Eastern Communications Ramps Up Activities for 2025 National ICT Month

Photo from the National Information and Communications Technology Summit 2025 (NICT2025)  

held at The Manila Hotel from June 19-20, 2025. 

In alignment with the Philippines’ nationwide push for digital transformation, Eastern  Communications extended its full support to the Chief Information Officers Forum Foundation,  Inc. (CIOFF) for this year’s National ICT Summit 2025 (NICT2025) — the culminating event of  National ICT Month. 

This year’s NICT2025 took place last June 19-20, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, with the theme:  “Transforming Together: Building an Inclusive Digital Nation.” 

As the official connectivity partner of the summit, Eastern Communications provided a seamless,  reliable internet connection for the event, making it more accessible for its online participants.  Through this collaboration, the company actively supports initiatives that promote innovation,  digital inclusion, and greater ICT awareness across the country.  

“At Eastern Communications, we continuously seek opportunities to support the country’s digital  advancement by way of strategic partnerships, digital education programs, and by empowering  communities with reliable and accessible connectivity,” said Eastern Communications Chief  Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan. 

Paglinawan also represented Eastern Communications as one of the panelists for Cebu Business Month’s (CBM) 2025 Technology and Innovation Forum held at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. 

The telco provider will also roll out its latest “Brown Bag Session” and “Access Eastern” tech  workshops across Metro Manila and the new videos of its "Thoughts on Tech" video podcast as  part of its ICT month initiatives. 

Driving Nation-Building Through NICT Summit 2025 

Supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the  NICT2025 brought together national leaders, private sector innovators, and global ICT experts to  present strategies and technologies that advance inclusive digital development. 

The summit was joined by around 400 in-person delegates and 200–500 online participants,  including representatives from the academe, IT associations, private industry, and government  bodies. The event previewed the upcoming ASEAN CIO Association (ACIOA) 9th Forum in  Singapore this September, featuring thought leadership on digital transformation, AI,  cybersecurity, sustainability, and emerging tech trends shaping ASEAN’s future. 

Furthering its mission to support nation-building and empower Filipino communities through  technology, Eastern Communications is proud to be part of the annual National ICT Month  celebrations, observed every June under Presidential Proclamation No. 1521, s. 2008. 

Empowering Businesses Through Tech Workshops

Eastern Communications Senior Product Manager Edwin De Jesus shares key cybersecurity insights 

during the Access Eastern run held in Clark, Pampanga. 

Eastern Communications announces the return of its award-winning thought leadership events  with its annual “Access Eastern” tech workshops, and its new learning series, the Eastern “Brown  Bag Session.” These series of workshops will gather key opinion leaders in the technology sector  to build collaboration and drive digital transformation among businesses in the Philippines. The  dynamic lineup of sessions include: 

● Future-Proofing Philippine Retail Industry for next Gen Connectivity in partnership with  Huawei 

● Accelerating Innovation Through Next Gen/Emerging Technologies in partnership with  Cisco 

● Resilient IT-BPM Delivery Using Hybrid Cloud in partnership with CloudSigma ● Empowering Governance Through Emerging Technologies in partnership with  Nexusguard 

● Securing Distributed Teams with Zero Trust and SASE in partnership with CATO Networks ● Access Eastern: Solutions That Power Your Business with workshop runs in Clark &  Laguna 

These industry-focused tech workshops will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies  for businesses looking to leverage the latest technological advancements. 

"Thoughts on Tech" Podcast Returns with Ai & Digital Literacy Focus

Snapshot from the third season of Eastern Communications’ “Thoughts on Tech” video podcast series featuring 

host Danie Laurel and guest Tonichi Parekh, Vice President of Concentrix. 

Eastern Communications also launched the third series of its official video podcast, "Thoughts on  Tech," hosted by renowned news anchor and event host Danie Laurel. This series features  insightful conversations with industry leaders, focusing on ICT as a crucial enabler of progress  and why digital transformation is now a fundamental necessity for all businesses. 

The series will address the need for greater AI and ICT awareness among Philippine businesses.  Research from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) indicates that despite  national efforts for AI integration, local businesses, especially MSMEs, face challenges in  adoption due to barriers in infrastructure, awareness, and funding. As of 2021, only 14.9% of  businesses were using AI technologies, highlighting the early stages of AI adoption in the country. 

The "Thoughts on Tech" episodes are released weekly throughout June via Eastern’s official  Facebook and Youtube channel: 

● The Future of the Filipino Workforce in the Age of AI featuring Tonichi Parekh, Vice  President of Concentrix. 

● The Creator Economy, Its Challenges and Unique Trends with Marla De Castro Rausch,  President of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP) and CEO of Animation Vertigo. 

● From Classroom to Boardroom: Integrating Digital Skills in Education with Aurelien Chu,  Co-Founder of Eskwelabs. 

● Code Red to Code Ready: Managing Risks in Modern Enterprises with Alvin Harilla,  Eastern Communications’ Enterprise Risk & Quality Management Head. 

Through these various initiatives, Eastern Communications supports the Philippines' digital  transformation journey by empowering businesses with knowledge and championing digital  literacy during the National ICT Month. 

OTHER PHOTOS: 

Photo from the National Information and Communications Technology Summit 2025 (NICT2025)  

panel discussion held at The Manila Hotel from June 19-20, 2025. 

Eastern Communications (EC) and CIO Forum Foundation (CIOFF) representatives at the NICT2025 Summit. [From L to R:] National Epidemiology  Center, Philippines Director Eric Tayag, CIOFF Chairman George Kintanar, EC Segment Marketing Manager Gian Barcarse, DICT Assistant Secretary  and CIOFF President Philip Varilla and CIOFF Chair, Committee on Ways and Means Minerva Mesina.

Eastern Communications Segment Marketing Manager Gian Barcarse presents strategies behind Innovative E-Government Services

                   

Photo of Eastern Communications Segment Marketing Manager Daniella Banzon highlighting the company’s innovative solutions at Cebu Business  Month’s (CBM) 2025 Technology and Innovation Forum 

Sophos Senior Sales Engineer Linette Mananghaya highlights the benefits of Sophos solutions during  

the Access Eastern run in Clark, Pampanga.

Snapshot from the third season of Eastern Communications’ “Thoughts on Tech” video podcast series featuring host Danie Laurel and guest Marla De Castro Rausch, president of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP)

Smart surges ahead as the PH’s leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is now the Philippines’ leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers, as it serves over 430,000 customers nationwide as of the first quarter of 2025.

This translates to a significant 44% of the wireless broadband subscriber base share, outpacing its closest competitor’s 42% subscriber base share within the same period.

“This milestone achievement is a testament to our unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction and network excellence. Our growing subscriber base and market leadership also reflect the trust our customers place in our network and our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity,” said Anastacio R. Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer. 

  

Connecting families in fiber-limited areas

Smart’s market-leading performance comes on the heels of its strategic launch of the Smart Home WiFi brand to carry products and services that cater to Filipino families living in fiber-limited areas, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

As part of its launch, Smart Home WiFi unveiled the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi. This prepaid and plug-and-play device offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to instantly set it up at home, in dorms, or small offices. It seamlessly connects up to 15 devices simultaneously, providing powerful internet access where fiber connectivity is unavailable.

Unlock the power of 5G

Smart Home WiFi is powered by Smart 5G, which enables customers to stream videos seamlessly, upload and download heavy files in seconds, instantly post and share content online, and play mobile games without lag.

Smart continues to strategically deploy its 5G infrastructure across the country as part of the PLDT Group’s continued investment in enhancing its integrated network, which is aligned with the Group’s commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience.

“The growth of our broadband subscriber base is just the beginning. Our customers can look forward to even more amazing products and innovative services as we continuously strive to delight them and cater to their evolving lifestyle needs - powered by our world-class network,” said Martirez. 

Achieve Breakthroughs with the realme GT 7 Series

 

Change is often scary, but it usually holds space for growth and courage. Whether it’s shifting career, choosing to live independently, or prioritizing passion over career, exploring something new always requires thoughtful consideration and a lot of preparation, but it can also lead to something deeply fulfilling and meaningful.

As fans prepare to take that leap, it’s important to surround themselves with the right people and tools to make the transition smoother, more thrilling, and seamless. With the breakthrough performance of the realme GT 7 Series, they can keep the Power Within Reach and take a bolder step toward their biggest dreams.

Below are some tips to consider when deciding to take a bold move. 

Create with Intention

Not everyone is privileged enough to intertwine passion and career. Some have to choose between the two, and deciding to break free from old routines in favor of passion isn’t a choice to take lightly. There are far too many things to consider and weigh carefully. But as cliché as it may sound, sometimes, not everything that’s lost is truly lost. After all, the dancing hand of blessing does not play favorites, especially for those who do things from the heart. 

So, whether it’s finally choosing photography, baking, content creation, or any other artistic pursuit over the daily grind of a 9-to-5 job, one can rest assured that something meaningful often awaits. The good thing is that the realme GT 7 Series is equipped with a 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), allowing users to document their artistic masterpieces in crisp and clear detail. Paired with AI features such as AI 2K Live Photos for a livelier and more expressive photo, and AI glare removal that eliminates unwanted bright reflections, users' passion and creative vision can surely shine even in the dark. 

Ask the Right Questions 

Some are looking for signs, others for answers. But when it comes to switching careers, people often get clarity and make intentional decisions when they ask the right questions. From the shallows of the ‘whats’ to the depths of the ‘whys,’ a person’s quality of questions shapes the quality of their decisions.

But there’s no shame in not knowing the right questions right away, just as there’s no shame in not having any answers. For anyone at the crossroads, lost and confused, there’s comfort in the stories of others. They can turn to blogs, podcasts, or TED Talks to find solace in the stories shared online by those who were once in their shoes. 

Whatever their go-to platform for advice, users can rely on the realme GT 7 Series’ huge 7000mAh battery to keep them company from sunset to sunrise. They won’t also have to worry about lags or delays when switching between apps, saving relatable video content, or taking screenshots of excerpts that hit the feels, because the realme GT 7 Series’ up to 24GB RAM and massive storage (512GB on the GT 7 Dream Edition and GT 7; 256GB on the GT 7T), can handle them all and more with ease. 

Know the Pros and Cons – and Be Ready for Both

Even the best-laid plans can fall apart without the proper preparation. For those stepping into independence for the first time, it’s important to think beyond freedom and take into account the challenges and struggles that come with it. From budgeting and grocery shopping to managing emergencies and fixing things around the house, independent living demands not just self-reliance, but also the right tools to support the journey.

That’s where having a dependable digital companion makes all the difference. When life demands more, the realme GT 7 and realme GT 7 Dream Edition step up with flagship-level performance powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e processor, which is designed to help users multitask effortlessly, manage their to-do lists efficiently, and stay sharp and productive through it all. 

Moreover, it also supports AI planner, a first-of-its-kind smart scheduler from realme that enables users to manage daily tasks with a simple double tap. This allows fans to easily keep track of their schedule, whether it's a work meeting or a spontaneous gathering with friends.

For fans ready to make a bold move, the realme GT Series can be their everyday partner for progress, empowering them to break through self-imposed limits and level up. The realme GT 7 is priced at PHP 37,999, while the realme GT 7T retails at PHP 29,999, available in IceSense Black and IceSense Blue colorways. Meanwhile, the high-end variant, the realme GT 7 Dream Edition, stuns in Aston Martin's Racing Green colorway and is priced at PHP 39,999. The Series is also available in realme partner stores nationwide. 

For more updates and detailed announcements about realme and the realme GT7 Series, visit realme’s official website and follow its Facebook page.

Music Sounds Better with Dual-Driver True Sound and Impressive Noise Cancellation on the Groundbreaking, Open-Fit HUAWEI FreeBuds 6, Available at PHP 7,499

HUAWEI strikes an enviable balance between form and function through its latest open-fit audio innovation with a stylish, comfortable droplet design, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6. These groundbreaking open-fit earbuds seamlessly fuse advanced audio technology with comfort and timeless style for the fashion-forward audiophiles who refuse to compromise.

Whether you’re deep in an audiobook or podcast, on a work call, or curating your coffee shop playlist, the new HUAWEI audio device delivers superb sound. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 are now available for only PHP 7,499.

Immerse in Audio Excellence with Dual-Driver True Sound

Whether you’re starting your day with a calm playlist, tuning into a podcast on your commute, or unwinding with your favorite album at night, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 transforms every moment into a premium listening experience. As HUAWEI’s first open-fit earbuds with HUAWEI SOUND, a powerful 11mm dual-magnetic driver, and Bass Turbo 2.0 acoustic architecture, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 deliver deep, resonant bass and sparkling highs to bring your music to life with rich textures and vibrant detail.

Unlike typical open-fit earbuds, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 doesn’t just play sound, it surrounds you in it, giving your daily soundtrack the depth and clarity it deserves. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 is the first open-fit earbud from HUAWEI to support high-resolution lossless audio up to 2.3Mbps. It supports lossless transmission for audio of 48kHz/24-bit and L2HC 4.0 codec technology. That means, you can enjoy studio-level sound quality whether you’re walking through the city or working from a cafe. 

Its innovative Separated Triple System Architecture places the earbud’s acoustic system, control system, and battery systems in different sections of the earbuds to optimize its device structure. This also enhances the earbuds’ acoustic capabilities, controls, and battery performance. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 balances powerful hardware in a lightweight, comfortable form, so you get uncompromising sound without sacrificing your freedom. Wherever life takes you, your music goes along in high fidelity.

Stay Connected with Stable and Clear Calls

Answering calls while you’re out no longer has to mean sacrificing clarity or convenience. With the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6, you can confidently take calls in any environment, whether you’re navigating the windy city streets or sitting in a noisy cafe. Equipped with a newly added VPU bone conduction microphone and independent cavity, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 deliver precise voice pickup, even in chaotic, busy surroundings. Paired with an upgraded AI noise cancellation algorithm, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 filters out background sound in busy spaces of up to 95dB or wind noise when you’re commuting or exploring outdoors of up to 8m/s to ensure your voice comes through every time, even when you’re at loud spaces or fully-packed music festivals.

Designed to keep up with your connected lifestyle, the HUAWEI FreeBuds makes staying in touch effortless whether it’s business calls, in-game chats, or everyday catch-ups with loved ones. You can enjoy two-way silent calls with superior clarity whether across all platforms, from SIM-based cellular calls to voice chats on your favorite apps. With smart head gesture controls, managing calls is simpler than ever: just nod to answer or shake your head to decline, no need to reach for your phone. 

Forget connection dropouts. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 boasts an ultra-stable signal that goes the distance, literally. With these earbuds, you can keep streaming your favorite playlist and take calls across indoor spaces as large as 110m². Outdoors, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 lets you listen to music at distances up to 158m and take calls at distances of up to 150m. Whether you’re pacing around your room or stepping out for a walk, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 ensures your high-quality audio is sure to stay with you.

Wear Your Audio, Your Way with Dazzling Style and Secure, Ear-Fitting Comfort

Embrace a design that feels as natural as it looks stunning. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 adopts a smooth, full-curved water-droplet silhouette that sits effortlessly in your ear and turns heads wherever you go. Each earbud stem is lighter and smaller than its predecessor, so you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. The subtly inlaid UHF planar diaphragm driver on the shell adds a touch of ancient rune mystique, while the graceful droplet handle ensures a snug, fatigue-free fit. And because no two ears are alike, every set of HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 comes with multiple-ear-tip sizes to guarantee that perfect seal.

Choose a shade that matches your style mood: Purple, White, or Black. Each finish shimmers with a metallic, star-glow effect that catches the light to make it the perfect accent piece to your outfit, whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual.

But, it’s not just about looks. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 has an IP54-rated durability, which means they’re built to brave light rain, dust, and sweat without missing a beat. So whether you’re sweating through a morning run, commuting through unpredictable weather, or relaxing by the pool, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 is ready for whatever the day brings.

Play Your Music and Never Miss a Beat with Smart Audio Performance  

Stay powered, connected, and in control of your audio experience. With up to 36 hours of battery life, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 is designed to keep your soundtrack going from morning to night. When you need a quick battery boost, a 5-minute charge delivers up to 2.5 hours of playback to keep you powered through your commute or your all-day work in a cafe. And thanks to smart charging technology that adapts to your habits to reduce battery wear, the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 last longer and perform better day after day.

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 lets you effortlessly transition between devices with broad compatibility for iOS and Android devices as well as its dual-device connection. So, you can switch your audio from your phone to your laptop and vice versa without missing a beat. Opening the earbuds’ charging case initiates proximity pairing with nearby HUAWEI devices, which gets you connected in seconds. Plus, smart reconnection ensures you’re always ready to go. 

Intuitive head motion controls allow you to manage your calls and music with a simple nod or shake of your head, keeping your hands free and your focus uninterrupted. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 makes sharing your favorite playlists easier than ever too. Audio Sharing lets two pairs of HUAWEI FreeBuds connect to one HUAWEI device, so you and a friend can enjoy music side-by-side. 

Hear the Difference with the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6

Every moment sounds better with the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6, now available for PHP 7,499 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 comes with an exclusive freebie, which includes an umbrella (worth PHP 999) and a 1-Year HUAWEI Loss Care (worth PHP 299), which gives you a 50% discount when you get a new single earbud and is good for one-time use only.

BDO credit cardholders can get the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 and pay in installments with 0% interest for up to 6 months on Lazada. Avail the 6-month installment offer with 0% interest using SPayLater on Shopee.

Collect vouchers worth PHP 500 on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. Vouchers are up for grabs from June 20 to July 31, 2025.

To learn more about the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6, visit your nearest HUAWEI Experience Store or check out HUAWEI’s official website and social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

vivo V40 Lite vs V50 Lite Battery: Which one powers your day better?

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In the fast-evolving midrange smartphone scene, vivo’s Lite series continues to stand out not by dialing back, but by pushing forward in performance, design, and endurance. The vivo V40 Lite and the new V50 Lite both embody what it means to be a powerful midrange phone proving that “Lite” doesn’t mean “less.”

Building on the solid foundation set by the vivo V40 Lite, the V50 Lite continues the Lite legacy but adds a twist: a leap in battery tech that’s turning heads across the tech community.

Battery capacity and charging: bigger, faster, better

Think about how much you rely on your phone every day. It wakes you up, helps you plan your schedule, entertains you during long commutes, and keeps you connected to everything that matters. That’s why battery life isn’t just a spec, it’s also a part of your lifestyle. https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7510920496079310088?lang=en ]

The vivo V40 Lite comes equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 80W FlashCharge. That’s enough for around 16.6 hours of video streaming or 8 hours of gaming. 

If you need even more juice for your day-to-day hustle, the vivo V50 Lite is built for the next level. It features a larger 6500mAh BlueVolt battery and ultra-fast 90W FlashCharge. The result? Up to 24.4 hours of video playback and over 10.5 hours of non-stop gaming on a single charge. That’s full-day stamina whether you're working, traveling, streaming, or scrolling late into the night.

In addition to its larger battery, vivo claims that the V50 Lite 5G’s BlueVolt battery will retain 80% of its capacity even after five years, highlighting that this midrange phone is built for long-term durability.

Tested for real-world use

Based on tests conducted by tech collaborators, the vivo V Lite series delivers impressive real-world battery performance that outshines many competitors in its category. 

vivo V40 Lite PCMark Synthetic Battery Loop Test Photo courtesy of Noypigeeks

vivo V40 Lite 1080p YouTube Video Loop Test Photo courtesy of Noypigeeks

The vivo V40 Lite achieved 17 hours and 43 minutes in the PCMark Work 3.0 Battery Life test, which simulates everyday tasks with WiFi and Bluetooth off and brightness and volume set at 50%. This result stands well above the segment average of 13 hours and 31 minutes, showcasing the phone’s efficiency. 

It also performed strongly in the 1080p YouTube video loop test they created, lasting 15 hours and 44 minutes, compared to the 14 hours and 58 minutes average. 

With this kind of endurance, the V40 Lite can easily power through two to three days of light to moderate use. And when it’s time to recharge, its 80W fast charger delivers up to 40% in just 15 minutes.

vivo V50 Lite PCMark Synthetic Battery Loop Test Photo courtesy of Noypigeeks

vivo V50 Lite 1080p YouTube Video Loop Test Photo courtesy of Noypigeeks

On the other hand, the vivo V50 Lite raises the bar even higher. It posted an outstanding 20 hours and 58 minutes in the PCMark battery test well above the 14 hours and 52 minutes average for phones in its price range. 

In its YouTube video loop test, it delivered 23 hours and 47 minutes, far surpassing the V40 Lite's average of 14 hours and 58 minutes.

With results like these, the vivo V Lite series proves to be a reliable partner for users who value long-lasting battery life, extended screen time, and fewer charging interruptions — no matter how busy the day gets.

Which vivo Lite fits you?

It all comes down to your lifestyle.

• Choose the V50 Lite (starting at Php 13,999) if your day runs at full throttle, from early morning workouts to late-night gaming. Whether you’re streaming, creating content, or juggling multiple apps, this phone’s extra stamina is built to keep pace.

• Opt for the V40 Lite (starting at Php 12,999) if you're a practical power-user who values reliability, speed, and sleek style in a well-balanced package. It's the ideal companion for your everyday routine without the need for constant recharging.

Whichever model you go for, both devices prove that being Lite means being ready. So if you’re ready to upgrade your daily tech experience, it’s time to choose a smartphone that doesn’t just keep up but keeps you ahead.

Both phones are available in vivo concept stores and kiosks as well as online via vivo website, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok shop. Visit vivoglobal.ph to learn more about the V40 Lite and V50 Lite, and find the perfect match for your everyday life.