle University.

After the evaluation, three barangays emerged as the top performers. The best-performing barangays, Barangay 136 in Manila, Barangay San Isidro in Makati, and Barangay 94 in Manila, each received major incentives and a Solid Waste Management Investment amounting to PHP 750,000 for their outstanding efforts in improving waste collection, segregation, and disposal practices. Meanwhile, the remaining top barangays received minor incentives, including solid waste management (SWM) tools worth PHP 50,000 each.

MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes emphasized the significance of the RBI scheme, stating, “Our Results-Based Incentives scheme is a very tangible initiative with clear results rooted in the power of collaboration. The success of these barangays proves that with the right support, community engagement, and incentives, we can make significant strides in reducing waste in Metro Manila’s waterways, ultimately preventing flooding and creating cleaner, more sustainable neighborhoods.”

ACTUAL QUOTE: MMDA General Manager Undersecretary Procopio G. Lipana emphasized that “Since the launch of the RBI in 2023, we have partnered with various agencies to assess and evaluate the performance of barangays in managing their waste. I send my heartfelt congratulations to the twelve barangays that have demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in solid [waste] management. Your efforts are making a real difference, not only in your communities but across Metro Manila.”

“What we are doing now is all anchored on our ten-year roadmap to zero waste. Because that is now the trend, we have to remove the word ‘garbage.’ But we have turned the waste into a valuable resource. Pursuant to Republic Act 9003, we have to segregate at source,” he added.

The RBI program is part of the larger Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) under Component 2, which aims to minimize solid waste in waterways. The program incentivizes barangays to improve their SWM practices, thereby reducing the volume of waste that accumulates in waterways and pumping stations, which can inhibit their flood control functions.

The top-performing barangays demonstrated innovative strategies and exceptional dedication to solid waste management, setting benchmarks for other communities. Barangay 136 of Manila implemented a robust waste segregation program, achieving approximately 90% household participation through ordinances, seminars, and social media campaigns. Barangay San Isidro, Makati formalized a subsystem for inaccessible areas, increasing waste collection coverage to nearly 100% and diverting more biodegradable waste since 2021. Meanwhile, Barangay 94 of Manila established a Barangay Materials Recovery Facility near its estero to streamline waste management and recycling efforts, ensuring proper waste disposal and promoting tie-ups with local junk shops and NGOs.

These barangays not only improved their local environments but also inspired sustainable practices among their residents, contributing significantly to Metro Manila’s waste management goals.

As the top performers were recognized for their solid waste management initiatives that not only improved waste collection and segregation but also fostered a culture of sustainability among its residents, the RBI program’s pilot implementation will continue to be refined, with plans for replication in more barangays across Metro Manila. The MMDA hopes to inspire other local government units to adopt the same model, further expanding the reach of community-based solid waste management practices.

Dir. Josias E. Syquimsiam, Jr., Director IV of the Solid Waste Management Office, said “"As public servants, we don't expect to be recognized for our service to the nation, as it is our sworn duty. However, MMDA chooses to give importance to these efforts. We understand the hardships and challenges you've endured in managing waste in your communities."

"Today, the MMDA recognizes the steps you have taken to maintain order and cleanliness, not only in your respective barangays but for the entire Metro Manila. We hope this continues and that the initiatives you have chosen to establish serve as a model, enabling us to do what’s right for our shared environment. We are beyond grateful to be your partner in providing an ecological, systematic, comprehensive, and, most importantly, sustainable solid waste management program for the people of Metro Manila," he continued.

The ceremony also included presentations from the winning barangays, showcasing their innovative SWM initiatives and plans, as well as sustained improvements in waste management practices. The event concluded with a commitment from the MMDA and partner barangays to continue working together in achieving a cleaner, flood-resilient Metro Manila.

For more information about MMDA’s Results-Based Incentives program and other initiatives under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, visit the MMDA website or follow @MMDA on social media.

About MMDA: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is responsible for coordinating service delivery and implementing projects aimed at improving infrastructure, flood control, waste management, and urban planning in Metro Manila. Through the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, MMDA seeks to enhance flood prevention efforts by addressing solid waste management and other critical issues affecting the region’s drainage systems.

Pinakamasarap na JOY ng Pamilya: Jollibee's Chickenjoy Still the Best Joy for Every Filipino Family

At the heart of every Filipino family gathering, one source of joy consistently brings everyone together— Jollibee's Chickenjoy. Celebrated for its crispylicious, juicylicious, and best-tasting fried chicken, now at its biggest, Chickenjoy transforms any meal into a joyful experience that families eagerly look forward to when bonding.

Standing the test of time, the Chickenjoyest experience has truly solidified its place as the ultimate symbol of Filipino family bonding, where each bite brings out the biggest smiles, the loudest laughter, and the warmest most heartfelt connections.

Even amidst life's challenges and the hustle of daily routines, sharing Chickenjoy with loved ones continues to rekindle that unique sense of joy among those you cherish most.

Moving into 2025, Jollibee seeks to spread even more joy across households, as Chickenjoy not only satisfies cravings with its unparalleled taste, but also elevates family moments to unforgettable experiences and memories.

“Every heartwarming memory created around the Chickenjoyest family-bonding reaffirms Jollibee as the family's choice, making each meal special with our superior taste, value, and the irreplaceable joy that only Chickenjoy can deliver,” said Luis V. Berba, Marketing Director for Masterbrand and Chicken. "We are deeply grateful and honored to be a major part of countless family gatherings in the Philippines, and even around the world, bringing joy and creating lasting memories with every serving. Every family’s joy is our own joy."

As Jollibee continues to serve more and more customers, Chickenjoy remains a classic staple, proving once again why Jollibee is the most beloved fried chicken brand in the Philippines.

Jollibee invites all families to come together and celebrate life and love by visiting their nearest Jollibee store.



Experience the best-tasting and biggest Chickenjoy now, as the Chickenjoyest is also available for delivery via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda, as well as in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

Bossjob Successfully Concludes First-Ever Kasanggayahan HR Summit in Sorsogon

Sorsogon City, Philippines — Bossjob, the fastest-growing AI-powered mobile chat-first recruitment platform, marked another milestone as it successfully concluded the First-Ever Kasanggayahan HR Summit in Sorsogon Province. The event, held at Villa Isabel Hotel, gathered hundreds of participants, including HR professionals, MSME owners, and local leaders. This collaborative effort was supported by the City Government of Sorsogon, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, the Sorsogon City BPLO Chief Rodel Ferreras, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sorsogon, led by Provincial Director Ma. Lourdes Pancho.

In her speech, Ma. Lourdes Pancho expressed her enthusiasm for Bossjob’s expansion into the region, particularly in the province of Sorsogon. She highlighted the platform’s potential to greatly benefit Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by streamlining their recruitment processes. “We are thrilled with Bossjob’s entry into Sorsogon. It’s a game-changer for our business sector. DTI is committed to supporting Bossjob’s initiatives that empower MSMEs in the province,” she said.

Keynote Speaker Highlights the Role of HR in Business Growth

The summit featured Darwin Rivers, an acclaimed HR professional, founder of Philippine HR Group and guest speaker, who emphasized the critical role HR plays in driving business growth. Rivers discussed the "4 E's" of managing employees effectively:

Employee Engagement
Employee Enablement
Employee Satisfaction
Employee Experience

He noted that while many organizations focus heavily on employee engagement, they often overlook the equally vital areas of enablement, satisfaction, and overall experience. His insights resonated strongly with the audience, inspiring HR professionals and business owners to adopt a more holistic approach to employee management.



Bossjob’s Role in Empowering MSMEs



The event opened with a warm welcome from Feby Joy Llosala-Luneza, Growth Director of Bossjob, who expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from local government units and partner organizations. Bossjob’s Sales Manager for Expansion, Michelle Ayo, shared an insightful presentation on how the platform can revolutionize recruitment for MSMEs by offering cost-effective, AI-driven solutions.



“Our mission is to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers in the most efficient way possible. Bossjob is here to support Sorsogon’s businesses as they grow and thrive,” said Llosala-Luneza.


A Milestone for Sorsogon’s HR Community


The Kasanggayahan HR Summit marked a significant step in fostering collaboration among HR professionals, MSMEs, and local government units. It underscored the importance of strategic HR practices and innovative recruitment platforms like Bossjob in advancing the business landscape in the countryside.


With hundreds of participants and overwhelming support from key stakeholders, this event is a testament to Bossjob’s commitment to empowering businesses and job seekers alike. It also aligns with Bossjob’s broader mission to expand its footprint in key provinces, serving as a catalyst for growth and development in the Philippines’ MSME sector.



For more updates on Bossjob’s initiatives and events, visit www.bossjob.ph.

Vice Ganda on first ever MMFF Award – Tonight I'm finally seen!

For the first time, Vice Ganda won an award at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024, marking a significant milestone in his career. He was honored with a Special Jury Citation for his outstanding performance in the movie And The Breadwinner Is.... Vice’s face clearly showed his surprise and joy when his name was called by the presenters, Dennis Trillo and Lorna Tolentino. It was undeniable that it was a memorable moment for Vice, as he didn’t expect such recognition from the MMFF jurors.

When Vice stepped onto the stage, he didn’t immediately give a speech. Instead, he began to share a story and even asked the movie’s director, Jun Lana, and his co-star, Eugene Domingo, what the award he received was for. He expressed that he was unsure if the Special Jury Citation was for being best dressed or for his performance. He admitted that he didn’t immediately understand whether the award was for his appearance or his acting.

At this point, Lorna Tolentino interjected and, together with Dennis, read the explanation of Vice’s award from their cue card. The detailed explanation was shared with the audience, clarifying that Vice’s outstanding performance in the film was what the MMFF jurors chose to recognize, and not just his style or presentation. Upon hearing this, Vice expressed his gratitude and shared his happiness in being able to talk about his experience working on the film.

Vice then thanked the jurors and admitted that this was his first time to win an award at MMFF, even though he had been the lead in several past film festivals. He shared that this was a significant achievement for him, as despite being a well-known and successful comedian, his talent as an actor was now being acknowledged by industry experts. Vice mentioned that this recognition meant a lot to him and inspired him to continue making films and showcasing his talent to the audience.

After expressing his thanks, Vice dedicated his award to those who worked on the film, especially the director, Jun Lana, who guided him throughout the making of the comedy-drama film. Vice also shared the award with Eugene Domingo, saying that she was deserving of a win or even a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her exceptional performance. He also thanked his co-stars Maris Racal, Gladys Reyes, and Malou Guzman for their contributions to the movie and for being a source of inspiration in every scene.

As a show of support and appreciation for those around him, Vice thanked ABS-CBN, the network that provided him with opportunities and supported his career in the film industry. Vice acknowledged that while the company was still facing challenges, especially with the issue of their franchise, nothing could stop him from being grateful for ABS-CBN’s continued support of his work. He also dedicated the award to his husband, Ion Perez, who, according to Vice, was the happiest for him. He expressed that Ion was always overjoyed whenever he achieved such success and that his husband’s support meant everything to him.

Vice did not forget to thank his mother, who he knew was always excited to see his trophies displayed in their home. He shared that he knew his mother would be proud once again and would put the award in a special place. Vice also took the opportunity to joke about the situation. He humorously said that winning the Special Jury Citation made him feel like he wouldn’t be receiving the Best Actor Award, jokingly calling it a “first runner-up” award.

In the end, Vice emphasized his gratitude to the jurors and his appreciation for their recognition of his performance. He said that although he didn’t win Best Actor, he was happy and proud of his first-ever award at MMFF. Winning the Special Jury Citation was proof that his acting talent was being acknowledged and supported, and it served as an inspiration to other aspiring actors.

Kick off the holiday cheer with URC’s delicious UR Joyful Gifting snack promo

Christmas is more than just gathering around a tree and attending parties. They say the true essence of the holiday is the happiness that you share with everyone through thoughtful acts.

With the season of giving now in full swing, you can start sharing and celebrating joy or “share-lebrating” joy with gifts that your whole household can enjoy, such as snacks and drinks that your family will love. Universal Robina Corporation (URC), the maker of beloved snacks and beverages, is delighting everyone this Christmas with the UR Joyful Gifting promo. It includes brands like Piattos, Nova, Cloud 9, C2, Swiss Miss, El Real, and many more that you can gift to loved ones and share it during noche buena.

UR Joyful Gifting is a thoughtful way to share-lebrate joy with your loved ones this Christmas season, giving them delicious food and snacks to enjoy anytime, anywhere. If you need snacks and drinks while studying, working, watching TV, and commuting, you can grab from your UR Joyful Gifting haul.

Most importantly, the UR Joyful Gifting promo also extends joy to kids from URC’s partner foundations. For every P500 purchase of the UR Joyful Gifting bundle, you share-lebrate joy and give kids the chance to take part in a fun movie experience. At the same time, you can get a chance to get movie passes for yourself and your loved ones as well. You’re not just making moments more delightful at home this holiday season; you’re also coming together with other snack lovers to bring that same cheer to young kids.

You can find and get URC’s delightful products at Robinsons Supermarkets and Metro Supermarkets nationwide. The UR Joyful Gifting promo runs until December 31, 2024 in Metro Supermarkets and January 15, 2025 in Robinsons Supermarkets.

URC aims to continuously delight consumers with good food choices and fun experiences through multiple initiatives, especially during the season of giving. One of these initiatives is the UR Joyful Gifting promo, which highlights the importance of showing care and spreading love within the community. Through this, and in partnership with consumers, URC hopes to share-lebrate the holiday and bring joy to select foundations.

Start share-lebrating the joy and grab UR Joyful Gifting at your nearby supermarkets. For more information, check out the official Facebook pages of Robinsons Supermarket and The Metro Stores.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Piattos, Nova, VCut, Calbee, Cloud 9, Nips, Hello, El Real, C2, and Swiss Miss, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC has also dabbled into the spiked seltzer category with Chill, as well as the breading category with the healthy and delicious VegiGood!. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

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

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.

Matched by Fate, Divided by Time: 'My Future You' is a Movie for Everyone

This Christmas season, celebrate love, family, and creating your own destiny with 'My Future You,' Regal Entertainment'sheartwarming romantic-family drama premiering on December 25, 2024, as an official entry to the golden anniversary celebration of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Starring Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, the film tells the story of two people connected by a mysterious comet and a dating app that bridges their timelines—2009 and 2024. Together, they attempt to rewrite the past to build a brighter future, but their choices lead to unforeseen consequences.

Joining FranSeth (as their love team is fondly called) is a stellar cast, including Almira Muhlach, Christian Vasquez, Peewee O’Hara, Bodjie Pascua, Mosang, Marcus Madrigal, Vance Larena, Izzy Canillo, Angelica Lao, with special participation by Alex Calleja and Donna Cariaga.

With its once-in-a-blue-moon Rated G classification from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), 'My Future You' is indeed the best choice for a feel-good, family-friendly movie this Christmas — perfect for viewers of all ages!

Official Synopsis

In 2009, Lex (Seth Fedelin) discovers a dating app that inexplicably links him to Karen (Francine Diaz) in 2024. As their connection deepens, Karen asks Lex to help her change moments from her past to prevent her parents’ separation. But every change brings unintended consequences, reshaping their lives in unpredictable ways. As they approach their final chance to fix everything, Lex and Karen must decide whether their love can withstand the forces of time.

Filmmaker's Vision: Parallel Journeys, One Destiny

Writer-director Crisanto B. Aquino, winner of Best Screenplay in MMFF 2019, shares the inspiration behind 'My Future You':While stuck in his apartment, a conversation with a friend sparked the idea: “What if two people, bored and lonely, connect through a random chat—only to discover they live in different timelines?”

Direk Cris describes the journey of creating the film as one of resilience and patience. The project evolved and grew over the years. Finally, in 2024, everything aligned for it to be brought to life with the emerging Kapamilya love team.

He reflects on FranSeth being part of this project, “May plano talaga ang Diyos sa lahat. Alam niya ang right timing. Tiwala lang at patience. (God really has a plan for everything. He knows the right timing. Just trust and have patience.)

"This movie taught me to believe in my work, my worth, and my talent.”

This rom-fam drama also showcases Aquino’s meticulous attention to detail in aligning the two timelines. Working closely with production designer Ericson Navarro and director of photography Jeyow Evangelista, Direk Cris ensured that while 2009 and 2024 were distinct in tone and design, their visual parallels reflected the characters’ shared journey toward love and purpose.

FranSeth’s First Film Together

'My Future You' marks the highly anticipated big-screen debut of the pairing of Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin. First captivating fans in the hit ABS-CBN teleserye Kadenang Ginto, the love team now brings their chemistry to a greater height, building expectations and challenges for the two.

Director Crisanto Aquino recalls being impressed by their professionalism and commitment to their roles. “From our first table read, I knew I had found my Karen and Lex. Their dedication and natural connection brought the story to life. It’s their time, and they didn’t disappoint.”

The pair’s natural charm and “kilig” moments are sure to delight their fans while staying humble to the emotional core of the film.

The Regal Legacy Continues

As part of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, Regal Entertainment Inc. upholds its legacy of delivering films that resonate deeply with Filipino audiences here and abroad. From classic dramas to groundbreaking festival entries, Regal has shaped generations of moviegoers and continues to do so with “My Future You.”

Executive producer Roselle Y. Monteverde reflects on the film’s message: “For decades, we’ve been part of your Christmas traditions—making you laugh, cry, and believe in love. ‘My Future You’ celebrates everything we hold dear: family, love, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. This is a perfect gift to all Filipinos.”

The film’s official theme song, Eliza Maturan’s “Museo,”perfectly captures the longing and magic of the story. It’s a film everyone can enjoy together with lessons to bring and discuss even after the credits roll. The story explores universal struggles tied together by a unique and magical concept.

As the writer-director puts it, “I hope the audience will realize how to value the people around them, especially their family and loved ones. Sometimes, we search so hard for love, not realizing it’s already there.”

Executive produced by Lily Y. Monteverde †, Roselle Y. Monteverde, and Keith Monteverde, Regal Entertainment's entry to this year's MMFF is in line with the heart of its legacy — beating strong as it embraces fresh, innovative storytelling.

This Christmas, gather your loved ones and rediscover the magic of connection, hope, and belonging. Catch 'My Future You' in cinemas nationwide starting December 25, 2024 and make this holiday season unforgettable and magical as always!

Bamboo, Belle, Moira, and more gear up for amazing performances at Smart’s 5G Max event this Saturday

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc., (Smart) is pulling out all the stops as it showcases how it empowers subscribers via the Smart 5G Max Experience, happening on Dec. 14, Saturday, on 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Catch Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira Dela Torre, AC Bonifacio, and Arthur Nery as Smart puts the spotlight on the many amazing ways Filipinos can harness the power of 5G—from streaming ultra-high-definition movies and shows, sharing content on social media in real time, to playing high-bandwidth mobile games without lag.

“Everyone is talking about 5G and its impressive speed, but the true value of 5G lies in its ability to enhance experiences— whether it's gaming, streaming, or sharing content. With Smart 5G Max, we’ve made 5G seamless in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and we plan to expand this coverage across the country in the coming months,” said Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice President for Smart Wireless Consumer Business.

“Gone are the days of fluctuating connections from 5G to 4G and even 3G. With Smart 5G Max, you can enjoy, fast download speeds for streaming, instant uplink for sharing, and low-latency for gaming — all without interruption and on-the-go,” she added.

The latest wireless technology, 5G or fifth generation brings four things to the table: super-fast speeds for downloads and uploads, ultra-low latency for gaming and responsiveness, greater bandwidth for more devices, and a much better quality of service.

Everyone can experience these first-hand at the Creator’s Lab, Game Arena, Stream Theater, and 5G-powered Stage and Store.

Explore Smart 5G at the Creator’s Lab


Get the chance to explore the Creator’s Lab, an interactive area where you can experiment on creating content and upload it on TikTok in a snap.

The Creator’s Lab has a complete livestream set-up, and green screen backdrop dance challenge floor, and duet singing booth for your instant TikTok content.

Level up your gameplay with Smart Omega

Take your gameplay to a whole new level at the Game Arena, where you can get a chance to go up against the Smart Omega team on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang to win a prize!

The Game Arena will feature a 5v5 set-up with high end gaming smartphones to maximize the power of Smart 5G Max.


Watch your favorite shows at the Stream Theater


If you are into binge-watching, the Stream Theater is the best place to catch up on the latest shows on MAX and Netflix!

Expect surprise celebrities to drop by while you watch Max’s Dune and Netflix’s Squid Game in glorious 4K – complete with exclusive swag!

Generate your Avatar, interact with robots

The event will also have a generate-your-own-avatar section, where you can simply take a selfie, generate a digital image, and get a QR code for easy download.

You can also interact with a Service Delivery Robot and Robot Dog at the event.

Bamboo banners FREE concert

The must-not-miss live performances of Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira, AC Bonifacio, and Arthur Nery will cap the event with a free concert.


Lucky fans will get the chance to meet and greet AC and Belle and take their photos with them to share on social media.


Mark your calendars and experience the power of Smart 5G Max on Dec. 14, starting at 2 p.m., on 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. To know more, follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, X, TikTok and IG.


About Smart Communications



Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines’ largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 96% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content to over 62.9 million Filipinos as of June 2023, supporting the country’s growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.

Jollibee’s Joyful Christmas Stores are back, bringing the Pasko-est holiday season nationwide!

This holiday season, Jollibee is once again going all-out in spreading Christmas cheer across the Philippines by transforming select branches into “Joyful Christmas Stores.” For the second year in a row, the quick service restaurant chain is inviting families and friends to visit their brightly lit and merrily decorated stores as they celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

True to the brand’s goal of making this the “Pasko-est” season for Filipinos, the Joyful Christmas Stores leveled up by going from just a hundred stores last year to over 240 participating stores nationwide this year, ready to welcome customers and serve them their jolly favorites this Holiday season. Store teams went all out with their decorations, adding a touch of local flavor and using designs elements unique to each province or location.

To make it easier for customers to find these Joyful Christmas Stores, and maybe even encourage them to visit as many stores as they can, Jollibee will soon be launching the Jolly Christmas Tours—a digital map powered by Google that showcases all Jollibee stores that feature unique Christmas displays. Select stores will also have activations like the JoyZone, an innovative, interactive experience that transforms smiles into delightful rewards, and the Coke Christmas Trucks, done in partnership with Coca Cola Philippines.

“Christmas is more than just a holiday for Filipinos—it’s a time when people go the extra mile to make joyful memories and create meaningful connections with loved ones. From festive reunions to thoughtful gifts, everything about Christmas in the Philippines is all-out. This is why we at Jollibee also went all-out in helping make this season the Pasko-est for our customers through our Joyful Christmas Stores,” said Dorothy Dee-Ching, VP-Marketing of Jollibee Philippines.

In an event at Jollibee España Don Quijote on November 28, Jollibee celebrated and showcased its Pasko-est initiatives alongside media and other distinguished guests. Jollibee celebrity endorsers Maja Salvador, Joshua Garcia, and Belle Mariano, plus TV personality and host Robi Domingo, all made the evening more enjoyable with their Christmas stories. Content creators like the Blackman Family and Kitty and Kakai Almeda also joined the festivities and enjoyed the bright lights and colorful displays of the store.

From delicious food, jolly mascots, and the overall experience in its stores, Jollibee enables Pinoys to make each moment the Pasko-est it can be this season, bringing not only the best in taste, but also the best in joy.

For more updates and news on exciting Christmas promos, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.