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.  

 

5 Real-Life ‘Squid Game’ Experiences Around the World That You Can Actually Join

 

There’s no denying it: Squid Game isn’t just a show—it’s a global phenomenon.

The Netflix mega-hit isn’t just a gripping Korean action drama, it’s a cultural juggernaut that blends suspense, sharp social commentary, and unforgettable visuals. The popular series hits all the right spots that made it take off as a viral phenomenon, to the point that its iconic games have been turned into real-world installations around the world. Now, you too can try your hand at some of the challenges the characters have gone through (without the deadly consequences, of course).

If you’re able to jet-set, you may be able to check them out for yourself. Here are five real-life Squid Game experiences around the world you and your fam can add to your bucket list:    

Seoul, South Korea

No surprise here! Seoul tops the list as the birthplace of Squid Game. While already finished, the Netflix installation in the motherland built the immersive Squid Game: The Experience – offering diehard fans a chance to walk through the show’s twisted playground in the very country where it all began.

After taking on the Squid Game challenge, some of Seoul’s most famous sights await travelers, like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, Lotte World, the various Hanok villages, and so much more.

London

London takes the Squid Game obsession to the next level with Squid Game: The Challenge – a reality series and live experience rolled into one. At Immerse LDN, fans can dive into a thrilling lineup of games straight from the show, including Red Light, Green Light, Marbles, Memory Steps, and Round and Round.

Think you can outsmart the competition? This is the chance to prove it – right in the heart of UK.

New York

For Squid Game fans in the US, the whole experience is still up and running in New York.

 

In the city that never sleeps, fans can test their luck and skill like Red Light, Green Light, Glass Bridge, and Warships at the Manhattan Mall. After all of that, they can relax and have a fill of their favorite Korean delicacies and soju cocktails at the Night Market, and cop some nice Squid Game merch.

 

Sydney

For hardcore fans who can make it to Sydney, Australia, the Squid Game: The Experience installation Down Under is an accessible destination. The first-season classics Red Light, Green Light, Marbles, and Glass Bridge await those who wish to test their skill and coordination.

 

After enjoying the immersive Squid Game atmosphere, fans can wander around the city and hit its famous spots, like the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

Philippines

That’s right – we’ve got our own Squid Game experience, too, here at home! Fans of the hit Netflix series are getting an immersive experience brought to them by the country’s leading digital services provider PLDT Home, with a nationwide store takeover kicking off this July.

 

PLDT Home Fiber applicants can even join the six-game pentathlon inspired by the show for a chance to win P5,000! They can step into the show’s iconic challenges – minus the danger, of course – at PLDT Stores in SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM SouthMall, SM Lipa, SM Baguio, SM Seaside Cebu, and Abreeza Mall Davao.

 

Not into games? No problem. Sign up for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 at the events and get a free set of the iconic green tracksuit set from Puma – just like the one worn by Gi-hun and the gang.

 

“We know the impact Squid Game has globally including Filipino streamers. And so once again, we are here for our kababayans – breathing the hit show to life through interactive activations at our stores across the country,” said Patrick Tang, PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing First Vice President. “We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the experience as they check out more unli entertainment options that come with our PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plans.”

 

Stream Squid Game Season 3 and enjoy more unli entertainment only with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix – the most value-packed internet & entertainment plan with complimentary Netflix Basic subscription. Apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan at any PLDT store and experience Squid Game come to life with exciting rewards awaiting you!

PLDT Home Launches Always On: Seamless Connectivity with Hybrid Fiber-LTE Modem

 Today, a few seconds of WiFi downtime feels like forever. When the internet connection drops mid-rant or mid-episode or the screen freezes during an important meeting, it’s more than a tech issue -- it’s a disruption to your life.

 

Always On: A Smart Hybrid Modem to always keep you connected

 

When there’s unexpected downtime, PLDT Home’s Always On comes in as a groundbreaking solution. It’s a first-of-its-kind hybrid modem that combines fiber and LTE, with a built-in automatic switchover system.

 

Here’s how it works: if the fiber connection goes down, the modem switches to unlimited LTE – no manual setup, no phone tethering, and no annoying prompts. And once the fiber is restored, it seamlessly switches back, without the hassle of manually reconnecting your devices. It works as a backup connection but smarter, automatic, and always ready.

 

Even better, if your connection has been running on its backup LTE for 30 minutes straight, Always On automatically creates a fault ticket for you so you don’t need to call or wait in the queue at the customer service channels. PLDT resolves the connectivity issue while you carry on with your digital activities at home.

 

Powered by WiFi 6 technology, the PLDT Home Always On modem delivers high-speed internet (up to 1 Gbps, depending on your plan) across multiple devices, ensuring everyone in the family can stay connected.  Whether you're working, streaming, or attending class online, you can count on a fast, stable connection that can keep up with your lifestyle.

 

Internet outage? You can still be online.

 

PLDT Home Always On can’t prevent outages – but it can help you get through them. When fiber is down, it automatically switches to backup LTE so you can stay connected and keep doing what you need to, while PLDT works on restoring your main fiber service. Fiber interruptions often happen for reasons beyond anyone’s control. Here are a few real-world examples and why having Always On makes a big difference.

·       The weather isn’t always fiber-friendly
According to PAGASA, the Philippines faces around 20 tropical cyclones a year. Strong winds, falling trees, and flooded lines regularly knock out fiber infrastructure. Undersea cable cuts are inevitable during these times. These major cable troubles take time to repair but with PLDT Home Always On, you still have internet access while waiting.

 

·       Cable theft is a real problem

Metro Manila accounts for over 60% of nationwide cable thefts in a year, according to a telco report. Stolen cables disrupt entire neighborhoods, bringing businesses, school, and remote work to a standstill. With Always On, you can stay online while fiber lines are being replaced.

 

·       Small creatures, big trouble

Sometimes, it’s not the weather or a thief – it’s a rodent or other tiny troublemaker lurking in the neighborhood. Have you heard of the local squirrels? They exist in villages and even in cities where they have been known to chew through fiber cables and cause outages that take time to detect and repair. LTE backup ensures your internet stays live in the meantime.

 

·       Roadworks can cut you off

Road constructions, drilling, and digging – especially in urban areas – can accidentally damage underground fiber cables. Often unintentional, these cuts can trigger sudden outages and take time to locate and fix. Always On gives you a connection while the repairs are underway.

 

The bottom line? PLDT Home Always On works more than an internet backup – it’s a smart, seamless solution for a world that can’t afford to pause. When the unexpected fiber outages happen, it’s good to know that your internet is always one step ahead.

 

Learn about PLDT Home’s Always On here.

5 Amazing Things You Could Do If You Had One Less Bill to Worry About

 Imagine getting your monthly internet bill (typically costing around P1,000 or more) completely covered. That’s right: free internet, and with it, a whole new world of possibilities.

Just think—if you had an extra ₱1,000+ in your monthly budget, what would you do? Here are five awesome ways to enjoy that extra cash: 

1.      Upgrade Your On-the-Go Gadget Essentials

Always on the move, but your phone’s battery can’t keep up? That extra budget could go towards a high-capacity power bank, wireless charger, or travel-friendly charging hub. Whether you’re saving up or finally buying that must-have gadget, that extra P1,000 can go a long way for your next gadget upgrade.

2.      Level Up Your Entertainment Experience

Free internet means unlimited streaming, but how about upgrading your setup? Use the extra cash for smart speakers to boost your audio or invest in accessories to enhance your smart TV. Into gaming? Spend your monthly savings on in-game currency, character upgrades, or even new titles you’ve been eyeing.

3.      Invest in Your Passion Projects

Have a hobby you’ve been meaning to explore? Free up funds for online courses, art materials, a new musical instrument, or parts for building that dream PC. A little extra each month can help turn a side passion into a serious project.

4.      Boost Your Savings or Investment Fund

It might not sound exciting, but it’s surely a smart move. Channel that internet bill money into your savings account or investment portfolio. Over time, that extra P1,000 a month can grow and be able to fund a big-ticket dream, like a vacation or a future goal.

5.      Treat Yourself—You Deserve It!

Sometimes, a simple self-care goes a long way. Whether it’s a fancy dinner, a weekend getaway, an online shopping spree, or just more trips to your favorite café, that extra monthly cushion lets you enjoy the little luxuries that make life sweeter.

Good News: These Awesome Perks Could Be Yours

All these possibilities (and more!) could be within reach with PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) Promo. Ten lucky winners will get free PLDT Home broadband for a whole year, while one grand winner will enjoy free broadband for life.

To join, simply apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1399 or higher plan and you’ll get an automatic raffle entry to the OMG promo.

Don't miss out—start living the OMG life now! Visit www.pldthome.com/omg2025. 

PLDT Home Brings Fans to a Real-Life Squid Game in Seoul

A first for any Philippine telco company in partnership with streaming giant Netflix, the leading digital services provider fulfills K-drama dreams with an unforgettable adventure as Squid Game drops its final season

Game face on! K-influencers and Squid Game fans Happee Sy, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar take on the challenge in real life – but did they make it?

PLDT Home, the Philippines' leading digital services provider, turned dreams into reality for five lucky subscribers with their companions and top K-culture influencers – Happee Sy Go, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar – by flying them to Seoul for an exclusive "Squid Game" experience.

 

A few days ahead of the third season premiere of Squid Game, winners and their companions plus the content creators explored the heart of Korean culture and visited iconic landmarks together. Most notably, they got to enter Squid Game: The Experience – a popular interactive attraction inspired by the hit Netflix series.

 

Launched last April, PLDT Home announced the promo with a successful press event to kick off the campaign while drawing excitement from Squid Game fans nationwide. This is a first for the telco brand, as it further pushes its promise of unli-entertainment beyond the home.

 

 

 

Blood pumping action: Happee Sy, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar join lucky PLDT Home subscribers as they tour Squid Game: The Experience in Seoul – packed with challenges inspired by the hit Netflix show

 

With the success of its first-ever flyaway promo, PLDT Home delivered on its promise to elevate entertainment – offering subscribers not just content, but unforgettable experiences. It highlights PLDT Home's commitment to enriching digital lifestyles beyond connectivity. 

 

 

 

Once in a lifetime: Five lucky winners with their plus-ones get the trip of their life as PLDT Home flies them to Seoul for three days and two nights – all expenses paid!

 

"We are absolutely thrilled to have brought this unique 'Squid Game' experience to life for our subscribers and the vibrant K-life community," said PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing First Vice President Patrick S. Tang.

 

"This journey to Seoul is a testament to our unwavering commitment to go beyond connectivity and deliver truly unforgettable experiences. We are incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our customers who participated in this promo. Their love for the brand truly fuels our passion to continuously elevate entertainment.”

 

As the first of many such programs, the Seoul flyaway promo is proof to PLDT Home's intent to consistently enhance its subscribers’ experience with streaming leaders such as Netflix – with a whole world of exclusive benefits and premier entertainment waiting for them.

 

“This is just the beginning of many more exciting rewards and immersive experiences we look forward to bringing to the PLDT Home family. As a leading services provider, it is always our goal to offer a continuous stream of exciting rewards, innovative engagements, and unlimited entertainment activations for all our valued subscribers,” Tang added.

 

Don’t miss out on PLDT Home’s exciting promos and rewards – get the PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 with up to 300 Mbps and the wide world of entertainment that comes with a Netflix Basic subscription! Learn more by heading to pldthome.com/fiber-netflix.

 

“Experience” Squid Game right in the Philippines when you apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan at any of the following PLDT stores: SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM SouthMall, SM Baguio, SM Seaside Cebu, and Abreeza Mall Davao. Enjoy a set of Squid Game-inspired games, gimmicks, and prizes at every store visit!