Eat Well. Travel Often: pldt

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For the star athletes playing at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, a life of competition means immense sacrifice – especially when it comes to family life. The way to provide for their families is often through the rigorous and intense sports schedules far away from the ones they love most.

What gives them the strength to play at the highest level? More often than not, it's that same love that awaits them off the court. Their home – not a physical place, but a feeling – is wherever their family is.

Here, we list down some of these men’s volleyball idols wearing their hero hat both on and off the court. We also pay tribute to their partners, children, and more supporters cheering them on from the sidelines.

Benjamin Toniutti (France)

As the 10-year veteran setter and captain of the French national team, as well as a professional player in the PlusLiga league in Poland, Toniutti is the quiet orchestrator of one of the world's best squads. He's also the proud father of three daughters with his wife, Emilie.

For Toniutti, finding balance between a high-stakes career and his family is paramount. His unwavering focus on the court is often fueled by the knowledge that he's playing for more than just a medal – he’s playing to make his family proud. Every set is a testament to the support system that gives him the strength to lead on the world stage.

“My wife and three children are in France on a daily basis, so I spend more time alone between training and matches,” Toniutti said in an interview with PLS earlier this year, speaking on the decision to keep his family in France.

“(My eldest daughter) has close friends in France and also plays volleyball, so we wanted to provide her with more stability and joy in her social life. As soon as there are some breaks in school, my family visits me in Poland, so we see each other quite often, on average once every six weeks. When my family comes to visit me, we spend as much time as possible with each other.”

Photo courtesy: Benjamin Toniutti’s Instagram

Earvin N’Gapeth (France)

Nicknamed "Magic" for his explosive and unpredictable style (as well as after his namesake, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson), the French outside hitter, Turkish league pro player, and two-time Olympic champ is a force to be reckoned with. But beyond the court, N’Gapeth is a dedicated father to his two sons, Mathys and Dany.

Last year, following the French national team’s gold in Paris, N’Gapeth signed with local club Stade Poitevin Poitiers – a move that gave him some much-needed quality time with his brood.

“(Playing for Poitiers) gave me the opportunity to be home for four months with my family, something I hadn’t done for a long time, so it gave me a lot of strength to come back and say I’m able to go until (the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics),” he said in a recent interview.

N’Gapeth's journey highlights the profound sacrifices athletes make to be away from their loved ones while competing. He has spoken about his close bond with his boys, showing that love and connection remains a powerful motivator, propelling him to new heights in his career.

Photo courtesy: Earvin N’Gapheth’s Instagram

Micah Christenson (USA)

Team USA’s captain and Olympic bronze medalist Christenson has a deeply personal way of keeping his family close and loving, even when he's thousands of miles away. His wife Brooke and their three children – Ezekiel, Quinn, and Finley – doodle heartfelt messages of support on his volleyball shoes before every tournament, he told a local publication recently as he was in the thick of the FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila.

For Christenson, 32, those colorful scribbles are a reminder that home is always with him. They represent his core purpose: the people who matter most. "It’s a piece of family and home that I have with me when I’m on the court," the star setter said, showing that even in the toughest moments, he is never alone.

Photo courtesy: Micah Christenson’s Instagram

Wilfredo Leon (Poland)

The Cuban-Polish outside hitter who’s part of the highly acclaimed “Generation of Miracle” in Cuban volleyball is also a well-known family man, as evidenced by his many social media posts featuring his wife and three children.

In fact, Leon, 32, has even gone on to declare that his children are his greatest achievements. “No other achievement can compare to (the birth of his child),” he said in an Instagram post when he welcomed his first daughter back in 2017.

One of his biggest life decisions, however, was to secure a Polish citizenship not only to get better treatment as an athlete outside of Cuba, but also to honor and be closer to his journalist-wife Małgorzata. The two connected back in 2011 in a heartwarming love story that sprouted from their work.

“(One of the reasons I left Cuba is) the fact that my wife – my girlfriend at that time – is Polish and I couldn’t see her outside of Cuba,” he said in a 2020 interview with Olympics.com. “I love everything about (Poland). My life here is nice, I've never had any kind of problems.”

Photo courtesy: Wilfredo Leon’s Instagram

Bryan Bagunas (Philippines)

Alas Pilipinas’ power hitter is a true testament to finding strength from home. Bagunas, who plays internationally in Taiwan, married his long-time partner Nicole Tracy Tan last year. The couple welcomed their first child last May.

“A single moment that changed my life forever,” Bagunas wrote on Instagram, honoring his wife. “You are beyond amazing. Watching you bring our son into this world was the strongest and most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed. (I’m so proud of you), and so thankful I get to walk this new journey with you.”

Bryan's story is particularly inspiring as he navigates a career that often takes him away from the Philippines. His family is his main inspiration and motivation, proving that no matter the distance, the connection remains strong, serving as a powerful reminder of what he is playing for.

Photo courtesy: Bryan Bagunas’ Instagram

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Home for Kadayawan Festival Chelsea Manalo

The Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, known as the "King of Festivals," is a lively celebration highlighting the area's rich cultural tapestry. Running from August 7 to 18, this year's festival promises to be a sensory delight, drawing in both locals and tourists eager to dive into Davao's vibrant traditions.

Embracing Diversity

Central to the Kadayawan Festival is the tribute to the 11 indigenous tribes of Davao, including the Bagobo-Tagabawa, Sama, Ata, Tausug, Bagobo, Iranun, Kagan, Maranao, Matigsalug, Obu Manuvu, and Maguindanaon. This contemporary take on their traditional harvest festival showcases the beauty and strength of these communities.

PLDT Home proudly collaborated with the festival and hosted various exciting events, including the highly anticipated Hiyas ng Kadayawan pageant. On August 16, Jane Rose Miones, representing the Bagobo-Plata tribe, was crowned "Hiyas ng PLDT." This unique pageant aims to celebrate the modern Davaoeña who exemplifies the qualities of an ideal role model, highlighting the talents and cultural heritage of women from all 11 tribes.

Special Guests and Exclusive Offers

On August 17, Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea Manalo, attended a media luncheon to discuss PLDT Home's initiatives during the festival. She introduced the Kadayawan Festival Sale, featuring a P3,600 discount on Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 installations throughout August. After the luncheon, Manalo visited the PLDT Smart Ponciano Store and the NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza Booth, wrapping up her day at the PLDT Home main booth in Ramon Magsaysay Park.

PLDT Home set up booths in key locations throughout the festival. The Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 now offers double the speed, providing 100 Mbps for quicker streaming and video editing, along with an upgraded Unli Fam Call feature for unlimited calls and texts within the family.

Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo and Jexx Hinggo

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo

Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo with PLDT

Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo w PLDT Home

A Culinary Journey

The Kadayawan Festival is not just about lively dances and colorful outfits; it’s also a culinary adventure. Davao's food scene beautifully blends indigenous, Malay, and Spanish influences. From the distinctive durian to the popular pomelo, the region boasts an array of fresh produce. Seafood lovers can enjoy grilled delicacies like inihaw na panga, while the adventurous might want to sample crocodile sisig. Coffee aficionados can relish the unique flavors of beans grown in Mount Apo.

Experience the Celebration

With around 250,000 visitors expected this year, the Kadayawan Festival is a vibrant homage to Davao's rich cultural heritage. Street dancers, dressed in colorful, intricately woven costumes, fill the streets with their rhythmic movements during the Indak-Indak sa Kadalan, a street dancing competition that serves as a heartfelt tribute to a bountiful harvest.

Join us in celebrating the enduring beauty of Davao's heritage at this year's Kadayawan Festival! With PLDT Home's Fiber Unli All Plan 1399, capture every moment and share your unforgettable experiences with stunning photos and videos. Experience the magic of Kadayawan!

Moms are everyday heroes!

They play different roles in the workplace and in the community. Sometimes, they would sacrifice their "me" time just to attend to the needs of her family. It's also a challenge for a modern working mom to achieve a piece of mind especially when they go to work and leave the kids at home. But these days, smart gadgets and high-speed internet can help moms control the family's safety and security.

Photo above: http://itsmegracee.blogspot.com/2016/08/pldt-home-launches-smart-watch.html

Just ask Asia’s Songbird and modern-day mom Regine Velasquez – Alcasid. Mom to four-year-old Nathaniel James, more fondly known as Nate, Regine exemplifies the modern-day Filipino mom who strikes the balance between her hectic work schedule and her role as a family woman.

“Technology helps me become a better mom,” she revealed. “Specifically, I get a lot of help from PLDT HOME.” Regine, who is also an ambassador for the brand, added, “They have a suite of products and services that are designed to give moms like me peace of mind through the power of technology. So far, super helpful talaga siya for me especially when I have to be away for work.”

Forefront of strongest connections at home

As the leader in digital innovations for the home, PLDT HOME designs its products and services to help parents like Regine effectively multi-task while ensuring the safety of their families. Two products which promote peace of mind among working moms are the Fam Cam and Smart Watch.

The Fam Cam is a home monitoring system which allows parents to check on their children remotely, and even communicate with them. The Smart Watch, a personal favorite of Nate, is a multi-functional gadget which kids can use to take photos, play music, and even record voice messages.

According to Regine, they use the Smart Watch to easily talk to Nate because he can directly answer calls using his watch when it is connected to their Telpad or a smart phone. The Alcasids also use it as a WiFi remote for the Telpad or smart phone cameras so it’s easier to take selfies or groufies wherever they are.

Regine also shared how the watch helps teach Nate to become more responsible and aware of his surroundings. Nate’s Smart Watch can come to the rescue using the anti-lost feature. He simply has to click on a button and the connected device will make a sound so it can be located. The Smart Watch will also vibrate if Nate goes more than 10 meters away from the paired device so if the Telpad or smart phone is with Mommy Regine or Daddy Ogie, it will remind him to go back to them.

“Nate really loves his Smart Watch,” Regine said. “As a parent, this is a gadget na approve sa akin kasi I can really see that it helps us bond better as a family.”

Nate Alcasid as the new PLDT Home Endorser

Following his mother’s footsteps, Nate was recently launched as the new ambassador for the Smart Watch.

“We’re very excited to have Nate on board,“ PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali said. “He represents the kids of his generation—perennially curious, smart and dynamic. Together with his mom, we look forward to reaching to more families and educating them about the ways technology can help bring them closer.”

Regine added, “Siyempre, I’m super proud of my baby boy! PLDT HOME is close to our hearts and as a family, we are proof that technology can really help make our lives safer and easier.”

PLDT HOME subscribers who upgrade to a Telpad plan automatically get a free 1Mbps HOME DSL speed boost, and for only an additional P199 per month, they can already top up with a Smart Watch. The watch is also available to existing Telpad subscribers. Simply order online and it will be delivered for free. For more information, visit pldthome.com/telpad/smartwatch.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day ahead! - Jexx

PLDT has partnered with US-based Roku, the world's leading video streaming platform, to bring the best entertainment to Filipinos right from their TV screens through access to over 3,500 viewing apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and HBO Now.

"We are seeing a growing demand for internet-delivered TV services in the country and there is no better partner for us to give Filipinos the world of entertainment than Roku which has the largest base of active streaming users in the world," PLDT FVP and Head of HOME Operations Oscar Reyes Jr. said.

Roku has nine million active accounts in 10 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. It also has more than twice the usage of Google Chromecast, according to independent surveys and Roku’s own tracker conducted in November 2015.

"Roku's powerful platform will be a strong complement to PLDT HOME's current array of content from various providers that include iflix and Fox International Channels," Reyes pointed out.

PLDT HOME broadband subscribers currently enjoy subscription video on demand (SVOD) through their iflix accounts which include not just western but also Asian and local TV shows and films while the partnership with Fox also allowed live streaming and catch-up television of the various shows on Fox channels.

PLDT HOME has also been increasing the speed of its Fibr plans with the most recent upgrade reaching as high as 1 Gbps to satisfy the growing appetite of subscribers for bandwidth heavy apps like video streaming.

The demand for internet TV in the world has grown dramatically in the past five years, with the fastest year-on-year growth of 73% registered in 2015 with one over-the-top (OTT) box now streaming 5.5 billion hours at the end of 2015.

"In the past, operators first had to build or lease dedicated infrastructure in order to deliver TV services to the home, with streaming that is no longer the case. As a result, we see a lot of interest from all over the world for our Roku Powered program from both telecom and pay TV operators," said Andrew Ferrone, vice president pay TV at Roku. "With its fast fiber & DSL infrastructure, PLDT is in a perfect position to leverage the Roku streaming platform and quickly deploy a proven, low-cost, turn-key solution and launch an innovative TV service to its broadband customers."

According to recent surveys, video consumption via OTT boxes has been growing dramatically in the US and accounted for 58% of total views as of March last year from 44% the previous year and against 24% for PC and 17% for mobile devices.

"We foresee the Philippines eventually following this trend as more Filipinos' viewing habits involve more and more video. The partnership with Roku is consistent with PLDT HOME's objective of having the widest and best video portfolio in the Philippines," said Reyes.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day ahead! - Jexx

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Press Release from PLDT Home

An advocacy for teachers was created over coffee from a small group of like-minded PLDT executives nine years ago. With a common dream of being a catalyst of change in the lives of teachers, Gabay Guro was born and became the CSR arm under the PLDT-Smart Foundation.

What transpired after that fateful day revolutionized education-based advocacy efforts in so many levels giving birth to a holistic approach that was anchored on the now famous Gabay Guro pillars - Scholarships, Trainings, Housing and Educational Facilities, Livelihood Programs, Broadbanding and Computerization, and Teachers’ Tribute.

Gabay Guro managed to write off mediocrity since then, championing excellence and paying tribute to teachers all over the country (and nearby countries) by bringing attention to their heroic deeds and at the same time, providing them with the necessary tools to contribute to the change in the lives of their students and their families.

To this day, Gabay Guro managed to thrive on volunteerism – mostly among the ranks of the executives from PLDT and Smart.

Nine years after, Gabay Guro has over 1,100 scholars in various state colleges and universities nationwide. There are over 300 LET passers, 496 active scholars as of August, 2016 and a projected 167 graduates in 2017. Gabay Guro also celebrates the fact that 137 scholars graduated with honors – 112 cum laudes and 25 magna cum laudes. Gabay Guro has also partnered with local government units to further teacher education.

The foundation has conducted trainings for over 16,000 teachers in the course of its nine years. Today, it runs eight training programs for teachers around the country namely: Teacher’s Treasure Chest; English Proficiency Training; Computer Literacy; Emotional Intelligence; Teacher’s Armor; Leadership Training; IT Sustainability and Literacy; and Unleashing Creativity in Teaching. At the same time, Gabay Guro answers to the needs of the times by doing grassroots anti-drugs trainings in schools.

Gabay Guro’s initiative on Broadband and Computerization has had great impact nationwide. All partner-schools were recipients of either computers/laptop or internet connections from PLDT or Smart.

Knowing that shortage of educational facilities is a major disaster area in the Philippine education system, Gabay Guro has taken the cudgels in the construction of classrooms in the provinces, mostly those that have been hit by debilitating calamities. There is over 40 classrooms constructed and donated already in the ff. provinces: Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz.

Gabay Guro has grown to be the force that it is today. Whereas in the beginning, there were only a couple of thousand member-teachers under its stable, 2016 sees 20,000-strong membership (and growing!) at its helm and has easily taken over the leadership, the one that sets the bar of service, in all education-related NGOs around the nation.

Ms. Chaye Revilla and the Gabay Guro team of visionaries with her in the foundation, were propelled by this belief: “our nation’s children depend on our nation’s teachers to lead them to the future. And this teachers’ month, Gabay Guro gives tribute to those who teach the next generation of nation-builders.”

The pinnacle of Gabay Guro’s celebration is embodied in the tribute event held every year at the MOA Arena. Year after year, the organizers leave no stone unturned ensuring that it is in Gabay Guro where teachers get to be treated like royalty. Generosity at its finest, raffle prizes have grown to be the staggering house and lot and vehicle showcases and livelihood opportunities that they are today in every Gabay Guro tribute event.

The Gabay Guro’s 9th Teacher’s Tribute this year, the biggest gathering of the country’s celebrities, will not disappoint on Sept. 25 at the MOA Arena. Stellar names set to give the teachers the time of their lives on this day are Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Pops Fernandez, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Ms. Lea Salonga and Mega star Ms. Sharon Cuneta and more surprise guests on the big day.

This is the day where our teachers get to let their hair loose, meet the biggest celebrities, be treated to a whole day of entertainment and huge raffle prizes beginning with house and lot and vehicles., anything to remind them of their invaluable presence in our lives.

This year’s event is made possible through the help of the ff. sponsors: Perry’s Group of Companies (for the house and lot), Foton for the (Gratour Van), Intel, Devant, Motorlandia (for the Honda and Suzuki motorcyles), Ropali, Penshoppe, National Bookstore, Enchanted Kingdom, Splash, Tempra, Flanax, Bonamine, Vivalyte, Mundipharma, Gardenia, Bic, Art Attack, Microsoft, Smart Bro, Ultera, Talk N Text and 51 Talk.

The PLDT Gabay Guro grand tribute event is exclusive for teachers only. Admission is free. Follow Gabay Guro on Facebook, twitter and Instagram at @PLDTGabayGuro or visit the Gabay Guro official website gabayguro.com for more details.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

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Press Release from PLDT Home

PLDT and Smart Communications recently installed high-speed internet in the General Santos International Airport to serve the increasing demand for mobile data services among travelers, both local and foreign.

The deployment is part of the first phase of the nationwide rollout of carrier-grade Smart Wifi in key transport hubs such as airports, seaports, and mass transport systems nationwide, including MRT and LRT in Metro Manila.

Smart has allocated close to P1 billion this year for the rollout of Smart Wifi in public spots all over the country to address consumer demand for high-speed internet as more Filipinos embrace the digital lifestyle.

General Santos International Airport serves the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the independent cities of General Santos, and Cotabato.

The installation of Smart Wifi also coincides with the airport’s ongoing development, which is considered one of the priority projects under the Mindanao Development Corridors Program to enhance air connectivity for better movement of people and products.

Smart Wifi is now available in the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City; Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental; Bacolod-Silay International Airport in Silay City; Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo City; Roxas Airport in Roxas City; Zamboanga Airport in Zamboanga City, Clark International Airport in the Clark Special Economic Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport in Negros Oriental, and Laoag International Airport in Laoag City. Soon, Smart Wifi will also be reinforced in all four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as well as installed in other airports, including that of Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan, and Palawan and Bohol.

More high traffic areas such as city halls, schools, hospitals, and malls, among others, will be covered by the service over time.

“More Filipinos are making the digital shift. With a backhaul of up to 1 gigabit per second, Smart Wifi users in General Santos International Airport will have seamless digital experience whether surfing the web for their favorite sites, or keeping connected with home and office while travelling. With our suite of digital content and relevant services, waiting at the airport is now enjoyable, and productive,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, FVP and Wireless Consumer Operations Head at Smart.

“The deployment of carrier-grade Smart Wifi in 24 key transport hubs, including General Santos International Airport, is our answer to the government’s call and the public’s clamor for more Wifi hotspots in the country. It is also a strategic business move for the PLDT group as this will help us understand and shape usage of the fast-growing data business,” said Eric R. Alberto, EVP for PLDT/Smart, and president and CEO, ePLDT.

The deployment is backed by the group’s robust and resilient wireless and fixed-line network infrastructure, and is part of Smart’s three-year massive network modernization program to handle the expected rise in data traffic.

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PRESS RELEASE from Smart Communications, Inc.