PLDT Home boosts work-from-home connectivity with Free Installation, Speedboosts and More

 As rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures prompt a nationwide re-evaluation of daily commutes, PLDT Home is committed to supporting the Filipino workforce. PLDT Home is waiving installation fees and has executed timely speed boosts to make the transition to remote work seamless and cost-effective. 

The initiative reinforces the government’s call for the private sector to adopt flexible work schemes as a strategic response to ongoing global economic volatility. By empowering remote and home-based work setups, PLDT Home aims to strengthen Filipinos’ daily productivity and income opportunities while keeping the family together during these challenging times. 

"Filipinos are among the most resilient people in the world, and we want to make it easier for them to navigate today’s challenges, especially amid ongoing global uncertainties. This is why we continue to enhance our fiber products and services to better support the daily digital needs of the Filipino workforce,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer.

 

The "Work-From-Home" Economic Shield

As commuters report record-high transportation spending, the private sector is rapidly pivoting toward flexible work arrangements. To lower the cost of digital adoption for remote work, PLDT Home rolls out a comprehensive suite of upgrades for both new and existing PLDT Home subscribers. 

 

Jimenez added, “Families need a reliable fiber connection to work from home, stay productive and connected to what matters most.”

New subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1299 and above will enjoy a free speed boost of up to 2x faster for six months, ensuring ample bandwidth for high-definition video conferencing and heavy cloud-based work. To also help ease their financial burden, PLDT Home is waiving the ₱3,600 installation fee. 

 

Those switching services to PLDT Home will also receive a free Always On modem for six months. This hybrid fiber-LTE device ensures uninterrupted service by automatically switching to a wireless LTE connection during fiber outages, a critical safeguard especially for remote professionals and freelancers. 

 

PLDT Home also boosts its services with value-added perks to support work and lifestyle needs at home with free unlimited entertainment via Cignal, free IGV Game Pass for 1 year, and exclusive huge discounts on Samsung home products. 

 

Flexible Prepaid Internet with Faster Speeds

For households that need budget-friendly and flexible options without long-term contracts, PLDT Home has enhanced its Fiber Prepaid services. 

 

PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid users can enjoy significantly faster speeds suitable for both work and entertainment at home, as new load packages are now available at 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps. To further ease financial burden, PLDT Home expands its load packages with 1-day, 7-day, 15-day, 30-day, and up to 365-day load options. Fiber Prepaid users can now load for as low as P19.17/day for a 365-day package with speeds of up to 50 Mbps. 

 

As households adapt to evolving economic conditions, PLDT Home strengthens its commitment to delivering reliable, flexible, and future-ready connectivity to empower Filipinos’ productivity and resilience at home.

 

For more details on these WFH-ready offers, visit www.pldthome.com.

POP MART’s “Twinkle Twinkle Sweet Pop Gelato” Drops on Lazada

 Lazada is bringing a sweeter shopping moment to collectors with the “Twinkle Twinkle Sweet Pop Gelato” collection by POP MART, available via the POP MART Official Store on the platform across Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines from 10AM (GMT+8), April 17. The new collection will be launched with a range of exclusive vouchers, limited-edition gifts, and collector rewards designed to elevate the experience for fans.

The launch builds on strong momentum for POP MART on Lazada, where the brand recorded double year-on-year Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) growth and a threefold increase in orders during Lazada’s recent birthday mega campaign. Globally, POP MART’s new intellectual property (IP) Twinkle Twinkle, introduced in mid-2024, has rapidly become a core franchise, generating approximately US$301 million in revenue in 2025, an increase of more than 17x year-on-year. In Southeast Asia, revenue for the IP grew more than fivefold, underscoring its strong and growing appeal in the region.

New collection to launch on Lazada with exclusive vouchers, gifts and limited-time rewards

 The “Twinkle Twinkle Sweet Pop Gelato” collection will be available on Lazada via the POP MART Official Store across Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines starting April 17. 

To mark the launch, shoppers can enjoy exclusive vouchers, free gifts with purchase while stocks last, and tiered rewards that include limited-time collectible merchandise and special set bonuses, with additional mechanics tailored to each market. 

In the Philippines, collectors can unlock savings with a PHP200voucher on a minimum spend of PHP3,000 and PHP480 off with a minimum spend of PHP6,000. Additionally, the first 300 orders will also come with a complimentary transforming face pen, while additional rewards are available at other spend tiers, including a PU Badge with a minimum spend of PHP2,000(only 500 pieces available) and a Bow Tie + Aromatherapy Disc duo with a minimum spend of PHP4,000 (only 100 pieces available). 

Shoppers who spend at least PHP8,999 at this time will also geta chance to take home a Hand-in-Heart Bag (only 10 pieces available), adding an extra layer of excitement for dedicated collectors. With limited quantities available for selected items and gifts, the launch is expected to draw strong interest from both new buyers and existing collectors looking to secure pieces from the latest series.

Enabling faster access to new POPMART collections while enhancing collector experience

Through its partnership with POP MART, Lazada has been expanding access to new IP releases for collectors across Southeast Asia, helping to bring global launches closer to local fans. By housing POP MART’s official store on the platform, Lazada also provides a trusted destination for authentic products, an important consideration in a category where exclusivity and originality are key.

Since last year, Lazada further upgraded its logistics services for collectors in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam to deliver a faster and more seamless experience. Orders from the POP MART Official Store are now shipped within 48 hours and can arrive in as fast as two days, with optimized logistics also lowering shipping costs and making premium art toys more accessible to collectors in the region.

The continued success of POP MART on Lazada highlights a broader shift in Southeast Asia’s eCommerce landscape, where shopping is increasingly driven by interest, identity, and experience. Through collaborations like this, Lazada aims to support that shift by creating more moments of discovery and connection for consumers, while helping brands bring their latest collections to market in ways that are both accessible and engaging.

CCIP and IPO Philippines renew partnership and expand IP support for members.

 The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) recently held a productive courtesy call with officials of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO Philippines) to reaffirm their collaboration and strengthen initiatives supporting intellectual property (IP) protection, enforcement, and industry engagement.

The meeting was attended by IPO Philippines Acting Director General Atty. Nathaniel S. Arevalo, along with Director Jarvis and Atty. Pangilinan, Director for Legal Affairs and Enforcement. CCIP representatives discussed ongoing and future areas of cooperation that directly benefit CCIP members across the country.

(L-R) CCIP intellectual property rights specialist III Clara Patricia C. Vizconde; chairman of trade and industry affairs committee Maricar O. Lopez; and director IV Atty. Christine V. Pangilinan-Canlapan; with IPO Philippines bureau of legal affairs and supervising acting director general Atty. Nathaniel S. Arevalo; CCIP president Dr. Janina G. Tan; chairman of government and regulatory affairs committee John Robinson T. Uy; secretariat Melissa Vendiola; and documentation, information and technology transfer bureau Atty. Ralph Jarvis H. Alindogan Director IV

A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IPO Philippines and CCIP, originally signed in 2023 and set to expire this year. The renewal reinforces a shared commitment to safeguarding innovation, trademarks, and brand equity within the Philippine cosmetics and personal care industry.

IPO Philippines also confirmed its invitation to CCIP to participate in the Gawad Awards scheduled in April, strengthening institutional engagement and recognition of intellectual property excellence.

During the meeting, Director Jarvis introduced the Women in IPO initiative, with plans to coordinate closely with CCIP and explore collaboration at the ASEAN level, underscoring both organizations’ support for women leadership and regional cooperation in intellectual property.

To further enhance member education and access, IPO Philippines agreed to conduct another exclusive seminar at the IPO office for CCIP members, with the proposed topic focusing on IPO enforcement and the handling of IP complaints. The seminar date and final topic details will be announced jointly.

Atty. Pangilinan emphasized that CCIP members may directly coordinate with her office for assistance on intellectual property complaints and enforcement concerns. Specific trademark issues raised during the meeting—including those affecting CCIP Board of Trustees members—were acknowledged, with IPO Philippines expressing readiness to provide guidance and support.

The discussion also covered regional engagement, with IPO Philippines confirming availability to support CCIP activities in Cebu and Davao, including participation in MOU signings and serving as resource speakers.

In addition, potential collaboration with e-commerce platforms was explored through IPO Philippines’ existing connections, with opportunities to coordinate further and pursue a courtesy call with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) E-Commerce Office.

The strengthened partnership highlights CCIP’s continued commitment to empowering its members through access to government support, practical education, and effective intellectual property protection—ensuring a more resilient and innovation-driven cosmetics industry.

HONOR Pad X8b Now Available on TikTok Shop for Php 9,999!

 Global leading AI device brand HONOR debuted the HONOR Pad X8b, the second generation of its smart tablet series. Engineered with flagship-level features, the device offers a human-centric immersive display, a massive battery, powerful hardware, and a superior sound system. It combines a seamless user experience with a sleek, portable design for those seeking a high-performance, stylish tablet.

HONOR Pads are designed to thrive in today’s lifestyle, offering productivity and entertainment in a sleek and portable form. In the past, HONOR released the HONOR Pad X8a, and now comes the upgrade, the HONOR Pad X8b. A tablet that not only performs exceptionally well but is also built to be tough. A device that is perfect for first time tablet buyers, students, young professionals, and parents with kids. 

 
“With the HONOR Pad X8b, we designed a device that empowers people to stay productive and connected—whether it is moms managing their day, entrepreneurs growing their businesses, professionals on the go, or students pursuing their goals. It goes beyond durability, combining long-lasting battery life, a brilliant display, and performance that users can trust every step of the way," said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines

Immersive High-Refresh Eye Comfort FullView Display  

Equipped with an 11-inch HONOR Eye Comfort FullView Display, the HONOR Pad X8b offers an 84% screen-to-body ratio and a 1920x1200 resolution. These specs ensure vivid, wide-angle visuals, while the 90Hz refresh rate provides a highly responsive interface. This combination eliminates lag and motion blur, making it ideal for high-speed gaming and action movies.

Massive Battery and Robust Hardware for Tremendous Endurance 

The HONOR Pad X8b features the Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 680 chipset, delivering enhanced CPU and GPU performance for smooth multimedia use. With its substantial 10100mAh battery, it ensures extended, uninterrupted productivity and entertainment. On a single charge, it achieves 97 days of standby time and 21 hours of online video playback, making it the ultimate companion for today's connected users seeking all-day entertainment.

Reliable Metal Body 

Crafted with a premium and reliable metal body, the HONOR Pad X8b combines contemporary design with flagship-grade materials, delivering both style and exceptional durability. Weighing a mere 499g and measuring an ultra-slim 7.25mm, it offers outstanding portability without compromising robustness. Its metal chassis, built with the latest embedding material technology, achieves a 90% improvement in structural strength, providing industry-leading anti-drop, anti-pressure, and waterproof performance. This durability is independently verified by Switzerland's SGS, which awarded the device both Drop Resistance and Crush Resistance certifications—an industry first. A remarkable 60% increase in drop resistance, a 30% increase in crush resistance, and a 30% enhancement in water resistance, all ensuring the HONOR Pad X8b stands up to the demands of everyday use.

HONOR Kids: A Secure and Healthy Digital Environment for Children 

Designed with children's safety and developmental needs in mind, HONOR Kids on HONOR Pad X8b creates a secure, customizable, and eye‑protective environment—giving parents peace of mind while kids explore, learn, and play safely. The HONOR Kids offers a secure, supervised environment for children, featuring dual-layer password protection for parental control and detailed learning reports to track usage and interests at a glance. This comprehensive space allows parents to tailor the experience through precise time management (including weekday/weekend rules), app white-listing on a dedicated "Kids' Playground," and curated content libraries, all while prioritizing well-being via the Eye Comfort FullView display. By integrating advanced eye-care features—such as blue light filters, E-Book mode, and real-time alerts for posture, distance, and brightness—the tablet ensures that children develop healthy digital habits within a safe and engaging space. 

Powerful Quad-Speaker for Optimal Immersion 

The HONOR Pad X8b is enchanting users with its Quad-speaker System. Utilizing HONOR Sound technology with four speakers, the tablet is finely tuned to provide a premium, multi-layered audio experience. Certified with both Hi-Res Audio, it reproduces sound with exceptional clarity and quality. The device also includes smart voice enhancement, which amplifies mid-range vocals and suppresses background noise to improve overall listening quality.

Powered by Snapdragon 8 Cores Chipsets 

The HONOR Pad X8b is powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 680 4G Mobile Platform, delivering smooth and reliable performance for everyday multitasking, streaming, and light gaming. Featuring an octa-core CPU with 4*Cortex-A73@2.4GHz + 4*Cortex-A53@1.9GHz, paired with the Adreno™ 610 GPU, it ensures responsive interactions and efficient power usage. This powerful chipset excels in energy efficiency, supporting extended battery life while handling demanding apps.

MagicOS 10.0: Unleash Productivity with Gemini 

Powered by MagicOS 10.0 based on the Latest Android version software, the HONOR Pad X8b offers an AI-enhanced and productivity-focused experience, unlocking the hardware's full potential through features like Gemini for intelligently optimizing dual-screen multitasking and for retrieving information from anything on the screen without switching apps. On its 11‑inch display, App Extender adapts unsupported apps for landscape mode to reduce black bars, while Multi‑Window enables viewing up to 3 apps simultaneously for tasks like side-by-side comparison or note-taking during tutorials. One‑Swipe Split‑Screen allows quick activation from the bottom edge, with savable layouts on the homepage for one-tap relaunch and resizable floating windows. The software is further refined by Dynamic Shortcuts for direct access to common app actions and Dynamic Folders that organize the homepage to adapt to the user's daily workflow.

Pricing and Availability 

The HONOR Pad X8b is available in Space Grey and will be available for purchase from April 14 to April 21 for only Php 9,999 with FREE Stylus Pen! 

To learn more about this exciting news, visit HONOR’s websitewww.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines),Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

TECNO Powers RUNRIO Earth Day Run 2026 Kickoff in Davao, Launching Nationwide Green Movement

 TECNO officially joins the energy of RUNRIO Earth Day Run 2026 as the first leg begins in Davao on April 12 in SM Lanang, marking the start of a multi-city celebration that brings together movement, community action, and a shared commitment to a greener future.

 

Run for the Planet, Captured Like Never Before

More than just a race-day appearance, TECNO’s participation reflects what the CAMON 50 Series is built for: helping people capture real life as it happens. From fast-moving runners and finish-line reactions to wide community scenes and long-distance action, the CAMON 50 Series brings its Super Zoom FlashSnapcapability into one of the most dynamic real-world situations for mobile imaging—sports in motion.

 

 Whether it is a runner pushing toward the finish line, friends celebrating after a personal best, or families turning Earth Day into a meaningful weekend moment, TECNO is positioning the CAMON 50 Series as the phone that helps users keep the energy, emotion, and movement of the day in sharper focus.

 

New Wearables Join the Green Mission

The partnership also highlights TECNO’s growing smart lifestyle ecosystem through newly launched wearable products such as the Watch NEO and FreeHear 2. Together with the CAMON 50 Series, these devices support a more connected and expressive daily routine—whether users are training, running, listening on the go, or creating content from their day-to-day experiences.

Runnio Earth Day Run has long stood for more than fitness. It is a public reminder that collective action matters, and that everyday habits—showing up, moving together, protecting shared spaces, and advocating for better environmental choices—can create visible impact. By joining the run, TECNO is connecting its product story with a broader lifestyle message: technology should not only help people do more, but also help them engage more meaningfully with the world around them.

 

What’s Next: Manila Leg with Sarah Geronimo & CAMON 50 Street Party

Following Davao, the excitement continues in Manila on April 19 in SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, where the next leg of the Earth Day Run will meet the launch momentum of the CAMON 50 Series in an even bigger way. TECNO will bring added visibility to the Manila stop as brand ambassador Sarah G is set to energize the event and help spotlight the spirit of movement, style, and better-captured moments. “We’re turning the Manila leg into a celebration of health, planet, and creativity,” added Ms. Phia, TECNO Marketing Manager. “Sarah G represents the energy and passion of every Filipino who stops at nothing — exactly what CAMON 50 stands for.”

 

Run and Win

 

As TECNO continues to build momentum for the CAMON 50 Series in the Philippines, its Earth Day Run partnership shows that the brand is not just launching a phone—it is entering the spaces where young Filipinos live, move, create, and connect.

Following the successful Davao leg (April 12 in SM Lanang), runners can still register for the remaining Manila leg (April 19 in SM Mall of Asia), CEBU (April 26 in SM Seaside Cebu) via https://earthdayrun.org/. Participants across all legs will have a chance to win CAMON 50 series and AIOT products. TECNO’s Earth Day Run presence gives the CAMON 50 Series a unique platform to prove itself not only as a new smartphone launch, but as a device made for action, expression, and the everyday stories people want to remember and share.

Roblox Introduces Kids and Select Accounts to Enhance Safety for Younger Users

 Roblox Corporation today announced two new age-based accounts for younger users on Roblox: Roblox Kids for users ages 5 to 8 and Roblox Select for users ages 9 to 15*. When they roll out in early June, these accounts will more closely align content access, communication settings, and parental controls with a user’s age. They’re also establishing an ongoing selection process for games available to users under 16.

This is a continuation of the work Roblox began earlier this year, becoming the first online gaming platform to require facial age checks to access chat. Since then, over 50% of global and 65% of U.S. daily active users have completed an age check**.

This update will bring age-checks, account-level defaults, content ratings, ongoing moderation, and expanded parental controls together into a unified framework for younger users. Based on Roblox’s selection criteria, the company believes age-checked users under 16 will have access to the vast majority of their favorite games at launch. Age-checked users 16 and older will not see any change to their Roblox experience.

Roblox Kids Accounts (Ages 5–8)

The age-based account system will automatically assign users ages 5 to 8 (as determined through Roblox’s global age-check technology or by a verified parent) to a Roblox Kids account. These accounts will be matched to a dynamically updated catalog containing thousands of select games. 

For Roblox Kids accounts:

• Access will be limited to games with a Minimal or Mild content maturity label that have passed their three-step selection process (detailed below).

• All communication is disabled by default.

• The design will include a distinct background color across the app experience to indicate account type.

Roblox Select Accounts (Ages 9–15)

Roblox Select accounts are for users ages 9 to 15, as determined through Roblox’s universal age-check system or by a verified parent. These accounts will be matched to a dynamically updated catalog containing thousands of select games. 

For Roblox Select accounts: 

• Access will be limited to games with content maturity labels up to and including Moderate that have passed their three-step selection process (detailed below).

• Default communications settings remain unchanged for ages 9-15.

• The design will include a distinct visual treatment to indicate account type.

Account Progression

Roblox’s global age-based account system will automatically progress users as they age.

• Users will automatically transition from Roblox Kids to Roblox Select accounts when they reach age 9.

• Users will automatically transition from Roblox Select to standard Roblox accounts when they reach age 16.

Users who haven’t yet completed an age-check will be limited to games rated Minimal or Mild, and all communication will be unavailable. After completing an age-check, users will automatically move into the appropriate age-based account. 

Continuous Evaluation Process for Dynamic Game Selection

As always, all content uploaded to Roblox goes through their existing moderation systems, including AI asset scanning, ongoing user report review, and multimodal moderation that evaluates scenes in real time for potential policy violations.

For content made available to users under 16, they will apply an additional continuous process that dynamically selects games. This process will include developer verification, extended content evaluation and rating, and additional limits on content more suited to older audiences.

Evaluation Criteria

Content will be automatically included in Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts once games are evaluated using additional criteria that include:

1. Developer Verification: Creators must complete ID verification, enable two-step verification, and maintain an active Roblox Plus subscription.

2. Real-Time Evaluation: Roblox will analyze how users age 16 and older interact with new games and monitor user reports to assess suitability for younger users.

3. Content Maturity Rating and Default Exclusions: Roblox will assign an appropriate content maturity label (Minimal, Mild, or Moderate) for each game. By default, Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts will not include games that feature sensitive issues, social hangouts, or free-form drawing games.

Future Ratings Framework Integration

Later this year, Roblox will start transitioning to the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) framework, the globally recognized standard method for assigning content ratings for digital games and apps. These clear, region-specific ratings, such as ESRB in the U.S. and PEGI in much of Europe and the U.K., reflect local cultural norms and will help families identify age-appropriate content. 

Extending Parental Controls

Roblox is also extending their parental controls, which allow parents to manage content ratings, communications settings, and screen-time and spending limits. These tools also transparently show parents which games their child is spending their time in and who their friends are. Under this update, parents will gain one new control and retain access to certain controls until a child turns 16.

• Extending Granular Game Blocking: Parents can block specific individual games through age 15.

• Extending Chat Management: Parents can manage direct chat settings through age 15.

• New Granular Game Approval: Parents can now approve access to specific games that are not otherwise available under the child’s default account type.

This structure is designed to give parents more precise control over the games and friends their child interacts with. Together, these updates are part of the company’s ongoing work to build age-appropriate experiences for all users, apply safety-by-default protections for younger users, and give parents more visibility and control over how their children use Roblox.

Larry Magid, ConnectSafely CEO, complimented Roblox’s updates by sharing: “By combining age assurance, stronger creator accountability, and parental controls, Roblox is helping set a higher standard for how platforms can better protect younger users while preserving positive online experiences.”

"With the launch of Roblox Kids and Roblox Select, we are fundamentally shifting how games are discovered on our platform. Safety isn't a static feature—it’s a journey that evolves as a child grows,” said Matt Kaufman, Chief Safety Officer at Roblox. “While no system is perfect, these age-adaptive accounts are designed to help remove the guesswork for parents and help align users' experiences with their age.”

As part of Roblox’s work to become the world’s healthiest platform for users of all ages, they continually invest in safety by design and empower creativity through technology innovation. The products are thoughtfully designed to cultivate creation, connection, and collaborative play, rather than passive consumption. 

*The exact ages, games, and features associated with these accounts will vary by region. Ages are based on age checks; parents can correct a child’s age if necessary.

**As of the seven days ended March 31, 2026.