Friday, July 18, 2025

Vivo X200 FE Arrives in the Philippines: Compact Telephoto Flagship Priced at Php 44,999

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Flagship power meets one-hand freedom with the official launch of the Vivo X200 FE in the Philippines. Priced at Php 44,999, this sleek, travel-ready smartphone delivers top-tier performance and professional-grade imaging in a compact form factor. Filipino creators, professionals, and everyday adventurers can now pre-order the Vivo X200 FE (12GB RAM + 512GB storage) until July 25, 2025, at Vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide.

The X200 FE is designed for a generation that lives light but dreams big. With its 6.31-inch flat screen, slim 71.76mm width, and featherlight 186g body, it offers unmatched comfort for texting, capturing, and editing on the go. Available in Blue Breeze and Black Luxe, it blends premium aesthetics with youthful energy.

Durability matches its style—crafted with aerospace-grade aluminum, the phone is IP68 and IP69 rated, SGS-certified, and built to withstand splashes, dust, and daily wear. Its 1800-nit ZEISS Master Color Display, SGS Low Blue Light Certification, and 2160Hz PWM dimming ensure vivid visuals under any lighting conditions.

At its core, the X200 FE carries the X Series’ telephoto legacy. The 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera powered by the Sony IMX882 sensor delivers stunning clarity across diverse scenarios—from street portraits to distant concert stages. The slim trapezoidal periscope lens supports 100x zoom, Stage Mode, and ZEISS Multifocal Portrait options ranging from 23mm to 100mm, ideal for capturing everything from landscapes to fine details.

Photo creativity continues with Live Photo (iPhone-compatible), ZEISS bokeh effects, and Street Photography Mode—triggered instantly with a double tap of the volume down button. Tools like Magic Move, Image Expander, and Reflection Erase empower users to craft gallery-worthy visuals straight from their phone.

Beneath its compact size lies a powerhouse: a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, offering up to 44.9 hours of talk time, 25.4 hours of video playback, and 9.5 hours of gaming. 90W FlashCharge fills the tank in under an hour. Running on the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip with the AI Efficiency Booster, the X200 FE supports seamless multitasking and smarter on-the-go productivity.

With the Vivo X200 FE, compact no longer means compromise. It’s a bold step into flagship territory—designed to empower, inspire, and keep up with today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Eastern Communications Backs Government Agenda for a Digital-First PH

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Eastern Communications upholds its support for the Philippine government’s digital-first agenda, rolling out initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and expand access to quality education. From supporting the May 2025 electoral count and bringing internet access to remote schools to expanding its regional footprint, Eastern Communications is exceeding expectations in strengthening the country’s digital foundations.

“As a trusted technology partner, Eastern Communications is proud to stand alongside the government and like-minded private organizations in advancing digital transformation across the country,” said Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications. “Through our efforts in connectivity, digital education, and regional expansion, we remain focused on enabling progress and inclusive growth for Filipinos everywhere.”

With a strong commitment to nation-building, Eastern Communications reinforces its mission of making technology more accessible for every Filipino by empowering institutions, communities, and individuals in today’s increasingly digital society.

Reliable connection for 2025 elections and remote classrooms

Eastern Communications played a vital role in supporting the May 2025 electoral process by providing stable and secure connectivity during the official vote count held at The Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila. The telco provider’s reliable services enabled seamless real-time reporting and operations throughout the high-stakes national event.

“[Eastern’s] provision of reliable and high-quality connectivity services played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted transmission of data and communications throughout the entire electoral process,” said Atty. Joey Lina, President of The Manila Hotel, expressed his gratitude in a formal letter for Eastern Communications’ support during the official vote count.

“In moments when precision, efficiency, and transparency were paramount, [Eastern’s] commitment to service excellence significantly contributed to the integrity and success of this important national event,” Lina added.

Eastern Communications also strengthened its advocacy for inclusive digital access through its reaffirmed partnership with global non-profit Unconnected.org and the Department of Education (DepEd) to connect remote and underserved schools across the country. The initiative aims to bring internet connectivity to learners and educators in far-flung areas, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive in an evolving digital world.

Under this partnership, Eastern Communications has begun delivering internet connectivity to several schools this year, including Panicuason Elementary School in Naga on July 15, San Jose Elementary School in Dipolog on July 22, and Namabbalan Integrated School in Tuguegarao on July 24.

Additional schools slated for turnover in August are Paopao High School in General Santos, Capisan Elementary School in Zamboanga, Patrocino A. Lachica Integrated School in Aklan, and Alambre Elementary School in Davao. These schools represent a significant step in the initial phase of the program, with three more schools to follow in the coming months.

Growing presence in Mindanao, educating local IT talent

Eastern Communications is accelerating its regional expansion, with a particular focus on Mindanao. The telco provider is set to officially launch its services in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, on July 22, 2025, followed by General Santos City in the third quarter. These launches are part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen its presence in emerging business centers and help stimulate local economies through improved digital infrastructure.

To provide a secure and robust infrastructure, Eastern expands its reach through an ultra-high capacity backbone transmission Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Network. This cutting-edge technology delivers Terabits per second (TBPS) bandwidth, ensuring highly reliable and scalable connectivity across the country. Its capacity can also be replicated or expanded based on the demand, with spare fibers connecting various islands.

Alongside its connectivity rollouts, Eastern Communications continues to drive awareness and skills-building through its educational campaigns. Programs like “Access Eastern” and “Brown Bag Sessions” offer hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and learning opportunities for local IT professionals and community leaders, arming them with essential tools to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

“These initiatives are about more than connectivity, they’re about empowerment,” said Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Jaeson Evangelista. “We believe that every Filipino deserves a seat at the digital table, and we’re doing our part to ensure that nobody is left behind.”

With over 145 years of service, Eastern Communications remains committed to its “High Tech” and “High Touch” promise, combining cutting-edge technology with personalized service that builds trust and drives impact. By working hand in hand with public and private stakeholders, Eastern Communications continues to be a trusted partner in driving forward vital initiatives to build a digitally empowered Philippines.

To learn more about Eastern Communications and its initiatives, contact (02) 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Globe Expands Broadband Reach To Speed Up Digital Inclusion

Globe is reinforcing its commitment to digital inclusion by expanding access to its fiber broadband services, strategically utilizing previously built network capacity. Through targeted investments and customer insights, Globe is enabling more Filipino households and small businesses to participate meaningfully in the country’s digital future.

“Fixed broadband continues to be a growth engine for the business. We see user data consumption now surging past 30 GB/month per user. We are fine-tuning our fiber strategy to more than connectivity, it’s about empowering households, enabling SMEs, and growing the digital economy,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz.

According to the Digital 2025 Report, Filipinos spend almost nine hours online daily. This shows digital services are now integral to everyday life, making high-quality broadband more crucial than ever. Despite this, fixed broadband access is still inconsistent, with only 33% of households connected as of 2024, based on the latest figures from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Globe’s expanding GFiber portfolio, anchored on postpaid plans and the contract-free, reloadable GFiber Prepaid, is responding to the increased demand. As of the first quarter of 2025, Globe has 1.83 million broadband subscribers, with GFiber Prepaid alone growing 53% quarter-on-quarter to serve 400,000 Filipino homes.

“We’re building more than infrastructure, we’re enabling opportunity,” Cruz emphasized. “By expanding access to reliable broadband, we’re opening doors for millions of Filipinos to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”

Focused Expansion

Globe’s network strategy is aligned with national digital goals, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) National Broadband Plan and programs for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). By focusing on high-need and high-impact areas, Globe is helping advance digital equity while supporting inclusive economic participation.

Through ongoing migration from legacy fixed wireless and wired to fiber in targeted regions, as well as participation in shared infrastructure initiatives, Globe is addressing coverage gaps while ensuring network scalability and operational efficiency.

Globe has successfully migrated over 600 towns in at least 70 provinces nationwide to full fiber connectivity, increasingly eliminating copper from its network. This transition provides faster, more reliable internet for residents and supports Globe's sustainability agenda of reducing environmental impact and discouraging illegal salvaging.

“Modernization is one of Globe’s key success factors. When we made the leap from 2G to 4G, it unlocked massive gains. Now, we’re continuing that momentum not just for speed, but for service equity and sustainability,” Cruz
said.

Investing in Long-Term Growth

Globe has invested ₱228 billion in capital expenditure and ₱236 billion in operational expenses over the last three years to modernize its network. These investments are not just about infrastructure; they are about economic empowerment, digital resilience, and long-term national competitiveness.

“We are not just building faster networks, we’re building a more connected society,” Cruz said. “Fiber broadband is the backbone of digital life. And as the digital economy continues to grow, Globe is committed to expanding our reach strategically, sustainably, and always with the customer at the heart of it.”

PBA Brings Filipino Basketball Fans Closer to the Game With Official Fantasy Basketball Platform With Daily Fantasy

Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the country’s premier basketball league, has launched its fantasy basketball game in partnership with Daily Fantasy, the Philippines’ first officially licensed fantasy sports provider, to usher in a new era of fan interaction and engagement, bringing fans closer to the action.

The platform enables fans to play in fantasy contests based on actual league matchups, build their virtual team lineups composed of PBA players, and make strategic decisions based on real-time player performance data. Scoring is powered by official PBA statistics, ensuring accuracy and transparency throughout each contest.

As part of the rollout, fans can take part in contests themed around the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals. Supporters of San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga can assemble their own eight-player rosters, choosing from top talents like Jaymar Perez (SMB), June Mar Fajardo (SMB), Jordan Heading (TNT), Roger Pogoy (TNT), and Calvin Oftana (TNT), and compete against fellow basketball fans for a chance to top the leaderboard and win prizes.

The partnership between Daily Fantasy and the PBA is set to combine the excitement of fantasy sports with the passion of Filipino basketball, creating deeper, more meaningful connections between fans and the sport.

“This partnership with Daily Fantasy is a new and exciting chapter for the PBA,” said PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. “We’re always looking for ways to bring our fans closer to the game, and this collaboration allows them to experience PBA basketball in a more interactive and personal way. By introducing fantasy play into real matchups, we’re adding another layer of entertainment that deepens the connection between our players and supporters.”

Daily Fantasy’s PBA contests are open to eligible participants and will roll out alongside upcoming PBA matches. Whether seasoned in fantasy sports or new to the experience, fans can expect a thoughtful integration that respects the sport while enhancing its entertainment value.

“This partnership with the PBA is a major milestone not just for Daily Fantasy, but for the growing community of Filipino sports fans who live and breathe basketball,” said Ann Jane de Leon, Assistant Marketing Manager of Daily Fantasy. “Our goal has always been to create meaningful ways for fans to connect with the game, and this collaboration allows us to do just that, by turning every match into an opportunity for engagement, strategy, and shared passion. We believe this will continue to empower the love Filipinos have for basketball in a more interactive and rewarding way.”

With the ongoing PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, Daily Fantasy offers users up to PHP 500,000 worth of shares by competing to see whose team earns the highest points based on actual games.

For more information on joining the Daily Fantasy community and creating your PBA fantasy team, you may visit www.playdailyfantasy.com.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

PLDT and Smart Team Up With MPower to Register 153 Sites Under Retail Aggregation Program

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have partnered with MPower, Meralco’s local retail electricity supplier, to activate 144 cell sites and 9 facilities under the Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

"Our Group has always believed that national progress depends on two essential foundations: reliable power and strong digital connectivity. One cannot function without the other—hand in glove, so to speak—and both are critical to ensuring that our people—especially those in the margins—have access to opportunity,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman and CEO of PLDT, Smart, and Meralco. "This is why this collaboration is consequential, because it reflects our continued effort to align our resources and capabilities, to serve our customers better with reliable and consistent power and connectivity."

PLDT and Smart’s transition into the RAP through MPower’s energy solutions covers a total demand of over 2,500 kW across the PLDT Group’s integrated network. Additional RAP implementations across more sites in Visayas and Mindanao are targeted for rollout before the year ends.

RAP offers end-users a smarter way to manage their energy requirements by allowing them to aggregate multiple accounts under the same franchise area and purchase power in bulk from licensed retail electricity suppliers. This setup enables the reduction of electricity costs and better control over energy use across different facilities. RAP also gives businesses access to competitive rates, flexible energy solutions, and renewable energy sources, helping them operate more efficiently.

“As we future-proof our network to deliver 5G and AI capabilities to our customers, we are also mindful of the cost to operate the network and our impact on the environment. This partnership with MPower will allow us to operate a smarter and greener network and manage our energy costs, all in a manner that is more kind to the planet,” said PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, Jr.

“As we scale up our 5G network, Smart welcomes this partnership with MPower, as it supports our goal of delivering simply reliable service that our customers can count on,” said Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio “Boy” R. Martirez.

PLDT and Smart’s RAP activation builds on their continuing transition to the use of renewable energy sources. In 2024, 30 sites of the group were switched to 100% renewables—24 in Metro Manila and 6 in Mindanao. In 2023, PLDT and Smart tapped geothermal energy for 5 network facilities in the Visayas.

Through this pioneering initiative, PLDT and Smart join MPower in encouraging more industry players to switch to cleaner and more energy-efficient solutions. MPower First Vice President and Head Redel M. Domingo added, “MPower is proud to support PLDT and Smart in this transformative journey. Our energy solutions are designed to accelerate operational efficiency while supporting the country’s energy transition through championing consumer choice in the power market.”

Parallel to the transition to renewables, PLDT and Smart have been pursuing the adoption of green technologies and various resource optimization initiatives for their network sites, business offices, and key facilities nationwide. PLDT has also secured green loans, amounting to ₱5 billion to date, to partially fund its fiber expansion and minimize the carbon footprint of its network rollout.

The PLDT Group follows a decarbonization roadmap that aims to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, coming from a 2019 baseline. These efforts support the global ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Meanwhile, MPower has been ramping up efforts to deliver more competitive pricing, improved service, and access to renewable energy in support of the ERC’s vision for wider consumer access to electricity choice as part of the reforms under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.