APAC 5G Industry Forum: 5G Inspiring new value accelerate Industry 4.0

APAC 5G Industry Forum (5GIF) held virtually online on Thursday with the theme “5G Inspiring new value accelerate Industry 4.0”, urged for ecosystem cooperation and joint innovation to support industry digitalization.

 

The Forum, co-hosted by Huawei Technologies, registered over 800 participants from over 30 countries representing governments, telecom operators, academia, ICT and other vertical industry players from the Asia Pacific region.

 

The Forum invited technology partners and industry business owners to share and explore on how a sustainable 5G partner ecosystem could be developed to create higher contribution and businesses in the Asia Pacific region. Speakers of the Forum came from different industries and countries from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

  

5G will revolutionize the global economy and to shape business growth, and commercial and digital service acceleration. “But there still have many challenges to overcome, 5G requires not only innovators, but also brave practitioners to drive the development. In Thailand, Siriraj Hospital is a good example, they are facing many difficulties to transform traditional processes, but the hospital has finally started to use 5G services for remote patient monitoring, connected ambulances, and unmanned medicine vehicles to provide higher quality of medication service to their patients,” said Dennis Xiao, President of Huawei Technologies Asia Pacific Region in the opening remarks.

 

Mr. Dustin Kehoe，APAC & ME Service Director of Global Data, mentioned in the Forum that more than 15,000 ASEAN enterprises are spending over $246 billion for current ICT transformation, industries are starting to use 5G in manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, and other campus-based networks. ASEAN countries are very committed to enlarge industrial manpower through variety skill-sets and technologies talent training. 

 "5GtoB will bring great benefit to the global economy and Huawei proposes a 1+N 5G target network to fulfill the requirements of video backhaul, machine vision, remote control and real-time positioning,” said Daisy Zhu, Vice President of Wireless Marketing at Huawei. She then shared several examples of automation in manufacturing, airports and shipping ports highlighting 5G’s role in providing greater bandwidth, lower latency and positioning.

 

The Forum covered two discussion panels, panelists from university, consultants, government, and telecom operators had come up a common views for the industry standards, public policies and regulation with economic benefits to capitalize on creating growth, improving quality and maximizing efficiencies in product lines.

 

The 2^nd panel session discussed on the challenges and opportunities of 5G eco-systems cooperation. Huawei and operators have already established lots of IoT based partnership cooperation framework in the past a few years, which can help to build a faster local ecosystem. The next going forward is to explore more possible business use cases to create new commercial value, together with innovators, start-ups, and solutions providers to offer 5G enabled vertical industry solutions to accelerate industry digitalization.    

 

The rapid deployment of 5G across Asia Pacific has paved the way for new innovations in vertical industries. Continued ICT investment and cooperation will better serve the businesses of the region, accelerate industry digital transformation, and develop the local partner ecosystems necessary for inspiring new value and accelerating industry 4.0.

¹ For more information, please refer to the GSMA APAC Digital Societies Report 2020   https://www.gsma.com/asia-pacific/resources/apac-digital-societies-2020/

UNIQLO celebrates its 9th anniversary in the PH with special offers and promos

Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, is celebrating its ninth anniversary in the Philippines with special offers and promotions as a way to thank its loyal customers. 

 

UNIQLO opened its first retail location in the Philippines in June 2012, with a 1,550 square meter floor space at the SM Mall of Asia. Since then, the Japanese retailer has expanded its presence in the country to 65 stores nationwide and launched its online store to offer the complete range of LifeWear to more Filipinos.

“Since our launch in 2012, we have been very grateful for the warm welcome that we received from everyone. As we mark another milestone in the country, we want to say ‘Salamat, Pilipinas’ to our loyal customers for making LifeWear as their everyday clothing through our exclusive offers and promotions,” says Masayoshi Nakamura, Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO Philippines.

 

To celebrate this special occasion, UNIQLO will reward its customers with novelty items and exclusive offers:

 

NOVELTY ITEMS

For every Php 3,000 worth of purchase from any UNIQLO store and online, customers will get one (1) free pack of gray AIRism Mask. They are available from small to large sizes for physical stores and medium for its online store. Customers must have their UNIQLO App Membership ID scanned at the store to claim. The promo is valid from May 28 to May 30, 2021 only.

LIMITED OFFERS

Customers may avail of exclusive prices when they purchase the following items

Men’s and Women’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This t-shirt is made with 100% cotton to make it soft and comfortable. The cuffs and hem are made with an advanced mechanism called blind hem stitching for added comfort.

Now available at Php 390.00 from of Php 590.00

Men’s Packaged Dry Color Crew Neck and V Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirts

The quick drying technology makes these shirts comfortable to wear, even after sweating. They can be worn as an inner wear thanks to its neckline and fit, but can be used on its own with its wide range of colors.

Now available at Php 245.00 for Php 290.00

 

Men’s Stretch Slim Fit Shorts

The sleek slim-fit cut and compact cotton twill material enhances any ensemble, while the added stretch gives it a laid-back feel.

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

 

 

Women’s Ultra Stretch Cropped Leggings Pants

The satisfying fit of the Ultra Stretch fabric and flattering cut allow wearers to move freely throughout the day. DRY technology promises all-day freshness.  

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

 

Women’s U AIRism Cotton A Line Short Sleeve Long Dress

AIRism technology makes this cotton dress lightweight and breathable. The A-line fit is sleek on top and gradually flares towards the hem, flattering the figure.

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

 

UNIQLO FLAGSHIP STORE EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONS

For a minimum purchase of Php 2,500 at the UNIQLO Manila global Flagship Store at Glorietta 5, customers will receive one (1) stamp card with rewards from partner merchants. Each card entitles customers to a free one-week trial pass at Anytime Fitness and a waived joining fee if they enroll at the Glorietta 5 branch, a buy 1 take 1 promo of the Cold White Brew at Bo’s Coffee, and Php 200 off for the Fully Booked discount card. The promo is valid at branches located in Glorietta Mall.

 

Once they complete their stamp cards, they are qualified to receive an exclusive UNIQLO Manila tote bag.

 

Customers may claim their cards and rewards from May 14 to 27, 2021. They must show their stamp card and the UNIQLO receipt when redeeming at partner merchants. Customers will receive their tote bag upon presenting the completed stamp card from May 28 to August 3, 2021 at the Flagship Store.

 

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph and download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store or Apple Store.

 

Follow UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

Get all your vitamins from Watsons where wellness is just a tap or a click away

One of the changes that has taken place in this pandemic is that we have learned to appreciate healthy home-cooked meals. However, grocery trips due to quarantines and lockdowns make good nutrition difficult. While we're supposed to get all the nutrients we need from food, taking vitamins and minerals is the best option in these times.

Watsons makes vitamins and minerals accessible to Filipinos in their 800+ stores nationwide and through their online channels. Even during lockdowns and quarantines, most Watsons branches are open to serve consumers. Shop now at any of Watsons 800+ stores nationwide (https://www.watsons.com.ph/store-finder), online via (https://www.watsons.com.ph) or mobile app (http://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp) or via call & delivery service (https://www.watsons.com.ph/call-and-delivery-list-of-stores).

So what are the essentials when it comes to vitamins and minerals?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C may lower the risk for some cancers, including those of the mouth, esophagus and breast. Berocca is a formula that includes Vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and many more.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that neutralizes unstable molecules that can damage cells. Get your Vitamin E from Myra E and Watsons Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Glutathione Effervescent Tablets.

Meanwhile, Vitamin D helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen bones. Propan Fit contains Korean Ginseng, Vitamins A, D, C and E and many others. It also helps fight mental and physical fatigue and improves immunity.

Zinc is needed for the immune system, senses of taste and smell and wound healing. Low levels of zinc can increase the risk of infections, such as pneumonia, and also plays a role in maintaining healthy skin. Conzace has the highest levels of Zinc, Vitamins A, C and E for immunity and healthy hair and skin.

Good hygiene and self-care are important in achieving optimal wellness. Senka Perfect White Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clean without being stripped of moisture while Gyne Pro Ultra Protection Feminine Wash gives you extra protection. Take care of your teeth and gums with Oral B Cross Action Indicator Toothbrush and Listerine Total Care All-In-One Mouthwash.

Those with existing liver problems can take Essentiale Forte, which is clinically proven to strengthen liver health by promoting the repairing function and regeneration of liver cells.

Get all your vitamins from Watsons, where wellness is just a tap or a click away. It's never too late or too early to start taking care of yourself to look good feel great. Taking vitamins is that extra step you need to be healthy, especially in this pandemic!

When you shop, use your Watsons Card to earn points. For more updates, you can also follow Watsons' social media pages on Facebook and Instagram at @watsonsph.

Join in the fun of The Hangout by engaging with the Smart Barkada live!

Here’s your chance to interact with your favorite Barkada at the ‘Smart Barkada Hangout’ live on Kumu and Smart’s official Facebook account on May 27, Thursday at 8 p.m.

Catch Donny and Hannah Pangilinan, Jayda Avanzado, Michael Pacquiao, AC Bonifacio, and Inigo Pascual as they share their passions and stories on how they cultivate their love for music, dance, and inspire others to do the same. The Hangout will also feature collab performances that you shouldn't miss!

 Join in the fun of The Hangout by engaging with the Smart Barkada live - send in your questions, comments, and share your experiences in real-time. 

Enjoy Double GIGA Stories, now with Kumu

Like the Smart Barkada, you can keep sharing your passions and stories with Double GIGA Stories for twice bigger and twice better data. For only Php 99, you can enjoy 2 GB per day for IG, FB, TikTok, Twitter, and Kumu, plus data for all sites, valid for 7 days.

Smart’s Double GIGA offers are also available for GIGA Video, GIGA Games, GIGA Work, and GIGA Study - covering all your passions and pursuits in life.

Register to Smart Double GIGA Stories on the GigaLife App, which is downloadable on Google Play Store,  Apple App Store and Huawei Mobile Services. You can also register to Double GIGA Stories by dialing *123# and choosing Double GIGA.

Philippines' fastest mobile data network 

Double GIGA offers are powered by Smart, the country’s fastest mobile data network as reported by third-party mobile internet analytics firm Ookla® and Opensignal.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, named Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 24.99, with average speeds of 20.08 Mbps for download, and 7.42 Mbps for upload, based on 3,915,679 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®.  Ookla has also cited Smart as the country's fastest mobile data network for three years in a row now.  

On the other hand, Smart has scored a rare sweep in the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards by independent analytics firm Opensignal, beating the competition across all metrics in three essential aspects of service: Coverage (4G Coverage Experience, 4G Availability), Speed (Download and Upload Speed) and Experience (Games, Video and Voice App).

Smart also enables subscribers to enjoy their favorite content seamlessly with Smart 5G, the fastest 5G network in the Philippines by Ookla. Based on consumer-initiated tests taken using Speedtest® by Ookla, Smart has consistently posted the fastest 5G speeds for Q1 2021, with median download speeds of 190 Mbps – more than double the competition's speeds for the same period.  

For updates on Smart's products and services, follow Smart’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Domuschola International School’s DIStance learning program includes “well-being sessions” for the students and their families

The past year has been quite a challenge for students and educators alike. With the world suddenly being locked down amid a global pandemic, the shift to an online learning arrangement has presented quite a number of hurdles that, fortunately, the most passionate educators were able to jump through.

 

International-calibre educators from Domuschola International School (DIS) enumerate the lessons they have learned from the transition and how it has broadened the scope of modern education.

Source:Domuschola International School’s DIStance learning program comes with the added benefit of care and compassion for the entire family, helping learners and parents alike navigate the pandemic-influenced landscape.

Prioritizing Well-Being

The stresses of the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns created a new layer of uncertainty that affected not only the students but also their parents as well. With that, modern e-Learning now also includes “well-being sessions” for the students and their families.

 

“It’s partly educational and partly therapeutic,” said Mark Francisco, Head of Guidance at DIS.  “Mental health is a huge part of learning. Students and families with such struggles will have a much harder time to learn. Taking away some of those strains and struggles ensure that what we teach to the students are retained well,” Francisco continued.

 

These well-being sessions are composed mostly of collaborative activities and events which involve check-ins and conversations that help gauge general feelings. They enable meaningful connections and find ways to make learning fun and engaging for all.

 

Less Is More

A whole school year’s worth of online classes revealed that students have a tougher time focusing on their lessons in a remote education setting. So, apart from encouraging families to eliminate distractions, the teachers have also adjusted their respective curricula to be more focused and concise.

 

“Through the past year we have adjusted our lessons to fill the gaps in learning to make sure that no student is left behind,” Jourdan Gan, DIS’ Head of School, said. “With more concise lessons, we can maximize the time in which the students are engaged and lessen opportunities for distraction,” Gan added.

 

Beyond ‘Zoom’

The Zoom Meeting app has become the most popular video conferencing program enabling work- and learn-from-home arrangements during the pandemic. Despite its popularity however, video conferencing platforms do have their limitations. Educators have identified many other applications that they can use to enhance the learning experience through extensive research of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and applying it into the real world.

 

Flip Grid, a social media education app, which has made doing school exercises and reports easier; Pinterest has become a good way to provide inspiration for creative activities; and Google Classroom allows for easier sharing of files between students and teachers. It is this sort of diversified approach to learning that personifies and embodies the International Baccalaureate program, which is being taught to students as young as the primary level -- a milestone for international schools in the Philippines.

 

The Real Power of Learning

The pre-pandemic notion of learning was always viewed as a service; schools were service providers and parents/students are the customers. According to Bambi R. Fernandez de Castro, Head of Administration of DIS, the paradigm has drastically shifted and education is now more partnership-oriented. “The schools, families, and students now have a deeper grasp of the challenges that each party faces,” Fernandez de Castro clarified. “Inclusive and thoughtful education as in the Enhanced Learning program goes beyond the four walls of the classroom, and takes stock of what needs to be addressed before barrelling forward,” they further explained. “This helps all three stakeholders, the schools, the families, and the students, build a space for learning that is tailored to their needs and capabilities.”

 

All parties use this space to learn important lessons that help them navigate a pandemic-influenced landscape.

 

Prepared for Anything

On the operational side, if there is anything that educators learned from dealing with the pandemic, it’s to be prepared for any eventuality. “Preparation was key in making the transition to online learning relatively painless,” Fernandez de Castro continued. “When the first lockdown was initiated, it was fortuitously close to the end of the school year, so we had time to anticipate how things may change in the coming year,” she further explained.

 

Fernandez de Castro added that, while there were no definite answers back then, they knew that they had to ensure that their ICT facilities were in good shape, especially in terms of data security and privacy. Another major consideration for DIS was the health and safety of the staff, teaching or otherwise, as well as their continued upskilling. It is this kind of readiness that makes DIS confident that they are ready for almost any eventuality.

 

“More than just skills however, what makes the DIStance Learning Program a success is the positive attitudes of the teachers when we shifted to online learning,” she emphasized. “The wellspring of care and compassion that they have drawn from in order to accomodate the trials and challenges of these uncertain times is truly inspiring, and what we as educators feel is the real differentiator of this program as compared to other learning arrangements..”

Get P500 OFF with BISTRO DELIVERS!

Want to order from The Bistro Group of Restaurants in the comfort of your room? There are wide food choices, easy to access, effortless payment process- all these in one app just download Bistro Delivers! 

 And now, it’s on Gcash too so it became even more convenient! Plus! Gcash subscribers are entitled to P500 off with a minimum purchase of P1,500 when they input the promo code TGBLIFE500. Offer is good until June 9, 2021.

Simply access Glife inside your Gcash account to place your order.  Voila!  It’s that simple! 

Take your pick from the following The Bistro Group and Bistronomia restaurant concepts:  TGIFridays, Italianni’s, Denny’s, Bulgogi Brothers, Watami, Texas Rodhouse, Modern Shanghai, Hard Rock Café Manila,  Red Lobster Fish & Co, El Pollo Loco,  The Test Kitchen, Las Flores, Tomatito, BCN and Rambla.   So think burgers, pastas, steaks, sushi’s, paella, dim sum and everything in between.

 

Bistro Delivers can be downloaded in the Play Store/Google Play bit.ly/BistroDeliversAndroid and App Store bit.ly/BistroDeliversIOS

 

NutriAsia made Mother’s Day more special by distributing gift packs to moms residing in Quezon City

NutriAsia, the leading manufacturer and distributor of condiments and sauces in the Philippines, made Mother’s Day more special by distributing gift packs to moms residing in Quezon City.

Underprivileged mothers from across six districts in Quezon City were able to receive gift packs containing various NutriAsia products, allowing them to make the holiday more Masarap, Masaya with their favorite dishes. 

“Along with NutriAsia, we would like to celebrate the love and sacrifices that mothers give and make for their families every day. However, we also recognize that not everyone is fortunate enough to celebrate the holiday in the way that they’d like, especially with the challenges of this pandemic. So this year, through our gift packs, we want as many Filipinos as possible to enjoy this special day with the food that makes them the happiest,” said James Lim, Corporate Marketing and Communications Head of NutriAsia.

Treat your mom or your family to a special home-cooked Masarap, Masaya meal, no matter the occasion by visiting https://nutriasia.com/recipe/ or following NutriAsia on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NutriAsia.Inc for a wide range of recipe ideas!

Keep an easy-to-access record of your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, sleep quality, step count with HUAWEI Health App

The latest HUAWEI Band 6 (PHP 2,599) is a great choice for fitness. It boasts the latest features that fitness enthusiasts require - FullView display, two-week large battery life, all-day SPO2 monitoring, health and sports management, and more. It is the best fitness tracker that enables you to track your workout routines and even your rest time. 

 

And here is how you can maximize the HUAWEI Band 6 of course with the help of the HUAWEI Health App. 

If you are an Android or iOS smartphone user, HUAWEI Health App could be your new favorite fitness tracking app.

 

It is your go-to, integrated health and fitness companion. Whether you want to kick-start your fitness life, keep track of your health, or conveniently manage your smart wearable devices, HUAWEI Health App has what you are going for. With this app, you can keep your data private, or share it for tracking, it's up to you. The latest in health and fitness technology, made simple, secure, and easy to use.

 

HUAWEI Health App records your activity in over 100 different sports using your HUAWEI Band 6, from beginner to advanced levels. See your workout data clearly every step of the way, so you can be sure you are reaching your goals. 

 

The Running Guide maps out your route as you’re running it, displaying key information to keep you on target. 

 

The HUAWEI Health App also gives a new view on Health and this is very essential now more than ever. 

See your health status in detail with HUAWEI Health App’s health stats. With this feature, you can keep an easy-to-access record of your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, sleep quality, step count, and more. All your data is shown in clear, dynamic graphs to always keep you informed, easily, and quickly.

 

Your control center for living smart, HUAWEI Health App lets you manage your music, plus download and manage the apps on your HUAWEI Band 6. And link up with other, non-wearable devices, such as heart rate monitors and HUAWEI Scale 3, to truly feel the benefits of a well-connected life.

 

Start living in sync with Huawei. Get HUAWEI Band 6 worth PHP 2,599 and use it with the very reliable HUAWEI Health App.

 

Download Huawei Health App by scanning the QR below:

 

 

Recreate: Join Daphne Oseña-Paez as she breathes life into the inspiring stories of local artists

Ms. Daphne Osena-Paez hosts the new show on Cignal TV entitled Recreate, premiered last May 22, 2021. 

A lifestyle-oriented public affairs show, Recreate features artists from different fields as well as creative structures and spaces. Recreate will show how master innovators are able to persevere in their work despite the challenging circumstances brought on by the global health crisis.

 “We've had some time to think about how the pandemic has impacted our lives. We've all been affected and transformed somehow. I'm looking forward to telling the stories of how some artists, creators, and thinkers have used their talents and interests to adapt to the current and future situation. We called the show Recreate to capture the spirit of the creativity that drives people, communities, and places to adapt to change. I'm very excited about this new show,” Oseña-Paez says.

The first episode revolved around a family of artisans from the furniture industry and how they were able to continue coming up with astonishingly carved pieces. Based in Betis, Pampanga, the family is known for their carpentry and wood carvings, and are also expanding their services while being faithful to the work they were originally known for. Recreate will also showcase on its second episode the comeback of a once grandiose national theater, which will now be opening its doors in the near future, welcoming and adapting to the changes of the new era, as well. The show will be the first TV program to have an in-depth tour and feature of the said national theater. 

 

Viewers will expect to see success stories of other interesting personalities in the next episodes. In the lineup are the stories of a multi-awarded architect known for designing luxurious homes in upscale communities in the Philippines, a director who mounted a hit web-series shot purely from the actors’ homes; a licensed environmental planner and landscape architect that promotes parks and open spaces; among other stories—Recreate will be an avenue that these artisans will be able to inspire people to be as creative as they want to be.

 

As Recreate will show, embracing change is the way to move forward in the new normal. Join Daphne Oseña-Paez as she breathes life into the inspiring stories of local artists. Be a witness to how works of art could serve as powerful reminders of the beautiful possibilities the world can still experience on Recreate. It airs every Saturday at 6:30PM exclusively on One News Channel (Cignal TV CH 250 HD and CH 8 SD).

Catch BTS’ debut performance of “Butter” and more, live at 2021 Billboard Music Awards

Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is giving Filipino music fans and K-pop stans a big treat as it brings the 2021 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) to subscribers in an exclusive livestream on the gigafest.smart portal on May 24, 8AM (Philippine Time).  

Headlining the prestigious awards show at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles are global sensation and Smart Prepaid ambassadors BTS, who are set to perform the television debut of their brand-new English-language single “Butter.”   

Joining BTS in taking the stage are The Weeknd, DJ Khaled, H.E.R., Migos, twenty one pilots, and Duran Duran. International megastar Drake will be receiving the Artist of the Decade Award, while legendary artist P!NK will be performing and receiving the distinguished ICON Award. 

Stream the BBMAs live via gigafest.smart  

No matter where you are, you can catch the 2021 BBMAs live and on demand on your Smart-powered device. If you are a Smart Prepaid subscriber, simply turn on your mobile data and visit gigafest.smart on your browser to watch the show.    

For the best streaming experience, you can register to Double GIGA Video 99, which gives you 2 GB data every day for YouTube, Cignal, iWant, and NBA League Pass plus 2 GB of open access data, valid for 7 days. To register, just choose Double GIGA Video on the GigaLife App, or dial *123# on your smartphone.

Smart Postpaid subscribers can also stream the show seamlessly on gigafest.smart. 

 

Philippines' fastest mobile data network  

Music fans and K-pop stans can get the best streaming experience with Smart, the country’s fastest mobile data network as reported by third-party mobile internet analytics firms such as Ookla® and Opensignal.  

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, named Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 24.99, with average speeds of 20.08 Mbps for download, and 7.42 Mbps for upload, based on 3,915,679 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®.  Ookla has also cited Smart as the country's fastest mobile data network for three years in a row now.

On the other hand, Smart has scored a rare sweep in the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards* by independent analytics firm Opensignal, beating the competition across all metrics in three essential aspects of service: Coverage (4G Coverage Experience, 4G Availability), Speed (Download and Upload Speed) and Experience (Games, Video and Voice App). This is the first time an operator in the Philippines won decisively in all categories.  

 

Smart also enables subscribers to enjoy their favorite content seamlessly with Smart 5G, the fastest 5G network in the Philippines by Ookla. Based on consumer-initiated tests taken using Speedtest® by Ookla, Smart has consistently posted the fastest 5G speeds for Q1 2021, with median download speeds of 190 Mbps – more than double the competition's speeds for the same period.  

 

For updates on Smart's products and services, follow Smart’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 

*Opensignal Awards – Philippines: Mobile Network Experience Report April 2021, based on independent analysis of mobile measurements recorded during the period January 1 – March 31, 2021 © 2021 Opensignal Limited.  

Falling In Love with "INN Love the Series”

There are still so many beautiful boy’s love stories waiting to be told and shared and fortunately for us, one fine BL drama airing this merry month of May is INN LOVE. The Series. 

 

Rodel J. Mercado directs. Script by MJ Diaz. First BL offering of Frontline Production Inc. and FLP Artist Management, INN LOVE The Series is a peek into an inclusive world where BL aficionados and the audiences will experience an authentic concept of love which will surely resonate to their emotions, eliciting delight kilig and good vibes and pulling the heart strings.. 

 

The latest BL romance presents the story of VJ Mendoza who plays Gino, a scriptwriter for an upcoming digital campaign who visits TK Resort for a much needed inspiration and summoning of his creative muses. 

In the resort, he crosses path with Migo de Vera, who portrays Alex, a freelance model who is in it as well to  to escape mend his broken heart. What happens to Gino and Alex, the paths they want to follow and are forced to follow and how from strangers to friends and to being in a different kind of love, its blooming and blossoming are the highlights of this fresh BL series.

 

Mendoza on Gino: “He is a writer for an ad agency who finds himself having writers block so he decides to go to a resort so he can concentrate on writing,”

 

He adds:“Embracing him is  easy because I believe that, everyone should be allowed to love anyone and everyone and not deal with the idea of suppressing it because of societal expectations and constraints. For me, love is such a powerful force that confinement is impossible. The only way through is by embracing it. I also believe that like gender, love is also a construct. So, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to choosing who and how you love.

 

“Alex is a tough looking guy who works as a freelance model who went to the resort to reflect, deal with a terrible break-up, and figure out what to do next,” De Vera talks about his role. “What I love about being him is  is the manner he discovered the true meaning of self-love and acceptance.”

 

“For me, love is the most magical thing,” he carries on. “It always wins and if I have enough courage to trust love, then I will be able to trust life and receive my natural birthright of joy. Love has no timelines, expectations, or requirements. We should be able to love freely whoever we want.”

 

Introducing cast members are Niel Lariosa (Derrick, who is secretly attracted to Gino), Rey Correjado (Louise, TK Resort manager who admires Alex) and Anna Escobia (Leslie, Gino’s girl bestfriend).

 

Completing the cast are Pauline Almero (Kelly), Aaron Caringal (Nip), Daven Noveno (Cole), JC Legaspi (Drew), Micah Guevarra  (Jesse) and   Mitch Dayupat as Ms. Maya – Creative Director of Advertising Agency, boss of Gino.

 

In conclusion, Director Rodel Mercado declares: “We want our viewers to relish on the deliciousness of loving freely with no strings attached in contrast to self-torture brought by labeling one’s feelings as wrong or fearing of being judged. Each existing community is unique and perfect given all of its imperfections. Only when disallowance of other’s choices like having relationship with same sex begets a problem. Inn Love, The Series prays and wishes that aside from the BL drama supporters, the general public will have an open mind and heart or a curiosity to see beyond the external facade in order to discover the “being” behind it, the soul trying to express itself in hysical form.” 

 

Media partners are Village Pipol Magazine and Mulat Media.

 

Pictorial Team are Creative Director: Rodel Mercado Photographer: Mark Rean Ramos Stylist: Joseph Palma Suit by: Jovan Dela Cruz Designer: Joseph Palma & Elsie Delos Reyes HMUA : Carl Siocon Studio: Village Pipol.

 

Inn Love The Series premiere is slated on MAY 29, 2021 8:00pm,and every Saturday night, at FLP YOUTUBE Channel and at MULAT Streaming Digital Media.