Adulting is supposed to mean you’ve figured a few things out—you track your expenses, reply to emails with “Noted, thanks,” and somehow get excited about grocery discounts. But when it comes to digestive problems, many Pinoys still handle every “sakit ng tiyan” the same way.  Kabag? Acid? Constipation? Hilab? Same solution: inom agad ng kung anong gamot ang nandiyan and hope for the best.

Here’s the catch: your tiyan isn’t a one-problem-fits-all situation. Different symptoms usually mean different causes, and treating everything the same way can leave you feeling even worse. This World Digestive Health Day, the reminder is simple: stop playing digestive roulette and start listening to what your gut is actually telling you. Because real adulting isn’t just powering through discomfort—it’s knowing what’s wrong and choosing the right care for it.

The “Same Tiyan, Different Problem” Reality Check

1. “Pangangasim” or Heartburn Isn’t the Same as Kabag

Not every “kumukulo ang tiyan” moment is just plain kabag. That burning feeling in your upper stomach or chest may actually be pangangasim ng sikmura or heartburn—usually linked to hyperacidity, acid reflux, or indigestion. And since the problem is acid-related, Antacids can help calm excess stomach acid and properly ease the burn, instead of leaving your tiyan feeling like it picked a fight with your last meal.

2. Constipation Isn’t Just “Walang Tulak”

Constipation isn’t just “walang tulak”—it’s your tiyan sending a follow-up email. Bloating, heaviness, and infrequent bowel movements can be linked to low fiber intake, dehydration, stress, or lifestyle habits. While water, exercise, and better eating habits help keep things regular, Laxatives may also help when your digestive system seems to be ignoring deadlines.

3. Lower Belly Cramps Need More Than Tiis

Lower belly cramps are more than just “tiisin mo na lang.” If you’re feeling hilab, ipit, or tusok pain around or below the navel—especially the kind that comes and goes— your gut muscles may be going into full drama mode due to cramping or even stress-related reactions. Since the pain comes from muscle spasms, Antispasmodics can help target the cramping at the source instead of leaving you folded in half waiting for it to pass.

4. Your Gut Might Need Support, Too

Sometimes, the problem isn’t just the questionable milk tea decision—it’s your gut balance itself. Frequent tummy upset may be a sign that your digestive system needs backup. That’s where Probiotics come in, helping support good gut health, better digestion, and a stronger gut when your stomach seems to be acting up than usual.

5. When It’s More Than the Stomach

Sometimes, it’s not just your stomach filing complaints. Feeling unusually heavy, fatigued, or uncomfortable after one too many “deserve ko ’to” moments may also point to liver strain. While occasional discomfort happens, persistent symptoms shouldn’t be brushed off. Supporting liver health with Liver Support—and knowing when it’s time to see a doctor—can help prevent bigger problems later on.

Adulting Is Matching Symptoms to the Right Care

At its core, adulting isn’t just about “tolerating” discomfort anymore—it’s about making smarter calls for your health. Instead of treating every stomach issue like it’s the same plot twist, real adulting means knowing that different symptoms need different solutions, not a lucky dip from the medicine cabinet.

For example, pangangasim ng tiyan can be relieved with antacids like Maalox (1-2 tablets, four times a day after meals and at bedtime), while constipation may be addressed with laxatives such as Dulcolax (1-2 tablets at night). 

For hilab, sikip, or tusok sensations, antispasmodics like Hyoscine N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) can help (1–2 tablets, 3x a day for not more than 3 days), while gut imbalance may benefit from probiotics like Erceflora (one mini bottle per day for 7 days from the onset of gut infection symptoms or as directed by a physician). For liver care, support such as Essentiale may be used (two capsules, three times a day or as prescribed by your physician). 

As World Digestive Health Day reminds us, digestive discomforts aren’t just minor annoyances—they’re signals from your body asking to be understood. The smarter approach is simple: pay attention, match symptoms to the right care, and consult a doctor when things don’t improve.

Because real self-care isn’t pretending you’re fine while clutching your tiyan in silence—it’s knowing when your body is talking and actually listening.

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ERCEFLORA GUT DEFENSE AT ERCEFLORA GUT RESTORE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.  

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ESSENTIALE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.  

IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

MAT-PH-2600765  / Ver 1.0 / DA 06-2026 / DM 06-2026

L–R: Hazel Amoyan, Head of CRM – Visayas and Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Domestic Enterprise Business, Regional & Commercial of PLDT Enterprise with Norman Curato, President and CEO, and Catherine Curato, Chief Finance Officer of Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc., marking the strengthening of a partnership focused on enabling scalable AI-IoT innovation through reliable connectivity.

Cebu, Philippines — PLDT Enterprise is deepening its partnership with Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc., to support the company’s growing AI-IoT ecosystem through scalable and reliable connectivity. The collaboration highlights how wireless infrastructure can help enable digital transformation, operational efficiency, and data-driven innovation in real-world business transformation.

Xeleqt is a technology company focused on AI-IoT solutions aimed at improving workplace productivity and engagement.It is an AI-of-Things enabled business-to-employee platform that measures, rewards, and records workforce performance. The company started with a vision of delivering real-time services to traditional businesses that lacked access to emerging opportunities as smart devices became more prominent. It has since grown into a team dedicated to driving transformation through technology.

Xeleqt won the grand prize at the Start-up Innovation Challenge at PH Digicon 2023, in partnership with PLDT, and was later selected by the Department of Trade and Industry to represent the Philippines at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair.

A commitment to supporting technology innovators with scalable connectivity

PLDT Enterprise’s partnership with Xeleqt is centered on providing the wireless connectivity foundation needed to support a growing AI-IoT ecosystem. As Xeleqt’s deployments expanded, the company needed a solution capable of supporting thousands of connected devices while maintaining performance, reliability, and uptime. It also needed a connectivity platform capable of supporting AI-enabled IoT applications, from real-time data capture to analytics and automation.

Enabled by PLDT Enterprise, Xeleqt’s devices run on Smart’s IoT connectivity, supporting reliable and always-on performance across its operations.

This expanded deployment is expected to strengthen Xeleqt’s ability to support more automated, intelligent, and data-driven applications across its operations. By providing always-on connectivity at scale, the partnership reinforces wireless infrastructure as a key enabler of innovation. 

Built on a growing partnership

The relationship between the two companies traces back to Xeleqt’s mother company, Spingine Corp, a system integrator that initially worked with PLDT Enterprise to support large-scale connectivity requirements. When Xeleqt was formally established in 2021, the collaboration continued and evolved in line with the company’s growing focus on IoT solutions. 

As Xeleqt scaled its operations, PLDT Enterprise’s wireless IoT SIM solutions helped strengthen network reliability, simplify connectivity management, and support the company’s planned AI-ready IoT ecosystem. This continuity of engagement—from Spingine Corp to Xeleqt—is part of what reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s role as a long-term connectivity partner in Xeleqt’s digital transformation journey. 

“Partnerships like this show how scalable wireless connectivity can directly support innovation and operational efficiency,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head, Domestic Enterprise Business, Regional & Commercial at PLDT Enterprise. “As Xeleqt continues to expand its AI-IoT initiatives, PLDT Enterprise remains committed to providing the reliable connectivity foundation that helps power those efforts.” 

“As Xeleqt continues to grow its AI-IoT solutions, having scalable and reliable connectivity is critical to how we serve our customers and expand our operations,” said Norman Curato, President of Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc., “Our collaboration with PLDT Enterprise gives us the connectivity foundation we need to support more intelligent and data-driven applications at scale.”

MANILA, Philippines — What are celebrations like for today’s generation? Do they still prefer the grand and elaborate, where every detail is carefully planned, from the food to the date that everyone needs to block off on their calendar? It seems like Gen Z would rather turn simple moments into meaningful meet-ups.

“They value authenticity and personal expressions, and this has also influenced the way they approach drinking. Instead of choosing intimidating spirits, they are opting for ones that are easier to enjoy and would match their vibe. They also don’t wait for big occasions to celebrate. For them, small wins are just as meaningful,” said Tanduay Digital Brand Manager Edzel Ty.

This is where Tanduay Select fits in. With its smooth character, it is perfect for those chill catch-ups at a friend’s place, weekend staycations that finally got out of the group chat, or even small parties with work buddies to celebrate the success of a project.

“Tanduay Select easily blends into these easygoing moments with its suave character perfect for casual enjoyment. It appeals to long-time drinkers while remaining accessible to new drinkers as well,” Ty said.

Tanduay Select is just as perfect for a solo downtime at home. At 60 proof (30% alcohol/volume), it is a flexible spirit that can be enjoyed  as a cocktail like in a Rum and Cola. You can also infuse it in iced coffee for that added kick or simply pair it with soda water and fresh citrus slices. It is also excellent when taken neat.

“For this generation, the best drinks are those that turn somewhat ordinary moments into something special because they value ease and genuine connections, and this kind of simplicity is what you can find in Tanduay Select,” Ty noted.

Tanduay Select and other Tanduay products are available at www.shots.ph and leading liquor stores and supermarkets nationwide. Follow Tanduay’s official social media accounts to learn more about its latest products, events, and promotions.

MANILA, Philippines – With its commitment to provide value not just in terms of price but also in terms of variety and quality, McDonald’s Philippines continues to give Filipinos more ways to enjoy its napakalaki, napakasulit Chicken McDo with the launch of new meals this June 1.

“We’re proud of how our napakalaki, napakasulit Chicken McDo has a growing following among our kababayans. To give them more reasons to love Chicken McDo, we’re launching new combinations that give more fill and more satisfaction with more protein and more choices,” said Celina Lagandaon, McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Director.

New meals, more ways to enjoy Chicken McDo

McDonald’s Philippines is introducing two new Chicken McDo Meals: 1-pc. Chicken McDo with Crispy Chicken Fillet and Drink, and 1-pc. Chicken McDo with Mushroom Pepper Steak and Drink. Both priced starting at PHP 158, these new offers are complete meals that are unmistakably filling. These are napakasulit offers that serve the napakalaki Chicken McDo while adding exciting variety with the addition of extra protein.

“We continuously listen to our customers and these new options are our answer to feedback for Chicken McDo meals na mas nakakabusog at mas maraming choices while remaining napakasulit,” added Lagandaon.

Beloved Chicken McDo combos still available

Aside from the new offers, fans and customers can still enjoy other napakalaki at napakasulit Chicken McDo offers. The 1-pc Chicken McDo with rice and regular drink is still great value for money starting at P99. For rice lovers, there’s the 1-pc Chicken McDo with double rice and regular drink. And there’s the sweet offers for those with a sweet tooth: the 1-pc Chicken McDo with rice, regular drink, and Sundae Cone, as well as the 1-pc Chicken McDo with rice and Coke McFloat.

Customers and fans can try the new napakalaki at napakasulit Chicken McDo offers via dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or delivery via McDelivery, GrabFood, and foodpanda. 

For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Facebook, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, and @McDo_PH on X. 

Ballet Manila principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Joshua Enciso

Filipino audiences have long embraced stories of sweeping romance, hidden identities, and hard-won triumph. Ballet Manila now brings these themes to life in a landmark moment: the country’s first ever, full length staging of the classical masterpiece Paquita. Choreographed by the company’s founder and artistic director, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the production goes onstage at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City, with performances on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. and June 20–21 at 5:00 p.m.

Though Paquita is a cornerstone of classical ballet, it is rarely performed in its entirety. And because of its dramatic narrative, Lisa believes that it will be remarkably relatable, to the Filipino.  Lisa describes the narrative as “quite like a soap opera, with twists and turns that are amusing and entertaining which is perfect for Filipinos who love a great story or telenovela.” 

Set in Spain, the story follows a young Romani woman who saves the life of a French officer, Lucien, from a governor’s assassination plot. Along the way, she discovers her own noble heritage, allowing the couple to overcome rigid social barriers and marry in a happy ending that many Filipinos love.

The journey to this landmark production began in March 2025, when Paquita’s grand divertissement was performed during Ballet Manila’s Pearl Gala celebration. The brief excerpt sparked a deeper curiosity in Lisa as she recalled starting to dig into the story behind the ballet excerpt: “When I finally read it in full, I decided that it would be exciting and perfectly manageable to present a two-act classical ballet to the Filipino audience.”

While the production honors its classical roots, Macuja Elizalde intentionally avoided watching existing versions to keep her choreography entirely her own. “I started to build the ballet chapter by chapter in my head,” she explained. “But the actual creation didn’t happen until I was in the studio in front of the dancers.”

Working closely with her team has reinforced Ballet Manila’s strong Russian ballet foundation. Lisa noted that the company’s 40-member ensemble is the perfect size to handle the intricate, challenging choreography. At the heart of this production, two luminous pairs alternate in the main characters role: Joshua Enciso with Abigail Oliveiro, both principal dancers, and Shamira Drapete with Jos David Andes, both soloists. Together they embody the dual spirit of Paquita and Lucien, bringing fresh brilliance to one of classical ballet’s most dazzling showcases.

For Oliveiro, stepping into the shoes of Paquita under Lisa’s guidance has been an incredibly rewarding and collaborative experience, “It is always a good experience, and she is very clear in what she wants while keeping an open mind,” Oliveiro shared. “I try to listen and observe what Ma’am Lisa wants from the ballet, character, or scene so I can understand her vision and fulfill it.”

The role also offers Oliveiro a rare chance to showcase a different side of her artistry. “I realized I had to tap into my more playful side which, dare I say, is not a common theme in a lot of my repertoire,” she added. “So I’m certainly enjoying being playful.”

Ultimately, the creative team and cast hope the production leaves audiences feeling uplifted and delighted. As Lisa concludes: “I hope the audience will laugh at the comedic scenes and swoon in the romantic ones; as well as stand up and scream during the technically difficult portions! I hope the audience comes out of the theater smiling and humming the music.”

The Philippine ballet scene will reach another milestone with the historic world premiere of Paquita on June 19 at 8:00 p.m., June 20 & 21 at 5:00 p.m. Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph

For many Filipinos, a trip to the mall is never just about shopping. It is about catching up with friends, discovering new finds, and, of course, hunting for the next food obsession worth posting about.

Now, shoppers at SM Center Sangandaan have a new reason to linger a little longer. ChizMozza, the country’s first fried mozzarella cheese stand, has officially opened on the second floor of the mall, bringing its signature cheese pulls and crispy, golden snacks to North Caloocan’s bustling shopping crowd.

As snack trends continue to evolve, shoppers are increasingly drawn to treats that are not only satisfying but also fun to share. ChizMozza delivers both. Its bite-sized and stick-shaped mozzarella snacks feature 100 percent mozzarella cheese wrapped in a crunchy coating, creating the kind of stretchy cheese pull that has become a social media favorite and a must-have for every food trip.

Whether you’re taking a break between shopping stops, meeting friends for an afternoon gala, or simply rewarding yourself after ticking off your errands, ChizMozza offers a fun and satisfying snack experience that fits every mall moment.

The menu goes beyond the classic mozzarella stick. Customers can enjoy Mozzarella Bites, the crowd-favorite 3-Cheese Popsicle made with mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan, as well as the hearty 2-Cheese Monster featuring mozzarella and cheddar. New additions include the Donut Mozza, available in plain and ube variants and served with flavorful dips, alongside the Classic Chiz Sticks that have earned a loyal following.

The arrival of ChizMozza at SM Center Sangandaan reflects the growing demand for unique grab-and-go snacks that combine flavor, convenience, and shareability. For today’s generation of shoppers, food has become part of the mall experience itself, transforming quick snack breaks into memorable moments with family and friends.

With its playful take on cheese and its unmistakable mozzarella stretch, ChizMozza is poised to become one of the newest food destinations inside SM Center Sangandaan.

So, the next time you’re planning a mall day, make room for a snack stop. After all, every great gala deserves a little extra cheese.

ChizMozza is now open on the second floor of SM Center Sangandaan. Cheese lovers may also visit its branches at the SM Foodcourts of SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela.

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K-pop sensation, FIFTY FIFTY, returns with their highly anticipated new EP, “Imperfect-I’mperfect,” now available on all digital streaming platforms via Arista Records. Marking a new chapter in the group’s musical journey, the six-track project doesn’t try to hide or fill in its flaws. Instead, it embraces the idea that our raw, unpolished selves can be the most unique, and even the most complete. The album fearlessly confronts the honest emotions that exist beyond simple positivity and bright smiles. It reminds us that we don’t always have to be perfectly happy. Beginning with the pre- release single, “STARSTRUCK,” the album immediately introduces a striking transformation in both image and sound for the group. Built around powerful electronic synths, distorted textures, vocal chops, and cyberpunk-inspired production, the track creates a retro-futuristic atmosphere that feels immersive, hypnotic, and emotionally charged. The experimental soundscape offers fans an early glimpse into the themes woven throughout the project while showcasing a bold new side of FIFTY FIFTY.

The album continues with focus track “Like a Bubble,” which embraces a brighter and more playful energy through dreamy production, buoyant melodies, warm harmonies, and atmospheric instrumentation layered over a boom bap-inspired rhythm. At its heart, the song is about loving yourself exactly as you are — flaws and all — while capturing the freeing feeling of emotional weightlessness. Together, “STARSTRUCK” and “Like a Bubble” embody FIFTY FIFTY’s unmistakable sense of liberation and artistic growth.

Additional tracks including “Took It Too Far” and “Genie Magic” bring a more energetic edge to the project while continuing to explore the emotional complexities woven throughout the album. “Took It Too Far” blends groovy, dreamlike textures with playful tension to portray a relationship that constantly clashes yet remains impossible to walk away from. Meanwhile, “Genie Magic” bursts with vibrant synths, infectious energy, and a bright sense of excitement, celebrating the magical moments love can unexpectedly bring.

On the more introspective side, tracks like “PERFECT” and “Carry On” lean into emotional vulnerability and cinematic storytelling. “PERFECT” combines dreamy R&B textures with subtle retro influences, capturing the excitement and nervousness of first love while delivering a bold confession through the group’s signature confidence. Closing the album, “Carry On” builds toward a soaring and emotional finale through expansive production, powerful chants, and dynamic vocal ad-libs that leave listeners with a lasting sense of comfort, healing, and hope.

Ahead of this release, the group further showcased their artistic versatility with a widely praised cover of Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd, earning attention from fans and critics alike for their heartfelt reinterpretation of the iconic classic. They also recently sat down with Variety to discuss the creative direction behind their evolving artistry and the emotional themes that inspired this current project.

FIFTY FIFTY has continued to establish themselves as one of K-pop’s fastest-rising groups since the breakout success of Cupid, which became the longest-charting K-pop song in Billboard Hot 100 history at 25 consecutive weeks and peaked at #17. The rapid global success of “Cupid” through TikTok trends and streaming platforms introduced the group to a massive international audience, and over the past year, FIFTY FIFTY has continued expanding their global reach while evolving artistically with each release.

From riveting dance-pop moments to softer introspective tracks, “Imperfect-I’mperfect” captures the complexities of youth, identity, emotional uncertainty, and personal growth while reinforcing FIFTY FIFTY’s place as one of the most exciting rising groups in global pop music.

Tracklist:

1. STARSTRUCK
2. Like a Bubble
3. Took It Too Far
4. PERFECT
5. Genie Magic
6. Carry On

(Credit: Sony Music Korea Entertainment)

In photo (L-R): Nemia Rontal and Wilma Manalastas

Almost every Filipino neighborhood has one. A sari-sari store tucked beside a family home. A small storefront where neighbors stop to buy everyday essentials, catch up with one another, or quickly pay for load before heading home. For decades, these community businesses have quietly become part of daily life across the Philippines, built through trust, consistency, and relationships formed one customer at a time.

Today, many of these small businesses are evolving together with the communities they serve. Some now offer bills payment, cash-in and cash-out services, and mobile load in addition to traditional store items. Others have expanded into online selling, using digital tools to help manage transactions and support growing negosyo needs.

For entrepreneurs like Nemia Rontal in Bocaue, Bulacan and Wilma Manalastas, adapting to these changes became part of growing their negosyo while creating more stability for their families through Maya Business.

Before becoming one of the trusted Maya Business agents in their subdivision, 39-year-old Nemia spent nearly two decades working in corporate as an Accounting Supervisor. But after experiencing health challenges that forced her to stop working full-time, she began focusing more seriously on the small sari-sari store she had started years earlier outside their home.

At the time, the setup was simple: two sacks of rice displayed in front of the house. “Nagsimula kami na para pandagdag lang sana noon” (We started it simply as a way to earn extra income), she shares.

Even then, Nemia already had an interest in financial systems and business transactions. Curious about digital financial services and looking for ways to expand what her store could offer, she attended a Maya seminar in Guiguinto back in 2018 and applied to become a Maya Business partner.

Over time, Nemia’s store evolved into more than just a place to buy essentials.

Customers began stopping by not only for rice or groceries, but also for bills payment, cash-in services, and mobile load. During the pandemic especially, digital transactions became more common within their community as more people looked for accessible financial services closer to home.

“Unti-unti siyang naging regular na serbisyo para sa mga tao rito” (Over time, it became a regular service people in the community relied on), she says.

As transactions became more consistent, access to additional puhunan also became important for keeping the negosyo running steadily. Through Maya Advance, Maya Business’ in-app financing feature that allows eligible businesses to access collateral-free revolving funds directly through the app, Nemia was able to secure additional capital for inventory, daily operations, and household expenses whenever needed.

Her first approved amount started at around ₱18,000. Over time, after consistently growing her transactions, her loan limit eventually increased to more than ₱200,000.

For Nemia, the convenience mattered just as much as the financial support itself. “Kapag fully paid na, mabilis lang ulit magamit” (Once it’s fully paid, we can easily access it again) she says. “Malaking tulong siya lalo na kapag kailangang magdagdag agad ng paninda” (It really helps whenever we need additional capital for inventory).

Today, her store has helped support their family through years of change. From improving their home to purchasing a vehicle and continuously supporting her children’s education, the business gradually became a source of stability after leaving corporate work behind.

But success, in Nemia’s case, still looks grounded in everyday routines.

It looks like preparing the store early in the morning before customers arrive. It looks like balancing negosyo operations with household responsibilities. It looks like assisting neighbors with transactions throughout the day.

For Wilma Manalastas on the other hand, her business evolved differently, but with the same mindset of adapting little by little.

What started as a simple sari-sari store eventually expanded into online selling, with Wilma offering gadgets, cellphones, clothes, and other trending products through digital platforms.

Over time, her business became an important added source of income alongside her husband’s work.

Like many Filipinos who entered online selling organically, Wilma learned through experience: balancing multiple sidelines, managing inventory, and handling busy transactions while gradually adapting to more digital systems.

“As the negosyo grew, syempre kailangan din ng pandagdag puhunan” (As the negosyo grew, we eventually needed additional capital to keep up as well), she says.

Before using Maya Business, Wilma often relied on credit cards whenever she needed extra funds for restocking products or supporting busy selling periods. Eventually, she became one of the early Maya Business users and later discovered Maya Advance, which allowed her to access additional revolving funds directly through the app without lengthy paperwork and approval processes.

For Wilma, the accessibility and convenience became especially helpful in supporting both her physical store and online negosyo operations.

Today, years after starting with a sari-sari store, Wilma says her business has helped their family achieve milestones they once only planned for gradually, including purchasing a condominium unit and a vehicle.

But more than the bigger purchases, she says the business gave them more financial stability and flexibility while helping support their long-term family goals.

Across the Philippines, sari-sari stores have long been part of everyday community life: places built on familiarity, convenience, and trust. But as customer habits continue to evolve, many small business owners are also finding practical ways to adapt alongside them.

Through Maya Business, entrepreneurs can access digital tools that help support everyday negosyo needs, from accepting QR Ph payments from different e-wallets and banks to offering bills payment, mobile load, and cash-in and cash-out services, as well as accessing additional revolving capital through Maya Advance. Maya Business also allows merchants to manage business funds through a digital deposit account designed for everyday business transactions.

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, growth doesn’t always happen all at once. Sometimes, it starts with a small store, a loyal community of customers, and the willingness to keep building steadily one day at a time.

Looking to level up your business with digital tools and services? You can apply to become a Maya Center and download the Maya Negosyo app on Google Play to get started.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

PLDT Enterprise and 6D Technologies formalize their partnership to expand scalable IoT connectivity and support enterprise digital transformation across the Philippines. (L–R): Gilbert Gaw, First Vice President and Head of IT and Transformation Office, PLDT and Smart; Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation, PLDT Enterprise; Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer, 6D Technologies; and Abhishek Bhalla, Vice President for APAC, 6D Technologies.

Manila, Philippines — For many businesses, growth depends on being able to see what is happening across their operations in real time — where assets are, how devices are performing, when systems need attention, and how teams can respond faster when conditions change.

This is where connected technology becomes more than just infrastructure. It becomes a way for businesses to make better decisions, reduce delays, improve visibility, and serve customers with greater confidence.

PLDT Enterprise is taking another step toward making this possible for more Philippine businesses through its strategic partnership with 6D Technologies, a global telecommunications software company specializing in BSS/OSS platforms, IoT connectivity management, and digital transformation solutions for mobile network operators. Through the collaboration, PLDT Enterprise is strengthening its IoT capabilities to support more scalable, flexible, and enterprise-ready connectivity services across the country.

At the heart of the partnership is 6D Technologies’ IoT Connectivity Management Platform (CMP), a carrier-grade platform that helps telecom operators create, package, deploy, and manage IoT services at scale. It supports the full IoT lifecycle, including SIM provisioning, device onboarding, real-time usage monitoring, automated billing, and enterprise self-service portals.

Helping businesses see more and respond faster

The partnership is expected to support more IoT use cases across industries such as logistics, manufacturing, utilities, retail, and public services — sectors where reliable information and timely action can directly affect operations. It opens opportunities for use cases such as fleet tracking, smart metering, industrial automation, cold chain monitoring, smart surveillance, and connected car solutions.

For logistics companies, this can mean better visibility over vehicles and deliveries. For utilities, it can help improve monitoring across meters and field assets. For manufacturers, it can support smarter automation and equipment tracking. For retailers and public service organizations, it can help teams make faster decisions based on more accurate, real-time information.

Built on Smart’s 5G-enabled infrastructure, the platform is also positioned to support deployments even in hard-to-reach areas, helping bring connected solutions closer to businesses and communities that need them.

Making IoT easier to start, manage, and scale

For many enterprises, adopting IoT can feel complex. Businesses need to manage devices, connectivity, data usage, security settings, and cost — often across multiple sites and teams.

Through 6D’s platform capabilities, PLDT Enterprise can develop more dynamic bundled offerings, create more accessible starting points for SMEs and mid-market customers, and support customers as their IoT requirements grow over time. The platform’s flexible commercial engine, multi-tenant structure, and automated SIM and device lifecycle management are designed to help PLDT Enterprise respond more quickly to market demand and support enterprise growth with less back-end intervention.

With the new platform, enterprises can access capabilities such as seamless roaming support for connected devices across regions, eSIM enablement for more flexible and remote device provisioning, data pooling across multiple devices to optimize usage and cost efficiency, and enhanced APN management for more secure and customized network configurations.

The platform also introduces AI-powered IoT connectivity management — capabilities that go beyond dashboards to proactively flag anomalies, predict connectivity issues before they affect operations, and automatically optimize device performance and network usage across an enterprise’s entire connected fleet. For businesses managing hundreds or thousands of devices across multiple sites, this translates to fewer manual interventions and more reliable uptime.

A commitment to smarter, more connected businesses across the Philippines

For PLDT Enterprise, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to helping Philippine businesses move beyond basic connectivity and toward more intelligent, device-level digital operations.

“This partnership with 6D Technologies strengthens our ability to deliver more scalable and flexible IoT services to businesses across the Philippines,” said Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation at PLDT Enterprise. “By enhancing our IoT platform capabilities, we are better positioned to help enterprises adopt connected technologies faster, support new use cases, and build smarter, more responsive operations.”

“The Philippines represents one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic IoT growth markets, and we see this partnership with PLDT Enterprise as a significant step in realizing that potential,” shared Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer of 6D Technologies. “Our platform is built to give operators the speed, visibility, and flexibility to launch and scale IoT services on their own terms — and we look forward to putting that to work for Philippine enterprises.”

By combining PLDT Enterprise’s network strength with 6D Technologies’ platform flexibility and automated lifecycle management, the collaboration aims to help more enterprises deploy connected solutions that are easier to manage, more responsive to operational needs, and built for long-term growth.

Leaders from PLDT Enterprise and 6D Technologies come together to formalize their partnership aimed at strengthening scalable IoT connectivity solutions for Philippine businesses. (L–R): Manoj Jain, Global Head of Marketing, 6D Technologies; Abhishek Bhalla, Vice President for APAC, 6D Technologies; Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer, 6D Technologies; Gilbert Gaw, First Vice President and Head of IT and Transformation Office, PLDT and Smart; and Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation, PLDT Enterprise.

Indulging in anything Ube is easy peasy at SM Malls in the East Metro

East of Metro Manila, Philippines – From viral desserts on social media to purple-inspired café creations across the globe, ube continues to capture the hearts — and taste buds — of food lovers everywhere. Once known mainly as a Filipino favorite, this vibrant purple yam has now become an international sensation, appearing in lattes, cakes, ice cream, pastries, and specialty treats in different parts of the world. Its rich flavor, comforting sweetness, and unmistakable color have made ube a standout in the global food scene and a source of Filipino pride.

Ube Nation at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo and SM Center Antipolo Downtown

At SM Malls in the East Metro, the ube craze is bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever. With so many exciting ube-inspired finds across dining spots, cafés, bakeries, and pasalubong favorites, every food trip feels like entering an ultimate Ube Nation — where every gala becomes a purple-filled adventure.

Ube silvanas from Brownies Unlimited in SM City Marikina and SM City San Mateo

Halokay Ube from Bebang Halo Halo at SM City Marikina

Classic Halo-Halo with Ube ice cream and halaya from Bacolod Chicken Inasal in SM City Marikina and SM Center Antipolo Downtown

Craving a refreshing and creamy treat? Enjoy classic halo-halo and ube-loaded desserts from Bebang Halo-Halo, Kuya J Restaurant, and Chowking, serving up satisfying Ube Halo-Halo combinations perfect for cooling down during mall strolls.

Happiness in Zus’ Ube Frappe at SM City Masinag

Ube Milk Drink from Pickup Coffee SM Center Antipolo Downtown

Coffee lovers can also max out their café experience with flavorful Ube Latte creations from ZUS Coffee and Pickup Coffee, where creamy coffee blends meet the sweet and nutty goodness of ube in every sip.