PLDT Home Rewards Subscribers with ₱1M Cash, Toyota Fortuner, and Free Broadband for Life in One Mega Giveaway

 PLDT Home subscribers from across the country took home life-changing prizes, including ₱1 million in cash, a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, and Free Broadband for Life, during the grand awarding ceremony of the One Mega Giveaway (OMG) promo held in Manila.

PLDT Home celebrates the inspiring stories of the One Mega Giveaway (OMG) winners together with Toyota Motor Philippines. (L-R) PLDT Home Sr. Marketing Specialist Jester Javier; PLDT Home AVP & Head of Home PR, Influencer Management and Brand Advocacies Maxine Loyola; Toyota Motor Philippines’ Brand Officer Jerome Arcilla, Brand Management Officer JC Gaon, Vice President for Marketing Services Elvin Luciano; PLDT Home AVP & Head of National Acquisition Marketing Byox Gonzales, Sr. Marketing Specialist Shy Pantinos and AVP & Head of Home Fiber Irwin de Guzman.

 

Now on its second year, the nationwide promo celebrates inspiring stories of everyday Filipinos whose lives have been transformed through the power of reliable connectivity. The awarding event gathered PLDT Home and Toyota Motor Philippines executives in a meaningful celebration of connection, resilience, and hope.

“Every year, we meet subscribers whose stories remind us why we do what we do,” said

Patrick S. Tang, PLDT First Vice President and Head of Home Acquisition Marketing. “At

PLDT Home, we aim to make every connection truly meaningful, not just by providing strong and reliable internet, but also by creating opportunities that empower families to work, learn, and thrive while winning life-changing rewards.”

A Simple Life, a Million-Peso Blessing

A million-peso dream come true for PLDT Home’s OMG grand winner Geresa Constantino 

Each morning before sunrise, Geresa Constantino puts on her red cap and apron at the small fast-food stall where she has worked for two years. Her partner, an electrician, heads to a nearby construction site while their five-year-old daughter stays with her in-laws. Life is simple, and every peso counts for this hardworking family.

When Geresa decided to apply for a PLDT Home Fiber connection, she only wanted to make the most out of her earnings by ensuring her family stayed connected every day. Weeks after installation, her phone buzzed with a message that would change her life forever. She had just won ₱1 million.

“May nag-text po na nanalo ako. Akala ko isang libo lang ’yon, one million pala!” she laughed. “Blessing po talaga ito. Hirap po ng buhay namin kaya ang laking tulong nito. Pinag-iisipan namin magtayo ng maliit na grocery o piggery at baka pwede makasal na rin kami.”

For Geresa and her family, the win is more than luck. It is a testament to faith, hard work, and the possibilities that come with staying connected.

A Brand-New Journey on the Road Ahead

It’s going to be a brand-new journey for the family of PLDT Home’s OMG grand winner of Toyota Fortuner, Andrea Sartorio.

In Bacolod City, Andrea Sartorio, a medical intern, was busy adjusting to her hospital duties when she learned she had won a brand-new Toyota Fortuner through the OMG Promo. She had just applied for PLDT Home Fiber on the day she moved to Bacolod, following her landlady’s advice that PLDT Home was the most reliable in their area.

“Honestly, just having Wi-Fi that fast already felt like a win for me,” Andrea shared. “Then I found out I won a Fortuner, I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Toyota Motor Philippines celebrated a key OMG moment and presented the grand prize, a 2025 Toyota Fortuner, to Andrea Sartorio. Present at the event were Toyota Motor Philippines Vice President for Marketing Services Department Elvin Luciano, Brand Management Officer JC Gaon, and TGR Brand Officer Jerome Arcilla.

 

Andrea plans to give the vehicle to her parents in Iloilo as a family reward and as a new asset to support their poultry business. Her story shows how meaningful connections can open doors to new opportunities and shared blessings.

Winning Free Internet for Life

In Quezon Province, Mirasol Cura, 52, found her own version of winning big. A mother of two, she subscribed to PLDT Home Fiber simply to ensure stable internet for her children’s schooling. What she didn’t expect was to receive Free Broadband for Life.

“Hindi ko po talaga akalaing mananalo ako,” she said. “Kinuha ko talaga ang PLDT Home para sa pag-aaral ng mga anak ko. Ngayon, hindi ko na iintindihin ang bayad buwan-buwan. Ang laking ginhawa po talaga. Parang nabigyan kami ng tulong para siguraduhin ang kinabukasan nila.”

For Mirasol, the prize is more than convenience. It is a lifeline that secures her children’s education and her family’s future.

Aside from the grand prizes, ten winners took home P100,000 in cash, while another ten winners received free broadband for one (1) year.

Through the One Mega Giveaway (OMG), PLDT Home continues to go beyond connectivity by empowering Filipino families to live better, dream bigger, and stay meaningfully connected. Each winner’s story is a reminder that every PLDT Home connection holds the power to transform lives and create life’s biggest OMG moments

Cat Person Is the Dating Horror You Didn’t See Coming

 Being ghosted is the least of anyone’s problems in Cat Person, a psychological thriller that peels back the dangers of modern romance. What begins as a flirty spark, a few witty texts, and  a seemingly sweet connection spirals into something darker, reminding us how easily desire can blur into fear.

Margot, a college sophomore working at a movie theater, meets Robert, an older man who frequents her counter. What starts as a harmless meet-cute turns into constant messaging and mounting tension. At first, their chemistry feels exciting, even promising. But as Robert’s behavior grows inconsistent and his stories start to contradict, Margot begins to notice the red flags: the strange messages, the possessive tone, the fact that he might’ve lied about owning cats at all. Soon, her imagination races ahead ofher reality, feeding her doubts until she’s trapped between attraction, discomfort, and dread.

Emilia Jones delivers a gripping performance as Margot—vulnerable, confused, and painfully relatable to anyone who’s ever questioned their own instincts. Opposite her, Nicholas Braun plays Robert with unnerving precision: part charm, part menace, and just familiar enough to make the danger feel real. Together, they pull you into the disquieting headspace of a relationship that’s equal parts fantasy and threat.

 

Directed by Susanna Fogel and written by Michelle Ashford, Cat Person first premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and is an adaptation of Kristen Roupenian’s viral 2017 short story from The New Yorker. Rather than offering tidy answers about dating and consent, the film thrives in the gray area—the awkward texts, the overthinking, the quiet panic of realizing you might not be safe but not knowing how to say no. It’s an uncomfortable mirror to modern dating, one that asks: Do I actually like this person, or do I just like that they like me?

 

In an interview, Fogel captured the heart of that discomfort: “It’s neither a great love story where no one has to ask because everybody just reads each other’s minds, nor are most encounters a clear-cut case of somebody drawing a boundary verbally and the other person overriding it in a problematic and illegal way. Most encounters are in between. That ambiguity is the kind of thing that people are more hesitant to acknowledge.”

 

Cat Person doesn’t aim to solve the dating dilemma—it simply holds a mirror up to it, showing us what happens when politeness, power, and fear collide in the age of connection.

 

If you think you know modern romance, think again. Cat Person starts streaming exclusively on Lionsgate Play starting October17 via PLDT Home, Smart and Cignal.

Sumakses in My Own Way: Mama Lou’s Story

 

17,811,898

That’s how many page views my blog has today. If only clicks could be converted into pesos, I’d be sipping tea in the dream house I’ve always wanted. But while page views don’t pay the bills, they gave me something more valuable: purpose, community, and a second life I never thought I’d have.

Who would have thought that a simple blog post about my first mountaineering adventure with my son back in 2011 would become my lifeline? At that time, I was fresh out of the only world I had ever known: 17 long years working at a hospital. Leaving the medical field left me hollow. My first job after college had become my entire identity, and when burnout finally pushed me out the door, I wondered if that was it for me—if my story ended with me as a full-time mom, watching from the sidelines.

The BPO industry was my attempt as a restart, but sitting in a fluorescent-lit cubicle with officemates as young as my own children only deepened the loneliness. I felt invisible. Out of place. Old. Then one day, as if instinct led me back to something familiar, I opened my laptop and began to write.

From Random Thoughts to Event Invitations

At first, LemonGreenTea was just an outlet. A safe place where I could pour my thoughts about skincare, movies, books, or my endless hunt for the perfect brewed tea. I didn’t expect anyone to read, but slowly, people did. They left comments. They asked questions. They shared my posts.

Then in 2013, an email arrived—my very first event invitation. Someone thought my words mattered enough for me to be included. I can still remember how nervous I was, picking out what to wear, rehearsing how to introduce myself. I walked into that event feeling like an outsider, clutching my notebook while everyone else seemed so polished. But by the time I went home, I realized something: I belonged.

A couple of years later, those invitations began transforming into opportunities. First, it was ex-deals—small tokens in exchange for reviews. Then came the first sponsored post. Before I knew it, blogging wasn’t just an outlet anymore; it was work, a calling, a stage. And soon, I was no longer the newbie nervously walking into events. I was the one giving advice to new bloggers, sharing my lessons on how to balance passion, family, and the realities of making content.

By 2015, I had taken the leap to go full-time.

 

The Hustle Behind the Blog

They say success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s stitched together from late nights, small victories, and quiet perseverance. For me, sakses was built on a thousand little moments: rushing to finish an article before midnight, worrying about tuition fees while editing photos, sneaking writing time between errands and bedtime stories.

Blogging may look glamorous on the outside, but behind every post was the same hustle any Madiskarte Mom knows well: keeping the household running, stretching the budget, showing up for family, while carving out a small space for myself to dream.

There were moments I almost gave up—days when it felt like no one was reading, when a campaign didn’t push through, bills had to be paid, or when the demands of family life simply outweighed the glow of my laptop screen. But each time, I remembered why I started: not for fame, but to rediscover myself after losing who I thought I was.

From Hospital Clerk to Madiskarte Mom

For a long time, change was something I avoided. I stayed in the same job for 17 years because it felt safe, even when the stress was slowly burning me out. I told myself it was better to endure than to risk the unknown. But leaving that hospital job was like tearing off a bandage—it forced me to face the emptiness underneath.

I thought stepping into the BPO world would be the solution. Instead, I found myself more out of place than ever. My officemates were young, energetic, and spoke a language that felt foreign to me. I felt like a stranger in my own skin.

That’s when I realized something I wish I had known earlier: “Change used to be something I feared, but I’ve realized that it’s only when you leave your comfort zone that you truly find your passion.”

It wasn’t a smooth journey. At first, blogging was awkward. I second-guessed my words. I worried no one would care about skincare reviews or tea musings from a forty-something mom. But slowly, post by post, I found my rhythm. Each published entry was a small act of courage, proof that I could still learn, still create, still grow.

From a burned-out employee, I became a woman who rediscovered passion at 40. From a shy voice on the internet, I became a member of one of the most active mommy blogging communities in the country.

The best part? Discovering that I wasn’t alone. Blogging connected me with other moms who were navigating the same struggles—juggling work, family, and dreams. Together we built a support system, cheering for each other’s small wins, swapping tips, and reminding one another that every story matters.

 

Change didn’t just lead me to a blog. It led me to a community, to opportunities, and most importantly, back to myself.

Diskarte Lessons I Carry With Me

The lessons I learned along the way didn’t come from textbooks or training—they came from living, hustling, and failing forward.

1. Budget Your Time Like You Budget Your Money
I used to think multitasking was the key, but it only left me drained. What worked better was creating time blocks—mornings for family, afternoons for work, evenings for myself. That structure gave me balance.

📸 Photo idea: You at your desk with a planner and a cup of tea.

 

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Start Small
My first skincare review was awkward, and my first sponsored post barely covered groceries. But those small starts gave me confidence. Each step forward—no matter how small—was still progress.

📸 Photo idea: You holding up your first PR kit or event pass.

 

3. Invest in What Keeps You Connected
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in more than a decade of blogging, it’s that connection is everything. From sending pitches, attending virtual launches, or helping my apos with schoolwork, a reliable connection has been my constant partner.

 

That’s why PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid feels like such a lifeline. No contracts, no monthly bills—just fast, reliable internet I can load when I need it. It fits my budget, it fits my hustle, and it keeps me present for both work and family.

 

I remember listening to PLDT HOME Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business, John Y. Palanca, at a recent event. His words struck a chord: “Filipinos have the innate talent and drive to turn big dreams into reality.” It was during this event that the brand introduced Ninong Ry, Suzzysaur, and Maki as its new ambassadors—three creators whose stories echo the very spirit of hustle and heart.

 

Palanca went on to say, “Technology is at its best when it empowers and enables you to succeed in life. With PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid, we’re giving Filipinos the speed, reliability, and flexibility to pursue their passions—whether it’s producing online content, streaming music, learning, or upskilling. All it takes is a reliable connection and the courage to begin.”

 

His message felt personal to me. Because whether you’re a content creator, a mompreneur, or someone simply trying to make life better for your family, the right connection doesn’t just link you to the internet—it connects you to opportunities.

 

Why This Is My Sakses Story

For me, sakses is not about luxury, perfection or earning millions. It’s about progress. It’s about daring to leave what no longer serves you, starting small when resources are thin, and building a life step by step, post by post, cup of tea by cup of tea.

 

From hospital hallways to BPO cubicles, to now a blog with nearly 18 million views, my story proves that it’s never too late to start again. And yes, life truly begins at 40—and it only gets better in your golden years, as long as you keep showing up.

 

What Wednesday Addams Teaches Us About True Friendship

 Expect more twists and turns (and life lessons!) with hit mystery-thriller Wednesday Season 2 now on Netflix, best streamed with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599!

Photo credit: Jonathan Hession/ Netflix

 

Have you ever noticed how the shows we stream often reflect the way we live? Whether you're deep into a solo binge-watch or sharing gasp-worthy moments with family on the couch, the best stories stick with us. And with the seamless connection of PLDT Home Fiber, these cinematic worlds come to life without interruption, making it even easier to find powerful life lessons from our favorite shows. It shouldn’t be surprising then that Netflix’s hit series Wednesday offers more than thrills and mystery – it’s packed with insights that resonate with both ourselves and the people around us.

 

You see, Nevermore Academy might be full of monsters and mayhem, but it also gave us one of the most unexpected – and heartwarming – friendships on TV: Wednesday Addams and werewolf Enid Sinclair. While one is a macabre mystery-solver and the other a colorful, social butterfly, their dynamic throughout the first season revealed a surprising amount about what it truly means to be a friend. Here are the five most important friendship lessons you can pick up from Wednesday and Enid:

 

1. Opposites attract – and make the best duo

You don't have to be two peas in a pod or birds of a feather to be best friends. Sometimes, it’s the differences that make a bond even stronger.

 

Wednesday's cynicism was often balanced by Enid's unwavering optimism, and Enid's social skills occasionally dragged Wednesday into situations that (begrudgingly) would help her grow. Their contrasting personalities, perfectly showcased in their dorm room, proved that embracing each other’s uniqueness can lead into a deeper, more vibrant connection.

 

2. Patience pays off (especially with a Wednesday-type friend)

Not all friendships spark instantly – some take time, effort, and a whole lot of patience. 

 

Enid faced numerous eyerolls, sarcastic remarks, and flat-out rejections from Wednesday, yet she never gave up. Her steady kindness and genuine desire to connect eventually chipped away at Wednesday's notoriously thick walls, proving that true friendship is often a marathon, not a sprint.

 

 

Photo credit: Helen Sloan/ Netflix

 

3. Great besties challenge each other to grow

The best friends aren't just "yes-men." They're also the ones who aren't afraid to call you out when needed and push you to become a better version of yourself.

 

Enid wasn't afraid to tell Wednesday when she was being selfish or manipulative. In turn, Wednesday's independent spirit subtly pushed Enid to stand up for herself, especially when dealing with her mother's expectations. Growth happens when someone genuinely cares enough to challenge you – and sticks around to see you through it.

 

4. Loyalty trumps (almost) everything

When push comes to shove, true friends show up. While Wednesday might express her affection in unconventional ways (like, you know, not smiling), she fiercely protected Enid (and Eugene!). 

Enid, for her part, stood by Wednesday through monster hunts, murder mysteries, and near-death experiences. Their unwavering support for each other, even in the face of danger, is a testament to the power of loyalty in any lasting friendship.

 

5. Just one hug can speak volumes (especially from a friend like Wednesday)

Sometimes, the simplest gestures are the most powerful, especially if they’re from someone you least expect.

 

After an entire (first) season of Wednesday avoiding physical contact and emotional expression – specifically, Enid’s attempts at hugging – Wednesday’s final, unprompted hug with Enid was a monumental moment. It symbolized the depth of their bond, the trust they had built, and how even the most emotionally reserved person can find comfort and connection with the right friend. It was a moment that made fans everywhere collectively swoon – and cry!

 

The best part about Enid and Wednesday’s friendship? There’s definitely more to come, with Wednesday Season 2 now on Netflix. If you’re not yet subscribed to Netflix, the best way to get it is with PLDT Home’s Fiber Netflix Plans. Enjoy high-speed fiber internet with speeds of up to 150 Mbps, bundled with a complimentary Netflix subscription. It’s the best way to enjoy unli-entertainment just in time for the new season of Wednesday, so sign up or upgrade your plan now!

 

Stream Wednesday Season 2 on Netflix and enjoy more unli-entertainment only with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix – the most value-packed internet & entertainment plan with a complimentary Netflix Basic subscription. To learn more and apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan, visit pldthome.com/fiber-netflix.

Powering Life Without Pauses: PLDT Home is Always On

In homes where life never stops and every second matters, PLDT Home introduces a game-changing innovation designed for today’s fast-paced, always-connected lifestyle. PLDT Home’s Always On, the country’s first hybrid modem with built-in fiber and LTE backup, ensures uninterrupted connectivity so Filipino families can stay online no matter what.

 

From early-morning meetings and online classes to streaming marathons and remote work setups, staying connected has become a non-negotiable part of daily life. 

“Always On was built around the realities of how Filipinos live and work today—complex, multitasking, and digitally-driven,” said John Y. Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head of Home Consumer Business, Sales and Development at PLDT. “At PLDT Home, we are committed to creating innovative solutions that meet the real needs of our customers. Even a moment of disconnection can mean missed opportunities or lost time with loved ones. That’s why Always On is more than just a device. It’s our promise to keep families connected when it matters most.”

 

Seamless Internet, Even During Outages

 

PLDT Home Always On features automatic LTE failover, allowing it to switch to a wireless connection whenever fiber service is disrupted. There’s no need to reset or configure—once fiber is restored, the device automatically switches back, ensuring continuous connectivity for video calls, meetings, classes, and more.

 

What sets Always On apart is its proactive care feature: the modem detects a fiber issue and automatically generates a repair ticket, starting the resolution process even before you have toreport it. 

With Always On, PLDT Home reaffirms its commitment to delivering reliable, responsive, and future-ready connectivityfor Filipino households across the country.

 

Discover how Always On can keep your home connected. Watch the video.

Because You Deserve It: How Pop Culture Helped Redefine Self-Care

 When we think of self-care, we often imagine yoga mats, expensive retreats, or influencers sipping green juice. But real self-care, the kind that sticks, often comes from something simpler: seeing your own struggles, quirks, and quiet victories reflected back at you.

Sometimes, that mirror is pop culture.

Movies and shows aren’t just distractions. They give us space to feel seen, to process what we’re going through, and even to laugh when life feels too heavy. This World Self-Care Day, we look at how a few titles from Lionsgate Play remind us of small but meaningful ways to care for ourselves.

1. Laughing through it: Son of a Critch

Son of a Critch is a coming-of-age comedy that’s not just hilarious, but deeply human. It shows us that humor is a powerful coping mechanism. Sometimes, the best self-care is simply finding the funny, even when things aren’t perfect.

 

2. Feeling it all: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Self-care isn’t always about calming down. Sometimes, it’s about letting go. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist follows a young woman who starts hearing people’s thoughts in the form of musical numbers. Whether it’s grief, joy, anxiety, or love, the show reminds us that emotional honesty is healing. Crying during a musical montage totally counts as self-care.

 

3. Decluttering your beliefs: Ramy

 

A little mental decluttering can go a long way. Ramyexplores spirituality, identity, and the pressure to fit into cultural expectations. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but that’s part of its magic. Self-care can also mean questioning what you’ve always believed and giving yourself permission to change.

 

4. Reclaiming your power: Madam

 

Taking care of yourself sometimes means refusing to shrink. Madam follows a woman who stirs controversy just by being unapologetically herself. It’s a reminder that boundaries, boldness, and even a bit of rebellion can be radical acts of self-preservation.

The takeaway? Self-care isn’t always a solo ritual. Sometimes it’s letting yourself connect with a character, a story, or even a song that feels surprisingly close to home. So grab a snack, sink into your favorite chair, and watch something that makes you feel. Because healing doesn’t only happen during yoga or journaling. Sometimes, it happens on your screen.

Hit the Road in Style: Scenic Road Trips You Need on Your Bucket List

 We don’t always take road trips to escape. Sometimes, we take them to feel more present, to discover hidden gems, and to make unforgettable memories. As writer Angela N. Blount once said, “Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”  

In rural Philippines, where every curve in the road may reveal a mountain, a scenic cliff or a coastline, road trips are more than a way to travel, they’re a chance to reconnect with nature, with friends, or even with yourself.  This is the kind of thrill that only a road trip can offer — an adventure that will stay with you for a long time.

And with PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) promo, your next adventure could come with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, ₱1 million in cash, or free fiber internet for life.

 

Before we tell you how, let’s talk about where to go. Here are four road trips from Manila that are scenic, soul-stirring, and full of moments that you’ll never forget.  

SCTEX Highway Central Luzon

 

1. SCTEX and Halsema Highway: Baguio and beyond 

Also known as the Baguio-Bontoc Road or Mountain Trail, the Halsema Highway climbs steadily from the lowlands of La Trinidad, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of urban life. Once dubbed the “death highway,” Halsema is now a stunning route through the Cordillera mountains. 

The journey begins on the outskirts of Baguio City. As your Toyota Fortuner navigates the winding ascent, you’ll see the landscape transforming: terraced mountainsides sculpted by indigenous hands over centuries cascade down. During planting season, these terraces mirror the sky in pools of water; during harvest, they turn golden in celebration of abundance.

 

Stop at Atok, Benguet’s Highest Point marker. On clear days, Mt. Pulag, the country’s third-highest peak, looms in the distance, its summit often haloed with a sea of clouds that locals call the “playground of the gods.”

 

The true magic of the Halsema Highway isn’t just in its breathtaking vistas, but in the intimate glimpses of mountain life it offers. Indigenous Igorot communities continue their ways alongside the modern road, women in traditional garb carry baskets of produce on their heads.

 

By the time you reach Sagada or Bontoc, you’ve traversed not just a highway but a living museum of Philippine highland culture, where the past and present coexist in balance.

 

2. SCTEX to Clark: A short but satisfying drive
You can also make a quick escape to Central Luzon’s rich culture with a trip to Clark, Pampanga.. Take Skyway 3, then North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), continue on to SCTEX and exit at Clark North for a smooth two-hour drive depending on traffic.

 

After exploring golf courses, high-end integrated resorts, and shopping malls in Clark, indulge in Pampanga’s cultural and natural attractions including famous Kapampangan restaurants — artist and chef Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung, which now has a walk-in restaurant in addition to the private dining, reservations-only section. Then check out where Claude took Anthony Bourdain to introduce him to Kapampangan cuisine: Aling Lucing (for sisig) and ARlyns Carinderia (for papaitan).

 

3. The Tanay-Infanta Road: The Sierra Madre’s secret pass

Some of the most rewarding journeys are those less traveled, and the road from Tanay, Rizal, to Infanta, Quezon, remains one of Luzon’s best-kept secrets. This route cuts through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the longest in the Philippines-- offering a breathtaking transition from the outskirts of Metro Manila to the wild Pacific coast.

 

The adventure begins in the rolling hills of Tanay, where weekend motorcyclists gather at viewpoints overlooking the Laguna de Bay. As you continue, Manila’s sprawl disappears behind you, replaced by increasingly dense forests and the air grows noticeably cooler and fresher.

 

Indigenous Dumagat communities, who have called these mountains home for centuries, maintain small settlements along the route where traditional crafts and mountain foods can sometimes be purchased from roadside stands.

 

The true drama of this journey comes at Bantakay Falls and the series of hairpin turns known locally as “Magnetic Hill.” As you descend toward Infanta, Quezon, the view gives way to coconut plantations, and eventually, the vast Pacific Ocean.

 

4. Pan-Philippine Highway: Bicolandia’s coastal escape

A road trip through the Bicol region offers more than just the perfect view of Mayon Volcano—it’s a slow-burning adventure that builds with every kilometer. In Legazpi City, the iconic cone-shaped volcano looms dramatically in the backdrop. If you want to go further, follow the Pan-Philippine Highway south through lush coconut plantations and sleepy fishing towns toward the province of Sorsogon.

The drive itself is a visual feast: rice paddies that stretch endlessly on one side, while glimpses of the Pacific Ocean peek out from winding coastal roads. Stop by Bacon District for panoramic sea cliffs, then detour to the quaint town of Donsol, where you can swim with whale sharks (butanding) during peak season. Cap off your journey in Matnog, where pink sandbeaches and crystal-clear waters await.

It’s a soul-soothing escape deep into the heart of southern Luzon, where every stop is a reminder that sometimes, the best trips are the ones less hyped.

Drive a Toyota Fortuner on your next road trip

What if upgrading your internet could also upgrade your travel bucket list — and your entire life? PLDT Home One Mega Giveaway (OMG) Promo is back in its second year. New subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber automatically get a chance to win OMG-worthy prizes that go way beyond fast internet.

 

You can’t help but say OMG! to these prizes: one brand new 2025 Toyota Fortuner, ₱1 million in cash, and free fiber broadband For Life. There will also be 10 winners of ₱100,000 in cash, and 10 free fiber broadband for one year. Winners will be drawn in August.

 

For more information, visit www.pldthome.com/omg2025.