Stay Connected, No Matter What: 3 Smart Reasons to Have a Backup Internet

 Imagine you’re on an important work call while your kids are researching online for a school project when suddenly, the connection drops. Your co-workers’ video freezes, and you hear your kids complaining about the internet. At this point, there is nothing you can do but wait for the connection to be fixed. If you don’t want to be caught in this situation, having a reliable backup is a must. And if you need more reasons why your home needs an “always-on” connection, here are three big ones.

1. Keep Your Productivity on Track

Today, we rely on the internet for almost everything, including our livelihoods. If you work from home, you know that a stable internet connection is non-negotiable. You can’t afford to miss online meetings and important emails or be offline during work hours.

And it’s not just you. If your kids are still studying, they need a reliable connection to finish their schoolwork. We can’t have them scrambling for a hotspot, especially at night. A failsafe backup, like a secondary LTE connection, ensures that everyone stays online by kicking in automatically when your primary line fails. It may not be as fast as your primary connection, but it will keep you connected. This brings us to the second reason…

2. Stay Connected, Especially During Emergencies

We live in an era where being connected is more important than ever—especially during emergencies. Need to contact emergency services? Attending a Telehealth appointment soon? Checking in on a loved one at the hospital for updates? Noticing unusual behavior in your pet and need to research symptoms online? Away from home and want to check your security cameras?

A primary connection with a reliable backup ensures that you’re always online when it matters the most. No need to worry about internet outages when you need access to crucial information or services.

3. Keep the Fun Going

After a long day, you deserve to unwind without frustration. A failsafe setup means that even during an outage, your household can still stream movies, play games, or stay in touch with family and friends.

While productivity and connectivity are top priorities, uninterrupted entertainment ensures that you can relax with confidence. It’s not just about fun—it’s about knowing that your downtime won’t be derailed.

Stay Connected with PLDT Home Always On

A failsafe internet backup isn’t just about avoiding headaches—it’s about being ready for anything. PLDT Home Always On features a built-in backup LTE that activates automatically when Fiber service becomes unavailable due to unexpected fiber cuts. These could be caused by events like cable theft or damage from road digging, tree trimming, extreme weather, and even rodent chewing. It also comes with a new WiFi 6 modem that supports up to 1Gbps on Fiber and UNLI LTE. Plus, it automatically notifies the repair team and creates a service repair ticket for you after 15 minutes.

With this kind of system, you’re future-proofing your home for a more productive, connected, and stress-free life. Don’t wait for the next outage to realize how much you need it. Get PLDT Home Always On today and stay online when it matters most.

Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning's 'Push' Is the Underrated 2000s Superhero Thriller You Need to Watch

 

Psychic warfare meets gritty rebellion in Push—Chris Evans’ criminally overlooked pre-MCU cult favorite.

Long before he wielded the iconic shield as Captain America, Chris Evans starred in an ambitious, mind-bending superhero thriller that has flown under the radar for far too long. Push (2009), directed by Paul McGuigan (Wicker Park, Lucky Number Slevin), is a gripping exploration of psychic warfare, family loyalty, and the cost of freedom. It may not have achieved blockbuster status, but its imaginative premise, tense action sequences, and stellar performances make it a hidden gem worth revisiting--or watching for the first time.

A World of Psychic Abilities and Dangerous Agendas

Push introduces us to a shadowy world where governments have been secretly experimenting with psychic powers since 1945. These powers are categorized into abilities like Movers (telekinesis), Pushers (mind control), Watchers (clairvoyance), and more. The U.S. Division, a sinister government organization, seeks to weaponize these abilities, but not everyone is willing to play their game.

At its heart, Push is a story of rebellion and survival. The plot kicks off when Nick Gant (played by Evans), an unassuming telekinetic, is thrust into a high-stakes mission. Nick, burdened by his father’s dying wish and hiding from the Division, is forced to team up with Cassie (a young clairvoyant played by Dakota Fanning) to protect Kira (Camilla Belle), a Pusher and Nick’s former flame. Together, they must uncover secrets, outsmart their powerful enemies, and fight for their freedom.

The story’s layers are built upon a morally complex web of betrayal, deception, and psychic showdowns. It’s a movie that keeps you guessing while delivering plenty of pulse-pounding moments along the way.

Chris Evans Before the Shield

Chris Evans’ performance as Nick Gant showcases a different side of the actor audiences might not expect. While Captain America is noble and self-assured, Nick is scrappy, reluctant, and visibly flawed. He’s not a clean-cut hero; he’s a down-on-his-luck underdog just trying to survive. Evans brings charm, vulnerability, and physicality to the role, reminding us why he’s one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood.

This role serves as a precursor to the charismatic leading man we’ve come to know. It’s fascinating to watch Evans balance Nick’s self-doubt with moments of resourcefulness and resolve, a far cry from the polished and confident Captain Rogers.

Why You Should Watch (or Rewatch) Push

Despite its intriguing premise and strong cast, Push didn’t receive the recognition it deserved upon release. Competing against bigger-budget films and lacking the marketing push (pun intended) of major franchises, it flew under the radar for many moviegoers. However, time has been kind to Push. Its cult following has grown as audiences rediscover its thought-provoking narrative and inventive world-building.

What makes Push so unique is its approach to the superhero genre. Unlike many of its contemporaries, it forgoes flashy costumes and larger-than-life city destruction. Instead, it opts for a gritty, grounded tone, blending noir-inspired storytelling with dystopian sci-fi vibes.

The setting in Hong Kong adds another layer of intrigue, offering a visually dynamic backdrop that feels gritty yet alive. The bustling streets and neon-lit alleys become an integral part of the film’s aesthetic, making Push visually distinct from more traditional superhero movies filmed on sound stages.

If you’re a fan of complex, character-driven stories with a touch of sci-fi, Push deserves a spot on your watchlist. Don’t let this one slip through the cracks again; it’s time to give it the recognition it deserves. Give this underrated gem some love when it comes to Lionsgate Play on May 23 via PLDT Home and Smart.

4 Ways AI Empowers Mompreneurs to Achieve Better Work-Life Balance

 What if you could build a thriving business without missing out on precious family moments? The outdated notion that success demands sacrificing family time is being rewritten by a powerful force: technology. Today, innovative tools are empowering mompreneurs to seamlessly integrate their professional dreams with their personal lives. Success doesn't have to come at the expense of family. 

 

Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva, the driving force behind the blossoming MP Nieva's Flower Company, shares how she  cultivates more precious moments with her family even as her stunning floral arrangements flourish. “We’re now better at making content for social media to promote the business,” she says. “We respond to customers’ inquiries quicker and more efficiently, plus we can offer fresh and innovative floral designs faster to customers.”

 

You might think that Jenielyn has hired a whole new team to do content creation, marketing, and day-to-day operations—but no, the reality is quite different. Jenielyn and other members of Madiskarte Moms PH gained these enhanced capabilities through Gemini Academy, an AI training program held on March 5. This initiative, "Ayan na! AI na!," was supported by PLDT Home in collaboration with Google Philippines and was launched during Women’s Month in March. Beyond providing an efficient infrastructure that allows mompreneurs to scale up their businesses and reach wider markets, PLDT Home empowers them through digital literacy programs and workshops with successful entrepreneurs who started small.  

 

Aside from Mommy Jenielyn’s story, the practical AI knowledge gained from Gemini Academy is now manifesting in the lives of other Madiskarte Moms in these significant ways:

Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva of MP Nieva Flowers

 

1. Writing captions that convert to sales

“AI helps me to write convincing captions on social media, which is important to convert views to sales since we don't have a physical store yet,” says Lea Daras, who founded and runs Jathniel's Specialty and The FloraCraft Project, a food business and a customized, dried flower business, respectively.

 

Xavier&Xandrei’s Melissa Moscoso agrees. “Using AI to write content about my sustainable and eco-friendly products has been a game-changer. With Gemini’s assistance, I can quickly generate engaging and relevant captions that resonate with my audience. It also enabled me to bring my ideas to life by creating images that perfectly capture my vision.”

 

 

Melissa adds that thanks to the workshop, she learned how to refine her prompt-making skills to generate “precisely the kind of content I need, saving me time and effort in the long run.”

 

Abby Cruz’s Momi Bigbig Kitchen food business has gotten more sales via their online sellers with the help of Gemini, which creates promotional materials to use in selling. “Gemini really helped our business grow bigger online, and I’m looking forward to what more it can do for the business.”

 

2. Analyzing business data

AI is not only for content creation, it can also be used to analyze business data and suggest innovative ways to expand your market, product offering, and teach you how to optimize operations. AI can help predict future trends based on past sales and customer behavior, which can help entrepreneurs keep a tight inventory and streamline operations. It can also quickly identify marketing strategies that engage your audience — when, where, and which platforms — that can convert views to sales. In short, AI processes your data and suggests actionable insights.        

Ricca Del Rosario of HTP Clothing

 

3. Scheduling, saving time 

Let's be real, it sounds basic, but it's a game-changer: remembering what actually needs to be done! How many times have you almost missed something important — a kid's event, a crucial deadline — because it just vanished from your mental to-do list? With everything mompreneurs have on their plates, AI can step in as that reliable friend who can help keep track of everything. 

 

You can connect Gemini to your Google account and ask it to calendar those business meetings right alongside the kids' recitals and nudge you about that supermarket run or the content you promised to post. Think of it as your memory, amplified!

 

BC Fragrance founder Bernadette Lim says, “Gemini has become my virtual partner, research assistant, marketing team, and creative writer. It helps me maximize my schedule: what takes me a long time to do, it does quickly, like writing descriptions for my scents or  breaking down complex regulatory information. It has helped me move faster and smarter, maximizing my limited time at work since I'm also hands-on with my daughter, and it keeps me informed on what I need to do for the business and for my family .”

 

4. Planning meal plans and grocery lists

Ever stare blankly into the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner again? Or maybe you're trying to get healthier meals on the table for the kids or stick to a food budget? AI can be your new kitchen whiz! It can suggest easy recipes tailored to your needs. Even cooler, you can just tell it what ingredients you've already got. It'll find recipes you can make. This little bit of kitchen magic frees up so much time for mompreneurs, meaning more quality moments with the family. And when kids see their moms rocking their businesses and being there for them, it's seriously inspiring.

 

“Balancing many responsibilities is a reality for mompreneurs. Google's generative AI tools, such as Gemini, are designed to reclaim valuable time. With Gemini acting as a powerful assistant, we hope to empower more people to achieve greater efficiency, both personally and professionally,” said Prep Palacios, Head of Industry at Google Philippines.

 

Madiskarte Moms have truly found a new BFF and business partner in Gemini. These mompreneurs and countless Filipino women are inspiring the next generation — daughters, nieces, young dreamers watching from the sidelines — to believe they can do it too. Because when women see other women thriving, they start visualizing their own version of success.

 

Try out Google Gemini today and see how it can help you be more efficient and achieve work-life balance! Then join the country’s biggest network of mompreneurs, be inspired by their stories, and find the support you need on your journey to financial freedom.

PLDT Home x Netflix: New Bundles Bring Unli Internet and Unli Entertainment to Your Screen

 Telco giant PLDT Home reinforces its partnership with streaming leader Netflix to bring Filipino homes unlimited streaming, ensuring you never run out of entertainment options.

At the core of this partnership is the PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599, a game-changing bundle that combines unlimited fiber internet, unlimited calls, and unlimited entertainment in one convenient subscription. This value-packed plan is perfect for both new and existing subscribers, offering a streamlined solution for broadband and entertainment expenses.

Launched at The Mansion Sports Bar and Lounge in Makati City, PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 was introduced to media and celebrities through an event that captured the excitement behind the strengthened partnership between PLDT Home and Netflix.

 

Among the attendees were PLDT Home and Netflix executives; PLDT Home Ambassador Dominic Roque; PLDT High Speed Hitters Mika Reyes, Jessey De Leon, and Rachel Austero; and Miss Universe Philippines titleholders GaziniGanados, Rabiya Mateo, and Beatrice Luigi Gomez.

 

Better value, bigger savings

PLDT Home announced that for a limited time, customers can enjoy a Free speedboost of up to 300 Mbps for 6 months, Free installation worth ₱3,600, and exclusive “Switch” offer - a 50% discount on monthly fees for the first six months – altogether making it one of the best-value packages today.

 

“PLDT Home’s Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 is more than just a bundle. It’s a smart, seamless way to simplify your digital life at home by bringing together two services: PLDT Home’s powerful premium fiber internet and a Netflix subscription in one convenient package,” said PLDT Home Vice President for Fixed Broadband Product Roy Victor Añonuevo.

 

“This means no more hopping between different apps to manage your subscriptions, no more tracking separate due dates, or worrying about multiple bills piling up. Just one subscription, one bill, one less thing to think about,” he added.

 

Unli entertainment thru and thru

Kicking off its Fiber Netflix campaign with a bang is PLDT Home’s promo offering a free trip to South Korea to one of Seoul’s newest attractions, Squid Game: The Experience. The promo is open to all new subscribers of Fiber Netflix plan 1599, 2499, and 3199. New subscribers from April 1 to May 15, 2025 get a raffle entry for a chance to win a free trip for two to South Korea, which includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodation, travel allowance and free access to Squid Game: The Experience. Five lucky winners will be drawn on May 16, 2025.

 

PLDT Home also launched the Fiber Stream Arcade, a series of in-store and mall activations across the country bannering Fiber Netflix 1599. Mall-goers get to experience interactive Netflix-themed activities inspired by popular titles on the platform and win exclusive merchandise.

 

“At PLDT Home, we always want to go the extra mile when it comes to our customers’ experience. Our Trip to Korea Promo is our brand’s historic first, and we’re so thrilled to let some of our lucky customers truly enjoy their journey with us beyond just offering them fast and reliable internet,” said PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing First Vice President Patrick S. Tang.

 

“For consumers visiting our stores, we have also made their experience more entertaining with the Fiber Stream Arcade. We want to power these precious moments among families – whether they’re binging on shows after a long day at home or bonding outside,” he shared.

 

PLDT Home and Netflix’s partnership also takes center stage in PLDT Home’s award-winning Fiber Fest, the country’s first and only broadband festival that brings exclusive fiber deals, rewards, prizes, and entertainment featuring the biggest artists to communities.

 

“Fiber Fest shines a spotlight on the speed, reliability, and convenience of PLDT Home’s fiber services, with the Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 as our hero offer. This year, the festival is bigger and bolder, reaching more communities nationwide and bringing exclusive deals, exciting experiences, and unlimited entertainment in a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere,” added Tang. “Fiber Fest is PLDT Home’s commitment to bring digital empowerment and to previously underserved communities around the country.”

 

A partnership for the books

As leaders in their respective industries, PLDT Home and Netflix seek to shape how Filipino families live, and more importantly, enjoy life.

 

“At PLDT Home, we are constantly innovating for our customers – we are here for you, providing you with the best that technology has to offer. It’s a promise that everything we do is built to connect Filipino families, made for the home, and to make life better,” said PLDT Home Vice President for Digital Products and Services Evert Chris Miranda.

 

“As Netflix further innovates as a content powerhouse that adapts to the changing way people watch their shows, PLDT Home ensures the number one platform’s entertainment content reaches Filipinos with seamless, high-speed connectivity. We are living the dream – the future of home entertainment is now: It’s unlimited, always on, always accessible, and always evolving.”

 

Enjoy unli-entertainment and more with the most value-packed internet and home entertainment plan – PLDT Home Fiber Netflix 1599. For more information on Fiber Netflix 1599 plan and promo, visit pldthome.com/fiber-netflix.

 

Live the Game: PLDT Home Offers a Chance to Experience Squid Game in Seoul!

Apply for any PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan now for an opportunity that could bring you and a plus-one to the immersive playground inspired by the hit Netflix series right in Seoul!

 

Ever watched Squid Game and thought you could do better in the challenges? Here’s your chance to test your skills in adrenaline-pumping games – minus the real danger, of course, but with loads of fun and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

PLDT Home, in collaboration with Netflix, is taking five lucky winners and their plus ones to Squid Game: The Experiencein Seoul, South Korea – a fully immersive experience based on the popular Netflix thriller-drama where participants can play games inspired by the show!

The Squid Game: The Experience, located in eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong district

 

Who can join

The promo, which runs from April 1 to May 15, 2025, is open to all new subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plans 1599, 2499, and 3199. Each new subscriber during the promo period gets one raffle entry for a chance to win free access to Squid Game: The Experience in Seoul.

 

Five winners will be chosen, with each scoring free round-trip airfare for two to South Korea, a three-day/two-night hotel accommodation in Seoul, two tickets to Squid Game: The Experience and travel allowance.

 

The winners will be chosen via electronic raffle and will be announced through PLDT Home’s social media platforms on May 16, 2025. The travel period is from June 23-25, 2025.

 

The Squid Game adventure continues even after The Experience, as Netflix drops the much-anticipated final season of the show on June 27.

 

The Game Zone at Squid Game: The Experience lets you experience all the adrenaline-pumping action from the show in a safe setting, of course!

 

What is Squid Game: The Experience?

Located in eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong district, Squid Game: The Experience is a high-tech, immersive attraction based on the global hit series Squid Game. Visitors get to experience recreations of the sets, games and themed environments from the show in a safe, non-lethal setting – all designed with intricate and very familiar details that puts you right into the show.

 

Squid Game: The Experience is divided into three zones: the Game Zone, the Retail Zone, and the Night Market.

 

In the Game Zone, you get to test your strategy skills and mental toughness in a total of six challenges that pit participants against each other in a battle for survival. Only the last one standing will earn the exclusive privileges of a VIP.

 

Challenges include the heart-pumping Red Light, Green Light game, which first introduced viewers to the rules of the game and the eerie Young-hee doll; the Glass Bridge, arguably the most nerve-wracking game on the show; the Dalgona challenge, where you cut out different shapes without breaking the cookie; and the Marble game, where you must outwit your opponent. No one gets killed when you lose, of course, but you can have fun recreating your “death” upon losing the challenge.

 Merch and other goods inspired by the hit thriller Squid Game are a visual treat at The Experience in Seoul!

 

Following the challenges, go celebrate your win at the Retail Zone, with Squid Game merchandise readily available for sale. Want to be a Pink Guard? The infamous pink hooded jumpsuits and masks, player T-shirts, and Young-hee doll merch are up for grabs for you to take back home!

 

Cap your time at Squid Game: The Experience with soju-infused cocktails at the Night Market. The Squid Game-themed market offers authentic Korean food, game-inspired cocktails, exclusive merchandise, and mini games you can enjoy to complete the adventure!

 

Let the games begin!

 

Enjoy unli-entertainment and more with the most value-packed internet and home entertainment plan – PLDT Home Fiber Netflix 1599. Apply from April 1 to May 15, 2025 and get a chance to win a round-trip airfare for two to Seoul, South Korea including access to to Squid Game: The Experience. Head over to pldthome.com/triptokorea to know more about the promo mechanics.

 

Photos of Squid Game: The Experience courtesy of squidgameexperiencekr.com

PLDT Home’s OMG Promo: Get a Chance to Win ₱1M, a New Car, and Free Broadband for Life!

 Get ready for the biggest and most exciting promo of the year - PLDT Home’s OMG (One Mega Giveaway) is back, and it’s grander than ever! 

This year, PLDT Home is making everyday digital moments even more rewarding with a massive prize pool that includes a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in cash, free fiber broadband for life, and so much more.

 

“We’re thrilled to bring back the ‘One Mega Giveaway’ for its second year. This time, we’re taking it to the next level,” said Patrick Tang, PLDT First Vice President and Head of Home Acquisition Marketing. “It’s our way of showing gratitude to our subscribers by giving them life-changing rewards that make everyday living even better with PLDT Home.”

 

Fuel your life upgrade

From April 10 to July 31, 2025, new PLDT Home subscribers of Fiber plan 1399 and up are automatically eligible for raffle entries.

 

Check out the OMG-worthy prizes that are up for grabs:

GRAND PRIZE: One lucky winner will drive home a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner — a tough, stylish SUV that’s perfect for families and adventures.

 

CASH WINNERS: One subscriber will win P1 million in cash, and ten others will take home P100,000 each.

 

FREE FIBER BROADBAND FOR LIFE: One (1) winner will enjoy a Home Fiber subscription – Free for Life, and ten others will receive a year of free broadband.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your ride, enjoy free internet, or stream endlessly - the OMG Promo is your ticket to a major lifestyle upgrade. PLDT Home designed this year’s One Mega Giveaway to help families live their best digital experiences.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win these mega prizes!Visit www.pldthome.com/internet for full promo mechanics and details.

Shotgun Wedding: JLo and Josh Duhamel's Explosive Rom-Com Hits Lionsgate Play

 Forget cold feet – in Shotgun Wedding, Darcy (Jennifer Lopez) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) face a new level of pre-marital jitters. Their idyllic destination wedding in the Philippines takes a hilariously chaotic turn when a band of ruthless pirates crashes the party, turning "til death do us part" into a very real threat. Suddenly, navigating their opinionated families becomes the least of their worries. Now, this bickering couple must put aside their differences and fight tooth and nail to save their loved ones, all while trying not to kill each other in the process.

Directed by Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), Shotgun Weddingpromises a wild roller coaster of romance, action, and laugh-out-loud moments. With a star-studded cast including Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Coolidge, Lenny Kravitz, D'Arcy Carden, and more, this is one destination wedding you won't want to RSVP "no" to.

 

Interestingly, despite the story being set in the Philippines, Shotgun Wedding was filmed in the Dominican Republic. In an interview with cinemadailyus.com, director Jason Moore explained: “The story takes place in the Philippines, so we were looking for a place where we could safely shoot the movie. We shot this during the first winter of COVID, so we were looking for a place that could double for the Philippines closer to America, as we couldn’t travel all the way there. We did end up changing a lot of the architecture when we arrived in the Dominican Republic. We choose colors and fabrics that reflect Filipino culture.”

 

Meanwhile, in an interview with freshfiction.tv, Jennifer Lopez shared how she enjoyed the connection between her evolving character and her fluffy wedding dress:“I really felt like the dress itself was like a character in the movie, but also really represented what she was going through.. As she went on, and was more honest with Tom about who she was and what she wanted, [it was] peeling back the layers and becoming more herself and stepping into her own power – more of her authenticity.

 

“[The dress] was the biggest, most cumbersome, beautiful, but not her at all. Pieces started coming off, and by the end, she’s this badass and took off the hair extensions and she has a gun and is like, ‘Alright, now! Everybody listens to me. This is how it’s going to be.’ We had it basically in stages throughout the whole entire thing. It was very calculated, for sure.”

 

Mark your calendars for the wild and hilarious Shotgun Wedding, hitting Lionsgate Play on March 28, 2025 on PLDT Home and Smart.