Level Up Your Home with these 5 Easy (and some, FREE) Upgrades

     Let's be honest, who doesn't dream of living in a home that's both stylish and functional? A sanctuary where you can relax, entertain, and just generally feel good. Your home might need an extra step or two in becoming the best it can be, but the thought of renovations can often conjure up images of hefty price tags and stressful disruptions.

     Good news, though — you don't need to empty your savings account to make some seriously impactful upgrades at home. Awesome home upgrades that transform your living space and lifestyle can easily be simple, budget-friendly projects. Here are five ways you can go about leveling up your home:

Level Up Your Home with these 5 Easy (and some, FREE) Upgrades

Elevate Your Wardrobe: The Timeless Appeal of the Women's White Suit

     The women's white suit stands unrivaled when it comes to a statement piece that exudes confidence while remaining steeped in elegance. Evoking a sense of empowerment and sophistication, this iconic ensemble has withstood shifting trends, establishing itself as a mainstay in fashion-forward wardrobes. It's a symbol of refinement that transcends seasons, perfect for making a bold impression in professional, formal, or casual settings. Whether you're looking to make a powerful statement in the boardroom or seeking a chic option for evening events, the white suit is a versatile choice that opens up a world of styling possibilities. Below, we delve into the sartorial allure of this garment, offering tips on styling, maintenance, and its place in the fashion chronicles.

Elevate Your Wardrobe: The Timeless Appeal of the Women's White Suit

Breaking Barriers: SmarTrade Empowers Women in Trading

     SmarTrade, a leading financial education provider in the Philippines, shines a spotlight on the increasing number of women taking charge of their financial future through trading and financial literacy as the world celebrates Women’s Month. Whether as traders, household financial managers, or professionals in the fintech industry, women are breaking barriers and proving that financial success knows no gender.

     More women today are actively participating in online trading as a means to grow their wealth and secure financial stability. Recent reports highlight a rising trend of female investors in global markets. According to BrokerNotes.co, a survey of 26,000 traders revealed that 41.8% of the female respondents self-identified as experienced traders. Beyond the markets, financial literacy also plays a crucial role in empowering women to make informed decisions in managing household budgets and investments.

Breaking Barriers: SmarTrade Empowers Women in Trading

Women employees of SmarTrade play a key role in educating and guiding aspiring traders, among them a growing number of women taking charge of their financial future

Rest & Radiance: LAC Philippines Supports Quality Sleep for Women’s Wellbeing

     It is no secret that with the many expectations placed on our shoulders, we need the extra support and care to fulfill their responsibilities while also maintaining their wellbeing. As we juggle multiple roles, our needs will vary. Whether it’s staying sharp and productive or maintaining a vibrant glow, these can be achieved by fostering holistic well-being, where quality sleep plays a crucial role. 

     If there's one thing that is constant in my birthday wish, that is 8 hours or more of sleep. Yes, long hours of uninterrupted sleep is one of the things that I miss. But there's a lot of things to consider especially now that I'm in adulting-parenting stage where everyday requires demanding tasks from day to night. Aside from eating a high protein balanced meal, regular physical activity like yoga and weight lifting, taking supplements is non-negotiable in my overall wellbeing. Are you sleep deprived and needing that extra boost from health supplements? You're in for a treat! Sharing a brief information why sleep is important and what supplements can help you achieve that much needed R&R after the jump!

     

Rest & Radiance: LAC Philippines Supports Quality Sleep for Women’s Wellbeing
LAC TriAction Sleep Formula and LAC Taut® White

Connected Moms Lead: Building a Stronger Community for Filipino Moms, This Women’s Month

     The relentless demands of modern motherhood, amplified by digital expectations, leave 66% of Filipino moms struggling to balance work and family. This year’s Women’s Month celebration spotlights the efforts of hardworking women, including moms wearing many hats. Following the National Women’s Month theme of “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas,” Madiskarte Moms PH’s Connected Moms Lead campaign speaks to the importance of equipping moms with the right tools, skills, and digital connectivity to navigate modern life. It emphasizes that being connected isn't just about building a social media presence but also having the access to resources and opportunities that meet the demands in every aspect of their lives.

     MMPH is empowering moms not just to balance their lives, but also to lead with purpose. At the heart of this, PLDT Home continuously enables moms to connect, thrive, and lead. With its most reliable connectivity, moms are empowered to balance their lives, pursue their own passions, and ultimately, achieve their dreams, making it possible for moms to build their own success stories.

Connected Moms Lead: Building a Stronger Community for Filipino Moms, This Women’s Month

Magandang Umaga from the Philippines! Rediscover the Simple Joys of Breakfast with Nutella

     Small and simple moments are easily lost during the daily hustle, wherein you swap your otherwise happy start of the day for the morning rush. Parents juggle work, kids hurry off to school, and breakfast becomes another task to tick off someone’s to-do list, instead of being a time to pause, connect, and truly enjoy the first meal of the day with the family.

     This summer, Nutella wants to bring back the simple joys of breakfast. It’s not just about what you eat—it’s about making time to enjoy it. Rather than rushing through the day, slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the start of the day with #MagandangUmagaWithNutella.

Magandang Umaga from the Philippines! Rediscover the Simple Joys of Breakfast with Nutella 

PLDT’s Dy, Reyes, Alcantara Reveal their Biggest Supporters

     The elite athletes of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) may be some of the best to ever step on the court, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t need help to stay at the top of their game.

      Sports, especially at the major-league level, is a tough pursuit with all of its treacherous lows that come with the exciting highs. An athlete doesn’t get to and stay in the pros without the support of some important people in their life.

PLDT’s Dy, Reyes, Alcantara Reveal their Biggest Supporters

Mompreneurs, Women in Business Take Center Stage at UN Women WEPs Awards Forum

     Madiskarte Moms PH, the online community of women and mompreneurs in the Philippines, took centerstage at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality in the region, and highlighted critical topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity.

      Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio.

Mompreneurs, Women in Business Take Center Stage at UN Women WEPs Awards Forum

Cignal’s 95 Channels for Only P290/month!

     For most Filipinos who spend a fifth of their waking hours watching TV, there’s nothing quite like coming home and unwinding with the family while tuning into a variety of movies and TV shows. With Cignal, you can create many more bonding moments at home and enjoy unli entertainment as the Philippines’ premier direct-to-home satellite provider launches its newest offering: Cignal Plan 290. The plan is the service’s most value-packed yet, as it comes with 95 channels – 25 in amazing high definition (HD) and 70 in standard definition (SD). It is conveniently available as an add-on to your PLDT Home subscription.

     Cignal Plan 290 gives you access to a diverse selection of channels that broadcast live sports, news, movies, TV shows, and other content that may not be available through other services. With Cignal Plan 290, you don’t have to go on different streaming platforms and pay for each one. Cignal TV also comes with features like DVRs to record the shows you may not be at home for – so it works just like a streaming platform where you can watch as many times as you want, when you want to. The plan includes infotainment from premium channels and programming including HBO, Nickelodeon, Cinemax, One News, HITS, and BBC Earth, catering to every member of the family no matter what age and interest.

Cignal’s 95 Channels for Only P290/month!

Madiskarte Moms learn best practices from founders of Potato Corner, Carmen’s Best and more in PLDT Home Biz Masterclass

     Passion, innovation, and tech know-how. These were just some of the things that Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) members learned from successful Filipino entrepreneurs in the masterclass powered by PLDT Home Biz.

     With the goal of empowering mompreneurs and equipping them with a winning mindset to succeed in business, this one-day intensive masterclass program was divided into three sessions with topics ranging from Creating an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Product Innovation and Using AI and Social Media to promote their businesses.

Madiskarte Moms learn best practices from founders of Potato Corner, Carmen’s Best and more in PLDT Home Biz masterclass

PLDT Home’s “We are Here for You” Video Tugs the Heart with an Iconic 90s Song

     “Huwag kang matakot. ‘Di mo ba alam nandito lang ako sa iyong tabi? ‘Di kita pababayaan kailanman.” It’s refreshing to hear Eraserheads’ iconic song “Huwag Kang Matakot” with a new perspective. Echoing its renewed commitment for customers, PLDT Home recently releases a new rendition of the song - originally composed by vocalist Ely Buendia – and brings a broader meaning to its message: “We are here for you.”

     For 96 years, PLDT Home has kept generations of families connected, enabling them to connect, create, and chase their dreams. This year, PLDT Home reiterates its message of commitment to provide reliable technologies and services so that families can enrich their lives and build meaningful connections at home. Watch the heartwarming video here.

PLDT Home’s “We are Here for You” Video Tugs the Heart  with an Iconic 90s Song

Experience up to 1 Gbps speeds for an extra P500/month

      Upgrade your existing PLDT Home Fiber plan to speeds of up to 1 Gbps for as low as P500 monthly until January 31, 2025. This new year, elevate your digital experience at home and be among the first to experience gigabit internet with PLDT Home's limited-time offering. As a special treat, PLDT Home is letting customers on Fiber Plans 1699 and higher enjoy speeds of up to 1Gbps until December 31, 2025.

     Gigabit speeds deliver up to 10 times faster than the average 100 Mbps connection for households so families get to enjoy high-speed connectivity for multiple users at home. Moreover, families can also ensure consistent and reliable connectivity across multiple and high-bandwidth smart home devices.

Experience up to 1 Gbps speeds for an extra P500/month

A You Year: Take Charge of a Stronger, Healthier, Happier 2025

     Ready for a fresh start? It's time to bid farewell to the festive season, the holidays made time for family, joy, and making memories one for the books that's why we are eager to step into the new year with renewed energy, focus, and a sense of well-being. While the post-holiday period can feel challenging, it's also an opportunity to hit the reset button and begin anew.

     It's time to get back on track, reconnect with your health goals, and regain balance between work, family, and personal responsibilities. The first month of the year is the chance to recharge both physically and mentally, so you can face the year ahead with a clear mind and vibrant energy. With a positive mindset and a renewed sense of purpose, you can rediscover your rhythm and embrace the exciting possibilities ahead.

A You Year: Take Charge of a Stronger, Healthier, Happier 2025

Stream Unli Entertainment in Max – Powered by PLDT Home

     Max – a brand-new streaming experience will now be available to more fans in the Philippines through PLDT Home. Fans can stream the latest blockbuster movies, groundbreaking series, iconic hits, real-life stories, and family favorites from beloved brands like HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., Discovery, and beyond.

     From December 10, 2024 to February 9, 2025, new customers of PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1799 will have two months access to the Max Standard plan included with their subscription. T&Cs apply.

Stream unli entertainment from HBO, Warner Bros., the DC Universe, and more in Max – powered by PLDT Home

Escaping the City this Christmas? Five Road Trip Ideas for your Holiday Getaway

     Christmas season means a lot of parties and reunions for many. The holiday gatherings may be hectic and the best way to unwind during the busy season is some quality R&R with families and loved ones.

     If you’re still looking for ideas, PLDT Home and Caltex got you more reasons to hit the road for your next Christmas celebration. PLDT Home and Caltex are making your family roadtrips more rewarding with the Fuel your Fiber Promo, where you can get a one-time P150 fuel discount at Caltex and even a chance to win P10,000 worth of fuel vouchers. If you haven’t got plans to travel this Christmas, here are five easy roadtrip destinations for your friends and family:

Escaping the City this Christmas? Five Road Trip Ideas for your Holiday Getaway

Love, Bonito Festive Collection at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell

     Ready for holiday sparkle, warmth, and celebration with Love, Bonito, Southeast Asia’s largest omni-channel womenswear brand. Following the opening of its first physical store in the Philippines in August, Love, Bonito is set to open its second store at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City on December 12, 2024. Opening its doors in time for Christmas shopping and celebrations, the new store will exclusively carry select styles from the brand’s latest Festive collection, along with crowd-favorite pieces from its Signatures and Staples collections. Customers can also redeem exclusive holiday perks and freebies during the Love, Bonito Power Plant Mall store opening weekend on December 14 to 15.

Love, Bonito Festive Collection at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell

Luck Meets Skill in this Filipino Card Game Sensation

     In the vibrant world of card games, few can match the excitement and intrigue of Tongits, a beloved Filipino pastime that has captured the hearts of players across generations. As Tongits continues to gain popularity in traditional settings and on digital platforms like GameZone, a fascinating debate among enthusiasts has emerged: Is success in Tongits primarily a matter of luck, or does skill take precedence?

Luck Meets Skill in this Filipino Card Game Sensation 

Get Creative this Noche Buena with These Recipes from Mr. Hat Gulaman

     Christmas season is a time for family, celebration, the much-anticipated Noche Buena feast and a lot of get-together parties. This year, why not go beyond the usual dishes and surprise your loved ones by getting creative with some unforgettable recipes?

     Mr. Hat Gulaman makes it easy to add a festive twist to your holiday table. With its wide variety of flavors and versatility, it’s a great ingredient for crafting show-stopping dishes that can bring everyone together.

Get Creative this Noche Buena with These Recipes from Mr. Hat Gulaman
L: Christmas Holiday Jelly R: Snowy Coffee Jelly

Feature: Sounds Kradle Makes Musical Dreams Come Through

     Growing up in a family of karaoke singers, I've been hearing different song genres during family gatherings and occasions. At a very young age, I was also introduced to musical instruments because my father is a frustrated musician. Thinking that I'm musically inclined, they enrolled me in different music schools but I was not able to finish the courses as I've lost interest after a few sessions. Despite the on and off interest in piano, drums and voice lessons, dreaming of playing a musical instrument in a band is still on my once in a lifetime bucket list.

     Fast forward today, I believed that my son will make my musical dreams into reality. At a very young age, he showed interest in playing the guitar. My husband was a band guitarist before that's why he was able to teach my son the basics of playing the guitar. But learning should not be confined in the four corners of home that's why enrolling in a music school is a must. Yes, it's the right thing to do especially if you want to learn more than the basics. Music fans and aficionados are fortunate these days as music schools here in the country are easily accessible and the leading music school in the country, Sounds Kradle is here to let you or your kids achieve musical dreams into reality. Get to know more about Sounds Kradle and what's in store for you when you enroll in their classes after the jump.

Feature: Sounds Kradle Makes Musical Dreams Come Through

Tongits Plus: GameZone's Tribute to Classic Tongits

     In the heart of the Philippines, a digital revolution is taking place in the world of card games. GameZone, the country's leading card game developer, has breathed new life into the beloved game of Tongits, transforming it from a traditional pastime into a dynamic online experience. At the forefront of this digital renaissance stands Tongits Plus, the closest digital rendition to the classic game that Filipinos have cherished for generations.

Tongits Plus: GameZone's Tribute to Classic Tongits