Mother’s Day Plans? Here Are 5 Fun Ways to Spend Time with Mom

Celebrate your female inspo with these fun and fresh activities to do at Expo Mom 2026, powered by PLDT Home Fiber

Photo credit:Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

 

Mother’s Day has always had its usual hallmarks and rituals every year: the early morning bouquet while the sunshine is still soft, the frantic search for a dinner reservation (before the actual Sunday, of course), and the familiar chorus of "Thank you, Mom" when it’s time to serenade her.

 

But as the dynamics of the Filipino family evolve, so does the way we celebrate the women at the heart of our homes. Today’s mothers have evolved beyond their traditional roles – now more empowered than ever, they are entrepreneurs, digital navigators, and lifelong learners. And while they may not always say it, most of the time our moms crave more than just a token gift; they crave the connections with their loved ones, especially their children.

 

If you’re looking to change it up and move past the usual routine of lunch, flowers, and a gift for Mama, here are a few meaningful ways to bond with her this Mother’s Day weekend at Expo Mom, hosted by Mommy Mundo and powered by its official broadband partnerPLDT Home Fiber:

 

1. Artistic reflections with mom

Instead of buying a card, spend an hour in a creative flow. Creative spaces at Expo Mom, like junk journaling and portrait painting offer a rare moment of pause. It’s a chance for moms to reconnect with their own identities through art, while children – young or grown – get to see a different, more expressive side of their mothers.

 

Photo credit: RDNE Stock project via Pexels

 

2. Disco dancing during the day!

There is a unique kind of joy found in movement. When was the last time Mom danced her heart out? If it’s been a while, take her to a "Daytime Disco for Moms,” as dancing should be a high-energy reminder that motherhood shouldn't mean the end of fun. Let her let loose, shake off the weekly stress, and simply enjoy the rhythm of being together.

Photo credit: Universal Pictures

 

3. Shopping with a story

Support can be a form of celebration. Browsing through the MamaMarket lets the whole family meet mompreneurs behind the brands and products your family will love. It’s an inspiring way for families to see the creativity and resilience of the community while picking out something special that supports another family’s dream.

Photo credit: Sam Lion via Pexels

 

 

 

4. Listening to insightful talks

Motherhood was never meant to be a solo act. Attending support group sessions or listening to onstage talks provides a sense of "I see you." For families, hearing these honest conversations about the realities of parenting at the Community Connections space fosters a deeper empathy and understanding for what Mom handles every day.

Photo credit: Mommy Mundo

5. Strutting it out!

Confidence is the best outfit, and seeing moms walk the runway during the fashion show is a vibrant celebration of style at every stage of life. It’s a moment for the whole family to cheer from the sidelines, celebrating the individuality and grace that Mom brings to the household.

Photo credit: Doğu Tuncer via Pexels

 

Make this Mother’s Day Weekend and beyond truly memorable by visiting Expo Mom, powered by PLDT Home Fiber. It’s a space where every member of the family – from the kids to the kids-at-heart – can feel supported and inspired. PLDT Home remains committed to empowering these modern family lives, ensuring that whether you are learning something new online, managing a home business, or simply staying in touch with loved ones, you have the reliable connectivity to make it happen.

 

While you’re at Expo Mom Manila, don’t forget to check out the PLDT Home booth for exclusive offers to keep your family connected:

● Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 on Sale: Enjoy free installation, free speedboost, unli entertainment on Cignal, and big discounts on Samsung and other gadgets. Plus, get a chance to win free broadband for life!

● PLDT Home Life: Shop smart home devices and enjoy ₱200 off, free shipping, and up to ₱500 worth of Maya vouchers.

● Plus, join booth activities and take home exciting freebies for the whole family!

 

To know more about these amazing deals you can enjoy this Mother’s Day and beyond, visit pldthome.com.

 

Jojo Lastimosa Comes Home as Jolas Cup Returns to Cagayan de Oro

The Philippines continues to produce world-class basketball talent – but as PBA legend and current TNT Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa has long believed, talent alone isn’t enough without opportunity. For young athletes, sports can open doors – but only when the right support systems are in place. This is where connectivity, community, and committed partners like PLDT Home play a crucial role.

For love of the game, PLDT Home and TNT Tropang 5G bring fans closer to the action. Basketball legend Jojo Lastimosa and stars Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin unite on stage with the lucky winners of their hand-signed TNT jerseys.

 

 

Since launching the Jolas Cup in 2004, Lastimosa has championed grassroots basketball as a way to empower the youth. In 2026, that mission was strengthened  by PLDT Home’s support, as the tournament returned to Cagayan de Oro – bringing not just competition but also access, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation.

 

Kicked off last April 22 at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre, Jolas Cup 2026 gathered top teams from schools and barangays across the city, transforming the venue into a dynamic space where talent met opportunity. The tournament aimed to bring together young athletes from Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas, competing in six divisions: 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 22U men’s, and 22U women’s. It concludes on May 16 with the championship games of all six divisions.

 

PLDT Home Fiber was among the brands powering the tournament opening ceremonies, as players and attendees stayed connected throughout the event – from real-time updates to digital engagement that extended the reach of the tournament beyond the court.

 

The opening ceremonies were led by Lastimosa, alongside fellow TNT Tropang 5G players who share roots in Mindanao, including Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin. Their presence reinforced the importance of giving back – made even more impactful through platforms like the Jolas Cup supported by partners who  share the same vision.

 

“Malipayon gyud ko nga nakabalik ko diri sa Cagayan de Oro aron maghatag og oportunidad sa mga batan-on. Mao ni ang sinugdanan sa daghan kaayo’ng damgo (I’m truly happy to be back in Cagayan de Oro to give young players opportunities. This is where many dreams begin),” said Lastimosa.

TNT Tropang 5G players join the Jolas Cup opening in Cagayan de Oro, showing support for young athletes and championing opportunities for the next generation of hoopers.

 

To help kickstart the young athletes with their dreams, PLDT Home Fiber shall award all champion teams with a Fiber Plan 1699 for one year.

 

“We want to ensure they will experience meaningful connections even off the court,” Lastimosa said.

Local fans share a lighthearted moment with PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa during the PLDT Home Fiber Fastbreak event.

 

Beyond the games, PLDT Home brought the tournament experience closer to the community through branded activations, including interactive booths and connectivity zones that allowed fans and families to engage with the event in real time. These initiatives highlighted how reliable internet access plays  an increasingly important role in sports development – whether it’s accessing training content, sharing game highlights, or staying connected to wider opportunities.

For Lastimosa, that connection is essential to building the future of Philippine basketball.

“Importante kaayo nga konektado ang kabatan-onan—dili lang sa internet, kundi sa ilang mga pangandoy ug oportunidad (It’s important for the youth to stay connected—not just to the internet, but to their dreams and opportunities),” he said.

 

Players echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how meaningful it is to return home and inspire the next generation – now with stronger platforms and support systems behind them.

 

TNT Tropang 5G stars Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Glenn Khobuntin share hands-on tips and mentorship with Cagayan de Oro's promising young players

 

By supporting initiatives like the Jolas Cup, PLDT Home continues to go beyond providing connectivity – actively supporting communities, enabling dreams, and helping young dreamers stay connected to what matters most starting from the home.

 

“By bridging passion and opportunity, the brand plays a vital role in shaping not just better players, but stronger futures,” said PLDT Home First Vice President for Acquisition Marketing Patrick S. Tang. “No matter where you are in the Philippines and whatever passion you pursue, we’re here for you. Count on our reliable connectivity to give you stronger, more meaningful connections as you start your dreams right at home.”

 

From sports to school work and more, fire up your family’s passion at home with fast and reliable internet connectivity by PLDT Home Fiber. Visit pldthome.com to know more about these amazing Fiber deals available for Plan 999 and up.

 

Apply for Fiber Unli All 1399 from May 1 to May 31, 2026 and enjoy free installation (save P3,600), free speedboost up to 200 Mbps, unli entertainment on Cignal, and a chance to win free Fiber Broadband for Life! Apply until June 30, 2026 to avail up to P41,000 off on Samsung TVs and other devices as an exclusive offer.

From Screen to Real Life: One Piece Lands in PH Malls with PLDT Home Promo

 The Great Pirate Era isn’t just streaming – it’s landing in real life. In the Philippines, the journey begins at select PLDT stores, complete with an exclusive one month free broadband promo when you apply for Fiber Netflix 1599

GMA actor Vince Maristela (center) joins content creators Klen Cos, Awie De Guzman, Cholo Tolentino, and Prince De Guzman (left to right) set sail as the Straw Hat crew, bringing the world of One Piece to life at the PLDT Store

 

With two successful seasons and a recently confirmed third one, One Piece on Netflix has transcended the screen. What started as a beloved manga and anime has become a global phenomenon, arriving just in time for summer, when the call to adventure feels impossible to ignore. The Great Pirate Era is here, and fans everywhere are answering it.

 

Across the world, One Piece has evolved into an “experience.” At the famed Netflix House Philadelphia, for instance, fans can step inside an escape room where teams of 6-12 race against time to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and find the hidden Devil Fruit through the show’s iconic locations.

 

If you’re dreaming of your own grand escape this summer – stepping onto the Going Merry or testing your mettle against the sea’s most notorious villains without having to fly to the States – you’re in luck. You can do all of that right in any of these real-life One Piece gimmicks and activations which are already making waves around the world.

 

For one, it’s no surprise that the birthplace of the series – Japan – offers the wildest experiences: from the towering life-sized statues in Kumamoto (the creator’s hometown) to the immersive Tokyo One Piece Tower (which long served as a pilgrimage site). Beyond these landmark installations, fans can also find themed cafes and pop-up events in Shibuya as if they’ve just walked into a panel of the manga.

Photo source: Klook

In Australia, the One Piece buzz has reached fever pitch with exclusive screenings and massive fan gatherings. Major cities have seen public installations that celebrate the show’s record-breaking viewership on Netflix. The One Plus Piece Cafe in Melbourne, for one, features a large-scale Tony Tony Chopper installation and series-themed memorabilia.

Photo source: One Plus Piece

 

But if all of that seems daunting – or downright expensive – you don’t need to cross the Red Line to join the adventure. Right here in the Philippines, home to one of the largest One Piece fandoms in the whole world, PLDT Home is transforming its physical stores into an immersive One Pieceexperience. It’s also the only telco in the country to bring this Netflix partnership to life.

 

Fans can head to select PLDT stores to see the world of the Grand Line come to life. For long-time readers of the manga and new fans of the Netflix live-action series alike, these store takeovers offer a chance to celebrate your fandom in real life.

And if you’re not yet a subscriber, you can also score a store and online exclusive deal! Apply for PLDT Fiber Netflix Plan 1599 (or Fiber Unli Plans 1699, 2099, and 2699) from March 15 to May 31, 2026, and set sail with ONE MONTH FREE BROADBAND (applied on your fourth month), a FREE Speed Boost, and FREE Installation with No Cash-Out to kick you off your journey the best way possible.

 

Visit the following locations for the experience:

 

● SM North EDSA

● SM Megamall

● SM Southmall

● SM Manila

● Ayala Fairview Terraces

● PLDT Jones

● SM Lipa

● SM Marilao

 

Stream One Piece: Into the Grand Line and enjoy more unli entertainment with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan – your all-in-one subscription for fast internet and premium entertainment. Apply today in-store or online atpldthome.com/one-piece-1MF and start your journey to becoming the King of the Pirates!

The New Diskarte: How Filipino Moms Are Using AI to Grow Their Businesses

Gemini Academy attendees gather around for a collaborative, hands-on activity. During the session, participants explored how to integrate various Google AI tools into their daily operations to elevate their local businesses.

For years, the conversation around empowering women has centered on one word: access. We talked about access to education, the internet, and the global marketplace. But as the world changes, so does the definition of being "connected."

Today, a new digital divide is emerging. It isn't just about who has an internet connection. It's about who knows how to use and maximize the digital tools at their disposal. As artificial intelligence (AI) begins to reshape how we work, learn, and grow our businesses, the goal is shifting.

It’s no longer enough just to be online. To truly thrive, women need the skills and confidence to lead in an AI-driven world.

Moving Beyond the Connection

Through a collaboration between PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) and Google, the second Gemini Academy for mompreneurs was recently held to bridge this gap. Building on last year’s introduction to AI, the program focused on practical use, showing participants how AI can support their businesses and help them stay competitive in a fast-changing digital landscape. It also encouraged women to become #maAIdiskartemom, embracing innovation by using AI tools.

While "AI" can sometimes sound like a complicated term reserved for tech experts, Gemini Academy is proving that these tools are actually for everyone. Most especially for mompreneurs who are balancing their family life and work, while looking to reach more customers. AI is a partner that helps get things done faster and more creatively.

Cheryl Maxine P. Loyola, AVP & Head, PLDT Home Marketing PR and Brand Advocacy 

“AI is no longer limited to large enterprises. It is for everyone, and we need to embrace it. Today, it goes beyond being a tool. It becomes a partner that helps you write product descriptions in seconds, respond to customers with confidence, create content, and support your day-to-day operations,” said Cheryl Maxine Loyola, AVP and Head of Public Relations and Brand Advocacy at PLDT Home.

“When you put tools like Gemini in the hands of women who are already 'madiskarte', you do more than improve productivity. You unlock potential.”

Tools for the Modern Filipina

The Gemini Academy has always focused on making technology approachable. It also recognizes the efforts of mompreneurs who have leveraged AI to grow their businesses, such as mom ambassadors Princess Alvarez of ISLA Everything Accessories and Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva of MP Nieva's Flower Shop. 

Princess successfully built a custom pricing calculator and business tracker from scratch with the help of Gemini. This gives her a real-time view of her business profitability without a technical background. Jenielyn also utilized Gemini to do deep research into bouquet trends and innovative "add-on" gift ideas. This keeps her up to date on the latest market trends, so she can consistently offer fresh gift ideas to customers.

These stories reflect a broader shift in how Filipino women are redefining entrepreneurship in the digital age.

Daphne Gripal Abello, Manager, PLDT Home Marketing PR and Brand Advocacy

 

“What we’re seeing today is a new kind of ‘diskarte’—one where Filipina entrepreneurs are not just adopting technology, but using AI to lead, innovate, and scale their businesses with confidence, and ultimately lead their own success story,” said Daphne Gripal Abello, Manager, PLDT Home Marketing PR and Brand Advocacy.

During this year’s Gemini Academy with PLDT Home’s MMPH, participants discovered how other innovative Google products can simplify their day-to-day business tasks, such as NotebookLM, which serves as their personal assistant, helping organize notes, understand complex documents, and brainstorm ideas. Music generator Lyria and AI image editor Nano Banana can open up new worlds of creativity, helping users explore music and media in ways once possible only with expensive equipment. While AI marketing tool Pomelli is designed to help streamline tasks and improve how they interact with digital information.

Through digital mastery, women are moving from learning the basics to dominating the digital space. They are now finding ways to automate information so they can focus on what they are passionate about

Participants proudly share their work following the hands-on activity. They demonstrated how quickly mompreneurs can supercharge their brands and craft compelling, professional stories using Google AI tools. 

Celebrating the "Diskarteng AI"

The mission doesn't stop at training. Empowerment also means recognition. During the program, it was announced that next year’s Gawad Madiskarte, the annual awards ceremony of PLDT Home’s MMPH that honors the grit and ingenuity of Filipina entrepreneurs, will include the Diskarteng Digital Award.

This category will honor women who have successfully integrated AI into their businesses, demonstrating that "diskarte" today is about more than just hard work—it's about being innovative and creative with the best available technology. 

Prep Palacios, Google Philippines Country Manager.

"The award will recognize the mompreneur who can best leverage AI to scale her business. We want to show that a modern Filipina entrepreneur is not just a participant, but a leader in the global digital landscape. This is our way of celebrating your growth and AI mindset," said Prep Palacios, Google Philippines Country Manager.

Why This Matters Now

If we don’t prioritize AI literacy for women today, we risk leaving them out of the most important economic conversations of tomorrow. Empowerment is about having a seat at the table, and in 2026, it’s all about maximizing digital potential.

By turning connectivity into capability, PLDT Home’s MMPH and Gemini Academy are ensuring that Filipino women aren't just spectators in the tech revolution. They are the ones leading it. It’s time to move beyond just getting online. It’s time to take charge.

To know more about PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH, join the Facebook community and follow the official page.

Filipina Moms Power 66% of Businesses—Scaling Still Out of Reach for Many

Filipina entrepreneurs—many of them mothers—are powering the Philippine economy, owning 66% of existing businesses and 62% of newly registered enterprises. Yet despite this outsized contribution, many women-led MSMEs struggle to scale due to limited access to capital, gaps in digital adoption, and the challenge of balancing business and family responsibilities.

Despite their strong presence, many women-led enterprises remain constrained—highlighting the need for more coordinated support systems to help them grow and scale sustainably.

At the recent 4th Gawad Madiskarte, leaders from government and development organizations emphasized a clear call: resilience alone is not enough. Filipina entrepreneurs need stronger institutional support to scale.

Mayor Joy Belmonte of the Quezon City Government 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted the role of local governments in helping entrepreneurs transition from informal ventures into scalable enterprises. Programs like “Pangkabuhayang QC” provide capital assistance and mentorship to support business formalization and growth.

“Our goal is to guide entrepreneurs as they grow into formal enterprises that can create more opportunities,” Belmonte said, adding that support systems such as accessible childcare services are equally critical in enabling mothers to focus on innovation and expansion.

UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina

Echoing this call, UN Women Philippines Country ProgrammeCoordinator Rosalyn Mesina described investing in women entrepreneurs as a “smart macroeconomic strategy,” noting that many remain underserved despite their significant presence in the MSME sector.

“Women entrepreneurs must not only be supported, they must be seen, recognized, and protected within the system,” Mesina said, calling for gender-responsive policies and stronger leadership commitment.

Meanwhile, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla pointed to digital inclusion as a critical growth driver. Programs such as Elevate AIDA are already equipping women with skills in artificial intelligence and data annotation, opening up new income opportunities, particularly for those working from home.

Marking its fifth year, PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)—now one of the largest mompreneur communities in the Philippines with over 228,000 members—is strengthening its role as a key enabler of growth, supporting women from startup to scale through training, mentorship, and community.

Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer

“At its core, entrepreneurship goes beyond hitting sales targets. It is about building a strong support system that empowers entrepreneurs to sustain growth, overcome challenges, and scale with confidence, so they can better serve Filipino communities and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of PLDT.

Through training, mentorship, and peer support, MMPH helps women launch and grow their businesses. The platform also spotlights success stories through its annual Gawad Madiskarteawards, recognizing outstanding mompreneurs across different stages of business.

From home kitchens to online marketplaces, Filipina mompreneurs continue to turn small spaces into thriving enterprises— uplifting families and communities along the way.

But unlocking the full potential of women-led MSMEs will require more than resilience. It will take coordinated action across government, private sector, and communities to ensure these businesses not only survive, but scale.

As MMPH enters its fifth year, the message is clear: investing in the Filipina entrepreneur is not just a social good. It is an economic imperative.