Eastern Communications Reinforces Commitment to SMEs with Continued Support for Cebu Business Month

Eastern Communications reaffirms its long-standing commitment to business growth in the Visayas as it joins the launch of Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2026 last April 24, 2026. This marks over ten years of continued partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in advancing Cebu’s role as a key driver of national economic development.

Organized by the CCCI, Cebu Business Month has evolved into a premier business festival that brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and stakeholders through a dynamic lineup of forums, trade exhibits, networking sessions, and collaborative programs. Envisioned as a festival-like platform, CBM fosters innovation, investment, and cross-sector partnerships while supporting the continued growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cebu and the wider Visayas region.

Eastern Comms has been a consistent presence in this journey. For over a decade, the telco provider has been a steadfast partner in CBM, supporting initiatives that promote digital readiness and business resilience. Its participation reflects a broader commitment to empowering Filipino SMEs nationwide through reliable connectivity, managed ICT services, and tailored digital solutions that help businesses adapt to an increasingly digital and competitive landscape.

“Our partnership with Cebu Business Month and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has grown stronger over the past decade because we share a common goal: empowering businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing environment,” said Jed Estanislao, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer of Eastern Communications. “With over 146 years of service, Eastern Communications continues to evolve into a full-fledged tech solutions provider, committed to building resilient and reliable digital infrastructure that supports Cebu’s role as a thriving business destination and strengthens SMEs across the country.”

The telco provider’s role has only grown more relevant as digitalization becomes a baseline requirement for survival in today's economy. Eastern Comms has continued to expand its portfolio of solutions designed specifically to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide, from internet connectivity products and managed services to initiatives such as PDSCN (Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network) that strengthen inter-island connectivity and extend robust, high-quality digital infrastructure to underserved regions across the archipelago.

Regan King, President of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing CBM's goals.

“Our long-standing partnership with Eastern Communications reflects the kind of collaboration CBM was built on—one that enables innovation, strengthens enterprise capability, and drives regional competitiveness. As we continue to expand CBM as a premier business festival, partnerships like this help ensure that Cebu remains a vibrant hub for business and investment,” said Regan King.

Eastern Communications remains committed to providing the infrastructure and expertise needed to ensure resilience and sustainable growth as businesses navigate challenges shaped by digital transformation, economic shifts, and regional expansion opportunities

Looking ahead, Eastern Communications and CCCI are set to continue strengthening their collaboration, with a shared vision of empowering SMEs, accelerating digital adoption, and fostering inclusive growth across the Philippines.

To learn more about Eastern Communications and their upcoming partnerships, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Helping Retirees Navigate Today's Scam Risks

At a recent CX Caravan stop with the Meralco Employees and Retirees Association (MERA), retirees took part in a practical discussion on a growing digital threat: scams that often arrive disguised as ordinary texts, familiar calls, and messages that seem legitimate at first glance.

Francis Barreso, President of MERA, has seen how convincing these attempts can be—from urgent requests for one-time passwords to calls that use fear and pressure, even loan collection notices sent to people who never took out a loan.

“They don’t always look suspicious at first,” he said. “That’s what makes them dangerous—because they sound urgent, familiar, even legitimate.”

That familiarity is what makes scams so effective. They blend easily into everyday life, catching people off guard in moments when they least expect it.

Through SCAMpaign, one of the key education initiatives under CX Caravan, Smart is helping communities build simple but important habits of caution—never sharing personal information, avoiding unfamiliar numbers, and thinking twice before clicking suspicious links.

Filipino senior citizens are becoming frequent targets of scams, as fraudsters increasingly package deception in ways that appear credible at first glance.

For many retirees, a mobile phone is more than a device—it’s how they manage finances, stay connected with loved ones, and access essential services. Protecting themselves online has become part of protecting daily life.

“This kind of session really helps people like us,” Barreso said. “It gives us the confidence to pause, think twice, and protect ourselves before we act.”

That pause—that moment of second thought—is what makes the difference.

Kristine Generalao, AVP for Customer Experience at Smart Communications, underscored why efforts like SCAMpaign matter.

“Digital trust is now a core part of customer experience. As scams evolve, our responsibility is not only to keep customers connected, but to help them stay informed, vigilant, and empowered,” Generalao said. “SCAMpaign is about turning awareness into everyday action—so customers feel more confident navigating an increasingly complex digital world.”

SCAMpaign is aligned with the PLDT Group’s broader #BeCyberSmart campaign, which empowers customers to protect themselves against online scams and fraud.

Where Business Ideas Come to Life This May

Manila, Philippines — What if the next opportunity for your business—or your next big idea—starts with simply showing up?

The 18th PHILSME Business Expo & Conference, happening May 22–23, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, invites Filipinos to step into a space filled with business ideas, connections, and real opportunities.

“While others are pulling back, this is exactly when you should lean in,” said CEO Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla.

More than an expo—an experience

Visitors can explore:

• Business ideas and franchise opportunities
• Tools and services to grow their ventures
• Real conversations with entrepreneurs and founders

Inspiration on stage

One of the most exciting sessions is:

“Market Makers: Women Designing Their Own Tables,” featuring:

• Ace Gapuz
• Wandalyn Tan-Calupig
• Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla
• Atty. Tina De Guzman

They are joined by respected business leaders:

• Boni De Jesus
• Jojo Apolo
• Ed Cervantes

Together, they bring stories, strategies, and insights that reflect today’s entrepreneurial journey.

Show up—and stand out

“If you think staying home saves your business, think again. In volatile times, invisibility is more expensive than participation.”

Visitors can attend for free—or upgrade to a VIP Pass for a more elevated experience, including access to exclusive networking spaces.

Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, you can register for free or upgrade to VIP Pass at: https://philsme.com/ticket/

Globe Enhances Loan Repayment for Prepaid and TM Users, Helping Filipinos to Keep Going During These Times

Globe continues to make connectivity more accessible for Filipinos by enhancing its load and promo loan services for Globe Prepaid and TM customers, giving users a reliable way to stay online, call, or text even when they run out of balance.

For many Filipinos, mobile phones are lifelines for work, school, family communication, and emergencies. But running out of load during critical moments, especially today’s global energy crisis, remains a crippling challenge.

Through its Promo and Load Loan for Globe Prepaid and Utang Load/Promo for TM, Globe enables customers to borrow load or promos instantly and pay later, helping them stay connected when it matters most.

These services provide immediate access to call, text, and data offers, even with zero balance, removing barriers to communication during urgent or everyday situations. From urgent needs to everyday connectivity, Globe’s loan services are designed to support customers across different moments of need.

At its core are bite-sized emergency offers, which are available to all subscribers and provide instant access to small amounts of data, calls, or texts, ideal for urgent situations such as reaching loved ones, sending a message, or quickly going online when the balance runs out.

At the same time, eligible customers can also access higher-value loan offers, including load loans and popular promos such as Go59 and EZ50. These provide more data, calls, and longer validity, helping customers stay connected not just in emergencies, but for their everyday digital needs.

Simple, Seamless, and Flexible Repayment

Repayment is designed to be simple and seamless, with loan amounts automatically deducted upon the user’s next reload. To better match how customers use mobile today, Globe has enhanced repayment by enabling collections through promo purchases. A portion of the open-access data from a customer’s promo top-up is automatically allocated toward settling their existing loan, helping them repay gradually and regain access to the service faster.

Globe collects up to 50% of the open-access data from a purchased promo, ensuring customers still retain at least half of their data for their own use. If the allocated data is not enough to fully cover the loan, a partial payment is applied based on a data-to-peso conversion, with any remaining balance collected in the next transaction. This enhancement makes repayment more flexible and aligned with evolving customer behavior, especially as more users purchase promos directly instead of regular load.

“This is about understanding the real, everyday moments our customers go through,” said Eric Tanbauco, Vice President and Head of Globe Consumer Mobile Business. “Whether it’s an emergency, work, or staying connected to family, we want our customers to have the confidence that they can keep going. By making access to load and promos more flexible, we’re helping remove the friction that can interrupt those important moments.”

With loan offers accessible via the GlobeOne app, Facebook, *143#, and SMS, Globe Prepaid and TM users can conveniently get the connectivity they need anytime, anywhere, without the immediate need to top up.

This initiative reinforces Globe’s broader commitment to deliver reliable, always-available connectivity, aligned with its brand promise of helping Filipinos move forward in a fast-changing world.

Globe continues to support customers not just with products, but with solutions designed around real-life behavior, ensuring that even in small but critical moments, no one gets left behind.

For more information, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/go-forward-together.

LG xboom Stage 301: A Portable Soundtrack for Summer Travel Adventures

Summer travel is often defined not only by destinations but by the experiences that unfold along the way. Whether it’s a sunrise surf session, an island-hopping excursion, or a relaxed evening by the shore, music naturally becomes part of those moments. Designed with mobility and outdoor listening in mind, the LG xboom Stage 301 positions itself as a practical companion for travelers seeking a reliable audio experience throughout their summer journeys.

With up to 12 hours of playback time and IPX4 water resistance, the speaker supports extended outdoor use in changing environments. From beach afternoons to campsite evenings, durability and battery performance are essential for uninterrupted listening. These features allow users to bring music along without worrying about light splashes or frequent charging interruptions, making the device suitable for active day-long itineraries.

The audio configuration of the LG xboom Stage 301 further supports flexible listening across open spaces. Its 6.5-inch woofer and dual midrange drivers provide balanced sound projection, while Space Calibration helps optimize audio output depending on surroundings. For group settings, Wireless Party Link enables multiple compatible speakers to connect, expanding coverage for shared listening experiences during gatherings or travel meetups.

Across the Philippines, destinations such as Siargao, La Union, El Nido, Coron, and Southern Cebu offer diverse summer travel atmospheres where portable audio naturally complements the environment. Surf-focused mornings in Siargao and La Union often transition into sunset wind-down sessions along the coast. Meanwhile, island-hopping in El Nido and Coron creates opportunities for music to accompany scenic boat rides and quiet beach stops. Southern Cebu’s waterfalls and coastal landscapes provide a slower pace, where travelers can relax and enjoy curated playlists that match the setting.

Beyond local travel, international destinations like Bali and Jeju present similar opportunities for music-led escapes. Both locations combine natural scenery with relaxed social spaces, where portable audio enhances shared moments without requiring elaborate setups. For travelers moving between accommodations, beaches, and outdoor cafés, portability becomes just as important as sound quality.

Ultimately, the LG xboom Stage 301 reflects how modern travel increasingly blends movement, connection, and atmosphere. By balancing durability, portability, and group-friendly features, it supports the idea that music is not just background noise but part of the experiences that define summer getaways.